Beginner’s Guide: Choosing the Right Skateboard as an Adult

Buying your first skateboard as an adult can feel overwhelming, with so many options for wheels, trucks, and sizes. It’s easy to get lost in the details, but choosing the right setup doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down the essentials, focusing on stability and smooth rolling for a great beginner experience. Forget the paradox of choice; let’s simplify your journey into skateboarding.

The key is to prioritize a stable and comfortable ride. For a first skateboard, you’ll need a deck, trucks, bearings, and wheels. Don’t worry about top-of-the-line gear just yet. Start with:

• A reasonable budget to avoid overspending.
• Basic trucks that fit the chosen board.
• A deck width between 8.25″ and 8.5″.
• Wheels that balance hardness and softness for versatility.

Before diving into the 21 tips, let’s look at the basic anatomy of a skateboard, especially helpful if you’re new to the terminology. And remember, many adults are taking up skateboarding; you’re not alone!

Anatomy of a skateboard

1. Focus on Stability and Balance

Skateboarding is fundamentally about balance. A wider skateboard deck compared to a narrower one like an 8 inch feels more stable, though preference varies. For beginners, an 8.25″ or 8.5″ width is a great starting point, providing the extra stability needed. While a wider board isn’t as easy to flip and pop as a narrower one, this is not a concern for beginners. However, an 8″ deck can also work well; just ensure your trucks are correctly sized. Instead of trying tricks right away, master the fundamentals first for faster progress and to reduce the risk of injury.

2. Deck Length Doesn’t Matter Much

The length of your skateboard deck is not a crucial factor for beginners. Standard, regular-length decks are generally suitable. Smaller boards are often associated with children, but even they aren’t necessary for kids. Unless you struggle to get your feet on the bolts, a regular-sized deck will do the job. If you find yourself wanting a longer board, a longboard might be more appropriate. This guide focuses on regular skateboards, often called “popsicle” skateboards.

3. Selecting the Right Deck Width

Various skateboard deck shapes and sizes

As a beginner, deck width is somewhat important. A wider deck is generally more stable, which is helpful when you’re starting out, though you can certainly learn on a smaller deck. Personal preference is key, but wider decks can help with balance and stability, which reduces the risk of injuries. If you are unsure, an 8.25″ deck offers a little more stability than an 8″ without compromising the ability to learn tricks later on. You will likely adjust to an 8” deck, but a wider deck can help maintain your balance.

4. Choose a Medium or Mellow Concave

The concave is the curve across the deck’s width. More concave makes flipping the deck faster but reduces ride stability. A medium or mellow concave is ideal for beginners, offering a balance of control and stability. While a less steep concave may require more effort to ollie, it provides greater control when learning tricks, at the cost of stability. Until you’re ready for technical tricks, avoid steeper concaves.

5. Picking Suitable Wheels

For beginners, medium-hard wheels are a good starting point. A durometer between 96a and 99a works well for street skating and learning tricks. For those who want to cruise, wheels between 78a and 87a provide a smoother ride, helping you learn to push, ride fakie, and skate switch faster. Softer wheels also roll over small obstacles more easily than harder wheels. As you improve, you can transition to harder wheels. Wheel size also matters, but for comprehensive information on wheels, check out our detailed post on choosing the right skateboard wheels. Larger, softer wheels are better for speed, while smaller, harder wheels are better for technical skateboarding.

6. Selecting Bearings

Bones and Bronson bearings

Choose reliable bearings; they don’t need to be expensive. Avoid high-end Swiss bearings at first; regular Bones Reds bearings are an excellent option for a beginner. Protect them from dirt and water to prolong their lifespan. Be cautious of cheap knockoffs on online marketplaces, and buy from trusted skate shops either online or local. The ABEC rating doesn’t correlate directly with skateboard wheel performance; just get Bones Reds or Bones Swiss.

7. The Value of Spacers

Spacers are small tubes that fit between your bearings. They protect your bearings from damage when you tighten the nut on the truck axle. Some wheelsets come with spacers; check to see if yours do before buying them. Spacers are inexpensive and don’t negatively affect performance. When assembling your skateboard, insert a bearing into the wheel, followed by the spacer, and then the other bearing.

8. Don’t Overspend on Trucks

You don’t need to spend heavily on trucks. The difference between lightweight and standard trucks isn’t noticeable for beginners. Focus on choosing the correct width; ensure the trucks match your deck’s width and the wheels don’t stick out too much.

Here’s a summary of recommended truck brands, sizes, and the board widths they fit:

Choose low or medium trucks, which lower your center of gravity, helping with balance. High trucks allow for more steering but are not necessary for learning. Also, ensure that your wheels aren’t too large to prevent wheel bite. Low trucks are better for tricks, as they’re easier to flip and lighter. Remember to buy bolts to attach the trucks to the board.

9. Riser Pads: To Use or Not?

Riser pads, placed between the trucks and the deck, aren’t universally recommended but can provide comfort. Shock pads are generally a good idea for street skating. If you plan on using larger wheels (58-60mm or more), you’ll need riser pads to avoid wheel bite. A 1/8″ shock pad is a good choice, and you’ll need 1″ hardware with them. They can also help reduce pressure cracks caused by impacts from the truck’s baseplate.

