As a complete beginner, I'd prefer something to shorten the learning curve.
My balance maybe isn't perfect. I've never really skated before.
Which type of beginner are you?
BOARD TYPES:
Please note every board has a different underfoot feeling, called concave.
Scroll to the bottom for specific recommendations.
- Characteristics: These boards are very low to the ground. Great for shortening the learning curve.
- Sizing: Over 34" for more stability. Under 34" for more agility.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- The ride height makes these extra easy to push.
- Sometimes they have a little bit of flex to help with dampening. Preventing fatigue on long rides or on crappy roads.
- These are also easier to powerslide than top mounted boards.
.
- Characteristics: These boards are higher up than dropped boards, but due to that are more carve-y.
- Sizing: Over 36" for more stability. Under 36" for more agility.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- These boards feel more surfy than a dropped board.
- More leverage and grip than a dropped board.
- More versatile and allow you to transition to downhill.
- Sometimes have kicktails, which allow for more maneuverability on sidewalks or in crowds. You can also ollie and do flip tricks with kicktails.
.
- Characteristics: These boards are light and portable, have a smaller standing platform and are very agile. Great for cruising, skateparks, pump tracks, street skating, etc.
- Sizing: For length, over 30" for more stability. Under 30" for more agility. For width, over 8.25" for more stability / bigger feet. Under 8.25" for more agility / smaller feet.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Not as damp as the other two types of boards.
- Almost always have a kicktail and are easy to learn ollies and flip tricks on.
- Work great with soft wheels and give you an experience that's easier than traditional skateboarding with hard wheels.
- Great transitionary board type if you eventually want to start street skating or going to the skatepark.
.
TRUCK TYPES:
Please note trucks have different angles and widths which make them feel different.
Scroll to the bottom for specific recommendations.
- Characteristics: Stable. Drawn out turns. Surfy and carvy. Better for boards with longer wheelbases (distance between wheels). Regarded as "longboard trucks".
- Sizing:
- 9.5" to 10" wide boards: 180mm
- 9.0" to 9.5" wide boards: 160mm and under.
- Angles:
Higher angle means more turn. Lower angle means less turn.
- Lower Speed Riding - 50°
- Faster Riding - 45° and under
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Stable at speed. Easier for beginners to progress with.
- More drawn out turns, easier to control. Less twitchy.
- These are also easier to powerslide because of the way they turn.
- Work better for boards with longer wheelbases (wheel spacing).
.
- Characteristics: Very turny with less lean. Better for boards with smaller wheelbases (distance between wheels). Often for tricks, street, park and distance skating.
- Sizing:
- 85mm - 125mm: < 8.0" wide boards
- 115mm - 135mm: 8.0" to 8.5" wide boards
- 135mm - 155mm: 8.5" to 9" wide boards
- 145mm - 160mm: 9.0" to 9.5" wide boards
- 180mm: 9.5" to 10" wide boards:
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- More turny, so better for smaller boards.
- Generally for cruising, or street, park, vert, pumping, ditch slap, etc.
- Work well for grinds and tricks.
- If you're going with a Pantheon Ember or Pranayama, run the Pantheon Stylus as those boards were not designed to work well with RKP trucks.
.
WHEEL TYPES:
Please note different wheels are made of different urethane, which make them behave differently.
Scroll to the bottom for specific recommendations.
- Characteristics: Usually larger and carry speed well. Absorbs bumps and are moderately grippy.
- Sizing: 70mm & under work best for smaller boards without wheel cutouts. 70mm to 80mm is better for larger boards with or without cutouts. For boards with wheel cutouts, running 80mm+ offers the most dampening, making them ideal for long-distance riding on rough terrain.
- Durometer (Hardness): Softer wheels offer more dampening and grip. Harder wheels are faster and easier to slide. Hardness is only relevant when compared to other durometers of the same wheel.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Great dampening for bad roads.
- Carry speed well.
- Generally good protection from pebbles.
- Once broken in can be great for sliding.
.
