List of Different Types of Skateboards !  A Comprehensive Guide

No matter whether you want to refresh your mind or want to involve yourself with physical activity, a skateboard is an excellent tool for you that not only gives you amusement but also ensures physical involvement and easy transportation. However, it may be tricky to choose particular types of skateboards as markets are loaded with various kinds of this instrument. Actually, there are almost as many skateboard types as there are different types of roads, hills, or surfaces to skate. Furthermore, your skating surface will also decide the types of skateboards.

So, let’s check some of the main types of skateboards that you may use to roam around the city, trekking the hills, or sport on a vertical surface.

You can add this Freestyle Longboard to your list of favorites. There is no doubt that this will give you a different experience in running longboards. So check our detailed review of Playshion 39 Inch Drop Through Longboard Review.

How To Choose A Skateboard?

We have prepared this chart for those who want to know about skateboarding and find out which skateboard is good for which age. From our Skateboard Guide for Kids and Adults, you can find out which one is ideal for you. So let’s get to know how to choose a skateboard.

Types of Skateboards

Skateboards have gone through various transformations to come to this modern form. The earlier types of skateboards is primarily made with steel and clay wheels which are now replaced with glue and wood. Besides, skateboards can be split into various categories based on the size (like full size, mid-size, mini size, and micro size) while you can also divide the skateboards types into three basic shapes and neck sizes – short boards, longboards, and cruisers (mid-size boards), electric skateboard (this e-skateboard made this sector grateful). Apart from these, all the individual brands are made for different purposes.

Types Of Skateboards Decks

Skateboard decks are the foundation of any skateboard. There are many different types of skateboards, and each one has a specific type of deck that is best suited for it. And also they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. If you want to learn more about what type of board is right for you, read on!

There are many different types of skateboard decks to choose from, but they all have their own unique features that make them great for certain styles or purposes. For example, some boards may be better suited for downhill racing while others might be more suitable for street skating.

We’ve compiled a list below with some helpful information on the most popular types of boards available today. Check out our list and see if there’s anything new that catches your eye!

Skateboards come in 3 shapes – longboard, cruiser, or short board. Longboards have longer soft wheelbases and larger soft wheels than other boards, Cruisers usually have smaller wheels than other boards, and Short boards have a shorter wheelbases and smaller wheels than other boards.

Longboards:

Though longboards come in different sizes and shapes, the rule is thumb is – they will be longer in length, sizing 33 inches or above. The well-balanced structure of the board with narrow and longer necks and soft wheels make it perfect for beginners, providing good speed for the pro. There are various kinds of Longboards, starting from the downhill longboard specifically designed for downhill longboard riders, cruiser boards, twin-tip boards, pintail boards, to many more.

Check we have reviewed the 7 best sector 9 longboard skateboards that are available on the market.

Types of Longboards

Here we have different types of longboards available in the market. Read on to find out.

Before going through you have to read if you’re planning to jump into the fray and pick up one of these bad boys, our loaded longboards will be more than just an asset to up your game.

Pintail Longboard:

A pintail longboard is a great choice for beginners who want to start learning tricks. The shape of this board is a bit pointy, just like a pintail. A unique and user-friendly shape like this allows you to learn carving easily. Pintail longboards are usually longer as well.
As this provides a larger base, beginners get better control and confidence when starting. Wider trucks also add stability and lower your chances of falling off the boards.
Another addition of the pintail longboard is thicker wheels. Larger wheels give you the ability to cruise over mini rocks, pebbles, cracks on the road, and small objects without losing control.

Drop-Through Longboard:

What makes a drop-through longboard different is the build. Unlike other kinds of longboards, the trucks on this one are made to be in level with the board instead of at the top. As the truck is now positioned closer to the ground, you get the advantage of a lower center of gravity.
This gives you noticeable improvements in instability. You also don’t have to reach too low to give yourself a push. As you’re closer to the ground now, you can easily push for better commuting.
If you’re someone who loved adding accessories or like updating their longboard, this is a perfect choice. The symmetric shape of the board allows you to add slides to the board as you improve your skills.

