THE GCLB JOURNAL
Stories from the Gold Coast
Ride guides, surf training and board art — straight from the GCLB crew.

Beginner Skateboards
Surf Skate vs Longboard vs Cruiser: Which Board Suits You?
Carving sessions, relaxed cruising or a compact board for everyday trips? Compare the three board families and find the right place to start.
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Beginner Guide
How to Ride a Longboard: A Beginner’s First-Session Guide
Start small: find your stance, take a gentle push and practise stopping before adding distance. A practical guide to your first longboard...

Beginner Guide
How to Surf Skate: A Beginner’s First-Session Guide
A good first surf skate session starts with control, not speed. Find your stance, make a small push and practise stopping before explorin...

Board care
Can you take a skateboard on a plane in Australia?
Taking your board on a trip? Here’s what to check with Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, plus a practical packing checklist before yo...

How skateboarding can support a child's growth mindset
A family story and practical ways to encourage learning on a skateboard: notice progress, adjust the approach and let children learn at t...

Gravity vs Velocity: Which Surf Trucks Should You Choose?
Gravity or Velocity? Compare the two GCLB surf truck options by feel, riding goals and experience, with a clear next step for choosing yo...

What Size Board Do I Need? GCLB Size Guide
Understand 30-inch vs 32-inch surf skates, deck width and wheelbase, then compare current GCLB dimensions without relying on height alone.

The Lucid Collection: A Clear View of Board Design
From the GCLB archive: transparent acrylic decks and engraved surfboard-inspired lines. Discover the original Lucid Collection design.

The Ocean Collection: Resin Wave Art on Acrylic
From the GCLB archive: ocean-inspired resin artwork, clear acrylic and a local Gold Coast collaboration. The story of our 2022 Ocean Coll...
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New to boards? Start with these guides
The three guides that answer 90% of the questions we get asked.
