Written by Chris K
Do you want to get into longboard sliding? Learning how to slide your longboard is insanely fun, and it’s a great skill to have.
Learning to slide your longboard is enjoyable, but it helps you control the speed of your longboard, helps you drift around corners, and is also a safe way to stop your longboard.
What is the best longboard for sliding? Depending on your experience and what goals you have for longboarding, whether freestyle or downhill racing, pick a longboard with the right gear, and you will master longboard sliding in no time.
Use this guide to help find the best longboard for sliding.
The 8 Best Longboards for Sliding
Landyachtz Drop Cat Complete Longboard
- DROP MOUNTED ROCKER PROFILE: The drop mounted, rocker and concave profile keep the rider's feet comfortable and locked in place while freeriding giving the rider increased stability and carving ability
- COMPONENTS: Gen 6 Bear Grizzly 180mm 50-degree trucks, 72mm 78a Plow Kings wheels, Bear Spaceballs ABEC 7 bearings
- 7 Ply Maple construction combines with rocker profile gives a slight dampening flex to help smooth out your ride
- DIMENSIONS: 33 Inches long x 9.625 inches wide; 23.9 inch wheelbase
- WHEEL COLOR MAY VARY FROM PHOTO DUE TO HIGH DEMAND AND PRODUCTION RESTRAINTS
The Landyachtz Drop Cat Complete longboard is one of the best longboards for sliding. The deck is 8 ply maple with a drop-mounted futuristic rocker concave which means the aggressive concave keeps feet comfortable and locked in place.
The longboard is 38.6″ x 9.9″ with a wheelbase of 29.3″ and comes with 72mm 78a plow king wheels, which offer a smooth, fast and grippy ride.
In addition, the deck is super low, which means it is stable, smooth, comfortable, easy to maneuver and excellent for sliding. Plus, the deck is stiff enough for speed and sliding while having dampening flex which smooths riding on rougher roads.
Landyachtz Drop Cat Longboard comes with 50°, 180mm Gen 6 Grizzly trucks, some of the best longboard trucks you can get. Grizzly trucks are strong and will hold up to the pressure your wheels take during slides. The trucks are great for turning and are stable at the same time.
The Drop Cat Longboard by Landyachtz has an excellent build quality and is super fun and easy to ride. Plus, it is versatile as it’s a superb longboard for cruising.
The Drop Cat 38 is ideal for tall riders, but it is narrow, so it will take a bit to get used to sliding on this longboard.
What We Like
- Stable
- Easy to ride
- Comfortable
- Smooth
- Excellent build quality
- Stiff enough for speed and sliding
- Dampening flex for smooth rides
What We Don’t Like
- Narrow deck
Arbor Performance Complete Bamboo Axis 40
- L: 40.00" | W: 8.75" | WB: 30.50"
- Built with Paris Reverse 50° 180mm, Arbor Easyrider Series - Outlook; Size: 69mm // Durometer: 78A, ABEC 7 Bearings with Spacers
- Recycled Glass Re-Grit
- NOTE: Fully assembled and ready to ride.
Arbor Performance Bamboo Axis Longboard is a symmetrical drop-through snowboard inspired deck with wheel cutouts. A symmetrical drop-through deck makes the Arbor Performance Longboard the best longboard for sliding.
The deck is 40″ x8.75″ and is made with an 8-ply sustainable Canadian Maple and a carbonized bamboo top sheet, making the longboard sturdy.
The snowboard inspired drop through makes it easy to cruise around town for relaxed commutes and mellow downhill. The Arbor Performance longboard is astronomically smooth, easy to control, and responsive.
The wheels are 69mm 78a Arbor Easyrider wheels designed for carving and cruising. They have a larger shape and are soft and grippy with increased rolling speed.
Unfortunately, the wheels aren’t the best for sliding, so you may need to replace them as they will chunk or crack if you hit curbs.
