Table of Contents
Want to learn to skateboard?Awesome!Skateboarding is super fun.But first, you need a skateboard board.Choosing one can feel like a puzzle.There are so many shapes and sizes!Don't worry, it is not as hard as it looks.This guide will help you pick the best skateboard board.We will talk about sizes, shapes, and what boards are made of.We will even tell you how to keep your skateboard board in good shape.Ready to roll?Let's get started and find the perfect skateboard board for you!
Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
Size Matters | Wider boards are stable. Narrower boards are good for tricks. 8.25" is a good all-around width. Pick the right width for your shoe size and height. |
Shapes and Concave | Popsicle shape is common. Shapes like Full Shape or Shaped are also available. Concave affects how the board feels and turns. Medium concave is a good start. |
Materials | Most boards are made of 7-ply maple wood. This makes them strong and flexible. |
Brands | Buy from known skateboard brands for quality. Good brands make boards that last longer. |
Trucks and Wheels | Make sure your trucks fit your board width. Check your wheels are good for the type of skating you do. |
Care and Keeping | Replace your board when it gets too worn. Keep your board dry and away from heat. This will make it last longer. |
Understanding Your Skateboard Board: Size and Shape
Understanding Your Skateboard Board Size And Shape
Deck Width: Finding Your Footing
Imagine your skateboard board is like shoes.You wouldn't wear shoes that are too big or too small, right?It's the same with skateboard boards!The width of the board is super important.It's how wide the board is from side to side.If you have bigger feet, you probably want a wider board.Think of it like having more space to stand.A wider board can feel more stable, kind of like having a bigger surfboard when you are learning to surf.If you have smaller feet, or want to do cool flip tricks, a narrower board might be better.It's easier to move a narrower board around, like wearing sneakers that are light and easy to jump in.
Deck Length: Long or Short Ride?
Now, let's talk about how long your skateboard board is.This is the length from the nose (front) to the tail (back).Longer boards are often easier to balance on, especially when you are just starting out.They give you more room to move your feet around and feel steady.Think of a longboard; they are super long and great for cruising.Shorter boards are lighter and can be easier to control for tricks in skateparks.They are snappier and turn quicker.It's like choosing between a big comfy car for a road trip or a small sports car for zipping around town.Most skateboard boards are somewhere in the middle, not too long and not too short, so they are good for lots of different skating styles.Want to learn more about different styles? Check out alpine snowboarding styles, even though it's snowboarding, the idea of different styles is similar!
Shape and Concave: It's Not Just Flat
Look at a skateboard board from the side.Is it totally flat like a pancake?Nope!Most skateboard boards curve up a little bit on the sides.This curve is called "concave."Concave helps your feet grip the board and makes it easier to turn and do tricks.Imagine trying to steer a sled that was totally flat - hard, right?Concave gives you something to push against with your feet.There are different types of concave too.Some boards have a mellow, gentle curve (low concave).Others have a more dramatic curve (high concave).Medium concave is usually a good place to start because it's in the middle and works well for many skaters.And the overall shape of the board?Most are "popsicle" shaped, which is like a symmetrical shape with a nose and tail that look pretty similar.But you can also find shaped boards that look a bit different, maybe with a pointy nose or a square tail.These shapes can change how the board feels and rides.It's all about finding what you like best!Just like snowboard shapes matter for different terrains, snowboard training also emphasizes understanding your equipment.
Board Feature | What it Affects |
|---|---|
Width | Stability, foot size fit, trick ease |
Length | Balance, cruising vs. tricks, board control |
Concave | Foot grip, turning ability, trick performance |
Picking the Perfect Skateboard Board: Materials and Brands
so you know about size and shape.Now let's chat about what skateboard boards are actually made of and why brands matter.Think of your skateboard board like a superhero's suit.It needs to be strong but also flexible, right?Most skateboard boards are made from maple wood.Yep, the same kind of tree that gives us yummy maple syrup!But not just any maple, it's usually Canadian or hard rock maple.This wood is super tough and can take a beating when you are learning to ollie or grinding rails.They glue together seven thin layers of maple, it is called 7-ply.This makes the board strong and bouncy.It's like a stack of pancakes, but way stronger and for skating, not eating!
Material | Why it's Used |
|---|---|
Maple Wood (7-ply) | Strong, flexible, durable, perfect for skateboarding |
Taking Care of Your Skateboard Board: Keeping it Rolling
Taking Care Of Your Skateboard Board Keeping It Rolling
Your skateboard board is your trusty sidekick.Treat it well, and it will roll with you for ages.Think of your board like your bike.You wouldn't leave your bike out in the rain all the time, would you?Same goes for your skateboard board.Water is like a monster for skateboards.It can make the wood soft and weak, and nobody wants a soggy board.So, keep it dry!Don't leave it in puddles or out in the rain.If it gets wet, wipe it down like you are drying off after a swim.Also, hot sun isn't great either.Imagine leaving a chocolate bar in the sun – it gets melty and weird.Too much heat can warp your board, making it lose its shape.Keep your skateboard board in a cool, dry place when you are not using it.It will thank you by staying strong and ready to roll.Just like you need to check your snowboarding gloves for wear and tear, give your skateboard a once-over now and then!
Skateboard Board: Your Ride Awaits
So, you have learned a lot about skateboard boards.It might seem like a lot at first.But really, picking a skateboard board is about what feels right for you.Think about what kind of skating you want to do.Do you want to do tricks at the skatepark?Or just cruise around the streets?Your answers will help you choose the best board.Remember, a good skateboard board is your friend.Take care of it, and it will take care of you.Now go out there, find your perfect skateboard board, and start skating!