Finding the right skateboard as an adult beginner can seem hard. This guide makes it easy, explaining different skateboards, key parts, and how to pick one. It covers picking a board that fits your style and goals, considering your budget and brands. You’ll get tips to start your skateboarding adventure the best way.
Key Takeaways
- Common skateboard widths for adults are 7.75″, 8.0″, and 8.25″.
- Recommended deck widths for beginners are 7.75″ or 8.0″.
- Avoid low-cost skateboards often found in toy shops due to poor quality.
- A durometer rating for wheels should ideally be between 90a and 100a for the best balance of grip and durability.
- Quality skateboards enhance learning and enjoyment.
- Recommended deck width for beginners approximately equivalent to the length of the rider’s shoes.
- Safety gear is essential; helmets and knee pads are crucial for protection.
Understand the Different Types of Skateboards
Choosing the right skateboard is key to having a great skating experience. There are different types of skateboards made for various styles of riding.
Street Skateboards are perfect for doing tricks and skating in parks. They have a popsicle shape, which is best for doing ollies and flips on ramps and rails.
Cruiser Boards are made for easy city rides. They have wide, soft wheels for a smooth ride on uneven streets. At the skatedeluxe shop, there’s a 40% discount on complete skateboards, including cruisers.
Longboards are all about stability, which is great for going downhill or traveling long distances. They have a long deck that gives a steady ride, good for any skill level.
Transition boards are wider for more stability when skating in bowls. They’re best for fast runs and big turns in pools or half-pipes.
For new skaters, starting with complete skateboards is a good idea. They’re less expensive and ready to go right away. Check out this guide for beginner adult skateboards for more info.
When picking out a skateboard, think about what size will work for you and the type of skating you want to do. For example, if you wear a US 9 (EU 42.5), you’ll need a deck that’s about 8.00″ – 8.375″. Your skating style will also decide what kind of wheels you need.
Knowing about the different skateboards and what they’re for helps you choose the right one. This way, you’ll have a skateboard that matches how you want to skate.
Consider Your Riding Style and Purpose
Choosing the right skateboard means thinking about where and how you’ll ride. It’s about matching your favorite skateboard riding styles with your skateboarding goals. So, if you want to do street tricks, park skating, or just cruise around, each style needs a different type of skateboard.
Picking the perfect skateboard is key to hitting your skateboarding goals. Let’s dive into what you should look for:
- Street Skateboarding: Love doing tricks and technical moves? A street deck is perfect. They’re usually 7.6 to 9 inches wide, which helps with ollies and kickflips.
- Park Skating: Here, you need a board that’s good for both skatepark features and street skating. Choose something versatile for tackling different challenges smoothly.
- Cruising: For a relaxed ride over long distances, cruisers are ideal. They handle a mix of surfaces well, giving you a stable and smooth glide.
Choosing a skateboard for your style means looking closely at board specs. Slimmer boards are great for tech skateboarding, allowing tight control. But for bowl riding and big drops, go for something wider for more stability.
| Skateboard Deck Size | Description |
|---|---|
| Micro (6.5 – 6.75 inches) | Perfect for young kids (under 5 years old and under 3’4″ tall). |
| Mini (7.0 – 7.5 inches) | Good for children aged 6 – 8 and 3’5″ – 4’4″ tall. |
| Mid (7.25 – 7.35 inches) | Great for those aged 9 – 12 and between 4’5″ – 5’2″ tall. |
| Full (7.5 inches and up) | Advised for teenagers and adults over 5’3″ and usually over 13 years old. |
Getting the right skateboard is about understanding your riding style, goals, and the board’s specs. These factors help ensure you have fun and get the most out of skateboarding.
Essential Components of a Skateboard
Knowing how a skateboard is put together can help you pick the right one for you. The main parts are the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. Each part is important for how the skateboard works and feels.
The deck is the part you stand on. It comes in different sizes to match how tall you are and your shoe size. For instance, popsicle street decks are usually between 7.5 to 9 inches wide. There are different deck sizes: Micro (6.5 – 6.75 inches), Mini (7.0 – 7.5 inches), Mid (7.25 – 7.35 inches), and Full (7.5 inches and wider). If you’re taller than 5’3”, a Full deck is likely the best choice for you.
