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18 Different Types of Skateboards to Choose the Best for You

types of skateboards
Written by Colin Kint

Skateboarding was a widely played game a couple of years ago but now it has become a lifestyle sport that entertains both the players and those who enjoy watching their tricks.

With increased popularity, there’s been a lot of change in its style, structure, and form. Here we’re going to introduce you to the 18 different types of skateboards available today. See which type suits your riding style!

Types Of Skateboards

1. Short Boards

Short Boards

These are the shortest of the boards and they are designed mainly to roll through the air and for tricks. These are the ones designed for park and street racing. This choice is the perfect match for those who have a little tiny hawk up their sleeves.

2. Cruiser

Cruiser board

As it is implied in the name. This is for those who prefer the subtle roll through the streets. The decks are of a mid-length size. They usually come with kick tails. And are maneuverable while being versatile. Of course that is just right for hitting the street with.

3. Old School

Old School board

They are designed with a flat nose accessorized with kick tails, they have an asymmetrical shape with a wider nose. They are the best choice to skate through pools and off ramps and even carving the streets.

4. Long Boards

Long Boards

These are the highly versatile longboards. They are useful both for cruising the streets and also hitting the park. Even some are specifically designed for downhill racing and. The downhill longboards are designed symmetrically and will sit lower to the ground and come with a wheel cut out. That makes provision for a larger wheel.

5. Mini Boards

Mini Boards

This used to be the most common type of skateboard during the inception of skateboarding. These days, they have been taken out of the mainstream view and are reserved for children. This is very suitable for toddler who wants to get into the life of the skate boarding

These types are small and they usually are grown out of. Don’t be distracted about the small size of the skateboard. They are also useful to perform tricks anywhere. If your child has the intention of being a pro one day. This might just be good for them. They come with the skate park wheel and they can be found and ordered online.

The popsicle types of skateboard, the most common type of skateboard, are not great for cruising, but if you have one the only thing that you have to do is to switch the wheels. They come with a lot of levels of concave that range from the steep variant to mellow, and with a double kick tail to maximize enjoyment when doing tricks.

6. Penny Nickel

Penny Nickel

These are the small plastic made skateboards that are used for performing tricks. People who have ridden these things know that they are fun to ride. Convenient when taking log rolls and because of their lightweight and long rolls

7. Electric Skateboards

Electric Skateboards

Electric skateboards were introduced in the early 2000s, and they are still popular. They have enough power for a durable experience on the skateboard. However, they tend to have low battery life and are expensive to repair—they are still improving with time.

8. Caster Boards

Caster Boards

There are four known Varian of the caster boards; ­j-boards, ripsticks, snake boards, wave boards. There are many more, these are the most common of the variant

9. One Wheel

One Wheel

This was introduced in 2013 bringing the future to the now. This is classified as the electric skateboard or a personal carrier. They come in two main sizes and are expensive like hoverboards.

10. Freestyle Skateboard

Freestyle Skateboard

If skateboarding is your thing, then freestyle skateboarding will be one of the first styles you will want to try. Freestyle skateboarding is one of the major styles of skateboarding that requires the use of footwork and tricks that can be done on a flat surface.

The style is regarded as the oldest skateboarding style. It involves doing flat surface technical skating. But this time you will need more – than a surface that is flat and smooth. You will need good music and choreography to get the routine more professionally.

If you intend on giving this a shot, then we recommend the use of a skateboard that has a comfortable deck size, but if your intention is to flip the board around then go for a short and narrow board. If you intend to give more attention to footwork, then we recommend a longer and wider board.

11. Slalom Skateboard

Slalom Skateboard

While skateboarding, slalom will be a suitable option to consider. This style of skating involves skateboarding down the hillside. The style was first invented in the 1960s to 1970s and became very popular in the new millennium (2000s). As a slalom skater, you will be required to skate through a path that is marked out with cones that are created from plastic. You will be required to round off the course within a range of time while knocking down the last come down. Every single plastic cone is usually accompanied with penalty. Once you default, a specific number of times will be summed up to your total run time.

For each time you hit any cone down, your run time will be extended and this is based on the number that is represented on each cone. We recommend taking on a suitable skateboard that will provide you with a higher chance of winning. Although most skateboards that are designed for the purpose are built for speed, turning balance and traction.

12. Downhill Skateboard

Downhill Skateboard

The downhill skateboard is designed to promote speed. As to this effect, the skateboard is often considered suitable for sporting activities. Which needs professional precision and skill. If you intend to use this type of skateboard then you will need to learn different skill positioning like drifting, sliding, and coming to a full stop and sliding. Also, there are many situations that may change when rolling downhill.

Downhill skateboarding is very advanced and requires unique sets of skills and equipment to be carried out successfully. Some of the most recommended longboards and skateboards that are often used for this purpose.

Its deck is designed to be very stiff. Oftentimes it is designed with a wheelbase, which sometimes can be 29 -30 inches.

13. Vert Skateboard

Vert Skateboard

Vert is another unique form of skating that is an exciting and fun way of exhibiting sport. It is the act of rolling the skateboard inclined on a vertical wall or surface. Oftentimes you will be required to ride the skateboard on an incline or skate ramps. It requires a transition from a horizontal position to a vertical position. This style of skateboard is usually accompanied with a lot of excitement and fun, but it is best to take caution with the right gears and be sure you’re completely firm before trying the step out.

The first required step is to be acquainted with the basic steps. After that master, the steps including; cruising, pushing, and carving. And try to use a suitable skateboard that is recommended for this purpose.

14. Street Skateboard

Street Skateboard

This style of skating focuses on trick and transition and it is done only in public places. If you desire to be the next street skateboarder, then we recommend skating in industrial areas, urban areas, and plazas.

