Learning Longboarding at 50: A Practical Guide to Commuting in Valencia

Longboarding at 50: How to start in Valencia without ending up in the emergency room

Learning to ride a skateboard after 50 might seem crazy, but in flat cities like Valencia, it can be a viable mobility option. The key is choosing the right equipment and accepting that you will fall. A veteran rider summarizes it: “The first thing one must learn is how to fall, because something is certain: you are going to fall.” Stability is everything. For commuting on cycle paths, longboards are the most recommended option: they are more stable, faster, and more comfortable than a classic small-wheeled board, which ‘falls apart quickly.’ Furthermore, equipment is non-negotiable: helmet and wrist protectors, especially at first.

Longboard: The most stable option

If you are looking for a means of transport, the longboard wins hands down. Its greater length and wide wheels provide stability that a standard board cannot offer. But don't be fooled: even if the longboard is safer, falling is inevitable. That’s why mastering the technique of falling correctly is the first step. Many videos and observing other riders help internalize this.

Where to practice in Valencia

Valencia is an ideal playing field: completely flat and full of cycle paths. To learn, the Tinglados area has become a meeting point for the skating community, where classes are offered and experienced riders can be observed. Interaction with other riders, although they may sometimes seem 'autistic,' is usually enriching.

That said, it's not all benefits: some argue that using a skateboard as transportation requires an exaggerated expenditure of energy for little movement. It might compensate for short distances, but perhaps not be the most efficient option for long journeys. The final decision is up to each individual, with safety always coming first.