What is the Best Skateboard for a Beginner? A Complete Guide
Starting your skateboarding journey can be exciting, but choosing the right skateboard is crucial to your progress. The right board can help you gain confidence, improve your balance, and master basic tricks with ease. But with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What is the best skateboard for a beginner, you ask? In this guide, we’ll break down the essential features that make a skateboard beginner-friendly and guide you through the types, sizes, and brands that will help you get started on the right foot. Whether you’re looking to cruise around your neighborhood or start learning tricks at a skate park, selecting a board that matches your skill level is key. From deck size to wheel materials, each component plays a role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. Let’s dive into the basics of what you need to know before making your first purchase.
Why Choosing the Right Skateboard is Important for Beginners
Choosing the right skateboard when you’re just starting out is essential for several reasons. First, a beginner-friendly skateboard is designed to make learning easier. A well-fitted board can help you develop balance and control, two vital skills for any skater. If you pick a board that’s too advanced or ill-suited to your needs, it can hinder your progress and even lead to accidents. Additionally, the right skateboard enhances your comfort and confidence on the board. Beginners often face challenges such as stability issues and difficulty turning, and the correct setup can help mitigate these problems. Moreover, your skateboard’s components, like the deck size, trucks, and wheels, should be compatible with your body type and the kind of skateboarding you want to do. Ultimately, choosing the right skateboard will not only improve your learning curve but also keep you safe as you practice.
What Type of Skateboard is Best for a Beginner?
Choosing the right skateboard is essential for a beginner looking to get started with skating. There are different types of skateboards, each designed for specific styles of riding, and it’s important to find one that suits your skill level and skating goals.
Standard Skateboards
Standard skateboards are the most popular choice for beginners because they offer versatility. These boards are designed for street skating and performing tricks, but they’re also great for casual cruising. The deck, which is typically between 7.5 to 8.5 inches wide, offers good control for learning the basics like balancing, turning, and stopping. Standard skateboards usually feature a concave shape, which helps with foot placement and control. For beginners, it’s recommended to choose a deck size that suits your body type and foot size—smaller decks are easier to maneuver for younger skaters or those with smaller feet, while wider decks offer more stability for larger riders. These boards are ideal for anyone interested in trying out a variety of skating styles, from performing ollies and kickflips to simply cruising down the street.
Longboards vs Shortboards for Beginners
When considering longboards vs shortboards, each comes with its own set of advantages for beginners. Longboards, as their name suggests, have a longer deck, typically 33 inches or more. These boards are known for their stability and smooth rides, making them ideal for cruising or downhill riding. If you’re just looking to learn how to balance and ride, a longboard might be the best option for you. On the other hand, shortboards are more compact, making them suitable for tricks and tighter turns. They are typically less stable than longboards, but they offer more maneuverability and versatility for street and park skating. For a beginner who wants to eventually perform tricks, a shortboard is likely a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between a longboard and a shortboard comes down to your skateboarding goals and what type of riding excites you the most.
What Size Skateboard is Best for a Beginner?
The size of your skateboard plays a significant role in how comfortable and easy it is to ride. Understanding how deck width and wheel size affect performance will help you choose the right skateboard size for your needs.
Deck Width
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a skateboard is the deck width. For beginners, finding the right deck width can make all the difference in learning to skate comfortably. Skateboard decks typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width. Generally, narrower decks (around 7.5 to 8 inches) are better for smaller riders or younger skaters because they are lighter and easier to control. Wider decks (8 inches and above) offer more stability and are ideal for adult beginners or those with larger feet. Stability is especially important when you’re just learning to balance, so choosing a deck that matches your height and shoe size is crucial. A wider deck provides a larger surface area for foot placement, which makes learning how to push, turn, and stop a lot easier. Deck width directly affects your ability to control the board, so pick one that feels comfortable under your feet.
Wheel Size and Materials
Wheel size and material are key factors that influence how your skateboard performs. Skateboard wheels typically range from 50mm to 60mm in diameter. For beginners, opting for slightly larger wheels (around 54mm to 56mm) is ideal, as they provide more stability and are better suited for cruising over rough terrain. Smaller wheels (50mm to 53mm) are generally better for tricks, but they can make learning to ride more difficult due to their lower stability. As for materials, most skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane, which offers a good balance between durability and grip. Softer wheels (with a durometer rating of around 78A to 87A) provide a smoother ride, especially on rough surfaces, making them great for cruising. Harder wheels (90A and above) are better suited for tricks and park skating. As a beginner, it’s advisable to start with medium-hard wheels, which offer a balance between grip and durability.
Best Skateboard Brands for Beginners
The brand of skateboard you choose can also impact your learning experience. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for premium options, there are plenty of brands that offer quality skateboards for beginners.
Affordable Options
When it comes to finding a beginner-friendly skateboard that doesn’t break the bank, several brands offer high-quality options. Brands like Powell Peralta, Enjoi, and Element provide reliable boards for under $100, making them great choices for those who want to get started without a major investment. These brands often offer complete skateboards, which are pre-assembled and ready to ride right out of the box—ideal for beginners. Affordable boards from these companies still maintain good-quality components, such as durable decks and smooth-rolling wheels, allowing you to practice and improve without worrying about frequent repairs or upgrades. Complete skateboards from affordable brands are designed with entry-level skaters in mind, offering a balance between performance and cost, so you can focus on learning the basics without overspending.
Premium Options
For those willing to invest a bit more in their first skateboard, premium brands like Santa Cruz, Globe, and Plan B offer top-of-the-line boards that provide superior quality and performance. These boards often come with higher-quality materials, including more durable decks, premium trucks, and advanced wheel technology, which enhances your overall skating experience. Premium skateboards are designed to last longer and withstand more wear and tear, making them a great option for beginners who are committed to progressing their skills. Though these boards can cost over $150, the investment is worth it if you’re serious about skateboarding and want a setup that can grow with you as you improve. With premium boards, you can expect better responsiveness, smoother rides, and a board that holds up under various skating conditions, from street to park.
Conclusion
So, what is the best skateboard for a beginner? It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what type of skating you want to pursue. If you’re looking to cruise and enjoy a smooth ride, a longboard or a wider standard skateboard with larger wheels is your best bet. However, if you’re interested in tricks and street skating, a narrower standard skateboard with medium-sized wheels will suit you better. Choosing the right skateboard as a beginner can make all the difference in how quickly and confidently you learn. Focus on finding a board with the right size, wheel setup, and components to match your style and comfort level. With the right skateboard, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the basics and having fun while doing it.
FAQs:
What should I look for when buying a skateboard as a beginner?
Look for a skateboard with a deck width that matches your size, softer wheels for better grip, and durable trucks. A complete skateboard from a reputable brand is often a good choice for beginners.
Is it better to start with a complete skateboard or build your own?
As a beginner, it’s best to start with a complete skateboard. These boards are pre-assembled and designed for entry-level skaters, saving you the hassle of matching components yourself.
How much should a beginner spend on their first skateboard?
A beginner should expect to spend between $50 and $150 on their first skateboard. Affordable brands offer great entry-level boards, but premium options provide more durability and smoother performance if you’re willing to invest more.
