Skateboarding is one of the most popular, robust, and extreme sports! This particular sport was created by surfers who want some thrill when not surfing on waves. Today, people worldwide love to skate in different places such as skateparks, streets, and roads!
There are so many different types of skateboards available in the market! From various styles to looks, you can get one according to your skateboarding style requirements. Yes, there are many styles of skateboarding that you can try depending upon your skill level.
From freestyle and Vert to Street to downhill (also known as mountainboarding, dirt boarding, or all-terrain boarding),there are different styles of skateboarding according to GOSKATE.
Do you like skateboarding? If yes, and you’re planning to buy your first skateboard, you’ve landed on the right page. Selecting the right one is a bit confusing with all the different skateboard styles, types, and fits. Today in this blog, we will tell you about different types of skateboards that you should have in your quiver and how to choose the right one because every kind of board fits different scenarios. So keep reading till the end and find the board that will fit your style and personality!
Let’s begin.
Different Types of Skateboards
So, skateboards can be classified into two main categories: longboard and shortboard.
Every skateboard comprises three basic parts: Deck, Trucks, and Wheels. Each type of skateboard has various types that are designed based on length and width and wheel style for different riding styles. Let’s know more about each kind of skateboard category.
1. Longboard Skateboards
Boards that are longer than 33 inches are always considered longboards. As compared to the traditional skateboards, these have a longer wheelbase. These multiple boards are also available in different styles and designs based on usage.
Here are four types of Longboard Skateboards:
Classic longboards:
These boards are 33 inches long with a wider deck; that’s why they’re also known as traditional longboards. They’re great for precise road carving and not good for doing tricks.
Downhill longboards:
This board has a pretty similar width and length as a traditional longboard. The only difference is the height; downhill ones have lower deck height. On a downhill track, you can ride up to 45 miles per hour on this board.
Pintail longboards:
Pintail longboards have a traditional look but with a pointed oval shape. Here the wheels kind of sit outside of the deck. This is great for fast and carving turns.
Twin tip longboards:
Twin tip longboards and downhill longboards look the same, but there is a slight difference. The twin-tip board is always identical on both sides, and on the other hand, the downhill board comes with a nose or tail. These boards are great for big swooping turns and give smooth rides on rough ground. That’s why beginners widely use it.
Now let’s move on to the types of shortboard skateboards and their uses.
2. Shortboard Skateboards
As compared to longboards, shortboards have more varieties. People use shortboard skateboards for street skating and on different surfaces at skateparks, including vert ramps, bowls, half pipe, and handrails.
Here are 8 types of shortboard skateboards:
Cruiser skateboards:
These types of boards are commonly used for transportation purposes. These boards have thicker decks and larger, softer wheels. They’re great for tight turns and carves, giving a smooth ride. You can use them on city and street flat roads.
Double kick skateboards:
These skateboards have a popsicle design with the front (nose) and rear (tail) parts tilted up. You can use them on downhill flat roads, skating parks & bowls for grinding, street skating, and more.
Mini skateboards:
These skateboards are for young people who have just started learning to skate. Available in different sizes, these small but cute skateboards are easy to carry around.
Mini cruiser skateboards:
As its name suggests, this combines a mini and a cruiser skateboard. They have large, soft wheels with a smaller, narrower deck. They’re good for beginning riders, particularly children, for tricks & flips, tight turns and carves, and transporting around.
Old-school skateboards:
These look similar to the surfboard, but their tails are flat, and the nose is slightly pointed.
Penny skateboards:
Penny boards are lightweight because they’re made of plastic. They have a similar shape to a traditional shortboard but are a bit shorter than them.
Steep kick skateboards:
These skateboards are good for performing tricks as they have taller and steeper ends.
Street skateboards:
These skateboards are great for both riding in bowls and street skating. They look like popsicle sticks because the nose and tail have the same shape.
How to Choose an Ideal Skateboard?
Now the big question is how to pick the right skateboard? There are a few things that you should consider while buying a skateboard. First, find out which type of riding style you prefer. You can also purchase the board as per your shoe size.
- For 9.5 adult shoe sizes or larger, go with a skateboard with an 8–8.5 inches wide deck.
- Shoe size of 6-8, a deck of 7.25–7.375 inches wide, will be good.
- For 2–5 shoe sizes, use a 7-inch-wide deck.
- Shoe size 1 or smaller should always go with a deck that’s 6.5–6.75 inches.
Apart from the shoe size and riding style, you can buy the skateboard according to your height and usage. For example,
- Full-sized regular skateboards: 5 feet, 3 inches or taller.
- Mid-sized skateboards: Between 4 feet, 5 inches tall to 5 inches and 2 inches tall.
- Mini-sized skateboards: Between 3 feet, 5 inches tall and 4 feet, 4 inches tall.
The Bottom Line
So, this is all about different types of skateboards available for multiple purposes, which can complete your skateboard quiver. Also, now you know how to select the right board according to your riding style, skateboard type, and size.
So, buy your new skateboard and enjoy skating! To read more about skateboarding in California, click here.
