A skateboard is so much more than just a plank of wood with wheels. It's a ticket to freedom, a tool for creativity, and a way to show the world who you are. From the raw energy of street skating to the fluid carves of a surfskate, the skateboard is a sport, an art form, and a culture all rolled into one.
Welcome to the World of Skateboarding
From the sun-drenched footpaths of California to the urban landscapes right here in New Zealand, skateboarding has carved out its own space in the world. It’s one of those things that has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fun way to get some exercise, an outlet for your creative side, or just a new way to get around and see your city.
This guide is your all-access pass to this awesome world. We’ll look back at the history and legacy of the foundational brands like Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz and break down exactly what makes a modern skateboard tick. This isn't just about the gear, though; it's about becoming part of a community built on a shared passion.
A Culture of Customisation and Community
Skateboarding is deeply personal. Your board becomes an extension of you—not just in how you ride, but in how it looks. You can see this in the iconic graphics from brands like Globe, Enjoi, and the now-defunct but legendary Deca. This passion for a specific skateboard brand often defines a rider's identity.
This personal expression is a huge part of skating. Some skaters even plaster their cars with stickers that show off their passion, like a Baby On Board Skateboard Decal Sticker. It’s all part of a culture that’s about being an individual.
But the real heart of the skate scene is the community. It’s about sharing spots, hyping up your mates when they land a trick, and supporting the local skate shops that are the central hubs for riders. That feeling of belonging is what turns a hobby into a lifelong passion.
Whether you're a curious newcomer ready to pick out your very first board or a seasoned rider looking to dial in your setup, this guide will demystify every component. We'll cover everything from your skateboard deck to the tiny bearings inside your wheels, and even the essential protective gear you'll need. Let’s get rolling and explore what makes skateboarding such an enduring passion for millions.
The Evolution from Sidewalk Surfing to Global Culture
The skateboard wasn't just invented; it was born from the restless energy of another board sport. Back in the 1950s, when the waves went flat, Californian surfers started looking for a way to bring that feeling to the pavement. This was the start of "sidewalk surfing"—a pretty simple idea that kicked off a global movement: just bolt some roller skate wheels onto a plank of wood.
Those first boards were sketchy, to say the least. The wheels, usually made of metal or clay, had almost no grip and made for a rattling, dangerous ride. But the idea was there. A new way to move and express yourself was just waiting for the right piece of tech to set it off.
The Urethane Revolution
That spark finally came in the early 1970s with what is arguably the single most important innovation in skateboarding history: the urethane wheel. This new material was a total game-changer. Unlike the hard, slippery wheels before them, urethane gave riders proper grip, a much smoother ride, and way more speed. For the first time, you could carve and turn with a flow that just wasn't possible before.
This one innovation unlocked the skateboard's real potential. It let skaters go from simply rolling down hills to properly attacking vertical ramps, empty swimming pools, and city streets. It paved the way for modern street and vert skating as we know it.
This newfound capability didn't go unnoticed. A crew of young, aggressive skaters from Santa Monica, who came to be known as the Z-Boys (Zephyr Competition Team), grabbed onto it. With their low-slung, surf-inspired style and rebellious attitude, they dragged skateboarding from a backyard hobby into a legit, high-energy sport. Key players like Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, and Jay Adams became the first superstars of skating, and you can still see their influence today.
The Rise of Iconic Skateboard Brands
The Z-Boys’ explosion in popularity lit a fire under the industry. A few forward-thinking companies saw where things were heading and started designing gear specifically for this new style of riding.
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Powell Peralta: Started by George Powell and Stacy Peralta (one of the original Z-Boys), this brand brought in revolutionary new ways of building decks. Their legendary team, the Bones Brigade, was made up of skaters like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen who would go on to define the sport for decades.
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Santa Cruz: Famous for its mind-blowing graphics by artist Jim Phillips, Santa Cruz created some of the most iconic imagery in skateboarding. Their bold artwork turned a simple piece of wood into a canvas for self-expression.
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Globe: Popping up later, Globe really rode the wave of skate culture going global. The brand mixed performance tech with skate-inspired fashion, influencing everything from skate shoes to clothing.
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Enjoi & Deca: Brands like Enjoi brought a bit of fun and humour to the scene with their famous panda logo and playful graphics. Deca is well-known for its clean look and focus on technical street skating during a key era at a great price point.
