Ever watched a skateboarder glide effortlessly down the street and thought, “I want to do that!”? That feeling of freedom and fun is what draws so many people to skateboarding. But then comes the big question: what skateboard should I even get?
For beginners, the world of skateboards can feel overwhelming. There are so many shapes, sizes, and confusing terms! You worry about picking the wrong one, wasting money, or maybe even getting hurt because your board isn’t right. It’s tough to know where to even begin your search for the perfect starter setup.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about choosing your very first skateboard. You will learn about the essential parts and what features matter most for a beginner. By the end, you will feel confident picking out a board that fits you perfectly.
Let’s roll into the basics and get you set up for success on four wheels!
Top Skateboards For Starters Recommendations
- 🛹 Durable & Sturdy: 31.75" long×7.88" wide full size double kick concave design with 7 layers hard Canadian maple deck, withstand the impact of skateboarding and learning new tricks. The max load is up to 220 lbs, durable and sturdy.
- 🛹 Take You a Better Experience: High speed 95A PU wheels work with ABEC9 bearings and 95A High rebound PU bushing. Give you better balance control and shock absorption effect, bring you a better skateboard experience.
- 🛹 We Don't Skimp on Materials: Our skateboard made of waterproof and fastness heat transfer printing pattern design, it can keep luster long time. High density non-slip emery griptape makes you safer during skateboarding.
- 🛹 No Assembly Required: You'll receive a complete skateboard comes with 5" tough magnalium alloy truck which helps save your time and hassle of assembling. Ready to play out of the box!
- 🛹 Suitable for All Level Skaters: Our skateboard is suitable for any level skaters to enjoy outdoor entertainment time, no matter whether you're a beginner or experienced skater. Buy Now - Your Kids Are Waiting!
- Solid&Durable : 7 layers Canadian maple deck,31.75"*7.88", offers perfect balance between toughness and weight. Maximum load weight up to 220 pounds, equipped with 5 inch aluminium alloy trucks. Reliable for beginner and skilled.
- Smooth&Speedy : Super smooth (52mm,95A)High rebound PU wheels with ABEC-9 precision bearings and 95A High rebound PU bushing; Our wheel can give you quick response from the ground,suitable for commuting, skate parks, ramps, pools and other smooth surfaces or even rough ground.
- Master New Tricks : ️Design for beginners and skilled, double kick dissymmetric concave combines with customized emery sand paper give your feet enough locked feeling ,help you learn new tricks quickly.
- Graphic Design: Minimalist Black&White graphic design , printed with thermal transfer printing process allows greater print durability. The pattern lasts much longer.
- No Assembly Required: Come with completed 31.75"* 7.88“ profession skateboard which helps save your time and hassle of assembling. Ready to play out of the box!
- Perfect for beginners: This 31 inch skateboard is a versatile choice for both beginners and pros that want just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability; it's the perfect choice for anyone that wants to ease into skateboarding
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating
- The skateboard is suitable for all skill levels. The skateboard provides just the right fit for Cruising, Carving, Free-Style, Downhill, and more while staying stylish the super cool graphics; it's designed with aluminum alloy trucks to offer more control and stability when riding
- Thoughtful gift idea: If you're looking for a gift for family and friends that like to skate then our wooden cruising skateboard has you covered; it makes the perfect gift for Christmas, Birthdays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, and any other occasion you have in mind
- Solid:The board is 10mm thick and made of 7 layers of maple, Max support weight 225 lbs, Mediate concave makes it ideal for any tricks. Reliable for beginner and skilled.
- Smooth Ride:Super smooth (52mm,95A)High rebound PU wheels with ABEC-9 precision bearings and 95A High rebound PU bushing, our wheel can give you quick response from the ground,suitable for commuting, skate parks, ramps, pools and other smooth surfaces or even rough ground.
- Cool Graphics Design：The patterns of our skateboards are bright and unique. Using thermal transfer technology, the pattern is not easy to fade, and can maintain gloss for a long time. You can choose a variety of styles, very suitable for boys, girls, and adults.