You will also be required to have tables that are meant for picnic, handrails, park benches, guardrails, bins, and stair, retaining wall and planter boxes. If you intend to take a step in this field of sport then you will be required to set up your board using a thinner deck that appears odd from the usual size.

Additionally, the street skateboard should be accompanied with wheels that are sized about 48 -54 mm. Once you have your wheels and deck in place, then it will be pretty easy to spin and flip the board without much stress.

Ensure the wheels are small in size and you have a lighter board. Street skateboarding is usually designed with the shape of freestyle board but sets itself apart with the presence of asymmetrical and narrow shape.

15. Park Skateboard

Park Skateboard

The park skateboarding covers all the sub-style that is adopted by skateboarders when exhibiting tricks. Tones of skate parks are designed with quarter pipes and half pipes and mix them with a variety of features which are most time found in vert skateboarding. The park skateboard is designed to have obstacles like stairs and rails. These elements are present in the park to increase their level of excitement.

Using a skate that is designed with a small wheel, this will allow you to break out and give you the right speed when rolling on a cement surface. We recommend the use of speed wheels as they provide you with more air and allow you to display the ticks successfully.

16. Pool Skateboard

Pool Skateboard

The pool skateboard is also another category of sport we will recommend you give a try. Just as it resounds, it has to do with skateboarding in the pool. Do this form of skateboarding, you will get a skateboard that is designed specifically for pool skating, bowls and vertical ramps.

Skateboard that has a width that is 7. 75 inches are the most suggested type of skateboard for this purpose. As it provides you with more control stability and ensures a perfect smooth ride.

Ensure the board has a wheelbase that ranges from 15 – 18 inches. Use the board shape that is primarily meant for vert.

17. Cruising Skateboard

Cruising Skateboard

Cruising, involve sporting on a skateboard to allow you to travel at a fast pace in ramps, urban and without performing some trick or touching certain surfaces

If you intend to try out a step that is between longboarding and skateboarding then this is a suitable step to consider. It is important to use a skateboard that is designed primarily for the purpose only. Use a skateboard that is generally wider and is accompanied with wheels that are crafted from rubber.

18. Off-Road Skateboard

Off-Road Skateboard

This form of skating requires the use of specially designed boards that are generally usable. You can use a skate that is crafted for road purposes that can roll perfectly on hard-packed sand, dirt, and gravel.

You will need a regular skateboard, once you have got any, replace it wheel to get a perfect board that rolls for off-road purpose. Replace each of the wheels with larger wheels that are constructed from rubber, this will allow the skateboard to smoothly glide on different surfaces, such as grasses and dirt.

One of its unique features is the presence of a brake which is important to help riders stop the skateboard once you encounter any need to do so.

Main Components of a Skateboard: Trucks, Wheels, Deck, Bearings

  • Skateboard Trucks

Skateboard truck is a part which attaches the deck and wheels from head to tail axle. Generally, a skateboard truck has 9 main parts and those are:

  1. Bottom bushing                                          6. Top bushing.
  2. Base plate.                                                    7. Speed rings.
  3. Kingpin.                                                        8. Top washer.
  4. Axle.                                                               9. Kingpin nut.
  5. Axle nuts.

Skateboard Trucks

  • Skateboard Wheels

The wheel is the part that help the skateboard to move. These wheels are made of polyurethane, based on size and inflexibility. The riding, speed and turning attribute depends on the wheels you choose.

Skateboard Wheels

  • Skateboard Deck

A skateboard deck is a board where the skaters put their legs to slide and ride.

At the point when we are discussing decks, skateboarders will consider the concave. Concave is characterized as a curve of a skateboard deck with three types which are high concave, mid concave, low concave.

Skateboard Deck

  • Skateboard Bearings

The Bearings are round metal disks inside the wheels as a section interfacing with the axle. The discs’ internal and external spots inside balls, let the wheels spin. A standard skateboard bearing has balls, an inner ring, a ball cage, and an outer ring.

Skateboard Bearings

Which is the Best for You?

If you are just starting out, then it’s very important to carry out extensive research on different skateboarding styles and skateboards. This will help provide you a better idea of which is most suitable for you. If you are a beginner, then the best suitable skateboard usually comes with an average weight and eight inches.

We recommend giving the cruising skateboard a shot since it has no trick attached to it. You can also progress with swapping your skateboarding and skateboard style once you get used to the tricks.

FAQ’s

1. What type of skateboard is best for a beginner?

Ans: For beginners or those who just want to start, it’s best to buy a pre-build complete skateboard. There are 5 types of skateboards are recommended for beginners.

  • KPC PRO Skateboard
  • MINORITY Maple Skateboard
  • Roller Derby Skateboard
  • Powell Golden Dragon Knight Dragon 2 Complete Skateboard
  • Krown Rookie Complete Skateboard

2. How do I pick my first skateboard?

Ans: Choosing a skateboard totally depends on your needs and liking. You can follow the tips to buy your first skateboard.

  • Look around local shops
  • Choose your deck size
  • Wheels
  • Trucks
  • Recommender brands
  • Grip is important

3. How much is a good skateboard?

Ans: Classic boards can cost from $60-$400. A classic, small cruiser, or cruiser is really great for cruising, and you can in any case do stunts at the skate-park with this one.

About the author

Colin Kint

I’m a professional skateboarder and have participated in most skateboarding competitions in San Francisco. I believe my innate passion for the sport drove me to pursue my career as a professional skateboarder.

Another reason I’ve got so good at it is because of my relentless practice sessions with my friends. As an environmental activist with an undergraduate law degree, I volunteer in different community awareness programs. I’m also into photography and do most of the photography for this site.

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