The Best Skateboard Decks for Beginners - TheDeckHouse
The Best Skateboard Decks for Beginners by TheDeckHouse
Every little kid has searched aimlessly online looking for the coolest skateboard decks, only to be overwhelmed by the infinite options, followed by confused parents that select the first one they see. Well, we’ve been there, and we are here to put an end to the mindless buying and give you the answers to all your beginner skateboarder questions.
Here at TheDeckHouse we have been there and understand the kids, teens, and adults skaters questions and concerns. From being a young skater who just wanted the right fit, to shopping as an adult for my brother's Christmas gift, TheDeckHouse.com has experience on how to select a beginners skateboard deck. We take pride in having one of the best selection of Skate Decks out there.
How to Choose Skateboard Decks as a New Skater:
When it's time to determine the perfect board for you, factors such as age and skating style (parks, bowls, street, etc.) will tell you all you need to know. The right skateboard for beginners will be different for kids, teens, and adults. Generally speaking, kid skaters will be around 5-11, teens as 12-17, and adults as 18 and older.
What to Buy a Beginner Kid Skateboarder:
The right fit for kids ages 5-11 is vital for having the most fun on your board, which comes over anything. Any skateboarder under 5’2” may find a shorter deck is easiest to control.
With younger, aspiring skateboarders, being comfortable is the number one thing. At this age, riding is typically more for fun and feel, and not tricks–so selecting the correct width will teach them proper foot placement. Smaller feet means a smaller skateboard deck, TheDeckHouse suggests beginner skateboarders to choose 7.0, 7.75, or 8.0 if you are a kid. However, this is subjective to your shoe size.
Kids are more drawn to colors and graphics, so choosing a boring board is out the window. Alien Workshop Skate Decks and Zero Skate Decks will not disappoint your young rider.
What to Buy a Beginner Teen Skateboarder:
Teens are grouped from 12-17 and usually this is the age they are attempting to learn tricks to show their friends and post online about. Us experts in skateboard decks suggest teens begin with popsicle shapes. It is by far the most universal and can easily translate from skating recreationally to teaching yourself tricks.
For skateboarders who are 5’3”-5’9”, typically a mid length deck fits the most appropriately. Stability is still key for someone who has never picked up a board, so starting off with the most comfortable width and length is important. 32 inch boards are the most common size since they grant you stability without slowness, and lets be honest, zooming down the street against the wind is one of the best feelings.
What to Buy a Beginner Adult Skateboarder:
If you fall on the taller side and have longer legs or bigger than average feet, a longer skate deck will suit you. Adults who are new to skateboarding should match their shoe size to their board width.
We all can recognize how important balance is on the board, so selecting a longer deck will grant you more standing room and more comfortability. Length is in fact a necessity to look into.
As for deck shape, popsicle deck shape is the best shape for beginner skateboarders. As an adult rider, we recommend the brand Element.
Skate Decks to Buy as a Beginner Based on Style
Style of skating directly correlates to age. Kids will not have any desire to learn an ollie or kickflip, but just easy riding. Whereas teens and adults will have more of an interest to get to that point with some time.
What style of skateboarding you desire to have will tell you what shape of the deck you need.
Street skating is the beginner skating style. Everyone sees them online or outside soaring down the street and grinding up stairs at parks.
You will have a lot of people tell you street skating should be done with a lighter board, however, any beginner skater should select what makes them feel their best. Aligning your board size with what we talked about above, age, shoe size, and comfortability, will help you determine this.
A heavier skate deck, naturally, will be a larger one. TheDeckHouse.com suggests a heavier and larger board for beginners. Once you get more comfortable riding and want to advance yourself to learning tricks like the videos of skateboarders grinding on obstacles on Youtube, a lighter board is what you’ll require.
Bowl skating is another popular desire most beginner skaters have. While this style takes more time and patience, the recommended board is the same. A wider and larger deck is suggested for bowl skating. While bowl skating is hard to pick up for new learners, an 8.75 deck will be versatile for street and bowl style.
It’s important your skating style is matched up with the factors determined by your age. Combining age and style will help you choose the most appropriate skateboard deck for a beginner.