Longboarding

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What is longboarding???

Hi BOBs!

A little curiosity never hurts…

Longboarding is a sliding sport that involves using a board longer than a traditional skateboard. The longboard is generally longer and wider, offering a stable platform for gliding. Here are a few aspects of longboarding:

If we’re talking about the “Board”, the longboard is generally longer, wider and heavier than conventional skateboards. This offers increased stability, making them suitable for activities such as hill descent, cruising, carving (smooth turns) and board dancing.

LONGBOARDING can be practised in different ways:

  1. Downhill: Some longboarders concentrate on descending hills at high speed, requiring good balance, excellent turning technique and sometimes the use of protective equipment such as full-face helmets.
  2. Cruising:** This involves moving smoothly on flat or slightly inclined surfaces, generally for the pleasure of gliding and exploring the environment.
  3. Carving: Longboarders make wide, flowing turns, often down gentle slopes, to feel the sensation of gliding.
  4. Freestyle/Dancing: Some riders use their longboards to perform figures, dances or tricks, requiring agility and creativity.

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A few essential tips for LONGBOARDING!

Protective equipment:Because of the potentially high speeds involved in downhill riding and to prevent injury, longboarders often wear protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads and elbow pads.

The community: As with many sports, longboarding is often associated with a passionate community. Events, competitions and social gatherings can be organized to bring the sport together.

Board material: Longboards can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, bamboo, carbon or glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, offering different characteristics of flexibility, durability and weight.

Whether it’s for the relaxed pleasure of riding, the adrenaline rush of a fast descent, or artistic expression through board dancing, longboarding offers a variety of experiences for board enthusiasts.

What you need to keep in mind for a successful Longboard activity!


Organizing a BOB involves meticulous planning and the management of several logistical aspects. Here is a list of items you may need to organize your activity successfully:

  • Your vehicle: Make sure you have a vehicle suitable for the number of passengers you plan to carry. The size and type of vehicle depend on the number of people to be transported, the distance to be covered and the type of terrain.
  • A responsible driver: choose a responsible driver! He must be familiar with the route and have a basic knowledge of safety rules.
  • Routes and timetables: Plan routes and timetables to ensure that shuttles operate efficiently throughout the event. Take into account peak times, travel times and planned waiting periods such as breaks.
  • Clear embarkation/disembarkation points: Determine the embarkation and disembarkation points for each shuttle as clearly as possible. Make sure they are easily accessible and well signposted to avoid confusion. Don’t hesitate to use landmarks such as the corner of the Décathlon bike shop….
  • Authorizations: make sure you organize shuttles in an authorized area, taking into account local regulations and government requirements.
  • Insurance: Make sure your vehicles are properly insured. This includes liability insurance to cover any accidents or incidents. Home insurance usually includes civil liability coverage, but of course you have to make sure!
  • Communication: Make sure you’ve communicated all the necessary information via chat to inform participants of schedules, departure points, possible delays, etc.
  • Emergency services: Plan for contingencies, such as back-up plans in case of breakdowns, unforeseen events or accidents, and make sure that all participants are familiar with the procedures.
  • Ongoing evaluation: Don’t hesitate to question your BOB co-pilots throughout the activity to find out if everything’s going well.

Our advice:

Successful shuttle operations depend on careful planning, effective communication and flawless execution. Before setting up shuttles, it is advisable to consult local regulations, plan according to the specific needs of the event, and take into account feedback to improve the process.

The best Longboard spots in France

France offers many wonderful places for longboarding, whether for cruising, carving or even downhill. Here are some of the best longboard spots in France:

1. The Promenade des Anglais, Nice

  • Ride type: Cruising
  • Why: With its panoramic views over the Mediterranean, the Promenade des Anglais offers superb terrain for relaxing cruising. The bike path runs along the beach for several kilometers, providing an excellent route.

2. The Quays of Bordeaux

  • Ride type: Cruising / Carving
  • Why: Bordeaux’s quays are perfect for a leisurely longboard ride. The smooth surface and large open spaces make for great cruising and carving sessions.

3. Vosges

  • Ride type: Downhill
  • Why: The Vosges offers superb mountain roads for fans of fast descents. Winding roads with beautiful scenery await you, but make sure you have the necessary protective gear.

4. Paris – Les Berges de Seine

  • Ride type: Cruising / Carving
  • Why: The Berges de Seine offer a beautiful promenade along the river, ideal for cruising and carving. You can enjoy views of Parisian monuments while longboarding.

5. The Basque Coast

  • Ride type: Cruising / Carving
  • Why: Towns like Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer incredible coastal walks. You can follow the coastline while enjoying the waves breaking on the beaches.

6. La Route des Crêtes, Cassis

  • Ride type: Downhill
  • Why: The Route des Crêtes offers breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal spot for experienced riders looking for technical descents.

7. Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Aix-en-Provence

  • Ride type: Downhill
  • Why: If you’re looking for technical descents with tight turns, Montagne Sainte-Victoire is perfect. Mountain roads offer a challenge for experienced riders.

Safety tips :

  • Always wear a helmet and protective equipment.
  • Check your local longboarding regulations.
  • Make sure your longboard is in good condition.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and other road users/pedestrians.

Before you leave, be sure to check the weather conditions and local rules for longboarding in each region. Have fun and ride safely!

Well, if you haven’t found what you’re looking for here, we recommend that you consult the following page:https://fr.wikiloc.com/itineraires/longskate/france

Discover CAPTAIN BOB

What if we helped you share your activities for free while organizing transportation? Captain Bob is the application that lets you share your “Experiences” and organize Carpools!

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Discover CAPTAIN BOB

Captain Bob is the application that lets you share your “Experiences” and organize Carpools!

Discover CAPTAIN BOB

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