In terms of skateboarding, I believe that the key to success lies mostly in the board. Like a knight can’t live without his sword! Are you looking for the best skateboard for beginners? You’ve come to the right place@ From my experience, looking for the best beginner skateboards for adults is much more complicated than one for younger riders. That’s why, in this article, I’ll focus more on that side with many useful suggestions and brief guidelines to help you choose the best beginner’s skateboards. I hope that helps!
Table of Contents
What are the Best Skateboards for Beginners?
- Best Overall: Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon Skateboard
- Best for Downhill: Atom Skateboard for Beginners
- Best Penny Board: Penny Beginner Skateboard
- Best for Speed: ENJOI WHITEY PANDA Good Beginner Skateboard
- Best First Skateboard: MINORITY Skateboard
- Best Electric Skateboard: Hiboy S11 Electric Skateboard with Wireless Remote
- Best Mini Cruiser: Cal 7 Skateboard for Beginners
- Best Budget: Krown Rookie Checker Beginner Skateboard
- Best for Girl: Punisher Cherry Blossom Good Beginner Skateboard
- Best Bamboo Skateboard: Retrospec Bamboo Beginner Skateboard
- Best for Kid: RIMABLE Beginners Skateboard
- Best for Tricks: KPC Beginner Skateboard
- Best for Teenager: SkateXS Skateboard for Beginners
- Best for Girl: Punisher Butterfly Good Beginner Skateboard
- Best for Kid: Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon 2 Skateboard
- Best for Cruising: Punisher Elephantasm Beginner Skateboard
- Best Cruiser: Landwalker Pro Beginners Skateboard
- Best for Girl: Krown Rookie Green Good Beginner Skateboard
- Best for 8 year old: MEKETEC Beginner Skateboard
- Best for 10 year old: Skitch Beginner Skateboard
- Best for Adults: POSITIV Skateboard
- Best for 5 year old: Merkapa Skateboard
- Best for 6 year old: Wonnv Beginner Skateboard
- Best for 13 year old: Penny Nickel Good Beginner Skateboard
- Best Cruiser: La Sports Retro Board
- Best for Youth: Flybar Beginners Skateboard
- Best for 3 year old: Ten Toes Emporium Bamboo
- Best for 7 year old: PlayWheels Good Beginner Skateboard
- Best for 4 year old: RudeBoyz Beginner Skateboard
- Best Mini Cruiser: Magneto Skateboard
Top Beginner Skateboard Reviews
1. MINORITY 32inch Maple Skateboard
(Best Overall)
If speed is what you want, I recommend that you check out the Minority Skateboard right from the start. As you look through my list, you will notice immediately that the bearings rating is ABEC-9. For those who don’t know the technical terms, the bearings are the round metal pieces that fit inside your skateboard wheel. The higher rating number means it is more precise and responsive to those bearings. Thus watch out as you skate downhill with this baby; it is insanely fast! The deck is pressed by 7-ply hard-rock maple wood, which is extremely tough enough to withstand weights up to 220 lbs. Its mediate concave design promotes energy from your heels to toes. This is excellent for any tricks that involve high precision and quick flips. For beginners, I suggest you try practicing kickflip and heelflip on this board. The color and image design is quite creative since the Minority aims to be classic yet smart. You will stand out among your friends across the different age range, and their artwork is durable and lasts for a long time. This is my best pick for the best skateboard for a beginners!- Reaches maximum speed in three paddles
- Withstand a strong impact with aluminum alloy truck
- Conclave design allows precise flips and kick.
