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What You Actually Need for Skateboard
Starting your skateboarding journey requires the right combination of equipment and protective gear. Whether you’re planning to cruise around town, learn tricks, or hit the skate park, having quality essentials ensures you can practice safely and progress confidently. This guide covers the 10 must-have items every beginner skateboarder needs to get started on the right foot.
1. Skateboard Deck
The deck is the wooden board that forms the foundation of your skateboard. It’s typically made from maple wood and comes in various sizes, lengths, and shapes designed for different skating styles. A quality deck can last for years with proper maintenance and provides the platform for all your tricks and rides.
Why beginners need it: Without a proper deck, you have no skateboard. Beginners need a deck that’s durable enough to withstand learning impacts while being forgiving enough to help you develop good technique and confidence.
What to look for: Look for a deck between 7.5 and 8.5 inches wide if you’re just starting out. Make sure it’s made from quality maple wood and has good concave design for foot control.
2. Skateboard Trucks
Trucks are the metal components that attach to the underside of your deck and hold your wheels. They’re crucial for steering, turning, and maintaining balance while riding. Quality trucks make a significant difference in how responsive and controllable your skateboard feels.
Why beginners need it: Good trucks ensure smooth turning and stable rides. They’re essential for developing proper weight distribution and balance, which are fundamental skateboarding skills.
What to look for: Choose trucks that match your deck width, typically 5.0 to 5.5 inches wide for most beginner decks. Look for aluminum construction and smooth-turning bushings that aren’t too tight or too loose.
3. Skateboard Wheels
Wheels are essential for rolling and controlling your speed on different surfaces. They come in various sizes and hardness levels, with larger wheels rolling faster and smaller wheels offering better control for tricks. The right wheels make a tremendous difference in your riding experience.
Why beginners need it: Quality wheels provide smooth rolling and better grip on various surfaces. They help beginners practice without fighting with poor traction or unstable rides.
What to look for: Start with wheels between 52-54mm in diameter with a hardness rating around 99-101a. These offer a good balance between speed and control for beginners learning various skating styles.
4. Skateboard Bearings
Bearings are the small components inside your wheels that allow them to spin freely. They’re rated on the ABEC scale, which indicates their precision and durability. Quality bearings significantly impact your wheel speed and the smoothness of your rides.
Why beginners need it: Good bearings reduce friction and resistance, allowing you to roll farther with less effort. This helps beginners focus on technique rather than fighting against poor rolling mechanics.
What to look for: ABEC-7 or ABEC-9 bearings are ideal for beginners, offering a good balance between performance and cost. Make sure they fit your wheel size and come as a complete set for all four wheels.
5. Skateboard Grip Tape
Grip tape is the abrasive surface on top of your deck that keeps your feet from slipping. It provides essential traction when pushing, turning, and landing tricks. Quality grip tape is crucial for safety and control while skateboarding.
Why beginners need it: Without proper grip tape, your feet will slide around on the deck, making it impossible to control your board safely. Beginners rely on grip tape to maintain foot placement while learning fundamental skills.
What to look for: Choose grip tape that matches your deck size exactly. Look for brands known for durability and medium-coarse grits that provide good traction without being too rough on your shoes.
6. Safety Helmet
A skateboarding helmet is your most important piece of protective equipment, protecting your head from serious injuries during falls. Skateboarding helmets are specifically designed to handle impacts from falls at various angles and speeds. Wearing a helmet should be non-negotiable regardless of your skill level.
Why beginners need it: Falls are a normal part of learning to skateboard, and head injuries can be severe. A quality helmet can prevent life-altering injuries and gives you confidence to practice new skills.
What to look for: Choose a CPSC-certified skateboarding helmet that fits snugly and covers your forehead. Look for good ventilation to keep you cool during extended practice sessions.
7. Wrist Guards
Wrist guards protect your wrists and hands during falls, which is essential since instinctively reaching out to catch yourself is common when losing balance. These guards contain rigid splints that stabilize your wrist and absorb impact. They’re one of the most commonly injured areas for new skaters.
Why beginners need it: Wrist injuries can be painful and take months to heal properly. Wrist guards give beginners protection so they can practice without fear of wrist sprains or fractures.
What to look for: Look for wrist guards with removable splints that provide firm support without restricting movement too much. Make sure they fit snugly and allow your hands to move naturally while riding.
8. Elbow and Knee Pads
Elbow and knee pads protect the joints that bear the most impact during falls. These pads cushion hard impacts and prevent road rash and bruising on your elbows and knees. They’re essential for any skater learning new tricks or practicing frequently.
Why beginners need it: Your elbows and knees are vulnerable points during falls, and injuries here can prevent you from skating for weeks. Proper pads allow beginners to practice confidently and recover faster from the inevitable tumbles.
What to look for: Choose pads with thick padding and hard plastic caps for joint protection. Look for designs that stay in place while skating and allow some flexibility for movement during tricks.
9. Skateboarding Shoes
Proper skateboarding shoes are specially designed with flat soles and reinforced areas where your feet contact the grip tape and wheels. They provide better board control and durability compared to regular sneakers. Quality skateboarding shoes last longer and perform better than casual athletic shoes.
Why beginners need it: Skateboarding shoes give you better feel and control of your board, helping you develop proper foot placement and technique. They also hold up better to the abrasion from repeated contact with grip tape.
What to look for: Look for shoes with flat soles, padded insoles for impact absorption, and reinforced toe and heel areas. Make sure they fit snugly without being too tight, and look for brands with good skateboarding-specific designs.
10. Tool Kit and Maintenance Equipment
A basic skateboard tool kit includes a skateboard wrench or multi-tool for adjusting trucks and wheels, along with bearing cleaning supplies and lubricant. Regular maintenance keeps your skateboard performing smoothly and extends the lifespan of all components. Knowing how to maintain your board is an essential skill for any skater.
Why beginners need it: New skaters will need to make adjustments to their trucks and wheels frequently as they learn. A proper tool kit allows you to make these adjustments safely without damaging your equipment.
What to look for: Look for a skateboard-specific tool kit with a socket wrench, Phillips screwdriver, bearing cleaner, and skateboard lubricant. Some kits include adjustment guides, which are helpful for beginners learning proper maintenance.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Consider buying a complete skateboard setup rather than individual components when starting out, as complete boards are often more affordable and come pre-assembled with properly matched parts.
- Invest most heavily in protective gear first—helmets and pads are non-negotiable for safety, while you can upgrade your board components gradually as your skills improve and specific needs emerge.
- Look for sales and discounts during off-season periods or holiday promotions, and check online communities for recommendations on quality budget brands that offer excellent value without sacrificing performance or durability.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus on getting a reliable complete skateboard, comprehensive protective gear, and learning tools that help build fundamental skills. Advanced skaters often customize individual components like upgrading to lighter trucks, specialized wheels for specific trick types, or premium decks from pro skaters. As you progress, you’ll develop preferences for specific features and performance characteristics that suit your unique skating style, but starting with quality beginner-friendly equipment ensures you have the solid foundation needed to progress safely and effectively.
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