10. Upgrading Stock Bushings

Bones Hardcore Bushings

Bushings are essential but often ignored. Standard complete skateboards often have bushings that are too soft for adults. The ideal hardness depends on your weight; heavier riders should consider harder bushings. Softer bushings allow for more steering, while harder bushings keep your trucks tighter. While most trucks come with acceptable bushings for beginners, some brands like Independent are a safe bet. If the trucks feel loose, tighten the nuts. Consider Bones Hardcore bushings for more predictable behavior and less tweaking.

11. Grip Tape Choices

Grip tape prevents you from slipping off the deck. While there are various types, standard grip tape is perfectly acceptable. Jessup grip tape is a great option as it offers a good amount of grip without being too gritty. If you need more grip, consider Mob or Grizzly. While custom print grip tape is appealing, especially the laser-imprinted options, a basic tape does the job well.

12. Shoe Size is Not a Major Factor

Your shoe size doesn’t determine the ideal deck size. Height matters more than shoe size. Taller riders often prefer longer and wider decks, and this is a more important consideration. Many skaters with large feet ride small decks, and vice versa, as it mostly comes down to personal preference. However, having proper skate shoes is important. Consider this guide on why skate shoes are important.

13. Brands Don’t Matter Too Much (Mostly)

While brand loyalty is common, most skateboard decks are manufactured similarly. The main factor is that the deck is made from compressed maple wood with at least 7 layers (plies). Some skaters claim certain brands are better than others, but that’s typically down to personal preference or a faulty deck rather than an issue with the brand itself.

14. Graphics or Blank Decks

While blank decks are cheaper, choosing a deck with graphics supports the skateboarding industry. The money generated from graphics goes towards developing new technology, supporting professional skaters, and sponsoring competitions. If you’re a heavier skater, consider stronger decks like Powell Peralta Flight, Santa Cruz VX, or Dwindle Impact. These reinforced decks will last longer.

15. Focusing on Cruising

Cruising is an excellent way for beginners to start skateboarding. Before attempting tricks, learn the fundamentals first. Go for an 8.5-inch board with medium-soft 96A wheels if you want to try tricks later on or choose softer wheels for just rolling around. Wheel size should be around 60mm. Larger wheels and boards might require risers or higher trucks. You can find recommended cruisers on our page for mini cruisers.

16. The Importance of Protective Gear

Adult skateboard protective gear

Always wear protective gear, at least a helmet and knee pads. As an adult, you likely have responsibilities, and safety should be a priority. While skateboarding isn’t exceptionally dangerous compared to other sports, about one-third of skateboarding injuries occur in beginners. Wearing a helmet is essential. Even experienced skaters can benefit from protective gear, as accidents can happen unexpectedly.

17. Avoid Penny Boards

Avoid using plastic Penny boards for learning to skateboard. These narrow, small boards make learning challenging and frustrating. While they can be suitable for commuting for experienced riders, they are not good for learning tricks. Although there are larger Penny boards available, their flexibility makes them hard to control. They might be suitable to introduce kids to skateboarding, but there are better choices for adults at a similar price.

18. Avoid Overspending Initially

Don’t spend too much on your first skateboard. Avoid expensive equipment and aim for a complete setup for about $100 to $140. As you progress, you can upgrade parts one by one. Local skate shops are great places to buy complete skateboards, longboards, and cruisers. When selecting a complete board, opt for a width between 8.0″ and 8.75″ for improved stability.

19. Steer Clear of Big Box Retailers

Low-quality skateboards from big box stores

Stay away from cheap skateboards from big box retailers; they aren’t durable and have low-quality components. These boards can break easily and have plastic wheels, cheap trucks, and low-quality wood, and this makes learning difficult. A quality skateboard will last much longer and will enhance the learning experience.

20. Complete Skateboards are a Great Choice

If you’re overwhelmed by choosing individual components, go for a complete setup. Check out our recommended complete skateboards for beginners and skateboards for adults. Complete setups help you understand what you like and don’t like without a lot of expense.

Stoked Complete Skateboard Street

Stoked Ride Shop offers reasonably priced complete skateboards with good components, including Paris Street trucks, a quality blank deck, 99a wheels, and Fireball Dragon bearings. The Stoked street complete offers the best quality for the money. If you need a more affordable but reliable option, consider the CCS complete.

High-quality skateboard

If you’re interested in cruising rather than tricks, consider a cruiser. Some are designed for heavy riders or beginners, while others are made for more experienced riders who prefer speed and agility.

21. Don’t Be Afraid to Start

It is normal to feel awkward when starting out. Begin by finding a quiet place to practice, such as a grassy area, to practice balance. Then move to an empty parking lot. Once comfortable, try a skate park early in the morning when it’s less crowded. Real skateboarders are generally supportive and willing to offer assistance. Remember to learn skate park etiquette to avoid getting in the way.

Additional Tips

In addition to choosing the right skateboard, consider your clothing. Wear supportive skate shoes, comfortable pants that allow freedom of movement, and moisture-wicking socks. Teaming up with another beginner can help you get started, and taking some lessons is also beneficial. Focus on practicing on smooth surfaces and prioritize safety. Most importantly, remember that you’re never too old to learn to skate!

Ruben vee

Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.