As an adult skateboarder, I notice that there are more senior skateboarders in the skate parks I frequent. Sometimes it stems from a long-ago childhood dream that was never realized, and other times older skaters simply want to start it back up after a significant break.
Think about your aims and what you consider a skateboard as well as skateboarding before I list a lot of Best Skateboards for Adults with meaningless specifications.
You don’t have to turn into a very tough geezer. Many people I know merely want to gain the confidence to ride a skateboard. Although it is undoubtedly possible, you’ll need the right parts for it. A nice cruiser or even a cruiser longboard will ease the learning curve; it doesn’t even have to be a conventional skateboard.
Slow down there. Some of you surely want to learn how to ollie and perhaps kickflip. The path ahead is difficult and calls for endurance and patience. It’s preferable to ride first, and why not do it on a skateboard to make it simpler before you move on to the challenging terrain?
Since entire skateboards are okay but could use some adjusting, there aren’t many skateboards available that are appropriate for adults. The majority of the skateboards we’ve examined throughout the years have a few flaws that need to be fixed before you can start skating.
So let’s start with some fundamental inquiries you ought to be asking yourself:
Whatever the case, I’d like to start with a few tried-and-true bespoke configurations and give a few ready-to-ride skateboards for the lazy, along with upgrade suggestions to get the most of it.
The Best Skateboards For Adults Beginner
Standard skateboards won’t be on my list; I’ll only include a handful that I know will function; everything else you see on other websites is crap. They have probably never used a skateboard in their lives and don’t skate.
They merely feature a number of cheap skateboards from Amazon that are not even interesting to look at. You and your requirements are the focus of this list. I understand what you want, or at least have some clue, thanks to the years of interaction and conversation with my readers.
Custom setups, stable cruiser boards for skating, and trick/cruiser skateboards are all mixed together. These skateboards passed our tests for durability, safety, responsiveness, and stability. They all work to meet particular demands.
1. Custom Park Skateboard
Custom Park Skateboard
- Deck sizes: range from 7.5″ to 10″
- Material: varies depending on the model, but typically 7-ply maple wood
- Shape: varies depending on the model, but Santa Cruz is known for their classic popsicle shape with a steep concave and medium kicktail
- Trucks: Santa Cruz offers their own branded trucks as well as Independent, Krux, and Bullet trucks on some models
It is exactly what you need, but you will have to gather the components yourself. Due to your advanced age, learning tricks will be more challenging. With this configuration, you can start to ride while later adding simple tricks. If you’re not new to skating but have been away for a while and want to pick up some tricks again, I recommend choosing this setup.
This set-up includes an 8.25′′ deck, high-quality trucks, balance-enhancing wider wheels, respectable bearings, and common bushings. It will give you some extra-grippy wheels that won’t abruptly slide so you can skate your neighborhood park both inside and outside.
I advise purchasing the following components:
You may skate bowls with this setup, but you should loosen your trucks a little to make the board more responsive and carvy. Thunder and Independent trucks are both fantastic options.
What We like About This Skateboard
The adaptability of this skateboard setup is fantastic. It includes all the components required to easily ride over obstacles while providing the stability required for beginners. The 54mm wheel will provide you with the necessary speed and allow you to accelerate swiftly while maintaining momentum.
This means that, once you’ve gained some speed, you’ll have enough time to change your stance and navigate the skate park’s numerous hazards. It’s also an excellent arrangement for practicing skateboarding without getting too uneasy. It will be difficult, but everything fits together nicely.
What We Don’t Like
On rougher roads, it will feel less comfortable depending on whether you use 97A or 99A wheels. Although 97A will make riding more pleasant for you, this set-up is not suitable for lengthy rides. You might think about purchasing softer and larger wheels, or you could look at my other configurations or cruisers that are already built.
At first, the trucks could feel a little loose; be sure to adjust them to your taste. Your weight will determine how much tighter or looser it is. Skateboarders who are heavier can even think about switching out the bushings alongside Bones Hardcore Hard bushings.
