How to choose my first skateboard?

If you want to delve into the world of skateboarding and don’t know how to choose your first skateboard, Mundo Surf is here to help you find your first board.

We love introducing new people to this hobby, so we will advise you on everything you need to consider when choosing your equipment to make sure you make the right purchase.

Types of Boards for Beginner Skaters

If you’re starting out and planning to buy your first skateboard without any prior skateboarding experience… We recommend not doing so! It’s best to purchase a pre-assembled board specifically designed for beginner skaters.

However, there are different types of boards designed based on what you want to do. If you have no idea about the different types of boards that exist, let’s first clarify this point because it is crucial for you to choose the right skateboard based on your preferences.

Longboard

Longboards are often a good choice for beginner skaters. They are quite stable and will allow you to navigate the streets of your city on your board.

They are also great for downhill riding over long distances in a straight line. Being wider than other types of boards, they can be easier to handle if you don’t have much experience.

If you want more information, we offer a comprehensive guide on how to choose a longboard. And if you want to see an example of a longboard, we have one available for purchase on our website.

Surf Skate

Are you a surfer eager to dive into the world of skateboarding? Then you’ve come to the right place!

If you want to skate and experience “the rhythm of the waves” on the pavement, surf skateboards will be a perfect ally for you, as they allow you to feel the same kind of swaying motion as you would on the ocean.

If you’ve never been on a board of this style and wonder how it’s possible, let us explain. With a front truck that pivots more than other skateboards, you’ll have the opportunity to make smoother and more fluid turns. Here’s an example of a surf skate board:

Cruising

But if what truly attracts you is starting to skate around the streets, what you need are cruising boards. They are designed for those who want to move from one point to another, making them ideal for leisurely rides. They are usually wider than other boards and are lightweight and versatile.

If you can’t quite imagine what a board of this type looks like, we offer an example of one of the cruising skateboards available on our website.

Classic Street Skateboard

You can find many classic street skateboards at the skatepark in your area. These are the typical rectangular boards with a narrower nose. They are designed for performing tricks such as ollies, flips, slides, grinds, and more, as well as for use in ramps and bowls. Street skateboarding is the most extreme discipline of skateboarding.

If you’re not exactly sure what you want to use your board for and still feel indecisive about it, you can go for a skateboard of this type, as they are quite versatile.

Below, we provide an example of a skateboard of this type that you can purchase at Mundo Surf.

Concave or Flat Board to Start Skateboarding from Scratch?

Concave is one of the essential elements you should know about your skateboard if you’re a beginner. The concave will influence your skating style and, therefore, your learning process.

In fact, finding a skateboard with the appropriate concave will impact the sensations and safety you experience when riding your board, as it affects how your feet adapt to the board.

If you want to know the exact definition of concave, it refers to the curvature of the skateboard from the edges to the center. If you look at your board from the side, you can observe this curvature.

It’s true that concave will assist you in performing tricks on your skateboard.

There are three levels of concave: low, medium, and high. Here’s an explanation:

However, if you’re not interested in learning tricks right from the start, we advise opting for a flat board. With a more stable surface, it will be much easier for you to gradually progress without falls or scrapes.

What are the best skateboard brands for beginners?

If you’re starting skateboarding from scratch, it’s best to trust brands that already have a reputation and have been tested by thousands of skateboarders.

Relying on popularity when it comes to skateboards is a good choice. Thus, we present to you the best skateboard brands according to Mundo Surf:

Quiksilver Skateboards

The iconic brand Quiksilver couldn’t be missing from this list. They offer both surf skate and street skateboards. In street skateboarding, they provide complete boards with a great value for money.

On our website, we have numerous models for you to choose from. For example, the Quiksilver Floral board or the Cruiser QuikSilver Paradise Express, which is ideal for skateboarding on days without waves.

Jart Skateboard

Jart skateboards offer a wide variety of street skateboards that are durable, versatile, and have a low concave.

For example, we recommend the Jart Classic 7.75 board, which includes JART Abec 7 bearings that are fast and long-lasting.

Slide is a renowned brand in the field of surfskate boards. Their boards are specially designed to replicate the sensations of surfing on asphalt. They feature a special truck system that allows for carving and pumping movements similar to those performed on a surfboard.

SK8mafia Skateboard

The Sk8mafia brand is also one of the most beloved brands among experienced skaters.

If you’re starting to get the idea that street skateboarding is your thing, you can get yourself complete skateboards like the SK8mafia House Black 7.75” complete skateboard.

Slide Surfskate Boards

The best value for money if you want to practice surfskate. The front truck with spring provides very smooth turns.

Carver surfskate boards

La marca americana que inventó el surfskate. Las tablas de surfskate Carver y sus principales componentes siguen fabricadas en EEUU. La referencia del mercado en surfskate.

Tablas surfskate Yow

The Spanish brand of surfskate, with a factory located in the Basque Country. Not only is it the national surfskate brand, but it is also a global reference. They offer a wide range of surfskate boards, with many sizes and designs.

What size should your skateboard be?

