Skateboard Glossary for Beginners

Deck

The flat board you stand on. Usually made of layered maple wood, it comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the type of skateboarding.

Trucks

The metal T-shaped parts mounted underneath the deck. Trucks hold the wheels and let you turn by leaning side to side.

Wheels

Round urethane parts attached to the trucks. Softer wheels grip better and ride smoother on rough surfaces. Harder wheels are faster on smooth surfaces and better for tricks.

Bearings

Small metal rings that fit inside your wheels and allow them to spin. They’re rated by ABEC scale, but smoothness and durability matter more than the number.

Grip Tape

A rough, sandpaper-like layer stuck on top of the deck to help your shoes grip the board. Think of it like skateboard traction.

Kicktail

The raised ends of the board that help with turning and doing tricks like ollies or manuals.

Ollie

A basic skateboard trick where you pop the board into the air without using your hands. It’s the foundation of many other tricks.

Manual

Balancing on either the front or back wheels while rolling — kind of like a wheelie on a bike.

Cruiser

A type of skateboard made for smooth riding and transportation. Usually has a wide deck and soft wheels, not made for tricks.

Longboard

A longer skateboard designed for comfortable rides, carving, or downhill. Great for balance and speed, not usually used for tricks.

Skatepark

A public area designed for skateboarding, often with ramps, rails, bowls, and ledges.

Pushing

Using one foot to push off the ground while the other stays on the board. The main way to get moving.

Carving

Smooth turning from side to side, often used to slow down or enjoy a flowing ride.

Bail

Jumping off your board (on purpose or not) to avoid falling hard. Learning to bail safely is a big part of learning to skate.

Pop

The snapping sound and motion when you press down on the tail of the board to do a trick.

Stance

Your foot positioning on the board. “Regular” means left foot forward, “Goofy” means right foot forward.

Fakie

Riding backward, but with your usual foot forward (like reverse).

Switch

Riding with your non-dominant foot forward — the opposite of your normal stance.

Drop-in

Rolling from the top of a ramp into it. It looks scary but is a big milestone for park skating.