Skateboarding is not just a sport; it is an art and a lifestyle. We’ve all marveled at the types of daring skateboard tricks effortlessly gliding down streets, flipping and spinning their skateboards in mid-air. Yes, we’re talking about skateboard sport that has evolved. Let’s check this buying guide and skateboard tips for types of skateboards.
You might not know that there’s more to skateboarding than meets the eye. It’s more than wearing cute shirts, hoodies, and pants. It also involves knowing different skateboard types. Different types of skateboards are available, each designed for various purposes and skill levels. Some are specifically crafted for advanced skaters and may include attractive features such as discounts, free shipping, and gift cards. Picking the one that’s just right for you or those you’re serving can be a real challenge.
This skateboard buying guide will explore the main types of skateboards, each designed for specific uses and catering to different skill levels, including advanced skaters. By understanding their unique features and applications, advanced skaters can better decide which skateboards are the best option to suit their needs.
Key Takeaways
At FamilyHype, we know how important it is to find the skateboard that fits you best. Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced skater, or a seasoned expert, there is a perfect skateboard for you.
We’ve waded through the history and types of skateboards, from the standard ones to the high-tech electric models, to guide you to make the best option.
- Choosing the right one isn’t just about style; it’s about matching your ride to your needs – from street skateboards, cruisers, and longboards to mini-cruisers, electric boards, and more.
- As you explore the world of skateboard types, remember skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings.
- As a buying guide, keep in mind other factors like intended use (street skating or cruising), riding style (carving or long-distance), and desired skateboard characteristics (durable or lightweight). These aspects will further refine your choice to align with your specific needs. Pick a great option that best suits your skateboarding style and needs.
- Strap on those safety gears, and let’s confidently hit the pavement! Always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and pads, during any skating session. These skateboarding accessories are very vital for a safe skateboarding ride.
At FamilyHype, we value inputs from our audience regarding their experiences with different skateboards and related topics about this thrilling activity. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, let’s roll with the right skateboard!
Main Types Of Skateboards
Standard skateboards are a great option for beginners and also suit experienced riders who enjoy performing tricks and stunts on flat surfaces or in skate parks.
Longboards feature different shapes and styles. Pick your favorite shape among pintail, kicktail, and fishtail. These stable longboards are designed for cruising at high speeds and carving downhill without compromising stability or control during the ride.
Cruiser boards have short and narrow skateboard decks. Cruiser boards are an excellent option for beginners seeking a versatile street skating experience, while still retaining the ability to perform basic skateboard tricks on flat surfaces such as sidewalks and parks. In comparison to traditional decks, cruisers are smaller and lighter. These small cruisers are good to carry around and easy to store.
Lastly, electric skateboards are the perfect choice for people seeking an even more exhilarating experience with increased speed.
Picking the right skateboard goes beyond aesthetics; it is about finding the one that best matches your intended use, ability level, and style of skating. As you explore the different types of skateboards, consider the rider’s purpose, skill level, and safety. Always prioritize quality and durability no matter what type of skateboard you choose. There are many high-quality options available in-store and online. Some even offer free shipping, returns, and gift cards.
Skateboard History
From Kne-Koster (1925), the first skateboard, to widely used longboard skateboards today, old school skateboard roots can be traced back to the 1950s, when surfers in California, wanting to surf the streets when waves weren’t available, fashioned makeshift skateboards from planks of wood and roller-skate wheels emerged, these are known as old school boards. These skateboarding origins paved the way for a new kind of street skateboarding, adept at navigating rough surfaces.
Iconic skateboarders soon emerged, adding their unique flair to this vibrant culture. Skateboards became an integral part of the skateboarding culture, enabling skateboarders to perform tricks and stunts. Now let’s turn our attention to how these initial creations evolved into what we now know as standard skateboards.
Guide For Choosing Skateboard
Standard skateboards, also known as traditional skateboards or typical skateboards, have been the backbone of skate culture since their inception in the 1960s. Over the years, they’ve evolved into a versatile tool that caters to diverse styles and preferences. It’s fascinating how such a simple design for your skateboard deck can provide endless opportunities for fun, exercise, and even an avenue for self-expression.
