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Buying Skateboards – The Ultimate Beginner’s Handbook
When opting for an introductory skateboard, it's essential to thoroughly consider the myriad of options available. The distinctions among skateboards are more extensive than one might expect, and this guide aims to clarify the crucial questions a newcomer or someone returning to skateboarding after a long pause might have.
Overview
Diverse Beginner Skateboard Varieties
It's vital to think about the skateboarding style you anticipate enjoying most when picking your inaugural skateboard. As you advance, your preferences will become more evident, empowering you to make accurate selections. For a novice, it's best to choose a flexible skateboard that facilitates learning fundamental tricks and techniques. At this stage, there's no necessity for highly detailed decisions.
As a newbie, you'll choose from these three primary skateboard categories:
- Skateboards: Designed for tricks, these boards are popular for street and park skating, featuring concave decks with double kick tails and small wheels. They provide a stable base for those new to skateboarding.
- Cruiser Skateboards: Ideal for those interested in commuting or cruising. With wider decks and softer wheels, cruisers offer improved comfort and agility, ensuring a smooth journey on rough terrains. If you're considering cruisers, have a look at our Guide to Buying Cruiser Skateboards or explore our range of premium Cruiser Skateboards.
- Longboards: A great option for beginners prioritising stability and smooth rides. Perfect for commuting and downhill skating, longboards furnish a relaxed and steady introduction to skateboarding. From longboard dancing to freestyle, or downhill, longboarding has multiple styles to explore. Those keen on longboarding can consult our Guide to Buying Longboards or browse through our collection of Longboards.
This guide primarily focuses on traditional skateboards optimal for beginner skateboard tricks.
The Best Beginner Skateboards for Children & Teenagers
Requests often arise for beginner skateboards tailored for girls or a stylish skateboard for boys, and rest assured – there's a wide variety available to suit the aesthetic tastes of the skateboard user.
Initially, an economical skateboard will be adequate for beginners, though deciding whether it should also support future skill progression is worth considering.
Eventually, any skater will attempt ollies and tricks, and a solid, responsive deck becomes advantageous. At this stage, consider investing in a slightly higher-end complete skateboard, though it's not obligatory.
The following features require attention when choosing a child’s complete skateboard:
- Deck width: Choose a skateboard width comparable to the child’s shoe length. A deck that’s too wide complicates steering, while a narrow one might compromise stability. For more details, refer to our Skateboard Size Guide or explore further below in this manual.
- Wheel hardness: A maximum wheel hardness of 92A is recommended for newcomers. Softer wheels are less likely to come to abrupt stops when traversing small pebbles or surface cracks, reducing potential falls that could spoil the enjoyment for a beginner.
- Bushings: For children weighing under 65 kg, skateboards with bushings below 90A hardness are advised. The bushings' hardness governs the pressure needed for steering in a particular direction. Softer bushings (lower durometer rating) make steering easier, while harder bushings (higher durometer rating) can complicate it.
When browsing our selection of Complete Skateboards, you can filter options by wheel hardness and deck length to view skateboards that meet your requirements.
The Top Beginner Skateboards for Adults
With a suitable complete beginner skateboard, adults can set off on their skateboarding journey confidently, no matter their age or prior experience. Whether you’re completely new or returning after some time away, a pre-assembled complete skateboard that meets your preferences is accessible. However, select wisely – especially since, as an adult, you likely weigh more than a teenager.
Consider the following attributes when selecting an adult beginner’s complete skateboard:
- Wood type: Opt for a 7-ply maple deck. It’s advisable to avoid Chinese maple due to its generally softer, less durable nature, attributed to the rapid growth rate of maple trees in China. In contrast, maple from colder regions, where trees grow more gradually, is denser, offering decks with superior pop and durability.
- Adult skateboard size: For adults new to skateboarding, it's best to approximate the deck's width to your shoe length. A sufficiently wide deck eases steering. Beginners should stick to our general guidelines (listed below), as personal preferences might deviate from these as they become more experienced.
- Wheel hardness: Opt for wheels rated below 97A in hardness. Harder wheels absorb fewer vibrations on rough surfaces, whereas softer ones offer less responsiveness. While skilled skaters may favour ratings above 97A, novices generally benefit from softer wheels.
