Standard Skateboard (Popsicle)
Best for street, park, and learning tricks. The most versatile option.
- Great for progression
- Most common parts
- Easy to find replacements
Skateboard Guide | Deck Size, Trucks, Wheels & Setup | Parrot Surf & Skate
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Skateboard Guide
Learn how to choose the right skateboard setup — deck size, trucks, wheels, bearings, and whether a complete or custom build makes sense for street, park, cruising, or beginners (including kids).
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Parrot Surf & Skate
Quick Answers
What skateboard size should I get?
Most skaters choose by deck width. A common all-around size is 8.0"–8.25". Kids and smaller skaters often like 7.5"–7.875". Park/transition can feel great at 8.25"–8.75".
Should I buy a complete or build a custom?
A complete is the easiest and best value for beginners. A custom build is great if you want specific trucks/wheels or already know your preferences.
What wheels are best for street vs park?
Hard wheels (usually 99A+) slide and feel fast at the park. Softer wheels (78A–92A) roll smoother for cruising and rough streets.
What matters most for beginners?
A stable deck size, the right wheel hardness for your terrain, and a properly assembled setup. If you want it dialed in, contact the shop and we’ll recommend the best starter build.
Skateboard Types (Pick the Right Starting Point)
Most people mean a standard popsicle skateboard when they say “skateboard,” but there are a few common variations. Here’s the quick breakdown.
Cruiser
Built for smooth riding and commuting. Often wider with softer wheels.
- Comfort on rough pavement
- Stable feel
- Less trick-focused
Longboard
Best for carving, distance, and downhill (depending on setup).
- Maximum stability
- Great for cruising
- Not ideal for skatepark tricks
Want help choosing? Contact the shop and tell us what you’re trying to do (street, park, cruising, kids, etc.).
Deck Size Chart (Width)
Deck width is the main sizing decision. Wider decks feel more stable; narrower decks flip a little easier. Most people end up in the 8.0"–8.5" range.
| Deck Width | Best For | Typical Skater |
|---|---|---|
| 7.25"–7.5" | Small kids, learning basics | Young beginners |
| 7.5"–7.875" | Street, lighter feel | Kids/teens, smaller riders |
| 8.0"–8.25" | All-around street/park | Most skaters (great default) |
| 8.25"–8.5" | Park/transition, stability | Intermediate+, taller riders |
| 8.5"+ | Transition, bowls, cruisy feel | Big decks, more stability |
Simple recommendation
If you don’t know what to choose: start with 8.25" for park/transition, or 8.0"–8.25" for all-around. For younger kids, start smaller.
Parts of a Skateboard (What Each One Does)
Deck
Width and shape control stability and feel. Most decks are 7-ply maple.
Trucks
Turn your board. Truck width should match deck width for best performance and wheel clearance.
Wheels
Hardness affects ride comfort and slide; diameter affects speed and acceleration.
Bearings
Determine how smoothly your wheels roll. Most standard bearings fit most wheels.
Grip Tape
Foot traction. More grip helps beginners; some grip patterns are smoother for certain tricks.
Hardware
Bolts that mount trucks to the deck. Length can change if you add risers.
Complete vs Custom Setup
Both are great — it depends on your experience and what you want to optimize.
Complete Skateboard
- Best value and easiest start
- Pre-built and ready to ride
- Great for kids and beginners
Recommended if you’re new or gifting.
Custom Build
- Choose exact deck/trucks/wheels
- Dial in terrain (street vs park vs cruising)
- Upgrade path over time
Recommended if you know what you like, or want a specific performance feel.
Recommendations by Skating Style
Street (Tricks)
Responsive setup for flips and ledges.
- Deck: 7.75"–8.25"
- Wheels: 99A–101A
- Diameter: ~52–54mm
Park / Transition
Stability and speed for bowls and ramps.
- Deck: 8.25"–8.75"
- Wheels: 97A–101A
- Diameter: ~54–58mm
Cruising / Rough Streets
Smoother ride, less vibration, more comfort.
- Deck: wider is fine
- Wheels: 78A–92A
- Diameter: ~54–60mm+
Kids & Beginner Skateboards
For kids, the best setup is the one that feels manageable and stable. Smaller decks can help younger skaters control the board, while softer wheels can make rough pavement less intimidating.
For younger kids
- Deck: 7.25"–7.5"
- Complete is easiest
- Consider slightly softer wheels for comfort
For older kids / teens
- Deck: 7.5"–8.0" (or 8.0" all-around)
- Complete or custom
- Pick wheels based on street vs park
Want a quick recommendation for a kid’s setup? Contact the shop with age/height and where they’ll skate most.
Videos
Swap these placeholders with your Parrot videos once they’re live.
Choosing your first skateboard (deck size + complete vs custom)
Wheels explained (hardness + diameter for street/park/cruising)
More on YouTube: Parrot Surf & Skate
Shop Skate
Ready to ride? Start with completes, or build a custom setup. If you want, we’ll help you choose the right parts.
Skateboard FAQ
What skateboard size is best for beginners?
A complete skateboard in the 8.0"–8.25" range is a great starting point for most people. Younger kids usually do better with smaller widths.
What wheels should I get for rough pavement?
Choose softer wheels (often 78A–92A). They absorb vibration and roll smoother on crusty streets and sidewalks.
Do truck sizes need to match deck width?
Generally, yes. Matching truck width to deck width improves stability and control and helps avoid wheel bite issues.
Are completes good quality?
Good completes are a solid value and perfect for beginners. If you skate a lot, you can upgrade parts over time (wheels/bearings first).
Want a quick recommendation? Message the shop with your height/shoe size, where you skate, and your experience level.