Features And Characteristics
Understanding the features and characteristics of different types of skateboard decks can amplify your skills and overall riding experience. The skateboard materials range from maple, carbon, and bamboo to polypropylene and plastic. Deck flexibility is another important factor to consider, which can be soft, medium, or stiff, depending on the type of ride you’re looking for.
The wheel type also plays a role, with classic urethane and all-terrain wheels providing unique benefits. Finally, the skateboard truck design should be considered, which can either be slalom trucks or standard trucks that are skating ramps ready.
By understanding the features and characteristics of the various skateboard truck types, we can ensure that we’re equipped with the right tools for executing flip tricks. Whether it’s a trick-focused skateboard or an all-terrain model, the right skateboard board can make all the difference in your skateboarding skill level. So don’t forget to consider the skateboard materials, deck flexibility, wheel type, and truck design when choosing a skateboard for yourself or your family.
Skateboard Benefits
Diving into the ideal uses and benefits of different types of skateboards, you’ll find a perfect match for every rider’s style and preference, from skateboard customization to choosing the right skateboard deck, skateboard wheels, and trucks tailored to your needs to select safety equipment vital in ensuring a safe ride. Each skateboard type serves unique purposes from vert skateboarding to technical tricks, which we’re excited to guide and help you explore.
Now, let’s smoothly roll into our discussion about longboards and their unique skateboard wheels and sizes. Longboards are a type of skateboard known for their longer length, larger wheels, and broader skateboard trucks, making them ideal for cruising and carving. They are also great for downhill riding, with features like drop-through decks for increased stability and shock absorption. Another great use for longboards is dancing, as the wide trucks and soft wheels make it easier to perform slides and tricks.
No matter what you’re looking for, cruiser longboards offer various uses and benefits, making them an excellent choice for any skater.
Longboard Guides
Longboarding, a fascinating and exhilarating activity, has captured the hearts of thrill-seekers and casual riders alike. As a distinct variation of skateboards, longboards possess unique attributes that differentiate them from their conventional counterparts. Primarily designed for cruising, carving, downhill racing, and transportation purposes, longboarding has become an appealing sport as well as a lifestyle choice for many.
Skateboard Features
In the world of longboard skateboarding, key features and characteristics like skateboard deck material, shape, trucks, wheels, and bearings come together to create a unique riding experience. Popular skateboard deck materials include maple wood, valued for its durability and reliability; bamboo, known for its eco-friendliness and flexibility; and composite decks, which incorporate carbon fiber or fiberglass to enhance strength and reduce weight. Deck shapes vary from versatile popsicle decks to double-kick skateboards, and twin tip casual cruiser decks with higher tail kicks. There are also stable longboard designs available.
Truck choices vary between Traditional Kingpin (TKP) preferred in narrower cruising skateboards requiring sharper turns to Reverse Kingpin (RKP) designed for increased stability in longer skateboards catering to downhill races or carving sessions. Wheel diameter affects acceleration rates, while hardness (durometer) determines grip levels on rough surfaces, depending on one’s riding style preference. Lastly, bearings, which are often overlooked during a purchase, ensure efficient rolling motion on axles, even on rough surfaces. Steel bearings are the most popular choice, as opposed to the pricier ceramic bearings that minimize friction and maintain consistent speeds, which are preferred by experienced skateboarders.
Skateboarding Guides
Longboards are designed for casual riding, perfect for those who enjoy leisurely rides around the neighborhood or commuting to nearby destinations. The distinctive features of a twin tip longboard include:
- Wide Wheelbase: Longboard wide wheelbase allows novice riders to easily maintain balance and stability while providing experienced skaters with enhanced control during turns.
- Large Decks: The spacious deck of a longboard offers ample room for foot placement. A large deck also ensures maximum comfort and support during long rides.
