All our skateboards can be enjoyed by beginners, but there are a few features that make some boards better for learning to skateboard. Longer wheelbases and wider deck widths can all offer more stability and make it easier to find your balance for the first time. However, it is important to choose a board that is the right fit for your size and the type of riding you want to do. This guide will help answer all your questions on types of skateboards and skateboard size.
Best Skateboards
for Beginners
Popular for Beginners
Types of Skateboards
Cruiser boards can be a little more challenging to ride for the first time but are still great options for beginners who want a more maneuverable skateboard for sidewalks, city centers, and other crowded spaces.
They can also be the best fit for smaller or younger riders who may have a harder time turning longer boards. If you are a larger rider or are concerned about stability, we recommend choosing a cruiser that has a longer wheelbase (16 - 20") or a wider deck width (8.5 - 10").
Longboards are a popular choice for beginners because they are the easiest to ride from day one. Drop through boards are even more friendly to beginners because they lower the ride height for extra stability and easier pushing.
When choosing longboard size, it is important to keep your own size in mind. Our longest boards (25 - 30" wheelbase) are often the best fit for larger riders and those who want to commute longer distances or skate mellow hills. However, they can be more difficult to turn at slower speeds. Longboards with shorter wheelbases (20 - 25") provide a great balance of stability and maneuverability. This makes them ideal for children, smaller riders, and those who want a more responsive ride.
Park and street skateboards are built to be versatile for many styles of riding, including street (flip tricks, manuals, rails, ledges, etc.) and transition (ramps, quarter pipes, bowls, pools, etc.). If you're learning to ride at a skatepark, this is the type of skateboard we recommend.
Street skateboards are less functional for transportation because they have smaller, harder wheels that roll slower on rough pavement. However, you can turn any street skateboard into a great cruiser by swapping to a softer wheel (78a - 80a). Changing wheels only takes a few minutes and can be done easily when arriving at the skatepark and/or before skating home.
Most street/park decks are very similar in shape, but finding the right size skateboard to fit your feet and style can make a big difference. If your feet are smaller than a men's size 9, we recommend starting with a deck width of 7.75" or smaller. If you wear a men's size 9 or larger, we recommend choosing a deck width of 8.0 - 8.5". In general, the added response of narrower decks is preferred for street skating, while the added stability of wider decks is typically preferred for skating bowls and ramps.
