If you're a beginner looking for your first skateboard, you've come to the right place. Our crew is full of daily skaters, so we put our heads together to give you the basics on how to choose the right skateboard for the kind of skateboarding you want to do.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Parts of a Skateboard
- Types of Skateboards
- Skateboard Sizes
- Pre-built and Custom Completes
Parts
Start here to learn all the parts of a skateboard and how they come together to create one of the greatest inventions of all time.
- Deck - Is the standing platform, made from layers of laminated wood.
- Trucks - Allow the board to turn and provide axles for the wheels.
- Wheels - Allow the board to roll and provide housing for the bearings.
- Bearings - Fit inside the sides of the wheels and allow them to spin freely.
- Grip Tape - Applied to the top of the deck to provide grip for your feet.
- Hardware - Nuts and bolts that hold the trucks on the deck.
Types
There are three main types of skateboards that are all very fun and functional for different types of riding. Watch the video and read below to decide whether a standard skateboard, skateboard cruiser or a longboard is the right fit for you.
Standard Skateboards
These are the best skateboards for beginners because they work well for street skating, skate parks and almost all other styles of skateboarding. Typically ridden with hard wheels, these skateboards resemble the shape of a popsicle stick because they feature both a nose and a tail that are exactly or nearly symmetrical. Check out these assembled complete skateboards.
Cruiser Skateboards
If transportation is your goal, cruiser skateboards are our recommended choice. Cruiser are usually a similar length to standard skateboards, but have a large variety of different shapes. They are also typically ridden with soft skateboard wheels for a smoother, faster roll on rough surfaces. Compared to longboards, they are lighter and more nimble, allowing you to bob and weave through urban obstacles.
Longboards
If you are looking for a large stable board that makes it easy to learn to balance, these are the boards for you. They are also ideal for mellow cruising, pushing long distances and skating down hills at high speeds. Check our Guide to Longboarding for more info.
Sizes
What size skateboard should you get? We recommend starting with a skateboard deck width that is proportional to your shoe size. If you wear men’s size 6.5 to 9, start out with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches.
In general, skaters who like flip tricks, manuals, ledges, flat bars and technical tricks usually prefer boards on the narrower side of the spectrum (7.75 – 8.25 inches). Those who skate big bowls, hand rails, or like to jump down large gaps and stairs are usually more comfortable with a larger board (8.25 – 9.0 inches). Wider boards are also great for transportation because they offer a more stable and comfortable standing platform.
TIP: Don’t be afraid to try out different sizes to find out what works best for you. There’s no exact science about deck size – only personal preference.
Skateboard Size Chart
Skaters that are 13+ or wear an adult shoe size of 8+, should be able to handle a full-sized skateboard (7.5" or wider). We offer mid-sized skateboards (7.25 - 7.375") for kids 9-12 years old, mini skateboards (6.75 - 7.25") for kids 6-8 years old, and even micro skateboards (6.5 - 6.75") for kids under 5 years old.
Pre-Built or Custom Completes?
Pre-Built Completes
If you’re looking for your first skateboard, or buying someone their first skateboard, a pre-built complete is a great way to go. They come with everything you need, are usually less expensive, and the parts are picked with beginners in mind.
Custom Completes
If you want to upgrade your parts and personalize your setup for your skating style, we recommend building your own skateboard. Dig into our detailed guides below to learn how to pick the parts for your perfect setup and head to our skateboard builder to create your masterpiece.
Keep Learning
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. You can call, email, chat or IMduring business hours seven days a week. Our customer service staff skates…a lot. They know their stuff and are happy to help you with all things skate.
- 888.450.5060
- info@tactics.com
FAQs
What size skateboard should I get chart? ›
Here's a list of heights to skateboard sizes that you should consider: 4ft 6in or shorter: 7.25” to 7.75” board size. 4ft 6in to 5ft 6 in: 7.75” to 8.00” board size. 5ft 6 inch or taller: 8.00” to 8.50”
What size skateboard should I get with size 12 feet? ›namely your foot size and your method of skateboarding. If you have larger feet, size 12 or above, you will probably be more comfortable on an 8” or larger board. I wear a size 13 and am comfortable on an 8”-10” deck. The other factor is style of skating.
