Features And Factors To Consider In Purchasing Commuter Boards

Many of us have found skateboarding to be a fun and practical way of commuting. But with so many skateboards out there, it can be tough to know where to start when buying your own skateboard for commuting.

Man with brown shoes rides his commuter skateboard.
Source: pixabay.com

That’s why FamilyHype has put together these helpful tips for you! We’ll walk you through everything you need to consider – from understanding your travel needs, choosing the right type of skateboard for a cruiser, longboard, penny board, or regular skateboard, considering the deck material like maple, bamboo, or plastic, selecting the appropriate size and shape for skateboards including mini, mid-sized, and full-sized decks, as well as wheels and bearings selection like soft or hard wheels, including soft wheels for a smoother skateboard ride.

And because safety always comes first, we’ll also cover essential safety equipment like helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads for skateboarding.

So let’s hop on this journey together and help you find a skateboard that will make your commute not just easier but more enjoyable too!

Key Takeaways

  • We’ll take you through the fundamentals of selecting a skateboard for commuting, from recognizing your needs to choosing materials and safety gear. Remember, it’s not only about looks; picking the right skateboard can make your ride more comfortable and safer.
  • At FamilyHype, we understand how important it is to discover the perfect skateboard, whether it’s a modern cruiser skateboard, longboard, penny board, old school skateboard, or the best skateboards that fit your commute needs. That’s why we’ve created this guide to make your search simpler. 
  • When it comes to buying skateboards, there are several major components and values to consider, especially if you’re aiming for a setup that aligns with the style of street skating enthusiasts like Tony Hawk and meets the criteria for being suitable for commutes. This is particularly important when selecting commuter skateboards that meet your specific needs.
  • Consider skateboard deck size, wheel size, skateboard shape, and wheel hardness, ensuring you don’t compromise on quality skateboard.
  • Additionally, don’t forget to add safety equipment such as a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, especially considering complete skateboards, to your shopping list for buying.
  • With the correct combination for buying, including the right street league skateboarding components and advice from a seasoned professional skateboarder who emphasizes the importance of quality parts, and insights from skateboarding competitions, you can enjoy a smooth ride and feel secure on your journey. 

Understand Your Skateboard Commuting Needs

Before you rush out to buy one, it’s important to consider your commuting needs.

Think about the following:

  • the travel distance
  • the type of terrain you’ll encounter
  • the hills or flat areas
  • the usual weather conditions, especially if you’re considering a regular skateboard for your journey.

By carefully considering these factors, such as the electric skateboard, penny boards, or a skateboard for commuting, along with features like the best skateboard grip tape, larger and softer wheels, high-quality components, and riser pads, you can ensure a comfortable ride for long distances that perfectly matches your preferences and requirements, including a skateboard for commuting.

Aside from these, of course, the types of skateboards you should be looking at should be based on your skill level and skating style. Those make a big difference.

Choosing The Right Type

Choosing The Right Type Of Skateboard, whether it’s a cruiser board, longboard, penny board, or complete skateboard, is an important decision. There are a lot of types of skateboards that are available, you have to pick what suits your personal preference and skill level.

Although it may seem tricky at first, the process can be made easier by considering board aesthetics, brand influence, and the type of deck. Aesthetics reflect the rider’s style, and brand influence provides credibility. Know your skating style and what type of skateboard you would like to use. Purchasing one for yourself depends on what you would like to do – would you like to use it for transportation, one with higher speeds? Would you like to use it as a complete cruiser?

Board types include cruisers, longboards, or the standard version, each catering to a different skating style. Choosing a type of skateboard perfect for you depends on your personal preference and skill level, too. Additionally, it’s important to consider the deck material of the skateboard.

By taking all of these factors into account, including old-school decks or old-school skateboards, we can be sure to select a skateboard that’s best suited for our commuting needs and allows us to perform basic tricks.

Skateboard For Commuter: Deck Material

As we delve deeper into picking the right skateboard, it’s crucial to consider what material the deck is made of.

Choosing between wood, bamboo, or carbon fiber isn’t just about aesthetics—it impacts performance and durability, especially for modern skateboarding and professional skateboarders.

Let’s break down these options and find out which one suits your street skating needs best.

Wooden Skateboard For Commuting

A wooden skateboard is a good choice for commuting due to its sturdy feel and reasonable price, offering a smooth ride for a full day of travel.