2. Cruiser Skateboard 8.5″ or 9.0″
Cruiser Skateboard 8.5″ or 9.0″
- Deck size: 8.5″ x 32″
- Material: 7-ply maple wood
- Shape: cruiser with a kicktail
- Trucks: Bullet B150
- Wheels: OJ Super Juice 60mm, 78A
Let’s take a look at a skateboard that will make learning to ride much simpler. I suggest this set-up since it has a wider deck for added balance, large, soft wheels for a smooth ride, and once you get better, it can even be used as a bowl skateboard.
The wheels are the most crucial component in this particular configuration. Choose an 8.5′′ or perhaps a 9.0′′ because width is better than brand of deck.
Recommended components and requirements 8.5′′:
Recommended part & requirements 9′′:
What We like About This Skateboard
This skateboard provides a very smooth ride, avoids paving stones and fissures, and performs admirably on unpaved surfaces. You don’t really need to be concerned about little things suddenly obstructing your wheels. It provides a very steady ride and gives you lots of time to correct your stance if necessary or assume a more aggressive stance before approaching uncharted territory.
You can ride bowls with this configuration, which is another fantastic advantage. You must pump more forcefully since the wheels are soft, but you will have excellent traction. You have the option to eventually drive to your neighborhood bowl, switch to your 99A vintage wheels, and enter.
What We Don’t Like
The wheels can feel bouncy when practicing tricks because they are relatively soft. Even though this setup isn’t intended for that, you can still perform simple ollies and flips with some work. This board is heavier and less responsive for tricks because of its broader setup.
3. Landyachtz ATV Classic
Landyachtz ATV Classic
- Deck size: 32.25″ x 9.75″
- Material: 7-ply Canadian maple wood
- Shape: directional with a kicktail
- Trucks: Polar Bear 155mm
- Wheels: 63mm Fatty Hawgs, 78A
While there isn’t a perfect skateboard for tricks and cruising, there is a compromise. Some skateboard configurations are more ideal for tricks while others are better for cruising. Once you attempt to put up a board that can perform both, you must make a trade-off.
You need a skateboard with a smooth ride that doesn’t feel overly springy for this kind of setup. It will result in a board that can perform both, but it won’t be particularly good at either. Even yet, riding a skateboard like this is a lot of pleasure if you understand your limits.
The result is the master of none, the Landyachtz ATV Classic. an entertaining board with certain limitations. A smooth cruise is possible with just enough mellowness and concave to take a somewhat more aggressive stance when performing tricks. I’ll give you the skinny even though I already gave the Landyachtz ATV a thorough assessment.
What We like About The Landyachtz ATV Classic
This board is quick and buttery smooth. The wheels are excellent, and you don’t need to push very hard to maintain your pace. It works better for cruising than tricks, but a skilled skater can still do it.
It handles rough roads well, makes it simple to jump curbs, and is excellent for anyone who wish to learn how to ride a traditional popsicle form. I put it to the test on a variety of roads, and it performed surprisingly well:
Unless you build one yourself, which is simple and less expensive, it’s one of the few cruiser popsicles available. Here’s a recommendation:
What We Don’t Like
The setup’s weight is one thing I noticed. To get it off the ground, you really need to pop hard. Beginners will enjoy the smooth ride but find it more difficult to pick up tricks. You prefer to learn some tricks as soon as you become more proficient and can ride with confidence.
The Classic ATV falls short in this regard since it is too heavy and sluggish to learn tricks. The board will bounce back up when it hits the ground because of how bouncy the wheels are. This increases the likelihood of damage and makes it difficult to land steadily.
4. Landyachtz Tugboat
Landyachtz Tugboat
- Deck size: 30″ x 9″
- Material: 7-ply Canadian maple wood
- Shape: cruiser with a kicktail
- Trucks: Polar Bear 155mm
- Wheels: Hawgs Fatty 63mm, 78A
The only board I haven’t tested is this one, however I have tested the Tugboat Captain, a somewhat bigger version of it that has been discontinued (see the review).
The Tugboat is similar to the Arbor Oso, but because of its high concave, it is more aggressive. It has a large tail and large soft wheels, just like the Oso, but superior bushings.
