Looking to buy your first skateboard? Consider your skill level, budget, and the type of riding you plan to do. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right purchase.
Skateboarding is a popular sport among all ages, with a global community spanning many cultures. As a beginner, choosing your first skateboard can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available. Not to worry, this guide is here to give you practical tips and suggestions to help you make an informed decision. Whether you plan to ride street, park, or transition, we’ve got you covered. From skateboard parts to safety gear, let’s dive into the basics of buying your first skateboard.
Credit: www.skatewarehouse.co.uk
Skateboard Basics
Buying your first skateboard can be an exciting experience, but it can also be daunting if you’re not familiar with the basics. Skateboarding is a fun sport that requires skill, balance, and practice, and choosing the right skateboard is crucial for your success.
In this guide, we’ll go over the essential elements of skateboard basics, including different parts and types of skateboards, how dimensions impact performance, recommended skateboard size based on age, height, and weight, and choosing between a complete board and building your own.
Let’s dive in!
Different Parts And Types Of Skateboards
Before you buy a skateboard, it’s helpful to understand the different parts and types of skateboards available.
- Deck: the main board part of the skateboard that you stand on.
- Trucks: the metal t-shaped part under the deck that holds the wheels and enables you to turn.
- Wheels: round, hard plastic pieces attached to the trucks that enable you to move and roll.
- Bearings: small metal pieces that fit inside the wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly.
- Longboards: longer and wider than traditional skateboards, they offer more stability and are ideal for cruising and downhill riding.
- Cruiser boards: similar to longboards, but shorter and more lightweight, they are great for cruising and transportation.
- Skateboards: traditional skateboards are versatile for street riding, tricks, and skate parks and are what we will focus on in this guide.
Understanding Skateboard Dimensions And How They Impact Performance
Skateboard dimensions impact how the board performs.
- Deck width: the width of the deck, measured in inches, ranging from 6. 5 to 10 inches. Wider decks provide more stability, while narrow ones are better for tricks.
- Deck length: the length of the deck, measured in inches, ranging from 28 to 32 inches, or longer for longboards and cruisers.
- Wheelbase: the distance between the inner mounting holes of the trucks. Shorter wheelbases provide better maneuverability, while longer ones offer more stability.
- Concave: the curve of the deck from side to side. Different degrees of concave can affect the board’s response and how it feels under your feet.
Recommended Skateboard Size Based On Age, Height, And Weight
Choosing the right skateboard size depends on your age, height, and weight.
- Kids under five years old: mini skateboards with a deck width of 6. 5 to 7.
- Kids aged six to eight: skateboards with a deck width of 7. 3 to 7.
- Kids aged nine to twelve: skateboards with a deck width of 7. 5 to 7.
- Teenagers and adults: skateboards with a deck width of 7. 8 to 8.
Your height and weight also play a role in choosing the right size skateboard. Taller and heavier riders may prefer wider and longer boards for better stability and control.
Choosing Between A Complete Board And Building Your Own
When buying your first skateboard, you can choose between a pre-assembled complete board or building your own custom skateboard.
- Complete board: an easy and convenient option, complete skateboards come pre-assembled, and you can start riding right away. However, they may not be as high-quality or customizable as building your own.
- Building your own: building your own custom skateboard can be fun, and you have more control over the quality of the parts. However, it can be more time-consuming and challenging if you’re not familiar with the parts and assembly process.
Buying the right skateboard can make a big difference in your skateboarding experience. By understanding the different parts and types of skateboards, the impact of dimensions on performance, and the recommended size for your age, height, and weight, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect board for you.
Whether you choose a complete board or build your own, remember to have fun and stay safe while riding!
Customizing Your Skateboard
Skateboarding is a thrilling activity that requires a quality skateboard to execute tricks and enjoy the ride. While buying a skateboard off the rack might seem convenient, customizing a skateboard offers many advantages. In this guide, we’ll be discussing the importance of customization, specific aspects to consider, and how to assemble your customized skateboard.