- Creative and eye-catching artwork
- Excellent for many types of tricks
- May not suitable for beginners who prefer a slower pace
2. ChromeWheels 31 Inch Skateboard
(Best Overall)
This ChromWheels skateboard is a versatile model for all-levels of riders because of its dimensions of 31” x 8” with a double kick concave design for easier braking and better control. The performance is a compromise of stiffness and flex so that pro-skateboarders can do some basic tricks and stunts. Besides, the excellent combination of sturdy grip and the emery non-slip surface helps to keep your feet planted on the board for a better riding experience. ChromWheels don’t mention any specific age range; as long as your body weight is less than 220 lbs., it’s all good. If you are a beginner, don’t fret, this best skateboard for beginners is safe and controllable enough (even on rough terrain) to help you quickly step into skateboarding. The secret of this board lies in the anti-shock capability that’s built into its PU wheels. This extra feature not only gives a smoother riding feel but also more stability on variable surfaces. It’s pre-assembled before arriving as well.- Designed for all levels of riders with different riding styles, from cruising, freestyling to commuting and tricks
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Strong build using quality components for longer-lasting and durability
- The bottom of the board is easy to peel off
3. KPC Pro Skateboard for Beginners
(Best For Tricks & Ollies)
Maybe you are looking for the best skateboard for beginners with an edgy design, Canadian maple construction, black grip tape, etc. If so, check out the KPC Pro. Its design is incredible, featuring a wide range of patterns and colors. While the deck is recommended as suitable for all ages, I find its small measurements (7.75″ x 30″) not ideal for most adults, especially beginners. Instead, it is best suited for teenagers aged 14 and up. You should keep an eye on the trucks because they are aluminum, lightweight, but easy to loosen. You will need to adjust them more regularly for balancing and smooth turning. In turns, the white 52” polyurethane wheels have a high durometer (99A) that allows the whole skateboard to stand up to tough terrain. Take it in a bowl, on concrete, asphalt, or whatever, and you will fare well with it.- Wider and stronger material to enable it to withstand the harshest use
- Modern concave and high kicks give lots of pop for doing tricks
- Professional assembly for better performance to your board
- Requires a lot of effort to maintain the speed
4. Quest QT-NSC44C Good Beginner Skateboard
(Best Longboard)
- Solid hardwood maple and artisan bamboo longboard deck, which last longer for daily usage
- Beautiful woodwork and finish on the deck
- Big and reliable wheels for cruising and racing
- High performance and energy efficiency designs help you flow
- Only for cruising and racing purpose
- The deck is stiff, so it won’t flex much as you stand on (recommended max weight is 160 lbs)
5. Roller Derby Rd Skateboard
(Budget-Friendly Option)
If your budget is tight, there’s a good choice for you, such as the Roller Derby Rd Skateboard in the Deluxe Series of this brand. The reason I chose this isn’t just for the incredible affordability (under $23), but also the quality. It’s not something squeaky and flimsy like you might buy from Walmart; this is crafted from sturdy 7-ply hard-rock maple wood, compatible with 5″ T5 lightweight trucks, medium-sized 54mm wheels, and Bevo Silver-5 bearings. Despite the low price, this skateboard still comes fully assembled with average quality components to give a smooth ride, and a reliable carving feels down the street. The Roller Derby never forgets to invest in the style of their “babies.” The Rd skateboard comes with a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from, making it the best choice in the low-budget range- Priced under $23 while ensuring the quality and safety
- 100% pre-assembled to ride out of the box readily
- Angled riser to keep balance better and control the board easier
- Have a hard time with trucks
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6. Hiboy Electric Skateboard (2019 Upgraded Version)
(Best Electric Board)
For more fun, an e-skateboard is really worth a try. What attracted me to this Hiboy version is the use of upgraded technology and materials. Look at this bad boy! It is clearly designed for fun with an ultra-lightweight construction, secure handling, and a compelling single hub motor. The e-skateboard not only gives you 4 ride modes but has a top speed of 12.4 MPH, with a 6.2-mile range. With such a fast speed, it’s equipped with 4 brake modes (which are manufactured exclusively by Hiboy) to ensure your safety and control during the ride, with each brake or ride mode giving a careful taper when braking or accelerating. The most significant selling point lies in its fast-response wireless remote control that is both rechargeable and ergonomic to help you control the speed with ease. In a nutshell, if you’re looking for the best electric skateboard to ride around neighborhoods or towns, the Hiboy 2019 upgraded version will be your best bet.- Built for ultra-strong performance but still lightweight