Drop-Down/Drop Longboard:

In the drop-down longboards, the main board on which you stand is at a lower position. Similar to drop-through longboards, this kind also lowers your center of gravity, giving you more stability. Drop-down longboards are a great option for beginners. This type is lower, and so your feet can reach the ground easier.
You can push faster, better, and also get off the board without much harm and without falling in case of an emergency
Drop-down longboards are the perfect boards to use as a Segway to free-ride skateboarding. To get you prepared for this kind of riding, the longboard comes in a sturdier construction. This way, you don’t feel many of the bumps on the road.

we suggest you read properly this volador longboard review.

Bamboo Longboard:

A lightweight longboard will always come in handy when commuting—made with bamboo, this bamboo longboard weighs significantly less than most other ones. And bamboo is also an Eco-friendly option.
This construction is very giving and flexible. The almost bouncy feel that this board gives you when riding is why people love these boards so much. Ride over cracks and stones on the road without feeling a thing.

Twin Tip Longboard:

Twin-tip longboards have the same nose and tail. The symmetrical shape gives you a similar feel as drop-through or drop-down longboards.
Twin tip longboards are mostly known for reducing wheel bites. These also give you great grip and traction on the road, which helps you ride safer when you’re going downhill. Deep carves are also easier on these longboards.

Perfect for:

• Doing tricks!!
• Roaming around, cruising or transportation, and even racing!!
• Ensuring maneuverability and stability for beginners!!
• Giving fast move because of the large wheels!!
• Hassle-free riding on the rough and tough surface!!

Not so perfect for:

• Transporting (not so portable)
• Flipping
• Tricking

Generally used in Flat downhill roads. You may also use longboards for freestyling and dancing.

Downhill Boards:

These skateboards are specifically designed for downhill skateboarding professionals and suitable for freestyling, dancing long-distance traveling, and many other advanced forms of skateboarding. Generally, this skateboard comes with a symmetrical shape and gives a higher speed (approximately 45 miles per hour) without any wobbling. The wheel cutouts, on the other hand, allow you to use larger wheels for your comfortability.

Professional stunts and turning have never been so easy because of the use of enhanced balance and the facility to position close to the ground. However, skills like air breaks, drifting, and creating a good grip are essential for doing stunts with this skateboard.

You can choose this downhill Classic longboard skateboard for extraordinary move and stunts. Easy to carry classic longboard skateboard and easy to control.

Perfect for:

• Long-distance
• Free-styling and dancing
• Fast move

Not so good for:

• Beginners

Generally used in Downhill roads. Make your free-styling and stunts to the next level by choosing the perfect types of skateboards for you.

Cruiser Skateboard:

Want to cruise around the city with cruiser boards? Cruiser skateboards are a perfect choice for kicking around the roads confidently. The deck size is medium in length, neither short nor too long.

Currently, all the cruisers come with kick-tails or upward bent tips of the skateboards that ensure safe maneuverability.

Additionally, you can convert any type of skateboard into a cruiser skateboard just replace the existing wheels with bigger and softer wheels that will ensure faster move-ability, let alone fun and amusement.

Perfect for:

• Maneuvering!!
• Transporting and moving around!!
• Giving a smoother ride!!
• Portability!!
• A plane ride!!

Not so great for:

• Fast-moving.
• Beginner ( both in terms of stability and maneuverability).
• Tricking and flipping.

Cruiser Boards are Generally used on City roads and street flat roads.

Shortboards:

The size of these boards is short and perfect for skateboarding in the street or park. It allows for getting air and performing tricks.

Generally used in Street or park.

Mini Cruiser Skateboard– The Most Popular Skateboard Nowadays!

As you are thinking, it is the miniature version of the cruiser, designed only for cruising. If you are planning something for performing tricks, the mini cruiser skateboards is not for you.

The size of the mini cruiser is similar to that of mini boards. However, the only difference is the use of softer and wider skateboard wheels made with wood or plastic.

