How to choose your first skateboard
So, you or your kid want to start skating – rad! Let us help you choose the right board from the start. Skateboards come in a variety of types, shapes and sizes and it does matter which one you choose depending on the kind of skateboarding you are going to do.
First of all, before heading to your local skate shop, you have to determine if you want to shred the skateparks and learn tricks, cruise around the city, or just head into the sunset with the wind in your hair and a drink in your hand.
This is particularly important, because the use of the skateboard will determine the type of skateboard you need.
BOARD TYPE
Park/street boards
If you want to learn tricks, skate bowls and rip the skateparks, this is the board for you.
This will also be the board your kids will need if they attend skate lessons at a skatepark.
This type of board is also called a popsicle or a double-kick, due to the deck’s double kicked shape. The close-to symmetrical shape makes this board perfect to perform tricks in the skatepark and skate ramps, rails and street.
The popsicle is the kind of boards that most skaters today associate with the word ‘skateboard’ – and it will also be the type of skateboards you will hear most about here at SlabZoo.
Use this board for:
Skateparks and bowls
Tricks
Street
Transport
Cruisers & Longboards
If you want to cruise along the beach path, down-hill or just for transport, cruisers & longboards are for you.
They do not have the pop as the street boards have, but are great for cruising wide paths and streets.
The wheels are bigger and softer which makes it easier to skate on uneven surfaces. These boards often have a pointy nose and If you get associations to snowboards or surfboards you are not way off. These boards are made for riding the streets as a snowboarder would ride the slopes.
Use this board for:
Downhill
Transport
City cruising
Carving and surf & snowboard training
DECK SIZE
Yes, the skateboard deck size does matter.
The most important dimension of the skateboard to consider is the deck width. The length is secondary.
Go bigger rather than smaller
Generally speaking, a too small board is harder to keep your balance on. So, kids (and adults) will be more stable on a bit bigger board. When kids are learning the basics of skateboarding, it is better for them to have a bigger, more stable board – since it’s easier to balance.
Only exception is very young children. They might enjoy playing around on a micro- or mini-deck, but as soon as they are comfortable and start standing up rather than sitting or laying down, you should invest in a bigger board.
Full-Size Deck
Deck width: 7.5” or larger
Deck length: 29” +
A full-sized board will often be a good option – even for kids as young as 5-6 years old. As long as it is not too big.
“Choose a 7.5” - 7.75” and your kid will be off to a great start. ”
From age 8 a 7.75” is a good option. Some more experienced kids get a size 8” from age 10+, whereas others stick with 7.75”.
Micro, mini & mid-sized boards
Deck width: 6.5″ – 7.3”
Deck length: 27.2” – 29”
It is possible to buy small kid sized skateboards, the so-called micro-, mini- and mid-size boards. The advantage of these boards is that they are smaller and lighter than full-sized boards, which makes them easier to move around.
However, it is usually not necessary to get a specific kid sized board unless your child is very young. We’re talking 2-4 years. For these small kids a mini- or mid-sized board can be beneficial, but they will outgrow them fast.
Adults who want to pick up skateboarding (again or for the first time)
Aim for a board size 8” and up.
Generally speaking, a lot of adults actually choose too small skateboards, especially if they skated back in their teenage years - the recommended deck size has changed to the bigger side since daddy and mummy were young. Still, skateboard size is somehow a matter of personal preference. More technical skaters usually prefer the smaller sizes, while transition (ramp & bowl) skaters prefer the bigger ranges.
WHEELS & TRUCKS
The wheels are fitted to the trucks and the trucks are bolted to the deck.
The wheels come in different sizes and hardness. Harder wheels are better for tricks and skateparks, softer wheels are better for rough street and cruising.
Trucks come in different widths and they have to fit the deck size they get attached to.
If you buy your board in a proper skateshop, they will make sure to fit the most appropriate trucks to the deck you choose and help you match the wheels with your skating needs.
GRIP TAPE
The grip tape is a sandpaper-like sheet that you stick to the top of the deck. It gives your feet grip and it keeps you on the board. Without grip tape your feet will slide off.
All respectable skate shops will apply the grip tape to your deck for free, if you ask them to.
