Skateboarding ranks among the world’s most popular sports with 85 million active riders across the globe. New riders need the right skateboard to build confidence and stay safe. The right board helps beginners progress faster in their skating experience.
Beginners should understand the basics of skateboard parts to make smart choices. The detailed breakdown includes everything from decks and trucks to wheels and grip tape. New riders will learn about skateboard sizes and wheel specifications that match their needs. They’ll also discover the differences between complete and custom setups. Popular skateboard brands offer great options for beginners, and practical tips help riders choose boards that fit their skill level.
Understanding Skateboard Components
The skateboard’s performance and durability rely on five key parts that work together perfectly. New skaters who understand these basics can choose their first board wisely.
Decks
A skateboard’s deck forms its core foundation with seven maple wood layers. Beginners should start with standard popsicle-shaped decks that work great for street skating and skate parks. The symmetrical design of nose and tail lets riders perform tricks and adapt different riding styles easily.
Trucks
The metal T-shaped trucks connect the wheels to the deck. These essential components consist of a baseplate, hanger, kingpin, and bushings. Bushings determine how responsive the board is when turning, and the hanger keeps everything stable during tricks and grinds. The truck’s width should match the deck’s width to achieve the best performance.
Wheels
Skateboard wheels are available in different sizes and hardness levels:
| Wheel Size | Best For |
| 50-53mm | Technical street skating |
| 54-59mm | All-around skating |
| 60mm+ | Cruising and rough surfaces |
Bearings
Bearings make wheels rotate and affect riding speed by a lot. Each wheel needs two bearings that contain:
- Inner and outer rings
- Steel balls for rotation
- Protective shields
- Ball retainer cage
Grip tape
Grip tape is a sandpaper-like material that sticks to your deck’s top surface and provides traction for foot placement and trick execution. The right grip tape plays a vital role in your board’s control and helps you nail simple tricks. Today’s grip tapes feature different textures and patterns that let riders personalise their board’s feel and look.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Size
The right skateboard size affects how well riders control their boards and get better at skating. Riders need to pick their perfect size based on factors of all types, from their body type to the way they want to skate.
Deck Width
Skateboard deck width is the most significant measurement to consider when selecting a board. Standard widths range from 7.5″ to 8.5″ for most adult riders. Narrower boards (7.5″ to 7.75″) give better control for technical street skating and flip tricks. Wider boards (8.25″ and above) boost stability for transition skating and ramps.
| Rider Type | Recommended Width |
| Children (5 & under) | 6.5″ – 6.75″ |
| Youth (6-12) | 7.0″ – 7.5″ |
| Teens/Adults | 7.75″ – 8.5″ |
Deck Length
Street skateboards measure between 28 and 33 inches in length. Width remains more significant than length, yet length influences the board’s overall feel and stability. Standard popsicle-style decks stretch about 31-32 inches and offer riders an ideal balance of manoeuvrability and stability.
Considerations for Children and Adults
Multiple elements play a role in choosing the right skateboard size:
- Height considerations:
- Under 4’6″: 7.25″ – 7.75″ width
- 4’6″ to 5’6″: 7.75″ – 8.0″ width
- Over 5’6″: 8.0″ – 8.5″ width
Young riders can build confidence with a slightly wider board that offers more stability. Adult newcomers should match their shoe size to the board’s width. Their feet need to rest comfortably without too much overhang. A skateboard that fits properly helps riders use better weight distribution and control while steering. This reduces the chances of speed wobbles or unexpected falls.
Selecting Appropriate Wheels and Trucks
The right wheels and trucks shape a skateboard’s performance. These components are significant for beginners who want to build their perfect setup.
Wheel Size and Hardness
A skateboard’s wheels come in various sizes measured in millimetres (mm) and hardness levels measured by durometer. Riders need different combinations based on their style and skating surface.