Arbor Performance Bamboo Axis Longboard comes with Paris Reverse 50° 180mm trucks. However, I found the mounting screws on the trucks were too loose, so they may need to be tightened.
The Performance Axis longboard is snappy, agile and carves amazingly. It comes with pretty decent ABEC 7 bearings and spacers. One downfall is that this longboard is expensive, especially if you need to change the wheels.
What We Like
- Symmetrical snowboard-inspired deck
- Drop Through with wheel cutouts
- Sturdy
- Snappy and agile
- Easy to control
- Smooth
- Responsive
What We Don’t Like
- You may need to replace the wheels to slide better
- Wheels chunk if you hit curbs
Loaded Boards Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard Complete
- TRICK-FRIENDLY CARVING MACHINE – The Loaded Tan Tien is a performance longboard created for carving, pumping, freestyle, freeride, and urban commuting / alternative transportation.
- FUNCTIONAL DESIGN – Drop-through truck mounting for stability and easier pushing. Large cutouts maximize wheel clearance for deep carves and tight turns. Nose and tail kicks open the door for advanced freestyle trickery and help navigate city streets. Cambered profile and mild concave create a responsive yet comfortable platform for carve-oriented longboarding. Snowboard-inspired construction combines vertically laminated bamboo and fiberglass for a durable, lightweight, and lively ride.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE FLEX – Bamboo and fiberglass provide lively and energetic flex perfect for hard carving and pumping. Available in three flex ratings to tailor the ride to your weight and style. Lower flex is ideal for heavier riders or aggressive tricksters; higher flex is recommended for lighter riders or those looking for a more responsive board.
- PARIS TRUCKS – Paris 180mm, 50° matte black longboard trucks deliver smooth and controlled turning response that's perfect for carving, freestyle, and freeride.
- ORANGATANG WHEELS – Orangatang 70mm Stimulus offer just the right amount of grip and slide for all-around riding in a balanced, lightweight design. Choice of softer 80a (great for cruising, carving, and commuting) or firmer 86a (ideal for freestyle tricks and sliding). Includes Loaded Jehu V2 bearings.
Loaded Boards is one of the best longboard brands on the market. No matter what riding style you do, Loaded Boards has a longboard for you.
The Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard is the best longboard for sliding. It has a cambered profile with a mild concave for a responsive and comfortable platform.
The Tan Tien has a lightweight, but sturdy symmetrical snowboard inspired longboard deck. The deck has drop-through truck mounts for stability and large cutouts, maximizing wheel clearance for deep carves and tight turns.
In addition, the complex contours create a responsive board that will give you confidence when leaning into turns or powering through slides.
The deck comes in at 39″ x 8.75″ and is made of Bamboo and Fiberglass board. They are outfitted with 70mm 80a Orangatang Stimulus wheels which are some of the best longboard wheels you can get.
The trucks are Paris 50° 180mm, which gives you a perfect cruising experience. It glides over concrete while destroying rocks, debris and pebbles with ease.
This longboard is better for more advanced riders rather than beginners. The deck is perfect for carving and advanced trick riding. It has so much flex and maneuverability with a useable kick allowing you to slide with ease.
One issue with the Tan Tien longboard is there may be too much flex and responsiveness which can be good or bad depending on the rider. They do have two different flex levels depending on your weight. I recommend getting Flex 2 for added stability.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- The ideal length for most longboarders
- Trucks are amazing for sliding
- Sturdy
- Symmetrical deck
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- The deck is quite flexible
- Not a good longboard for beginners
APOLLO Longboard Skateboards
- 🤙 SURF THE STREETS: Got the urge to go surfing, but you’re surrounded by cold, hard concrete? You don’t need waves to soak up that surfing feeling...just grab an Apollo longboard and “hang ten” with wheels!