Importance Of Creating A Customized Skateboard
Personalizing your skateboard offers several benefits, some of which include:
- Comfort: customizing your skateboard ensures that you have a comfortable ride. It’s important to choose components that work best for you to avoid discomfort while riding.
- Performance: skateboarding requires different components to support different styles. Customization allows you to choose components that complement your style, providing a better riding experience.
- Durability: skateboarding can be rough on your skateboard, and customized parts are often of higher quality ensuring greater durability.
- Style: skateboarding is all about self-expression, and customizing your skateboard offers you the opportunity to show off your unique style.
Different Aspects Of Customization Including Grip Tape, Trucks, Bearings, And Wheels
Several aspects of a skateboard can be customized.
Grip Tape
Grip tape is a sandpaper-like material that goes on top of the board to provide traction.
- Colorful graphic designs
- Clear, so you can show off the board design
- Coarse-grit for more traction
- Fine-grit for less friction
Trucks
Trucks join the board and wheels, allowing you to make turns.
- Width: different trucks fit different board sizes
- Height: the height affects the board’s stability
- Material: some trucks are created from stronger materials, enhancing their durability
Bearings
Bearings fit inside the wheels to allow them to spin smoothly.
- Materials: some bearings are made of ceramic or metal, providing a faster and smoother ride
- Abec rating: the higher the rating, the higher the precision and speed
Wheels
Wheels come in different sizes, material and have a range of softness/hardness.
- Width: wider wheels are more stable, while narrow will allow for more control
- Durometer: wheels come in a range of softness to hardness therefore undergo less or more friction depending on the surface.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Each Component
There are several factors to consider when choosing each component of your skateboard, some of which include:
- Budget: customizing your skateboard can be expensive, and it’s important to ensure you stay within your budget.
- Comfort: your skateboard components must be comfortable to ride on.
- Skill level: different components work better for different skill levels, and it’s important to choose components that work best based on your skills.
- Style: your skateboard components should reflect your unique style.
How To Assemble Your Own Skateboard
Assembling your skateboard ensures that the components fit together correctly.
- Mount the grip tape onto your skateboard deck
- Place the trucks onto the deck
- Secure the wheels onto the truck axles
- Insert the bearings into the wheels
- Tighten the nuts onto the axles
Customizing your skateboard is a great way to improve your skating experience. By considering factors like comfort, performance, durability, and your unique style, you can assemble a deck that works best for you. Remember to make sure that your skateboard is comfortable, supportive of your skill level and, most importantly, allows you to have fun while cruising around.
Choosing Your First Skateboard – The Complete Setup
Where To Buy Skateboards
Buying your first skateboard can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. Choosing the right skateboard for your needs is crucial, but so is deciding where to buy it from. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of shopping online versus in-store, review some of the most popular skateboard brands, and help you make an informed decision.
Online Vs In-Store Shopping
When it comes to buying a skateboard, you have the option of shopping online or in-store.
Online Shopping
Benefits:
- Convenience: no need to leave your home; you can shop at any time.
- More options: you can compare prices and selection from multiple stores.
- Reviews: you can read reviews from other customers to help with your decision.
Disadvantages:
- No physical examination: you cannot examine the skateboard before purchasing.
- Shipping time: it may take a few days for your skateboard to arrive.
- Shipping fees: you may have to pay extra fees for shipping.
In-Store Shopping
Benefits:
- Physical examination: you can touch and feel the skateboard before purchasing.
- Instant gratification: you can take home your skateboard the same day.
- No shipping fees: you can avoid paying shipping fees by visiting the store in person.
Disadvantages:
- Limited options: you may be limited to the selection of a single store.
- Inconvenience: you have to travel to the store during their business hours.
- No reviews: you cannot read customer reviews before making your purchase.
Reviews Of Popular Skateboard Brands
When it comes to buying a skateboard, choosing the right brand is crucial.
Element
- Well-known brand with decades of experience.
