Tryna Skate?

What is the perfect skateboard for your style?

STORY BY AUSTIN WEATHERMAN PHOTOS BY JACK MASKREY DESIGN BY ALYSSA NICOLE MAUN

Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people developing an interest in skateboarding. More people have cruised the streets as a result of availability, accessibility, and escapism from the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, you can’t just grab any board and expect to start ripping like Jamie Foy or the Gonz.

I mean, you can, but it’s recommended to choose one of the fi ve types of skateboards that fi t the style of skating you want to do. Some people like cruising to class, bombing hills, hitting skateparks, or others like ripping street spots. Remember, no wrong answers here.

Here are the fi ve types of skateboards, their purpose, the best places to ride them, and some words of wisdom from Cal State Fullerton student skaters.

POPSICLE

The popsicle is the most recognizable board shape of all, sporting twin-rounded tips and concave throughout the board. The popsicle skateboard’s shape and small wheels give skaters the ability to skate a more technical style with fl ip tricks and rails. These boards work very well at skate parks and street spots.

“For me, I was always drawn to a popsicle style deck because I’ve always been interested in doing tricks,” said said fi ne arts major Nick Somarriba. “So if that is the style you want to ride, then a popsicle deck would be a good pick for you.” Recommended spot: Brea skatepark or Laguna Hills skatepark

OLD-SCHOOL/ SHAPED

Made popular in the ‘80s, the old school skateboard was designed to allow skaters to skate swimming pools and ramps with ease. They are generally composed of long and wide decks with big trucks, and are uniquely shaped so each board rides di erently.

“With a shaped board, it’s so much easier to add some pizzazz and your own fi nesse to it,” said liberal arts major MyLinh Nguen, who started skating Penny boards back in middle school.

Recommended spot: Vans OC or an empty swimming pool

LONGBOARD

The longboard is the most stable board due to its large wheels and sur oard-like deck, allowing skaters to hit high speeds comfortably while also avoiding speed wobbles.

“Longboards are fun for going down hills super fast or cruising at the beach,” Somarriba said. “I wouldn’t ride one any other way.” Recommended spot: Beach bike path/ Ralph B. Clark Regional Park in Buena Park

MINI CRUISER

The modern mini-cruiser is perfect for traveling on campus due to its tiny size and big wheels for bypassing cracks in the pavement.

“I would think it’s the perfect one because you could probably fi t it in your backpack,” said business major David Rodriguez who works at the Garage Skateshop in Dana Point.

Recommended spot: To and from class

CRUISER

The cruiser is wider and longer than a mini, giving skaters more space and the ability to maneuver better.

“That one would be better for a beginner because there’s more board room so you feel more comfortable learning how to ride,” Rodriguez said.

Recommended spot: CSUF Main Campus/ parking lot A

Now that you are equipped with the proper skate knowledge, go visit your local skate shop to purchase your board today. TU SK