So lately [again] I've been wanting to pick up a longboard to tool around town/campus on. More portable than a bicycle at least.

Anyone familiar or could recommend a good vendor or model for noobs?

How viable of an actual transportation option are these? Never ridden one, myself.

Well I'm not much of a longboarder, but I do skate and I suggest you build your own board and splurge with the wheels/bearing, since they're by far the most important part to a smooth ride. A nice deck isn't as critical for a longboarding, because you aren't going to be slamming down on the board. As for trucks, anything decent will work, just be sure you get bushings that are stiff/loose enough for you.

I used to own a Santa Cruz fat Cruzer that's similar to this model:

http://www.blackdiamondsports.com/santa_cruz_ozzy_wright_cruzer_complete_p/11111587.htm

I replaced the trucks with some Gullwing 190 Mission 1s (though I hear good things about the Sidewinder Series... they have two bushings so they turn easier) and the wheels with some CHEAP poly aggressive rollerblading wheels... Thin and tall.. The board pumped easy and would keep rolling forever.

Always went with Swiss Bones bearings, but I've been out of it for a while. Might be something better now for that.

Loaded Boards. Get either a Dancer or a Dervish. I personally couldn't afford a Dervish, so I got a Sector 9 Sunset board. It's a really really stable ride, but there's no real kick tail or head so it's really hard to manual. But it's got a cut-through deck so it's really low and stable. It's really satisfying to ride around on. I recommend it personally as a first board.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll take a look!



Well, pretty much everywhere I want to go that isn't down the interstate is within 0.5-2 miles of my house [campus, pub, coffee shop, &c], so it should be quite reasonable.

This is a gorram sexy beast:
http://www.blackdiamondsports.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=LoadedVanguardComp&CartID=1

Edit: Lots of reviews say it's unstable on fast downhills, but ok for moderate hills, not sure if the ones around me count as moderate..