Unleash Your Ride: The Best Skateboard Setup For Beginners

Starting your skateboarding journey can be exciting, but choosing the best skateboard setup for beginners can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it's hard to know where to begin. That's where kizworld comes in! We'll guide you through the essential components of a skateboard and provide recommendations for a great beginner setup.

Choosing the Best Skateboard Setup for Beginners

Why Choosing the Right Setup Matters

Picking the right skateboard setup is like choosing the right pair of shoes for a marathon – it can make all the difference! You wouldn't want to run a marathon in flip-flops, right? A good setup makes learning easier and more fun. Imagine trying to learn to ride a skateboard that's too big, too small, or just doesn't feel right. It's like trying to learn to ride a bike with square wheels! It's just not going to work very well. A good setup makes you feel more comfortable and confident on the board.

Complete vs. Custom

When you're starting out, you have two main choices: a complete skateboard or a custom setup. Complete skateboards are pre-assembled and ready to ride, kind of like buying a cake already baked and decorated. They're a great option because they take the guesswork out of choosing parts. On the other hand, custom setups let you pick each part individually, like gathering the ingredients and baking your own cake. This gives you more control over how your board feels and performs, but it requires more knowledge about the different parts.

Think About Your Riding Style

Before you go shopping for your setup, think about what kind of skateboarding you want to do. Do you picture yourself cruising around the neighborhood, learning tricks at the skatepark, or a bit of both? Just like there are different types of bikes for different types of riding, there are different types of skateboards for different styles. If you're not sure, a classic popsicle-shaped board is a great all-around choice. It's versatile enough for learning the basics and trying out different styles.

Essential Components of a Beginner Skateboard

Deck

The deck is the wooden board you stand on. Think of it like the body of your skateboard. For beginners, a deck width between 7.75" and 8.25" is a good starting point. It's all about balance - not too narrow, not too wide! Wider decks offer more stability, which is great when you're just starting out. You'll see different deck shapes, like popsicle (the classic), cruiser, and old school. For learning tricks and getting comfortable, a popsicle deck is the way to go. It's like the trusty pair of sneakers of the skateboard world!

Trucks

Trucks are the metal axles that connect your wheels to the deck and let you steer. They come in different sizes to match your deck width. Make sure you get trucks that are the same size as your deck. It's like making sure your shoes fit your feet properly! Trucks have bushings, which are little rubbery bits that affect how your board turns. Stiffer bushings make turning harder, while looser bushings make it easier. Most beginner completes come with medium bushings, which are a good starting point. You can always adjust them as you get more comfortable.

• Backpack
• Tony Hawk
• WKND Skateboards

Best Skateboard Setup for Beginners: Complete Guide

Alright, imagine building your dream skateboard like putting together the ultimate LEGO creation! First, you'll need a deck around 7.75" to 8.25" wide—think Goldilocks, not too big, not too small, just right for starting out! Pick trucks that match your deck's width; they're like the steering wheel for your board. For wheels, go for 52mm to 54mm with a 99A durometer—that's how hard the wheels are. Harder wheels are faster on smooth surfaces, but softer ones are better for bumpy rides. Finally, choose ABEC 5 or 7 bearings; these little guys help your wheels spin smoothly. Remember, a good skateboard for your skill level is key!

Tips for Setting Up Your First Skateboard

Putting It All Together

Now comes the fun part - putting your skateboard together! It's like building a model, but way cooler because you get to ride it! First, you'll attach the trucks to the deck. You'll need some hardware for this, which are just special bolts. Make sure the trucks are centered on the deck, kind of like how the wheels on a car need to be aligned. Then, pop in your bearings into the wheels. Each wheel needs two bearings, one on each side. Think of bearings like tiny ball bearings that help your wheels spin smoothly. Finally, slide the wheels onto the axles of your trucks, and tighten the nuts to keep them in place. Now your board is ready to roll!

Fine-Tuning Your Setup

Once you've got your skateboard put together, it's time to customize it to your liking. You can adjust the tightness of the trucks to change how easily the board turns. If you're just starting out, you might want to keep them a bit looser to make turning easier. You can also experiment with different types of wheels. If you're skating mostly on smooth surfaces, harder wheels will be faster. But if you're skating on rougher terrain, softer wheels will give you a smoother ride. And don't forget about grip tape! Grip tape is like sandpaper that goes on top of your deck. It gives you more traction so your feet don't slip off. You can choose grip tape in different colors and designs to personalize your board. Remember, the best skateboard for your skill level is the one that feels right for you!

• Backpack
• Tony Hawk
• WKND Skateboards

Final Thought

Finding the best skateboard setup for beginners doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding the key components and considering your individual needs, you can put together a setup that will help you learn, have fun, and progress in your skateboarding journey. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the most important thing is to get out there and enjoy the ride!