- Characteristics: Larger, wide, fast, with sharp lips for extra grip.
- Sizing: 70mm to 75mm for high acceleration and lower top speed; for slalom, surfskate, ditches, parking garages, DH progression. 75mm & up for high top speed and grip. Grip depends on width and urethane formula.
- Durometer (Hardness): Softer wheels offer more dampening and grip. Harder wheels are faster and easier to slide. Hardness is only relevant when compared to other durometers of the same wheel.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Extra fast.
- Grippy for carving, parking garage runs, downhill, surfskates.
- Good protection from pebbles.
- Confidence inspiring.
.
- Characteristics: Round lips, easy to slide, may leave chalk-like marks. Great for sliding, dancing, and freestyle. For the rider who wants to do different things.
- Sizing: 70mm and below for smaller boards or freestyle/dancing boards. 70mm & up provides more dampening but may need risers.
- Durometer (Hardness): Urethane formula matters more than durometer, but softer wheels provide more grip and dampening, while harder wheels slide easier and roll faster.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Easy sliding for speed control.
- Easier to progress into doing tricks with.
- Lightweight for dancing / freestyle.
- Works on smaller traditional skateboards.
.
As an athletic beginner, I learn things pretty quick.
I go head first into new sports and want a board for long-term progression.
BOARD TYPES:
Please note every board has a different underfoot feeling, called concave.
Different boards also have different flexes, which affect dampening & stability.
Scroll to the bottom for specific recommendations.
- Characteristics: These boards are generally flexible (sometimes not) and are sometimes very low to the ground. These boards usually are very damp, and are easy to ride on rough pavement.
Not always the most stable at high speed but definitely carvey and fun.
- Sizing: Over 34" for more stability. Under 34" for more agility.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- These are specifically to get around town, ride long distances or surf the streets.
- Sometimes they have a little bit of flex to help with dampening. Preventing fatigue on long rides or on crappy roads.
- Dropped boards are more forgiving and easier to push.
- Top mounted boards are more carvey, surfy and agile.
.
- Characteristics: These boards are made for tricks and dancing. They usually have two larger tails to make flip tricks easy and can at times be flexible. Usually these are large and stable. These also shorten the learning curve like a cruiser, but are more versatile.
- Sizing: Over 42" for more stability, easier dancing. Under 42" for more agility and easier tricks.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- These boards are much more surfy feeling than other setups, but might turn a little wider.
- Sometimes they have a little bit of flex to help with dampening. Preventing fatigue on long rides or on crappy roads.
- Longer dancers are more stable and make it easy for beginners.
- Kicktails are generally modeled after traditional skateboards, making them super easy to pop.
.
- Characteristics: These boards are stiff, a little less forgiving while cruising, but are stable at speed an make it easier to slide. Sometimes have more aggressive concave to keep you locked in.
- Sizing: Focus more on wheelbase with these as a beginner. Over 24" wheelbase for more stability and easier slide. Under 24" wheelbase for more agility and grip.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Stiff and stable at speed. You can still cruise on these but we recommend using big soft wheels.
- Easier to slide than other types of setups.
- Sometimes have a kicktail (for ollies and tricks), which makes them extremely versatile.
- DEFINITELY lowers the learning curve for going fast specifically. It's much harder to learn downhill / freeride on a cruiser.
.
- Characteristics: These boards are light and portable, have a smaller standing platform and are very agile. Great for cruising, skateparks, pump tracks, street skating, etc.
- Sizing: For length, over 30" for more stability. Under 30" for more agility. For width, over 8.25" for more stability / bigger feet. Under 8.25" for more agility / smaller feet.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Not as damp as the other two types of boards.
- Almost always have a kicktail and are easy to learn ollies and flip tricks on.
- Work great with soft wheels and give you an experience that's easier than traditional skateboarding with hard wheels.
- Great transitionary board type if you eventually want to start street skating or going to the skatepark.
.
TRUCK TYPES:
Please note trucks have different angles and widths which make them feel different.