Because of the board’s severe curve, beginners may find it more difficult to learn to ride it. However, the wide arrangement makes it possible. You can actually lean into it at quite a steep angle before it throws you off because of how well it carves.
As you become more adept at riding, you can attempt more difficult tasks like navigating through gravel or grassy sections. If your body is in the right position, the tugboat can handle it.
What We Like About The Tugboat
Although it can be a little difficult for beginners to ride at first, you will come to appreciate its aggressive nature. This arrangement is perfect for those who want to ride around town and need a cruiser that is incredibly responsive.
It is fairly robust and resilient, and the bushings don’t need much adjusting. I also believe that this is an excellent board for someone who hasn’t played in a long but wants something entertaining to cruise on.
What We Don’t Like
Even though we were able to kickflip this board, it isn’t particularly good for tricks. It excels in cruising, which is the only activity. Other than the sharp concave, which new skateboarders may find unpleasant, there isn’t much else to dislike.
5. Arbor Oso
Arbor Oso
- Deck size: 32.25″ x 8.875″
- Material: 7-ply maple wood
- Shape: directional with a kicktail
- Trucks: Paris Reverse 50° 180mm
- Wheels: Arbor Mosh Series – Bogart 61mm, 78A
One of the best boards for people learning to ride is the Arbor Oso. The extraordinarily generous (10′′) deck is incredibly forgiving and allows for errors. You won’t fall off your board if you put your feet in the wrong place, and you may change your stance without properly losing balance.
An elderly novice skateboarder who was having a lot of trouble riding a regular-shaped skateboard recently got in touch with me. After falling and suffering injuries, he was about to give up when he sought for my guidance. I handed him my old Oso with a few tweaks, and that completely changed the situation.
He can now ride a board easily and stops falling as frequently. The Arbor Oso, in my opinion, is the greatest choice if you want to learn how to navigate around town safely.
What We Like About the Arbor Oso
This board rides like a dream and looks fantastic. The softer 78A/60mm wheels handle harder terrain and don’t notice pebbles or fractures. It’s simple to correct your stance without falling, even if you place your feet slightly incorrectly.
For novices or those who prefer a leisurely ride without having to continually change their stance, the deck’s lack of concave is fantastic.
What We Don’t Like About the Arbor Oso
The Oso has a flaw that needs to be corrected as soon as you get this cruiser. Because they are overly firm, the bushings never fully break in. The factory bushings should be changed immediately, and doing so is rather simple. Purchase a set of 94A Independent bushings. This has a significant impact.
Look at the Landyachtz ATV-X Ditch Life or the Tugboat if you want a more aggressive but still wide arrangement. The Oso doesn’t provide much fun when turning tight corners or hopping curbs because of the relatively mild concave.
6. Globe Big Blazer XL
Globe Big Blazer XL
- Deck size: 32″ x 9.125″
- Material: Resin-8 hard rock maple
- Shape: cruiser with a kicktail
- Trucks: Slant reverse kingpin 180mm
- Wheels: Globe 62mm, 83A
The Globe Big Blazer is one of the most uninteresting cruisers, according to experienced riders. It feels sluggish, lacks concave, and reacts a little more slowly. The irony is that this is the ideal adult novice “skateboard.”
This board’s dependability makes it an ideal one to learn to ride. It can accomplish what the majority of cruiser skateboards can, albeit a little more slowly and leisurely. In this manner, you avoid unpleasant surprises.
But it astonished me. I tried to ride through the grass, but I had a bad crash. The ground was wet, and the pilot made a mistake.
What We Like About The Globe Big Blazer XL
For a dull board, it’s quick and stable, although I think I’ve already given most of it away. The tougher bushings aid in steering slowly in the intended direction and prevent any surprise bends.
In addition, it has a bottle opener at the bottom and is reasonably priced in comparison to the other boards on this list. I really recommend this to anyone who really struggle to learn how to ride properly since I adore the design and aesthetics. It turns reasonably well, has soft, wide wheels, and provides all the stability a complete novice needs.
What We Don’t Like
Because it is a dull, dependable cruiser, it is a very safe board to ride. Stay away if you’re looking for more excitement or have skated before. You’ll likely desire something more difficult once you master riding this beast. It’s alright. You could sell it and use the proceeds to purchase a more appealing item.
