How to choose your skateboarding gear

Glisse Budget Advice

“Being well-equipped means investing in your fun and safety.
Better a protected fall than a season cut short.”


1. Why is it important to have good skateboarding gear?

Skateboarding is fun, free, and creative — but it’s also a physical and technical sport.
 Choosing the right equipment allows you to:

  • Ride safely,

  • Improve your performance,

  • And make your gear last much longer.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, here's the complete Glisse Budget checklist to equip yourself like a pro.


2. Essential Equipment

Equipment

Role

Glisse Budget Advice

Deck

This is the heart of the skateboard

Choose the size according to your style (street, park, cruiser, surfskate)

Trucks

Allow turning and shock absorption

Width adapted to the deck, quality = stability

Wheels

Speed, grip, and comfort

Small and hard for tricks, large and soft for cruising

Bearings

Make the wheels spin

ABEC 5 to 9 = precision and speed

Grip tape

Grip underfoot

Medium grit for good balance

Hardware

Attaches trucks to the deck

Stainless steel or titanium for durability

Start with a complete skateboard if you're a beginner, then build your custom setup as you progress.


3. Protective Gear

Helmet

  • Essential, even for experienced riders.

  • Must be certified (EN1078) and well-fitting.

  • The interior should hug the head without moving.

A good helmet is your health insurance.

Protective pads

Type

Purpose

Recommended for

Knee pads

Absorb shocks and falls

Street, bowl, beginners

Elbow pads

Protect arms during forward falls

Bowl, park

Gloves / Wrist guards

Prevent fractures

Beginners, longboarders

Skate shoes

Flat sole and reinforced grip

All riders

Even pros wear protective gear during training.

 

Shoes

Skate shoes are almost as important as the board.
They offer:

  • Cushioning (vulcanized or cupsole),

  • Grip (flat sole, rubber grip),

  • Durability (front reinforcements).

Type

Advantage

Use

Vulcanized

Board feel, lightness

Street / tricks

Cupsole

Cushioning and comfort

Cruising / bowl

Regular shoes can slip and get damaged quickly. Get proper skatewear.


4. Useful Accessories

Accessory

Usefulness

Why it's great

Skate Tool

Multi-function tool

Adjust wheels, trucks, and screws anywhere

Bearing lubricant

Maintenance and durability

Extends the life of your bearings

Skateboard bag or case

Convenient transport

For riding in the city or traveling

Lycra / Technical Sweatshirt

Comfort and breathability

Ideal for long sessions

Wipes / cloth

Grip tape cleaning

To maintain grip

Poncho / towel

After the session

Always useful if you ride at the spot

Glisse Budget also means thinking practical: comfort, maintenance, durability.

5. Example setups based on your style

Style

Board

Wheels

Protection

Shoes

Beginner

Complete skateboard 8.0"

54 mm / 95A

Helmet + knees

Comfort cupsole

Street / Tricks

Deck 7.75" – 8.0"

52 mm / 100A

Light helmet

Vulcanized

Cruiser

Board 8.5" – 9"

60 mm / 78A

Optional

Stable cupsole

Surfskate

Board 32–34"

65 mm / 78A

Helmet

Light and flexible

Bowl / Ramp

8.25" and up

56 mm / 95A

Full protection

Reinforced cupsole


6. Equipment Maintenance

✅ Regularly check the tightness of trucks and screws.
 ✅ Clean your grip tape and lubricate the bearings.
 ✅ Change wheels when they wear out (oval shape = danger).
 ✅ Store your skateboard away from moisture.
 ✅ Inspect your helmet and replace it after a major impact.

Well-maintained equipment means smoother riding and fewer falls.