- Known for their quality decks and wheels.
- Offers a variety of skateboard setups for different skill levels.
Baker
- Well-known for their fun graphics.
- Known for their quality boards and trucks.
- Offers a variety of skateboard setups for different skill levels.
Santa Cruz
- Known for their iconic graphics.
- Offers a variety of skateboard setups for different skill levels.
- Known for their quality decks and wheels.
Zero
- Known for their high-quality boards and trucks.
- Offers a variety of skateboard setups for different skill levels.
- Known for their durability.
When it comes to buying your first skateboard, there are many things to consider. Ultimately, the decision of where to buy your skateboard from is a personal one. Whether you decide to shop online or in-store, make sure to do your research to find the best skateboard for your needs.
With the right skateboard setup, you can enjoy hours of fun and improve your skills.
Safety Tips For Skateboarding
Skateboarding is an exciting and fun activity that can bring so much pleasure and thrill to anyone who tries it. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that skateboarding can also be dangerous if you’re not equipped with the right safety gear or following the appropriate skateboarding etiquette.
Putting on proper safety gear and following the safety rules are essential for ensuring maximum safety when skateboarding. In this section, we’ll be discussing the different safety tips to keep in mind when skateboarding.
Importance Of Safety Gear
Wearing safety gear while skateboarding should always be a top priority for anyone, whether you’re an amateur or a pro skateboarder. It can help protect you from serious injuries, bruises, broken bones or even death.
- helmet – a helmet is the most essential safety gear when skateboarding. It helps protect your head from impact in case you fall off your skateboard. When choosing a skateboard helmet, look for one that’s certified by recognized organizations such as astm, snell and cpsc.
- shoes – wearing sturdy skate shoes is also important for ensuring maximum safety. Skate shoes provide a better grip and help protect your feet from injuries.
- elbow and knee pads – these pads help protect your elbows and knees from bruising or injuries. They are highly recommended for individuals who are just starting their skateboarding journey or who have a history of injuries.
Different Types Of Safety Gear And How To Choose The Right Ones
Choosing the perfect safety gear that suits your style and preference is an important step before starting skateboarding.
- size – get safety gear that fits you perfectly. If the gear is too loose or too tight, it can cause more harm than good.
- type of activity – different types of skateboarding require a different set of safety gear. Someone who loves doing tricks may need different safety gear from someone who likes cruising around the streets.
- brand – always go for a reputable brand when choosing safety gear. These brands are known to provide quality and durable gear that will last longer.
Safe Skateboarding Practices And Etiquette To Follow
Safe skateboarding practices and etiquette are crucial rules that you must follow when skateboarding.
- never skateboard barefoot – skateboarding barefoot puts you at risk of getting injured by your skateboard’s grip tape.
- practice in the right area – join skateboarding sessions or find a skate park where you can learn and practice new tricks safely.
- be aware of your surroundings – keep an eye out for anyone who may be in your way. Skateboard in areas where there are fewer pedestrians or vehicles.
- always yield to others – when someone is in your way, it’s important to slow down or stop to prevent any accidents from occurring.
- don’t vandalize – graffiti might look cool, but it can cause legal trouble and can damage public property. Skate in an area where it’s allowed and respect the local laws.
Following safety tips, using proper safety gear, and adhering to safe skateboarding practices and etiquette can go a long way in ensuring your safety when skateboarding. Remember to stay safe and have fun!
Conclusion
In the world of skateboarding, choosing the right skateboard is crucial, especially if you are a first-timer. By now, you should have a better understanding of what you need to consider when purchasing your first skateboard, including the deck size, wheel size, and board material.
Additionally, you should have a good idea of how much you are willing to spend and where to buy the skateboard. It’s important to remember that skateboarding is a fun and thrilling activity, but it also requires practice, patience, and a commitment to safety.
Don’t be intimidated by the sport and take your time to learn and grow as a skateboarder. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect skateboard that suits your needs and style. Happy skating!
