Whilst skating may just seem like a bit of fun to some people, to others it is a lifelong hobby and even a serious sport or career. Skating culture is huge across the world, encapsulating not only the sport but clothing, videos, tricks, music and artwork too. If you’re looking to buy your first deck or just looking to replace your old one, there are a few factors you should look out for. The majority of decisions you make will be based on your intended use of the board, as different design traits are intended for different purposes. Here are the top 6 aspects to consider when selecting your board:

1. Choosing Your Ply

The ply refers to the thickness of the deck. Most boards have 5-ply decks, whereas others may have 3 or 7-ply. Whilst 3-ply is lighter for flipping, it is more liable to splitting so these boards are more delicate. For a longer-lasting board that’s going to see heavy use, 7-ply might be a good option. However, generally speaking sticking to the standard 5-ply is the best option as it offers a middle ground between durability and weight.

2. Selecting a Brand

Although many people have dabbled in skateboarding at some point in their lives, those of us who take it more seriously know that girl skateboard decks are second to none. They are known for their lightweight, curvy boards which pack a lot of pop. They are very durable, versatile decks that are good for beginners and experts alike. Chocolate is another reputable brand with many years in the game, as are World Industries. In the end, it will be a matter of taste – it’s a good idea to try out a few different boards before you make a decision as there are dozens of great brands out there and no one shoe fits all.

3. Choosing a Design

Although there are many different types of skateboard, at the most basic level, design comes down to wide versus narrow. Wide boards are good for skate parks and board slides, whereas narrow boards are better for street skating and spinning the board in tricks like kick flips.

4. Truck Tightness

The truck tightness refers to how tight the wheel trucks are screwed on. Loose trucks will let you turn faster but aren’t as stable, whereas tight trucks give you stability and are easier to control but restrict your movement a little.

5. Concave

Next, you will need to consider the concave of your deck. Some decks have a very flat surface which is good for stability, whereas others are more concave which makes them easier to flip but less stable. For beginners, it is probably best to start with a flatter board and then move onto a board with a larger concave.

6. Wheel Hardness

Finally, you will need to think about which wheels to go for. Soft wheels are better over bumpy surfaces but are harder to land tricks on. On the other hand, hard wheels allow you to go faster and are easier to land tricks with, but can be dangerous if you hit a stone as you’re likely to go flying!

Selecting the right board is essential to ensure that you can achieve the tricks, speed and durability that you need. By carefully considering every aspect, you can find the perfect board for your purposes.