- Easy to carry around or pack up
- Easy to adjust and control the speed through 4 riding modes
- The instruction book is hard to understand
- Sometimes, it’s difficult to turn
7. PUENTE 31 inch Complete Skateboards
(Best for Heavy rider)
The PUENTE 31” complete skateboard is good news for heavy riders due to its unbeatable weight capacity of 398 lbs. You have no concerns about bending, denting, or breaking this board in half like other models, as all components of this best skateboard for beginners are made to ensure phenomenal strength. The highlights are the 7-ply maple deck featuring a double kicktail concave design and the magnalium trucks. Additionally, the harder 95A PU wheels with the anti-shock feature make this board stand out. With such a robust build, to hold out when performing tricks, and this is rare.- Can carry 398 lbs. while being flexible and flexible
- Keep you riding steadily with lots of control and balance
- Supportive
- Not suitable for tricks
- Grip tape is prone to be ripped off
8. Skatro Mini Cruiser Beginner Skateboard
(Best cruiser)
Why are Skatro mini cruiser skateboards the best? – You might ask. Because of the exclusive Skatro Flexy technology, there is proprietary production progress monitored directly by the brand to ensure every mini cruiser has optimal flex once coming out of production. It is not only the flexy technology, but Skatro also self-produces their skateboard wheels 59mm urethane models, in this case, to ensure a great performance. When riding on this board, the ease of commuting is amazing, no matter the terrain. The best thing about this best skateboard for beginners is the inclusion of a T-tool, which, bought separately, costs about $10. If you want to take tighter turns, simply loosen the trucks and, conversely, tighten them if you’re a beginner.- Skatro Flexy Technology for optimal flex to ride smoother
- Reduce friction during the ride for better controlling
- Easier and quicker to learn
- Poor quality trucks
- High flex where heavier riders struggle to balance
9. Punisher Skateboards 9001 Cherry Blossom Complete Skateboard
(Best For Female Beginners)
Product Specs- Beautiful and durable printing
- Ensure your feet have the best positioning for stunts and tricks
- Make sure you have ultimate traction to control
- Bottom sticker is coming off
- It could use some break/rail guards
10. Powell Golden Dragon Skateboard
(Affordable)
For those who are on a tight budget but really want an excellent board combined with a head-turning design, then the Powell Golden Dragon Flying might be your best bet. It offers fantastic roll and amazing grip when riding that comes from the wheels used. They are high-rebound polyurethane wheels with no wheel core with a durometer of 99A, which is too hard to roll over on rocks and cracks well, so I recommend this for indoor or skatepark riding only. It does feature a longer deck (of 31.625″) than the standard skateboards making it ultra-stable for novice riders. Powell’s real selling point is the All Powell-Peralta Ligament strap designed to keep the deck together if it should break. In other words, a must-have safety feature to prevent damage and injuries, providing more peace in mind to its rider.11. RIMABLE: Best Skateboard for Beginners
(Versatile)
The Rimable Complete 22” Skateboard basically has it all. The 22”x6” shortboard comes in great dimensions for all ages but would work their best if you either need a shorter skateboard or you are short (I mean yourself). It’s a head-turner when featuring a 100% fresh material deck and cool graphics on both sides. This is a popular fashion accessory for young adults and teenagers, influencing music, clothing styles, and even street culture. While it doesn’t ignore the basic functionality, this best skateboard for beginners is made as a cruiser, emphasizing ultra-balance and high stability, getting you from point A to B in style. In terms of quality, everything of the Rimable is incredibly well-made for its price, including PU wheels, thick aluminum trucks, and high-speed bearings with a load weight of 198 lbs. For such a phenomenal performance, I’d like to give this shortboard the thumbs up.12. Merkaba Starter Skateboard
(User-friendly)