- Bushings: The bushings' hardness influences the board’s steering ability. Generally, the heavier you are, the harder your bushings should be. For weights from 65 - 79 kg, select 85A to 95A bushings, while those over 80 kg should choose bushings of 91A or higher.
Returning to Skateboarding as an Adult
Age is just a number when it comes to skateboarding! If it's been a while since you skated, know that your past experience still counts. Skateboarding's essentials remain constant - a wooden deck, two trucks, and four wheels.
How does one return to skating? Select a suitable skateboard and allow your muscle memory to reignite. Whether your aim is to excel at skateparks or frequent local street spots, choose a board aligning with your ambitions.
Older skaters often opt for cruisers, perhaps finding hardcore shredding less appealing. If resuming as an adult, consider a board with a wider deck and softer wheels. For sporadic technical feats, ensure the deck includes kick tails at both ends.
For seasoned skaters returning to the sport, creating a custom skateboard suited to your needs is an ideal route. Visit our Custom Skateboard Builder or explore our broad selection of Skateboard Parts to choose each component of your tailored setup.
Selecting the Right Skateboard Size for Novices
By following our skateboard size chart, you'll secure a properly-sized skateboard. The width of the deck is generally the key concern. With time, your deck width preference may evolve, especially as you delve into specific skateboarding styles. For beginners, though, choose the size based on your shoe size.
When selecting a skateboard for a child embarking on their skateboarding journey, adhering to the size chart is also most effective.
| Skateboard Width | Recommended Age | Shoe size US | Shoe size UK | Shoe size EU |
| 6.5" | 3 - 5 | 6C - 11C | 5Y - 10Y | 23 - 28 |
| 6.75" | 3 - 5 | 7C - 11C | 6Y - 10Y | 24 - 28 |
| 6.825" | 4 - 6 | 9C - 12C | 8Y - 11Y | 26 - 30 |
| 7.0" | 5 - 7 | 10C - 1 | 9Y - 12Y | 28 - 32 |
| 7.125" | 6 - 8 | 11C - 2 | 10Y - 1 | 29 - 33 |
| 7.25" | 7 - 9 | 12C - 3 | 11Y - 2 | 30 - 34 |
| 7.375" | 8 - 10 | 13C - 4 | 12Y - 3 | 31 - 35 |
| 7.5" | 9 - 11 | 1 - 6 | 13Y - 5 | 32 - 38 |
| 7.625" | 10 - 12 | 2 - 7 | 1 - 6 | 33 - 39 |
| 7.75" | 12 - 14 | 4 - 9 | 3 - 8 | 35 - 42 |
| 7.875" | 12 - 14 | 4 - 9 | 3 - 8 | 35 - 42 |
| 8" & Up | 14 & Up | 9 & Up | 8 & Up | 42 & Up |
Advice for Skateboarding Beginners
Acquiring basic skateboarding skills demands time and perseverance; however, the primary advice is simple: persevere! Focus on enjoyment and follow your instincts—soon, you'll be gliding around the skatepark. Here are some helpful tips:
Skateboard Protective Gear for Beginners
All skateboarders, from novices to experts, should wear helmets and pads. Fear of falling can impede progress, but quality skateboard wrist, knee, and elbow pads, complemented by a certified skate helmet, will alleviate your fear of falling and enhance performance. Stay protected and skate confidently. This is key for any beginner!
Check out our range of Skateboard Pad Sets and certified Skateboard Helmets.
Our selection of Skateboard Protection for Kids features top-quality kids' helmets and skateboard pads.
Skate Shoes
Investing in skate shoes from renowned brands is a wise decision. Although any trainer might suffice, eventually, you'll want to upgrade to genuine skate shoes.
Why should you consider genuine skate shoes?
To start, they enhance your performance: equipped with flat soles and superior grip, they offer excellent traction on your skateboard. These soles are crafted to maximise "board feel," boosting your sense of control over the board. This leads to heightened responsiveness and greater control when skateboarding.
Next, skate shoes are made to withstand the rigours of skateboarding. This activity is undoubtedly tough on shoes. High-quality skate footwear tends to last longer, enduring significantly more sessions than ordinary trainers.
Explore our range of Skate Shoes.
Choosing the Right Pants for Skateboarding
When skateboarding, flexible and durable trousers are essential. Beginners often fall, which results in wear on the trousers. It's important that your trousers do not restrict movement. Opting for stretchy fabrics or a looser fit is ideal for skate trousers.