- 🛹 PICK THE RIGHT BOARD: Whether you are an experienced longboarder or just starting out, you’ll find an Apollo longboard that’s perfect for you. Our symmetrical Twin Tip Drop Through longboard FLORES is perfect for beginners just joining the exciting world of longboarding as well as for experienced riders who want to level up their freeride and downhill riding game with guaranteed stability! The low center of gravity makes it your ideal companion for longer distances and commuting.
- 🛹 DECK SIZE & MATERIAL: The FLORES is equipped with a solid, medium sized 39 inch deck, guaranteeing high flexibility when cruising while forgiving mistakes when riding faster. Built with 5 layers of high-quality Maple Wood, which give the board a significant amount of flex and finished off with a bottom Bamboo layer, for extra strength and durability. The FLORES is your everyday choice for getting from A to B in style and improving those freestyle skills. Feel free to play around with this one
- 🛹 DESIGNED & ENGINEERED IN GERMANY: The FLORES features lightweight yet sturdy 7 inch aircraft aluminum alloy trucks with durable, grippy and easy-to-control 69mm x 55mm HR78A soft-medium wheels for quick acceleration and a smooth and enjoyable cruise. The ABEC 9 RS High Speed Bearings make riding precise and stable while protecting the bearings from dirt and ensuring longevity.
- 🤙 WHAT'S INCLUDED: Your new longboard is built by a team of passionate longboarders and designers. We love crafting long lasting longboards as much as we love riding them. Your lean longboard men comes completely assembled and ready to ride, with deck, trucks, wheels and bearings. Plus a free T-tool to adjust truck stiffness to your riding style in mere seconds - Ride it your way!
Surf the streets with Apollo Longboards. If you’re a beginner and want to learn to slide, this is an excellent board. Once you are comfortable with it, you can learn to slide.
The dimensions are 38″ x 9″ with three layers of bamboo core for flex and two layers of fiberglass. The deck is solid, with plenty of flex without cracking.
The top and bottom fiberglass layers provide stability and strength to the symmetrical twin drop-through deck. In addition, the deck comes with sandblasted grip tape, which keeps your feet on the deck at high speeds.
Apollo Longboards are super easy to learn on. The deck is low to the ground, which lowers your center of gravity, making it the best longboard for sliding, cruising long distances, freestyle, freeride and downhill. This deck comes with 7″ aluminum trucks and high-speed ABEC 9 RS bearings that spin very well.
The wheels are 70mmx51mm HR83A (83a durometer) medium hard wheels that are good for carving and sliding. The Apollo longboard is stable, rides smoothly, turns easily and handles excellent.
The weight limit for this board is 220lbs. One of the best things about the Apollo longboard? It is super affordable, and it comes with a free T-Tool!
If you are a beginner, check out the best longboards for beginners or the best longboards under 100 dollars posts!
What We Like
- Great for beginners
- Symmetrical twin tip drop-through deck
- Smooth ride
- Great value for money
- Stable
- It comes with a free T-Tool
- Turns easily
- Bearings spin well
- Easy to learn on
What We Don’t Like
- None
MINORITY Downhill Maple Longboard
If you are looking for the best longboard for sliding for beginners, I recommend the Minority Downhill Maple Longboard.
The drop shape and radical concave deck safely lock in riders’ feet. In addition, the deck is made from super strong 8 ply cold-pressed hard rock maple.
The classic downhill drop model is 40″ x 9″ with a 37″ wheelbase. It comes fitted with 70x51mm 78a polyurethane wheels with ABEC 9 bearings and a changeable 40/50° genuine aluminum trucks.
The weight limit on this longboard is 200lbs, and the deck has quite a bit of flex, and the heavier you are, the more flex it will have. This deck may have too much flex for sliding if you are closer to the weight limit.
A deck with low gravity construction is stable and easy to balance on. While the trucks are a bit squeaky, they have extraordinary turning responsiveness for sharp turns.
In addition, the Minority Downhill Maple Longboard is very affordable, so it is excellent for people on a budget.