| Wheel Size | Best Used For | Recommended Durometer |
| 50-53mm | Technical street skating | 99a-101a |
| 54-59mm | All-around/Park skating | 96a-99a |
| 60mm+ | Cruising/Rough surfaces | 78a-87a |
Truck Width and Height
Your skateboard’s truck width should match the deck width perfectly. Most skaters aim for a tolerance of +/- 0.125″. Skateboard trucks typically come in three different height profiles:
- Low Profile: These trucks excel at technical skating and flip tricks. They work best with wheels sized 48-53mm
- Mid Height: These versatile trucks handle all-around skating needs and pair well with 52-56mm wheels
- High Profile: Riders who love carving choose these trucks. They accommodate larger wheels (56mm+) and provide enhanced turning radius
Bushings
Bushings are polyurethane rings that determine your skateboard’s turning and response characteristics. The durometer rating of these rings directly impacts how your board responds:
- Soft (78a-85a): Your board turns smoothly with maximum response
- Medium (86a-93a): You get a perfect balance of stability and turning
- Hard (94a-100a): The board maintains maximum stability at high speeds
The kingpin nut lets you adjust your bushing’s tightness to customise your board’s response. New riders should choose medium durometer bushings with standard barrel/cone combinations. This setup creates an ideal balance between stability and turning ability.
Assembling Your First Skateboard
Newcomers to skateboarding face a significant decision between choosing a pre-assembled board or building their own setup from scratch. This choice substantially affects both their original experience and long-term satisfaction with the sport.
Complete vs. custom setups
Complete skateboards provide a convenient starting point for beginners, and custom setups allow more personalisation options:
| Aspect | Complete Setups | Custom Setups |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher original investment |
| Assembly | Ready to ride | Requires assembly |
| Quality | Standard components | Premium part selection |
| Customisation | Limited options | Full personalisation |
Where to buy
Quality and authentic skateboarding equipment comes from reputable sources that beginners should trust. Specialised skate shops provide expert advice and quality assurance. Several 10+ years old online retailers sell extensive selections at competitive prices. Local skate shops let customers get into boards physically and provide individual-specific recommendations that match their needs.
Setting up your board
You’ll need specific tools and a good eye for detail to build your board. Here’s what you need:
- A skate tool or appropriate wrenches
- A sharp razor blade
- A metal file or straight edge
Let’s go through these steps to build your board:
- Apply grip tape to the deck
- Take off the protective backing
- Start from the centre and arrange it carefully
- Push down firmly to get rid of air bubbles
- Use the razor blade to trim extra tape
- Install trucks
- Put trucks in place with bushings facing inward
- Add your mounting hardware
- Make sure to tighten nuts evenly on both sides
- Mount wheels and bearings
- Use truck axles to push bearings into wheels
- Add speed rings between bearings
- Lock wheels with axle nuts
- Give wheels a spin to check and adjust tightness
New skaters should check if everything is tight before riding. Be careful not to overtighten as this can damage your board or mess up how it rides. Getting help from an experienced skater during your first build can teach you tricks and ensure everything is set up right.
Safety comes first while using tools, especially razor blades to cut grip tape. Young riders should get help from adults during assembly, particularly with sharp tools or tasks that need extra muscle for bearing installation.
Conclusion
New skateboarders need to pick the right board by looking at several things like deck width and wheel hardness. These basic parts help beginners build a strong base for their skating trip. The right quality parts that match your needs create the best way to learn, and new riders can progress safely with confidence in their early skating days.
The right skateboard choice is the life-blood of developing skating skills. New riders who know about proper sizing, part selection, and how to put it together can make smart choices when buying their first board. This knowledge makes the original riding better and helps riders progress longer in the sport. Beginners can become skilled and confident skateboarders with the right start.
FAQs
What type of skateboard should a beginner choose?
Longboards are highly recommended for beginners due to their ease of use from the outset. Drop-through boards offer even greater stability and simpler pushing by lowering the ride height, making them particularly beginner-friendly. It’s crucial to consider your own size when selecting the size of a longboard.
How can I determine the appropriate skateboard for me?
When selecting a skateboard, consider starting with a deck width of either 7.75″ or 8.0″. These widths are ideal for adult beginners and provide a good balance for learning and performing tricks. As you gain more experience, you might find whether a wider or narrower board suits your style better.
Is a 7.5″ wide skateboard suitable for beginners?
A skateboard width of 7.5” to 8” is considered a medium size, making it suitable for children, teenagers, and adults who are new to skateboarding. A narrower board can be easier to flip and manipulate, which might be beneficial for beginners learning technical tricks.
Can you recommend any affordable pre-built skateboards for someone just starting out?
For beginners looking for an economical option, pre-built skateboards can be a practical choice. Although they may not match the quality of a custom-built board, they are a good starting point. You can find highly rated pre-built skateboards on platforms like Amazon, which offer a variety of options suitable for new skaters.