- Easy Contcrol：Specially designed for beginners, all the configurations can ensure that every beginner can control your skateboard well on smooth surfaces
- No Assembly Required: This is a fully assembled skateboard,This skateboard is an ideal gift for teen boys and girls.
- [Maple deck]7 layers Canadian maple wood deck,31’’*8’’ skateboard,It’s very durable and can bear 220lbs weight.Multiple colors to choose from.
- [PU wheels]High elastic PU wheel, effective shock absorption, prolong the service life of skateboard. The thickened truck has been tested for safety and collision. In the process of using, it can give beginners a good experience.
- [Simple design]Classic is permanent. Simple but not boring design, your skateboard in the crowd is not necessarily the most eye-catching, but the most durable. Add more confidence to your sports.
- [Smooth and Speedy] The cruiser skateboard has super smooth 55 x 40 mm 85A PU wheels with ABEC-7 precision bearings and PU bushings. Suitable for skater street, skate parks, ramps, pools and other smooth surfaces or even rough ground.Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions
- [Perfect for Beginners]Very suitable for all stages of the players, especially beginners, it is very easy to operate, this is a complete skateboard, no need to assemble, convenient to use directly after receiving the product.
- Magneto Skateboards: Dive into skateboarding with the Magneto Complete Skateboard Cruiser, a teen skateboard that blends a laid-back California surf vibe with compact portability. Perfect for kids and teens, this beginner skateboard is a dream for cruising and tricks
- Trick-Ready Deck: Featuring a double kicktail, this youth skateboard is a game-changer for ollies, flips, and more. Its asymmetric design adds a unique surf-style vibe, ideal for young skaters ready to explore their trick skateboard potential
- Built Tough: Crafted from premium 7-ply maple wood, this durable deck handles all your skate adventures. The 80-grit grip ensures a secure ride, while the wooden skateboard's Rocket graphics make it a standout choice for big kids and teens alike
- Smooth Ride Components: With SHR formula 51mm 95A urethane wheels, ABEC-5 bearings, and sturdy 5”aluminum trucks, this is not your average kid skateboard. It's built to provide an ultra-smooth ride whether you're cruising sidewalks or mastering tricks
- Inclusive Fun: Perfect for kids 4+ and teens, this skateboard is a hit with everyone from young beginners to seasoned riders. The complete package includes a sticker pack and skate lessons, making the Magneto skateboard a fun choice for all ages
- Perfect for beginners: This 31 inch skateboard is a versatile choice for both beginners and pros that want just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability; it's the perfect choice for anyone that wants to ease into longboarding
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating
- The skateboard is suitable for all skill levels. The skateboard provides just the right fit for Cruising, Carving, Free-Style, Downhill, and more while staying stylish the super cool graphics; it's designed with aluminum alloy trucks to offer more control and stability when riding
- Thoughtful gift idea: If you're looking for a gift for family and friends that like to skate then our wooden cruising skateboard has you covered; it makes the perfect gift for Christmas, Birthdays, New Year's, Thanksgiving, and any other occasion you have in mind
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your First Skateboard
Starting to skateboard is exciting! A good first board makes learning easier and safer. This guide helps you pick the perfect starter skateboard.
Key Features to Look For
Several parts define a good beginner board. Focus on these features first:
Deck Size and Shape
- Width: Beginners usually need a wider deck. A 7.75-inch to 8.25-inch width offers better balance. Bigger feet fit better on wider boards.
- Shape: Look for a “popsicle” shape. This standard shape has a curved nose (front) and tail (back). This shape helps you learn tricks later.
Trucks
Trucks are the metal axles that hold the wheels. They need to be strong and match your deck width.
- Material: Aluminum trucks are standard and durable.
- Height: Mid-height trucks work well for most beginners.
Wheels and Bearings
Wheels control how smoothly you roll. Bearings determine your speed.
- Wheel Hardness (Durometer): Look for softer wheels (around 78A to 85A). Softer wheels absorb bumps better, making rough sidewalks feel smoother.
