Choosing the right skateboard can feel overwhelming, especially when you're surrounded by countless options and don't know where to start. We get it, whether you're stepping on a board for the first time or you're a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, you want gear that fits you. At Switch Skate and Snow, based right here in Ajax, in the heart of Durham Region, Ontario, we help riders across Canada find the right board, fast and with confidence.
But this isn’t a sales pitch. This guide is here to help you make smart, informed decisions before you hit the pavement or park. So, let’s break it down and find out how to pick your next skateboard the right way.
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Switch Skate & Snow:
161 HARWOOD AVE N UNIT #6, AJAX, ONTARIO, L1Z0A1
Why Finding the Right Ontario Skateboard Shop Matters
Shopping for skateboards in Ontario isn’t just about grabbing the first deck that catches your eye. It’s about finding a place that understands your needs, whether you're riding street, park, or cruising through town.
In a city or small town, you need a shop that:
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Offers curated and tested products
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Understands the local terrain and skate culture
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Provides expert advice from actual skaters
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Has both beginner and pro-level gear
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Stands behind the products they sell
That’s where we come in. At Switch Skate and Snow, we live and breathe skate culture. And being based in Ajax, Ontario, means we know exactly what kind of gear works best across the GTA and beyond.
How to Know If a Skateboard Shop Is Legit
Not all skate shops are created equal. Let’s face it—some stores sell boards like they’re selling toaster ovens. So, how can you spot the real deal?
Here’s what we recommend you look for:
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Passionate Staff: If the people in the shop skate themselves, they’ll offer firsthand knowledge.
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Wide Selection: From decks and wheels to trucks and safety gear, a good shop will have a variety.
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Real Reviews: Check their Google reviews, social media mentions, and even Reddit threads.
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Local Involvement: Look for shops that sponsor events or support local skateparks.
At Switch, we make sure our team is fully involved in the Ontario skateboarding scene. Our shop isn’t just a place to buy gear—it’s a hub for the community.
The Basics: What You Need in a Skateboard Setup
Choosing a skateboard isn’t just about graphics or colours (though we know that’s part of the fun). It’s about the setup.
Here’s what makes up a complete skateboard:
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Deck: The board itself, typically made of 7-ply maple wood.
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Trucks: Metal T-shaped components that attach wheels to the deck.
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Wheels: Sizes vary depending on riding style (smaller for street, larger for cruising).
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Bearings: These sit inside the wheels and affect speed and smoothness.
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Grip Tape: The sandpaper-like layer that gives your feet traction.
Need help building a custom setup? We do that every day at our Ajax location or online store. We’ll even walk you through sizing, shape, and performance depending on your goals.
What to Look For in a Beginner Skateboard
If you’re just getting started, we recommend sticking to tried-and-true setups. There’s no need to go pro right out of the gate.
Features to look for:
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Deck width between 7.75” and 8.25” (easier to balance on)
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Softer wheels for smoother rides and learning tricks
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Mid-level trucks that offer both control and turning flexibility
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Pre-built complete skateboards for convenience
A lot of beginners make the mistake of ordering cheap gear online, but those boards can fall apart in weeks. Our beginner-friendly selections are made to last, and we can help you find the right fit.
How Terrain in Ontario Affects Your Board Choice
Ontario's skate terrain is as varied as its weather. Whether you're skating downtown Toronto, rolling through suburban Ajax, or shredding in a rural park—your board needs to be ready.
Here’s how different terrain impacts your choices:
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Urban Streets: Opt for harder wheels and a deck designed for tricks.
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Skateparks: Versatile, mid-sized decks with medium wheels do well.
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Cruising Trails: Larger wheels and longer decks are your friends.
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Winter Riding: Well, that's when snowboarding takes over—and yes, we’ve got gear for that too.
Fun fact: Ajax and Durham Region have seen growing support for skateparks and trails, making it a great place to ride almost year-round.
Top Benefits of Shopping Local at an Ontario Skateboard Shop
Still thinking about buying your skateboard from a big box store or a generic website? Here’s why going local, especially in Ontario, makes a difference:
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You support the community.
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You get real advice from real riders.
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You can test and touch the gear before buying.
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Returns and adjustments are easier.
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Shops often host skate events, giveaways, and lessons.
When you shop with us at Switch, you become part of something bigger than just buying gear—you become part of the Ontario skateboarding movement.
Where We’re Located: Serving Ajax, Durham & All of Ontario
We’re proudly based in Ajax, right in the heart of Durham Region. That means we’re easy to reach from Toronto, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, and beyond. You can walk into our physical shop or check us out online at Switch to see the latest gear.
