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10 Best Beginner Skateboard For Adults

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Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Skateboard For Adults

Choosing a beginner skateboard for adults can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially with so many shapes, sizes, and materials available. The most important thing is to match the skateboard's features to your needs and intended use. Consider your main goals—whether you want to cruise, learn tricks, or commute—and look for features that enhance balance, stability, and comfort for beginners. Remember, the right beginner skateboard should make you feel confident as you learn and help you progress safely.
Deck WidthDeck width refers to how wide the skateboard is from side to side, usually measured in inches. This is crucial because a wider deck provides more stability and balance, while narrower decks are lighter and easier to flip, which is often preferred by advanced trick skateboarders. For adult beginners, a deck width between 7.75 and 8.5 inches is typically ideal—narrower decks (around 7.5 inches) may feel less stable, while decks over 8.5 inches can be bulky and harder to maneuver. If you have larger feet or value stability for cruising and learning basic moves, lean towards the higher end of the range. If you have smaller feet or want to attempt tricks soon, a slightly narrower deck can be more comfortable.
Deck MaterialThe deck material is what the board itself is made from, with the most common being Canadian maple wood, but sometimes bamboo or plastic. Maple is favored for its balance of durability and flexibility. Bamboo is lighter and can have more flex, while plastic decks (often found on cruiser boards) are lightweight but generally less durable for typical skate tricks. For beginners, a solid maple deck is recommended, as it gives the best mix of strength and performance for learning a variety of styles.
Deck ShapeDeck shape describes the profile of the skateboard and includes features like concave (the slight dip in the board), kicktails (upturned ends), and the overall outline. A simple, popsicle-shaped board with moderate concave provides the versatility you need to start cruising and also try basic tricks. Boards that are too flat may feel less responsive, while ones with extreme concave are generally better for advanced tricks. For a beginner, stick with a deck that looks standard and doesn’t have unusual shapes or extreme curves.
TrucksTrucks are the metal T-shaped parts attached to the bottom of the skateboard that hold the wheels. They affect turning and how stable the ride is. Wider trucks give more stability, while narrow trucks make turning easier but can be less steady. Match truck width with your deck width for the best balance. Additionally, the tightness of the trucks (adjusted via kingpin bolts) can be customized: looser trucks turn more easily, which is good for cruising, while tighter trucks are more stable for learning how to balance and do tricks. For beginners, starting with medium-tightness and trucks sized to your board is a safe bet.
WheelsSkateboard wheels are measured by diameter (size) and durometer (hardness). Larger wheels (54-60mm) roll faster and handle rough surfaces better but can feel bulky; smaller wheels (50-53mm) are lighter and good for tricks but get stuck more easily on cracks. For beginners, a wheel size around 52-54mm is a good balance for both cruising and learning tricks. As for hardness, softer wheels (78A-87A) grip better and make for a smoother ride, which is best for cruising and rough pavement, while harder wheels (99A and above) slide more and are suited to smooth surfaces and technical tricks. Beginners often prefer medium-soft wheels (around 90A-99A) for versatile use.
BearingsBearings fit inside the wheels and allow them to spin. They’re commonly rated using the ABEC scale, but for most beginners, this doesn’t matter too much as long as the bearings roll smoothly and reliably. You don’t need the highest-rated or most expensive bearings; rather, make sure they feel smooth and don’t jam. Clean, basic bearings are perfectly suitable as you start out.
Grip TapeGrip tape is the sandpaper-like material applied to the top of the board to prevent slipping. All skateboards for beginners should come with grip tape already applied, and it should feel rough enough to give you confidence in your footing. You don’t need any special patterns or types at first—just a standard, full-coverage grip tape will help you stay safely on the board.