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Stunning Trails of North America to Longboard

One of the best ways to appreciate a longboarding session is to take in a fantastic view. With summer fast approaching and travel limitations still in effect for many places, now is the best time to get outside and explore our very own local(ish!) North America. Not every landmark location has paved roads for longboards, but these do! Here are a few of our picks for trek-worthy trails of North America:

Cardinal Greenway in Richmond to Marion, Indiana: Part of the Great American Rail Trail, this massive trail spans a whopping 62 miles, with many historic arched steel bridge crossings. With this path mainly being flat, it is perfect for new longboarders or those looking to pull out a land paddle and get some speed or train. Ideal for those looking for a longer course. Look for a longboard designed for a smooth ride for this one—you won’t regret it!

Edmonton, Alberta’s River Valley Trails: This city is split in two by the North Saskatchewan River, which results in some gorgeous views and trails to explore right in the heart of a city. You can eat, shop, and explore the downtown core, then feel at peace riding through a beautiful river scenescape within minutes. The trails follow along riverbeds, so keep in mind there will be gentle to intermediate hills and slopes along the way. Try to plan your trip for summer for even more excitement downtown – there’s a reason Edmonton is commonly called ‘Festival City.’

Iowa’s High Trestle Trail in Madrid: Interested in a gorgeous photo from your day on the trail? The High Trestle Trail has got your back. This trail has a bridge that is a piece of Iowa public art. In the daytime, the Trestle Trail Bridge is an impressive optical illusion—by night, the bridge lights up, erupting in vibrant color. The photos of this bridge run from the beautiful to the bizarre. Take your camera for this one!

Paseo del Bosque Trail in New Mexico: Another urban trail, this time in sunny Albuquerque! This space doesn’t stop at just a beautiful path to longboard – there is a beach with public art, a nature center, and the Rio Grande Valley State Park. You can also head off this trail at peak locations to find restaurants if you feel peckish, so it’s perfect for an impulse day trip that included forgotten snacks – talk about multitasking! Just keep in mind not all parts of this trail are paved, so you may be carrying your board if you feel like off-roading.

Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail of Canmore/Banff Alberta: Few things are more awe-inspiring than the rocky mountains. This trail in Canada takes you between the two mountain towns of Banff and Canmore. The path is parallel to the highway, so if you are looking for a peaceful course, this may not be it – but what it lacks in quiet it makes up for in breathtaking views and potential wildlife sightings. It is not uncommon to find mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, marmots, and yes, occasionally bears and moose frequenting the space around this pathway – so keep a lookout for an unforgettable sight!

Yampa River Core Trail of Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Following the Yampa River, you are sure to be brought to a state of meditative serenity. Steamboat Springs offers various things to do both on and off the trail, so consider planning a multi-day trip to this location. Once you’ve experienced the beauty of the river and mountain skyline on a longboard, consider returning the next day and riding down the river on an innertube. Of course, as the name suggests, the hot springs are a fantastic way to open or close a trip to this paradise. Are you looking to be a little more off the beaten path? Check out Fish Creek Falls nearby for another impressive view.

Now get out there and adventure! If you are interested in finding your own longboarding spot, you can check out this trail archive for the United States or this one for Canadian sites. Just make sure to confirm they have asphalt, or you may end up disappointed and on foot.

Benefits of Commuting with a Longboard

Finding ways to incorporate daily activity in today’s busy world is incredibly difficult. But the studies agree – we are not as active as we should be, and the fallout from lack of exercise is extreme. The PHAC recommends at least 150 minutes per week, but many are struggling to find the time. Some have begun to look at their commute as a time hack to get in their activity minutes. Many seasoned longboarders already use longboards to get around, so why not grab your board and head to the office? Here are several compelling reasons to begin and end your workday on your longboard:

Health and Wellness

Though this may seem obvious (and it is), there are trackable benefits to grabbing your board and jetting to the office. Adding exercise to your day can improve mood, contribute to great sleep, and reduce your cardiovascular disease risk by up to 57 percent! It is also a significant stress reducer, which can help start your workday in a better mindset – or blow off some steam after a long or difficult day at the office.

(Re)Discover Your City

Finding your way to the office via longboard is likely a very different route than by vehicle. Although this may be a little tricky to sort out at first, it is a perfect opportunity to find a new trail or a great coffee shop slightly off your typical route. You may even find art hidden in plain sight, like these utility hole art pieces. Some of the best places in cities are slightly off the beaten path, so get out there and find your new hidden gem. Your friends and family will be impressed with your niche knowledge of great places to go.

Improve Stamina

If exercise is already a regular part of your life, consider increasing your endurance by taking a longer route to work. You can also work additional muscles by adding a land paddle, creating a whole new workout. Challenge yourself to hit a new time record for racing to the office, or add extra weight to a backpack to up the difficulty level. As long as you are safe, there are limitless ways to improve your athletics longboarding to your job.

Find More Joy

With 40+ hour work weeks, side hustles, family and more, it isn’t easy to find moments for yourself. Hopping on your longboard, putting in some music or a podcast, and taking time to clear your mind and be present as you head into work is a perfect way to find peace in a busy world. Many of us are finding our moods decreased and our anxiety increased, and getting some fresh air, being active, and taking a moment to center all at once is a triple threat to lift your spirits.

If the weather is warm and you have an excellent commuting board, rolling into work instead of driving or transit can improve your mood, health, and connection with your city. Finding new ways to incorporate fitness into your daily routine does not have to be challenging. If you are already commuting, why not make it count? Jump on your longboard and feel the difference it makes to your day.

How To Choose The Right Longboard For You

The longboard market has a board for every need. Although this extreme variety gives the rider the best buying experience, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused. To help find the perfect ride, let us demystify some terms:

Deck Length – typically the first thing to consider, the deck length defines how long the longboard is from tip to end. Different sizes benefit different people and situations – what someone interested in starting wants will not be the same as someone who hopes to do complicated tricks and turns. A new rider should investigate a longer board, which can provide much-needed stability in the beginning. Even advanced longboard riders enjoy a longer board for a more comfortable ride. These boards can range from mid-size (33” to 42”, or 84cm – 107cm) to the long (43” and up, or 109cm and up). Shorter boards under 32” are perfect for experienced trick-style riders, youth, and shorter riders.

Kicktail – the end of the board is angled upwards, like an edge of a skateboard. The kicktail can be handy for tricks, getting up and down from curbs and making quick and precise turns. Most novice longboard users will not use this feature, and a board without a kicktail can be more stable at the back – we suggest that newer riders opt for no kicktail.

Deck Flex – a self-explanatory term, the deck flex can make a ride smoother by absorbing some of the impact of uneven ground or small debris in the riding path. It is also easier on your ankles and knees, so riders who frequent long journeys may opt for a board with more deck flex. Alternatively, decks with less flex offer more stability for the beginner and are more accurate to the original longboards.

Wheel Diameter – how wide the wheel’s diameter is can impact the ride itself. A wider wheelbase lifts the board off the ground, are slower to get up to speed, and can withstand higher speed for longer. Smaller wheels get to speed quickly but lower the board closer to the ground, impacting turning.

Durometer – the hardness of the wheels is a factor in most longboard searches as well. The harder the wheel (measured by ‘A’), the more equipped for speed. The softer the wheel, the more comfortable the ride with enhanced shock absorption.

With these concepts in mind, consider your experience with longboards and your predicted use and go forward. Consider each option carefully, and soon you’ll be enjoying the ride with your longboard, correctly selected for you.

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