Good for:

• Cruising around!!
• Carrying around!!
• Beginners!!
• Ensuring a smoother ride!!
• Doing perfect turns and carves!!

Not so good for:

• Downhill racing.
• Tricks.
• Fast ride.
• Providing stability and maneuverability for beginners.

Generally used in Downhill flat roads, parks, and bowls.

Mini boards:

From the name, you can easily understand that the skateboard will be short compared to other types of skateboards. At the beginning of the skateboarding era, people created 2×4 roller skateboards for skateboarding. Later, inspired by this roller skate, people crafted mini boards which are currently used by only the kids. Sometimes, they are also called mini cruisers and come with skatepark wheels.

Don’t misunderstand mini boards or mini cruisers with shortboards. Both are different types of skateboards.

Perfect for: Toddlers and kids.

Different Types Of Skateboards based on purpose:

Apart from the above-mentioned major categories, you may divide the different kinds of skateboards based on their purpose and the place where the skateboards are used.

Vert skateboard:

Vert skateboarding is an advanced form of skateboarding that is really thrilling and exacting. Therefore, these types of skateboards are specifically designed for use on vertical walls or incline surfaces. For vert skateboarding, you need to master some of the advanced tricks as you may need to skate from the horizontal to the vertical surface. However, before trying vert skateboarding, achieve the basic riding tricks including pushing, carving, and cruising.

Pick a vert skateboard that has a wide neck and wheels as these two are vital for ensuring stability.

Slalom Skateboard:

It is a form of downhill skateboarding that raised its popularity in the 2000s though it was invented in the years 1960s and 1970s. In this type of skateboarding, you need to go through various plastic cones that are positioned in a variety of ways, sometimes straight, and sometimes scattered. Skaters will penalize for touching the cones and time will be deducted for touching the plastic cones. You need to finish skating as early as possible. Therefore, you need to increase, decrease or maintain the speed. Fortunately, modern slalom skateboards come with features to control speed and turning.

Freestyle skateboard:

Undoubtedly, it is the best option for you if you are trying skateboarding for the first time with a freestyle skateboard. It is one of the oldest styles of skateboarding where you need to apply tricks and footwork. For professional performance, you may need choreography and music.

A small and narrow freestyle board will be good for flipping the board while the longer and wider board will be best for footwork. On the other hand, controlling smaller boards are easy than the wider while larger boards provide more stability than the shorter ones. So, pick the size based on your requirements.

Generally done on Flat ground.

Street skateboard:

You must have been seen skating on guardrails, at least in the Hollywood movies. Yes, we are talking about street skateboards that are often used in public places such as industrial areas, city streets, and plazas as well as guardrails, stairs, handrails, park benches, retaining walls, and more. This style focuses more on performing tricks and transitions other than normal skating for transporting.

Choose street skateboarding with smaller wheels (approximately 48-55 mm) and a narrower deck for achieving easier flip. Be sure to pick a street skateboard made with polyurethane material as you need a sturdy skateboard for applying flip tricks.

Park skateboard:

Also known as Popsicle, Park skateboard is a form of modern skateboarding which is specially designed for skate parks. It is a sub-style of regular skateboard types where skaters use various tricks. Street obstacles including rails and stairs are often used for this type of skateboarding.

A 29-inches board will be perfect for a person whose height is under five feet and four inches while if you are more than this height, you should choose a board that is at least 32 inches. Not to mention that try to pick long wheels (approximately 51 to 55 mm) as longer wheels provide stability.

Pool skateboard:

From the name, you can easily understand this skateboard is specially designed for the pool. Pool skateboarding is not only a great amusement but also thrilling and challenging. Therefore, you should choose a pool skateboard wisely.

Pick pool skateboards with wider width ( at least 8.5 inches). Try to find a wheelbase with approximately 15 to 18 inches while the shape should be like a vert skateboard type.

