Best Skateboard for Beginners: Top 3 Picks of 2026

You’ve probably read somewhere (or heard a friend say) that size, shape, and setup all matter when choosing the best skateboard for beginners. It’s true. For instance, our beginner buying guide at Switch explains: most adults and teens should aim for decks between 8.0"-8.5" wide and around 31"-32" long, because that offers the right mix of stability and control.  

Here’s what we look at when recommending a board for beginners:

• Width & stability: A wider board gives you more foot space and balance.

• Construction & durability: Especially in Canada, where concrete and weather take a toll, you want a strong deck.

• Complete vs build-your-own: Beginners often benefit from a pre-built complete board so you can get rolling faster.  

• Local relevance: If you’re in Durham Region or GTA, you’ll want gear that ships across Canada and works well on our surfaces (e.g., rough sidewalks, urban parks).

According to skateboard industry research, maple decks hold pop better and resist warping in cooler weather compared to cheaper mixed-wood alternatives—an important fact for Canadian skaters.  So yes, picking the right board early is like choosing the right pair of shoes for running: it matters.

Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Skateboard for Beginners

Here are three boards we stand behind for new skaters. Each of these is available at Switch Skate & Snow (online and in-store), so you can pick one up in Ajax or get it delivered across Canada.

1. Switch Blank Deck – 8.25"

Why it’s a smart choice for beginners:

• Made by our own label (Switch Skate & Snow), built from durable 7-ply hardrock maple. 

• Perfect for beginners because it's totally custom and specifically made for newbies, and made to be used for learning tricks. 

• Size 8.25" is in that sweet “beginner zone” for stability.

• It’s minimalist, no flashy graphics, so you can focus on your riding instead of worrying about style.

• Great value: features quality build without premium pricing.
  

• Key benefits list:

  • Wide 8.25" width = more stability for learning

  • High-quality maple = good pop and durability

  • Available locally in Ajax = easier for support or in-store pickup
    In short: if you’re just starting and want a solid foundation, this is an excellent pick for the best skateboard for beginners.

2. Real Classic Oval Deck

Why we love it for beginners:

• From the trusted brand Real Skateboards, the Classic Oval Deck features 7-ply Canadian maple construction and a shape that works for street, park or casual cruising. That brand reputation means you’re getting something that won’t fall apart when you’re just getting your bearings.

• Available in several widths (8.25", 8.5", etc) so you can match your height/foot size.
  

• Key benefits list:

  • Strong pop and durability = less worry about breakage

  • Brand you can trust = good resale or moving to the next level later

  • Versatile shape = you’re not locked into just one style of skating
    If your goal is the best skateboard for beginners that also offers stepping-up potential (so you don’t feel like you outgrow it next month), this board nails it.

3. Darkstar Snake Complete 8.0"

Why this is a solid, complete board for beginners:

• Pre-built setup: trucks, wheels, bearings—everything’s ready to ride. Ideal when you want to get rolling quickly. (Our website states the completes are “perfect for beginners or seasoned skaters.”)  

• The 8.0" width is slightly narrower than 8.25", making it a good choice for younger teens or smaller riders.

• From the brand Darkstar—solid reputation in skate circles.
  

• Key benefits list:

  • Grab-and-go: no assembly stress

  • Balanced width: good control for new riders

  • Reliable brand & build = fewer early frustrations
    If you prefer convenience (rather than building your own board) and want to find the best skateboard for beginners, a complete like this is a very smart choice.

How to roll the right way (quick checklist)

Before you hit your local park or sidewalk in Durham Region or the GTA, here are some quick tips to get off on the right foot:

• Make sure your board width matches your stance and riding style (8.0-8.5" is a safe beginner range).  

• Set your trucks not too tight (so you don’t over-steer) but not too loose (so you don’t feel wobbly).

• Wear protective gear—even though we’re talking boards, safety helps you build confidence faster.

• Start on smooth pavement or flat surfaces before going for big ramps/drop ins.

• Practice pushing, turning, stopping, and carving: the fundamentals matter just as much as the gear.

• Maintain your board: check for loose hardware, worn wheels, grip tape losing grip. The best skateboard for beginners will feel better if it's well-kept.

How to Do Your First Trick: Learning the Ollie

When beginners ask us what trick they should learn first, we always point them to the ollie. It’s the foundation of almost every skateboard trick you’ll ever try. If you’re aiming to master the best skateboard for beginners and actually use it to progress, learning the ollie gives you the confidence to move forward.

Here’s how we break it down step-by-step:

1. Start in a comfortable stance.
   We tell new riders to keep their back foot on the tail and their front foot just behind the front bolts. This gives you balance and the right leverage for the pop.

2. Bend your knees.
   Think of this like loading a spring. The more controlled your bend is, the smoother your ollie will feel.

3. Pop the tail.
   Use your back foot to snap the tail of your board downward. This “pop” is what lifts the board off the ground.

4. Slide your front foot up.
   As soon as the tail pops, slide your front foot up the grip tape toward the nose. This motion levels out the board in the air.

5. Stay centered.
   Beginners often lean too far back or forward. Imagine you’re standing on a small trampoline—you want your weight evenly centered.

6. Land with both feet over the bolts.
   This protects your board and keeps you stable when you roll away.

Beginner Tips for Landing Your First Ollie

• Practice on flat ground before trying it while rolling.

• Keep your shoulders square with the board so your balance stays aligned.

• Start small—your first ollie doesn’t need height, just control.

• Use a board with proper pop and grip (which is why choosing the best skateboard for beginners matters so much here).

A Helpful Note

Most skaters take a few sessions to land a clean ollie. That’s normal. What matters is consistency. Even 10–15 minutes of practice a day builds muscle memory fast. Research on motor learning shows that short, repeated training sessions improve coordination more effectively than long, occasional sessions—so small habits pay off.

Why our local store matters for your skate journey

Since we’re based in Ajax, Ontario and serve Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area, you benefit from local expertise: the right board size for Canadian surfaces, shipping across Canada, and the chance to ask us questions in-store. Our beginner guide and local insights give you an edge (pun intended) in choosing the best skateboard for beginners.

Final thoughts

Choosing the best skateboard for beginners doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right size, durable build, and a setup you’re comfortable with, you’ll be out there rolling before you know it. We’ve outlined three top-rated choices available at our store—with one designed for minimal fuss, another for brand reliability, and the third for convenience with a complete setup. Pick the one that matches your style, roll confidently, and have fun.

FAQs - What's the best skateboard for beginners?

1. What size board should I pick if I’m a newbie?
Most beginners pick decks between 8.0"-8.5" wide and around 31"-32" long. That width offers a balance between stability (for pushing and carving) and control (for turns and tricks). 

2. Is a complete skateboard better than building my own when I start?
Yes, especially for beginners. A complete board comes assembled with trucks, wheels and bearings, so you can hop on and ride. Our website notes that completes are “perfect for beginners”. 

3. Why does deck width matter so much for the best skateboard for beginners?
Deck width affects how the board feels under your feet. A too-narrow board might feel twitchy, and a too-wide board might feel difficult to flip. Choosing a width in that beginner sweet zone (8.0-8.5") helps you feel more in control and builds confidence faster.

4. What kind of deck construction should I look for?
Quality decks use 7-ply (or more) hard maple construction—this ensures strong pop, durability and less warping. In Canadian conditions (cold, rough concrete, variable weather), stronger decks matter.  

5. If I live in the Greater Toronto Area or Durham Region, is shipping to Ontario easy?
Yes—you’re in luck. At our Ajax location we ship Canada-wide  and provide free shipping on orders over $100.