Harvard Square Hero

Buying a skateboard is great fun and involves a number of considerations to make sure it matches your preferences and skill level. For less experienced skaters, the following ideas might be helpful:

Deck: Typically ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 inches. Smaller decks (7.5-7.75 inches) are usually better for street skating and technical tricks, while larger decks (8.0–8.5 inches) provide more stability and are better for ramps and cruising. Choose a size that feels comfortable for your feet. Maple is the standard material and a good choice for a beginner.

Trucks: Trucks are the metal T-shaped components that attach the wheels to the deck. Choose truck sizes that match your deck width. For example, if you have an 8.0-inch deck, choose trucks that are around 8 inches.

Wheels: Softer wheels (78A–87A) provide a smoother ride and better grip on rough surfaces, while harder wheels (88A–101A) are better for tricks and skatepark use. As for size, smaller wheels (49–52 mm) are better for street and technical tricks, while larger wheels (53–60 mm) are more suitable for ramps and cruising.

Brands: Established skateboard brands like Powell Peralta, Element, Santa Cruz, and Plan B are known for producing quality products. A Boston-area skate shop has the expertise to give you solid advice. Another advantage is the ability to try out boards on-site. Try to stay away from cheap generic online offerings since quality may be an issue.

 

Skate Shops in Boston

Beacon Hill Skate Shop   
Skate shop with ice skates, skateboards, longboards, inline and roller skates. By appointment only.

North End
Orchard Skate Shop   
Skate shop with ice skates, skateboards, longboards, inline and roller skates. By appointment only.

North End
Thuro Skate Shop   
Skate shop with comprehensive selection of skateboards, longboards, skates, scooters, surfboards, snowboards as well as related equipment.

Brookline
Zumiez Shop Online>   
US Retail chain known for its extensive range of products for skateboarding, snowboarding, streetware, and action sports-related apparel.

South Shore Plaza, Square One mall, Burlington Mall, North Shore Mall

Great Shopping Areas in Boston

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  • Stores at Copley Place

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  • Prudential Center Shopping

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  • Shopping in Downtown

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  • Shopping at Assembly Row

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  • Shopping at Harvard Square, Cambridge

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  • Best Shopping Areas in Boston

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  • Wrentham Village Outlet Stores

    Wrentham Village Outlets is New England's largest outlet mall. It is easily reached within a 35-minute drive from Boston. It…

  • Shopping on Newbury Street

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  • Shopping Centers in Boston

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  • Shopping at Cambridgeside Mall

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  • Burlington Mall Shopping

    Only 40 minutes from the city center,  the Burlington Mall stands as a premier shopping destination. This expansive mall has…

  • North Shore Mall Shopping

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  • Square One Mall Shopping

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  • Shopping at South Bay Center

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