The trucks are the metal parts in a T-shape that attach to the deck. They bear your weight and help you steer. Make sure the trucks match the width of your deck for the best stability.
Wheels are key for how the skateboard feels when you ride it. Their size and hardness affect grip and how smoothly you roll. Beginners should look for wheels rated between 90a and 100a for a good balance of grip and slide.
Lastly, bearings let the wheels spin without much friction. Good bearings mean a smoother ride. They might not get a lot of attention but are crucial for skateboard performance.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Deck | Flat board, varies in size to accommodate rider’s height |
| Trucks | Metal T-shaped pieces for weight support and steering |
| Wheels | Impact grip and ride, vary in hardness and size |
| Bearings | Enable free wheel spinning, reduce friction |
In conclusion, understanding the parts of a skateboard will help you choose wisely. It also makes skating more fun.
What to Look for in a Skateboard Brand
When choosing skateboard brands, think about several key points. The quality of a brand is very important. Brands like Venom and Enuff are known for their high-quality and durable skateboards. This makes them great choices for beginners.
Focus on skateboard brand quality to better your skating. Skateboards built from 7-ply maple, not Chinese maple, last longer. Also, the right deck width makes skating more comfortable. For most, a width between 7.75″ to 8.0″ is good to start with.
Wheel and bushing hardness matter too. For choosing skateboard brands, aim for polyurethane wheels rated between 90a and 100a. This provides better grip. Your weight should match the bushing hardness for easier turns.
The top brands often sell complete skateboards ready to go. This helps beginners start skating without hassle. For kids under 10 or shorter than 5 feet, a junior-sized skateboard is best. It offers the perfect mix of size and balance for learning.
Budgeting for Your First Skateboard
When you’re ready to buy your first skateboard, setting a budget is key. The price of skateboards can change a lot. But knowing what you need and where you can save money will help. This way, you can find an affordable skateboard that still works great.
A good skateboard for beginners usually costs between $100 and $110. But if you need to spend less, there are good options out there. For example, the CCS complete skateboard costs just $80.
If you want to build your skateboard, start with a budget of about $100. This budget will cover all you need, and it adds up to around $106. This includes:
- Skateboard deck: $35.00
- Wheels: $20.00
- Trucks: $25.00
- Bearings: $12.00
- Hardware: $5.00
- Spacers: $2.00
- Grip tape: $7.00
If you can spend a bit more, a custom setup that costs about $134 is possible. This setup has better parts like:
- Skateboard deck: $45.00
- Wheels: $25.00
- Trucks: $45.00
- Bearings: $12.00
- Hardware: $5.00
- Spacers: $2.00
For a top-quality setup, you’ll need about $167. This includes high-end parts like:
- Premium deck: $70.00
- Wheels: $35.00
- Trucks: $45.00
- Bearings + spacers: $20.00
- Hardware: $7.00
- Grip tape: $7.00
And for the best of the best, a premium setup might cost up to $240. This includes top-tier parts such as:
- Premium deck + graphic: $70.00
- Wheels: $35.00
- Trucks: $60.00
- Bearings + spacers: $30.00
- Hardware: $7.00
- Grip tape: $10.00
Choosing a mid-range skateboard is often the best way to balance cost and quality. This means you’re not just spending money. You’re making a smart choice. Before buying, think carefully about your budget. This will ensure you have a great time skating.
Tips for Buying Your First Skateboard
Getting into skateboarding means you have to pick the right board, which might seem tough. This guide will make buying your first skateboard simpler. Start with a pre-assembled complete skateboard that’s ready to go. It saves you the trouble of picking parts yourself. This is a big help for beginners in making shopping easier.
Choosing the correct size is vital. Most adults do well with deck widths from 7.75” to 8.25″. For starters, try 7.75″ or 8.0″. Street skateboards are usually 32” long. Make sure the skateboard matches your height and what you want to do with it. If your shoe size is 9 or bigger, you should go for an 8” width or more.
Quality matters a lot for your first skateboard. Go for ones made of strong 7-ply maple. This ensures they last longer and perform better. Skip the cheap boards in toy stores or online. Look at wheel hardness too. Adults should pick wheels with a 90A to 100A durometer and diameters of 52-54mm, especially for trick learning. And don’t forget safety gear to stay protected while skating.
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!