Off-road skateboard:

• An off-road skateboarding is another challenging task that requires heavy-duty skateboards as you will not always find smooth surfaces like city roads, parks, or pools. This specially designed skateboard is so sturdy that you can use the skateboard on gravel, let alone on hard-packed sand and dust. Additionally, features like brake offer easier stopping when necessary, especially when you need to pass dangerous terrains.

Convert your regular skateboard with larger wheels that are made with rubber, ensuring a smoother ride experience on the rough surface. 

Electric Skateboard

The latest type of skateboard is this electric skateboard. This motorized electric skateboard is best for speed and its all-terrain wheels, and deck which is best for running off-road.

These electric skateboard is operated with remote control, and they can run from five miles to fifteen miles per hour. An electric skateboard Function exists on the remote to reduce speed.

All electric skateboard riders have to move the front and back of the deck to activate the front and rear pads.

Related Article: Which side of the skateboard is the front?

Modern vs. old school skateboarding:

• Modern and Newly invented skateboards: Skateboard manufacturers, as well as individuals, are currently introducing various new styles in skateboarding. Some of them are given below:
  • One Wheel skateboard: Like its name, the skateboard has only one big wheel in the middle. This self-balancing s electric skateboard is invented by the CEO and founder of Future Motion Inc. Kyle Doerksen. Not only does it give recreational experience but it also ensures easy trans-portability.
  • Stow board: it is a fusion of commuting and skateboarding. You can also fold the board and even put it on the bike rack.
  • Freeboard: It is specially designed for snowboarding and comes with an additional wheelset that ensures stability.

Old School Skateboard

The popularity of skating dates back to the 1890s. You can easily identify an old-school skateboarding by judging its deck. Typically old school skateboards have a fish-tail board shape, a bigger tail, larger wheels, and a smaller nose. You can convert old-school skateboards into a cruiser by replacing the larger wheels with softer one.

More Kinds of Skateboards

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are a few other kinds of skateboards. They are mentioned below:

Double Kick Skateboard

Double-kick skateboards are designed to keep performers in mind. Both ends of this skateboard have kicked on them, allowing you to flip and do tricks easier.

Because you will be using these longboards quite well and rough, the construction is designed to be sturdier. Therefore, this kind of skateboard is a great option if you want something to ride and practice without worrying about damaging the skateboard.

Besides performing, you can also use the skateboard for casual commuting. But you can’t travel long distances with these boards.

Advantages

• Performing tricks
• Flips
• Commuting
• Park and street skating
• Carrying heavyweight

Disadvantages

• Riding long distance
• Going too fast

Carve Skateboard

Carve skateboards have specially designed trucks installed to make tilting easier. The trucks also make the wheels more flexible so that they can change their direction easier. Unlike typical skateboards, carve skateboards pivot their front trucks better and faster.

All these features combined give the rider great control over their speed. You can pump both backward and forwards. Carving skateboards are so smooth that they are often compared to the feeling of surfing.

Advantages

• Carrying or transporting stuff
• Getting control over speed
• Smooth pumping
• Better and tighter carves
• Brushing up carving skills

Disadvantages

• Stability
• Beginners
• Tricks

What Size Skateboards Should I Get?

Whether you’re a child or an adult, you need a skateboard that is the right size for you. To buy the right size skateboard, you need to consider your height, weight, and also your shoe size.
People who are above 5’3 in height need a skateboard that has a deck size of 7.5 inches or larger. And people between 4’5 and 5’2 could go for skateboards of 7.3 inches. Mini-size skateboards of size 7-inch and mini skateboards of 6.5 inches are available for children or toddlers.

What Is A Skateboard Made Of?

You can buy a complete skateboard with all the necessary components or make your own customized board. A skateboard is typically composed of 7 layers. The top layer, the deck, is usually made from maple or another hardwood. It’s then covered with grip tape to help you keep your footing while riding and prevent slippage on different surfaces.

Next comes the wheels which are usually polyurethane and can be either soft or hard depending on what surface they’re used for. Then there are the trucks that hold up the board and connect it to the wheels so that you can maneuver it around easily.