My top recommendation for kids is the Merkapa Complete Skateboard for its perfectly short 22” deck for easier control, as long as the riders aren’t heavier than 180 Lbs. This PP plastic single kickboard isn’t produced for large ramps or kickflips since there’s no grip tape. Instead, the anti-slip textured surface simply ensures a good stance on the skateboard. What I like the most about this product is its LED lights on the wheels. A tip for you to know is that the LED light stops working if the wheels are loose. Fixing loose wheels is easy; just tighten the screw cap, and these LED lights will work again. I like them not only for their fun but also for the extra safety delivered during a night ride. They are significantly softer than those above at only 78A, sized 60 x 45mm, making them very versatile in terms of wheels. You can ride them on any terrain because of their super shock absorption and abrasion resistance.13. ENJOI WHITEY PANDA Skateboard
(Fast)
Everyone loves pandas. If you are an animal lover and like cute art, ENJOI is the right brand for your consideration; it is also the best in the market. The best feature of this skateboard is its Resin 7 construction. The brand offers a 100% Canadian veneer using reliable Epoxy glue, making the board strong and sturdy. You also get heavy-duty trucks that can support up to 250 lbs as well as ABEC-5 bearings. Thanks to the synthetic oil and good rubber shields, the board offers good speed. You get 52mm diameter and 99a durometer wheels that are best for speed and smooth landings overall. However, everything can arrive un-assembled, so you can enjoy the process of putting the parts together. Building your skateboards is fun!- Study 100% Canadian veneer wood
- Shock absorbing 99a wheels
- Good quality ABEC-5 bearings with oils and rubber shields
- Can order as un-assembled to customize your skateboard
- Slow acceleration
- Cannot use for complex tricks
14. Playshion Complete Skateboard
(Best for kids)
As with the Merkapa, this is a good option for children to start their skating journey with good control and fewer injuries. This time, its wheels are much softer, 78A durometer, good for terrain, allowing your kids to go out and share the fun with their little skateboarder gang. There are some changes to the deck material, a blend of fiberglass and polypropylene for superior toughness since kids are still too young to care for their toys. This interesting combination makes the board very light. There is no grip tape, but the surface has an anti-slip pattern to prevent riders from falling off. Combined with highly responsive bushings, ABEC-9 Bearings, and 3.25″ aluminum trucks, parents will have peace of mind when their kids this outdoor activity with this board. Due to the maximum weight of 220 lbs, it’s obviously suitable for adult riders as a fun cruiser. However, big and tall guys might feel a lack of space for their feet while riding on this mini skateboard.15. Hikole Skateboard for Beginners
(Best for tricks)
With a 31” x 8” of the deck size, this is the first full-sized skateboard in this list. If you plan to be skating on bowls and ramps, scoring points with lip tricks, stunts, and aerial, this Hikole is recommended. Its double kick concave design with high-density 9-ply Canadian maple wood deck and 55mm 85A PU wheels are ideal for adult (or teenager) riders to practice OL, 360’s action, and other basic tricks. For kids, it might require more time for them to get acquainted with. It’s smooth, flexible, and stable to ride with good-rolling ABEC-7 bearings and PU bushings are perfect for skate parks, skating street, or other flat ground. I only recommend for intermediate riders and up as it is challenging on rougher terrain.16. MEKETEC 22 Inch retro Skateboard
(Safe)
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The Meketec 22.5″ x 6″ complete skateboard has two mentionable features: Safety and Distinctive style. It’s also the very first model, at least in this list, with CE certification meeting all safety standards, riding smoothly and manageable to suit all-age riders, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or pro rider. If you are looking for your kids’ best holiday gift, I am 100% sure this high-value skateboard is the best bet. Its appearance featuring Meketec unique technology outperforms many of the top-rated brands at a much more affordable price. Meketec loves producing their own skateboards as well as their own components. If you’re already satisfied with the color choices provided, they are a great board that comes with high-speed Meketec ABEC-7 bearings that not only roll smoothly but stand the test of time. My only wish is for sturdier wheels since they’re crafted from urethane, prone to wearing out. However, for the price, this board is amazing.
17. Atom Drop Deck Longboard Skateboard
(Best Stable)
The atom drop deck longboard is your competitive choice for conquering the roads. Where other brands focus on speed, Atom designs their longboards to be super stable. This longboard is perfect for beginners and those who love a smooth cruise. The 41-inch deck is made of laminated maple, and It is very reliable. The longboard’s special feature is the reversed kingpin trucks that help you gain more stability and better control. The 80S grip tape comfortable and grips the feet well. Along with the ABEC-9 bearings, the board has wide-lip high rebound urethane wheels that definitely give you smooth and quiet bounces when skating over rough surfaces. In summary, this is definitely the right choice for your cruising experience.- Tough laminated maple wood
- Wide-lip high rebound wheels for a smooth ride
- High-speed ABEC-9 bearings with pre-lubricant
- Top-notch cruising experience over rough surfaces
- Ultra-low design with reversed kingpin trucks
- Big rocks and huge gaps can damage your underdeck
- Cannot use for complex tricks, mostly for cruising
18. Penny Classic Beginner Skateboard
(Lightweight)
Here is another interesting choice! For those who prefer a simplistic design, the Penny Australia Classic is a superb option. With this design, the price will vary between color choices, so be warned. Like most original Penny skateboards, the deck is very flexible to ride on, is super light, and easy to control with your feet. There is also the waffle non-slip pattern on the deck to help with a better grip. The wheels are also high-quality 83a for good bounces when rolling over cracks and gaps, and the bearings are ABEC-7 rating as standard. What surprised me here was the strong deck and truck! With tough aluminum trucks, the skateboard can support up to 220 lbs, and You can’t fault the type the quality of plastic used for the deck. These Penny skateboards can last for years before breaking down, if they break at all!- Smoother and quieter landing due to plastic deck
- Shock absorbing big wheels
- Good balance between speed and control with ABEC-7 bearings
- Suitable for all ages and best for cruising
- Can get very expensive depending on the color choice
- Cannot use for complex tricks
19. Penny Nickel Fade Complete Skateboard
Penny skateboards are very trendy today. What exactly about them is so compelling? This Penny Nickel is definitely specialized for your daily cruising. If you want a smooth ride every day around the city, this is one of the best skateboards for beginners out there. I love these Penny skateboards; it looks hot and attractive when you cruise on it. With 27 inches of length, you definitely feel comfortable while skateboarding on it. The ABEC-7 bearings provide you enough speed to get started with. It is also safe to control your speed if something suddenly happens or you take a quick turn—a great board.- Smoother and quieter landing due to plastic deck
- Shock absorbing big wheels
- Good balance between speed and control with ABEC-7 bearings
- Suitable for all ages and best for cruising
- The skin can wear off over months
- Cannot use for complex tricks
20. Playshion Complete 22” Mini Cruiser Skateboard
Similar to the Merkapa, the Playshion Skateboard is suitable for kids and teens starting to learn skating, though, it is more functional in exchange for being fancy. The plastic and fiberglass materials used in the deck are light and flexible and can carry up to 220 lbs. Adults can perform some simple tricks on it, although a bigger board is recommended. You can spot the anti-slip pattern on the deck in case of liquid spills or wet weather on close examination. Safety should go along with fun since physical injuries discourage you as you advance to complex tricks. The bearings have Nylon Ball Cages, which contribute to the wheel’s responsiveness and smoothness. It has an ABEC-9 rating that rolls extremely fast. The Playshion makes the 78A durometer wheels from a high rebound PU material to reduce the impact as you skate on rough streets and paths. This board is designed for smooth cruising, rolling over cracks, gaps, hills, and rough surfaces. The bushes are highly responsive as you easily maneuver through tight spots and make quick turns. I highly suggest you take this for a cruise and feel its flexibility for such a reasonable price.- Solid and quieter landing due to fiber-glass and PP plastic deck
- High rebound PU wheels against gaps and rough surfaces
- Good bushes
- Anti-slip deck and support up to a 220 lbs adult
- Simplistic artwork design
- Small 22 Inch deck
21. Krown Rookie Checker Skateboard
If you are a fan of the checker pattern, the Krown Rookie Checker Stakeboard should be in your collection. Don’t overlook Krown’s simple design; they produce a variety of interesting skateboards. From cheap $20 boards to professional $150 skateboards for an advanced skater. From the description, it may resemble many normal and beginner-friendly skateboards. But what I like most is the modern concave design of the deck. The W-concave deck allows you to hold the near-perfect precision needed for any tricks. You can maneuver this board with little effort and turn quickly. Another special feature is the 52mm 99A high-rebound urethane wheels that help you travel smoothly over most gaps, cracks, and bumps with high responsiveness. Krown also offers many types of checker colors.- Rookie Checker designs for those who prefer simplicity and classic style
- W-concave deck design is a super reflective and easy maneuver
- 99A high-rebound wheels that take care of any rugged surfaces
