Start Skateboarding at Revert 95
Are you going for a complete skateboard or would you rather put together a setup yourself?
Complete skateboards are a smart and affordable option for the beginning skateboarder. A skateboard consists of several parts, such as the deck (board), wheels , trucks and Bearings . With a complete skateboard, you buy everything at once, which is much cheaper than buying all the parts separately. Completes consist of professional-quality components aimed at the average skateboarder. For beginners, we have a large collection of complete skateboards from brands like Birdhouse and Element , already assembled so you can start rolling right away!
SKATEBOARD DECK (what size do you take?)
Once you know which of the two options you're going for, you'll need to determine which size skateboard suits you best. This is where many beginning skaters get lost. But don't worry. As a beginner, it's nearly impossible to determine the right size and shape because you simply don't know what you want yet. Of course, there are some general guidelines you can follow. For example, there are special miniboards for children, but kids aged 12 and up can already get by on a "grown-up" skateboard. Not only does your body play a significant role in choosing a skateboard deck, but also the skateboarding style you envision. Street skaters with a lot of technical flip tricks under their belt often choose a narrower deck (7.5" to 8"). If you plan on skating pools and ramps, a wider deck is better for the stability. Skaters who mainly want to cruise or want to relive the old-school era can opt for an even wider deck (over 8.25") or one of our many cruisers.
TRUCKS:
The trucks form the connection between your skateboard and your wheels and are crucial for grinding, where you glide on your truck(s). Therefore, strength and reliability are paramount when purchasing trucks. Furthermore, just like choosing a deck or wheels, it's a matter of personal preference. Trucks also influence the steering characteristics and weight of your board.
BALL BEARINGS
Skateboard bearings ensure that your wheels spin smoothly and quickly, so you can roll with ease. We sell skateboard bearings from all major brands, such as Jart, Bones, and Independent. The difference from cheaper bearings lies in the finish and hardness of the steel used. A better finish is indicated by a higher Abec value. The better the finish, the better they are at withstanding dirt and moisture, and the longer they last. The hardness of the steel is also important for the lifespan and speed of your bearings. All ball bearings we sell meet our strict quality standards.
WHEELS
Because no two skaters are the same, there's no such thing as the ideal skateboard wheel. When choosing wheels, you should always consider your own preferences. "Regular" skaters often opt for smaller wheels because large wheels make flip tricks and high ollies much more difficult. Speed and control are equally important for both types of skateboarders.
SELECT YOUR SETUP BASED ON THE SKATING STYLE YOU THINK YOU WILL BE SKATING
Can you see yourself rolling through the streets? Here you can skate everything: from curbs to rails... it all comes down to how you imagine the street and how you see the environment as one big skatepark. Anything can be skated. Flashy grip tape can be very appropriate. You'll always need wax if you're going to skate curbs and rails.
DECKS : Street skateboards tend to be narrower boards. A narrower board makes it much easier to do tricks because the deck is lighter. Wide boards can also be used for street skating, but starting with a narrower board is always recommended.
TRUCKS : In terms of trucks, low and mid-size trucks are the best options. There are also lightweight trucks and variations with hollow kingpins or axles and short bolts. This makes your setup lighter and requires less force to perform tricks.
Good brands for your trucks are for example: Independent, Thunder, Polster or Theeve.
WHEELS: Hard wheels with a durometer of 100A or higher are the best option for street skating. They offer the easiest liftoff and are optimal for doing tricks.
50 mm – 53 mm, ≥100A
SCREWS: short (7/8″ – 1″)
BEARINGS: Abec 5 or 7. Good brands include Birdhouse, Hardluck, Sushi, or Pig.
TRUCKS: Mid or High. Here too, you can choose between normal or hollow trucks.
Good brands for your trucks are for example: Independent, Thunder, Polster or Theeve.
WHEELS: 52mm – 56mm, ≥ 98A
BEARINGS: Abec 5 or 7. Good brands include: Birdhouse , Hardluck, Sushi or Pig
SHOCK PADS: optional
SCREWS: short (7/8″ – 1″ | longer if using shock pads
PROTECTION: recommended
-> Check out the Revert 95 Skate Team at Skatepark NOORD below
If you're thinking about skating bowls and want to hit big airs and learn lip tricks on the halfpipe or ramps, we recommend a slightly wider board. This gives you more room to stand, which can be a plus at high speeds and while doing airs. Furthermore, transition skaters often skate larger wheels to help maintain speed better. Sometimes, slightly softer wheels are also used for more grip. Because of the large wheels, you should choose mid or high trucks to prevent wheelbites. Riser pads and rails (plastic rails placed on the underside of the deck to provide stability during board and lip slides) are often used in this style of skating. Anyone who skates ramps should never skimp on protection.
DECK : Wider than in a regular park or on the street. It's easier to keep your balance on a wider board.
TRUCKS : Mid or High. Here too, you can choose between normal or hollow trucks.
Good brands for your trucks are for example: Independent, Thunder, Polster or Theeve.
WHEELS : 53mm – 56mm, ≥ 98A
BEARINGS : Abec 5, 7 and 9. Good brands include: Birdhouse, Hardluck, Sushi or Pig
SCREWS : longer (1″ – 1 1/4″ depending on the thickness of your pads)
PROTECTION : recommended, you make a lot of speed and can make a big impact.
SHOCK PADS : recommended, this softens your landing and allows you to skate more smoothly.
PROTECTION AND HELMETS
Whichever skateboard you ultimately choose, you'll have to keep in mind that it's likely to break sooner or later. Skateboarding simply isn't good for skateboards. And sometimes, skateboarding isn't good for your body either 😉 If you're just starting out, consider safety gear like a helmet or wrist or elbow pads . Accidents can happen!
The primary goal of protection is to prevent injuries, wounds, or even more serious injuries. But protection can also give you the confidence to go a little higher, further, or faster, accelerating your progress. Top-to-toe protection, of course, starts with a good helmet.
SKATING LESSONS AT SKATEPARK HAARLEM
Yes! You've finally assembled your deck! Now you can sign up for the first skateboarding lessons organized by Skatepark Haarlem . You can find more information about the lessons on the SPH website. This year, SPH instructors will be teaching at the indoor skateboard park for the first time. You'll need your own skateboard, and we recommend beginners wear a good helmet and safety gear.
Good luck!
