Skateboard Types Explained
Street / Popsicle Board
The classic skateboard shape with a symmetrical pointed nose and tail. Standard widths range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches. These boards excel at tricks — ollies, kickflips, grinds — and are the go-to choice for skatepark and street skating. If you want to learn tricks, this is the shape for you.
Longboard
Longboards are longer (33–60 inches) with larger, softer wheels designed for cruising, downhill racing, and carving. They are stable at speed and absorb road vibrations well. Longboarding is less focused on tricks and more on the flow of riding — perfect for commutes, campus cruising, and winding mountain roads.
Cruiser
Cruisers are shorter than longboards but still prioritize comfort and portability over tricks. They typically have a mini-cruiser shape with soft wheels and a kicktail for navigating urban obstacles. Cruisers are ideal for getting around town — they fit in a locker and handle cracks and pebbles much better than a street board.
Penny Board
A small plastic board (about 22 inches long) made popular by the Australian brand Penny. Extremely portable but with a stiffer ride and smaller wheelbase. Great for short-distance commuting and carrying in a backpack, but the small size demands good balance. Not recommended for complete beginners.
Beginner Tip
If you are just starting out and want to learn tricks, buy a standard 8.0–8.25 inch popsicle complete from a reputable brand like Element, Almost, or Santa Cruz. If you mainly want to cruise, get a longboard or cruiser. Versatile all-around? A wider cruiser or a hybrid deck gives you a bit of both worlds.
Deck Width by Height & Shoe Size
Finding the right deck width is crucial for comfort and control. Use this rough guide as a starting point:
- Shoe Size US 1–5 / Height under 4'10" — 7.5" to 7.75" deck
- Shoe Size US 5–8 / Height 4'10"–5'4" — 7.75" to 8.0" deck
- Shoe Size US 8–10 / Height 5'4"–5'10" — 8.0" to 8.25" deck
- Shoe Size US 10–13 / Height 5'10"–6'3" — 8.25" to 8.5" deck
- Shoe Size US 13+ / Height over 6'3" — 8.5" to 8.75" deck
These are guidelines, not rules. Many skaters prefer wider or narrower boards regardless of their size — what matters is what feels right under your feet.
Truck, Wheel & Bearing Buying Tips
Trucks
Trucks come in sizes that match deck width. An 8.25" deck calls for trucks labeled "8.25" (or 149mm axles). Material matters: cast aluminum is affordable and durable; forged aluminum is lighter and stronger. The bushing hardness (soft/medium/hard) controls how easily the truck turns — soft for carving, hard for stability at speed.
Wheels
Wheel durometer (hardness) is measured on the A scale. 78A–87A (soft) — smooth ride, good grip, ideal for rough pavement and cruising. 88A–95A (medium) — a balanced middle ground for park and street skating. 96A–101A (hard) — less grip, more slide, preferred for technical tricks and smooth skatepark surfaces. For your first wheels, medium (90A–92A) is a safe starting point.
Bearings
Bearings are rated by the ABEC scale (1–9, odd numbers). ABEC 3 or 5 is sufficient for beginners — anything above ABEC 5 offers diminishing returns for most skaters. Sealed bearings protect against dirt and moisture and require less maintenance. Bones Reds are the gold standard for affordable, reliable bearings.