As long as your trousers allow unrestricted movement and are robust, they should prove effective for skateboarding. In fact, many popular skater trousers are work trousers. Browse through our selection to find your new designated Skate Pants, along with our excellent range of Skater Belts!
Adjusting Your Trucks
The turning ability of your skateboard can be altered by adjusting the tightness of the trucks. Your skateboard should respond to your body lean while in motion. If it fails to do so, try loosening the trucks slightly. On the other hand, if your skateboard is overly responsive and difficult to control, consider tightening them. Tweaking the kingpin nut can notably influence your skateboard's ride characteristics!
Since skaters vary in weight and height, the pressure applied when leaning on the trucks also varies. This means there isn't a universal truck tightness - it's advisable to experiment to find the optimal balance for stable and consistent rolling.
Watch this video for guidance on adjusting skateboard trucks, and remember that investing in a Skate Tool is cost-effective and beneficial in the long run.
The Essentials of a Skateboard – Understanding Skateboard Parts
Building your own custom skateboard is the optimal choice for those serious about skateboarding. Even if you're buying a beginner complete, understanding skateboard components - the essentials of a skateboard - is valuable.
As a novice, there are strong incentives to select a custom skateboard. Whether you're captivated by the artwork of a deck sold separately or desire top-quality trucks, assembling your skateboard allows you to choose specific parts.
Should the thought of applying grip tape or attaching wheels seem daunting, consider using our Custom Skateboard Builder. Our team of enthusiasts will assemble your skateboard completely, ensuring it's ready to use upon arrival.
Here’s a quick overview of the various skateboard components:
Skateboard Decks
Typically crafted from layers of wood, known as ply, skateboard decks for trick skateboards are usually constructed with 7-ply maple. For beginners, the best decks are made from harder maple types for durability. The deck serves as the foundation for all tricks and movements on a skateboard.
Read our comprehensive Guide to Buying Skateboard Decks, or view our full range of Skateboard Decks.
Skateboard Trucks
Mounted beneath the skateboard deck, skateboard trucks are metal T-shaped parts that hold the wheels. They serve as the steering mechanism for the complete skateboard, significantly affecting its maneuvering and riding capabilities.
For a deep dive into skateboard trucks, including insights on bushings, hangers, and baseplates, read our detailed Skateboard Truck Buying Guide. If you already know what you're looking for, explore our comprehensive selection of Skateboard Trucks.
Skateboard Wheels
Made from polyurethane, skateboard wheels are available in various sizes, hardness, and shapes. They have a significant impact on the skateboard's smoothness, speed, and grip.
Beginners should pay particular attention to wheel hardness, which is rated on the durometer scale. Our general skateboard wheel recommendations for beginners are:
- Kids should go for wheels with a durometer rating of 92A or below.
- Adult novices should select wheels with a durometer rating of 97A or less.
Regarding diameter, beginners interested in learning tricks are advised to choose within the 52 - 54 mm range.
For an in-depth exploration of skateboard wheels, peruse our detailed Guide to Buying Skateboard Wheels. Discover our complete array of Skateboard Wheels. Use filters like hardness or other criteria to find the ideal model for you.
Skateboard Bearings
Skateboard bearings, placed in the wheel cores, ensure smooth and efficient wheel rotations, allowing your skateboard to move with minimal friction. Bearings vary in ABEC ratings, from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9, with higher numbers signifying smoother operation. However, in skateboarding, aspects like material quality, lubrication, and upkeep influence performance more than ABEC ratings. Thus, beginners need not prioritise the ABEC rating.
If you observe any decline in your wheels' rotational efficiency, refer to our guide on How to Clean and Maintain Bearings.
Explore our complete assortment of Skateboard Bearings, or delve into the intricacies with our thorough Bearing Guide.
Skateboard Griptape
Griptape, resembling sandpaper, is applied to the skateboard deck's top, helping maintain your grip and prevent foot slippage. It aids in creating friction during foot movements along the deck's length, assisting in tricks such as ollies.
Griptape comes in a variety of colours, graphics, or clear options. Browse our selection of Skateboard Griptape to explore your options!
If you need to apply griptape, watch this short video tutorial:
