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Step 1
Shop for safety gear, now required by many skate parks. Gloves, wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads are labeled simply "youth" or S, M, L and XL. These should fit comfortably but must be snug enough to stay in place when you hit the ground.
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Step 2
Check the helmet fit. It should fit snugly and have a secure chin strap. Make sure the helmet can't rotate backward, exposing your forehead. The farther the helmet extends over the ears, forehead and back of the skull, the more protection it offers. See How to Buy a Properly Fitted Helmet.
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Step 3
Determine whether you need a skateboard package or separate components. Inexpensive skateboards are usually sold as a complete package. These can be great for small children but probably won't bear the weight of an adult or teenager. Good-quality gear is usually sold as separate components, consisting of the deck, the wheels and the trucks (the metal devices that hold the wheels to the deck).
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Step 4
Decide on a skateboard deck. The most common deck type is around 31 to 32 inches (79 to 81 cm) long, with a slight upturn at each end. They are designed for maneuverability and cost around $50. Longer decks, called longboards, are anywhere from 35 to 50 inches (89 to 127 cm) long and are for speed riding. Decks vary slightly in width. Smaller riders should look at narrower decks.
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Step 5
Examine your wheel choices. Small wheels, up to about 55 mm in diameter, are for tricks, general street use and skate parks. Larger wheels are for carving long, fast turns on a longboard. A set of wheels costs about $25.
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Step 6
Choose a wheel hardness, which is rated using the durometer scale. The hardest wheels have a rating of 100. A wheel with a durometer rating of less than 90 is considered soft and is generally used on a longboard. A rating of 95 is about average for street and park use. A harder wheel can be better for tricks, while a softer wheel grips better.
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Step 7
Choose a truck width. Most trucks designed for a common 32- inch (81-cm) board are about 5 inches (13 cm) wide. A wider truck offers more stability, while a narrower one makes tricks easier. Many longboard riders prefer wider trucks. Truck costs range from $45 to $50.
