The Ultimate Skateboard Buying Guide

Skateboarding is more than just a sport or a hobby it is also a highly competitive discipline featured in global events like the Olympics and the X-Games. It is a creative outlet, a way to stay active and social, and a lifestyle embraced by all ages. Whether you are a parent buying a first board for your child, a teen getting started, or someone upgrading your setup, this guide will help you make the right choice. Clear and beginner-friendly, this is your go-to resource for everything skateboarding.

Quick Guide: What You’ll Learn

  • What type of skateboard is right for you
  • How to choose between a complete or custom setup
  • Skateboard sizes by age and shoe size
  • Recommended beginner brands
  • Tips for getting started safely

Choosing the Right Type of Skateboard

Skateboards are designed for tricks, street skating, ramps and skateparks, and that's the focus of this guide. While there are other products that may look similar, like cruisers and longboards, they serve different purposes.

Cruisers and longboards are not technically skateboards, but they often get confused as such. These are built more for comfortable transport, carving or downhill riding, and are generally not used for tricks or skatepark skating.

Rule of thumb: If you're looking to do tricks or skate at a park, go with a proper skateboard, not a cruiser or longboard.

The Enuff POW Red Complete Skateboard, measuring 7.75" x 31.5", features a maple deck in striking red with a comic-style design, highlighted by "ENUFF" in yellow bursting letters. It is equipped with white wheels and sturdy metallic Enuff Decade trucks.

Complete vs Custom Skateboards: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between a complete skateboard and a custom build is your first major decision.

A complete skateboard is pre-assembled with all the necessary components: deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape. It is ready to skate straight out of the box and is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for value and convenience.

A custom skateboard lets you handpick each component to match your preferences. Custom parts are generally higher quality than those found in complete skateboards. It is great for skaters who know what they like or want specific performance features, but it does cost more and requires some assembly knowledge.

Rule of thumb: If it is your or your child’s first skateboard, go for a complete. For experienced skaters wanting to fine-tune performance, custom is the way to go.

The Enuff Decade Pro Satin Purple Skateboard Trucks (Pair) - 129mm feature a stylish satin finish with a metallic silver hanger and purple baseplate, along with axles and bolts on each side. These trucks also include laser-etched hanger logos that enhance their sleek appearance.

Skateboard Parts Explained Simply

Understanding the basic components of a skateboard will help you choose wisely.

Skateboard Deck: The wooden board you stand on, usually made from 7-ply Canadian maple. Shapes and widths vary based on rider size and skating style; however, the legth of decks is pretty standard between 31-32 inches. Decks are typically made from multiple layers of laminated maple wood for strength and durability.

Skateboard Grip Tape: The rough, sandpaper-like layer on top of the deck that gives your shoes grip. Griptape comes in different grades, making each either finer or coarser, and the choice is simply down to personal preference

Skateboard Trucks: The metal axles that connect the wheels to the board allow you to turn. These come in different widths for different riding styles. Wider for cruising and narrower for tricks. 

Skateboard Bushings: Rubber rings are attached to the board’s trucks. They affect how responsive the board is when turning and can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the trucks. Softer bushings are helpful for lighter riders or beginners who need easier turning.

Skateboard Wheels: Usually made of polyurethane. They vary in size (measured in millimetres) and hardness (durometer rating). A higher durometer means more speed and less grip. Softer wheels offer a smoother ride and more grip, especially on rough surfaces.

Skateboard Bearings: Small components inside the wheels help them spin. These can be made of either steel or for very high-end ceramics. Most beginners do not need to worry about high ABEC ratings.

Rule of thumb: All skateboards have the same basic parts. Beginners should focus on getting a balanced setup, not the fanciest components.

The Enuff Skully Red Complete Skateboard showcases a striking red 7-ply maple deck featuring a cartoon character in a blue outfit, sunglasses, and white gloves in an energetic stance. Ideal for beginner skateboarders, it comes with white wheels, silver trucks, and the "SMJ" signature on the underside.

What Size Skateboard Do I Need?

Choosing the right board size helps with comfort, balance and control.

Mini boards (up to 7.5") are ideal for children under 10. They are lighter and easier to handle.

Full-size boards (7.75" to 8.5") suit most teens and adults. Smaller widths (7.75" to 8.0") are good for flip tricks. Wider boards (8.25"+) offer more stability, great for bowls, vert ramps or larger riders.

Deck size often correlates with shoe size:

  • Shoe size 5 to 8: 7.5" to 8.0"
  • Shoe size 9+: 8.0" to 8.5"

Shoe size is a great starting point for sizing, but ultimately it can come down to personal preference. 

Rule of thumb: Match board width to your shoe size and skating style. Narrower for tricks, wider for speed and stability.

Trusted Skateboard Brands

Quality matters. Stick to recognised brands to ensure durability and safety.

Madd Gear: Affordable and reliable, great for beginners.

Enuff: With a focus on affordability and quality, perfect for first-time riders.

Tony Hawk Series: Popular for kids, offering decent quality with big-name appeal.

Rule of thumb: Avoid toy shop boards. Stick to trusted skate brands for a safe and better skateboarding experience.

FAQs: Common Beginner Questions

What size skateboard should I buy for my child? Mini boards (up to 7.5") are ideal for kids under 10.

Are complete skateboards good for beginners? Yes. They are cost-effective, easy to start with, and require no setup.

What safety gear should my child use? Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are highly recommended.

Can adults use kids' boards? It is not ideal. Adults should use full-size boards for comfort and control.

Do skateboards come with warranties? Most complete skateboards have a parts-only warranty, typically between 30 days and 3 months. Decks often aren't covered due to the nature of how they're used. See our warranty page.

Rule of thumb: Check warranty terms when purchasing, and don’t expect coverage for normal wear and tear like worn wheels or broken decks.

Beginner Tips to Get Started

  • Choose a smooth, safe place to practice like a skatepark or quiet pavement
  • Start with basic balance, pushing, turning and stopping
  • Don't over-tighten trucks. Softer bushings may help lighter skaters turn more easily
  • Be patient. Confidence comes with time and practice

Rule of thumb: Start slow, focus on balance, and don’t worry about tricks until you're comfortable riding.

With this guide, buying a skateboard should feel a lot less intimidating. Whether you're shopping for your child or getting into skating yourself, you've got the knowledge you need to make a confident, smart purchase.