Scroll to the bottom for specific recommendations.
- Characteristics: Stable. Drawn out turns. Surfy and carvy. Better for boards with longer wheelbases (distance between wheels). Regarded as "longboard trucks".
- Sizing:
- 9.0" - 9.5" wide boards: 160mm and under.
- 9.5" - 10" wide boards: 180mm
- Angles:
Higher angle means more turn. Lower angle means less turn.
- Lower Speed Riding - 50°
- Faster Riding - 45° and under
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Stable at speed. Easier for beginners to progress with.
- More drawn out turns, easier to control. Less twitchy.
- These are also easier to powerslide because of the way they turn.
- Work better for boards with longer wheelbases (wheel spacing).
.
- Characteristics: Very turny with less lean. Better for boards with smaller wheelbases (distance between wheels). Often for tricks, street, park and distance skating.
- Sizing:
- 85mm - 125mm: < 8.0" wide boards
- 115mm - 135mm: 8.0" to 8.5" wide boards
- 135mm - 155mm: 8.5" to 9" wide boards
- 145mm - 160mm: 9.0" to 9.5" wide boards
- 180mm: 9.5" to 10" wide boards:
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- More turny, so better for smaller boards.
- Generally for cruising, or street, park, vert, pumping, ditch slap, etc.
- Work well for grinds and tricks.
- If you're going with a Pantheon Ember or Pranayama, run the Pantheon Stylus as those boards were not designed to work well with RKP trucks.
.
WHEEL TYPES:
Please note different wheels are made of different urethane, which make them behave differently.
Scroll to the bottom for specific recommendations.
- Characteristics: Usually larger and carry speed well. Absorbs bumps and are moderately grippy.
- Sizing: 70mm & under work best for smaller boards without wheel cutouts. 70mm to 80mm is better for larger boards with or without cutouts. For boards with wheel cutouts, running 80mm+ offers the most dampening, making them ideal for long-distance riding on rough terrain.
- Durometer (Hardness): Softer wheels offer more dampening and grip. Harder wheels are faster and easier to slide. Hardness is only relevant when compared to other durometers of the same wheel.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Great dampening for bad roads.
- Carry speed well.
- Generally good protection from pebbles.
- Once broken in can be great for sliding.
.
- Characteristics: Larger, wide, fast, with sharp lips for extra grip.
- Sizing: 70mm to 75mm for high acceleration and lower top speed; for slalom, surfskate, ditches, parking garages, DH progression. 75mm & up for high top speed and grip. Grip depends on width and urethane formula.
- Durometer (Hardness): Softer wheels offer more dampening and grip. Harder wheels are faster and easier to slide. Hardness is only relevant when compared to other durometers of the same wheel.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Extra fast.
- Grippy for carving, parking garage runs, downhill, surfskates.
- Good protection from pebbles.
- Confidence inspiring.
.
- Characteristics: Round lips, easy to slide, may leave chalk-like marks. Great for sliding, dancing, and freestyle. For the rider who wants to do different things.
- Sizing: 70mm and below for smaller boards or freestyle/dancing boards. 70mm & up provides more dampening but may need risers.
- Durometer (Hardness): Urethane formula matters more than durometer, but softer wheels provide more grip and dampening, while harder wheels slide easier and roll faster.
WHY CHOOSE THESE:
- Easy sliding for speed control.
- Easier to progress into doing tricks with.
- Lightweight for dancing / freestyle.
- Works on smaller traditional skateboards.
.
Recommendations
Prism Skate Co.
34.5" - Skewer - Pizza Boobs (Complete)
$99.00
Prism Skate Co.
36" - Revel - Fauna (Complete)
$99.00
Prism Skate Co.
36" - Revel - Kentaro (Complete)
$99.00
Prism Skate Co.
34" - Sled - 7 Ply
$115.00
Prism Skate Co.
35" - Sled - 7 Ply
$125.00
Prism Skate Co.