Cruising down the city streets on a wooden skateboard is an experience unlike any other. With its warm texture and natural aesthetics, wood offers a unique combination of durability, beauty, responsiveness, and sustainability that make it a great choice for skateboards. This is the traditional and standard skateboard, loved by both beginner and pro riders.

We believe that wood is a great material for boards and other recreational activities – and that’s why we want to introduce you to a great eco-friendly alternative: the skateboard!

Bamboo is an incredibly durable and sustainable material. Its resilience and strength make it perfect for withstanding the wear and tear of skateboarding, while its light weight helps to ensure a smooth and responsive ride. Additionally, bamboo’s natural grain patterns are unique and beautiful, making for a visually stunning skateboard that will stand out from the crowd.

For those looking for a skateboard that is both eco-friendly and built to last, bamboo is a great option. Not only is it a renewable material, but it also offers the same durability, beauty, and responsiveness as wood. So, if you’re looking for a great skateboard that will last for years to come, consider bamboo!

Bamboo Skateboard For Commuting

You’ll find that bamboo’s impressive strength-to-weight ratio makes it a viable option for various applications beyond skateboarding, and its fast-growing nature contributes to its status as a highly sustainable resource.

Bamboo for its durability and sustainability, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to serve the earth while enjoying their journey. Skateboards made from bamboo come with a great eco-friendly benefit compared to other materials such as plastic, metal, or wood.

Stay tuned as we explore another material with similar strength and eco-friendly benefits in our next section on carbon fiber.

Carbon Fiber Skateboard For Commuting

Discovering the strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber, much like bamboo, is an exciting experience.

We understand that this Carbon Fiber Durability is due to its unique Manufacturing Process. This allows us to provide our readers with reliable skateboards for commuting.

These boards are not only lightweight but also incredibly strong, meeting the high standards set by Transworld Skateboarding. To ensure you get the perfect size and shape for your commuting needs, it’s important to understand the various skateboard entities such as size, shape, material, and weight.

Many brands also offer cruiser skateboards that are made of carbon fiber. If you have a personal preference of using this material, then that’s great! You can buy your complete cruiser board here, along with other types of skateboards.

With these criteria, you can find the perfect board for your needs. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of carbon fiber and its significant advantages when it comes to skateboarding.

Skateboards For Commuter: Right Size & Shape

Choosing the best skateboard, including popsicle-shaped skateboards and cruiser skateboards, for longer distances, the right size and shape of a skateboard, with the added feature of roller skate wheels attached, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about finding the best fit for your weight and loose trucks for a super fun and responsive ride. It’s important to find a design that you genuinely enjoy.

Additionally, selecting the right skateboard wheels and bearings is key to having a smooth and enjoyable ride, especially when considering the commuting distance. From skateboards to cruisers, street boards to mini-cruisers, boards have a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, catering to different preferences, whether you prefer the thrill of high speeds or the comfort of slower speeds.

For example, longboard attributes include length, width, wheelbase, truck mounting, and deck material, while cruiser attributes include deck and wheel size, wheel type, and deck material, with some individuals preferring longer rides to fully enjoy the experience, with some individuals preferring smaller boards for enhanced maneuverability. Cruiser skateboards are good for commuting, but not the best for tricks. So keep that in mind.

Make sure to consider all of these attributes before selecting a skateboard that’s the perfect fit for you, ensuring that you choose a deck with the right level of concavity for more grip on your normal skateboard.

Soft Wheels & Bearings For Commuter Skateboards

Exploring the right set of wheels (wheel size and wheel types) and bearings, whether it’s for a longboard, standard board, cruiser board, mini-cruiser, or standard skateboard, can truly crank up your skateboarding experience to a whole new level, connecting you with the roots of skateboarding history.

Durability, maintenance, and reliability should all be prioritized when selecting a set of wheels and bearings for your skateboard, especially if you plan to ride on rough terrain. Choose wisely for a smooth, reliable ride on skateboards or other boards that will last you many sessions. Your skateboard wheels are a big part of your board, especially because without them you won’t be able to move.

