TWO SHAPES, ONE FLOW
Kicktail or Dropthrough?
Both shapes are true longboards — longer, more stable and more comfortable than a cruiser or surf skate, rolling on bigger wheels that carry you further per push with a higher top speed. The shape simply changes the flavour of the ride.
Agile & Versatile
Kicktail Longboards
Topmount with a functional tail — the playful one
Classic topmount shape with a raised, functional tail.
- Kerb hops, quick pivots & easy manoeuvring around town
- A touch more play and agility — while keeping big, smooth longboard turns
- Direct topmount steering feel
- Just as stable and beginner-friendly — pick the shape you love
The kicktail feel
The tail: lift the nose for kerb hops and quick pivots — handy in the city, fun everywhere.
The ride: still every bit a longboard — long, smooth, drawn-out turns with planted stability, bigger and more relaxed than a cruiser or surf skate. The kicktail simply adds a little extra play on top, and beginners settle into it just as quickly.
Low & Stable
Dropthrough Longboards
Trucks mounted through the deck — a lower, planted ride
The trucks mount through the deck, so the board sits closer to the ground.
- Extra stability — planted confidence as speed builds
- Easier pushing — less leg fatigue over distance
- Long, smooth, drawn-out carves
- The ultimate relaxed glider — cruising & distance
The dropthrough feel
The low ride: lowering the deck drops your centre of gravity — the board feels planted and predictable, whether you're building a little speed or stacking up the kilometres.
The ride: smooth, stable and effortless. Pushing is easier because the deck sits closer to the ground, and carves feel long and drawn-out — the relaxed glider of the range.
Both shapes are very stable, beginner-friendly and built for an easy, comfortable ride — you'll adapt to either within your first few sessions, so choose the design and feel you love. Every GCLB longboard arrives fully assembled and ready to roll.
FAQs
What's the difference between a longboard and a cruiser?
Longboards are longer with more deck space, bigger wheels and more stability — the smoothest, most comfortable ride in our range, built for carving, distance and relaxed cruising with less pushing per kilometre. Cruisers are shorter and more portable — built for quick trips and easy carrying. Choose a longboard for the easiest, most stable ride; choose a cruiser for grab-and-go convenience.
Kicktail vs dropthrough — which longboard shape should I choose?
Our kicktail longboards are topmount with a raised, functional tail — a touch more play and agility, with kerb hops and quick pivots for getting around town. Our dropthrough longboards mount the trucks through the deck for a lower ride — extra stability and easier pushing over distance. Importantly, both shapes are very stable, beginner-friendly and easy to ride — noticeably more relaxed than a cruiser or surf skate, with big, smooth turns. You'll adapt to either shape quickly, so choose the design and feel you love.
Are longboards good for beginners?
Yes — longboards are the easiest, most comfortable boards in our range to learn on. The long deck gives you plenty of room to find your balance, the wide wheelbase keeps everything stable, and the big soft wheels roll smoothly over cracks and rough pavement. Both shapes are great for beginners — the dropthrough sits a little lower to the ground, while the kicktail adds playful agility — but don't overthink it: if you love the look of one, you'll be comfortable on it within your first rides.
Why do longboards have bigger wheels?
Bigger wheels roll further with every push and reach a higher top speed — so you cover more ground with less effort than on a cruiser or surf skate. They also glide over cracks, pebbles and rough Australian footpaths that would rattle smaller wheels. Combined with the longer deck, it's what makes the longboard the most comfortable long-distance ride in our range.
Can you carve on a longboard?
Absolutely — smooth, flowing carves are what longboards do best. Lean into a turn and the board draws a long, drawn-out arc down the path. If you're chasing the tightest, most surf-like carving — where you generate speed by pumping without pushing — that's what our surf skates are built for.
Are longboards okay on hills?
Longboards are the most stable boards in our range at speed thanks to their longer wheelbase — the dropthrough especially, sitting lower to the ground. That said, speed builds fast on hills: learn to foot-brake early, stick to gradients you're comfortable with, and walk down anything steep while you're learning.
What are GCLB longboards made from?
Seven layers of premium Canadian maple and bamboo, our own aluminium trucks, ABEC-9 bearings and large, soft SHR (super high rebound) wheels — with hand-drawn artwork under clear grip tape so the wood grain shows through. Every board arrives fully assembled, quality-checked and ready to ride.
Do you ship longboards Australia-wide?
Yes! We ship to every state and territory from our Gold Coast HQ. Standard shipping typically takes 2–6 business days for QLD, NSW and VIC, and 3–14 business days for TAS, SA, WA and NT. Orders over $180 qualify for FREE shipping Australia-wide (excluding WA, which ships at a flat $9). Most longboard orders ship the same day or next business day.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide. International shipping rates and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on your location. Please note international orders may be subject to customs duties in your country.
