Things You'll Need:
- Money
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Step 1
Save up about $200 to $300. You can spend plenty more if you've got it. You might be able to spend less if you beg and borrow. I don't recommend stealing.
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Step 2
If you’re new to skating, it’s best to buy at your local skateshop. Why? Because skateshops are staffed by a bunch of skateboarders who are likely to be more helpful.
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Step 3
Ask for a "complete," which means you want a whole board, grip tape, wheels, trucks and all, put together for you.
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Step 4
You will pick your deck (board), which you can get with graphics or blank (plain). Skateboard companies don't like you buying blank boards, because they're cheaper and they don't make as much money selling them. But you may not have the money, or you may want to paint and decorate your board yourself.
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Step 5
Pick your wheels. For longboards, you want big soft wheels. Regular decks usually require small, hard wheels. See "How to Choose Skateboard Wheels" for more.
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Step 6
Pick your trucks--there are various colors and graphics. Trucks cushion the ride and help steer your board. You can tighten or loosen your trucks to your preference. The tighter the nut, the harder it is to turn--the looser, the easier. If you're new, you don’t want it to be too tight or too loose. You want it just right.
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Step 7
It will take about 30 minutes for the skateshop to get your board put together.
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Step 8
Buy your padding and be generous, not cool. Some skaters think it's un-cool or uncomfortable to skate with padding but it's un-cooler and even more uncomfortable to be laid up in a hospital bed.
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Step 9
Padding: elbow, knee, wrist. To save money, you can get these at a sporting goods shop.
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Step 10
Get your helmet, which is the most important piece of gear because it protects your precious noggin. Buy a good brand, such as Pro Tec.
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Step 11
Lastly, get yourself some skate shoes. They have thicker soles and more padding. Many skaters prefer Vans slip-ons or Converse, which offer little foot support but they’re more flexible and they get you closer to your board.
