If you’re looking to get into skateboarding, but you’re torn between whether it’s better to assemble a skateboard yourself or buy a complete one, worry not, as we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both options, plus a few more factors you should consider before making a final decision. Even though it’s probably not the hardest decision you’ll ever make, it’s still an important one, as it may be the deciding factor whether you stick to riding a skateboard, or you’ll get bored from it in a matter of weeks.
The pros of assembling your own skateboard are pretty apparent – you get the parts you want, put them together and you get a decent skateboard. However, there are a lot of dimensions you need to pay attention to, and chances are – you won’t get the right shapes and sizes your first time. But that’s fine, you can get spare skateboard products and continue experimenting until you get what you want. On the flip-side, buying a complete skateboard is ideal for beginners, and with some help from sizing guides, you can get close to what you want without breaking a sweat.
But regardless of whether you opt for a complete skateboard, or you just want to buy all the necessary skateboard products and put together a board yourself, there are a few things to take into account. Keep in mind the style of skateboarding you’re going to perform most, and the size of the skateboard.
With that being said, skateboards are designed for a specific type of riding in mind. Skateboards meant for cruising around town are significantly different than skateboards meant for riding in skate parks and performing tricks. Generally, the ones for cruising around feature a longer board and larger wheels. Trick and park skateboards, on the other hand, are smaller with curves at both ends and tougher but smaller wheels.
And last but not least, the skateboard size is one of the most important things you’ll need to decide on. Even though skateboarding has been around for quite a while, the size of the board wasn’t something to consider until 15 years ago or so. There are various different sizing charts, but the most common one is the one based on the rider’s age, his/her shoe size and his/her height. It goes something like this:
- Riders who are 160cm tall or taller, wear a shoe size 9 or bigger – should get a 7.5” board or wider
- Riders who are 130-160cm tall, have a shoe size of 6-8 – should get a board that’s 7.25” – 7.375” wide
- Riders who are shorter than 130cm, have a shoe size of 2-5 – should get a 7” board.
