Are you thinking of buying a skateboard? The decision to buy a skateboard can seem like an intimidating one, but it doesn’t have to worry. There are several factors involved in choosing the right board for you including size and type of wheel grip, deck size, etc. So follow my guide below to make your life easier!
1. Determine the type of skating and frequency of use
Different types of skating will require different boards. For example, street skating tends to be done on shorter boards with sharper turns, while vert skating (ramp and bowl skating) is done on longer boards with smoother turns. If you’re just starting, it’s important to find a balance between the two so you can learn the basics of both styles.
Once you’ve determined the type of skating you want to do, it’s time to figure out how often you’ll be skating. If you plan on skating every day, then you’ll need a board that can withstand that much wear and tear. On the other hand, if you only plan on skating once in a while, you might not need to invest in such a high-quality board.
2. It’s All About Stability and Balance
Balance is key to skateboarding. The difference between a wider deck and a narrow one like 8 inches makes me more confident while balancing on the board, but this may be just my personal preference as well!
The wider the deck, the easier it is for beginners. An 8-1/2 or 9-inch skateboard provides more stability when you’re starting and knowing basic tricks on your first board will help avoid flipping over during those beginner moments! As long as we’ve established how much space our feet need to perform turns safely then no matter what size wheels are underneath us.
If you want to be on the safe side, go with an 8” deck. Don’t worry too much about it and just make sure that your trucks fit into this size comfortably!
3. Don’t Worry Too Much About the Length of Your Deck
The length of your deck is not nearly as important as the width. In general, you want a deck that is about 28-32 inches long and 8-10 inches wide. However, the length will also depend on your personal preference and skating style. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to try out a few different boards before you make your final decision.
4. Go for a Wide Deck If You’re a Beginner
As I mentioned before, the width of your deck is more important than the length. For beginners, I recommend going for a wider deck. This will give you more stability and balance when you’re learning how to skate. Once you get more comfortable, you can move to a narrower deck.
5. Avoid cheap, plastic skateboards
When you’re first starting out, it’s tempting to buy a cheap, plastic skateboard. But trust me, you don’t want to do this. Not only are they less durable, but they also tend to be less stable and harder to control. You’re better off spending a little extra money on a quality board that will last you longer.
6. Brands Don’t Really Matter, to some extent
There are a lot of different skateboard brands out there, but some people believe that they don’t really matter. Some people think that as long as you have a good quality deck and trucks, the brand doesn’t matter. While it’s true that a lot of the big names in skateboarding are overpriced, there are some brands that offer quality products at a reasonable price. If you’re on a budget, it’s still possible to find a good-quality board. It might just take a little bit of research to find the right one.
7. Look for a Board with Good Pop
When you’re choosing a skateboard, it’s important to look for one with good pop. This refers to the springiness of the board and how easy it is to make tricks. If you’re just starting out, you might not be too concerned about this. But if you’re planning on doing a lot of tricks, then you’ll want to make sure your board has good pop.
8. Pick the Right Wheels for Your Skating Style
There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing the right wheels for your skateboard. But the most important one is your skating style. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of street skating, you’ll want to choose smaller wheels.
This will make it easier to do tricks and maneuver around obstacles. On the other hand, if you’re planning on doing mostly vert skating, you’ll want to choose larger wheels. This will make it easier to maintain your speed when you’re skating on ramps and bowls.
9. Get the Right Bearings for Your Wheels
In addition to choosing the right wheels, you also need to make sure you have the right bearings like ABEC 5 for your wheels. The bearings are what allow your wheels to spin freely. If you have poor bearings, your wheels will not spin as well and it will be harder to skate. There are a lot of different types of bearings, but the most important thing is to make sure they are compatible with your wheels.
10. Go for a Medium or Mellow Concave
The concave of your deck is the curvature of the board. It’s important to choose the right concave for your skating style. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of street skating, you’ll want a shallower concave. This will make it easier to do tricks and maneuver around obstacles. On the other hand, if you’re planning on doing mostly vert skating, you’ll want a deeper concave. This will make it easier to maintain your speed when you’re skating on ramps and bowls.
11. Don’t Forget about the Bolts
Most people don’t think about the bolts when they’re choosing a skateboard, but they are actually very important. The bolts hold your trucks to your deck and keep everything together. If you have loose bolts, your skateboard will be less stable and it will be harder to control. Make sure to check the tightness of your bolts before you skate and tighten them if necessary.
12. Get a Good Grip Tape
Grip tape is what you use to keep your feet on the board. It’s important to choose a good grip tape because it will make it easier to stay on your board and do tricks. If you have poor grip tape, you’ll find it hard to stay on your board and your feet will slip around. There are a lot of different types of grip tape, so make sure to choose one that suits your skating style.
13. Purchase safety gear
One of the most important things to consider when skateboarding is safety. There are a lot of different injuries that can occur when skateboarding, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and take precautions. Wearing protective gear is one of the best ways to stay safe while skateboarding. This includes things like helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads. You might also want to consider wearing wrist guards and gloves. These items can help protect you from serious injuries if you happen to fall.
Razor V-17 Youth Multi-Sport Helmet
The Razor V17 Helmet is a great option for anyone looking for a quality skateboarding helmet. This helmet is made from durable materials and it offers a great level of protection. It’s also very comfortable to wear and it comes in a variety of different colors.
14. Join a Skateboarding Community
Skateboarding is a great way to meet new people and make friends. There are lots of different skateboarding communities that you can join, both online and offline. These communities are a great way to learn new tricks, get advice, and just enjoy the sport of skateboarding.
Some of the best skateboarding communities include:
Joining a skateboarding community is a great way to improve your skills and meet new people. If you’re looking for a way to take your skating to the next level, joining a community is a great option.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of different factors that you need to consider when you’re choosing a skateboard. But if you keep these 14 things in mind, you’ll be able to choose the perfect board for your needs. And once you have the right skateboard, you’ll be able to enjoy skating to its fullest.
Leave a Reply