Skateboarding is more than a sportโitโs a lifestyle, a creative outlet, and a global culture. From street skating to vert ramps, from beginners learning their first ollie to pros filming video parts, skateboarding continues to evolve while staying rooted in individuality and freedom.
In this guide, youโll learn:
The basics of skateboarding culture The best skateboarding brands (with direct links) A step-by-step guide on how to build your own custom skateboard
Why Skateboarding Is More Popular Than Ever
Skateboarding has exploded in popularity thanks to:
Its inclusion in the Olympic Games Social media exposure from pro skaters Growing skate parks worldwide The rise of DIY and custom setups
Skateboarding offers fitness, creativity, and communityโall with minimal equipment.
The Best Skateboarding Brands (Trusted Worldwide)
These brands are known for quality, durability, and credibility in the skate community.
๐น Decks (Boards)
Element Skateboards
Sustainable decks with excellent pop and durability.
https://www.elementbrand.comhttps://www.elementbrand.com
Santa Cruz Skateboards
One of the most iconic brands in skate history.
๐ https://www.santacruzskateboards.com
Baker Skateboards
Street-focused decks used by many pro skaters.
๐ https://www.bakerskateboards.com
Zero Skateboards
Hard-hitting designs and solid construction.
๐ https://zeroskateboards.comhttps://www.elementbrand.com
๐ฉ Trucks
Independent Trucks
The industry standard for strength and turning response.
๐ https://www.independenttrucks.com
Thunder Trucks
Lightweight trucks with fast, responsive turning.
๐ https://www.thundertrucks.com
Venture Trucks
Great balance between stability and agility.
๐ https://www.venturetrucks.net
โ๏ธ Wheels
Spitfire Wheels
Top-tier urethane for speed, grip, and durability.
๐ https://www.spitfirewheels.com
Bones Wheels
Known for long-lasting formulas and smooth rolls.
๐ https://bones.com
โ๏ธ Bearings
Bones Bearings
The gold standard for speed and reliability.
๐ https://bonesbearings.com
๐งท Grip Tape & Hardware
Mob Grip โ Industry favorite grip tape
๐ https://mobgrip.com
Shake Junt โ Hardware, grip, and accessories
๐ Shoes & Apparel
Vans Skateboarding
Classic skate shoes with board feel and durability.
๐ https://www.vans.com/skate
Nike SB
High-performance skate shoes and apparel.
Thrasher Magazine
Iconic skate culture brand.
๐ https://www.thrashermagazine.com
How to Build Your Own Skateboard (Step-by-Step)
Building your own skateboard allows you to customize feel, performance, and style.
1๏ธโฃ Choose Your Deck
Pick a size based on your skating style:
7.75โโ8.0โ โ Technical street skating 8.0โโ8.5โ โ All-around skating 8.5โ+ โ Transition, bowls, and ramps
๐ Buy decks from:
Element โ https://www.elementbrand.com Baker โ https://www.bakerskateboards.com Santa Cruz โ https://www.santacruzskateboards.com
2๏ธโฃ Select Your Trucks
Match truck width to your deck size.
Example: 8.0โ deck โ 139mm trucks
๐ Trusted truck brands:
Independent โ https://www.independenttrucks.com Thunder โ https://www.thundertrucks.com
3๏ธโฃ Pick Your Wheels
Choose wheels based on terrain:
99Aโ101A hardness โ Street & skate parks 78Aโ90A hardness โ Rough pavement & cruising
๐ Wheel brands:
Spitfire โ https://www.spitfirewheels.com Bones โ https://bones.com
4๏ธโฃ Add Bearings
Bearings determine your speed and smoothness.
๐ Bones Bearings โ https://bonesbearings.com
5๏ธโฃ Apply Grip Tape
Grip tape provides foot control for tricks.
๐ Mob Grip โ https://mobgrip.com
6๏ธโฃ Get Hardware & Tools
Youโll need bolts, nuts, and a skate tool.
๐ Shake Junt โ https://shakejunt.com
๐ Assembly Order
Apply grip tape to your deck Screw in trucks with hardware Insert bearings into wheels Mount wheels onto trucks Tighten everything and youโre ready to ride
Beginner Tips for Your First Setup
Donโt overtighten trucksโstart loose and adjust Use medium-hard wheels (99A) for versatility Always wear a helmet when learning Practice basics before tricks: pushing, stopping, turning
Final Thoughts
Skateboarding is about expression, progression, and community. Whether youโre cruising your neighborhood or perfecting kickflips at the park, having the right setup makes all the difference.
By using trusted brands like Element, Baker, Independent, Bones, and Spitfire, you ensure your board performs well and lasts longer. Building your own skateboard not only saves moneyโit connects you to the craft of skating itself.