NOTE's Guide to Picking a Skateboard Deck

Selecting your first skateboard deck is a memory most skaters remember for years but we must admit navigating the world of skateboarding decks isn’t always the easiest. At NOTE, we believe in the sanctity of personal preference but also understand the paralysis of choice that can grip newcomers and seasoned skaters alike. So, here’s the ultimate compendium to guide you through your quest for the ideal deck. Basically, if you're in the market for a deck this guide is going to be dead helpful.

Picking The Right Deck For You

Choosing the perfect deck involves several elements. While this guide covers the basics, visiting our Thomas Street shop is ideal for your first deck. You can feel the boards underfoot, test their shape, and see the designs up close. If you can’t visit, our online collection matches the in-shop offering, and we try to maintain detailed product descriptions to help you choose.

We’ll explore board sizes and their ideal riders, but personal preference is key in skating. Ensure the design resonates with you, as you’ll spend a lot of time with your board.

Browse our selection and shortlist boards you find visually pleasing. Some will stand out immediately. Once you understand sizes, you’ll find the board that truly fits you.

Before we get cracking with the guide, here's a visual for the different elements of the skateboard deck.

Deck Dimensions

Deck size is normally the main factor in selecting a deck. Skateboard decks vary in width, typically ranging from 7.5 to 9 inches (we also have decks that go over 10 inches if you're into that sort of thing), tailored to different skating styles and shoe sizes. 

As a general rule for picking you first deck, if your footwear’s smaller than UK 8, aim for a deck width of below 8.0 inches. For the bigger-footed among us (size 8.5 and up), a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches will serve you well. 

While a rider's physical stature can guide the initial selection of a deck, the ultimate favorite often boils down to individual preference and the style of skating pursued. Generally speaking, smaller boards are slightly easier to flip, rotate and manoeuvre due to their lighter weight and thinner shape, whereas larger boards give you more stability and performance especially when skating transition.

Skateboard Shapes

Skate decks have existed in many forms over the years. From the early “sidewalk surfers” influenced by surfboards in the 1960s, to the introduction of the kicktail in the 1970s, and the iconic popsicle stick shape of the 1990s, the design of skateboards has continually adapted. In recent years we’ve seen a revival of shaped boards and the it’s anyone’s guess what shapes will be popularised in the future. 

While plenty of deck shapes have existed over the last 60 years the popsicle board reigns supreme as the top seller and most adaptable shape for street and skatepark riding. While there are minor variations among popsicle decks, they are generally identified by their rounded tail, marginally larger rounded nose, straight edges, and a concave beneath the feet. Symmetrical designs with twin tails and noses, offering an equal ride in both directions, have surged in popularity recently. 

Additionally, we carry a selection of unique shapes, including old school or pool boards, which are broader and feature more tail than nose, and cruiser decks, known for being flatter and more pointed. 

For your first deck we recommend a classic popsicle shape but as you develop your own style and preferences different shapes and designs are worth a gander.

Concave Depths

The concave of a deck—its curvature when viewed head-on—is the unsung hero of your skateboarding experience. Back in the day, skateboard decks were flat until pros demanded more control, leading to concaved boards. Now, all our boards are concaved for better performance. Concave refers to the deck’s curve, created during the molding process. Companies offer varying concave levels, and we list these on all our boards.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Mellow Concave Boards: 

Low concave boards are flatter, providing stability but less control. 

Medium Concave Boards: 

Medium concave boards offer the flick needed for tricks like kickflips, making them great for learning flips and providing extra grip for grinds and slides. We recommend medium concave for its balance of flick and foot positioning.  

Steep Concave Boards: 

High concave boards have steeper sides, ideal for transition skaters needing extra edge control. They’re also more rigid, giving street skaters better pop. Some riders love the “pockets” created by steeper concave decks, offering better leverage for flip tricks and turns, plus a more secure grip for their feet. 

Here's a little visual to help understand what we're on about:

Board Length and Wheelbase

The length of your board and the distance between its wheels (the wheelbase) play a pivotal role in your board’s stability and agility. Traditionally, a longer board is more suited for transition skating while a shorter wheelbase makes for a more responsive ride in street skating. We can’t emphasise this enough, this again also depends on personal preference and may be something you can test when you’re on to your second, third or fourth deck.

Choosing a Deck: personal preference

Selecting a deck is a deeply personal decision. While some beginners might lean towards wider, more stable decks to find their footing, veterans may opt for boards that complement their intricate trick repertoire. Experimentation is key. Don't shy away from trying different sizes and concaves to discover what feels like an extension of your own two feet.

Beyond the Deck

Choosing your deck is just the beginning. The next steps involve selecting the right trucks, wheels, bolts and bearings to complete your setup.  Just like our selection of decks we’ve got all the different components necessary to build your perfect complete.

At the end of the day, the perfect skateboard deck is the one that feels right under your feet. It's a blend of science, art, and a dash of personal magic. Remember, the guidelines we've laid out are just that—guidelines. The ultimate decision lies with you. 

So, whether you're just beginning to dip your toes into the skateboarding world or you're looking to add a new board to your collection, remember: your style, your preference, your deck. See our collection of decks online or swing by our shop to stand on a few boards before making your choice.