After that come bushing which allow for turning without too much friction between parts in motion. And finally, bearings make sure everything rolls smoothly when you turn your board at high speeds by providing a smooth rolling surface for your axles to roll on as well as providing some resistance against them spinning out of control when going fast downhill or through rough terrain like gravel paths or sidewalks with cracks in them.

They also serve as shock absorbers if you hit something like a curb really hard during tricks such as ollies where all your weight goes onto one foot at once causing an impact that could damage other parts of your body if not absorbed by these small but very important pieces! Do you want to learn how to do tricks? Check beginner skateboard tricks! We have tutorials on how to do every trick imaginable including kickflips, grinds, manuals, and more!

How many layers does a skateboard have?

A skateboard typically consists of several layers, with the most common configuration being a 7-ply deck. These layers are usually made of thin sheets of maple wood that are laminated together. The layers provide strength, stability, and flexibility to the skateboard deck, allowing it to withstand the forces and impacts of skateboarding. In addition to the deck, a complete skateboard also includes other components like trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape, but when referring to the layers, it specifically pertains to the deck itself.

What is a wide skateboard called?

A wide skateboard is often referred to as a “longboard.” Longboards are typically longer and wider than traditional skateboards, providing more stability and a smoother ride. They are often used for cruising, downhill racing, and transportation due to their larger size and ease of control.

What is a regular skateboard called?

A regular skateboard is typically just called a “skateboard.” It’s the most common type of skateboard used for various skating activities, such as street skating, vert skating, or cruising.

What Skateboard Is Best For Kids?

The Mini Cruiser Board is perfect for beginners and a board that is very comfortable and perfect for them to operate. It is also best for kids (perfect for 3 to 5-year-old kids). The Mini Cruiser Board is ideal for experienced riders and adults with different styles of skateboarding and skateboard tricks. It is easy to run more modern skateboards by mastering different skateboarding styles and performing tricks through this skateboard and this is what the teenagers of today are doing.

What is small skateboard called?

A small skateboard is often referred to as a “mini skateboard” or a “mini cruiser skateboard.” These boards are typically smaller in size compared to regular skateboards and are designed for easier portability and maneuverability. They are also sometimes called “mini cruisers” because they are often used for cruising around and commuting short distances.

What is a basic skateboard?

A basic skateboard is a simple, typically wooden board with four wheels attached to its underside. It is used for a wide range of recreational and sports activities, including skateboarding, which involves riding and performing tricks on the skateboard.

Here are the key components of a basic skateboard:

Deck: This is the flat, rectangular board that you stand on while riding. Skateboard decks are typically made of layers of wood (usually maple) that are glued together. The shape and size of the deck can vary, with different styles designed for different types of skateboarding.

Grip Tape: Grip tape is a rough, sandpaper-like material applied to the top surface of the skateboard deck. It provides traction for your feet, helping you stay on the board while riding and performing tricks.

Trucks: Trucks are metal T-shaped components that are attached to the underside of the deck. They have axles that hold the skateboard’s wheels and allow them to turn. Trucks are essential for steering and maneuvering the skateboard.

Wheels: Skateboard wheels are typically made of polyurethane and come in various sizes and hardness levels. The hardness of the wheels affects their performance on different surfaces. Softer wheels provide better grip, while harder wheels are better for sliding and tricks.

Bearings: Bearings are small, round components that fit inside the skateboard wheels and allow them to spin smoothly. High-quality bearings reduce friction and help the skateboard roll more efficiently.

Hardware: Hardware consists of screws and nuts used to attach the trucks to the deck. It also includes any additional accessories or components, like riser pads, which can be added to adjust the height or performance of the skateboard.

Basic skateboards come in a variety of designs and graphics on the deck’s underside, allowing for personalization and style. Skateboarding is a popular sport and recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages, and a basic skateboard is the essential tool for participating in this activity. Riders can use skateboards for cruising, tricks, transportation, or simply having fun.

What is a flat skateboard?

