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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Cruising
Skateboard Wheel Size and Hardness Explained for Cruising
What do 65mm, 51mm and 78A actually mean? Learn to read wheel specifications, compare two GCLB examples and check compatibility before ch...
Cruisers
How to Care for Your Skateboard: Cleaning, Storage and Everyday Checks
Keep everyday board care simple: dry surface cleaning, sensible storage and a quick look over the parts that matter. Here is what to do—a...
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.
START HERE
New to boards? Start with these guides
The three guides that answer 90% of the questions we get asked.