Skateboarder with protective gear rides his commuter skateboard.
Source: pixabay.com

When it comes to skateboarding, there are a few key elements to consider: the skateboard deck, trucks, wheels (including softer wheels for a smoother ride and bigger wheels for improved stability), and skateboard bearings. Each component plays an integral role in the overall performance of the skateboard. The deck provides stability, the trucks provide turning capability, the wheels provide speed and momentum, and the skateboard bearings provide smoothness—essential elements for professional skateboarding.

When selecting your skateboard components, it is important to consider the size, shape, and material of the parts to ensure they are compatible with one another and suitable for your riding style. The type of skateboard you need for your intentions and plans in using it is essential. For types of boards that you want to use at higher speeds, there are different models available for that. Skateboard wheels are also a big part of your board, so based on your skating style, would you need to customize yours – or stick with the standard skateboard inclusions?

Remember, in serving others, we serve ourselves. So when it comes to skateboarding, make sure to outfit yourself with the necessary safety equipment.

Now let’s roll safely into our next topic.

Skateboard For Commuting: Safety Gear

Investing in top-notch safety equipment, including helmets and pads from reputable skateboard companies, is essential to ensure you and other skateboarders remain safe.

Source; pixabay.com

Helmets, in particular, are an absolute must – they’re the difference between life and death in certain circumstances. Combine your cruiser skateboards with helpful protective gear as you ride.

Furthermore, protective clothing, such as knee and elbow pads, can help prevent scrapes and bruises.

By setting a good example and playing it safe, we can help ensure that skateboarding remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all.

Skateboards For Commuting: Conclusion

We’ve walked you through the essentials of choosing a commuter skateboard, from understanding your needs to selecting materials and safety gear. Remember, it’s not just about style; picking the right skateboard can make your skateboard ride smoother and safer.

We know how important it is to find the perfect skateboard that’ll fit your commute needs. That’s why we’ve put together this skateboard guide to make your search easier. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to hit the pavement and enjoy your new skateboard ride!

When it comes to skateboards, there are a few key attributes and values to consider, including skateboard deck size, skateboard wheel size, skateboard board shape, and skateboard wheel hardness, with a specific emphasis on the benefits of small wheels for enhanced maneuverability. There are many types of skateboards and skateboard wheels you can choose from, but with the right research, you can pick the perfect one for you. With the right combination, you can enjoy a smooth skateboard ride and stay safe on your commute.

Don’t forget to also add skateboard safety gear like a skateboard helmet, skateboard elbow pads, skateboard knee pads, and a set of big soft wheels to your skateboard shopping list for a smoother and more comfortable skateboard ride.

We hope our skateboard guide, including insights into skateboarding culture history, has made it easier for you to select the perfect skateboard for your commute. So, grab your skateboard and go exploring! And don’t forget to share your feedback with us at FamilyHype – we’d love to hear from you.

Skateboard For Commuting FAQs:

Are Boards Better Than Bikes When Traveling?

The choice between skateboards, electric cruisers, or a bike for travel depends on personal preference, the distance of your journey, and the terrain you’ll encounter. Skateboards are excellent for short to moderate distances on smooth surfaces. Bicycles are a versatile option that can handle longer distances and a wider range of terrains. Electric cruisers offer a compromise between the two, combining the convenience of a board with a motor for added speed and range.

Can You Use A Board To Travel?

Yes, boards with wheels can indeed serve as a viable means of commuting over short distances, providing a convenient option for those who want to navigate urban areas. These are great to use on the street and skaters even enjoy cruising through rough surfaces. Most cruisers also allow riders to perform power slides, making them a fantastic choice for navigating urban environments or getting around college campuses. Their compact and portable nature adds to their convenience. The average price of a complete cruiser board amounts to around 100 dollars.

Commuting using these boards allows individuals to avoid the hassle of finding parking spaces and can even contribute to a more eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, it’s essential to consider the terrain, as smoother paths are more conducive to a comfortable and efficient journey. Additionally, safety measures like wearing protective gear and adhering to local traffic regulations should always be a priority when using these boards for daily commuting purposes.

How Do I Choose A Good Board?

Selecting the right board for your needs involves a thoughtful consideration of several key factors. First and foremost, determine the purpose of your board, whether it’s for commuting, tricks, or cruising. For commuting, opt for a deck that provides a stable and smooth ride, typically a longboard or a cruiser. Next, consider the deck material, with options including wood, bamboo, or composite materials. The size of the decks and wheels matters too; larger decks, wheels or tires offer more stability, while smaller ones are more maneuverable. Ideally, you match it with your shoe size, as you will find out that while you’re learning beginner tricks, the size of the board matters greatly.

