You wake up one day and suddenly it hits you – the only thing missing in your life is a skateboard. 🤩🤩
I get it. I feel the same at least once a week 🤨. Okay, maybe not about skateboards exactly, but hey – this is your story.
So, you head to a skateboard shop online and see decks in all shapes and colors... and honestly, you have no idea what makes them different.
The secret to choosing the right skateboard? It’s all in the shape.
The deck is the foundation of your board, and it's the first thing you should focus on. To choose it wisely, think about where you’ll be riding and what kind of skating you’ll be doing every day.
If you want to do tricks and zip around the city, a smaller and more agile deck will be your friend.
But if you’re after smooth cruising and relaxed rides, then cruising – or as we like to call it, “kruzing” – is your style. It’s all about gliding on flat or gently sloping roads. Super chill, super satisfying.
Curious about carving? This style is all about flowing turns, like you’re sculpting the pavement. You’ll need a very responsive board with a wide, stable deck that lets you lean deep into those carves. Feels a bit like dancing with gravity.
Different skate styles call for different deck shapes:
Standard Skate Decks – the classic skateboard
The all-rounder. Symmetrical on both ends and shaped like a popsicle stick (don’t ask). Perfect for street and skatepark riding. Great for beginners and pros alike. Hard wheels and raised nose and tail make it ideal for tricks.
Cruiser Boards
Your personal city glider. Go for a cruiser if you’re planning to use your board mainly for getting around. Similar in size to a standard deck, but shaped differently and usually with soft wheels for a smoother ride. Compared to a longboard, cruisers are lighter and more nimble – perfect for crowded streets.
Old School Skateboards
A blast from the past – think 80s skateboarding. These decks are wider and shorter with longer wheelbases, giving you more stability. But they’ve got shorter noses and tails, so tricks like flips or ollies can be tougher. Not great for city riding, but awesome on ramps and bowls.
Longboard Decks
The beast for big descents and high speeds. Long, stable, and comfy over long distances. If you live in a hilly area and love speed, this is your go-to. Just know it’s not as nimble as a cruiser or as versatile as a standard deck.
If you’re still not sure about your style or where you’ll be riding, start with a classic skateboard. Once you’ve nailed the basics and landed your first tricks, go ahead – explore, experiment, and find your favorite. There are no rules saying you have to stick to just one style.