- Wheel Size: Smaller wheels (50mm to 54mm) are good for street skating and learning tricks.
- Bearings: Bearings are rated using the ABEC scale (1, 3, 5, 7, 9). ABEC 5 or 7 bearings offer a good balance of speed and durability for beginners.
Important Materials
The quality of the materials greatly affects how long your board lasts.
Deck Construction
Most quality decks use layers of maple wood glued together. Look for “7-ply Canadian Maple.” This construction provides the necessary strength without being too heavy. Cheaper boards might use fewer layers or softer wood, which breaks easily.
Grip Tape
Grip tape sticks to the top of the deck. It keeps your feet from slipping. Good grip tape feels rough and sticks well. Ensure it covers the entire top surface.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means your board handles bumps and lasts longer. Poor quality means frustration and quick replacement.
What Improves Quality?
- Solid Trucks: Trucks made from quality aluminum resist bending when you land jumps.
- Strong Glue: Strong glue between the maple plies prevents the deck from delaminating (layers separating) after it gets wet.
- Sealed Bearings: Bearings that resist dirt and water roll faster for longer periods.
What Reduces Quality?
- Plastic Components: Avoid boards where trucks or wheels are made of cheap plastic. These parts fail very quickly.
- Thin Decks: Decks made with less than seven maple plies often snap under pressure.
- No-Name Brands: Boards sold in general toy stores often use the cheapest parts available. Stick to reputable skate brands.
User Experience and Use Cases
Where you skate matters when choosing your board.
Cruising and Transportation
If you plan to ride mainly on smooth sidewalks or paths to get around, prioritize softer wheels (around 78A). Softer wheels provide a much more comfortable ride. A slightly wider deck (8.0 inches) also helps with stability while cruising.
Learning Basic Tricks (Ollies, Shuvits)
If your goal is to learn tricks at the skatepark, you need a standard setup. Look for a medium-sized deck (around 8.0 inches) with medium-hard wheels (around 99A). This setup is versatile for both riding and light trick practice.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Starter Skateboards
Q: How much should a good beginner skateboard cost?
A: Expect to pay between $70 and $120 for a quality complete skateboard built by a recognized skate brand. Avoid anything significantly cheaper.
Q: Should I buy a complete board or build one piece by piece?
A: Beginners should absolutely buy a “complete” board. These come pre-assembled with compatible parts, saving you time and ensuring the components fit together correctly.
Q: What is the best deck size for an adult beginner?
A: Most adult beginners do well with a deck between 8.0 inches and 8.25 inches wide. This offers good stability without feeling too cumbersome.
Q: Do I need riser pads?
A: Riser pads sit between the truck and the deck. Beginners usually do not need them unless they buy very large wheels (over 56mm) to prevent “wheel bite” (when the wheel rubs the deck during turns).
Q: How do I adjust the trucks?
A: Tight trucks make turning harder but increase stability. Loose trucks make turning easier but can cause wobbles at speed. Use the skate tool to tighten or loosen the large kingpin nut in the center of the truck.
Q: What is the difference between a cruiser and a street deck?
A: Cruisers often have softer wheels and sometimes a kicktail but lack the defined nose/tail needed for flip tricks. Street decks have the symmetrical nose and tail essential for learning advanced maneuvers.
Q: Will a heavy board make learning harder?
A: Yes. Lighter boards are easier to lift and maneuver when learning tricks. Quality maple decks are light but strong.
Q: How often should I replace my wheels?
A: Wheels wear down slowly. If you skate often, you might replace them every 6 to 12 months. Look for flat spots on the wheel as a sign they need changing.
Q: Are pre-assembled boards always lower quality?
A: Not necessarily. Many reputable skate companies sell pre-assembled boards using their standard, high-quality parts. The lower quality boards come from generic, unbranded manufacturers.
Q: What is the most important safety gear?
A: A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. Wrist guards and knee pads are also highly recommended, especially while you are still learning to balance.