- High-Quality Bearings: Top-notch bearings can make all the difference when it comes to performance, and longboards come equipped with high-grade bearings that guarantee an enjoyable cruising experience.
Now that we’ve covered these aspects let’s glide smoothly into our next topic: cruiser skateboards!
Cruiser Skateboard Types
Cruiser skateboards, including versatile mini cruisers, are popular among leisure skateboarders due to their convenience and maneuverability. Cruiser skateboards are ideal for individuals who want to improve their balance and coordination skills. Due to the wide wheelbase and large skateboard decks, riders of all ages find it easier to maintain stability while riding these skateboards.
For those searching for an eco-friendly means of transportation within short distances, mini cruiser skateboards provide the perfect solution. These twin tip skateboards are designed not only for recreational use but also as a convenient mode of transport in urban environments.
A significant advantage of employing cruiser skateboards is the physical fitness aspect they offer. Regularly riding a skateboard can increase leg strength, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance full-body endurance.
Cruiser skateboards grant an opportunity for riders to experiment with various skateboarding styles – from leisurely cruising on flat surfaces to tackling inclines or carving through bends expertly.
Skateboarding fosters a sense of community by promoting healthy bonding among enthusiasts who share similar interests; this camaraderie is particularly crucial when considering how families can enjoy joint activities that strengthen their relationships.
Ready to take the next step? Check out our next guide to find more details about electric skateboards!
Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comment section below.
Electric Skateboard Types
Tired of being stuck in traffic during your daily commute? Electric skateboards offer an excellent solution by simply bypassing congested routes. Electric skateboards can save time and make your journey more enjoyable with their ability to weave through tight spaces and optimal maneuverability.
The electric skateboard serves as a practical response to the issue of climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Because it is an electricity-powered means of transportation that emits no fumes or toxins typically associated with petrol-based engines, it considerably lessens your carbon footprint while promoting sustainable travel.
Whether you’re new to skateboarding or looking to enhance your skills, electric skateboards easily cater to different skill levels. By possessing intuitive features that facilitate seamless learning curves, these skateboards guarantee user satisfaction for beginners and professionals alike.
While some worry about reduced physical activity when using motorized vehicles like electric scooters and bikes, riding an electric skateboard still provides a unique opportunity for exercise! Balancing the skateboard works on core strength and stability, steadily improving individual fitness levels.
Electric skateboard manufacturers have come up with incredible options in recent years: light-up LED wheels for increased visibility at night safety; various color options allowing personalization; shorter skateboards suitable even children; water-resistant designs ensuring smooth sailing if caught rainstorm too!
Compared to traditional counterparts (which require frequent bearing cleaning lubrication), it gives riders peace of mind without constant upkeep demands due to the hustle and bustle associated with daily life-based system wear and tear, keeping minimum costs and thus becoming manageable long run well!
Unlike other personal motorized transportation modes (e-bikes and scooters), they tend to have lower upfront prices and operating expenses. Once bought, a ready ride is a better investment. Those budget-conscious individuals wanting to experience technology and convenience innovations brought forth by the modern age invested in research development are undoubtedly worth purchasing decisions that importantly impact both finances and the environment positively. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Picking The Right Kind Of Board
Choosing the right skateboard deck for your needs and preferences can be an exciting and rewarding journey. From traditional skateboards to cruisers and longboards, to electric skateboards, there are complete skateboard options to explore.
Here at FamilyHype, we strive to provide the best advice for the skateboarding community. Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting the perfect skateboard:
- Skateboard customization guide: Personalize your skateboard ride to reflect who you are. You can uniquely express yourself with numerous skateboard truck designs, skateboard grip tape patterns, and skateboard wheel colors.
- Skateboard comfort level guide: Our skateboard buying guide suggests trying different types of skateboards before making a choice. Whether you prefer a cruiser skateboard or a twin tip longboard, finding the board that best suits your riding style is essential for a pleasant skateboarding experience. Especially for kids, school skateboarding is the main option.