- Affordable price for great features
- Can be overlooked as a cheap skateboard
- Some people report it wears down faster than other expensive skateboards
22. Krown Rookie Complete Skateboard
This skateboard is constructed in the same manner as the previous board but I would like to express my love of the beautiful artwork on the deck. Quite the opposite to the checker skin, this one is way more dope and much funkier. I love the careful and detailed word art of the brands as well as the “cool” green flame skin.- “Cool” flame designs and word art for those prefer funky and street art style
- W-concave deck design is a super reflective and easy maneuver
- 99A high-rebound wheels that take care of any rugged surfaces
- Affordable price for great features
- Can be overlooked as a cheap skateboard
- Some people report it wears down faster than other expensive skateboards
23. POSITIV Team Complete Skateboards
For these last three, their prices are a bit higher as they have many special features. POSITIV is highly valued among the skateboard community and has many good reviews. Since the brand uses a unique process of pushing high performance and keeping up with the market competition, I can assure you that it is worth every penny you invest in. The deck is constructed either from birch or maple wood using the AirLam process to keep the wood intact over time and endure more punishment, and thanks to the special waterproof glue, it keeps the moisture away from the layers of wood. You can seriously damage this bad boy, yet it still performs nicely. Another unique feature of this board is the modern W-concave design. With such a deck, you have yourself a true multifunctional skateboard. The brand also manufactures its own parts to ensure strict quality control standards. Take the wheels, for example, with 99A hardness and super high rebound built, you know they are ready for any surface test. As a beginner, I would suggest you use this board for streets and park surfaces.- Unique designs from each product series and strong brand identity
- W-concave deck design is a super reflective and easy maneuver
- 99A high-rebound wheels that take care of any rugged surfaces
- High-quality materials and extremely durable against big impacts
- Cost around 10-15% more than the average market price
- Some customers found the wheels and trucks are not original from POSITIV – so you need to get directly from the brand
24. Landwalker Pro Cruiser Complete Girl Skateboard
Never assume skateboarding is mostly for boys; many girls like speed and action. This Landwalker skateboard is perfect for you girls out there, and it will attract lots of attention due to its beautiful and bright colors. Besides being cute, the board rides well too. The deck is solid with an 8-ply maple wood construction, a minor difference from the norm, and the board is designed well for your benefit. The ABEC-7 high precision and stainless alloy bearings will definitely satisfy your need for speed. They are meant for cruising purposes, so the seagull aluminum trucks keep the board stable for an enjoyable experience. The deck is anti-slip with smooth 95A PU wheels that give you the ultimate experience working on your new tricks or just cruising to school or work. Lastly, the double kick concave design helps you attain total control of force, movement, and maneuverability.- Cute, fancy, and bright designs to express your strong personality
- The double kick concave deck is super stable, highly responsive, and easy to maneuver
- 95A PU high-rebound wheels for a smooth cruising experience
- Solid materials and durable that support up to 220 lbs.
- High quality board design and the board design will last long since it is printed using heat press machine
- Not suitable for doing tricks
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Best Skateboards for Beginners
The challenge that most beginners encounter when they start skateboarding is choosing a good skateboard to commence their training. Don’t worry, though! This guide will help you with all the essential information you need to choose the best skateboard for beginners. This guide also contains valuable knowledge about what tricks are suitable for a certain type of skateboard. I will provide you with common questions and answers around the right skateboards for a newbie too.1. Choosing a Suitable Deck
Since you are new skateboarding or just picking it up again after not skating for a long time, I highly recommend you purchase a fully assembled skateboard. This will help you get used to the skateboard easier without going through the whole process of putting all the parts together. You would need to know the basics of a skateboard to choose a suitable skateboard for yourself. Deck size based on age Choosing the right deck is your priority. There are forests of decks and different brands to choose from. You should look at the deck size mainly and compare it with your current age and shoe size.
- For young beginners, roughly speaking between 3-8 years old, my favorite age groups to start learning about skateboarding. They are likely wearing shoes from 3-6 inches and can easily learn with a micro or mini skateboard (6-7 inches width).
- For teens and adolescents, who are around 9-18 years old, they will do fine with a mid-size deck of 7.3 inches since their physical body has developed stronger muscles to have more control, and they can learn some basic tricks.
- For adults who are 18 years old and above, this group will do just fine on a full-size deck. The width is usually around 7.5 inches or larger since this will match their shoe size of 9 inches and up.
