| By :
Mark Etinger
If you're new to the skate game, you may want to customize a complete skateboard to make learning easier. Skateboard decks are the most important part of your board since they will need to be replaced most frequently. So when this one is flat and has lost its pop, you will have a good idea of what you want, whether you want to progress to a different size or brand, or stick with the same. 1. Width: A wider board makes it easier to catch spin tricks like shove-its, but if you want to do more complicated spins, it will be more difficult to maneuver. For beginners, a wide board is better because it can help you get your balance more easily. Sizes from 7.25'' to about 7.75'' are good for street skating. Above 8'' is better for tranny, or transitioning, onto or off of things as you would in a park. For a beginner, any deck between 7.75" and 8.25" is a good look. 2. Length: The taller you are, the longer a deck you will need. If you are shorter than 5'3',' a short deck (29-31") is good. If you are above 6'1" a deck around 33 inches is better. 3. Concavity: This is the way the nose and tail curve. The more concave, the better the board is for popping, which is an essential part of getting air and is the most basic aspect of the Ollie, every beginner's first trick. Less concave boards are better for manualing and the kinds of flip tricks discussed above. 4. Plies: These are the layers of wood used in the making of skateboard decks. Decks aren't made out of one piece of wood – they're usually made of 7 or more compressed layers. This is what gives the deck its pop, and what allows it to withstand high pressure. 5. Graphic: Usually the graphic is the make or break part of a board. All brands come in the varieties listed above, but a cool graphic will make choosing easy. Something that meshes with your personal style is important. While blank decks are cheaper, they break easier than other boards, and will lose their pop faster, which is important if you plan to learn – and practice – a lot of tricks. 6. Specialties: Some of my friends have chosen specialty decks, like Zip Zingers, which provide a unique experience. Shaped more like surfboards, these decks are great for cruising around, and are closer to a longboard in style, although you can definitely hop onto curbs and perform other tricks with them. Going to a skate shop online or in your town is the a great way to choose. When you see a certain board's graphic and specs, you will have a better idea of whether or not it suits you. Asking salespeople for advice is not a bad idea, since they usually have been skating for a long while. Once you get your board, try it out! Have fun! And most importantly, practice!
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