7. Arbor Whiskey Recruit
Arbor Whiskey Recruit
- Deck size: 8.125″
- Material: 7-ply maple wood
- Shape: symmetrical with a kicktail
- Trucks: Paris Street 149mm
- Wheels: Arbor Easyrider Series – Bogart 61mm, 78A
A complete configuration with softer wheels and a bigger board is available from Arbor. Consider the Arbor Whiskey Recruit 8.25′′ or the 8.5′′ if you want to save some money.
Because of the comfort of riding and the slightly softer wheels, this is a fantastic beginner board for adults. The wider layout makes it simpler to balance, and inexperienced riders won’t find the concave to be too difficult. Comparable to the ATV Classic, although this one tends to be trickier, making it less suitable as a cruiser.
If you replace the bushings, it’s a versatile board that is responsive without making sudden movements. a good option for individuals who wish to pick up riding and ollies as quickly as possible. You should be able to perform a few simple tricks because the wheels aren’t overly bouncy.
What We Like About The Recruit
It includes Ace trucks, which are incredibly maneuverable and excellent for learning to ride and turn. Long enough for novice skaters who don’t like surprises, the wheelbase is stable. It also handles well on gripping asphalt while remaining grippy enough on slippery concrete, is perfect for taller aspiring skateboarders, and is reasonably priced.
What We Don’t Like
Although the wheels are relatively soft, they are not appropriate for riding for extended distances. It does, however, perform this function better than the majority of existing completes. The bushings are the main drawback; you need replace them immediately because they are too soft for grownups. Instead, replace the trucks with any 92A or 94A independent standard bushings.
If you don’t, you’ll first despise this skateboard; correct bushings will change everything!
Assembling All the Parts
If you’ve previously built Lego models, putting together a skateboard will be simple. Pick the sections I advised, then see a YouTube video. The application of the grip tape is the most challenge, although even that is simpler than it appears.
If you don’t have a wrench or screwdriver at home, be sure to use a skate tool. A skate tool, however, is fantastic for adjusting your skateboard while you’re riding, and I highly recommend them. A utility knife is also required to cut the grip tape’s edges.
Recommended Skateboard Size For Adults
All of the boards I listed, with the exception of the 8.25′′ setup, are wider than normal, as you’ll observe. An 8.0′′ wide skateboard is not a good place to start because they are more difficult to balance.
For novice skateboarders, a narrow deck’s narrower wheelbase makes it much harder to handle. Longer wheelbases provided by wider decks make turning slightly simpler. Because it takes more time to recover from falling, you need a skateboard that gives stability and safety as a beginner. If you’re interested, you can read more about skateboards and wheelbase here.
There is no need to worry about the length. When the width expands, the length also grows, and the manufacturers of boards are now aware of what works.
You need ample space to set your feet down and to adjust your posture if necessary. Compared to an 8.5′′ skateboard, an 8.0′′ is far less forgiving. An 8.0 could work if you are extremely short, but a broader configuration is still preferable.
Start with a skateboard that is at least 8.25 inches wide, but an 8.5 is preferable. Years may have passed before you began performing difficult technical tricks on a regular basis.
I don’t want you to be demoralized either. The improper setup or purchasing a subpar skateboard can cause irritation, which can result in giving up. That would be unnecessary.
Advice From an Old Skater To Adult Skaters
I didn’t worry about wearing safety equipment when I was a beginner skater. Helmet and knee pads? That just seems weird. It took longer to heal as I grew older and time caught up with me.
You likely have more obligations as an adult skateboarder, whether they are related to your family, your job, or both. How much self-defense do you desire, is the question you should ask yourself. Although wearing protective equipment can first seem constricting, you’ll grow used to it, and the equipment becomes more flexible after some break-in.
No matter how awkward it makes you feel, the first rule is to always wear a helmet. You are an adult with likely responsibilities. One of my favorite helmets, which I wholeheartedly suggest, is shown in the picture below.
