How to Buy a Skateboard

You should get the right skateboard for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Skateboard shop
• About $90 to $200 for a complete skateboard

1. Do you want to cruise in your flip-flops on the sidewalks or skate around campus? Or do you want to do tricks and ride around in bowls or do street skating? You can do it all, but chances are you’re either a cruiser or a trickster. There’s also the sport of downhilling, which is exactly what it sounds like, and it requires a different length board. Decide.
2. If you're cruising for fun, you want a longboard with big soft wheels. For more on wheels, see "How to Choose Skateboard Wheels." Longboards are about 35 inches long to 57 inches long and 8 inches to 10 inches wide.
3. If you want to save on gas and skate around town or to school, choose a board that is mid-length, about 40 inches long, will give you a smooth ride and more control on turns.
4. Remember the longer and wider the board, the smoother the ride. Some of the popular longboard makers are Sector 9 and Gravity. Complete decks--skateboards ready to buy--come with big soft wheels, which will ride right over that fallen tree nut, twig or rock instead of throwing you off like a horse.
5. If you’re trickster inclined, choose a regular board (deck), about 21 inches to 33 inches long and 7.5 inches to 8 inches wide, with small hard wheels. Though, you can put softer and somewhat bigger wheels on a smaller board for a grippier but slower ride ride.
6. For cruising down hills, get yourself a board that is 40 inches to 46 inches long.
7. Check out your local skateshops or shop online for comparison shopping.

Tips & Warnings

• Your local skateshop will have more expertise in helping you choose.
• It's best to buy your first board in an actual shop, as opposed to online.