FAQ's

Thinking of trying skateboarding out? Here's some handy tips!

We get new skater's in the shop all the time looking for their first board. Often they will have similar questions, so we made this page if you're having a little trouble choosing or understanding what board you need.

"I'm looking for my first board, what do I need?" -

If you're just starting out, we usually point people towards complete skateboards. These are pre-assembled skateboards that are ready to roll right out the shop. They do everything a custom made skateboard would do, just not quite at the same expense. 

These range from small to big, narrow to wide, plain to colourful.

"Board size, what does that mean and how do I chose the right one?"

Board size is probably one of the most talked about points when it comes to choosing a new deck or complete skateboard. Ultimately, it comes down to how your sized and what feels most comfortable to you - Some people like a narrower board for more technical skating, some like a wider board for transitions and bowls. Skateboarders are a picky bunch.  

We put together this small guide to help narrow your search a little bit - 

  • 3 to 8 years old - 7.3 - 7.5"
  • 8 to 14 years old - 7.5 - 8.0"
  • 14 & above - 8.0" - 8.5"

"Trucks, wheels and bearings. What's the difference?"

When it comes to complete skateboards, not an awful lot.

Different brands will have different designs and shapes, but in general, there's not much in it. We try and stock good quality, reputable brands that we have experience with, so that you're not back in the shop 2 weeks later buying wheels and bearings.  

Try and stay away from the cheaper skateboards you find in supermarkets. These boards do use inferior quality parts and will often need replaced fairly quickly. Our completes range from £50-90, we've found this a really great price point to ensure everything works as it should.

"What can I do to take care of my new skateboard?"

We're often asked what sort of maintenance you can do to prolong the life of a new skateboard. 

  • Avoid skating the rain/damp conditions - This is not only bad for the wood, but water and dirt often leads to rusty and rough bearings.
  • Clean your bearings every so often, most good quality bearings come lubricated, although this can wear off over time. Avoid WD40, this is not a lubricant, Bones Speed Cream is a good alternative. 
  • Griptape can be cleaned using the right type of cleaner, however sometimes it's just as easy to replace it.
  • Make sure your nuts and bolts are tight. Your wheels should spin, your trucks shouldn't. 
  • Store in a cool, dry place. Maybe not next to your favourite biscuits, but not outside.

"Do I need any protection or a helmet?"

If you think you need some or particularly prone to falling, it's probably best. It takes a while to learn how to fall correctly, spending the extra £30 for some protection could prevent a long wait in A&E of your local hospital. 

"Do you teach or provide lessons?"

Yes. We teach our lessons through ABC Skateboarding

Lessons are a great way to start skateboarding the correct way under the supervision and guidance of experience skaters. It also helps get over the initial nerves of going to a skatepark for the first time, but if you're not up for that quite yet, we are happy to provide a 1 to 1 lesson in a quiet carpark or facility near you.