Complete Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Skateboard

Hey future skater!

Welcome to the family. Whether you’re 7 or 70, picking up your first skateboard is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make. At MARA, we believe skateboarding isn’t about conforming to some image or fitting into a mold – it’s about finding your freedom, your style, and your way of expressing yourself.

But let’s be real for a second – walking into a skate shop or browsing online can feel overwhelming. There’s so much gear, so many options, and everyone seems to have opinions. That’s why we’re here to break it down for you, no corporate jargon, no upselling – just honest advice from skaters who’ve been there.

The Real Talk About Skateboard Anatomy

Before we dive into what you need, let’s talk about what makes a skateboard actually work. It’s not just a wooden plank with wheels (though sometimes it feels like magic).

The Deck is your canvas – the wooden board you’ll be standing on. It’s where your feet will learn to feel comfortable, where you’ll develop your style, and where you’ll build your confidence.

Trucks are the metal parts that connect your wheels to your deck. Think of them as the steering system of your skateboard. They turn left and right, and they’re pretty much the reason you can actually control where you’re going.

Wheels might seem obvious, but they’re actually crucial to your entire experience. The wrong wheels can make learning way harder than it needs to be.

Bearings are the little metal pieces that go inside your wheels and make them spin. Good bearings = smooth rolling. Bad bearings = frustration.

Grip tape is the sandpaper-like stuff on top of your deck. It’s what keeps your shoes (and you) from sliding off your board.

Finding Your Perfect First Setup

Deck Size is Everything (Sort of)

Here’s the thing – there’s no ‘perfect’ deck size, but there are definitely good starting points. If you’re new to this, you want something that feels stable but not like you’re riding a coffee table.

For most beginners, a deck width between 7.5” and 8” is perfect. If you have smaller feet (size 7 or under), lean toward 7.5”. If you wear size 10 or bigger, 8” might feel more natural. But honestly? If you’re just starting out, any board in this range will work great.

Trucks: Keep It Simple

Your truck width should roughly match your deck width. If you’re getting a complete from a reputable brand (like MARA), this is already sorted for you. Don’t overthink it.

Wheels: Your First Big Decision

This is where it gets interesting. If you’re planning to cruise around, learn to push, and just get comfortable on your board, you want softer wheels. Look for something in the 78A-87A range. These roll over sidewalk cracks, pebbles, and rough surfaces like a dream.

If you’re already thinking about learning tricks and skating more traditional spots, 99A-101A wheels are your best bet. They’re harder, slide better, and are what most street skaters use.

Keep It Real: Complete vs. Custom

Here’s some friendly advice – get a complete. There’s no shame in buying a ready-made skateboard. In fact, it’s the smartest move for your first board. Companies like MARA put together completes that actually work well together. The components are balanced, the price is fair, and you can focus on learning instead of worrying about whether your setup is right.

The Budget Reality Check

Let’s be honest about money. A good complete skateboard will run you anywhere from $80-150. Yes, you can find cheaper options, but remember – this is your introduction to something that could become a lifelong passion. Invest in quality from the start.

At MARA, we’ve built our entire brand around giving you professional-quality gear without the corporate markup. We’re skaters too, and we know what it’s like to be frustrated with overpriced gear that doesn’t deliver.

Safety First (Without the Lecture)

Look, we’re not going to preach to you about wearing all the gear all the time. But when you’re starting out, a helmet isn’t just smart – it’s essential. You’re going to fall. Everyone falls. The goal is to make sure you can get back up and keep skating.

Consider wrist guards too. They’re not the coolest looking, but a broken wrist can sideline you for months. That’s not very punk rock.

Where to Buy Your First Board

Support your local skate shop if you can. The people there actually skate, they can answer your questions, and they’ll help you if something goes wrong. Plus, they’re part of the community – the chosen family that makes skateboarding so special.

If you’re buying online, make sure you’re buying from actual skate companies. Look for brands with real skaters on their teams, companies that support the community, and businesses that care about the culture.

The Most Important Part

Here’s what no one else will tell you – the most important part of choosing your first skateboard is actually getting one. Don’t get paralyzed by all the options. Get a good quality complete from a brand you trust, and then get out there and start skating.

Your first board probably won’t be your last. As you develop your style and preferences, you’ll naturally want to try different setups. That’s part of the journey, and it’s part of the fun.

Welcome to the family. Now get out there and start your journey. The only way to learn is by doing.

Stay stoked,

The MARA Team