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Choosing a Skateboard Deck
Skateboard decks come in different shapes and sizes. The shape, style and size of a deck determine the shape, style and size of the skateboard itself. No matter the shapes and sizes decks come in, a skateboard deck has one common function: to support other components of the skateboard. The deck is the platform on which other parts of the skateboard are attached and the skateboader stands on.
What makes a good skateboard deck?
A good skateboard deck should serve the skater in his/her riding styles adequately. For it to serve this purpose, a good skateboard deck should be :
- Durable
- Lightweight enough.
- Sufficiently rigid.
- Able to provide adequate support and stability.
Features of a skateboard deck
Skateboard decks are commonly made from bamboo, maple or plastics. They generally have the following features:
Width
The width of the skateboard deck varies from 7 inches to 8 inches or even less or more depending on the intended style of skating and the skater. The right width of the skateboard deck for you should be proportional to your height and shoe size.
Length
A skateboard’s length is the distance from the tail tip to the nose tip. The length of a skateboard deck is less important compared to the width during skating.
Wheelbase
The regular wheelbase for a deck is 13″ to 15″. The wheelbase is an important feature of a skateboard deck. The wheelbase of your skateboard deck can determine what you do or can not do in skating. It determines the distance of a skateboard’s inner mounting holes. If the wheelbase is modified, it can impact the performance of the skateboard and skater.
Mounting holes
Mounting holes are holes at the nose and tail of the skateboard deck for fixing skateboard trucks.
The nose of the deck
The nose is the front part of the deck. It can be curved or flat according to the manufacturer’s intention. The nose of the skateboard deck is important for control during skating. The nose also enables the skater to perform tricks during skating.
The tail of the deck
This is the back part of the deck. It is usually concave but still comes in flat shapes. The tail of the skateboard deck helps the skater in exerting control during skating and also assists in the performance of tricks.
The ply
The ply consists of layers of thinly flattened material ( mostly wood) tightly held together to form the deck of the skateboard. Seven to nine of thinly flattened wood are used more commonly for the ply rather than using a single wood to make the skateboard strong enough to withstand the rigours of skating.
Concave
A Concave is an important feature of a skateboard deck that impacts the performance of a skater. It is the curvature of the deck from the nose to the tail. Skateboards with concave decks tend to be stronger and allow more control. Here are some common concaves:
- Rocker and Camber
Rocker concave decks are the ones that have dropped middle length from the nose of the deck to the tail of the deck. The Camber decks have raised middle length from the nose of the deck to the tail of the deck. They both offer different riding styles and performances.
- Kicktail
The Kicktail is the curve at the nose or tail of the skateboard deck that goes upward.
Effective Foot Platform
The Effective Foot Platform ( EFP) is the area at the top surface of the skateboard deck that skaters stand on during skating. It is on this place that skaters control the board and ride according to their styles.
Rails
The shaped edges across the length of the skateboard deck, from the nose to the tail, are called rails. How these edges are shaped is important in the performance of your skateboard. They can come in 3 major shapes:
- Round rails
- Sharp rails
- Gas pedal rails
Common types of a skateboard deck
The different types of skateboard decks are important factors to consider when choosing a skateboard deck. Each different type suits a particular kind of skateboarding style and preference and also determines the shape of the deck. Hence it is important to select a deck type that will suit your style of skateboarding. The common types of skateboard deck are:
Shortboard
Shortboard decks are ideally suited for skating in the street or park. They are the shortest of all types of decks. A shortboard deck will make it easier for manoeuvring, performing tricks, twists and turns. They are more appropriate for short distance skating.
Cruiser
Cruiser decks are mainly for short-distance cruising. They are not designed for complicated tricks even though they are easily manoeuvrable. They come in mid-length and are typically wider than usual skateboard decks.
Old School
These boards are asymmetrically designed with flat wide noses. They are ideal for ramp skating, cruising and pool skating.
Longboard
A longboard skateboard is designed for racing downhill, travelling and cruising. Longboards are typically longer than other skateboards. Because of the size of their wheels, the dimensions of the deck, the design style and construction materials, longboards offer faster rides than conventional skateboards. They allow longboarding, carving and pumping in skateboarding.
How to choose the right skateboard deck
Your choice of the right skateboard deck should be based on what is comfortable for you and suitable for the style of riding you intend to do. Choosing a skateboard deck that is wider than is adequate for you may cause you to be exerting more energy during skating. While choosing a deck that is narrower than appropriate for you may lead to frequent loss of balance and general discomfort during skating. It is recommended though, to select your skateboard deck based on the width of the deck in proportion to your shoe size. In view of this, the following various common sizes ( in width) of a deck may be considered:
Micro deck
Micro decks feature widths of 6.5″ to 6.7″. This deck is highly suitable for people of height 3’4″ or shorter and have a shoe size of 1 or below.
Mini deck
Mini decks have a width of 7.0″. They are still generally small decks suitable for people between 3’5″ and 4’4″ of height, and have a shoe size of 2 to 5.
Mid-size deck
These decks come with a width of 7.25″ to 7.375″. They are slightly wider than micro decks and mini decks. Mid-size decks are appropriate for skateboarders who are between 4’5″ and 5’2″ and have a shoe size of 6 to 8.
Full-size deck
Full-size decks are mainly suitable for tall people of 5’3″ or taller and have a shoe size of 9 and above. Adults largely fall within the category of full-size deck users. They have widths of 7.5 or more.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing skateboard decks, there are really no rules. You just have to go with what suits you and your style. However, choosing the right one may be challenging, especially for a beginner. This is why we have presented to you in this article, important tips that will help you in choosing the right skateboard deck for a more fulfilled skating.