Ready to Roll ? Here's your guide of how to buy a skateboard!

READY TO START SKATEBOARDING
BUT UNSURE WHERE TO BEGIN?

We've got you covered with our easy guide
to choosing your first skateboard!

Santa Cruz ANZ will show you types of skateboards, how to setup completes skateboards, deck width and other dimensions, as well as components required.

TYPES OF SKATEBOARDS

There are 4 main types of skateboards: Standard / Popsicle, Shaped, Cruiser & Longboard.

Standard / Popsicle

Perfect for tricks whether skating street or park, features a popsicle shape with a rounded nose and tail.

Shaped

These boards have a non-symmetrical, often wider design that provides extra stability and comfort. Great for cruising, carving, and bowl skating.

Cruiser

Designed for casual riding and commuting, cruisers feature softer wheels for a smooth and comfortable ride.

Longboard

Ideal for downhill riding, cruising, and longer distances, offering excellent stability and a smooth, easy ride.

COMPLETE SKATEBOARDS VS. CUSTOM SETUP

Completes Skateboard - A ready-to-use option, great for beginners or those seeking convenience; Custom Setup -- Allows personlization of each componenet to match your preference.

DECK WIDTH

Picking the right deck makes a huge difference. A smaller deck can give more control, while a wider deck can offer more stability. Consider your age, height, shoe size and skating style.

 

Smaller decks (7.5-8.0 inch) for younger skaters, beginners, or those with smaller feet; Medium decks (8.0-8.5 inch) for a balance of stability and maneuverability, ideal for street and park skating; Larger decks (8.5+ inch) for ramps, bowls, and cruising, offering extra stability for larger skaters or a more stable ride.

COMPONENTS

While complete skateboards come with wheels, trucks, and bearings pre-assembled, when you're building a custom skateboard, you can pick components suited to your own style.

 

Illustration of a skateboard with labeled components, including grip tape on the top for traction, wheels for movement, bearings inside the wheels for smooth rolling, and trucks connecting the wheels to the deck for turning and stability.

SAFETY GEAR

Skateboarding is fun, but safety is key, especially when you’re just starting out. Make sure to wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.

 

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1. Pick Your Deck

2. Grab Your Components