These brands didn’t just sell gear; they built the culture around it. They sponsored the best skaters, produced legendary skate videos, and fine-tuned all the parts that make up a modern skateboard. The evolution of the skateboard deck itself is a fascinating story of constant tinkering and breakthroughs. For those who are keen, you can dive deeper into the history of skateboard decks in our detailed guide.
Today’s skateboard is a direct descendant of this rich history. From the durable decks to the precisely engineered trucks, every single part is a nod to the pioneers who kept pushing the limits. So whether you're picking out your first complete or building a custom setup with specific wheels and bearings, you're holding a piece of that culture. It’s a testament to decades of innovation, driven by a community that simply refused to stop rolling.
The Anatomy of a Modern Skateboard
A modern skateboard is an awesome bit of engineering, where every single part works together to define your ride. It’s way more than just a plank of wood; it's a customisable machine built for performance and a bit of self-expression. Getting your head around how each component works is the first step toward picking the right complete skateboard or building your dream custom setup from scratch.
Think of it like a band. The deck lays down the rhythm, the trucks handle the melody of your turns, and the wheels set the tempo. Every piece is crucial. Let's break down the essential anatomy of a skateboard.
The Deck: The Heart and Soul of Your Skateboard
The skateboard deck is the foundation of your whole setup. It's the platform you stand on, the canvas for sick graphics, and the part that takes the most punishment.
Modern decks are typically made from 7-ply North American maple, a wood that’s loved for its strength, pop, and ability to hold its shape. But it’s the concave—that subtle side-to-side curve—that really shapes how the board feels under your feet. A mellow concave gives you a stable, comfy platform that's great for cruising, while a steeper concave offers more leverage for flip tricks, making the board feel way more responsive. Finding the right skateboard deck for sale is the first step in building a perfect custom setup.
Trucks: The Steering and Suspension
If the deck is the heart, then the skateboard trucks are the steering system. These T-shaped metal parts are mounted to the bottom of your deck and hold your wheels and bearings. A truck has a few key parts: a baseplate (which bolts to the deck), a hanger (the triangular bit your wheels attach to), a kingpin (the big bolt holding it all together), and bushings.
Bushings are the small rubbery rings around the kingpin, and they're super important for controlling how your board turns. Softer bushings make turning easier and sharper—perfect for carving. Harder bushings provide more resistance and stability, which is what you want for street skating and landing high-impact tricks. You can tighten or loosen the kingpin nut to fine-tune your turning response.
This diagram shows a simplified timeline of how key advancements shaped the modern skateboard we ride today.
You can see how each step, from the first "sidewalk surfers" to breakthroughs in components, built on what came before to create the versatile board we all know and love.
Wheels and Bearings: Speed and Sensation
The skateboard wheels are where the rubber literally meets the road. They determine how your board feels on different surfaces and are defined by two key measurements: diameter and durometer.
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Diameter (Size): Measured in millimetres (mm). Smaller wheels (around 50-54mm) are lighter and get up to speed faster, making them a top choice for technical street skating. Larger wheels (55-60mm+) hold their momentum better and roll more smoothly over rough ground, which is why they’re preferred for vert, park, and cruising.
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Durometer (Hardness): This is measured on an A-scale. Harder wheels (99a-101a) are fast and slide easily, perfect for smooth skateparks and grinding ledges. Softer wheels (78a-90a) have more grip and absorb vibrations, giving you a plush, quiet ride on rougher asphalt.
To help you decide, here’s a quick look at how to match wheels to your skate style.
Choosing Your Skateboard Wheels at a Glance
| Skate Style | Wheel Diameter (mm) | Wheel Durometer (A-Scale) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street/Technical | 50-54mm | 99a - 101a | Flip tricks, ledges, smooth park surfaces. |
| All-Around/Park | 53-56mm | 95a - 99a | A versatile mix of park, ramp, and street. |
| Vert/Bowl | 55-60mm | 97a - 100a | Speed and stability on transition. |
| Cruiser/Filming | 56-65mm+ | 78a - 92a | Rolling smoothly over rough asphalt and cracks. |
This table is a great starting point, but remember that personal preference plays a big part in finding the perfect wheel for your setup.
