1. By: Maxim Petrovsky

2.  Unlike Skateboards the function of a longboard is mainly for cruising, Downhill racing, Slalom racing, or a mode of transportation.  Longboards are similar to skateboards but are heavier therefore it is much harder to do tricks.  Longboards are often compared to “concrete surfboards.”

3.  Longboarding orionated from surfing in the 1950’s  It is unknown of the location of origon but it is thought to be from hawaii or maybe even california.  The design and materials have stayed relatively the same, the only main difference is that the wheels used to be made from clay and sometimes even metal.

4.  The deck is what your feet are placed upon and it is important to have a lot of flex in your deck, therefore plywood is a good material but bamboo and fiberglass give good flex and are light but birch is a heavy material that has good support

5.  Aluminum and steel are the two main materials in the trucks of a longboard. The trucks are what hold the wheels to the longboard. Aluminum is strong and very light while steel is slightly heavier but stronger.

6.  The wheels are made of a petrochemical called Urethane which is a type of plastic but is very bouncy and has good grip against the riding surface.

7.  "Longboard (skateboard) - ENotes.com Reference." ENotes - Literature Study Guides, Lesson Plans, and More. Web. 24 Oct. 2010..  MalakaiKingston. "Longboard Buyers Guide. Newbie Resource Guide." Silverfish Longboarding - The Longboard Skateboard Community - Front Page. 2 May 2005. Web. 24 Oct. 2010..  Rich, Maeve. "A Guide to Longboard Skateboards - Life123." Articles and Answers about Life - Life123. 2010. Web. 24 Oct. 2010..