The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding

04 September 2017 04 September 2017

Are you a newbie skateboarder and want to start shredding up the park with the best of them but don’t know where to start?

Don’t stress, finding the right board and equipment is easier than you think, but just to point you in the right direction, we’ve put together our top beginner’s tips.

Hint: Don’t cheap out and buy a generic board from a department store. They might look like the real thing, but trust us; they’re not.

Firstly, let’s look at the type of skateboards available.

Long boards

These boards are nice and easy to maneuver, which means beginners don’t have to stress too much about stacking and embarrassing themselves! They’re also great for cruising and are easy if you just want to hop on and go. If you want a board to get you from point A to point B, a long board is definitely the way to go! However, if you’re more interested in tricks, a long board might not be the best option.

Skateboards

For all the tricksters out there, skateboards are for you! Their tapered ends make them perfect for kicking tricks and jumps and offer an easy, soft maneuverability, but they’re also perfect for skating around at high speeds.

Unlike with long boards, skateboards do take a little more getting used to, especially if you’re just starting out.

Board Parts and What They Do

To the untrained eye, knowing the different parts of your board might not seem like something you need to worry about. However, if you’re keen to customise your board to suit your needs, you’ll want to know what’s what.

The most important parts are detailed more closely below.

Deck and Grip Tape

The deck is the wooden bit at the end of the board that you stand on, while the grip tape is the layer that feels like sandpaper that provides grip for your shoes.

Trucks

These attach the deck to the wheels and allow you to turn. When purchasing this part, make sure the trucks aren’t wider than your deck.

Wheels

The purpose they serve is pretty self-explanatory, but they do come in a bunch of different sizes. We usually recommend that beginners opt for 52mm to 55mm diameter wheels. However, as you begin to master the art of skateboarding, you’ll be able to re-evaluate your wheel choices based on your unique skating style.

Essential Skate Accessories

Like most things, your skating get-up isn’t complete until you’ve decked yourself up with all of the must-have accessories. Sadly for all of the ‘cool kids’ on the block, a lot of these essential items are safety related.

Invest in Good Skate Shoes

Skateboards and thongs are not a good combination. You’ll look like an idiot and you’ll probably end up hurting yourself.

 

Skate shoes have been made with skating in mind, so they have the right kind of sole to grip the board, ensuring they provide both protection and support.

Chuck on Some Protective Gear and a Helmet

We know, helmets suck, but they’re also pretty important. Get a skating helmet that has a smooth surface and a snug chinstrap to protect your head. Even the best skaters fall off their board, so a helmet is pretty much non-negotiable.

If you’re after skateboards in Melbourne, Mac’s Waterski World is the place to go. We have a comprehensive selection of skateboards and skateboarding gear available, including:

• Complete skateboard set-ups
• Complete long boards and cruisers
• Skateboard and long board decks
• Skateboard and long board parts – trucks, wheels, bearings
• Skateboard accessories – helmets, pads, gloves
• Skateboarding tools and grip tape
• Skateboarding t-shirts

To learn more about our range of skateboards and accessories, or to purchase your equipment, come in and visit us at Mac’s Waterski World or jump online today!