Inside each wheel, you'll find a pair of skateboard bearings. These small metal rings are what let your wheels spin. You might see ABEC ratings (1, 3, 5, 7, 9), but it's important to know this is a measure of precision, not necessarily speed or quality for skating. A high-quality bearing from a proper skate brand will always outperform a cheap one, no matter the ABEC rating.
The synergy between the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings is what creates the unique feel of any skateboard. A slight change in any one of these components can dramatically alter how the board performs, making customisation a core part of the skating experience.
The Final Touches: Griptape and Hardware
Finally, two often-overlooked bits and pieces complete the puzzle. Griptape is the sandpaper-like sheet that goes on top of the deck. Its job is simple but essential: to give your shoes the grip they need to control the board, stay on it, and land tricks. Without it, your feet would just slide right off.
Hardware is just the eight nuts and bolts that mount your trucks to the deck. They come in different lengths to fit riser pads—small plastic spacers that go between the deck and trucks to prevent "wheel bite" (when your wheels rub the deck on a hard turn). These final pieces are the glue that holds your entire board together.
To see how all these parts come together, explore our detailed guide on skateboard construction.
How to Choose the Right Skateboard for You
Finding your perfect first skateboard can feel like a massive decision, but it all boils down to what you want to do with it. With so many shapes and sizes hanging on the wall, the key is matching the board to your goals.
Let's cut through the noise. Whether you plan on hitting the local skatepark, cruising to uni, or practising your surf turns on dry land, there's a board designed specifically to make that experience a whole lot better. Once you get your head around the main types, you'll be able to pick a board that feels like it was made for you.
What Is Your Riding Style
Before you even glance at a board, ask yourself one simple question: what do I actually want to do on this thing? Your answer will immediately point you in the right direction and make choosing a board a heap easier.
Are you amped to learn flip tricks and grind ledges like the skaters you see online? Or does a long, smooth roll along the waterfront sound more like your vibe? Maybe you're a surfer who’s sick of flat spells and wants to keep your flow going on the pavement. Each of these goals has a perfect board to match. Knowing this helps answer the question "what skateboard should I buy?".
The Main Types of Skateboards
Skateboards pretty much fall into four main camps, each with its own purpose and feel. While there's plenty of crossover, getting to know these basic types is the first step to finding your ideal setup.
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Street/Park Skateboard: This is the classic "popsicle" shaped board you probably picture first. It’s the ultimate all-rounder, built for everything from flip tricks on flat ground to riding ramps and bowls at the skatepark.
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Cruiser Skateboard: Made for a smooth, comfy ride, cruisers usually have softer, bigger wheels that glide over cracks and rough footpaths. They come in all sorts of shapes, but their main job is getting you from A to B in style.
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Longboard: Just like the name says, these boards have a longer, wider deck, which makes for a super stable platform. They’re the go-to for long-distance cruising, bombing hills, or just a chilled-out "boardwalking" session.
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Surfskate: A newer and massively popular style, surfskates have a special front truck that allows for incredibly sharp, fluid turns that feel just like surfing. They are the perfect training tool for surfers and a ton of fun for anyone wanting a dynamic, carving ride.
Here in New Zealand, skating isn't just a trend; for many, it's a lifelong obsession. The 2023 Skateboard Participation Survey revealed that 45% of Kiwi skaters ride for over five hours a week, and a huge 65% skate all year round. With 59% of riders having more than 10 years of experience, it’s clear that Kiwis are committed, driving solid demand for quality street boards, longboards, and especially surfskates. You can discover more about NZ's dedicated skate scene in the full report.
Matching Skateboard Size to You
Once you've zeroed in on a style, the next question is always about size. For street and park boards, this almost always means the deck's width, measured in inches. Nailing the width is super important for board control and comfort.
A good rule of thumb is to match the deck width to your shoe size. It's not set in stone, but it’s an awesome starting point to make sure the board feels right under your feet—responsive but stable. A board that’s too wide can feel clunky and hard to flip, while one that's too narrow will feel sketchy and unstable.
Key Takeaway: Your shoe size is the best guide for picking a deck width. It helps you find a board that gives you the right amount of leverage for steering and tricks without feeling clumsy.
Here’s a simple chart to help guide you.
