Traveling with a skateboard makes your trips more flexible and enjoyable. But picking the right travel skateboard can be tough. You need to know the differences between portable and lightweight skateboards, among others. This guide will show you different options, helping you find the perfect skateboard for your travels.
Key Takeaways
- The average skateboard deck length ranges from 28” to 32”, which may be too large for travel.
- For carry-on compatibility, it’s recommended to choose boards under 23 inches in length.
- Portable skateboards like the Eggboard (19 inches) and Ridge Retro Mini Cruiser (22 inches) are excellent options for travel.
- Most airlines in the U.S. limit carry-on bag lengths to 22 inches.
- Lightweight skateboards, which weigh approximately 1 to 2.2 kilograms, are easier to carry and manage during travel.
- An extra bag fee for checking a skateboard can range from $50 to $70 or more.
- When selecting a skateboard for travel, consider both portability and airline carry-on regulations.
Understanding Your Travel Needs
When you plan your skateboard trips, it’s key to pick a board that suits your skateboard travel considerations. Think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and what you like. These factors help choose the perfect skateboard for your travels.
In the U.S., most airlines let you bring skateboards on board. The TSA allows skateboards as carry-on, making it easier and reducing damage risks. But, in places like Mexico City and Indonesia, checking in your board may be required. Getting travel insurance is smart to help with any possible injury costs. Don’t forget safety gear like helmets and knee pads. In some parts of Australia, not wearing them can cost up to $1,000 in fines.
Knowing the rules is crucial, especially when street skating is banned in some Japanese areas, mainly on busy streets. Connecting with local skaters can boost your trip. They offer tips on where it’s safe and legal to skate, and you’ll make friends too.
When picking skateboards for various places, small, portable boards like penny boards are easier for travel than longboards. If needing to save space, you can take apart your skateboard with a T-tool. This trick helps carry and store your board easily while on the go.
Skateboarding is also great for the environment, cutting down on car use for short trips. For longer commutes, over three miles, choose longboards with soft wheels. They’re more comfortable. In the city, boards with kicktails are better for dealing with rough paths.
Types of Skateboards Suitable for Travel
Looking for the best skateboards for travel? It’s a matter of choosing from longboards, cruisers, or compact boards. Each one has special features and benefits that fit different traveling needs.
Longboards stand out for being stable and fast. They are usually longer than 33 inches. This size helps with better control, especially for downhill skating. Pintail longboards avoid wheelbite during tight turns. Twin tip boards are made for deep carving without wheelbite, thanks to their symmetrical shapes.
Cruiser Longboards are great for those just starting out. They have plenty of deck space, high trucks, and big soft wheels for a smooth ride. Their size varies from 22 to 35 inches, making them light and easy to handle in the city. Mini cruisers are even smaller and lighter, ideal for kids or for easy portability.
Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the key features:
| Type | Size | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longboards | 33+ inches | Stability and Speed | Ideal for downhill, pintail prevents wheelbite |
| Cruiser Longboards | 22 – 35 inches | Beginners, Urban Commuting | More deck space, larger and softer wheels |
| Mini Cruisers | 22 – 25 inches | Young Children, Portability | Ultra-lightweight, compact size |
Comparing longboards and cruisers? Longboards excel at speed, especially downhill. On the other hand, cruisers provide a chill ride, best for city life due to their light design.
Choose the best skateboard for travel based on your needs, whether it’s for speed, stability, easy carrying, or a comfy ride. Whether it’s compact skateboards, longboards, or cruisers, there’s a perfect fit for every adventure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard
Choosing the right skateboard involves several key factors. It’s about finding the perfect match for how you plan to use it. Whether you want a small, easy-to-carry board or a durable one for tricks, knowing what to look for is crucial.
The price of pre-assembled skateboards varies from $75 to $245. This range lets you pick one within your budget. If you’re shorter than 4 feet, go for a deck under 29 inches. But if you’re between 5’8″ and 6’1″, a 32 to 32.5-inch board might suit you better.
