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By now school is back in full swing, which means hitting those dreadful classes instead of dawn patrols or more likely sleeping in. If you’re like me and attending a massive school (we know, the parties are better) it probably takes you 15 plus minutes walking to get from one class to the next. Listen, that’s just not going to fly.

Take my advice and get a longboard for college, its one of the best ways to commute on your campus (plus, I like to think I live in southern California).  There are several things to look for when purchasing the best longboard for college.

Picking The Right Board Style and Shape

Every board style has it’s own unique characteristics. And each skateboard is going to ride a little different. The following are three board styles that will be perfect for your college campus.

Flexible Drop-Through: With the trucks dropped through your deck, your board is closer to the ground, increasing the stability of your ride and making it easier for you to push. The flex in the deck also allows for some extra padding when riding over cracks and bumps in the road.

Traditional Cruiser: Traditional cruisers have it all, the smaller size and the addition of a kicktail. If you’re worried about hit your peers when heading to class, the kicktail makes it easy to avoid people in your way. It also helps for dropping off the occasional curbs.

Commuter Style: Unlike the drop-through style, commuter style decks sit on top of the trucks making them perfects for some deep carves. Additionally, with the trucks all the way at the end of the board, there is an increased stability. So if you think you might want to bomb a hill or two on the way to class, a commuter board is what you’re looking for.

Do the trucks match the deck?

Truck width: Fortunately for you, picking the right trucks for your campus cruiser is pretty easy. A good rule of thumb is picking a set of trucks that are closest to the width of your board.  Smaller boards (or cruising decks) typically take 150mm trucks, while carving decks (which are traditionally wider) take 180mm trucks.

Standard or Reverse-Kingpin Trucks: If you want to stick with the “textbook” style Reverse-Kingpin trucks are the only way to go. Reverse-Kingpin trucks are designed to have a greater range of maneuverability, making them ideal for quick turns and/or deep carving.

It all rolls on the wheels and bearings.

Picking the right wheel size: This might come as a shock, but larger boards typically use larger wheels, while smaller boards only take smaller wheels. Your mind is blown, I know. If you’ve selected a longboard over 40” pick up a set of wheels that are 70-75mm. If your longboard is between 34”-42” a good size wheel would be between 68-72mm, while if your board falls under 34” than you should pick up a pair between 60-67mm.

The right bearings on a college budget: Bones Reds. There, that was easy right? The Reds are hands down the best set of bearing for cruising on a budget (or even off). Just keep them away from puddles and sand and these puppies will cruise (pun intended) you to class like you’re riding on a magical cloud.

That’s it.  Think you’ve got all the knowledge to go buy the best longboard for college? If I’ve missed anything or you’ve got some tips and tricks, throw them into the comments below.

Happy cruising.

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