Skateboard Sizing Chart
| Shoe Size (US Men's) | Recommended Deck Width | Rider Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 6 - 8 | 7.5" - 8.0" | Best for younger riders or adults with smaller feet focusing on flip tricks. |
| 9 - 11 | 8.0" - 8.5" | The most common range, perfect for all-around street and park skating. |
| 12+ | 8.5"+ | Ideal for skaters with larger feet or those who prefer more stability for ramps. |
While this chart is a great starting point for standard skateboards, sizing for cruisers, longboards, and surfskates is less about your shoes and more about the ride feel you're after. For those boards, a wider platform generally means more stability and a comfier cruise.
If you’re ready to get into the nitty-gritty, check out our guide on choosing the perfect deck for your skateboard for more detailed advice. Whether you're a first-timer needing a solid complete, a surfer wanting a Carver surfskate, or a student needing a longboard for getting around campus, we're here to help you find the right ride.
Assembling and Maintaining Your Skateboard
Once you’ve picked out all your components, the real fun begins. Building your first skateboard is a rite of passage, transforming a box of parts into a machine that's completely yours. It's the best way to get a proper, hands-on feel for how your board actually works, and it’ll give you the confidence to keep it running like a dream.
We'll walk you through putting it all together and keeping it in top shape, from sticking on the griptape to mounting your trucks and pressing in the bearings. A skate tool is your best mate here; it has all the sockets and drivers you need to build and tweak your setup.
Step-by-Step Skateboard Assembly
Putting your first board together isn’t as hard as you might think. Just take your time and follow the steps, and you'll end up with a safe, solid ride that’s ready to roll.
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Apply the Griptape: Lay the griptape sheet carefully over the top of your deck, making sure it’s straight. Press it down firmly from the centre outwards to get rid of any air bubbles. Then, use a metal file or the edge of your skate tool to score the outline before cleanly trimming off the excess.
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Mount the Trucks: Use a bolt to poke holes through the griptape from the bottom of the deck where the truck holes are. Pop your bolts through from the top, then attach your trucks. Make sure the kingpins are facing each other, towards the middle of the board.
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Install Bearings and Wheels: Press one bearing into each side of your skateboard wheels. A good trick is to place the wheel over the truck axle for leverage; it makes pressing them in way easier. Don't forget to slide a bearing spacer in between them to keep them aligned and spinning smoothly.
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Attach the Wheels: Slide one speed washer onto the axle, then the wheel, followed by another speed washer. Lock it all in with the axle nut, tightening it until there’s just a tiny bit of side-to-side wiggle room.
Crucial Skateboard Maintenance
Looking after your board is the key to protecting your investment and making sure it rides at its best. A bit of regular care goes a long way, extending the life of your gear and guaranteeing a smooth, safe session every time you head out.
Think of skateboard maintenance like a tune-up for your car. Cleaning your bearings or rotating your wheels is like checking the oil—it keeps everything running perfectly and stops small problems from turning into big ones.
Cleaning Your Bearings: Dirty, gritty bearings will kill your speed. To clean them, carefully pry off the bearing shields and soak the bearings in a citrus-based cleaner or a proper bearing solution. Let them dry out completely, then add a drop or two of skate-specific lubricant.
Rotating Your Wheels: Your wheels wear down unevenly, especially if you're doing a lot of powerslides. To keep the wear even, swap them around in an X-pattern every couple of months. It’s a simple trick that helps them keep their shape and grip for longer. To get a better handle on how wheel hardness affects wear and performance, you can learn more about skateboard wheel durometer in our guide.
Adjusting Your Trucks: Grab your skate tool and tighten or loosen the big kingpin nut. Tighter trucks give you more stability for speed and popping tricks, while looser trucks feel more "surfy" and responsive, perfect for carving and cruising. Dialling in your trucks is one of the quickest ways to customise how your board feels under your feet.
Getting comfortable with building and maintaining your board isn't just about keeping it in peak condition; it deepens your connection to your setup and the whole culture of skating.
The New Zealand Skate Scene and Blitz Community
Skateboarding has always been about more than just the board under your feet. It's about the crew, the local spots, and the shops that become the heart of the scene. Here in New Zealand, that community spirit is alive and well, buzzing with a passion you can feel at any park or street spot across the country.
