It’s now an established community that shares passion, lifestyle, and identity, transcending age, gender, and creed.

There’s something truly magical about this simple piece of wood on four wheels—a source of freedom, creativity, and connection. I’ve seen people of all ages dive into skateboarding and thrive thanks to the positive reinforcement that the skateboard culture encourages.

The freedom to express themselves, the creativity it unlocks, and the connections it fosters are nothing short of magical.

Despite the magic, there’s a catch:

By starting with ollies and flips before mastering the art of cruising. Remember learning to ride a bike as a kid? None of us started with a backflip; we simply tried to ride ten meters straight. That first rush when we managed to balance and pedal forward—capture that feeling. It’s the same magic that skateboarding should bring when we start the right way. Unfortunately, many start off on the wrong foot, quite literally.

Jumping into skateboarding tricks without mastering the basics can be disheartening. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you don’t have a community to turn to for motivation and help. And the worst case? You end up nursing an injury and calling it quits.

Just like any new activity you want to pick up. You don’t need to learn fancy tricks to have fun with it. That’s where cruising comes in.

The Liquid Skateboard is designed to make every step of your skateboarding journey enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered.

For beginners: It’s all about building a solid foundation. You’ll learn essential skills, such as pushing smoothly—no remote controls here—gaining confidence, and mastering your balance. Plus, there’s the pure joy that comes with simply riding your board. Embracing these basics makes the entire experience more rewarding and sets the foundation for all those advanced tricks you dream of.

Already advanced? Our board is your new travel companion. It still offers the authentic skateboarding experience—no shortcuts here. We’ve just made cruising effortless and enjoyable. Plus, it’s lightweight, compact enough to fit onto your backpack, and designed to feel like a streetboard under your feet.

Our campaign is over, but you still have a chance to get your hands on one of our last pre-sales.

Are you ready to experience the joy of skateboarding like never before? Join us on this adventure with Liquid Skateboard.

Share the stroke with your friends and skateboard enthusiasts! Together, let’s spread the love for skateboarding.

The post No age to start skateboarding appeared first on Liquid skateboard.

Whether you’re a seasoned skater, a curious beginner, or someone fascinated by the intricacies of deck design, buckle up as we navigate through the differences in shapes, sizes, and functionalities that make each skateboard unique.

An overview of the different types

The difference between shortboards and longboards

Shape :

One of the main differences between longboards and shortboards is how their noses and tails are shaped. Shortboards usually have a tilted tail, making it easier to do tricks like kick turns and ollies. The nose on shortboards is often angled too, but some, like the Penny board, keep it flat.

Now, longboards don’t go for the tilted tail and nose and instead, focus more on stability. Most longboard decks do not even offer the space beyond the trucks to call that a nose or a tail.

Size :

Diving into the length game of skateboards, it’s no surprise that longboards live up to their name. They are generally longer than shortboards. Shortboards typically clock in at around 32 inches (about 82 cm), seldom stretching beyond 36 inches (92 cm).

Now, longboards throw in some variety, ranging from 35 inches to a whopping 50 inches (90 to 130 cm). It is worth noting that you might stumble upon longboards shorter than 32 inches. Just take a peek at the nose and tail shapes, and they will tell you whether it is a short or longboard.

Trucks :

When it comes to trucks, a common guideline is to match their width to that of your board, ensuring your wheels align with the deck’s width. (The Penny board bends this rule with a wider wheel footprint compared to its deck.)

Now, let’s talk longboards versus shortboards in terms of truck geometry:

The biggest difference in truck geometry is the angle of the pivot axis, which indicates the relationship between how much your trucks will turn and how much the deck is angled.

The greater the angle, the easier it is to turn, making your truck more sensitive. The lower the angle, the more stable your truck becomes. This angle, combined with the offset (distance between wheel axis and pivot axis), defines the style of the kingpin.

Longboards typically roll with a “reversed kingpin” truck, ideal for various styles like longboarding, downhill, carving, freeride, and freestyle. These trucks, with their reversed kingpin, sit lower, delivering enhanced stability—perfect for high speeds and smooth rides.

Conversely, shortboards usually rock the “standard kingpin” trucks. These sit higher, offering more control and agility but trade off a bit of stability at those breakneck speeds.

Do you want to become more knowledgeable about the different parts of a skateboard? Check out our skateboarding parts glossary.

The characteristics of each type of skateboard

Penny

The penny board is one of the shortest type of skateboard you can find. It is often made of plastic and equipped with soft wheels and very narrow trucks. Perfect for kids or young adults who just want to discover the pleasure of cruising, they are quite limiting when it comes to performing tricks of any kind. They are however extremely compact and lightweight, so they can fit in a bag pack and be carried around.