39" - Revel - Kentaro (Complete)
$149.95
Pantheon
34.4" - Ember - Classic
$160.00
Pantheon
31.5" - Pranayama - Cosmic Turtle
$170.00
Pantheon
31.5" - Pranayama - Gas Guzzler
$170.00
Madrid Skateboards
39" - Spade - Beach (Complete)
$179.95
Madrid Skateboards
39" - Spade - Chroma (Complete)
$179.95
Madrid Skateboards
39" - Spade - Pinball (Complete)
$179.95
Prism Skate Co.
38" - Tallboy - Ashurst (Complete)
$99.00
Madrid Skateboards
46" - Fiberglass Carver Dancer - Boombox
$149.95
Madrid Skateboards
46" - Fiberglass Carver Dancer - Logs
$149.95
Moonshine MFG
34" - Spirit
$179.10
Pantheon
35.3" - Sacrifice
$179.95
Pantheon
39" - Kenny Napp "Los Osos"
$195.00
Moonshine MFG
35" - Rum Runner Convict
$199.00
Moonshine MFG
35" - Sidekick
$199.00
Moonshine MFG
38.25" - Outlaw
$199.00
Moonshine MFG
40.5" - Elixir
$199.00
Moonshine MFG
43" - Miniclipse (Medium Flex)
$199.00
Moonshine MFG
46" - Eclipse (Medium Flex)
$199.00
Prism Skate Co.
27" - Grit - Kentaro (Complete)
$80.00
Prism Skate Co.
27" - Skipper - Kentaro (Complete)
$99.00
Pantheon
31.5" - Pranayama - Cosmic Turtle
$170.00
Pantheon
31.5" - Pranayama - Gas Guzzler
$170.00
Arsenal
180mm - Arsenal 50°
$49.95
Arsenal
180mm - Arsenal 44°
$49.95
Arsenal
165mm - Arsenal 50°
$49.95
Arsenal
165mm - Arsenal 44°
$49.95
Caliber Truck Co.
180mm - Caliber III 50° Raked
$62.95
Caliber Truck Co.
180mm - Caliber III 50° Rakeless
$62.95
Caliber Truck Co.
180mm - Caliber III 44° Raked
$62.95
Caliber Truck Co.
158mm - Caliber III 50° Rakeless
$62.95
Caliber Truck Co.
158mm - Caliber III 50° Raked
$62.95
Caliber Truck Co.
158mm - Caliber III 44° Raked
$62.95
Rogue Trucks
160mm - Rogue Cast 48°
$74.95
Blank Wheel Co
72mm - Checks - 80a
$33.95
Blank Wheel Co
75mm - Slates - 78a
$38.95
Pantheon
66mm - Sliders - 74a
$48.95
Pantheon
66mm - Sliders - 78a
$48.95
Blood Orange
70mm - Bangers - 78a
$52.95
Pantheon
73mm - Meatballs - 78a
$69.95
Pantheon
73mm - Meatballs - 74a
$69.95
88 Wheel Co.
86mm - McFly - 76a
$85.00
88 Wheel Co.
86mm - McFly Pro - 74a
$95.00
Pantheon
92mm - Karma - 74a
$99.00
Pantheon
102mm - Hoku - 74a
$125.00
Pantheon
102mm - Hoku - 78a
$125.00
Blank Wheel Co
72mm - Checks - 80a
$33.95
Blank Wheel Co
75mm - Slates - 78a
$38.95
Pantheon
66mm - Sliders - 74a
$48.95
Pantheon
66mm - Sliders - 78a
$48.95
Banana Wheel Co.
72mm - Peel - 78a
$50.00
Blood Orange
70mm - Bangers - 78a
$52.95
Pantheon
73mm - Meatballs - 78a
$69.95
Pantheon
73mm - Meatballs - 74a
$69.95
Blood Orange
66mm - Drifts - 81a
$70.95
Blood Orange
70mm - Drifts - 81a
$74.95
Blood Orange
70mm - Drifts - 78a
$74.95
Venom
72mm - Cannibals (Hard in the Paint) - 80a
$77.00
