How to Choose Your First Skateboard (Beginner Guide UK)

Choosing your first skateboard can feel confusing. With so many different sizes, setups, and styles available, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you actually need.

Browse our complete skateboards for beginners at Bob Gnarly.

The good news is that getting started doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you choose the right skateboard from the beginning, you’ll find it much easier to balance, build confidence, and progress quickly.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose your first skateboard, including size, setup options, and what to look for based on your ability and budget.

Why Choosing the Right Skateboard Matters

Your first skateboard has a huge impact on how quickly you learn.

A poorly chosen board can make it harder to:

• Balance properly
• Push comfortably
• Stay stable while learning

The right setup will help you:

• Feel more confident
• Learn faster
• Avoid frustration early on

That’s why it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand what makes a good beginner skateboard.

Complete Skateboard vs Custom Setup

One of the first decisions beginners face is whether to buy a complete skateboard or build a custom setup.

Shop our 'Complete Skateboard' collection right here at Bob Gnarly

What Is a Complete Skateboard?

A complete skateboard comes fully assembled and ready to ride.

It includes:

• Deck
• Trucks
• Wheels
• Bearings
• Grip tape

For beginners, this is usually the best option.

Why Complete Skateboards Are Best for Beginners

• Ready to ride straight away
• Cheaper than building a custom setup
• Components are already matched
• No setup knowledge required

If you’re just starting out, a complete skateboard is the easiest and most cost-effective way to begin.

What Is a Custom Skateboard?

A custom skateboard is built by choosing each component individually.

This includes selecting your own:

• Deck size
• Trucks
• Wheels
• Bearings
• Hardware
• Grip Tape

Custom setups are great for experienced skaters, but for beginners they can be confusing and unnecessary.

Which Should You Choose?

For most beginners:

👉 Start with a complete skateboard

Once you gain experience, you can upgrade individual parts or build a custom setup later.

Choosing the Right Skateboard Size

Size is one of the most important factors when choosing your first skateboard.

The key measurement is deck width, which is usually between 7.5” and 8.5”.

Beginner Skateboard Size Guide

• Under 5’2” / smaller riders → 7.5” – 7.75”
• Average teens & adults → 7.75” – 8.25”
• Larger riders / more stability → 8.25” – 8.5”

Why Size Matters

Wider boards:

• More stable
• Easier to balance

Narrower boards:

• Easier to flip
• More responsive

For beginners, stability is more important.

👉 This is why most beginners should choose a board around 8.0” to 8.25” wide.

Understanding Skateboard Components

Even if you buy a complete skateboard, it helps to understand the basics.

Deck

The deck is the wooden board you stand on.

For beginners:

• Medium width (8” range)
• Standard popsicle shape

Trucks

Trucks connect the wheels to the deck.

They affect:

• Turning
• Stability

Most complete skateboards come with suitable trucks for beginners.

Wheels

Wheels vary in size (measured in millimetres) and hardness ('Durometer')

For beginners:

• Slightly softer wheels are easier to ride
• Better for rough UK surfaces

Bearings

Bearings control how fast your wheels spin.

Most beginner completes come with decent bearings that are perfect for learning.

Choosing Based on Your Budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.

Budget Range for Beginners (UK)

• £25–£40 → Entry-level completes
• £40–£90→ Good quality beginner setups
• £90+ → Higher quality / branded setups

What Should You Spend?

For most beginners:

👉 A mid-range complete skateboard (£35–£70) is ideal.

This gives you:

• Better durability
• Smoother ride
• More reliable components

Do You Need Protective Gear?

Yes — especially when you’re starting out.

Beginner skaters should consider:

• Helmet
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads

At Bob Gnarly Surf we stock a great range of protective gear for beginners.

This helps:

• Prevent injuries
• Build confidence
• Allow you to practice safely

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Avoid these common errors when choosing your first skateboard.

Buying a Board That’s Too Cheap

Very cheap skateboards often:

• Break easily
• Don’t roll well
• Make learning harder

Choosing the Wrong Size

A board that’s too small can feel unstable.

Overcomplicating the Setup

Beginners don’t need custom setups.

👉 Keep it simple and start with a complete.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your First Skateboard

Choosing your first skateboard doesn’t have to be complicated.

Browse our complete skateboards for beginners at Bob Gnarly.

For most beginners, the best option is:

• A complete skateboard
• Around 8”–8.25” wide
• Mid-range budget
• Suitable for your size

Starting with the right setup will make learning easier and far more enjoyable.

Once you build confidence and improve your skills, you can always upgrade or customise your board later.