What Is Downhill Longboarding?

Downhill longboarding focuses on descending steep roads or mountain passes as quickly and smoothly as possible. Riders often hit speeds of 40 to 100 km/h, requiring excellent board control, quick reflexes, and confidence. Unlike casual cruising or freeride styles, downhill is all about precision, aerodynamics, and safety.

Essential Techniques to Master

1. Sliding / Footbraking to stop

Controlling speed is the most important skill in downhill. There are two primary ways to do it — sliding and footbraking.

• Sliding: This involves breaking traction with your wheels to slow down or stop. It's the go-to method for high-speed descents.
• Footbraking: Placing your rear foot flat on the pavement to create friction. Effective at lower speeds or when learning.

Tip: Always wear reinforced shoes for footbraking and practice slides on mild slopes before attempting fast descents.

2. Tucking

The downhill "tuck" is a crouched position that reduces wind resistance and improves stability. Mastering this aerodynamic stance is key to gaining speed without compromising control.

Tip: Keep your back low, knees bent, and arms tucked behind your back. Your front shoulder should point downhill to guide your direction.

3. Cornering (Grip and Slide)

Tight turns at high speeds require either gripping the corner (maintaining traction) or sliding (intentionally breaking traction).

Tip: Lean into turns gradually, and use pre-drifts (sliding just before the apex) to control speed on sharper curves.

Gear You Can’t Skip

Downhill Longboard Setup

• Deck: Stiff and low-profile (drop-through or top-mount).
• Wheels: Large (70–75 mm), soft (75a–83a), grippy.
• Trucks: Reverse kingpin, cast or precision.

Looking for a ready-to-ride setup? Check out the Custom Complete Downhill/Freeride Board from Radline — designed for speed, control, and smooth slides right out of the box.

Safety Gear

• Full-face helmet
• Slide gloves with pucks
• Leather suit or body pads
• Knee and elbow pads
• Spine and hip protectors

Safety First: Tips to Stay Protected

• Always scout the road before riding.
• Ride with a buddy or use a spotter.
• Use spotters on public roads.
• Start slow — build confidence before speed.
• Respect the environment and other road users.