How To Choose a Skateboard

Check out the video version of this guide onDecide on the material of the deck. Wood is the
Howcast.com:most common, with Canadian Maple being the
How To Choose a Skateboardmost popular. Plastic is cheaper and more durable,
Get more great tips on skateboarding and otherthough it’s less responsive. Aluminum and
sports at Howcast.com:fiberglass decks are also alternatives, but
Sports Videosthey’re pricey.
IntroductionWhile you can buy cheap skateboards, it’s
As early as the 1930s, kids were attaching rollerbetter to invest in reputable brands—it’s
skates to two-by-fours and calling themcheaper than paying for an injury. Step 5: Choose
skateboards, but oh, how times have changed.the concavity
You Will NeedChoose the concavity of the deck, which has a
- A budgetraised nose, tail, and sides. The flatter the board,
- And a selection of board to try outthe easier it is to ride, making that the best
- Decorative stickers (optional) Step 1: Know yourchoice for novice skaters. Step 6: Choose the
boardstrucks
Knowing the basic components of a skateboard isChoose the trucks. Trucks generally range
key to finding the right board for you. They are:between 4¾” and 5½”. A wider truck
the skateboard deck (the board itself), the truckswill offer a more stable landing platform and a
(the metal mounts that attach to the wheels),smaller turning radius. Step 7: Choose the wheels
and the wheels. Step 2: Choose the widthSelect the wheels. Nearly all are made from
Begin by choosing the width of your deck. Mostpolyurethane and vary in size from 52 to 60 mm.
measure between 7½” to 8¼” wide.Smaller wheels are usually lighter and easier to
Decks wider than 8” offer good stability andcontrol. All wheels should be smooth and free of
control for ramps, half pipes, and pools. Narrowerirregularities.
decks offer better maneuverability for tricks andEvery rider is different, so test several
flips.combinations of decks, trucks, and wheels to find
If you want to do a bit of both, an 8” deck isthe most comfortable fit. Step 8: Decorate
a nice compromise. Step 3: Choose the lengthDecorate your new board with stickers that
Select the length of the deck, which is usuallyexpress your personality and style. The most
between 31” and 33”. Any longer, and theimportant thing is what your board looks like
board is meant for cruising. Shorter boards areanyway, right?
easier to control—perfect for beginners,Fact
children, and petite riders. Step 4: Choose theThe modern skateboard was invented in 1958 as
materiala way to practice surfing out of water.