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It's valuable to thoroughly explore the various options when choosing a starter skateboard. The differences between skateboards may be more significant than initially thought. Our guide aims to address key inquiries you might have, whether you are starting anew or returning to skateboarding after a considerable break.
Overview
Various Types of Starter Skateboards
When picking your initial skateboard, it's key to consider which skateboarding style you expect to enjoy the most. As your skills develop, you'll gain a better sense of your skateboarding preferences, allowing more targeted decisions. As a newcomer, selecting a multipurpose skateboard that accommodates learning basic tricks and techniques is wise. There is no necessity to focus on highly specific choices at this point.
These are the three central types of skateboards to choose from as a new skater:
- Skateboards: Tailored for trick skating on streets and parks, they come with concave decks, dual kick tails, and compact wheels, providing a sturdy base to start your skateboarding experience.
- Cruiser Skateboards: If your primary goal is cruising or transportation, a cruiser skateboard should be your go-to. Equipped with broader decks and softer wheels, cruisers offer increased comfort and control, ensuring a smooth ride on bumpy terrains. If cruisers catch your interest, explore our Guide on Cruiser Skateboards or see our curated collection of premium Cruiser Skateboards.
- Longboards: Offering excellent stability and smooth rides, longboards are perfect for new skaters. Best suited for commuting and downhill adventures, they provide a gentle introduction to skateboarding. With interests such as longboard dancing, freestyle, or downhill riding, longboarding offers much to explore. To start longboarding, check our Guide on Longboards, or view our variety of Longboards.
This guide primarily focuses on standard skateboards suitable for beginner tricks.
Best Starter Skateboards for Children and Teens
Complete skateboards are an ideal choice, particularly for young beginners. But what makes a complete skateboard suitable for newcomers? Look for a skateboard that aids in mastering the fundamentals of pushing, balancing, and steering. These core skills in skateboarding bring hours of joy and excitement, setting a foundation for future skateboarding escapades.
Many inquire about skateboards for young girls or a stylish skateboard for boys, and rest assured, you have a plethora of options tailored to the personal style of the rider.
An affordable skateboard can suffice initially, but think about whether the skateboard should support additional growth as a skater.
Eventually, any skater will advance to performing ollies and executing tricks, where a robust and responsive deck becomes beneficial. When purchasing a skateboard for someone at this level, it might be worth considering a slightly higher-priced complete skateboard, though it's not compulsory.
When selecting a complete skateboard for a child, pay particular attention to the following specifications:
- Deck width: Choose a skateboard width that closely matches the child’s shoe length. A skateboard that’s too wide can impede steering, whereas one too narrow may reduce stability. For more information, refer to our Guide on Skateboard Sizing or continue reading further in this guide.
- Wheel hardness: A wheel hardness of 92A or lower is recommended for beginners. Softer wheels are less likely to stop abruptly when rolling over small obstacles or cracks, minimizing falls that might detract from the enjoyment of a new skater.
- Bushings: For children under 65 kg, it's suggested to choose skateboard bushings with a hardness below 90A. The truck bushing hardness determines the pressure needed for steering. Softer bushings (lower durometer) ease steering, whereas harder bushings (higher durometer) make it more difficult.
When browsing our selection of Complete Skateboards, you can filter the boards by wheel hardness and deck length to find skateboards that meet your needs.
Top Beginner Skateboards for Adults
With the perfect starter complete skateboard, adults can confidently begin their skateboarding journey at any age or skill level. Whether entirely new or returning after a break, there’s a pre-assembled complete skateboard available that caters to your needs. However, choose wisely, as an adult’s weight is likely greater than that of a teenager.
To find the best complete skateboard for an adult starter, consider these essential specifications:
- Wood type: Opt for a 7-ply maple deck. Avoid Chinese maple due to its tendency to be softer and less robust, often a result of the rapid growth rate of maple trees in China. Maple from colder regions grows slower, resulting in a denser and more durable deck features.