Street board

Arguably the most popular shape in skateboarding, the classic shortboard is what typically comes to mind. Sporting a popsicle shape and a double kick design, this board features both the front (nose) and rear (tail) tilted upward, making it ideal for executing tricks and riding skateparks with ease. These skateboards have stiff decks and harder wheels to withstand the impact of tricks like ollies and kickflips. The double kick design adds versatility, allowing skaters to perform tricks and flips in both regular and switch stances.

While perfect for concrete and smooth surfaces, these shortboards may become less comfortable for use outside of skateparks, making them a lesser choice for cruising.

Cruiser

The cruiser combines the advantages of a popsicle shape and a double kick design, featuring a wider deck for a more stable and comfortable stance, along with big and soft wheels for a smooth ride.

The presence of a kick tail allows the rider to perform ollies and kick turns. It makes it widely agile and very easy to manoeuvre, hence the best choice for cruising in an urban environment.

It is the perfect board for transportation and rides across the city, thanks to its comfortable and agile truck geometry, as well as its compactness, lightness, and ease of carrying around.

Old school

The old-school skateboard boasts a distinctive shape that sets it apart from cruisers and popsicles, giving it a unique and retro look reminiscent of the early days of skateboarding. The board’s nose is rounded and not tilted upward, akin to the penny board. The tail is tilted and very wide, enabling ollies and tricks.

Old school skateboards are typically wider and feature a more curved and concave design compared to modern street skateboards. They can be found both in skateparks with hard wheels or for cruising with soft wheels.

Fishtail – surf skate

A surf skate, also known as a fishtail skateboard, is a specialized type of skateboard designed to mimic the feeling of surfing on land. It takes inspiration from the shape and design of surfboards, particularly those with a fishtail shape.

Surf skates often feature a longer wheelbase and wider trucks, allowing for smooth, flowing movements similar to riding a wave. These boards feature trucks with specific geometry, enabling a surfing-like motion called “pumping” that mimics the fluid movements found in surfing, allowing riders to gain speed. The deck of a surf skate is typically shorter and wider than a traditional skateboard, providing a stable platform for riders to practice surf-like maneuvers such as pumping and cutbacks. These skateboards are equipped with softer wheels to enhance grip and maneuverability on various surfaces.

This board is for a very specific use case, making it excellent for carving on wide and open spaces.

Drop through

A drop-through longboard features a unique deck design near the mounting points of the trucks. It has cutouts, allowing the baseplate of the trucks to be mounted through the deck. This design lowers the center of gravity of the rider, providing increased stability and making it easier to push and slide on the board.

Drop-through longboards are known for their better stability and smooth ride, making them popular for downhill riding, free-riding, and commuting. The lowered platform also makes it easier to push the board, reducing fatigue during long rides. They are a great choice for riders of all skill levels.

Drop down

A drop-down longboard pushes the philosophy of the drop-through (lowering the height of the deck) even further. To provide maximum stability, the deck is shaped in a way that the middle is much lower than the ends, creating a drop-down effect. This design lowers the rider’s center of gravity, providing maximum stability and making it the best choice for very high-speed rides (like downhill),

Dropped-down decks are in general much stiffer than drop-through, making them less prone to be used for commuting but much better for sliding and freeriding. Beginners will tend to prefer drop-through, as they are also more forgiving of mistakes than drop-down.

Pintail

The pin-tail longboard, a distinctive and classic design, embodies the essence of smooth cruising and laid-back carving. With its elongated shape tapering to a pointed tail resembling a pin, this longboard delivers a timeless aesthetic reminiscent of surfboard styling.

The pin tail not only adds a touch of vintage charm but also enhances stability during rides. Its extended deck provides ample space for comfortable foot placement, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a relaxed and fluid experience. Whether you’re gliding along beachside boardwalks or navigating winding pathways, the pin-tail longboard offers a smooth, surf-like ride. The combination of a pin tail, a long deck, and responsive trucks makes this longboard a classic choice for those who appreciate the art of cruising in style.

Dancing

As the name suggests, the dancing longboard is specifically designed for riders interested in longboard dancing.

The dancing longboard typically has an elongated and symmetrical deck. This design provides a larger and more even surface area for performing dance moves, footwork, and tricks. The deck may have a slight flex to enhance responsiveness during maneuvers.

Which one is for you?

Our recommendation to anyone new to the world of skateboarding would be to choose a shape that allows you to discover the joy of riding. Choose a board you could use daily and that gives you a sense of stability and control as you navigate the basics. Consider starting with a cruiser or a classic popsicle-shaped shortboard, both versatile options that cater to different preferences. These shapes provide a well-rounded introduction, letting you experiment with cruising, carving, and even basic tricks.

Additionally, prioritize a deck size that suits your comfort level and riding goals. A slightly wider deck can offer a more stable platform for beginners, aiding in balance and confidence. Remember, the key is to find a board that feels like an extension of yourself.

