How to Choose Your First Skateboard

Buying a first skateboard is confusing — there are a dozen deck widths, three wheel hardness scales, and enough truck jargon to make anyone give up and grab whatever's cheapest at a big box store. Here's the short version, from a shop that's helped Napa Valley riders pick their first setup since 1993.

Complete Setup vs. Custom Build

For most first-time riders, a complete setup — a pre-assembled board with deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape already put together — is the right call. It's simpler, usually more affordable, and takes the guesswork out of matching parts.

Once you (or your kid) know you're sticking with it, a custom build lets you dial in exactly the deck shape, truck width, and wheel type that fits your riding style. We build these in-store at Boardgarden — see our Custom Board Builds page for details.

Deck Width: The Most Important Number

Deck width matters more than length for how a board feels underfoot:

• 7.5"–8.0": Good for kids and smaller riders, or anyone leaning toward street/technical skating.
• 8.0"–8.25": The most common all-around width for teens and adults.
• 8.25"+: Favored by riders who skate transition, bowls, or vert.

If you're not sure, err slightly smaller for kids — a board that's too wide is harder to control and flip.

Wheels: Softer Isn't Always Better

Wheel hardness is measured in durometer (the "A" number):

• 78a–87a (soft): Smoother ride, better for cruising and rough pavement.
• 95a–99a (medium-hard): Versatile, good all-around choice for park and street.
• 99a–101a+ (hard): Preferred by park/street skaters who want speed and slide control.

For most beginners learning basics on smooth pavement or a skatepark, a medium-hard wheel in the 95a–99a range is a safe, versatile choice.

Trucks & Protection

Trucks: Truck width should roughly match your deck width — trucks that are too narrow or too wide throw off stability and turning. This is exactly the kind of thing that's easy to get wrong ordering online and easy to get right in five minutes in-store.

Safety Gear: A helmet is non-negotiable for beginners, especially kids. Pads (knee, elbow, wrist) aren't required but make the learning curve a lot less painful — literally.