SKATEBOARD BUYING GUIDE
Beginner Skateboard Size & Buying Guide – Switch Skate & Snow
Not sure what size skateboard to get for yourself or your kid? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through board types, wheels, trucks, sizes, and everything else you need to get rolling with confidence.
Board Types
Popsicle Shape (Most Popular)
The classic popsicle-shaped skateboard is the most versatile option. With a rounded nose and tail, it’s built for tricks, skateparks, and street riding—but it’s just as fun for cruising around town. If you’re looking for an all-round beginner board, this is the way to go.
👉 Shop Complete Skateboards at Switch
Cruiser Boards
If you’re less interested in tricks and more about smooth rides, a cruiser board might be your match. Cruisers often come in creative shapes, with larger soft wheels that make rough pavement feel buttery. A good starting point is around 8" wide x 32" long—smaller for quick turns, larger for stability.
👉 Shop Cruiser Skateboards
Wheels: Hard vs. Soft
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Hard Wheels (97A–101A): Fast, responsive, and perfect for tricks and skateparks. They’re standard on most complete boards.
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Medium Wheels (90A–95A): A balance of smooth ride and durability—great for beginners who want versatility.
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Soft Wheels (78A–85A): Ideal for cruising rough pavement. Super smooth, but slower for tricks.
Shoe Size & Deck Size
Your shoe size doesn’t determine your board size. Toes and heels hang slightly over the edges—that’s normal. Here’s a quick guide:
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Adults & Teens: Most people ride decks between 8.0" – 8.5" wide and 31" – 32" long. The most popular is 8.25 x 31.5
Growing Into the Right Size
By the age of 10, most kids are ready to step up to an adult size board. At that stage, they’re growing quickly, so it makes sense to size up a little so the board lasts longer.
The most important thing to remember? Don’t overthink it. If your kid falls in love with the look of an adult-sized board, that’s totally fine—they’ll still have a safe and fun experience. With a quick adjustment to the trucks, the board will turn easily and ride just right.
👉 At the end of the day, the best board is the one that makes you excited to skate.
Trucks
Match your trucks to the width of your deck (e.g., an 8.0" deck pairs with an 8.0" axle truck). Most modern trucks are durable and standardized, so you can’t go too wrong. Higher-end models are lighter thanks to hollow or alloy construction.
Wheel Size
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52–54mm: Most common. Great for street and park skating.
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55–56mm: A little faster, still versatile.
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57mm+: Best for speed or cruising—consider adding riser pads to avoid wheel bite.
Bearings, Grip & Hardware
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Bearings: All wheels use the same standard size. Higher-end bearings are smoother and longer lasting.
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Grip Tape: Every deck needs grip tape for traction. Choose black classic or something with style.
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Hardware & Riser Pads: Standard mounting bolts fit all modern boards. Add risers if you’re running larger wheels.
👉 Shop Bearings | Shop Grip Tape | Shop Hardware
Build vs. Complete
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Build Your Own: Pick each part—deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip—for a fully custom ride.
👉 Build Your Own Skateboard -
Pre-Assembled Completes: Perfect for beginners who just want to grab and go.
👉 Shop Complete Skateboards
Final Advice
Don’t overthink your first board. The small details—wheelbase, concave, tail length—become more important as you progress. Start with a quality setup, ride often, and you’ll naturally figure out what you prefer.
Switch Skate & Snow has been outfitting skaters in Ajax, Durham Region, and across Canada for nearly 20 years. Whether you’re buying your very first skateboard or building a pro-level setup, we’ve got you covered.