The size of the skateboard deck matters a lot. They are usually 28 to 32 inches long and 7.5 to 8.25 inches wide. A narrow deck is more agile, while a wider one offers more stability. Decks are often made from 7-ply or 8-ply maple, which affects their strength and life.
Wheels and trucks hugely influence how the skateboard performs. Street skate wheels are between 52 mm and 60 mm. They help balance speed and control. Trucks for street skateboarding are around 139 millimeters. The wheel’s hardness, shown by its Durometer, is also important. Harder wheels, over 90A, work best on smooth surfaces.
Another key part is the *bearings*, which impact how smooth and fast the skateboard rides. ABEC 5 bearings are well-liked for their mix of speed and price. ABEC 7 bearings, on the other hand, offer even higher speed. And for grip tape, a higher grit around 24 to 80 is better for complicated tricks.
Don’t forget to think about special features too. Some skateboards have cool graphics or wheel wells to stop wheel bite. With 28 brands to choose from and sites like Tactics selling boards at an average of $43.95, there’s a lot of variety.
To make a smart choice, consider these key points. The right mix of deck size, wheels, trucks, and bearings will improve your skateboarding. This will help whether you’re traveling or just having fun.
Top Skateboard Brands for Travelers
Looking for the best skateboard brands for travel is key. Size, durability, and performance are crucial to consider. The brands listed here are top-notch for travel skateboards. They offer unique features that match various riding styles and preferences.
Whether you’re an experienced skater or new to skating, choosing from these top brands can enhance your travel. Here are top skateboard brands designed for travel:
- Oxelo – Known for quality skateboards at good prices, Oxelo presents the Oxelo Big Yamba Cruiser for £49.99. This board is great for those wanting a mix of performance and easy carrying.
- Arbor – Arbor stands out for its sustainability efforts. Having planted over 500,000 trees, Arbor makes great skateboards like the Arbor Street Complete Skateboard and the Arbor Pilsner. Their sizes are: Length 28.75″ (73 cm), Width 8.25″ (20.95 cm), Wheelbase 15.25″ (38.73 cm).
- Globe – If you love to cruise, the Globe Arcadia Longboard for £160 offers a smooth and stable ride. It’s very reliable for traveling.
- Backfire – The Backfire Zealot S2 is praised for its speed and brakes. It’s perfect for long-distance electric skateboarding.
- Santa Cruz – The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand, at £89.99, is great for traveling. It’s famous for its design and flexibility, handling different travel situations well.
- WasteBoards – For eco-conscious skaters, the WasteBoards Blue Cap at £126 is the top choice. Made from recycled materials, it’s eco-friendly and performs well.
Experience the perfect mix of size, speed, and reliability with these skateboards. Picking the right skateboard makes your travels smooth and fun wherever you go.
Comparing Full-Sized Skateboards and Compact Options
If you’re taking a skateboard on your travels, it’s key to look at full-size and mini boards. Full-size skateboards, like the Arbor Oso, offer more stability for longer rides. It’s great for traveling 3 to 5 miles. The Pantheon Pranayama is made for even longer distances, up to 10 miles, because of its design.
Compact boards, or mini skateboards, are super easy to carry. The Landyachtz Dinghy is perfect for trips up to 4 miles, and the Arbor Pocket Rocket is best for short 2 mile trips.
Choosing the right skateboard for travel means considering wheel size and hardness. Bigger wheels, above 60mm and with an 80A durometer, make for a smoother ride on long trips. The Bustin Maestro, for example, is stable and good for 5 to 7 miles, helping city riders.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Skateboard Model | Type | Wheel Size | Recommended Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbor Oso | Full-Size | 60mm/78A | 3-5 miles |
| Pantheon Pranayama | Full-Size | NA | 5-10 miles |
| Landyachtz Dinghy | Mini | NA | 2-4 miles |
| Arbor Pocket Rocket | Mini | NA | Up to 2 miles |
Choosing the best skateboard for travel depends on your needs and how far you’re going. Whether you go with a full-size or mini board, think about your travel style and destination. This will help you make the best choice.
How to Maintain Your Skateboard While Traveling
Keeping your skateboard in great shape on the go is key for smooth rides. Whether it’s a short trip or a long journey, proper care matters. It can even make or break your experience.
