How to Select a Skateboard Deck
Many people choose skateboard decks on the graphics alone, but your skating style should determine the one you select. Each deck is designed to enhance certain aspects of skating and work with your body for a comfortable ride.
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Instructions
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Select a board suited for the type of skating you plan on doing. For street skating and technical tricks, you should find a narrower board in the range of 7.5 to 8 inches. Wider boards, in the range of 8 to 8.25 inches, work well for skating pools and skate parks. Unless you plan on cruising, choose a deck less than 32 inches long.
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Fit your board to your height and weight. If you are smaller or weigh less, you should choose a narrower board so you can flip it easily. In general, a shorter person should select a shorter board. The reverse goes for tall or heavier people who should buy wider decks that lets them keep control of the skateboards during tricks.
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Look at the board from the side to see how concave it is. The nose and tail can be steep or mellow, and the sides may also curl up. Decks that are more concave make aggressive tricks easier to pull off, but in the end, the shape needs to be based on your personal preference and experience. As you get better, you'll find the degree of concavity that works for you.
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Flip the deck and decide what you want on the bottom. For beginners or those looking to save money, buy blank decks, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes without the skate company's graphics.
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Compare boards from different companies to see which one you feel most comfortable on. Powell has years of experience in shaping its decks, but newer companies like Tony Hawk's Bird House and the relaunched Plan B sprung up during the resurgence of skating in the early 1990s, which shaped the sport into what it is today (see Resources below). Each company features its skater's graphics, but also releases differently shaped boards-whether flat or narrow, you'll notice a difference when you ride.
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Shop for decks at your local skate or action sports shop or online at one of the many skate stores available. While skateboard companies may sell decks directly, you will find more selection of graphics and sizes at independent shops. Try Active for urban designs or Skate Warehouse for the latest decks from just about every brand (see Resources below).
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Design your own skateboard graphics at Board Pusher (see Resources below). This innovative website lets you add your own graphics to a deck in the size and shape you choose. If you feel confident, you can even set up shop and sell your designs to other skaters.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't pick a deck because of the graphics alone or you may end up with an awkward board that you can't flip or slide with. Never settle for a deck that is the wrong size.