A flat skateboard typically refers to a skateboard deck that has a flat or level surface, as opposed to one with a pronounced concave shape. Skateboard decks come in various shapes and sizes, and the flatness of the deck refers to the absence of curves or dips along its length.

Skateboard decks can have different profiles to suit various styles of riding. A flat skateboard deck is often preferred by riders who focus on technical tricks and street skateboarding. It provides a stable platform for performing tricks like kickflips, heelflips, and ollies.

In contrast, some skateboard decks have a concave shape, which means they curve upward along their edges. This concavity can enhance control and stability for riders who perform vert skating or transition skateboarding, where they ride in skateparks and halfpipes and need the added support for maneuvers like aerials and coping tricks.

Ultimately, the choice between a flat skateboard deck and one with concave depends on a skateboarder’s preference, style of riding, and the type of tricks they want to perform.

What Skateboard Is Best For A Beginner?

Skateboard is a very interesting sport and if it is for beginner skateboarders and your first skateboard then it is more interesting. Beginners have many options and many types of skateboard companies are working with beginner skateboards. So if you are a beginner skateboarder and do the first skating in your life then buy the skateboard of your choice by calculating which skateboard will meet your needs and whether the price is right. Thinking about you at the beginning, we will suggest you take the minority 32-inch maple skateboard. As if buying a skateboard is not a bad experience for you.

Is skateboards good for girl?

Yes, skateboarding is a sport and activity that can be enjoyed by people of all genders, including girls. There is no gender-specific requirement for skateboarding, and girls can excel and have a lot of fun skateboarding just like boys or anyone else. Skateboarding is about skill, balance, and personal enjoyment, not gender. Many girls and women are actively involved in skateboarding and have achieved great success in the sport. So, if a girl is interested in skateboarding, there’s no reason why she shouldn’t give it a try and enjoy the experience.

What Skateboard Is Best For Intermediate Or Advanced Skateboarders?

Skateboarding is a sport that can be pursued by anyone with the proper amount of skill, but it is a sport that requires a lot of energy and focuses to perform at a high level. It is not a sport for beginners. If you are an intermediate or advanced skater, then you should choose a skateboard that will help you perform at your best.

The best skateboard for intermediate or advanced skateboarders is a longboard. Longboards are typically wider than the average skateboard and have larger wheels that help keep you balanced while cruising, and they often have a lower center of gravity than shorter boards. This makes them more stable and easier to control when you’re in transition. Longboards are typically wider and have room for more trucks, which allows the rider to perform more tricks on them.

The best skateboard for intermediate or advanced skateboarders is the loaded dervish sama. The loaded dervish sama is a longboard that is stable and versatile. It has a wide deck, making it easy to maintain balance. It also has a long wheelbase, so it can cruise smoothly on uneven surfaces without any problems.

Which Skateboard is Best for You?

From the above text, it is understood what kind of skateboard can be. And all the information is given here according to one’s choice. Now it is important to see the difference in quality and choose which shaped skateboard is perfect for you. Don’t buy any product if you don’t like it. If you want to buy a wooden skateboard, it is important to look for plastic. Be careful about the deck and do not buy if the quality is not good.

Here check the 10 Best Skateboard Brands-Reviews And Top Picks

Final Verdict

So, your purpose for skateboarding will decide the types of skateboards that you need. For instance, if you are planning downhill-shaped skateboard racing or cruising, a downhill skateboard is a perfect choice. If you have a kid in your home and want to give the toddler a new experience, you should go for Mini boards. Additionally, there are plenty of options for a different types of skateboards for advanced and pro users who need excitement.

Gabriel

Hi, my name is Gabriel. I am completed my MBA from private university and my subject was IT (Information Technology) and also I complete my graduation form South East University and Department from CSE (Computer Science & Engineering). I am author and blogger of this website who loves to write about different topics that are related to the board sport. From beginner tips to intermediate advice, I want to offer you quality content that will help improve your skill set and make you a better rider. Thanks for checking out my site!