Skateboarding is a fun activity people of all ages can enjoy and helps bring the feeling of a community with the many likeminded skateboarders who come together, to share their stories and their expertise. Read our tips below on choosing the suitable model for maximum fun, either at the skate park or if you want to cruise around the city.
The Size of The Skateboard Deck
As someone getting into learning how to skateboard, it is vital to choose a longboard or cruiser on the type of experience you're looking for. If speed and thrust is your main concern, cruisers are the right choice. Longboards, however, are perfect for long rides, allowing you to make nice wide turns.
Let’s understand the difference between short boards and longboards:
Short Boards (<80Cm) - Cruisers |
Longer Boards (>80Cm) - Longboards |
| Cruiser skateboards are light, easy to handle and dynamic, making them perfect for city roads, pavements, and short distances. | Longboards are stable, even at higher speeds. They are well suited for cruising around the city and can do big turns. |
What are the Components of a Skateboard?
Having a basic understanding of a skateboard's various parts can go a long way. You will be able to choose the right skateboard that meets your needs and make any kinds of repairs or upgrades in the future. Let's understand the skateboard's components and how they work.
Deck
The thing you see first is the board. The skateboard's deck is often made from hard rock maple and has 5 to 9 plies of wood. The more plies, the heavier the board. Most boards are 7 ply and are perfect for beginners. Most skateboard and longboard stores already have a good setup for you to make it easy to understand the board that works for you. When you get to know your skateboard and their parts and want to upgrade in the future, it is easier to choose different wheels and trucks that fits your board's functionalities.
Board Size
Kids can ride a skateboard that is called a mini skateboard, or penny boards. These are generally skateboards that are 7.5" wide or less. Skateboards are mainly measured in their widths and not their length. If you are older, using a wider board would ensure you are able to ride comfortably.
Wheel Size
54-56mm is the normal wheel size for street skateboarders. If you are only looking for a cruiser skateboard, you might want to consider 58mm or bigger wheels. The larger the wheels, the smoother your experience of riding will be and you will be less likely to feel rocks or cracks on your path.
How to Choose a Skateboard
When looking for a skateboard, focus on finding one that has well-made wheels and trucks that can easily turn. Even if you are a beginner, it is advisable to invest in a high-quality board. You will feel a big difference in your riding experience with a quality board compared to a cheap one.
Another factor to consider when buying a skateboard is size. The size of the rider makes a massive impact on the size of the skateboard. If you are looking at kids' skateboards, look for a smaller board that is easier for them to control the way they move around. For adult riders, a larger board will provide more stability and a better riding experience. Remember to consider the weight limit of the skateboard to ensure it can support the rider's weight.
For beginners, the recommendation is picking a skateboard based on your age and height. If you're looking for a board for children under 10 years old or 5ft tall, then a Junior sized skateboard is the way to go. If you're over 10 years old or over 5ft, then you'll be suited to a full-sized skateboard.
Check out Decathlon's collection of Longboards
A longboard is a longer version of the classic skateboard, and Decathlon Kuwait's range offers a variety of sizes — giving way to greater speeds, stability and maneuverability! Get your longboards & cruisers in one of our bold graphic-print designs now.
Before you start cruising on your new skateboard, remember to stay protected from head to toe with our collection of skateboarding accessories, such as skateboard helmets, knee pads, and more!