What size skateboard should I get if I'm 5 8? ›...
Size Boards:
| Board Length | Height Range | Stance width |
|---|---|---|
| 29.5” / 75 cm | Upto 5'6” (167 cm) | 20” |
| 30.3”/ 77 cm | 5'6” – 5'8” (167-172 cm) | 20.8” |
| 31.5”/ 80 cm | 5'8” - 5'10” (172-179cm) | 22.0” |
| 32.7”/ 83 cm | 5'11” - 6'1” (180 – 185 cm) | 23.2” |
What size skateboard should you get? We recommend starting with a skateboard deck width that is proportional to your shoe size. If you wear men's size 6.5 to 9, start out with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches.
How do you pick skate size? ›A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. Your toes should barely touch the toe cap, while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. When you're finished lacing up your skates, they should feel snug with the foot resting flat on the footbed.
Is 8.25 deck good for street? ›Skateboard decks between 7.75” and 8.25” are great for street and park skateboarding. If you have smaller feet, are shorter or lighter weight, a narrower deck will also be easier to flip and do tricks with.
Is 8.25 skateboard too small? ›Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what size board works best for you. However, keep in mind that most professional skaters tend to ride boards between 7.5 and 8.25 inches wide. So if you're looking to emulate their style, an 8.0 deck may be a good place to start.
Is 8.5 too big for street? ›Anything between 8.0 and 8.25 is a good size for street skating. Still, there are lots of skaters that love to shred the streets on an 8.5″ and are killing it (Ben Degros for example). I know I'm not making it easier for you but as long as you go for an 8.0, 8.125, or an 8.25″ you can't go wrong.
Should your feet be bigger than your skateboard? ›Generally speaking, a skateboard shouldn't be narrower or wider than the length of your feet. But that's theory. You'll find multiple exceptions depending on your experience level and riding style.
Is it easier to ride a longer or shorter skateboard? ›Longboards are easier to learn the basics, but skateboards are easier to learn tricks. With the larger wheels and board, longboards have more stability. This requires less balance for the rider, making them ideal for beginners.
Is a bigger skateboard better for beginners? ›
SKILL LEVEL Beginners may choose a board smaller than our recommended size range. WEIGHT OF RIDER Riders that have more weight to throw around should choose a board at the top end of the spectrum.
Is a 7.5 skateboard too small for adults? ›7.5” to 8” wide is a medium size which is ideal for kids and teenagers through to adults learning to skate and mastering technical tricks. The thought behind this is that the less board you have under your feet the easier it is to flip and manipulate. Your deck will be lighter and flip faster.
How big is a 8.0 skateboard? ›How long is an 8.0 skateboard? Most 8.0” decks are 31.75” long. Even though there is no set length for skateboard decks. It's not rare to find 8.0” that are 31.63” or 31.875” long.
Should I ride an 8.25 skateboard? ›When you're a newbie, go for an 8.25 or 8.5 deck to provide more stability when you're learning the basics. Wider decks don't flip and pop as easily as narrower decks, but that doesn't mean you can't use them – they just require some extra caution first.
Is 8.5 good for street skating? ›7.50" to 8.00": Medium deck width for teen or adult riders skating street terrain or doing more technical tricks. 8.00" to 8.50": Ideal for various street and transition terrain. Parks, pools, rails, stairs. 8.50" and up: Wider decks great for transition skating, bigger street tricks, pools, or just cruising.
Is there a big difference between 8.0 and 8.25 deck? ›The difference is basically just in its size. ~ A larger size (8.25″) = easier to land tricks and roll around. ~ A smaller size (8″) = easier to lift up for tricks and carry around. Think about it, we're talking about less than an inch in difference!