SSS Team, SSSPORTS.COM
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of skateboards? Fun, daredevilry, skill and thrill-seeking might be a few of the buzzwords. But no matter what you make of these four-wheeled land yachts and their audacious riders, you cannot help but be impressed by the talent and the practice that it takes to ride a skateboard. With the sickest tricks that can be pulled off using just a piece of plywood, a bunch of wheels and some hardware, it won’t be long before yet another thought crosses your mind, “I wish I could do that.”
Types of Skateboards: Which One Fits Your Style?
Here’s something you should know before you break the bank on your first skateboard – all boards aren’t the same. Besides the expected differences in size and paint jobs, what you skate is defined by how you skate. Depending on what you use your board for and where you ride it, your choice of skateboard will vary. Boards can largely be divided into 3 categories, Skateboards, Longboards and Cruisers.
Skateboards: Best for Tricks and Skateparks
The most common type of board, skateboards are easy to recognize by their concave shape and upward-curved tail and nose. This design makes them perfect for learning and performing tricks, from ollies to flips, while still being great for casual cruising.
A standard skateboard deck is usually made from layers of durable maple wood, fitted with trucks (axles), four wheels with bearings, and grip tape on top for secure footing. These components give the board both strength and control, making it the go-to choice for riders in skateparks, bowls, and ramps.
Over the years, the underside of the deck has also become a canvas for creativity, with bold graphics that have influenced both skateboard culture and streetwear fashion. Models like the BDSkateCo BD Deck Rustic Gold Fiberglass 8.125″ deliver durability, pop, and stability, helping skaters in the UAE push their limits and nail advanced tricks.
Longboards: Perfect for Beginners
As the name suggests, longboards are longer than regular skateboards, with extended wheelbases and bigger decks that make them easier to learn on as a beginner. The wider deck gives riders more stability and balance by offering extra room to distribute weight evenly.
A longboard skateboard usually comes with looser trucks and a flexible deck, allowing smooth carving and effortless cruising. These features make longboards a popular choice for commuting, carving city streets, and mastering flowing turns. Softer polyurethane wheels absorb cracks and rough surfaces, while the lower ground clearance adds stability and comfort.
Despite their beginner-friendly design, longboards are also trusted by experienced riders. Thanks to their stability, boards like the Sector 9 Shoots Complete Assorted Longboard are often used for downhill riding, where skaters can reach blazing speeds of up to 140 km/h. Whether you’re cruising through Dubai streets or taking on a hill, longboards deliver a smooth, stable ride.
Cruisers: Easy Rides for City Streets and Commutes
The lightest and most convenient option, cruiser skateboards are often seen as shorter, more portable versions of longboards. Designed for urban commutes and city riding, cruisers feature wide, loose trucks that make it easy to carve around corners, while soft wheels roll smoothly over rough pavement and cracks.
Some cruisers include an upward-curved tail, allowing simple tricks such as hopping over street cracks or dragging the tail to stop. Mini cruisers, like the Case BSS Case Penny Board 6×23″, are made of durable plastic that is lightweight and easy to carry. Their sturdy construction absorbs heavy impact, and their bold colors make them as much a fashion accessory as a piece of gear, especially on campuses and schoolyards.
Perfect for quick rides, school commutes, or casual city cruising, cruiser boards in UAE are ideal if you want a mix of portability, style, and smooth performance.
Do I need special shoes for skateboarding?
Yes, dedicated skate shoes are designed to handle the unique demands of riding. Unlike everyday sneakers, they feature flat grippy soles, reinforced uppers, and added cushioning for impact absorption. This combination gives you better control on the board, greater durability, and more comfort for long sessions.
Shop the full skateboarding collection at Sun & Sand Sports, including performance-driven shoes along with clothing and accessories to complete your look on and off the board.
