Our Guide and Tips for Choosing the Right Skateboard

Whether you're just starting out or looking to replace your old board, choosing the right skateboard can quickly become a headache. Size, shape, concave, materials… it’s easy to get lost. But don’t worry! At Montaz, we’ll guide you step by step to find THE board that suits you.

1. What type of skateboarding do you want to do?

Before we even talk about sizes or design, you need to know what you want to do with your board. There are different styles of skateboarding, each with its own characteristics:

Street / Skatepark: Technical tricks, slides, grinds… You’ll need a lightweight, responsive, and durable board.
Cruising / casual rides: Just want to cruise around town or get from A to B? Choose a stable and comfortable board.
Ramp or bowl skating: For those who love curves and airtime, go for a wider, more stable deck.
Longboard / downhill: For speed and long downhill rides, you’ll need a specific board (longer, with reverse kingpin trucks).

Good to know: A “classic” skateboard is great for beginners in street or skatepark riding.

2. Choosing the right deck width for ramp or street skating

The width of the deck is a key factor. It affects stability, control, and maneuverability.

Deck width is usually chosen based on your shoe size:

Size 32–38 (typically kids): 7.0" to 7.75"
Size 38–40: 7.75" to 8.0"
Size 40–42: 8.0" to 8.25"
Size 42–44: 8.25" to 8.5"
Size 44–46+: 8.5" to 8.75"

Of course, every skater has their own style—these are just guidelines to help you get started with the right gear.

3. Shape, concave and materials

Concave: This refers to the curvature of the deck. A deeper concave gives more control for tricks, while a mellow concave is more comfortable and stable.
Shape: There are tons of board shapes. The classic popsicle shape (symmetrical with raised nose and tail) is perfect for street, park, or transition skating. Old-school shapes are better suited for cruising.
Materials: Most decks are made of 7-ply maple wood—strong and responsive. Some models include fiberglass or carbon fiber for added durability and lighter weight.

4. Should you buy a complete skateboard or build your own?

Complete skateboard: Completes are a great option if you’re a beginner or just want to cruise. Everything’s already assembled—you just need to tighten or loosen the bushings (rubber parts in the trucks) to your preference. Completes are usually cheaper than building a custom setup. Ready to roll?
Custom setup: Custom boards are for more experienced skaters who know exactly what they want (soft/hard wheels, light/heavy trucks, etc.). You get to choose every component: deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip…

At Montaz, we offer both options: quality complete setups (classic skateboards, longboards, cruisers…) as well as everything you need to build your own custom board.

5. Aesthetics matter too!

A good grip, a cool graphic, colors you love… It may be secondary in terms of performance, but skating a board you’re proud of really boosts motivation. That’s why we offer a wide selection of skate gear you’ll love!

In summary: the 3 key questions to ask yourself

What type of skateboarding do I want to do?
- Street, park
- Bowl, transition
- Cruising, riding
What deck width suits my body and level?
- Based on shoe size and personal preference
Do I want a complete board or build my own?
- Based on your experience and preferences