Types of Skateboards

Anyone who engages in any active sport or performance-based activities would be familiar with the fact that there will be precise specifications that would aid them in their activity. From running to biking all the way to team sports such as basketball, football and soccer, innovative products that address specific sports-related concerns are popping up everywhere. Even the clothing used to perform a particular sport has progressed; lightweight fabrics and element-protective materials are used depending on the need. This holds true with skateboarding, too.

People outside of the sport would not be able to tell the difference or the significance of a few inches’ difference between the dimensions of the boards, but to a skateboarding professional these few extra inches could mean a whole lot. With the evolution of skateboards from its early existence, different surfaces and performing tricks require different specific types and sizes of skateboards to achieve optimal execution. Some would also believe that using the wrong kind of board can lead to unfortunate situations.

The first thing one should know when it comes to the different types of skateboards is the length. Specifically, longer boards are used for different purposes than their shorter counterparts. One type is known as the longboard, which is mostly used for downhill racing – pretty much like snowboarding on concrete. The longboard sports a more specific design best suited for big turns and quick changes of direction. Some longboards specifically made for downhill racing sports a bigger wheel for lesser friction since it needs to spin fewer times as compared to smaller wheels at the same speed. Shorter boards are more preferable for performing tricks and aerial maneuvers due to the ease with which they can be used. But another thing to consider when choosing the type of board to use for doing tricks is the concave, which refers to curve of the board in relation to the raised nose and tail. Concavity of the boards differ from shallow to deep, and the depth of the arch holds significance when performing more advanced tricks. The deeper the curve, the more precise you can carry out the trick. Beginners are advised to start out with a shallower curve, though, as the deeper the curve gets, the harder it is to master.

A less performance-affecting difference among the types of skateboards is the material used for the main deck. Although wood is the most common material, they, however, have a shorter life span and longevity as opposed to the more innovative materials used such as fiberglass and aluminum. Additionally, they would usually come out more expensive in the market.