What We Like
- Good for beginners
- Great balance
- Stable platform
- Extraordinary turning responsiveness
- Radical concave safely locks in riders’ feet
What We Don’t Like
- Trucks squeal
Atom Drop-Through Longboard (41-Inch)
- Ultra-low-riding longboard ensures maximum stability, making it ideal for downhill carving
- Ease of pushing takes wear and tear out of around-town commutes, as well
- Unique perimeter shape gives 9.6-inches of leverage into every turn, while also eliminating wheel bite
- Full maple laminate deck; reverse King Pin (RKP) longboard trucks with 245-millimeter axles
- Includes limited one-year manufacturer's warranty
If you want an ultra-low longboard with maximum stability for perfect sliding, you need to get the Drop-Through Longboard from Atom Longboards.
The 41″ 9 ply maple laminate deck is drop style and symmetrical, which will make your slides super stable. The deck has a durable 80 grit silicon carbide grip that will keep your feet stuck to your board for safety.
The Atom Drop-Through longboard is excellent for downhill carving as the 50° reverse kingpin trucks have a 9.5″ turning leverage.
The wheels are 78a super high rebound Atom Wide Lip 80mmx51mm, which are super smooth, but they do have a little bit of a bunch.
What We Like
- Stable
- No wheel bite
- Smooth
- Good for downhill carving
What We Don’t Like
- The board is a bit squeaky.
Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Cruiser
- Strong but Flexible Bamboo Deck make longboard can Hold Up to 250 LBS weight
- Big Soft 70x42mm PU Wheels combined with ABEC-9 Bearings for Smooth Ride
- Solid 7 Inch Aluminum Trucks equipped with soft bushings for Comfortable Longboarding
- Double kicktail design for the longboard deck shape. It helps the longboarder to lift the board up easily by making kick-tail action
- Deck size 46‘’ x9.2‘’good choise for crusier
What makes the Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard one of the best longboards for sliding?
The drop-through, symmetrical, slight W-concave deck is low to the ground with drop-through mounting tech. The deck is 39″ x 9.1″ flexible 8 ply hardwood maple with a ground clearance of 4″, making it incredibly stable and sturdy.
The trucks are 7″ reverse kingpin aluminum alloy with 88a bushings. They make the board easy to turn, but the trucks were a bit loose, so I recommend tightening them up for more stability at higher speeds.
The wheels are 70mm polyurethane which means they are pretty wide and offer more control. This longboard has ABEC 9 bearings for a smooth ride, but they aren’t the highest quality, so I recommend getting better bearings.
The Playshion Drop Through Freestyle longboard isn’t too fast, making it great for beginners learning to slide.
The slight concave helps secure your feet to the board, which will help you feel confident when sliding. This deck is responsive, nimble and has a lot of balance. The Playshion Drop Through deck has a load capacity of 250lbs.
This board is very affordable, so you won’t break the bank when you get the drop-through deck from Playshion.
What We Like
- Nimble
- Responsive
- Inexpensive
- Wheels are wide for more control
- The concave deck secures feet to your board
- Stable
- Great for beginners
What We Don’t Like
- Bearings are awful so replace them
- Griptape isn’t applied well
Junli 41 Inch Freeride Longboard
If you are looking for a lower end longboard that is good for sliding, you should try the Freeride Longboard by Junli.
The deck is 41″ x9.5″ and made with cold press 8 ply natural maple. It is a great beginner board, and with a max load of 330lbs, it is perfect for heavy riders.
The deck is durable and stiff with a bit of flex. Junli’s Freeride Skateboard is lightweight and easy maneuvers downhill and is the best longboard for sliding.
Its highly responsive 7″ aluminum alloy trucks and 95a bushings have a wide turning radius. So you will always be in control and have a ton of stability when riding this longboard.
The wheels are 70mm 80a with a polyurethane formula. The bearings aren’t the best, but it comes with standard ABEC 11 high speed bearings. The deck has a brushed black surface that will keep your feet stuck to the board.
