I’m a girl and there’s nothing more I appreciate than great skateboard decks and some cool skating clothing. My dad’s a professional skater so I guess that’s what got me into it. By the time I was 4 years old, I was already skating down the street faster than I could ride a bike. By age 6, I was already doing ollies and kickturns. I guess you could say skating has become my life the way it’s become my dad’s. That’s why it’s really important for me to have great skating gear and skating clothing. I have a few boards, including a really cool longboard, but when it comes to finding affordable and quality gear, I like to go to GoSkateorGoHome.com because of their wide selection of gear for not only guys, but gear and skating clothing specifically designed for girls. And even though my dad says I’m as good as any guy, he also thinks it’s important to find the right boards, decks, and clothing that works for me. It’s also pretty cool that they have an entire section with gear just for girls, even though sometimes I buy things from other sections also.
The longboard is pretty much a surfboard with wheels. Described by Go Skate Or Go Home as “the stretched Hummer Limo’s of skateboards,” the longboard is designed for transportation purposes. The preferred skateboard for downhill racers and slalom racers, longboards aren’t intended for tricks in the same way as a traditional skateboard, since they’re typically heavier and bulkier. 
They also usually have larger, softer wheels than skateboards, allowing them to handle rocks, sticks, and other debris easily while also providing a smoother ride. Usually these wheels are designed to grip the road better as well, typically being made of a stronger urethane.
A longboard comes in a series of different shapes, includinging the Pintail, which is described as teardrop-shaped. There’s also Dropped Decks, with a lower middle of the deck. And of course there is the Cruiser Shape, which is somewhat similar to a regular skateboard, because it has a kicktail in the back.
However, the guys at Go Skate Or Go Home have another reason for cruisin’ on a longboard:
“What I do is I take it into stores, malls and school so all the chicks know “what’s up”. Yea, after a few minutes, they are whispering to each other “OMG, that guy’s board is SOOOOO BIG!”. It’s dope.”
On top of looking cool and riding smooth, any skater trying to get a complete skateboard collection needs to get their hands on these big ones.
For a complete skateboard travel experience, you need to know the best skate parks around. Here’s a list of some of the best.
5. Skatelab, Sims Valley, CA: You have to pay $10 for a three hour sesh, but the environs is quite welcoming. This is a great joint if you want to shred or if you’re just learning. They have a skate museum and a Skateboarding Hall of Fame.
4. Kona Skate Park, Jacksonville, FL: One of the oldest private skate parks in the world, this place has been around since the 70’s. The snake run is a 700 yard decline that drops over 100 feet, perfect for a longboard. Too intense? They have free classes for beginners every Saturday morning.
3. Louisville Extreme Park, KY: This is a gnarly park –they have a 24 foot full pipe. Nuff said.
2. Vans Skatepark i.e. “The Block,” Orange, CA: Here is a replica of the original Combi pool, said to be one of the best ever. With 20,000 square feet of indoor space and an outdoor grid, you’ll stay busy.
1. Burnside, Portland, OR: This skate park was unofficially built by skaters and later approved by the city. Today it is the seat of skate culture in the northwest, and has a variety of terrain from sick bowls, to bumps and walls. Even if you’re beginning, this park is a must see.
There you have it. The top 5 complete skateboard parks in the country. Sure it’s subjective, but aren’t all lists?