Always dry your skateboard if it’s wet. Humidity and saltwater damage it, causing rust and bad performance. This is very important if you’re visiting places near the ocean, like Cambodia.
Wrap your skateboard in plastic when flying to protect it. Taking off the trucks makes it easier to pack. This way, it fits better in your bags and is easier to handle during your travels.
Using strong bags, like big golf bags, helps protect your skateboard. It might make your bag heavier by 5 to 10 pounds. But, it prevents damage and hassle during your trip. Smaller skateboards, like the Yoface, Bonsai, and Maestro Mini, often work as carry-on in the USA. Travelers have had a 70% success rate with them.
| Travel Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Wrap skateboard in plastic | Prevents barcode damage |
| Use oversized golf bags | No additional cost on many airlines |
| Remove trucks when packing | Fits in smaller spaces |
| Dry skateboards thoroughly | Prevents rusted bearings |
| Carry spare parts | Minimizes repair risks |
| Consider smaller boards for carry-on | Easier airport navigation |
Carrying spare parts like screws and bearings is a good idea. They’re light and can prevent big problems. These small parts are easy to bring along and can be lifesavers.
Pack your safety gear and a first aid kit, too. Being prepared means you’re ready for anything. This makes taking care of your skateboard while traveling simple and stress-free.
Safety Tips for Skateboarding on the Go
About 11 million people in the U.S. enjoy skateboarding for fun and getting around. It’s vital to practice skateboarding safety to keep the fun going safely.
The National Safety Council reports roughly 70,000 skateboarding-related emergency room visits each year in the U.S. To stay safe while skateboarding, here are some key skateboarding safety suggestions:
- Always wear protective gear, like a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. This can cut down on injury risk by about 85%.
- Use proper portable skateboarding gear, for example, a skateboard travel bag. This helps protect your board and can reduce damage risks by half.
- Know the rules of airlines like American Airlines and Allegiant Airlines if flying with your skateboard. They have specific guidelines.
Packing your skateboard correctly is essential when traveling. A TSA survey found 15% of travelers have trouble packing sports gear, including skateboards. This can slow you down at security.
| Airline | Policy | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Airlines | Skateboards must weigh under 50 lbs and total dimensions not exceeding 115 inches. | Standard checked baggage fees apply. |
| Frontier Airlines | Allows skateboards as checked baggage, but not as carry-ons. | Fees based on fare options purchased. |
| JetBlue Airlines | Skateboards under 22 inches are allowed as carry-ons. | Conditionally checked items for larger boards. |
Make safety a priority by skateboarding only on smooth paths and staying away from water. Keep your skateboard in top shape by looking after its bearings, trucks, and wheels. This ensures your rides are safe. About 40% of skateboarders also take public transport. Remember, there are rules to follow when bringing sports gear on these rides.
Where to Buy the Best Skateboards for Travel
Looking for the best skateboards for travel is key to a great skating journey. It’s crucial to find shops that are trusted and get good reviews. They should offer a wide variety of skateboards and excellent customer service.
Famous skateboard shops like Zumiez, Tactics, and CCS have a big selection of skateboards for travel. They sell electric skateboards, like the Huger Tech, and smaller, traditional ones. Huger Tech became popular after their campaign on Indiegogo. Their travel board costs $799. It’s fast and can climb hills well. Yet, some users reported missing parts and battery issues.
For those looking at cheaper options, the Blitzart GT is a good pick at $449. It may not have fancy features but offers a good ride. For skaters who want durability, the Shred skateboard is perfect. It uses eco-friendly materials and works well in cities and skateparks. The Shred models come in various sizes, have deep wheel wells, and use 66mm Powell Snakes wheels for a smooth ride on different surfaces.
If you want to skate in places like San Francisco’s hilly streets or follow pros like Sean Malto, choosing the right shop matters. Knowing about each board’s weight, how far it can go, and how well it turns helps in picking the right one for travel. So, when buying a skateboard for your journeys, go for shops that promise quality and reliability. This way, your adventures will always be enjoyable.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!