Choosing the right skateboard is crucial because it directly impacts your performance, comfort, and safety while skating. A skateboard that matches your preferences and skill level enhances your enjoyment and progress in the sport while reducing the risk of injury from using an ill-suited setup.

Skateboard sizing involves understanding various components to ensure you get the right setup for your needs:

1. Skateboard Trucks

The premium skateboard trucks are essential components that connect the wheels to the deck. Here are some key details about skateboard trucks: 

• Construction: Typically made of metal, skateboard trucks consist of a baseplate, hanger, axle, kingpin, bushings, and hardware. 
• Width: Trucks come in various widths to match the width of the skateboard deck. It’s crucial to match the truck width to the deck width for stability and optimal performance. 
• Height: The height of the skateboard truck affects the ride height of the skateboard. Lower trucks provide greater stability and control, while higher trucks offer more clearance for larger wheels and prevent wheel bite. 
• Bushings: Bushings are the rubber or urethane components that sit inside the trucks and affect the turning responsiveness and stability of the skateboard. They come in different shapes and hardness levels to customise the feel of the trucks. 
• Kingpin: The kingpin is the large bolt that holds the trucks together. It can be adjusted to change the tightness of the trucks, affecting how easily they turn. 

2. Style and Design

The skate trucks come in various styles and designs, offering different looks and performance features to suit individual preferences and skating styles. Understanding these details about skateboard trucks can help you choose the right ones for your skateboard setup, enhancing your riding experience on the board.

3. Wheelbase

The wheelbase on a skateboard refers to the distance between the inner mounting holes of the trucks, measured in inches or centimetres. Here are some details about wheelbase and its significance:

• Stability: A longer wheelbase generally provides greater stability because it distributes the rider’s weight over a larger area, making it easier to control the board at high speeds or on rough terrain.
• Turning Radius: A shorter wheelbase allows for tighter turns and quicker manoeuvrability, which is advantageous for technical tricks and street skating.
• Board Feel: The wheelbase affects how the skateboard feels underfoot, influencing the rider’s ability to balance, carve, and perform tricks.

4. Deck Size

Measure the width, typically in inches, which ranges from about 7.5 to 8.5 inches or more. Wider decks provide more stability, while narrower ones offer greater manoeuvrability. Most skateboard decks are made from layers of maple wood, but there are also options made from bamboo, carbon fibre, or composite materials, each offering different characteristics in terms of weight, flexibility, and durability.

5. Deck Shape

Skateboard deck shapes vary based on the skateboarder’s preference and intended use. Here are some common deck shapes and their characteristics:

• Popsicle: The most common shape for modern skateboards, featuring a symmetrical shape with a slightly pointed nose and tail. Popsicle decks are versatile and suitable for various styles of skating, including street, park, and vert.
• Cruiser: Cruiser decks have a wider and more rounded shape, often with a kicktail for easier manoeuvrability and tricks. They are designed for cruising, transportation, and casual riding, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride than traditional popsicle decks.
• Old School: Old school decks have a wider, squared-off shape reminiscent of skateboards from the 1970s and 1980s. They often feature a larger nose and tail, providing more foot space for stability and a retro aesthetic. Old school decks are popular for pool, bowl, and vert skating.
• Shaped: Shaped decks come in a variety of non-traditional shapes, including fish tails, pointed noses, and asymmetrical designs. They offer unique aesthetics and performance characteristics, catering to specific skating styles and personal preferences.
• Mini: Mini decks are smaller versions of standard skateboards, typically designed for younger riders or those who prefer a more compact setup. They offer agility and control, making them suitable for technical tricks and street skating.
• Longboard: Longboard decks are longer and wider than traditional skateboards, with a focus on stability and smooth cruising. They often feature various shapes and styles, including pintails, drop-throughs, and double kicks, catering to different riding preferences such as downhill racing, freeriding, and commuting.

6. Quality and Durability

Invest in high-quality components to ensure durability and longevity. Quality skateboard can positively impact your skill development and progression as a skater. Reliable equipment allows you to focus on honing your skills, trying new tricks, and pushing your limits without worrying about equipment limitations or failures holding you back.

By considering these factors, you can choose a skateboard setup that suits your preferences, skill level, and skating style, enhancing your enjoyment and performance on the board.

7. Skill Level and Intended Use

Consider your skating style (street, vert, cruising) and skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) when selecting your skateboard just as you would choose equipment in any other sport.