In my personal experience, the width size plays a part in the whole picture. Deck types for different tricks and purposes: – Mini skateboard: this type of deck is the best skateboard for kids. The standard length is around 22 inches x 6-7 inches. They are extremely lightweight and easy to control for all the beginner tricks such as flips and ollies. Though this type is mostly for children to learn about balance and cruising first, teens use them for some beginner practice. – Full-size skateboard: this type of deck is mainly for teens (over 9 years old) and adults who are either professionals or beginners. As your body mass develops, you should choose this type to support more weight. It easier to control the real motion and feel of full-sized skateboards; hence, this type is universal for everyone to bring your skills to the next level. Most of the beginner and advanced tricks can be done with this type. The standard size is around 31+ inches x 7.5-8 inches. – Longboards and cruisers: These two types usually function as transportation means rather than doing tricks. The length is usually more than 32 inches. These two also suitable for everyone who wants to travel from point A to B fast. The difference between the two is that the longboards have similar tips and tails.
2. Picking a Reliable Truck
What is the best truck for beginners? The answer still depends on what you intend to do with the skateboard. It is quite hard to check for the truck materials; therefore, I can only suggest you check the obvious: the truck profile. When you are browsing for a skateboard, remember to check the description that matches your needs like below:- Low profile: The manufacturer designs the truck for small wheels. The advantage of low trucks is that they provide extra stability and better control for you. The wheels are closer to the deck and gain more stability; flip tricks and ledge grinding are easier to perform. It is highly recommended that you go with 48-53mm wheels.
- Middle profile: Park and street skateboarding is more favorable with this type of truck profile. This type is the jack of all trades since it is suitable for most skateboards. Beginners are likely to pick this one as you have a flexible option and access to essential tricks.
- High profile: This truck profile is perfect for large wheels, don’t worry; I will explain further in section 4. The high trucks favor carving and cruising streets. Hence, you will see this profile coexist with longboards or cruisers. The high profile is more efficient for pivoting and steering. It enhances mobility and reduces the impacts from rough surfaces, helping you gain more control and directions.
You can even choose trucks base on your deck size too:
3. Looking for Reliable Bearings
Bearings are the round metal pieces that connect your wheels and the metal axle of the truck. Their primary function is to reduce friction between the wheels while they spin on the truck’s axle. Steel bearings vs. ceramic bearings Steel bearings are a highly durable and likely cost you less. For most beginner skaters, steel bearings work fine. Since different brands design their own type of bearings, it would be complicated and difficult for you to check. So, if you have to pick between two metal bearings, pick the more expensive one. Simply, the more it costs, the better the quality. Unfortunately, certain metal bearings can malfunction due to energy. When the axle and the wheels rub together, they create this huge friction energy that potentially renders your bearings useless. The rule of thumb is to keep your bearings clean, lubricated, and dry. They will thank you a lot and likely to last longer. When it comes to ceramic bearings, they are more effective in reducing friction energy. Ceramic bearings are smoother and more resilient than their steel counterparts. They remain solid and able to take more frictions without becoming deformed. Therefore, the manufacturers will likely charge a premium price for such high-performance bearings. The professional skaters are likely to pick this one for the competitive advantage and extended period of time usage. The ABEC ratings Just for a quick tip, a beginner can do well with an ABEC-5 plus. This level is economical and highly functional for standard usage and tricks performance. If you would like to read in details, here is the range:
- ABEC 1-3 bearings tend to be cheap and low-quality. They suit those who have a tight budget. However, they don’t run smoothly or precisely. They likely to create lots of friction, thus become useless faster and inefficient for the skater.
- ABEC 5-7 bearings are standard for most types of skateboards. They usually a great starting point for beginners. The bearings help your wheels run smoothly and more responsively as you push.
- ABEC 9+ bearings high-speed fast and have superior precision. Professionals like these as they give the best control and speed during competition. You will be charged a premium price for sure!
The ABEC ratings There are only two main factors you should look out for when reading the wheel description of each skateboard. They are diameter and durometer. Diameter measures how big the wheels are, thus, determine how suitable for the types of truck and tricks. In contrast, the durometer evaluates how hard the wheels are, thus, determining how suitable they are for the terrain surfaces. For diameter, here is the important stuff:
- 48 – 53 mm are slow wheels; they are good for those who prefer more stability, taking it slow to learn a trick. For some beginners, this is where they like to start
- 54 – 59 mm are the standard wheels; they fit for everyone and every trick. No doubt, they are fine for beginners and professionals.
