Street board, bowl board or cruiser? Popsicle shape or old school boards? 8", 8 1/2" or 9"? There are so many different board shapes and styles to choose from today that it can almost become confusing. At the end of the day, which one is the best for you? That’s what we’re about to figure out.
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1-What's your style?
STREET SKATINGThe modern street skaters usually use the most standard deck shape, called the Twin-Tip or Popsicle shape. This means that the nose and tail are virtually the same. Even if the nose of a board is usually more elevated and a bit bigger than the tail, they look alike and will ultimately allow you more control and the possibility to skate in different stances.
The street boards are also a bit smaller than your classic vert boards or cruisers, making it easier to manipulate. When it comes to skateboard decks, this so-called “Popsicle Shape” has been the standard for years and is definitely still the best one if your goal is to learn how to land tricks on your board.
TRANSITION SKATINGSkateboards for transition skating are almost always a bit wider than your usual street board. 8.5 and up to be precise. In addition to the bigger Popsicle street skateboard shapes that are used for big terrain skating, you’ll also find old school skateboards in this category. These are now commonly referred to as “shaped decks.”
Shaped decks have established themselves in recent years as a hybrid form of new school street decks and old school pool decks. These decks were originally developed for transition skaters who also wanted to enjoy the occasional street session. If you’re just starting to skate and want to learn tricks though, we would recommend a classic popsicle deck.
2- The dimensions of the board
Wider boards offer a smoother ride at high speeds. However, they are also heavier, which makes them a bit harder to flip. On the other hand, the wide surface provides plenty of space for catching the board, which can be an advantage when skating big drops. If you’re into gaps, transitions or just going full speed, a wider board might be right for you.
As opposed to wide boards, narrow boards are lighter and easier to flip. These are great for beginners as you'll definitely need less power to learn your first tricks. However, narrow decks can be hard to control at high speed and offer less space to catch your board in the air or to land on it. Therefore, narrow decks are ideal for technical skateboarding like ledges and flat ground.
3- Your dimensions
Initially, the size of your body can be a good guideline to choosing the right length of your deck. The smaller you are, the shorter your skateboard should be. Especially at the beginning, a slightly smaller board can be easier to control and you can get a better feel for the reactions and movements of your deck.
For taller riders, longer decks are more suitable because it is easier to keep your balance. As always, this is only a recommendation. You’ll find the specifications that work best for you pretty easily just by giving different boards a try.
Take the time to go at the shop and feel different boards before you get yours. Another means of finding the correct deck width is by using your shoe size. To put it simply, the bigger your shoes, the wider the board should be. Your feet should not be hanging too much on both sides of your board.
4- Your weight
Another factor when choosing your deck is your weight. When it comes to skating, there’s no such thing as a maximum weight. Skateboarding is possible for anyone. However, you should be aware of one thing: the heavier you are, the higher the chances are of your deck breaking if you don’t land your tricks with your feet directly over the trucks.
For bigger skaters, we recommend bigger boards and deck structures with an 8-ply construction or special impact technologies that make the deck more resilient. On the opposite, your board should be a little smaller if you're a lightweight kind of skater.