The Junli Freeride Longboard is a great budget board, and it includes a free T-Tool! There are a ton of great skate tools on the market, be sure to check out the best skate tool post for more ideas.
The board comes already assembled and ready to ride right out of the box. One thing to note is that the longboard is prone to wheel bite, so you may need to install some risers before riding.
What We Like
- Great beginner board
- The deck is durable and stiff, with a bit of flex
- Lightweight
- Maneuverable
- Includes a T-tool
What We Don’t Like
- Prone to wheel bite
- Needs better bearings
What Are the Best Longboards for Sliding and Why You Need One?
When looking for the best longboard for sliding, you can’t pick just any longboard.
From the shape of the deck, the best trucks for sliding, to the type of wheels – all of these features matter when you are looking for the best longboard for sliding.
Sliding is tricky to learn, so you will learn quickly, safely, and easily if you have the right longboard. However, learning to slide does take a bit of experience and having the best gear.
You will want a longboard that is stable, responsive and easy to control. Freeride and downhill longboards have a lot of cross-over, so most free ride or downhill longboards will work for sliding.
Sliding helps control your speed when cruising. Doing technical sliding can help your freestyle riding, and it will help you check your speed when you drift while going downhill.
Knowing how to slide on a longboard is helpful to come to a complete stop when needed, keep control of your speed and stop safely.
8 Benefits of riding a longboard for sliding
Safety – Sliding allows you to slow down your longboard when riding downhill quickly. It is the safest way to stop.
Braking – Sliding makes braking easier – you can travel faster without having to stop with your foot. Sliding will bring your longboard to a stop.
Control – Sliding helps you keep control of your board as you will learn to easily maneuver your longboard in all situations.
Variety of Riding Environments – When you know how to slide, you will be able to ride downhill and sliding to a stop will allow you to be more comfortable as you ride.
Keeps you healthy – Longboard sliding uses more muscles on your body than other forms of longboarding. So longboarding helps keep you in shape.
Sliding requires balance – As you slide, you will have to bend down, which helps you learn to balance your body at many different angles.
Downhill Racing – If you want to get into racing, it is essential to learn how to slide when you want to pick up downhill racing
Speed – Longboard sliding will help you check your speed as you drift while riding.
10 Things to Look for When Choosing the Best Longboard for Sliding
Longboards made for freestyle and freeride longboarding are the best option for learning how to longboard slide.
Freestyle and Freeride longboards are sturdy, symmetrical, and ready for tricks, slides and switch maneuvers, making them the best longboards for sliding. Here are a few things to look for when choosing the best longboard for sliding.
Deck Shape
The best deck shape for sliding and switch riding is a symmetrical board. Also, when you are doing 180s, you will want a board that doesn’t feel backwards when you are riding backwards.
In addition, you want the board to feel the same both ways, so when you are doing switch maneuvers, your board isn’t holding you back. Finally, install the best grip tape on your longboard to keep you on your deck during slides.
Deck Concave
When you pick one of the best longboard decks for sliding, you will want one that has concave or is a rocker. In addition, the deck will have pockets for your feet that help keep your feet locked onto the deck.
As a result, you will always know where your feet are so they won’t get lost on the deck. Also, as you wedge your foot into the pockets on your deck, your feet are less likely to slide around and get out of place during your slides.
Deck Flex
If you are looking for the best longboard for sliding, you will want a pretty stiff board. A little bit of flex is okay, but a more rigid deck will offer more stability. A board with 8-9 ply of fiberglass and maple is a good mix.
Deck Style
The best style of deck for sliding is a drop deck. These decks get you lower to the ground, making your ride more stable. In addition, the lower leverage on these boards makes it easier to push out.
Drop decks have wheel well/cutouts, so as your wheels turn, your wheels won’t hit your board causing wheel bite, meaning you will stay on your board.
