I remember the first time I saw somebody riding a longboard.
I was a freshman in college and as I was walking to class, a random guy came cruising by.
I didn’t know exactly what I saw. It was like a long skateboard, but better.
I remember watching as he carved back and forth on the pavement so seamlessly. He was going fast and easily riding over cracks and bumps. With every push off and turn I noticed the board bending and springing back. I watched in awe.
I knew right then and there that I would learn how to ride. On top of that I saw a vision of myself traveling the world in that fashion.
No longer would I have to take taxis. No longer would I look through a bus window and not be able to stop at a food stand because I was in transit.
I would be able to travel in a more enjoyable fashion, save money and cut back on my personal carbon footprint.
Now I do have to be honest. It takes a serious investment in time and energy. The first couple of months are filled with scrapes, embarrassing falls, sore legs and the realization that you may not be as fit as you thought.
So how has traveling with a longboard turned out for me?
Better than I could have anticipated!
Aside from the slight hassle of taking a board on planes and buses it’s one of the best investments I’ve made in years.
I don’t always have to wait for city buses
It keeps me in shape.
It adds in a new twist on how to experience a city, or the world for that matter.
It’s a great conversation starter.
The best part of all is that it is incredibly fun. Since I take my board pretty much wherever I go I have experienced places in such different ways
I didn’t just visit the grand canyon, I threw on my headphones and longboarded around part of the south rim.
During a road trip through the canyons in Utah, I had my friend leave me at the top and finish the drive down while I followed behind on my longboard.
I met up with a group of couchsufers in Seattle. After a meet-up they decided to get some late night food somewhere else in the city. They all had bikes for transport and luckily, since I had my board, I was able to join them on the ride there.
My perspective on travel has changed so much. I don’t just see a winding road or a steep hill. I see myself riding along the bends and happily carving back and forth to keep my speed under control
Someone once said that the best way to get to know a city is on foot. I would like to make a suggestion and add by longboard as well.
(Just for fun, this video shows off what traveling with a longboard can be like. These guys do a phenomenal job with their travel boarding videos too):
Pablo Guzman is an avid adventurer and inquisitive guy exploring the world in fun and affordable ways while showing others how to do the same. Keep up with where he’s going next at Where’s Pablo? You can also follow him on facebook and twitter or sign up for his monthly newsletter to receive some travel motivation and great deals and information from around the web.