A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Skateboard
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle and a form of self-expression. Whether you want to cruise down city streets, perform tricks at the skatepark, or explore skateboarding as a new hobby, choosing the right skateboard is essential to getting the most out of your skating experience. As a beginner, the sheer variety of skateboard types, sizes, and components can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right skateboard for your needs, helping you get started on the right foot.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Skateboard
Before diving into the selection process, it’s important to understand the key components of a skateboard:
- Deck: The flat board you stand on, usually made of wood, composite materials, or plastic.
- Trucks: The metal T-shaped pieces mounted underneath the deck, connecting the wheels to the board and allowing you to turn.
- Wheels: These allow your skateboard to move, and come in different sizes and hardness levels.
- Bearings: Small round pieces that fit inside the wheels and ensure smooth spinning.
- Grip Tape: The sandpaper-like layer on top of the deck that provides traction for your shoes.
Understanding how these parts function together will help you make more informed decisions when choosing your skateboard.
Determine Your Skateboarding Style
The first and most important step in choosing the right skateboard is deciding how you plan to use it. Skateboards come in different styles, and each type is designed for specific activities. Here are the three main skateboarding styles to consider:
1. Street/Technical Skateboarding
If you’re interested in doing tricks, grinding rails, and skating in urban environments, a standard skateboard is your best choice. Street skateboarding requires a board that is light, maneuverable, and durable enough to handle constant impacts.
2. Cruising and Carving
For beginners who want to ride smoothly and enjoy long-distance cruising, a cruiser skateboard or longboard is ideal. These boards are designed for smooth rides, stability, and speed. Cruisers are perfect for transportation and casual riding around town or on bike paths.
3. Vert/Ramp Skateboarding
If you want to skate in bowls or ramps at skateparks, you’ll need a skateboard with wider decks and larger wheels for more stability and speed. This style of skating focuses on big air and smooth transitions, so having a stable board is key.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck
The deck is the foundation of your skateboard, and it comes in different sizes and shapes. Here's what to consider:
1. Deck Width
The width of your deck should match your shoe size and skateboarding style. Decks typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches wide. A wider deck offers more stability, which is ideal for beginners, while narrower decks are more agile for tricks.
- 7.5” to 7.75”: Best for technical tricks and street skating.
- 8.0” to 8.25”: Ideal for all-around skateboarding, including park and vert skating.
- 8.5” and above: Suitable for vert skating, cruising, and larger riders who need extra stability.
2. Deck Shape
Skateboards come in various shapes, but most beginners should stick with a standard popsicle-shaped deck, which has a symmetrical nose and tail, providing a balanced feel for tricks and general riding.
3. Concave
The concave of a skateboard refers to the curvature of the deck. A deeper concave provides better foot grip and control, which is helpful for performing tricks. Shallow concave boards are more comfortable for cruising.
4. Materials
Most skateboard decks are made from 7-ply maple wood, which is both strong and flexible. Some decks incorporate composite materials for added strength and lighter weight, but for beginners, a traditional maple deck is the best choice.
Selecting the Right Trucks
Skateboard trucks connect the wheels to the deck, allowing you to turn and grind. When choosing trucks, consider the following factors:
1. Truck Width
The width of the trucks should match the width of your deck. As a general rule, the truck’s axle length should be close to the width of the deck. If the trucks are too narrow or wide, it can affect your board’s performance and stability.
2. Truck Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high. The height of the trucks affects the feel of your skateboard:
- Low trucks: Provide more stability for tricks and technical skating.
- Mid trucks: Ideal for general-purpose skating, offering a good balance between tricks and cruising.
- High trucks: Offer more clearance for larger wheels, making them ideal for cruising or vert skating.
3. Materials
Trucks are typically made from aluminum or steel, but some high-end trucks incorporate titanium for reduced weight. Beginners should stick with durable, standard materials to ensure longevity.
Choosing the Right Wheels
Wheels are an essential component of your skateboard, and they come in different sizes and hardness levels. Here's what to consider:
1. Wheel Diameter
Wheel size is measured in millimeters, and it affects the speed and feel of your skateboard.
- 50-54mm: Small wheels are best for technical street skating and tricks. They offer more control and stability for flips and grinds.
- 55-60mm: Medium-sized wheels provide a balance between tricks and cruising, making them versatile for most riding styles.
- 60mm and above: Larger wheels are ideal for cruising and vert skating, offering a smoother ride and higher speeds.
2. Wheel Hardness (Durometer)
Wheel hardness is measured by the durometer scale, typically ranging from 78A to 101A.
- 78A-87A: Soft wheels offer more grip and are great for rough surfaces and cruising.
- 88A-95A: Medium-hard wheels provide a balance of grip and speed, suitable for street skating and park skating.
- 96A-101A: Hard wheels are fast and slide easily, making them perfect for technical tricks and smooth skatepark surfaces.
Bearings: Ensuring Smooth Rolling
Bearings are small metal pieces that fit inside your skateboard wheels and determine how smoothly they roll. Bearings are rated by the ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating more precision and speed:
- ABEC 3-5: Affordable and durable, suitable for beginners.
- ABEC 7 and above: Faster and more precise, ideal for experienced riders who want maximum speed.
For most beginners, standard ABEC 3 or 5 bearings will offer the right balance of speed and durability.
Grip Tape: Keeping Your Feet on the Board
Grip tape provides traction for your feet and helps you maintain control while riding. As a beginner, you won’t need anything too fancy—standard black grip tape will do the job. When applying grip tape, make sure it’s smooth and free of air bubbles to ensure maximum grip.
Pre-Built Skateboards vs. Custom Builds
As a beginner, you’ll likely be choosing between a pre-built skateboard or building one from scratch. Here's what to consider:
1. Pre-Built Skateboards
Pre-built skateboards come fully assembled and are ideal for beginners who want a convenient, ready-to-ride option. Many reputable brands offer high-quality pre-built boards that are designed for specific styles like street skating, cruising, or park skating.
2. Custom Builds
For those who want a personalized setup, building your own skateboard from individual components allows you to mix and match decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings to suit your style. While it can be more expensive, it gives you full control over your board's performance and feel.
Skateboarding Safety Gear
As a beginner, it’s important to prioritize safety. Here's a list of essential protective gear:
- Helmet: A certified skateboarding helmet is a must for protecting your head during falls.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: Pads provide cushioning for your joints and reduce the risk of injury.
- Wrist Guards: Wrist guards can prevent fractures and sprains when you catch yourself during a fall.
- Skate Shoes: Proper skate shoes with flat soles and good grip will help you maintain control and protect your feet.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skateboard as a beginner can seem daunting, but by focusing on your skateboarding style, deck size, trucks, wheels, and safety gear, you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re cruising the streets, learning tricks at the skatepark, or enjoying long rides on smooth paths, having the right skateboard will set you up for success.
Take the time to explore different options, test out different styles, and most importantly—have fun! Skateboarding is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the ride, and with the right board, you’ll be ready to roll in no time.