Deck Size
Any size of deck will work, but the ideal deck size for freeride longboards is 38″- 42″ long with a width of 8.0″- 10″ and a medium wheelbase of 20-30″. The longer the board, the more stability you will have.
Trucks
When finding the best trucks for longboard sliding, you will want a 50° or higher truck. These trucks offer a good balance between stability and the ability to turn.
Trucks need to be strong, so they will not break under the pressure of sliding. Opt for harder bushings for more stability.
If you need new hardware, check out the best skateboard hardware to help you find the right hardware for you.
Wheels
When sliding, you need smooth, soft wheels with some grip. Softer wheels do slow you down, though, as they will grip the road, while harder wheels will be faster during a slide.
Wheel Lips
Round lips grip and slip easily. When wheels have rounded lips, they allow the action of sliding sideways on concrete. Square lips push and dig against the pavement, making it harder to slide. I would suggest you go for a round wheel.
What about wide vs narrow wheels? Wheels with a smaller contact patch will allow you to slide faster, so the narrower the wheel, the less of a contact patch, thus allowing you to side more quickly.
Wheels made with a urethane formula are the best for sliding, and some wheels leave thick thane lines on the road making your slides look cooler.
Durometer
Durometer is the hardness of your wheels. The best wheels for sliding are wheels with a durometer between 75a and 80a, as they slide a lot smoother.
Wheels with a durometer above 86a may be too hard to have a smooth slide. Instead, pick wheels that fall between sizes 65mm to 70mm. I’ve included the best longboard wheels for your sliding longboard here.
Bearings
Do you want to find the best bearings for longboards? The best bearings for sliding need to withstand the pressure of your wheels and board sliding sideways.
Sliding Gloves
The best skateboard pads and the best skateboard helmet are vital for all riding styles; however, you will need to get some sliding gloves and learn to slide.
Sliding gloves will assist you in getting down low when you drift around corners. Don’t forget to pick up the best skateboard backpack to store your gloves when you are not using them.
Plus, sliding gloves will protect your hands when you fall. I highly recommend getting the Triple Eight Downhill Longboard Slide Gloves. They are good quality and keep your hands safe.
FAQ
What longboard is best for sliding?
The best longboard for sliding is the Landyachtz Drop Cat Complete Longboard. It is affordable, stable, and easy to ride.
The deck is symmetrical and stiff enough for speed and sliding. In addition, the drop cat is versatile, so it is perfect for cruising.
Can you slide on any longboard?
Yes, you can; however, longboards made for sliding are safer and easier to use. In addition, it will be easier to control a board built to handle sliding across pavement than a longboard that is asymmetrical with huge soft wheels.
But, yes, you can slide on any longboard, but it will be more difficult, and you may fly off your board if it gets caught on the pavement due to having the wrong wheels and the wrong deck.
Pick up a pair of the best cheap skate shoes to help hold your feet to your longboard during slides.
Are drop through longboards good for sliding?
Yes, drop through longboards are suitable for sliding as they are lower to the ground, which lowers your center of gravity. Plus, they have wheel cutouts which help prevent wheel bite.
Are pin tails good for sliding?
Yes, pintails are suitable for sliding, but I recommend a symmetrical board on the tail, so it is easier to do switch maneuvers, and you won’t feel like you are riding backwards.
Conclusion
Learning to slide when longboarding is an essential skill that every longboarder should master. It is a skill for more experienced riders but learning to slide your longboard is a goal you should strive for eventually.
When picking the best longboard for sliding, I recommend all of the longboards in this guide, but the Landyachtz Drop Cat Complete Longboard is the best longboard for sliding.
It is a symmetrical drop deck that is stable and easy to control. The rocker profile keeps your feet locked onto the deck, keeping you on your board. As a result, it is the perfect longboard for learning to slide.
My other choice is Loaded Boards Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard. The Tan Tien is highly responsive and allows you to slide with ease. In addition, it is lightweight and a well-rounded longboard.
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