As you progress and discover your preferred riding style, you can always explore the diverse world of skateboards with different shapes and sizes.

The post The different types of skateboards appeared first on Liquid skateboard.

First thing first, a setup is made of a deck with a grip tape on top, of 2 trucks with 2 wheels each.

The deck

Profile

Let’s start by exploring the deck, an integral part of the setup that greatly influences what you will do with your skateboard. From its length and width to its material and shape, every aspect of the deck serves a specific purpose and caters to different skateboarding styles.

For those into flexible and playful rides, especially in disciplines like longboarding and dancing, long and thin decks with glass fiber reinforcement are preferred. This design provides a snowboard-like behavior, offering flexibility and a playful experience.

On the contrary, street decks demand stiffness for a powerful pop during tricks like ollies. These decks are often crafted from Canadian maple, sometimes incorporating glass-fiber or carbon fiber for added reinforcement. In essence, the deck’s properties—shape, material, width, length, the presence of a nose and tail, and wheelbase—all contribute to its overall performance.

Check our page about the different styles of deck for even more information.

Characteristics

Decks are mainly characterized by their :

Deck length: The deck length, ranging from 50 cm to more than 150 cm, significantly influences the stability and control of your skateboard. A longer deck is generally more stable, making it ideal for downhill riding or cruising. On the flip side, shorter decks offer increased manoeuvrability, suitable for technical tricks and street skating.
Deck width: Wider decks provide more stability, making them suitable for ramps, bowls, and cruising. On the other hand, narrower decks are more responsive, facilitating quick turns and flips, which are advantageous in street skating and technical manoeuvres.
Wheelbase: The wheelbase, the distance between the trucks, impacts the turning radius of your skateboard. A shorter wheelbase results in a tighter turn, ideal for street and park skating, while a longer wheelbase enhances stability, making it preferable for downhill and longboard cruising.
Tail and nose angle: The tail and nose angle affect the pop and control of your skateboard. A steeper angle on the tail and nose provides more leverage for tricks like ollies and flips. Street skaters often prefer higher angles for better performance in technical manoeuvres, while longboarders may opt for a mellower angle for smoother transitions and dance moves.

Trucks and sub-components:

Trucks are key to the performance of your skateboard, affecting turning, stability, and how well your skateboard handles different terrains. Understanding the intricacies of trucks will help you further customize your setup to suit your skateboarding style.

Let’s break down each piece to understand its role in the trucks sub-assembly:

Hanger: The horizontal T-shaped part connecting the axle to the kingpin. It plays a significant role in how your skateboard turns.
Axle: The rod that runs through the wheels, connecting them to the hanger. The length can affect the width of your skateboard.
Base plate: The flat, angled piece that mounts the trucks to the deck. It influences the turning responsiveness of your skateboard.
Kingpin: The large bolt that holds the trucks together. Adjusting its tightness affects the trucks’ tightness and turning.
Kingpin nut 3/8″: The nut that secures the kingpin to the hanger, allowing for adjustments that affect the tightness and turning responsiveness of the trucks.
Top cup washer: The flat washer at the top of the bushings. It helps distribute pressure evenly for smoother turns.
Top Bushing: The upper cylindrical part of the bushing. It works with the bottom bushing to provide stability and control and acts as a spring, compressed by the kingpin nut 3/8″.
Bottom Bushing: The lower cylindrical part of the bushing, working in conjunction with the top bushing.
Bottom Cup Washer: The flat washer beneath the bushings, aiding in even pressure distribution.
Pivot cup & pivot bushing: The pivot cup holds the pivot bushing and allows the trucks to pivot smoothly.
Riser pad: A thin pad placed between the trucks and deck to reduce vibrations and prevent wheel bite.

Wheels

Skateboarding got a major upgrade in the 1970s when urethane wheels hit the scene, bringing a whole new level of comfort, grip, and smoothness compared to the old steel ones.

Today, wheels are extremely important for how your skateboard performs, maybe even more so than the bearings. Wheels have different factors to consider:

1. Diameter: How big your wheels are, ranging from 50mm to 100mm.
2. Hardness (shore A): How soft or hard your wheels are, from 101A (hard) to 70A (soft). Soft wheels offer increased grip and comfort, while hard wheels make power slides easier.
3. Rebound Quality: Especially important for soft wheels and cruising, you’ll find High Rebound, Super High Rebound, or Ultra High Rebound. This affects how well your wheels roll and how smoothly you glide. The higher the rebound, the better the wheel’s rolling performance.

Also, the width and contact patch of your wheels matter. Wider wheels give more grip and make slides less progressive, while narrower wheels make sliding easier but can get flat spots easily.

Understanding these wheel details allows you to fine-tune your skateboard to your riding preferences, enhancing your overall skateboarding experience!

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