WHICH SKATEBOARD IS RIGHT FOR ME?

We know that choosing a skateboard complete or deck , can be SO confusing, and we're here to make sure you're choosing the right board for you! As you skate more , your preferences may change , and so will your style of skating , but for now , lets explain the board and what to look for when purchasing your next board!

SKATEBOARD DECKS

Choosing your first skateboard deck , is a little bit like when Harry Potter gets his first wand , that magical moment when you know you're destined to be a skater, and we're here to guide you through your first board , here at Humanity

anatomy of a skateboard

The anatomy of skateboard can be nailed down to 5 variants ,

Your nose (typically where you'd be facing when pushing the board)
The wheelbase of a skateboard refers to the distance between the two sets of inner truck mounting holes, essentially determining how far apart the front and back wheels are. This distance significantly affects the board's handling and overall performance. Shorter wheelbase: Offers quicker, more responsive turns, often preferred for street skating, technical tricks, and tight maneuvering. Longer wheelbase: Provides more stability, making it ideal for downhill skating, cruising, or skateboards used for high speeds. The wheelbase can vary based on board type, and adjusting it can alter the feel and control of the skateboard.
The width of a skateboard refers to the measurement across the deck, from one edge to the other. This plays a crucial role in a skateboard's performance and the rider's comfort .- Narrower decks (7.5"–8"): Lighter and easier to flip, often preferred for technical tricks, street skating, and riders with smaller feet. Wider decks (8.25 – 9" or more)**: Offer more stability, making them better for cruising, transition skating (like ramps and bowls), and riders with larger feet. Skateboard width should be chosen based on the rider's style, body size, and personal preference.
The length of a skateboard refers to the measurement from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. It impacts the board’s stability and how it handles during tricks and riding.
The tail of a skateboard is the rear, upturned part of the deck. It plays an essential role in controlling the skateboard and performing tricks.

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uk shoe size

As a rule of thumb if your footwear size is below UK 8 , it maybe best to go for a deck 8.1 and below

People that wear above UK 8 this would be perfect for size 8 - 8.5 inches . As you skate more your style will change and skateboarding has no rules , so if you still wish to go for a size 8.8 , go nuts! However , when starting out , it may be best to stay within this frame.

DIFFERENT BOARD SHAPES

From the wooden surfboard turned skateboards in the 1960's to the rise of the iconic "Popsicle" shape in the 1990's , which continues to dominate the market to this day , The advancement of material is also a variable to consider when choosing a board maple wood remains the primary material, new technologies introduced decks with carbon fiber and other composites for increased durability and lighter weight , which have risen during recent years on pro decks released by brands such as Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz's Creature

Board shapes and designs are constantly evolving and allow skaters to adapt to their own style through their boards , bigger wider boards which a narrow shape , maybe preferred by someone who loves to cruise , hill bomb or generally loves shredding a bigger board , it's all preference!

concaves explained

Mellow : More comfort, less foot lock-in, best for cruising , casual riding and flat ground technical tricks
Medium: Balanced control and comfort, great for all-around skating, the most dominant and popular concave across all skateboards , as it offers the best of both worlds of steep and mellow.
Steep: Maximum control, better for technical tricks and aggressive skateboarding , or transition skateboarders looking for that extra control , the board will feel more responsive and is suited to more experienced riders

Everyone is different when it comes to choosing their concaves but ultimately , we would recommend sticking to a medium concave when purchasing your first deck as this is going to allow you to progress further while also having the flexibility and comfort of riding.

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BUILDING THE BOARD: WHAT YOU will NEED

Ok so you've got your first deck all ready to go! Well , now we've got to build it , this is what you'll need and how they work :

Skate tool

A T-Tool for skateboards is a compact, multifunctional tool designed for assembling, adjusting, and maintaining skateboards. It typically features:

Three Socket Sizes:
- 3/8" for mounting hardware (bolts on the deck)
- 1/2" for the axle nuts (wheels)
- 9/16" for kingpin nuts (trucks)

Grip tape

Grip tape is a sandpaper-like adhesive sheet applied to the top of a skateboard deck. It provides traction and grip, allowing riders to maintain control of the board while performing tricks and riding.

Grip tape comes in all different customizable designs and materials to help you retain fully a full customizable and unique board.

Trucks + Bolts

Trucks allow the skateboard to turn, control, and grind on obstacles. They are one of the most physically used items on a skateboard and typically one of the most critical , as it allows the skater to turn the board (which is also a big influence on how the individuals skate preference)

These parts on the truck can be summarized as :

Hanger: The largest part where the axle runs through, holding the wheels.
Baseplate: The flat part that bolts onto the deck.
Kingpin: The large bolt holding the truck together, adjustable for tightness and turnability.
Bushings: Rubber pieces that allow the truck to pivot for turning.

Bolts

Bolts on a board also known as hardware, these are small screws and nuts that fasten the trucks to the skateboard deck. , Usually 1" to 1.5" in length, depending on the deck and setup (standard or with risers , risers are typically used on board with bigger wheels to prevent wheel bite).

Wheels + Bearings

Skateboard wheels are the most physically used item on a board (for obvious reasons) , and come in different sizes typically from 52mm - 60mm. This can be explained in our skateboarding wheels explained page , where we go into further detail within the technical aspect.

Bearings are also a critical aspect in which allow the wheels to turn and spin , these come in various materials to increase durability , heat resistant and impact