Additionally, pay attention to the wheel types and wheel size – softer wheels provide a smoother ride on rough surfaces, while harder wheels are better for tricks on smooth terrain. Bearings, decks, wheels, and trucks should be tailored for you and comfortable for you to use. Finally, personal comfort and style should also play a role in your decision. Choosing a board that aligns with your preferences in terms of design and aesthetics can enhance your overall experience. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can confidently select a board that suits your commuting needs and preferences.

Can You Travel On Board?

Yes, skateboards are a great choice for commuting. Their larger deck size and softer wheels provide stability and a smooth ride, making them ideal for covering longer distances in urban environments. They offer a comfortable and efficient way to get around town, especially when the terrain is relatively flat. Cruiser skateboards are great for this. You can find a complete cruiser skateboard perfect for you in many stores. Discover its versatility and role in the evolution of modern skateboarding history and its popularity among street skaters.

What To Avoid When Purchasing A Board?

When buying a skateboard, it’s crucial to avoid cheap, low-quality options. These boards may not provide a safe or enjoyable skating experience. Instead, prioritize investing in a quality skateboard with durable components. Avoid not researching the types of skateboards available before purchasing. It’s important that you know and understand what the type of skateboard you want is. Shipping through online stores is ideal as it saves you more time, so you don’t have to get tired of going outside to different stores just to find the perfect one.

But always be careful about what you add to your cart. Check the brands and understand if it’s a good one, does the sale count coincide with the reviews on the product? This is your new skateboard you will be using for a long time and you don’t want to learn the hard way that you should have done more research.

Additionally, never skimp on safety equipment like helmets and pads; they are essential for preventing injuries, and the same principle applies to avoiding skateboards with cheap materials. And do not skimp on your skateboard wheels, they’re the life of your board. It’s essential that you take note of these, so you can have fun as you build your board!

Can You Turn With A Skateboard?

Yes, skateboards can be turned by shifting your weight and leaning in the direction you want to go. A standard skateboard typically weighs around 2 to 5 pounds, depending on the type of skateboard you have. This makes it manageable for even beginners to turn on their boards. If you’re using cruiser skateboards, know that it’s fairly easy to turn on these types of skateboards.

Is It OK For A Girl To Longboard?

Absolutely. It’s perfectly OK for a girl to longboard, whether she’s a beginner or experienced, as long as she enjoys riding and takes safety measures, especially when going at speed. Street skating is an inclusive sport enjoyed by people of all genders, including girls. There are many talented female skateboarders who have made significant contributions to the sport. Anyone can embrace street skating and enjoy the thrill of riding a skateboard—many female riders like using cruiser skateboards because of their features. The small size and easy maneuverability are a great plus. A complete cruiser standard skateboard amounts to around 100 dollars.

Can Longboarding Give You Abs?

Longboarding can engage your core muscles, especially when you’re balancing and making turns. While it can contribute to core strength, developing visible abs requires a balanced workout routine that targets the abdominal muscles directly, combined with proper nutrition.

Is It Easier To Turn On A Longboard?

Yes, turning on a longboard is generally easier than a regular skateboard. It does depend on your skill level and skating style, though. The design of your skateboard wheels makes a difference, too. Longboards typically have a wider turning radius, which allows for smoother and more controlled turns. This feature makes longboards a preferred choice for commuting and cruising as they provide stability and maneuverability.

How Many Times A Week Should You Skateboard?

The frequency of street skating can vary based on individual preferences, goals, and schedules. However, practicing several times a week is generally recommended to improve your skills and maintain fitness. It may take a while before you get familiar with your skating style. So to increase your skill level, consistent practice is the key. Consistent practice helps you build muscle memory, balance, and confidence on the board. You can adjust the frequency based on your availability and desired level of proficiency.

Last Updated on July 2, 2024 by Raymond Sy Tamco

DISCLAIMER (IMPORTANT): This information (including all text, images, audio, or other formats on FamilyHype.com) is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional advice, diagnosis, endorsement or treatment. You should not take any action or avoid taking action without consulting a qualified professional.   Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about medical conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here a FamilyHype.com.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.