If you have decided, as an adult, you want to try out skateboarding, you are going to need to purchase a board. Having your own board is necessary for you to practice and learn on. As you shop for the right board, you need to know what to look for.
Go for a Wider Deck
The deck of the skateboard varies for each skateboard. As you are just getting started, you are going to want to go with a wider deck. A wider deck will help give you more stability, which is what you need when you are just getting started and learning the basics of skateboarding. You will not be able to flip your deck as easily; however, you will have the stability you need to master the basics.
You can move to a narrower board when you have learned how to be stable on your board and are ready for more advanced tricks. If you feel like you have mastered how to be stable with your skateboard already, go for a slightly narrower deck.
Length Isn't Overall Important
The length of your board is not overall important. Small decks are made for children, and medium decks are generally made for pre-teens and smaller adults. A regular deck usually works just fine for most adults. Avoid a long deck, as a long deck is actually a longboard, which is a different type of skateboard.
Choose Medium Hard Wheels
When you purchase a skateboard, you need to choose the specific types of wheels you want on the skateboard. The wheels are not a permanent feature; you can change the wheels over time. To start out with, you are going to want to purchase medium hard wheels. Medium hard wheels will help you get the stability you need.
Avoid really hard wheels until you have really mastered the basics. With hard wheels, you really need to have the skateboard under control.
Choose Quality Bearings
When choosing bearings for your skateboard, go for middle-of-the-line bearings. Don't go for the cheapest or the most expensive bearings you can purchase; goes for ones that are right in the middle. You don't want cheap knock-off bearings that will give out when you are skating, and as you are just getting started, you don't need to go with the highest-quality ones yet either.
When it comes to purchasing your first Powell Peralta skateboard, go for a wider width deck that is the regular length, and choose medium-hard wheels and quality bearings.