As another year draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead and make some predictions about what the longboarding world might hold. Some of these predictions are based on industry observations, while others are pure speculation. So, take them with a grain of salt and let’s see what the next 365 days bring.
A header image displaying the text “Predictions”
The Return of Slim-Fit Longboarding Apparel
While baggy clothing has been popular recently, we predict a shift towards tighter-fitting apparel. It’s not about completely replacing baggier styles, but rather creating a space where both can coexist. This would move past the old conflicts where some skaters might look down on others for their clothing style. We expect to see more skaters embracing slim-fit pants and shorts, offering a different aesthetic for longboarding.
The Rise of Women-Led Longboard Brands
The longboarding community is becoming more diverse, and we anticipate seeing a significant increase in female participation. The next big brand won’t be for the traditional male skater, but will be a brand championed by women and made for women. This new brand could become the next Volcom or Supreme, leading the way in inclusivity.
A person wearing tight jeans while skateboarding
A Viral Longboard Trick at a Prominent Location
We foresee a longboarder going viral for a trick that is perceived as unconventional or unusual, resulting in an invitation to a significant public location. Perhaps a trick performed near a government building or famous landmark. However, things could go south with a board slipping and potentially causing a minor mishap, adding an element of unexpected drama to the situation.
An On-Camera Confrontation in the Longboarding Community
It’s difficult to pinpoint when and where an argument might escalate, but the longboarding scene is ripe for an old-fashioned, in-person confrontation. Online conflicts are commonplace, but a face-to-face altercation seems likely in the near future. These kinds of conflicts are part of the history of board sports, and it would not be surprising to see this occur again in the near future.
The Revival of a Classic Longboard Brand
We predict the resurgence of a classic longboarding brand. This could be a brand with a rich history and established name recognition. With the right financial backing and creative vision, this revival could be a major success, appealing to both long-time enthusiasts and newer riders.
A building with pillars with a clear blue sky
Electric Longboards Will Start Pushing Boundaries
Electric longboards have become more prevalent, showing up at skate spots and bike lanes. It’s only a matter of time before someone attempts to perform tricks on an e-board. We predict that we’ll begin seeing a lot more creativity with electric boards. These include more technical tricks, and maybe even some electric longboarders tackling bigger obstacles. This will probably cause some debate in the community as well.
A person riding an electric one-wheeled skateboard
The Return of Early 2000s Trends
Trends tend to be cyclical, and we’re currently seeing a resurgence of Y2K styles. With that resurgence, we might see some of the less-desirable trends from the early 2000s come back into style. This could bring a unique aesthetic and some unexpected twists to the longboarding scene.
The Search for the Next Extreme Spot
With more longboarders pushing the boundaries of the sport, we expect to see the search for increasingly challenging spots. This could mean larger drops, steeper hills, and more technical obstacles. Longboarders will be on the hunt for spots that would challenge even the most experienced riders, and showcase the progression of the sport.
In conclusion, the next year in longboarding is sure to be interesting. From shifts in fashion to the search for the next big trick and spot, these predictions will provide talking points in the community. Only time will tell how accurate these predictions turn out to be, but they are sure to spark conversation in the longboarding community.