And yes, we ship across Canada, so wherever you are in Ontario, we’re your local shop—online and offline.
Switch Skate and Snow: More Than Just Skateboarding
While we’re proud to be a top Ontario skateboard shop, we also specialize in snowboarding gear for the winter crowd. When the streets are covered in snow, we help you transition from pavement to powder.
Our selection includes:
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Snowboards
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Boots & bindings
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Outerwear
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Accessories
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Custom boot fitting and tune-ups
Need help choosing snowboarding gear, too? We’ve got you covered with the same expertise and personal attention.
How to Pick a Board Based on Riding Style
Let’s talk about how different riding styles affect the kind of skateboard you need.
Street Skating
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Smaller decks (7.75"–8.0")
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Harder wheels (99A+)
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Lightweight trucks
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Focus on tricks like ollies, flips, and grinds
Park Skating
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Medium decks (8.0"–8.25")
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Balanced wheel hardness (around 95A)
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Decks with medium concave
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Good for ramps and bowls
Cruising / Commuting
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Larger decks (up to 9”)
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Softer wheels (78A–85A)
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Longboards or cruisers
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Built for comfort and distance
Still unsure? Drop by or shoot us a message. We’ll help you figure out your style and match it to your gear.
Common Mistakes People Make When Buying a Skateboard
We see it all the time, and we’re here to help you avoid the most common errors:
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Buying based on looks alone
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Choosing the wrong size deck
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Ignoring wheel hardness
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Not investing in quality bearings
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Forgetting about safety gear
A skateboard is more than a fashion statement; it’s a tool. It needs to match your riding goals, skills, and surroundings.
What Makes Switch Stand Out as an Ontario Skateboard Shop
We’ve been doing this for years, and what separates us from the rest is our commitment to:
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Expert Guidance: We skate. We ride. We live this life.
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Premium Gear: We only stock what we believe in.
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Local Focus: We're built for Ontario riders, by Ontario riders.
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Service: From custom builds to tune-ups, we’re here for the full journey.
When you visit us, you’ll find more than just a store; you’ll find a crew that’s as stoked about skating as you are.
Helpful Skateboarding Accessories You Shouldn’t Forget
You’ve got your board, great! But don’t overlook these essentials:
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Helmet and Pads: Protect yourself, always.
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Skate Tool: Quick adjustments on the go.
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Extra Bearings and Hardware: For when parts wear out.
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Backpack: For carrying your board and gear.
Just like you wouldn’t ride a bike without brakes, don’t skate without safety and tools.
Online vs. In-Store: Where Should You Buy in Ontario?
We get this question a lot. And honestly? Both have their benefits.
In-store advantages:
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Try before you buy
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Ask questions in real-time
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Walk out with your gear
Online advantages:
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Convenience
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Full catalogue access
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Quick shipping across Ontario and Canada
We offer both at Switch. That way, whether you're in Toronto, London, Kingston, or Thunder Bay, you can always shop like you’re just down the street.
Skateboarding Is Booming in Canada
According to Canada Skateboard (the official governing body), the popularity of skateboarding in Canada has doubled over the last five years. With more municipalities investing in skateparks and youth programs, now is the perfect time to dive in.
Ontario leads the way in infrastructure growth, and we’re proud to be part of that wave by supporting riders from beginner to pro.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a top-rated Ontario skateboard shop near you, know this: at Switch Skate and Snow, we’re more than just another gear outlet. We’re your partners in the ride. Whether you’re based in Ajax, rolling through the GTA, or anywhere across Ontario, we’ve got the gear, the guidance, and the grit to get you rolling right.
FAQs
1. What size skateboard should I get as a beginner?
We usually recommend a deck size between 7.75" and 8.25" for beginners—it offers the right balance of control and stability.
2. Do you offer custom skateboard setups at Switch?
Absolutely! We build custom setups daily in-store and help customers online build the perfect board to match their needs.
3. Can I shop online and still get help choosing my gear?
Yes! Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the process just like we would in person.
4. What brands do you carry at your Ontario skateboard shop?
We carry top-quality brands trusted by the skate community, including Powell, Baker, Santa Cruz, Independent, Bones, and many more.
5. Do you ship across Ontario and the rest of Canada?
Yes, we offer fast, secure shipping Canada-wide. Whether you're in Toronto or a remote town, we’ve got your back.
Article written by Avon Marketing.
