Choosing the Right Gear for Your Skateboard: A Paddle Frogs Guide
The world of skateboarding can feel overwhelming when you first start looking at components. But getting the right setup is essential to truly enjoy the ride—whether you're hitting the local park or just cruising down to the creek.
At Paddle Frogs, we believe your gear should match your outdoor life. That means choosing parts that offer stability and resilience for whatever terrain you find. This guide breaks down the essential components so you can build a board that’s perfectly balanced for your adventure.
We encourage you to visit your local skate shop! Shop local.
View Paddle Frogs full collection of skateboards and gear
The Deck: The Canvas for Your Ride
Your deck is the foundation. Choosing the right size and shape is the most important decision you’ll make for comfort and performance.
1. Width (The Sweet Spot)
The width of the deck affects stability and maneuverability.
For Tricks & Street Skating: Look for a narrower deck (7.5" to 8.25"). These are lighter and easier to flip for tricks.
For Cruising & Stability: Decks from 8.5" and up offer more foot space and stability, making them ideal for beginners, cruising long distances, or tackling uneven pavement. If your focus is on the outdoors, a wider deck will generally feel more comfortable and forgiving. Longboard and Pintails are simply a joy for nature lovers and quick trips through the city. (Check local laws before skateboarding)
2. Concave
The concave is the side-to-side curve of the deck. A deep concave locks your feet in place, which is great for hard tricks. A more mellow concave is often preferred for carving and general outdoor cruising, offering a relaxed and fluid feel—perfect for finding your flow in the wild.
Our Paddle Frogs popsicle decks often feature a mellow medium concave for maximum comfort on those long, nature-inspired rolls. Look for our signature character prints, that capture the spirit of the creek and the trail.
Trucks: The Steering & Grind
The two metal axles, or trucks, are responsible for how your board turns and handles.
1. Width Alignment is Key
Make sure your truck axle width exactly matches the width of your deck. If the trucks are too narrow, the board will feel unstable and prone to tipping. If they’re too wide, you risk wheel bite and awkward turning.
2. Truck Height
Low Trucks: Lower center of gravity for stability, best for smaller wheels (50-53mm).
High Trucks: Better turning radius and more distance between the deck and wheels, reducing wheel bite (when the wheel rubs the deck). For outdoor skating and navigating rough terrain, a high truck setup with larger wheels is often the preferred choice.
Paddle Frogs Complete Decks: The truck sizes are automatically paired with the proper deck shape.
Wheels: The Contact with Nature
This is where your choice truly determines the terrain you can handle.
1. The Durometer (Hardness)
Wheel hardness is measured on the "A" scale (durometer). This is the single biggest factor for your riding experience.
Hard Wheels (97a–101a): These are fast and responsive, designed to glide smoothly on perfectly polished skate park concrete. They feel every crack and pebble on the street.
Soft Wheels (78a–95a): This is the gear for the Paddle Frogs lifestyle! Soft wheels absorb vibration and easily roll over cracks, pebbles, and rough asphalt. They're built for comfort and a smooth ride, making them essential for cruising and playing outside.
2. Diameter (Size)
Small Wheels (50–54mm): Quicker acceleration, lower to the ground—best for technical street tricks.
Large Wheels (56–60mm or more): Maintain speed better and roll over obstacles easier. For cruising to your favorite waterfall or down a scenic boardwalk, a larger, softer wheel is your friend.
Paddle Frogs Complete Decks Wheel specs:
The wheels for longboards are blank white 65mm with a durometer of 78a
The wheels that are offered for our popsicle boards, and similar shapes, are blank white 53mm with a durometer of 101a
Your Gear, Your Lifestyle
Once your skateboard is perfectly tuned, you need to think about the gear you wear. Skating is physical, and being outdoors means dealing with sun, sweat, and changing weather.
Our entire Paddle Frogs collection is designed with the same balance of style and function as your new setup. Grab one of our moisture-wicking tees for a breathable session on a hot day, or throw on a durable, cozy hoodie for that late-evening cruise as the sun sets.
Ready to Find Your Balance?
The right gear for your skateboard is the gear that makes you want to get out and ride. Choose components that prioritize comfort, stability, and versatility so you can focus on finding your line—whether it's on a half-pipe or a forest path.
And when your legs need a break from the asphalt, remember that our other favorite way to explore the outdoors is on water! Check out our incredible Paddle Board—the perfect cross-training for the rest of your outdoor life.
Check out Paddle Frogs favorite paddle board here.