The skateboard is a simple piece of equipment that can help you do wonderful things if you only know-how. Over the past decades, it has become recognized as a respectable sport because people finally realized how much effort and skill goes into it. So whether you want to build on your skill to do tricks and perhaps even take it to the professional level, or if you long for that sense of freedom as you skate down the road, it’s extremely important that you know how to choose the right board to get the most out your experience. This is why we’ve created a simple guide to help you pick the right skateboard.
Size Matters
When it comes to picking the right size, you have to take a few factors into consideration. First of all, you need to compare the size of the board with your shoe size. This is important because you want proper control as you ride, too wide and you won’t be able to get the control you want, and too narrow is extremely uncomfortable and won’t be able to give you the results you want. Your weight and height also come into play when picking out the right size. If you’re of a smaller build, then the smaller boards suit you better. If you’re taller or wider, then you’ll need something bigger to really get the control you want.
Look at the Shape
If you’re new to skateboarding, then this might be a bit strange for you. It seems like all boards are shaped the same, but they actually aren’t. Beginners generally are best suited to the radial-shaped boards, as they are the easiest to use. Once you’re past the beginner stage, you can start looking into the other shapes, such as convex, flat-cave, asymmetric, or progressive, amongst others. Alternatively, you can also look into getting an electric board to take you to the next level. These may sound more expensive, but with a bit of research, you’ll be able to find a cheap electric skateboard that you can try out. These are a ton of fun, but you better be good with your skills and balance before going down the electric route.
Look at the Details
Before investing in a skateboard, it’s important that you take a closer look at the details so that you can rest assured that it is a quality skateboard. Plastic is the cheapest, and this is what boards such as the pennyboard are made out of. The best quality would be made from Canadian maple, but there are alternatives such as bamboo, and you’ll even find boards made from fiberglass. Just keep in mind that even though it’s cheaper, you want as little plastic as possible in your board for it to function properly.
Now that you have the basics down make sure that you go to a decent store that has a good reputation so that you can guarantee that you’re getting the best. It’s always a good idea to have someone that’s experienced with skating to tag along with so they can help you make the right decision, along with using the factors mentioned here.
