I’m still waiting for someone to send in a pic of the Wheelieboard, so I’ll post this for now. Plastic skateboards were a dime a dozen, so you had to do something to distinguish yourself. The longrider comes to you courtesy of an eBay auction a year or so ago. Right now the only place they are showing up is on defunct Australian eBay auctions. The colorized black and white picture comes from a cool Australian skate zine called GaP, which you can download. It’s in issue one, which dates back to 2005. You can see larger pics and the auction description which is packed with a surprising amount of background info on this 1983 vintage board after the jump.
I’ve never seen one of these things in person, and I was in suburban Illinois when and where these were manufactured at the time. I feel ripped off. I want one, but I’m not about to send to Australia for one. Apparently Australia is where everyone sends their criminals and unwanted plastic skateboards. Here’s the origianl eBay text from the auction I saw sometime in late 2005.
Up for auction is an original, and unique ride-on. Fun for play with the excitement of a sporting challenge is this LONG RIDER skateboard. Long Rider is a flexible, unbreakable one-piece platform made of molded “space age” plastic with a grip handle on one end. Mounted on two solid diecast trucks with quality rubber bushings for control and shock absorption, Long Rider also has top quality replaceable high-speed wheels with precision sealed bearings. This item has been used once, and is in very good condition. It is blue in color with yellow printing on the surface.
The Long Rider was manufactured by Marchon, Inc., a company in Arlington Heights, IL. [1984] The Long Rider is 53 inches in length, and 4 inches wide. It comes in it’s original box; with the box showing only slight signs of being moved about. The original label is shown on the box – which was purchased through JCPenney – Catalog #654-1478; SKU 0000; serial number 10299268267. It is not known whether this item was manufactured after the year 1984.
Although this item is geared for ages 5 and up, it is a better item for an older and experienced skateboarder and should not be ridden by the younger individual. The special security handle makes learning to ride easier; gives confidence and security; allows safer riding; enables easy turns. Long Rider’s ability to be steered allows a variety of stunts, spins, and jumps to be easily performed. Because the Long Rider is flexible, it is self-adjusting to the size of the rider. Long Rider has a molded foot pad, that helps prevent slipping. All adds up to more fun and excitement riding and enjoying Long Rider. The Long Rider is: a different kind of skateboard!
Don’t for get to check out issue one of GaP Skate Zine, for their take on the Longrider which is in the guise of a clever product review.
31 comments
storm
I have 2 in my shed gathering dust….
brice
could I buy them please? Email me Olesen-31@hotmail.com
wes
mines actually a Short Rider. Its kinda tan and veiny with a purple hat.
coco record
I’m selling one of them im,,from puerto rico its the only one,in my county
Muppy
2026 and I’m looking at one in my new band prac room right now. Cheers for this info guys!
Kilwag
You’re going to love this – the original packaging: https://skateandannoy.com/blog/2014/06/long-rider-mania/
Cj
Who wants to buy my long rider? It’s red with yellow lettering.
brice
still have it? Email me Olesen-31@hotmail.com
Alex
I always thought you could get pulled behind a bike or something with it. seems a little sketchy. I have the red one with yellow lettering. if anyone is interested, let me know.
Jay
One for sale on this site http://capitaldealsonline.com/store/1983-long-rider-skateboard/
Jason Stewart
My brother and I both had one of these unique boards. They were quite fun and you could turn on a dime. They also taught inexperienced riders how to jump. I would have still had my board, but it was “loaned” to my Uncle for his kids. Once he got a hold of it he did the unthinkable… he cut off the long handle and made it into a regular skateboard!!! He bastardized a unique innovation in skateboarding so his kids could have a “normal” board!
storm
I have two sitting in the back shed
Dave
I just happen to have two of these “Long Riders.” I have a red one and a black one both made in ’83. Anyone interested in buying them from me? I live in Fresno, CA.
blackreaper
i got a black and white one today at the action house for $2 and its really fun to use(kinda unstable though),i think i’m the only guy in Michigan who owns one
wesCHAOS
I got one in Michigan too – Ann Arbor
http://www.localchaos.org/Images/wood/long_rider.jpg
bennie
I have one in Michigan .. Ypsilanti ..
kilwag
Mine!
James
I also have had 1 I for ages that I would rather go to a good home than be thrown away.
Seems they were popular in Syd. 😛
contact me on blakjak_cc at hotmail dot com
Analee
Alex, I’ll take it if you still have it…! Do you? 🙂 Am in Collaroy, northern beaches.
alex
i have one if anyone wants to buy it. mate found it on the side of the road – was going online now to see what it was.
im in sydney australia but can post it.
let me know.
Analee
Hey fellas, I was in the TV commercial here in Oz. I am wishing I could track down a copy of the ad but I have no idea who distributed or promoted the product back then in the 1980s! Anyone know? Didn’t think so. How funny it is to read all this stuff about the ole Long Rider. 🙂
Kilwag
So jealous! Send in some pictures.
eccles
i picked a black one up yesterday from a guy at work, mine is black and yellow, the wheels are like rocks and the trucks are too narrow i may swap them out and give it a bash, looks like it could be fun. it says 1983 on the base that is the year of copy right, cheers all
Kilwag
Yeah, that’s steep. A bit much. I think I saw one on ebay for $20 once. But yeah, thanks, if you get a chance, get that number maybe they will negotiate.
tory bradley
The place is called retro metro , I want to say it was about 60.00 bucks. It was about a month ago they had one. When I go back I will get there # for you…
Kilwag
Nothing to not much. They are rare but collectors don’t want them. A curiosity really. Of course i wish I had one.
tory bradley
How much are these worth ? I seen one in a vintage shop in Charleston S.C
Kilwag
I’d still like to have one. I think they are the best crappy skateboard ever made.
evil mc
Oh, I’m sorry, it looks good with you riding it.
aaron
nice response evil mc, i especially like all the reasons you’ve listed for not liking the longrider.
i on the other hand happen own one of these and it is the best novelty skateboard ever. wherever i ride it, people are always fascinated by it and think its the newest fad toy. its even better when i tell them it was made over 20 years ago. i have come across about 10 of these in my time, owned three myself and still have one. i used think they only came in black and red but the picture above also has it in blue. it really is a board for the exhibitionists, those who like to be seen.
in terms of ride, the longrider was more built for cruising flat pathways or city streets rather than doing flip-tricks or airs in skate parks. this may seem boring, but it actually makes for a worthy and interesting substitute from the packs or razor scooters. the ride on the whole is good, although because it is very short it can be a little unstable at times. the handle is more for aesthetics and a selling point, as it does not aid in steering or balance as most people expect. at higher speeds and going down hill, the rider is able to pull back on the handle for greater stability, although going fast quickly leads to speed wobbles and it is much better to carve on this board going downhill. the handle does make the longrider very easy to dismount from.
i took mine on an overseas trip and not only was it a great way to get around, but it also served as a good conversation starter with the locals too. this is the greatest part about this board, it is different, off the wall and brings a smile to people’s faces. i’m not a skater, but i can honestly say i love owning one of these just for the novelty value and as a cool way to get around.
evil mc
Well if your kid brings one of these home you can use it to beat him for being such a (edit)!