Choosing the right skateboard setup for skate parks can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment. Whether you’re into smooth, flowing lines or technical tricks, having a board tailored to your style is crucial. This guide will break down the key components and help you create the ideal park setup.
Skate Park Setups: Flow vs. Technical
Skate parks offer diverse terrain, from mini ramps and quarter pipes to rails and banks. The type of skating you prefer will dictate the best setup for you.
Flow-Focused Skateboarding
If you enjoy cruising around, carving smooth turns, and riding ramps and bowls, you’ll want a setup that prioritizes stability and flow. This approach is less about technical tricks and more about maintaining speed and control.
- Wider Decks: Look for a deck around 8.5″ with a mellow concave. The extra width provides a more stable platform, which is essential for maintaining balance while carving and turning. A mellow concave enhances stability, unlike a high concave which promotes responsiveness at the expense of balance.
Skateboard deck with mellow concave for smooth carving in skateparks - Larger, Harder Wheels: Opt for wheels between 56mm and 58mm with a durometer of 97A to 99A. Larger wheels help maintain speed, and the harder durometer ensures they roll smoothly on park surfaces. A wider contact patch also helps improve grip when turning, while hard wheels reduce friction for faster rolling speed.
Diagram showing relationship between skateboard wheel size, speed, and acceleration - High Trucks: High trucks provide more clearance between your wheels and the deck, allowing for better turning and accommodating larger wheels. The increased space between the deck and the wheels provides more leverage for deeper carves.
Illustration of skateboard trucks height and matching wheel sizes for skatepark riding - Quality Bearings: Invest in high-quality bearings like Bones Reds or Bronson G2. These are designed for skateboarding, are durable, and will keep you rolling smoothly. Remember to clean and lubricate them regularly to maintain their performance.
Technical Skateboarding
If you’re more into technical tricks, like ollies, flips, grinds, and gaps, your setup should be responsive and lightweight. This setup leans towards what you might see in street skating, but with adjustments to optimize for park terrain.
- Narrower Decks: Choose a deck around 8.0″ to 8.25″ with a medium-high concave. A narrower board is more responsive, which allows you to execute technical tricks with greater precision. The medium-high concave enhances board feel, allowing for quick pops and flips.
Skateboard with 8.0 inch deck for technical street style skating in the park - Medium-Sized, Hard Wheels: Go for wheels around 54mm with a durometer between 99A and 104A (84B). This size provides a balance between speed and responsiveness for technical tricks. Harder wheels are crucial for preventing bounce when landing tricks.
- Medium Trucks: Medium-height trucks provide a good balance between responsiveness and stability, allowing for controlled turns and precise movements. Make sure the axle width matches your deck size, which means about 139mm for an 8.0″ deck, and 149mm for an 8.25″ deck.
Essential Skateboard Components for Skate Parks
Regardless of your preferred style, a good skate park setup includes the following:
Deck
The deck is the foundation of your setup. Choose the width and concave that best suit your skating style, as detailed above. Don’t forget to factor in the deck’s material, typically maple wood, which provides a blend of strength and flexibility.
Trucks
Trucks are what connect your wheels to the deck, influencing how your board turns and grinds. When selecting trucks, ensure the axle width matches the width of your deck. Popular brands include Independent, Thunder, and Venture, each with its own specific feel and characteristics.
Wheels
Wheels greatly affect your ride quality. For skate parks, hard wheels are a must. They provide the necessary speed and prevent bouncing during landings. The right diameter ensures a balance between speed and responsiveness.
Bearings
Bearings are located inside the wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly. Choose high-quality, durable bearings for optimal performance and longevity. Well-maintained bearings are essential for maintaining speed and making your skate experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Hardware
Hardware includes the bolts and nuts that attach the trucks to your deck. While often overlooked, choosing reliable, high-quality hardware is important for the overall structural integrity of your board.
Griptape
Griptape is applied to the top of your deck, providing traction for your feet. Choose a griptape with good grip and durability to avoid slipping when performing tricks or maneuvers.
Recommended Skateboard Setups
The table below offers some suggested setups for various deck widths, along with suitable truck axle widths and wheel sizes.
| Deck Size (Inches) | Truck Axle Width (mm) | Bearings | Wheels Size (mm) | Suggested Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0″ | 139 | Bones Reds | 52-54 | Independent 139 or Thunder 147, Bones or Spitfire Wheels, 8.0″ maple deck + griptape |
| 8.25″ | 149 | Bones Reds | 52-54 | Independent 144 or Thunder 148, Bones Wheels, Bones or Bronson bearings, 8.25″ maple deck + griptape |
| 8.5″ | 159 | Bones Reds | 52-54 | Indy 149, Thunder 149, Bones or Bronson bearings, 8.5″ maple deck + griptape |
Here is an example of a complete setup for transition skating:
- Deck: SANTA CRUZ Classic Dot 8.25in x 31.83in Skateboard Deck
- Bearings: Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
- Hardware: Independent Genuine Parts Cross Bolts Standard Phillips Skateboard Hardware (Black/Black, 7/8″)
- Wheels: Spitfire 99D OG Classic Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 (53mm)
- Griptape: Jessup Griptape (9 x 33)
Here is another table for truck sizing:
| Deck Width (Inches) | 8.0″ – 8.49″ | 8.5″ – 8.99″ |
|---|---|---|
| CCS Trucks | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Independent Trucks | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Thunder Trucks | 147, 148 | 149, 151 |
| Tensor Trucks | 5.35, 5.5 | 5.75 |
| Venture Trucks | 5.2 | 5.8 |
Conclusion
Setting up a skateboard for park skating is a personal journey, as each skater has unique preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize flow or technical tricks, understanding the importance of each component is essential for optimal performance. Don’t hesitate to experiment to discover what works best for your riding style.
Skate parks are a communal space where skaters of all skill levels come together. Being respectful, keeping your eyes open, and not getting in the way of other skaters, will help make the park enjoyable for everyone. Never hesitate to ask other skaters for pointers; most are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. Start slow, gradually build your skills, and always remember that everyone was a beginner once. Respect and a positive attitude will take you far in the world of skateboarding.
