Skateboarding is rather more than just a sport or a means of transportation; it’s a way of life and an art in itself. Be it cruising down the pavement, learning to ollie, or diving into advanced tricks, having the right skateboard makes all the difference. For complete beginners, the most straightforward and pragmatic starting point is the reliable complete skateboard. These ready-to-ride boards come pre-assembled with all the essential components, taking the guesswork out of building your setup. Let’s break down the essentials that make a great complete skateboard to get you started on the right foot.
Parts of the Skateboard
To understand what you’re buying, it helps to know the main components of a skateboard. A typical skateboard includes the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. The deck is the flat wooden board you stand on; it’s normally made from layers of maple wood, for strength and flexibility. It’s the foundation of your board and greatly influences your riding experience.
Then you have the trucks that are the T-shaped metal components attached to the deck’s underside. They provide support to the wheels and the whole turning of the board. The quality and durability of the trucks are important; they bear the brunt of impacts and sharp turns.
Wheels come in a variety of sizes and durometers, which affects the smoothness of the rolling of the board and how well it will handle any particular surface. Softer wheels, which are really good for cruising, and harder ones, which are better for tricks and skate parks.
And last, but not least are the bearings. These sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin freely. High-quality bearings provide a smoother and faster ride, while lower-quality ones will wear down quickly and may not be as fun.
Features to Look For
When selecting a complete skateboard, there are several features you need to consider to ensure it will suit your needs and preferences. Here are some of these features. The number one thing to consider is the size. Size is one of the most important. Skateboards come in various lengths, from about 28 to 33 inches.
Shorter boards are easier to maneuver, making them a great choice for younger riders or those who want to learn tricks. While on the other hand, longer boards provide greater stability. Therefore, it is better suited for beginners who are still finding their balance. A longer skateboard also works well for cruising since it will provide a smoother ride over the distance.
Moving on to the next feature, which is width. The width of skateboards usually ranges between 7.5 to 8.5 inches. Narrower boards are lighter and easier to flip, making them a go-to for street skaters and those practising technical tricks. However, if you’re looking for stability or planning to skate ramps, a wider board is the better option. Beginners often find wider decks more forgiving, as they provide a larger surface area for your feet.
The material of the deck can influence your overall skating experience. Most skateboards are made from layers of maple wood, which provides an ideal balance of strength and flexibility. Some modern boards incorporate bamboo or composite materials to reduce weight while maintaining durability.
A high-quality deck should feel solid underfoot and hold up to repeated use without losing its shape or integrity. Most skaters consider maple decks the gold standard, but there are different materials out there to find a board that fits your style.
Your riding style will also be one of the major contributors in selecting the correct type of skateboard for you. When it comes to street skating, the need is for a smaller, lighter board with hard wheels for tricks and grinds. If you’re more into cruising, find a board with softer wheels and a wider deck to give a smoother ride.
If you are into ramp or bowl skating, medium-sized decks with robust wheels that can support sharp turns and high speeds will be more to your liking. Your riding style is going to determine what your board is made of, so think about what you want to do first.
Benefits of a Complete Skateboard
For beginners, the simplicity of a complete skateboard is one of its most significant advantages. All the components come pre-assembled, saving you from having to research and choose each part individually. This means you can focus on getting started and improving your skills instead of worrying about whether you’ve selected the right trucks or wheels.
Another important aspect is that complete skateboards are designed to be versatile, too. No matter if you’re interested in street skating, just cruisers, or skating ramps, you can find a complete board tailored to fit your needs. This makes them an excellent choice for new skaters who have yet to find what they really like about skateboarding.
Your first step into skateboarding begins with picking out a skateboard, and for this, a complete skateboard is an excellent starting point. Knowing what makes up a skateboard, focusing on essential features, and understanding the advantages of buying a pre-assembled complete will help you make a well-informed decision that caters to your needs and preferences.