Excited to place your order and have your first skateboard at home, right? Well, hold on because there are still more things you need to consider.

For street skateboarding, the width of the skateboard is crucial and is related to your shoe size. For small feet ranging from size 36 to 39, it’s best to go for a width of 7.75″ or smaller. If your shoe size is around 40 to 44, then it’s better to choose between 7.75″ and 8.0″. However, if you’re taller and have a shoe size larger than 44, it’s best to go for a width of 8″ or wider.

For surfskating, the length of the board is an important parameter. Boards under 30″ are considered short and are recommended for people under 170 cm (5’7″) tall. The average length ranges from 30″ to 33″, which is ideal for people between 170 cm and 185 cm (5’7″ to 6’1″) tall. If you’re taller than 180 cm (6’0″), you can go for a longer surfskate, measuring over 33″. The longer your surfskate board, the more stable it will be, but with wider turns.

For longboarding and cruising, it’s more difficult to establish a general rule. These types of skateboards are more intended for cruising, so it’s more a matter of personal preference. However, the taller you are, the longer you should choose your board.

Accessories and components you should consider

There are accessories that depend on whether you want to buy a complete skateboard or a custom one.

Whether you’re assembling it yourself or getting a complete skateboard with all its components, you should have information about wheel types, trucks, bearings… And also (very important for beginners) about protective gear.

Knowing all these elements will give you more power when choosing your first skateboard and help you avoid any mistakes.

Wheels

Wheels are an important aspect. For those starting from scratch in street skateboarding, it’s preferable to opt for medium hardness wheels, around 90a. It’s true that this hardness is not chosen by professionals, but they provide more stability and allow you to better control your board with agility. As you progress, you can choose harder wheels, going up to 100a.

Another option for beginners is to choose soft wheels, up to 73a. It’s true that with these, you won’t be able to roll as fast and you’ll need to push more often, but you’ll gain comfort while acquiring technical skills.

In surfskating, cruising, and longboarding, soft wheels are generally used to prioritize comfort on all types of surfaces.

Trucks or axes

Trucks, or axles, are the component that connects the skateboard deck to the rest of the elements and provides support and balance to allow you to perform your maneuvers.

If you already know by heart the types of concaves you can choose from, it will be easier for you to understand the types of trucks as they are similar. In street skateboarding, you can get low trucks (highly recommended for beginners), medium trucks that are very versatile, and high trucks that are more suitable for experienced skaters.

In surfskating, trucks can be divided into two main categories: with or without a spring. Trucks with a spring, such as Carver C7, Slide, Yow, provide a heightened sense of fluidity. Trucks without a spring, such as Carver Cx, Quiksilver projector, Long Island, offer more stability.

Screws and tools

A good skater who takes pride always has screws and tools on hand, just in case something goes wrong.

It never hurts to have some extra screws or tools in case something becomes loose or needs adjustment.

Protective gear

You have reached the final round of important aspects to consider. Now, we want to inform you about protective gear.

Many beginner skaters often overlook the inclusion of protective gear, but it is essential to have them if you don’t want your first experiences to end up in the hospital.

Therefore, if you are starting out, Mundo Surf recommends buying a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. In the skatepark, if the top riders don’t wear protective gear, it’s because they have been skating for a long time and are aware of the risks they take. But as a beginner, you need to know that skateboarding is a tough sport, and it’s almost essential to invest in protective gear. Yes, we know it may be a lot of accessories, but we don’t want you to suffer from any falls!

Now that you have all the information to buy your skateboard, all you need to do is add the most suitable one to your cart. At Mundo Surf, you will find high-quality skateboards of all modalities to start your skateboarding journey in style.

If you still have any unanswered questions in mind… Don’t hesitate to contact our team, and we will guide you on the best skateboarding materials for you.

Oh! And finally, we have a small gift for you once you have your skateboard at home. If by chance you reside in the Madrid region or plan to travel there, you will be interested in our article on the “Best Skateparks in Madrid.” Visit one and let the magic begin!

Frequently Asked Questions about skateboarding for beginners

How to buy my first skateboard?

The first thing you need is information about the different types of skateboards and their uses. Afterwards, we recommend visiting a reputable skate shop, as this will give you the confidence that the equipment you’re purchasing is suitable for starting out in this sport. At Mundo Surf, we are a trusted website in the world of skateboarding and we offer a wide selection of complete skateboards or skateboard parts for you to enjoy your new hobby. You can choose your skateboard, make the purchase, and have it delivered to your home quickly. If you have any questions, you can contact us and our experienced team will assist you. Remember: Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask whatever you need. We all started out just like you!

Which board is better for beginners?

To start, it’s best to choose a classic street skateboard. They are very versatile, so if you don’t have experience and would like to try different styles of skateboarding, classic boards will be ideal for you. Another good option is a longboard because they are wider than other types of skateboards, allowing you to feel more comfortable and have easier control. At Mundo Surf, we offer different complete skateboards or skateboard parts that will allow you to learn how to skateboard optimally and safely. If you have any doubts about which one to choose, contact us!

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