- Skateboard maintenance guide and types: Regular upkeep ensures smooth skateboard rides and extends skateboard life. Oil skateboard bearings, clean skateboard wheels, and replace skateboard grip tape regularly for optimal skateboarding performance.
As you embark on your skateboard selection journey, always remember to choose wisely. We look forward to hearing your feedback and experiences!
Conclusion
We’ve waded through the history and types of skateboards, from the standard ones to the high-tech electric models. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned skater, there’s a skateboard that’s perfect for you. Choosing the right one isn’t just about style; it’s about matching your skate ride to your needs – from street skateboards, longboards, and mini-cruisers, to electric skateboards, and more.
Skateboards, electric skateboards, cruisers, and longboards feature different characteristics. The types of skateboard you choose must fit your personal preference and style of skating.
So, let’s match our skateboarding shirts, hoodies, and pants with the right skateboard type that perfectly fits us. Happy skateboarding!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Board Wheels Are The Best?
When determining the best skateboard wheel type, consider factors like downhill longboards or vert ramps, tailoring your choice to your preferred skating style. Whether you favor the compact size of penny skateboards or seek the added thrill of an electric motor, understanding how the skateboard performs is crucial. The size of the skateboard influences stability and maneuverability, with both the nose and tail playing essential roles in mastering tricks. Shop wheels that align with your specific preferences and the terrain you frequent, ensuring an optimal skateboarding experience, be it on downhill longboards, vert ramps, or cruising with penny skateboards.
What’s the Skateboard Standard Type Called?
In the realm of skateboarding, a standard skateboard – often referred to as a street skateboard – stands out as an ideal option for newcomers or those seeking versatility in their skating experiences. With its “popsicle” shape and similarities between the nose and tail, this standard skateboard design is the most prevalent and adaptable for use in skate parks, street skating, or various riding styles. Furthermore, experts appreciate classic longboards that exceed 33 inches in length with broader decks. Among these diverse choices lies the cruiser skateboard, revered for its versatility within the sport. Typically crafted from 7-8 ply maple plywood, skateboards serve as crucial sports equipment for skateboarding enthusiasts worldwide.
What’s A Skinny Type Skateboard Called?
Often referred to as a Penny skateboard, this slim skateboard features a compact and narrow plastic skateboard deck. While originating in the 1970s, its name and modern-day appeal stem from the Australian Company, Penny Skateboards, established in 2010. Penny or Nickel skateboards provide a lightweight, portable alternative to traditional shortboards, making them popular among skaters who enjoy performing intricate maneuvers like flip tricks, manuals, ledges, and flat bars.
What Is Big Skateboard Type Called?
Longboards, known for their unique features like larger wheels and extended skateboard bearings, are often referred to as big skateboards. They are characterized by their longer decks and wheelbases, larger-diameter and softer wheels, and lower riding height compared to street skateboards. Classic longboards typically measure over 33 inches in length with a wider deck. However, the geometry and construction of these skateboards can vary widely. Nevertheless, longboards may not be suitable for performing tricks like their shorter counterparts due to their dimensions and features.
How Do You Know If A Skateboard Fits You?
For individuals with men’s shoe sizes between 6.5 and 9, consult the size chart and opt for a skateboard deck width ranging from 7.5 to 8.0 inches, especially for school skateboards with double kicks. Those with shoe sizes of 9.5 or larger should consult the size chart and choose skateboard decks between 8.0 and 8.5 inches wide. Skateboard decks come in four primary sizes: micro, mini, mid-size, and full-size, determined by their width.
However, it is worth noting that finding the ideal skateboard deck size depends on several factors, such as foot size and preferred skateboarding style. Many buying guide blogs suggest considering your shoe size to know the right skateboard width of the skateboard deck while considering your preferences for skateboarding methods.
What Is A Full Skateboard Decks?
A full deck skateboard, commonly known as a “complete” or “pre-assembled” skateboard, is fully equipped with all essential components like the deck, wheels, trucks, hardware, and grip tape directly from the manufacturer. The 8-ply construction includes eight layers of maple wood for increased durability and strength. These complete skateboards offer convenience to the rider as they are ready for use right out of the box. Go for these convenient options when starting skateboarding to ease your experience in this exciting sport.
Can You Do Tricks On A Longboard?
Certainly, longboards allow for an array of impressive maneuvers. Though they may not be suited for traditional skateboard tricks, individuals can still dazzle with slides, 180s/360s, and even hand-shuvits while utilizing a longboard. So yes, one can undoubtedly execute stylish stunts such as flips, ollies, handrails, and soaring airs in their repertoire of longboarding techniques. The key is perfecting these moves and presenting them with confidence.
What Is A Mini Cruiser Skateboard For?
Mini cruiser skateboards, ideal for short distances and city environments, serve as an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable and casual riding experience. Mini cruiser skateboards are categorized under the sub-group of cruisers. Designed with lightweight components tailored to enhance comfort and speed, mini cruiser skateboards provide a responsive and nimble ride suitable even in tight urban spaces. Mini-cruiser skateboards are specifically created to offer a convenient mode of transportation while maintaining effortless handling. A mini-cruiser can conveniently fit in a rider’s backpack
What Is a Fishtail Skateboard?
A fishtail skateboard, characterized by its unique skateboard shape and size skateboard, offers users enhanced control and maneuverability thanks to its steeper radial concave. Ideal for both cruising and carving, this style of skateboard ensures reduced wheel bite due to its distinct shape while providing ample space for foot placement. A fishtail skateboard is for you for more toe and heel control, easy speed checks, and exceptional wide carving experiences.
Is Smaller Skateboard Deck Easier To Flip?
Not necessarily. Adjustments are needed as larger, wider decks offer more stability, while smaller, narrower ones excel in flip tricks and technical skateboarding. Smaller skateboard decks may be easier to flip due to their lighter weight, but landing on them might not be as simple. It also depends on the individual skater’s size. Wider skateboards, ideal for beginners, can be flipped with ease compared to their narrower counterparts that provide faster flips but greater stability. In essence, each board size serves a specific purpose and caters to different skill levels and personal preferences.
How To Choose A Skateboard For A Girl?
When choosing a skateboard for a girl, it’s crucial to consider the deck size her shoe size, and her preferred skateboarding style. Whether she’s into carving at the skate park, cruising on a downhill longboard, or mastering tricks on an old-school skateboard, tailoring the skateboard to her preferences, like pool skating or covering long distances, is key. If she enjoys downhill rides, a longer deck might be suitable, while a smaller deck with a kick tail could be perfect for those who prefer maneuverability. Explore the world of options, from carving skateboards to carver skateboards, to ensure the ideal match for her unique skateboarding journey. Consider narrower skateboards for more precision, stable skateboards for beginners, and hard wheels for advanced tricks. It’s all about personal preference and finding the right fit using the size chart, whether the skater is intermediate or aspiring to reach professional levels like Tony Hawk.
What Girls Skaters Wear For Skateboarding?
Female skaters typically wear skate shoes, comfortable clothing, and safety gear like helmets and pads while riding the board.
How Long Does It Take To Learn How To Skateboard?
Learning to skateboard varies by individual, but basic skills, such as finding balance, pushing, and turning on the textured surface of a skateboard, can be acquired in a few weeks with consistent practice.
Is Learning Skateboard Hard?
Skateboarding can be challenging initially, but with practice and dedication, it becomes easier over time. For intermediate skaters looking to enhance their skills, choosing the right equipment is crucial. Carve skateboards, equipped with standard skateboard decks and textured surfaces, offer a more relaxed cruising experience. The inclusion of wider boards and harder wheels ensures stability, while the angled nose and twin tips cater to a variety of riding styles. Mastering the art of skateboarding is a rewarding journey, and the right gear can significantly contribute to the overall enjoyment of the sport.
Can Skateboard Guides Skater’s Muscle Development?
Skateboarding can guide and help develop leg muscles and improve balance and core strength, making it a good workout for muscle building.
Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Inma Barquero
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