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How to Choose a Complete Skateboard for Beginners

By Skate Warehouse | February 2025

Starting your skateboarding journey can feel overwhelming, especially with the vast number of options and designs available. For beginners, selecting the right skateboard can make all the difference in building confidence and enjoying the ride. If terms like "trucks," "bearings," and "deck width" sound foreign, don't worry. Choosing a pre-built complete skateboard is the perfect way to ease into skateboarding without the hassle of assembling individual components.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the best beginner skateboard. Whether you’re looking to learn tricks or simply cruise around, we’ve got you covered.

Cruiser, standard, and soft top complete skateboards next to each other.

What is a Pre-Built Complete Skateboard?

A pre-built complete skateboard is a ready-to-use skateboard assembled by the manufacturer, including all the essential components:

  • Deck (the flat surface you stand on)
  • Trucks (the metal axles connecting the wheels to the deck)
  • Griptape (the gritty surface on the top of the deck that helps your feet stay in place)

The beauty of a complete skateboard is its convenience—you simply unbox it and you’re ready to go. For beginners, this eliminates the guesswork of matching parts and ensures a smooth start.

Standard Complete Skateboards

A standard complete is the most common selection for beginner skaters, often featuring a "popsicle" shape with a slightly rounded nose and tail. These boards are versatile and ideal for casual street skating, skateparks, and learning basic tricks.

The griptape side and graphic side of a Baker pre-built complete skateboard.

Key Features of Standard Completes:

  • Wheels: Hard wheels (92A-101A durometer) designed for smooth surfaces like skateparks and streets.
  • Deck shape: Rounded nose and tail, making it easier to learn tricks.
  • Best for: Beginners interested in tricks, ramps, or park skating.

Deck Width Size Chart for Standard Completes by Age:

Age

Recommended Standard Complete Deck Width

Adults

8.25-8.5”

13 and Up - Teens or Smaller Riders

8.0”

6-12

7.0-8.0”

5 and under

6.9” and smaller

  1. Ages 13 and up: 8.0” for younger teens or smaller riders and 8.25”-8.5” for adults.
  2. Ages 6-12: 7.0”-7.9”, depending on height and shoe size.
  3. Ages 5 and under: 6.9” or smaller. Soft-top skateboards with foam grip tops are great for this age group as they’re easier on little feet.

Cruiser Complete Skateboards

If your focus is more on cruising or getting around town and less on tricks, a cruiser complete skateboard is an excellent choice. Designed for smooth rides on rougher surfaces, these boards are perfect for transportation or casual fun.

If you’re looking to mimic surfing and ‘70s style skating, brands like Carver and Arbor offer surf-inspired shapes that satisfy that itch. If you’re looking for an ‘80s style old school shape, brands like Powell and Santa Cruz offer boards with a square tail and smaller nose.

A Santa Cruz cruiser complete skateboard and a Powell-Peralta Caballero complete skateboard on the right.

A Cruiser complete on the left and Old School complete on the right.

Key Features of Cruiser Completes:

  • Wheels: Softer wheels (78A-90A durometer) to absorb bumps and cracks.
  • Deck shape: Often wider and more varied in shape compared to standard boards.
  • Best for: Beginners who want a smoother ride without focusing on tricks.

Popular Cruiser Styles:

  • Surf-inspired shapes: Brands like Carver and San Clemente offer boards that mimic the feel of surfing.
  • Retro shapes: Old-school designs from brands like Sector 9 and Santa Cruz, featuring square tails and vintage aesthetics.

Choosing the Right Skateboard Size

Why Deck Width Matters

The deck width of a skateboard determines how stable it feels and how easy it is to maneuver. Wider boards provide more stability, making them ideal for beginners, while narrower boards are lighter and easier to flip—great for tricks.

Skateboard Size Chart by Age:

Age

Size

Recommended Deck Width

Recommended Deck Length

Adults

Full

8.25” and larger

31.5” or longer

15 and Up - Teens or Smaller Riders

Full

7.75”-8.25”

31-32"

13-14

Mid, Full

7.5”-7.75”

30-31"

8-12

Mini, Mid

7.0”-7.5”

29-31"

6-7

Mini

7.0”

28-29"

5 and under

Micro

6.5”-6.9”

27-28”

  1. Young kids (5 and Under): 6.5”-6.9” wide decks with proportional lengths around 28”.
  2. Older kids (6-12): 7.0”-7.5” wide decks with lengths around 28”-31”.
  3. Teens and adults (13+): 7.5”-8.5” wide decks with lengths around 30”-32”.

Other Sizing Considerations

  • Foot size: Larger feet require wider decks for better balance and control.
  • Riding style: Trick-focused skaters may prefer slightly narrower boards for easier flips, while cruisers benefit from wider boards for comfort.

Benefits of Pre-Built Complete Skateboards for Beginners

  1. Convenience: Everything is pre-assembled, so you can start skating immediately.
  2. Cost-effective: Buying a complete skateboard is often cheaper than separately purchasing the components and building your own – learn how here.
  3. Compatibility: Components are matched for optimal performance.
  4. Beginner-friendly designs: Many beginner skateboards are tailored with forgiving features, like softer wheels or foam grip tops, to make learning easier.

Tips for Beginners Choosing Their First Skateboard

A soft-top pre-built complete skateboard.
  1. Know your budget: Most beginner skateboards range from $80 to $150. Stick to a reputable brand to ensure quality.
  2. Start simple: Don’t overthink components like bearings or trucks; focus on finding the right deck size and shape.
  3. Test before you buy: If possible, try out different sizes to see what feels most comfortable.
  4. Consider your goals: Decide if you want to focus on tricks (choose a standard skateboard) or cruising (opt for a cruiser).
  5. Shop reputable brands: Avoid cheap, toy-like boards from big-box stores—they often break easily and offer poor performance.

Skateboard Maintenance Tips for Beginners

  1. Check the hardware: Ensure screws and bolts stay tight to prevent wobble.
  2. Clean your bearings: Dirt and debris can slow your wheels down; get in the habit of removing your bearings for cleaning periodically for a smoother skating experience. We offer bearing lubricants to ensure they ride smooth for longer periods of time.
  3. Store properly: Keep your skateboard in a dry place to avoid water damage to the deck.

FAQs about Complete Skateboards

1. What is the difference between a standard skateboard and a cruiser?

A standard skateboard is designed for skateparks and learning tricks, whereas a cruiser is built for smooth rides and casual transportation.

2. Can adults use a beginner skateboard?

Absolutely - pre-built complete skateboards offer an array of great beginner options for adults.

3. What are the best brands for beginner skateboards?

Skate Warehouse carries a variety of trusted brands including Baker, Santa Cruz, Zero, Carver, and much more. These are just a few companies that offer quality pre-built complete boards tailored for beginners.

4. How long will a pre-built complete skateboard last?

With proper care and storage, a pre-built skateboard can last several months to a few years, depending on how often you skate.

Ready to Start Skating?

Choosing your first skateboard doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the basics of skateboard types, sizes, and features, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect board to kickstart your skateboarding journey.

Skate Warehouse offers the best selection of pre-built complete skateboards online: Shop All Pre-Built Complete Skateboards and take the first step toward mastering your skateboarding skills. Happy skating!

If you have further questions about purchasing a complete skateboard, please use our chat feature or call us at 1.800.GO.SKATE.

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