Nothing combines sports, transportation and fun more than a skateboard. But how do you choose the right skateboard for you? This skateboard buying guide will help you figure out how to buy a skateboard that will be right for you and your ability level. Buying the right skateboard will save you time and money, and you'll enjoy your board for years to come.
The three main components that make up a skateboard are the deck (what you stand on), the trucks (the part that attaches the wheels to the skateboard) and the wheels. All three components have variations, depending on how you will use your board.
When choosing a skateboard deck, the first question to ask is "What do I want to do on my skateboard?" Will you use it to ride ledges, jump stairs or slide down rails? Do you want to skate on ramps? Or do you just want to use your board for transportation? For every function there is a deck that will work best, so know what you want before you buy.
Traditional skateboards
Traditional skateboards are generally 33 inches in length or shorter. They are used for general skateboarding, competitions and also for doing tricks. The more tricks you do, the shorter your board should be, but if you want to ride ledges, rails and stairs, you'll also want to make sure your board is no wider than eight inches. If you want to do some ramp tricks but also use your board for basic transportation, go with a board that is between 8 inches and 8.5 inches wide. If your skateboard is strictly for transportation, the longer and wider it is, the better. The larger the deck you have, the greater your balance and control will be.
When selecting a skateboard deck, you'll want to choose the concavity that best suits your needs. Concavity, which is the curve of the board in relation to its raised nose and tail, determines how well-suited a board is to doing especially difficult tricks. Generally, decks have concave angles that are mellow, medium or steep:
A mellow deck, meaning one that is flatter, is easier to learn to ride on and is good for transportation.
A medium deck will let you do more tricks than a mellow deck.
A steep deck will let you do more involved tricks because your feet feel more attached to your board, allowing for more maneuverability and agility. However, boards with a great deal of concavity are more difficult to control if you're not an experienced skater.
Longboards
Longboards exceed 35 inches in length at the shortest but usually are between 42 and 46 inches long. Unlike traditional skateboards, longboards are primarily used for cruising and transportation. Some longboards are designed to perform more like traditional skateboards than others; these are known as hybrids. While the concavity of longboards also varies, they are generally flatter than traditional skateboards.
The axles that hold the wheels on the skateboard are called trucks. When choosing the proper skateboard trucks, pay attention to three things: width, height and bearings.
Truck width
The truck width should match up with the width of the board. A general rule for selecting the proper truck width is:
| Deck width | Truck width |
|---|---|
| Up to 7.5 inches | 4.75 inches |
| Up to 7.75 inches | 5 inches |
| 8.125 inches and above | 5.25 inches |
Truck height
Truck height varies depending on use. Low skateboard trucks make flips easier and add stability, but you'll also need to use smaller wheels. You can use larger wheels with high trucks, which is better for traveling at higher speeds or longer distances. If you plan on doing a little of everything, medium trucks are best. Medium trucks are also the best choice for beginning skateboarders still learning what they like to do the most on their boards.
Truck bearings
Trucks also have bearings in them, sometimes known as bushings. They are small, donut-shaped pieces that cushion the truck when the skateboard turns. The firmer the rubber in the bearing, the more stable the ride will be, while the softer the bearing, the easier it is to turn.
Beginning skateboarders have more success using stiffer bearings while more experienced boarders like medium bearings that give them greater maneuverability. Very soft bearings are only used by expert boarders who can maintain full control of their skateboards in difficult situations.
The main measurements in skateboard wheels are their size and degree of hardness. The best size of wheel (measured by diameter in millimeters) is determined by how you will be using your board:
For street skating, wheels usually range from 49 to 54 mm.
For tricks and ramp skating, 58 to 62 mm works best.
If you want to cruise on a longboard, the most effective wheels range from 64 to 75 mm.
Hardness, also known as durometer, generally follows the rule that the shorter the board, the harder the wheel should be. Trick skateboard wheels have a durometer of 95 to 100a; cruiser skateboard wheels range from 78 to 85a. There are wheels with durometers that span the range of those two, so you can customize your wheel hardness depending on your personal needs.
I'm fairly new to skateboarding and I fall a lot. Is there a best way to fall?
Falling correctly is an important part of skateboarding. One thing to remember is to run out of a fall. If you know you're going down, attempting to run with your board will often keep you from falling completely or at least prevent serious injury. Another thing to remember is to try and not catch yourself with your hands. Even though this is a natural instinct, it can lead to broken wrists. It's much better to roll when you fall, landing on your shoulder and back. It's a good idea to practice falling, so it comes more naturally when you take that inevitable spill.
I'm over 30 years old and want to learn how to skateboard. Am I too old?
Skateboarding has no age limits, but you have to be honest with yourself about what kind of shape you're in. The older a body gets, the slower it heals, and if you skateboard, you will get hurt. By wearing proper safety equipment and knowing your limitations, you can enjoy skateboarding at any age without fear of serious injury. As a beginner, regardless of your age, you will make mistakes. Don't worry about it and don't try to keep up with younger, more experienced skaters. Enjoy the journey, relax and have fun.
Do I need to wear special shoes when I'm skateboarding?
Technically, you do not need to have special shoes, but shoes specifically designed for skateboarding may help you skate better. Skateboarding shoes have flat soles that can grip the deck securely and are also wider than other shoes. Some skateboard shoes also have built-in padding to help protect your feet and ankles when doing tricks. Another good feature of some skateboard shoes is flaps that cover the shoe's laces, making it more difficult to crash and burn because of a wayward shoelace. The bottom line is that you don't need special shoes, but if you have a pair, they will probably help you skate better and enjoy yourself more.
Don't go skating without the proper protective gear
Riding a skateboard is a lot of fun, but even the most experienced skateboarder will have tumbles and spills on occasion. That's why it is so important to always wear protective gear. The absolute basics are helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. You can also add padded skateboard shoes, wrist pads, ankle pads and a variety of other skating gear designed to minimize the scrapes and bruises associated with skateboarding.
The right clothes are part of your gear
As with all skating and scooter gear, it's also important to have clothes that will allow you to perform to the best of your ability. Fortunately for you, Overstock.com offers a wide selection of sports and fitness clothes that give you full range of motion and protection from the elements while still looking great. Check out our outdoor clothing, fitness clothing and casual clothing to see what works best for you.
When the snow stops -- pick up your snowboard
It's pretty hard to skate when there is six inches of snow on the ground. No problem! Overstock.com offers lots of snowboards that will keep you going all winter long. Take a look at our wide selection of snowboards, snowboard clothing and snowboard gear. From cozy down coats to cold weather gloves, beanies and hats, we have you covered, so you can keep riding year-round.
