Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 1 of 18
Before you learn a single trick, you need a board that fits you. The good news: a setup is just five parts, and once you know what each one does, picking them is easy.
In This Chapter
- The five parts of a skateboard
- How to pick a deck width
- Complete vs. custom setup
- What to buy first
Gear Check
Nothing yet. That is what this chapter is for.
Step by Step
- Deck. The wooden board. Width matters most: 7.75" to 8.0" for smaller feet and street tricks, 8.25" to 8.5" for most adults, 8.5" and up for bowls, transition and bigger feet.
- Trucks. The metal axles. Match truck width to deck width so the wheels sit right under the edges of the board.
- Wheels. 50 to 54mm hard wheels (99a to 101a) for street and park. 55mm and up or softer wheels (78a to 92a) for cruising rough ground.
- Bearings. Eight per board, two per wheel. A solid mid-range set lasts years if you keep it dry.
- Griptape and hardware. Grip keeps your shoes stuck to the board. Hardware is the bolts that hold the trucks on.
Tip
Not sure what width to get? Stand on a few decks in the shop. Your feet should cover the board comfortably without hanging way off the edges.
Remember
A complete board (everything pre-assembled) is the easiest, most affordable way to start. You can upgrade parts as you figure out what you like.
Warning
Skip the big-box-store boards. Cheap plastic wheels and soft trucks make every trick harder and can be unsafe.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Buying the widest deck possible. Wider is more stable but heavier to flip. Most beginners do best between 8.0" and 8.38".
- Mismatched trucks. Trucks way narrower than the deck feel twitchy. Ask us to match them.
- Ignoring shoes. Flat, grippy skate shoes make everything easier and last longer than running shoes.
Skate Nerd Stuff
Wheel hardness is measured on the Shore A scale. Higher numbers are harder and faster on smooth ground; lower numbers grip and roll over cracks.
Your Practice Plan
- Day 1: Get your setup and just stand on it on carpet or grass.
- Day 2: Roll slowly on smooth ground and get used to the feel.
- Day 3: Move on to Chapter 2.
Need gear or a hand dialing it in? Stop by the shop inside the Carson City Mall or shop completes online.