What size skateboard do I need?

There're a lot of different components to a skateboard, but one of the most obviously important is the skateboard deck. It’s the flat board that you stand on when riding.
Your skateboard deck will determine what style of skating you’ll be doing and which components you’ll be choosing, so making the correct decision is very important. 
When beginning the search for a suitable skateboard deck, the width is an important overall characteristic. Different shapes and widths of decks are conducive to varying styles of skateboarding, but in the beginning choosing a deck width slightly narrower than the length of your foot.
Depending on how often/hard you skate, you'll probably be replacing your deck anywhere from after a few weeks to a year. If there’s any signs of the wood splitting on your skateboard deck, it's time to start with a fresh board. Riding in wet or cold areas can also result in your deck becoming warped in shape, so be sure to replace your board if you feel or see any signs.

The width is the most important part of choosing a skateboard deck, not length or wheelbase. Your height, shoe size, skating style will help you with your choice. If you choose a board that is too wide for you, you will need to exert a lot of power to do tricks which can make your skating experience feel difficult. If you choose a board which is too narrow, you’ll have trouble balancing and won't feel stable. Most teen and adult riders will want at least a 7.5” and up.

Below are some general guidelines.

7.5" to 8" Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks

8.0" to 8.25” Skating pool, ramp, rail, and parks

8.25" and larger Vert, pools, cruising, and just going old school

 

Choosing a style of deck.

The different styles of skateboard decks can be summarised into four basic groups. These groups are determined by the terrain the skaters ride. Often is the case that a skater will fall into more than one category. Each style of deck is designed for certain kinds of skateboarding, so the board shape you choose should match the style of skating you want to do. Wheels and trucks are often designed for particular styles. Here is a list of skating styles to help you pick out the proper equipment.

 

Street / Shortboard: These are the standard “popsicle” shaped decks with the rounded nose and tail. This is the shape that most people are familiar with when they think of skateboards. These decks are designed for doing more technical tricks in the street & parks.

Old School: boards typically have a flat nose and kicktails. Old school boards are an awesome choice for skating pools, ramps, or carving the streets.

Cruiser: often have kicktails, but are more designed for simply cruising around. The decks are typically mid-length. Cruisers are versatile and maneuverable, making them good for cruising the streets.

Longboard: If you're not interested in doing tricks and want a skateboard to push around on for transportation, longboard skateboards, or cruisers, are a great option. Some longboards are specifically designed for downhill racing. Downhill longboards tend to have a symmetrical shape, sit lower to the ground, and have wheel cutouts, which allow larger wheels to be used. To find out more about cruiser longboards.

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