- Adult skateboard size: For an adult, choose a deck width that approximates your shoe length. A deck wide enough for your feet simplifies steering. It's advisable for beginners to follow our general guidelines (mentioned below). As you advance, you might develop preferences different from these recommendations.
- Wheel hardness: Opt for wheels with a hardness below 97A. Harder wheels absorb fewer impacts from rough surfaces, while softer wheels respond less and may feel more stable. Advanced skaters often prefer wheels over 97A, but softer wheels are usually better for beginners.
- Bushings: The bushings' hardness affects the skateboard's turning ability. Typically, the heavier you are, the harder your bushings should be. For those weighing 65 - 79 kg, select bushings from 85A to 95A, and for individuals over 80 kg, go for 91A bushings or harder.
Returning to Skateboarding as an Adult
You're never too old to skate! Even after a break, you're not starting from scratch, as your former experience is invaluable. Skateboarding essentials haven't changed: a wooden deck, two trucks, and four wheels.
To ease back into skateboarding, select a skateboard matching your needs and let your muscle memory guide you. Whether aiming to excel at the skatepark or explore local spots, find a skateboard that aligns with your ambition.
For older individuals rekindling their skateboarding passion, boards suited for cruising are often preferred, since hardcore technical tricks might seem unnecessary. For adults returning to skating, a wider deck with slightly softer wheels is ideal. If you plan on doing the occasional trick, ensure the deck has kick tails on both ends.
Experienced skaters re-entering the scene already have some knowledge about skateboards and their parts, making customising your own skateboard a fantastic option. Explore our Custom Skateboard Builder or peruse our extensive range of Parts to select each element for your personalised setup.
Selecting the Correct Skateboard Size for Beginners
Using our size chart, you can find an appropriate size for your initial skateboard. For skateboard sizes, deck width is paramount. Over time, your preferred deck width may shift as your skateboarding interests evolve; you'll end up choosing a deck width better suited to your style of riding. However, as a beginner, we suggest starting with a skateboard size that matches your shoe size.
For children's first skateboard, adhering to the size chart is also advisable.
| 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 |
Skateboarding Advice for Beginners
Getting the hang of basic skateboarding can demand time and perseverance, but the most crucial advice is: don't quit! Enjoy yourself, trust your instincts, and soon, you'll be navigating the skatepark effortlessly. Here are some practical tips to help you out:
Essential Safety Gear for Skateboarding Novices
We suggest that both novices and seasoned skaters wear helmets and pads when skateboarding. Fear can impede your progress, but quality wrist, knee, and elbow pads combined with a certified helmet can lessen apprehension about falling and boost performance. Embrace safety gear to skate with confidence. Every beginner should take note of this!
Explore our curated selection of Pad Sets and certified Helmets for skateboarding.
We also offer top-notch children's helmets and pads in our range of Kid's Protective Gear for skateboarding.
Footwear for Skateboarding
Shoes made for skateboarding by renowned brands are a worthy purchase. Though any sneaker can be used for skateboarding, investing in proper skate shoes will eventually become appealing.
```htmlWhat benefits come with choosing authentic skate shoes?
To start, they enhance your skating: featuring flat soles and improved traction, they offer superb grip on the board. The soles are crafted to maximise "board feel," granting you better command over the skateboard. This translates into a more responsive ride and heightened control.
Moreover, skate shoes are built to withstand the demands of skateboarding. This sport is notoriously tough on footwear. High-quality skate shoes offer greater durability and can outlast typical sneakers through numerous skating sessions.
Check out our range of Skate Shoes.
Pants for Skating
For skating, your trousers need to be both flexible and robust. As you are honing your skills, expect to take quite a few tumbles, which will impact your clothing. Furthermore, your trousers should not limit your movement. It's advisable to go for a stretchy fabric or a loose fit for skate pants.
When your trousers offer freedom of movement and are crafted from sturdy material, they are suitable for skating. In fact, some of the best-loved skate pants are workwear trousers. Explore our selection to find your next ideal Skate Pants, and don't miss our excellent range of Skater Belts!
