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Since its inception around the 1950s, skateboarding has continued to gain popularity amongst a wide variety of people. The wider an audience grows, the more diverse their needs and desires become. Part of skateboarding’s continued growth over the years can be attributed to the different types of skateboarding that have evolved. From cruisers to penny boards, each style of skateboard offers an experience vastly different from the other, adding different elements and dimensions to your skating.
Because of the different riding experiences associated with each style, it’s important to know which type of board is best suited to the style of skating you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re a beginner to the sport or are trying out a different style of skating for the first time, choosing the right type of board for your needs can be extremely overwhelming.
Below, we’ve put together a helpful guide outlining the most common styles of skateboards, what they offer, and who and what they are ideal for.
Let’s dive in!
What are the different types of skateboards?
At first glance, most (or all) skateboards might look very similar. In principle, all styles of skateboards are nearly identical in structure. Most differences lie in the shape and individual components. In terms of size and shape, there are two main categories: longboard skateboards and shortboard skateboards.
To put it quite simply, longboards are built for cruising and downhill riding, while shortboards are built for tricks. Click here for tips on choosing the right longboard. For the rest of this article, we’re going to be covering the different types of shortboard skateboards available.
Classic Skateboards
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Classic skateboards are what you likely picture when you think of the term “skateboard.” Most classic skateboards come in “twin tip” styles, meaning the nose and tail are the same shape. This uniform structure allows you to easily ride switch.
The most common type of classic board is the classic popsicle shape, also known as the street skateboard deck. These boards are widely used for street and park skating and are made for tricks on both the street and on obstacles.
There are slight variations of classic boards known as shaped decks, which some have called a hybrid of “new school street decks” and “old school pool decks” due to their ability to be an ideal transition board. These variations are prominently concave and often have specially shaped noses or tails.
- Ideal for: Tricksters, beginners, and everyone in between.
- Not for: Those who refuse to take a chance on something fun.
Cruisers
As the name suggests, cruisers are designed for cruising down streets or any level pavement. These boards generally have a flat surface, but some cruisers have a concave shape with a kicktail. Cruisers are not optimized for tricks, although some light manual tricks can be performed. Largely meant for transportation purposes, these boards are not suitable for going fast or downhill. Designed to be more portable, cruisers can be carried around without too much weight or effort.
- Ideal for: The person who is looking for a chill way to get around town.
- Not for: Someone itching to learn and master skateboarding tricks or bomb hills.
Mini Boards
If you’re looking for something small but mighty, mini boards might be your best bet. Mini boards are skateboards with smaller decks but standard size wheels and bearings. Lighter weight, easier to control, and much more portable, this style of board still allows you to perform some skating tricks. These are ideal for travel because of their small size and can be carried on planes or packed most easily.
Don’t let its size fool you. Suitable for all ages, the mini skateboard can pack some punch.
- Ideal for: Beginners, kids, and people who need something for short-distance transportation.
- Not for: Seasoned skateboarders looking for extreme thrills, air.
Penny Boards
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Penny boards, also known as short cruisers, are very similar to mini boards in size but are made completely out of molded plastic. These types of skateboards are usually sold pre-assembled as a complete setup, as opposed to being sold in individual components. Retro in style and outfitted with a kicktail, penny boards are often sold in neon or other attention-grabbing colors.
When it comes to their size and shape, penny boards are very narrow, and not very useful to stand on. They are not necessarily recommended for beginners, but they can be used by a child or beginner to learn basics such as balance, pushing, and turning. Because the wheelbase is so small, penny boards are not very stable and can easily turn over.
- Ideal for: Flat level skating, skaters who are experienced with cruising and tight carves, a smaller beginner looking to learn the basics of riding without any tricks.
- Not for: Larger riders, those who want to learn tricks, those who want to ride downhill.
So which skateboard is best for me?
In summary, the type of skateboard that’s best for you depends on your level of experience and what you’re looking to get out of the sport. Most people can’t go wrong opting for a classic skateboard such as a classic popsicle shape, as its design is optimized for a little bit of everything. If you are versatile in multiple styles of skating, you may even get around to eventually having one of each!
Choosing the right board can quite literally make or break your experience. It’s important to know the strengths and limitations of each style of board and your goals to ensure both safety and maximum enjoyment!