If you ride a longboard of substantial size, you know it can be a bear to haul around.
Ideally, you could always keep your board beneath your feet, but that simply isn’t realistic.
Whether you’re moving through pedestrian traffic or reach an impossible hill, there will be times you have to pick up your longboard and carry it.
For the most part, longboards can be held and carried just like shorter skateboards. (Many longboards really aren’t that much bigger than standard skateboards.)
But there are some variations in carrying styles and supports.
How to Hold Your Longboard the Simplest Way
For the vast majority of longboards (even those 48-50”), most people can manage them in one arm and use a traditional skateboard hold.
Like this –
Even the longest longboards really aren’t that heavy, so it’s more about getting the balance right and trying not to hit passersby.
Even this behemoth can be tucked under a long arm –
And this board isn’t exactly small –
For more on arm-carrying a longboard and other basic ways to hold a board, see How to Hold a Skateboard.
How to Hold Longer Longboards
While many longboards really aren’t that heavy (or that much longer than standard skateboards), some boards do tip the scales into uncomfortable territory when it comes to carrying them with one arm.
If your board is too big or too heavy for you to hold with one arm, there’s no need to get fancy.
Simply double up and hold your longboard across your body. Like this –
This is basically the same as a one-arm hold, but evens things out a bit.
Of course, it’s a lot easier to simply hold your longboard like this than to walk with it, but it can be done in a pinch.
How to Carry a Longboard
When it comes to actually moving with your longboard, the key is to find a way to carry it that doesn’t impede your movement and is comfortable for you.
The standard one-arm carry will work for most smaller longboards and even for bigger longboards over short distances, but, if you have to carry your longboard very long or very far, you may prefer a little support.
This is when a strap or bag can really take the load off.
Longboard Shoulder Straps and Bags
A lot of the same bags and straps that work for standard skateboards will work for longboards too, including these straps:
This bag:
- MACKAR Adjustable Bag (longboards up to 36”)
And these backpacks:
Other bags and straps we like for longer longboards are:
- Alomejor Longboard Bag (longboards up to 46”)
- YS Sport Longboard Carry Bag (longboards up to 46″)
- INFANZIA Duffel (longboards up to 44″)
Just keep in mind, when carrying a longboard with one of these straps or bags, the bottom of the board will often hang lower than if you were carrying a standard skateboard.
This can make it more precarious when carrying your longboard on a bicycle, or anywhere the board might interfere with movement.
For more on carrying a board, see How to Carry a Skateboard.
How do I carry a longboard on a plane?
If you want to carry your longboard onto a plane, it will always have to be checked and should be well-protected for the cargo hold.
But while you can find a fair number of duffels and suitcases to fit standard skateboards, finding luggage to fit a longboard can be a serious challenge.
One type of travel bag that can fit most longboards, no problem, are golf bags.
Golf bags are almost always 50” or longer, and have loads of capacity, so you can fit all your gear in with your board and even a lot of your clothes and other personal items. (You could easily make a golf bag your main piece of luggage.)
Here are a few golf bags with sufficient lengths and capacities for longboards:
- OutdoorMaster Padded Bag (54” length)
- CaddyDaddy Constrictor II (51” length)
- Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag (50” length)
And if you are really worried about damage to your longboard, you can get a hard shell golf bag for better protection.
- Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case (54” length)
- RAM Golf Ultimate Hard-Sided Travel Cover (54” length)
Carry Your Longboard Safely & Securely
When it comes to holding and carrying a longboard, the biggest challenge is the size, which can prove unruly when walking through crowds or taking your board on a bike or public transport.
Carrying your board in your hands gives you to the most control, but if you need hands-free hauling or a little support, straps or bags can provide it.
As you carry your longboard, just be aware of surrounding obstacles.
The most likely problem you’ll have is turning too sharply and banging the ends of your deck on something (or someone).
But the good news is most longboards aren’t as heavy as they look, so, while they can be a little bit of a challenge to get from place to place, hauling one doesn’t require Herculean effort.