Adjusting Truck Firmness
You can alter how your skateboard maneuvers by adjusting the trucks. It should react when you lean in different directions while riding. If it doesn’t, think about slightly loosening them. On the other hand, if maintaining control is tough due to excessive board movement, then tighten them. Altering the kingpin nut can greatly impact your skateboard’s ride and handling!
Since every rider differs in height and weight, the force they exert on the trucks varies. Therefore, there’s no fixed rule for truck tightness, so it’s wise to experiment until you find the ideal adjustment for smooth, steady rides.
Watch this tutorial showing how to tweak your skateboard trucks, and don’t forget that a Skate Tool is a wise, budget-friendly investment.
Components of a Skateboard – Understanding Its Structure
Creating your personal skateboard from scratch is the way to go for serious skaters. Even when getting a beginner complete, knowing the basics of the components involved—the skateboard’s anatomy—is beneficial.
There are good reasons for beginners to select a custom skateboard. Be it admiration for the graphics on an individual deck or seeking top-notch trucks, assembling your own board allows you the freedom to select each component according to your needs.
If you feel uneasy about applying grip tape or mounting wheels, try out our Custom Skateboard Builder. Our skilled team can put the whole skateboard together, ensuring it’s ready to roll straight out of the box.
Let’s quickly go over the diverse parts of a skateboard:
The Deck of the Skateboard
Typically, skateboard decks are made from several layers of wood, referred to as ply. Most decks for performing tricks use 7-ply maple. Beginner boards are often crafted from denser maple for added resilience. The deck is pivotal, providing the platform for all stunts and moves.
Refer to our comprehensive Guide to Buying Skateboard Decks, or take a look at our extensive collection of Skateboard Decks.
Trucks of the Skateboard
Mounted beneath the skateboard deck, trucks are metal T-shaped parts where the wheels are fixed. Acting as the skateboard’s steering mechanism, they significantly influence its handling and overall riding experience.
For more insights regarding skateboard trucks, including bushings, hangers, and baseplates, delve into our detailed Skateboard Truck Buying Guide. If you know what you want, explore our full selection of Skateboard Trucks.
Wheels for Skateboards
Skateboard wheels, crafted from polyurethane, vary in size, rigidity, and shape, significantly impacting smoothness, speed, and grip.
As a novice, you should be mindful of the wheels' hardness, traditionally rated on the durometer scale. These are our beginner wheel recommendations:
- Young riders should pick wheels rated at 92A or softer.
- Adult newcomers should opt for wheels rated at 97A or less.
In terms of diameter, beginners interested in tricks should select wheels between 52 - 54 mm.
For in-depth details on skateboard wheels, read our extensive Guide to Buying Skateboard Wheels. You can also browse through our entire range of Skateboard Wheels. To simplify your search, the wheels can be filtered by hardness or other relevant features.
Bearings for Skateboards
Found inside the wheels, skateboard bearings are key to ensuring smooth wheel rotation, aiding the board in rolling effortlessly with minimal friction. Bearings come in various ABEC ratings, from ABEC 1 to ABEC 9, with higher numbers indicating smoother performance. Yet, in skateboarding, factors like the quality of materials, lubrication, and upkeep influence performance more than the ABEC rating alone. Therefore, beginners don’t need to pay much attention to the ABEC rating.
If you notice a decrease in wheel spin efficiency, refer to our guide on How to Clean and Maintain Bearings.
Explore our full collection of Skateboard Bearings, or delve into the complexities in our detailed Bearing Guide.
Griptape for Skateboards
Griptape, the gritty, sandpaper-like covering on the skateboard deck’s top, improves your handling by preventing foot slippage. As you slide your foot over the deck, griptape provides the friction needed. This, combined with the abrupt lift-off of the tail against the ground, lets you raise the board higher when performing ollies.
Griptapes are available in diverse colours, graphics, or as clear options. Explore our range of Skateboard Griptape and see the array of options!
If you need guidance on applying griptape, here’s a short video on the process:
