If you have always been wonderstruck by the crazy stunts performed by kids on their skateboards or the fact that they seem to be having a lot of fun, you should know that regardless of your age, it is never too late to learn skateboarding. However, since you are likely to be bewildered by the many kinds of skateboards available, you need to know how to choose one right for you.
Skateboard Size
According to Masterclass, choosing the right skateboard depends on your size and style of skateboarding. You will need to buy a different skateboard if you want to use it as an alternative to a bike to roam around in the neighborhood than if you want to try out nifty stunts. You will need a pennyboard 20”-24” long or a longboard 32”-40” or more for neighborhood use. If you want to whizz around in a skate park, you can consider a shortboard or a traditional skateboard. You will need to choose a width depending on the size of your feet. The width ranges from 6.5 inches for kids to 7.5 inches or more for adults
Skateboard Shape
Even though all skateboards seem flat, a closer look will tell you they come in various shapes like progressive, flat-cave, w-concave, radial, convex, asymmetric, and more, which help experienced skaters perform stunts better. However, as a newbie, you should not get distracted by advanced shapes but focus on a anxnr.com radial concave skateboard, characterized by edges a little higher than its center to help keep your feet centered on the skateboard. You need to focus on the comfort factor more than the shape.
Skateboard Material
Some popular materials used for constructing skateboards are maple, birch, bamboo, plastic, fiberglass, and aluminum. While plastic and fiberglass are relatively cheaper, premium skateboards are usually made of lightweight wood. Beginners will do well to start with an inexpensive skateboard and move up progressively. You can dress up the board with attractive skateboard stickers.
Complete Skateboard vs. Build Your Own
As a newbie, it may be better to buy a complete skateboard you can start using immediately. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can buy and assemble the components. You will need to know everything about the deck size, shape, material, wheel size, etc., to be successful.
Board Quality
Verifying the quality of the board is essential because you don’t want to put down good money for something not worth it. Plastic boards are cheap, but they don’t last long. You also need to check if the wheels spin freely and whether the skateboard is stable. The wheel bearing should have an ABEC scale of at least five. You shouldn’t buy a skateboard with plastic trucks, as they tend to break easily. Choose a board with metal trucks. You should ensure the wheels are of urethane, not plastic or rubber, for a better grip and smoother ride.
Conclusion
While you can buy a skateboard online, as a first-timer, you will do better by visiting a store and benefitting from the advice of the salespersons. You may be able to test-ride the skateboards, and there’s nothing to beat physically handling them to see how they feel.