The Art of Long Distance Push (LDP) Skateboarding
Long Distance Push skateboarding, or LDP, is about covering serious ground with style and efficiency. It’s the longboarder’s answer to endurance running: pushing for miles, pumping through flats, and staying in rhythm with the road. Pushing is the classic method—one foot pushing off while the other balances—but pumping brings a whole new level of flow. By shifting weight and carving in specific ways, riders can generate and maintain speed without even touching the ground.
Loaded Boards: Born for Flow, Built for Distance
Loaded Boards has been part of the LDP story since the early days. Founded in the heart of Southern California’s surf and snow culture, the brand has always focused on feel—boards that flex, flow, and connect with your body’s movement. Their first model, the Vanguard, launched in 2002 and quickly caught on with riders looking for more than just transportation. Over the years, Loaded’s catalog has grown to include a variety of decks ideal for long-distance pushing and pumping, from flexy freestyle boards to stable bracket builds.
The Loaded Fathom, for example, is designed with bracket mounting in mind and gives riders a low, stable platform for effortless distance. Boards like the Tan Tien and Icarus cater to those who want more play and pump in their ride, especially lighter riders or anyone coming from a surf-style background. These decks don’t just ride well—they reduce fatigue, absorb vibration, and make those extra miles feel like less work.
What Makes a Good LDP Setup?
Your gear matters a lot in LDP, and the most important piece is the deck. Look for something low to the ground to make pushing easier and conserve energy. Bracket setups or drop-through decks are common choices. Flex should be responsive but not sloppy—just enough to smooth out rough roads while keeping you stable at speed.
Trucks are the next big factor. LDP setups often use a high-angle truck in the front (for tight carving and quick response) and a lower-angle or zero-degree truck in the rear for stability and efficient pumping. Loaded’s bracket options allow for that kind of precise tuning, giving riders full control over how their board handles on long rides.
Wheels should be large and smooth—somewhere in the 85 to 105mm range. You’ll want a durometer around 78A to 83A for a balance of grip and roll speed. The Orangatang Caguama or Dad Bod wheels are top-tier picks, both designed with LDP and pumping in mind. And don’t forget your bearings: Loaded’s Jehu V2 bearings are fast, reliable, and built for endurance.
The Surfskate Crossover: Enter the Tangent
A growing trend in LDP is the fusion of surfskate style into distance riding. More and more riders are blending flowy, pump-driven movement into their long rides, and Loaded is right there with them. The Carver x Loaded Tangent is the perfect example—a deck built for surf-style carving that still holds up over distance. When paired with Carver CX or C7 trucks, the Tangent transforms into a pumping machine that rides like a wave and glides like a dream. It’s ideal for those who want their distance rides to feel less like a workout and more like a session.
Final Thoughts
LDP isn’t just about speed or endurance—it’s about riding smart, flowing naturally, and connecting with the pavement for miles at a time. Loaded Boards has become one of the most trusted names in that space, offering boards, trucks, wheels, and components that are purpose-built for the long haul. Whether you’re cruising your city or training for an ultraskate, Loaded gives you the tools to ride farther, smoother, and with more style. The road’s waiting—go push it.