Next are knee pads. Different types of knee protectors are available. Some are excellent for hard impacts, while others will reduce the majority of the stress associated with hits. Elbow and wrist protection are always an option. While wrist protection are not actually necessary, any inexpensive gloves should work.
Although some measures are advised, if you’re still in your twenties, you shouldn’t be concerned. Take heed if you have recently turned 30 or are in your mid-30s. Injury recovery times will be longer, and your flexibility has decreased.
Depending on your overall physical state, a single session in your 40s can leave your feet hurting and extremely uncomfortable. Heck, the other day I tried some ollies while skating in a bowl. My left foot is now in pain just a few attempts. It is the unflinching truth of aging.
Over 45? More padding is better. This includes a helmet, sturdy knee and elbow pads, some quality gloves, and wrist and hand protectors. Even cushioned shorts should be taken into account. Your hips and butt are both protected by them.
It’s not exactly kind to your body when you do some simple maneuvers when skateboarding. If you merely want to ride, you’re generally safe, but you should still start out slowly. Even pushing itself can result in injury.
Please take a moment to review the knee pads I suggest as well as the helmets I propose. I gave a lot of them a try, but just a select number actually stand out. Purchase high-quality equipment. Your body will appreciate the one-time investment after a challenging slam. The use of elbow protectors is also important.
Find other senior skateboarders who can assist you, if at all possible. You can learn from various groups of experienced skaters who are just starting out. It will significantly impact how quickly you learn.
Start Slow
This isn’t a how-to manual for skating; rather, it’s a self-care manual because skating may be painful. Basically, you want to start off slowly (depending on your physical condition). Don’t practice for hours on end if you’re just learning how to skateboard.
The first time, try for an hour, and then wait until the next day to see how you feel. Minor annoyances are frequently bearable, but if you don’t give yourself some time to recover, they could get worse.
Most likely, you’re employing muscles you don’t typically use, and getting used to it takes some time. Your feet hurting is natural, and the next day you’ll undoubtedly feel stiff. Spend a day or so recovering before continuing where you left off. Just keep in mind that you can always learn to skateboard.
Bring the Essentials For Your Safety
Please pack a phone; I was once approached by an older skater who said that he followed my advice and did so because it saved his life. If you’re out there alone, you need to be able to communicate somehow. Make careful to inform your loved ones of your whereabouts.
Keep hydrated and bring a skating tool to modify your setup. Extremely intense is skateboarding. Bring a banana for some rapid carbohydrates—I’m not kidding. Without needing to end your session early, there is more you can provide to address typical issues.
Advice to Heavier Older Skaters
Sometimes the years weren’t kind to your body, and you may have put on some weight. Skateboarding is a fantastic method to shed pounds, but it becomes dangerous when you’re heavier. Visit my heavy skateboarder’s guide. It contains all the information required for a secure setup.
The most crucial step is swapping out the factory bushings for aftermarket ones. Truck bushings are frequently overly soft, giving the board a shaky, unstable sensation. Either you are too hefty, or the bushings are too soft. The bushings you require are listed in the following table:
| Weight pounds | Weight KG | Flexy | Medium | Stiff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 | 80 | 87a | 90a | 90a |
| 200 | 91 | 90a | 90-93a | 93a |
| 225 | 102 | 93a | 93-95a | 95a |
| 250 | 113 | 95a | 95-97a | 97a |
| 275 | 125 | 97a | 97a | 100a |
With the proper durometer, I advise using Standard Independent bushings, Shorty’s Doh-Doh’s Bushings, or Bones Hardcore Bushings. There are other other brands available that are effective; all you need to do is choose the proper hardness.
Conclusion
It may feel strange at first to want to pick up skateboarding as an adult. To avoid rush hour, visit a skate park early in the morning. Alternately, locate a location with concrete or smooth asphalt that has few people nearby, but be sure to have a phone.
Start out slowly, don’t push yourself too hard, and remember that you’re no longer in your twenties. Learning to skateboard will take some practice, and you will fall, fail, get back up, and try again. At the very least, don knee pads and a helmet.
In case you are still unsure of what you require, look over these associated articles. You will learn more about what works and what doesn’t from them. You can then choose the components based on your requirements.