At Blitz, we've always been stoked to be part of that energy, connecting what’s happening on a global level with our local Kiwi skaters right here on the East Coast.
The love for skating across Aotearoa is massive. The skateboard community continues to grow year on year. When asked what they wanted most, skaters were clear: more learn-to-skate programmes (39%), better skateparks (33%), and more local events (30%). Those numbers speak for themselves. You can read the full insights on Gitnux.org to see what's driving the industry.
A Hub for the East Coast Skate Scene
We hear that call loud and clear. For decades, Blitz Surf Shop has been more than just a place to buy a new skateboard; we're a cornerstone of the Gisborne and East Coast skate community. It's the place you come to for genuine advice, to find gear that actually works for our local conditions, and to link up with other skaters. Our team lives and breathes this stuff every single day.
We're committed to fuelling that fire by stocking everything a skater could need, whether you're putting together your first board or dialing in a pro-level setup. That means having a massive range of decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings ready to roll out the door.
And when you're ready to hit the concrete, check out our guide to some of the best skate parks in NZ to find your next session spot.
At its core, a good skate shop listens. It knows what local riders need—from the right durometer wheels for our rough local footpaths to the best protective gear for learning a new trick down at the park.
Supporting Every Rider Across New Zealand
Our commitment goes way beyond Gisborne. With NZ-wide delivery and free shipping on heaps of items, we make sure every skater in the country can get their hands on the best gear from iconic brands like Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Enjoi.
So whether you’re a grom just starting out or a seasoned vet who's seen it all, we’re here to support your journey on four wheels.
Your Skateboard Questions Answered
Still got a few things you're wondering about? No worries, we get asked these all the time. Here are the answers to the most common questions from skaters just starting out, and even from some who've been rolling for a while.
What Size Skateboard Should I Get?
Getting the right size board is simpler than you think. For street and park skating, it’s mostly about matching the deck width to your shoe size so the board feels right under your feet. If you wear a size 9 US shoe, for example, a deck between 8.0" and 8.25" is usually the sweet spot.
If you’re looking at a cruiser or surfskate, you’ll generally want something a bit wider. A bigger platform gives you more stability and comfort, which is ideal for carving down the street or rolling over rougher footpaths. We've got a full sizing chart in our "How to Choose the Right Skateboard" section to help you nail the perfect fit.
Is It Better to Buy a Complete Skateboard or Build My Own?
For anyone just getting into skating, grabbing a complete skateboard is a no-brainer. They come ready to roll straight out of the box, so you don't have to stress about picking the right parts. They're built to be versatile and well-balanced, and they're easy on the wallet. It's the best option if you're looking to buy a skateboard for the first time.
Building your own board is a bit of a rite of passage, though. It’s your chance to create a setup that’s 100% you. You can geek out over the perfect deck, dial in your turning with specific trucks, and find the right wheels and bearings for your style. A good path is to start with a complete, figure out what you like, and then start swapping out parts as you go.
How Tight Should My Skateboard Trucks Be?
This one comes down to personal preference and what feels good to you. There's no right or wrong answer.
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Tighter trucks give you more stability. This is great when you’re new and still finding your balance, or for bigger tricks where you need a solid, predictable landing.
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Looser trucks let you turn sharper and give you that cruisy, "surfy" feeling. They’re awesome for carving, cruising around town, and essential for getting the most out of a surfskate.
The only way to know for sure is to experiment. Grab a skate tool, give the kingpin nut a quarter-turn, and go for a skate. Keep tweaking it until it feels just right.
Do I Really Need Skate Shoes and Protective Gear?
One hundred percent, yes. Proper skate shoes aren't just for looks—they’re a piece of equipment. They have flat, grippy soles that give you way better board feel and control than you'd get from a pair of runners. Plus, they're built tough to handle getting thrashed by griptape.
And protective gear—helmet, knee pads, wrist guards—is non-negotiable, especially when you’re learning. A few bumps and scrapes are part of skating, but good gear gives you the confidence to commit to new tricks and saves you from serious injuries that could take you out of the game.
Ready to get rolling or upgrade your setup? At Blitz Surf Shop, we’ve got everything you need, from first-timer completes to high-performance parts for experienced skaters. Check out the full collection and find your perfect ride at blitzsurf.co.nz.