- 60+ mm is for longboards and cruisers; they focus on reducing the impact on rough surfaces and gaps.
For durometer, it is even more simple: The standard scale is around 70a to 100a; the higher the number, the harder wheels. In comparison, a 75a wheel is softer and makes it easier for you to skate on rough surfaces such as streets, pathways, rugged roads. In comparison, a 100a wheel is harder and runs faster on smooth surfaces like parks, pools, and ramps. Keep this in mind when you go shopping, and you will be alright! It is not hard to pick your first skateboard or purchase a beginner board when you pay attention. You must just check for the deck, trucks, bearings, and wheels. Again, things with a higher price may be of better quality. A smart skateboarder knows what he/she really needs for the current level.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Brand Skateboard is Best for Beginners?
What is best for you does not mean it is best for everyone and vice versa. You need to identify your purpose before selecting a skateboard brand. Here are the main points you should consider for a “best” skateboard that fits you perfectly:
- the brand that strongly expresses your personality – Minority, Positiv, Punisher, and Powell Golden Dragon.
- Tricks and good control – Merkapa, Playshion, Quest Super Cruiser, Punisher, Hikole, Landwalker, Positiv, and Krown
- Cruising and racing only – Minority, Playshion, Quest Super Cruiser, and Landwalker
- Grinding and complex tricks – Minority, Hikole, Positiv, and Powell Golden Dragon
If you enjoyed this beginner skateboard post. You may also enjoy reading these:
Aaron Mcneil
Really extensive list! It surely a good guide for beginners.
Bam Ericson
I’m glad you liked the article, Aaron!
http://prestashop.com
If someone wants expert view regarding skateboards or outdoor sports, I advise him/her to go to check out your blog, Keep up the nice job.
Bam Ericson
We’re glad we were able to help! Yeah, for sure. If you have any questions about skateboard, longboard, scooter … those sorts of sports activities, stop by to read our review on the best option for you.
Roxann
I know nothing about skateboarding so this really helped me
Bam Ericson
Hello Roxann, we are glad the post was helpful. Let us know how we can be of assistance to you.
Louisa
Reading through this post, I must say I am more inclined to giving skateboards a try. I didn’t know that there is a whole lot of variety of skateboards for every kind of activity. Thanks for this very informative post but I would like to have your expert opinion. What skateboard will you recommend as the safest and easiest to learn with as a beginner??
Bam Ericson
Hello Louisa, welcome to the club! All the skateboards on the list are outstanding. You should be able to start learning fine with any of them. Good luck!
Prince Amadi
Prior to this post, I used to see a skateboard as a tool for stuntmen, and most video makers use them too, never really had an in-depth knowledge of the different factors and tools that make up a skateboard, like bearings, and the measurements involved also. This post is awesome for me, hope to see more. Kudos.
Bam Ericson
Thanks for the positive feedback, Prince! We want all of our posts on our sites including these skateboards for beginners to be easy to understand and not intimidating. I’m glad we were able to do that for you.
Louisa
Awesome!!! I loved the varieties of skateboard to choose from with its pros and cons, now that’s very informative.
Bam Ericson
Hello Again, were you able to decide which of the beginner skateboard to purchase? Please let me know if you need additional help!
Charee
Very detailed post. I’m a beginner skateboarder and I found this post to be a good starting point.
Bam Ericson
That’s good to hear, Charee! Thanks for stopping by.
geneva
What does “girl only limitation” mean? do they only sell to girls or something?
Bam Ericson
Hello Geneva, thanks for the feedback. The article was not the clearest so I have made the changes. What that meant is it is not the best board for doing stunts, tricks, or riding fast. Does that answer your question?
Ryan Murphy
Great! Thank you for this awesome article. Thank you for explaining the features and details, this is a very helpful guide especially for beginners. You even added pros and cons! Thanks again and keep it up!
Chris
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumble upon every day. It will always be useful too read through articles from other writers and practice
a little something from their sites.