Skate Guide

How do I choose the right deck?

Choosing the right skateboard depends on your body size, skating style, and skill level. Here is everything you need to know:

Deck Width

Deck width is measured in inches (") and is the most important criteria:

7.5" - 7.75"

• Best for: Kids and smaller riders (Shoe size roughly EU 38 / US 5.5 and under)
• Style: Street skating, technical tricks
• Advantage: Lightweight and easy to flip

7.75" - 8.0"

• Best for: Teens and adults (Shoe size EU 38-41 / US 6-8)
• Style: Versatile street and park skating
• Advantage: Good balance between weight and stability

8.0" - 8.25"

• Best for: Adults (Shoe size EU 41-43 / US 8.5-10)
• Style: All-around skating
• Advantage: The modern standard size, suitable for almost all styles

8.25" - 8.5"+

• Best for: Larger riders (Shoe size EU 43+ / US 10+)
• Style: Ramps, bowls, pools, and cruising
• Advantage: More stable, larger landing surface

Rule of Thumb: While personal preference is key, your shoe size is generally a better indicator than shoulder width. If your feet hang significantly over the edges, try a wider board.

Deck Length

Length affects the ride less than width, but keep in mind:

• Shorter Decks (28"-31"): Usually "Mini" decks for kids or specific short shapes. More agile.
• Standard/Longer Decks (31.5"-33"): The standard for adults. More stable, better for cruising and taller skaters with a wider stance.

Deck Shape

Popsicle Shape

• The most common shape
• Symmetrical nose and tail (though the nose is usually slightly steeper/longer)
• Versatile for all types of skating
• Ideal for switch riding

Shaped Deck

• Special shapes (square tail, pointed nose, old school)
• Stylish aesthetic
• Offers different wheelbase options
• Usually preferred by bowl riders or experienced skaters

Concave

The curvature of the deck's surface affects feel and control:

• Low Concave: Flatter, more comfortable for cruising and flat feet.
• Medium Concave: The most popular, offers a good balance.
• High Concave: Better for flip tricks, provides more responsiveness and foot-locking.

Material

7-ply Maple

• The industry standard
• Durable and has good "pop" (flex/snap)
• Suitable for all types of skating

Special Construction (Flight / Carbon / Impact)

• Lighter and stronger than standard maple
• Retains "pop" for longer
• More expensive

Buyer's Tips

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Beginner's Guide to Skateboarding

Welcome to the world of skateboarding! Here is everything you need to start.

1. Essential Gear

Must-have:

• ✅ Skateboard (A "Complete" setup is best for beginners)
• ✅ Skate shoes (Flat soles, durable suede/leather material)
• ✅ Helmet (Highly recommended for everyone, essential for beginners and kids!)

Recommended:

• Knee, elbow, and wrist guards
• Skate tool (for adjustments)

2. Parts of a Skateboard

• Deck: The wooden board you stand on
• Trucks: The metal axles attached to the bottom of the deck
• Wheels: Urethane wheels (Sizes 50-60mm, Hardness 78a-101a)
• Bearings: Placed inside the wheels to make them spin (ABEC 3-9 ratings)
• Grip Tape: Sandpaper-like sheet on top for traction
• Hardware: Bolts and nuts that attach the trucks to the deck

3. Basic Stance

Regular vs. Goofy

• Regular: Left foot forward
• Goofy: Right foot forward
• Test which one feels more natural! (Tip: Have someone gently push you from behind; the foot you step out with is usually your back foot).

Stance (Riding Position)

• Front foot near the front bolts, angled slightly or sideways.
• Back foot on the tail.
• Knees bent, weight centered.

4. First Steps

Step 1: Balance

• Stand on the board while stationary (on grass or carpet is safer).
• Practice shifting weight from front to back.
• Try leaning toe-side and heel-side.

Step 2: Pushing

• Front foot stays on the board (near the front bolts, pointing forward).
• Push against the ground with your back foot.
• Place the back foot back on the board and turn your front foot sideways to coast.
• Start slow!

Step 3: Turning

• Lean on your toes = Turn right (if Regular) / Turn left (if Goofy).
• Lean on your heels = Turn left (if Regular) / Turn right (if Goofy).
• Keep knees bent and center of gravity low.

Step 4: Stopping

• Foot brake: Take your back foot off and drag the sole of your shoe flat against the ground. This is the safest way.
• Tail stop: Press the tail down until it scrapes the ground. Note: This wears down the tail of your board quickly (Razor Tail).
• Practice both!

5. First Tricks

Ollie (The foundation of street skating)

1. Get into stance.
2. Back foot on the tail, front foot in the middle.
3. Snap the tail down hard (Pop).
4. Simultaneously slide the side of your front foot up towards the nose.
5. Level the board out in the air.
6. Land on the bolts with knees bent.

Kickturn

• Press down on the tail slightly to lift the front wheels.
• Turn your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to go.
• Place the front wheels back down.

Manual

• Lift the front wheels and balance only on the back wheels while moving.
• Great practice for balance!

6. Safety Tips

7. Where to Practice?

For Beginners:

• Empty parking lots
• School yards (after hours)
• Flat paved areas (smooth asphalt or concrete)
• Beginner areas at skateparks

When you progress:

• Skateparks
• Street spots
• Ramps and bowls

8. Community and Progression

• Watch YouTube tutorials – there are countless great videos to learn from!
• Follow us on Instagram for inspiration.
• Join local skate sessions.
• Don't be afraid to ask other skaters for tips.
• Enjoy the journey - everyone was a beginner once!

9. Common Beginner Mistakes

• ❌ Trucks too loose or too tight - Adjust them to find what works for you.
• ❌ Wrong shoes - Running shoes will rip instantly and offer no board feel.
• ❌ Giving up too soon - Skateboarding has a steep learning curve.
• ❌ Trying tricks before basics - Learn to ride, turn, and stop comfortably first.
• ❌ Neglecting the board - Keep your bearings clean and stay out of the rain.

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