How Many Types of Skateboarding Are There? 9 Styles You Must Know 🛹 (2025)


Video: 10 TYPES OF SKATEBOARDING.








Ever wondered just how many ways you can shred on a skateboard? From soaring high on vert ramps to cruising city streets, skateboarding is a kaleidoscope of styles — each with its own gear, tricks, and culture. But here’s the kicker: there are at least nine distinct types of skateboarding, and mastering even one can feel like unlocking a secret level in the game of shredding.

Picture this: our team member Jake once stumbled upon a hidden urban spot and instantly switched from street skating to carving smooth turns like a pro cruiser. That moment sparked a question we get all the time — “How many types of skateboarding are there, really?” Stick around, because we’re about to break down every major style, the gear that fits it, and how to find your perfect skateboarding groove.

Key Takeaways

  • There are nine major skateboarding styles: Street, Vert, Park, Cruising, Freestyle, Downhill, Slalom, Longboarding, and Adaptive.
  • Each style demands specific skateboard setups — deck width, wheel size, and trucks vary widely.
  • Top brands like Element, Powell Peralta, Loaded Boards, and MADD Gear specialize in different styles, offering tailored gear for enthusiasts and pros alike.
  • Safety gear is crucial, especially for high-risk styles like vert and downhill skating.
  • Trying multiple styles can help you discover your unique flow and passion on the board.

Ready to find your perfect ride? Check out our recommended gear and brand guides to start shredding like a pro today!

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Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts About Skateboarding Types 🛹✨

Welcome to the ultimate skateboarding style breakdown, brought to you by the crew at Skateboard Brands™ — your go-to source for everything skateboarding! Whether you’re a newbie wondering how many types of skateboarding there are or a seasoned shredder looking to explore new terrains, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick heads-up before we dive deep:

  • There are at least 9 major skateboarding styles, each with its own vibe, gear, and culture.
  • Skateboarding styles evolve with urban landscapes, tech, and creativity — it’s a living, breathing art form.
  • Your choice of skateboard setup (deck shape, wheels, trucks) is tightly linked to your style.
  • Some styles are about speed and adrenaline, others about finesse and flow.
  • The legends of skateboarding often specialize in one or two styles but cross over as they evolve.

Ready to roll? Let’s shred through the history and each style like pros! For a deep dive on gear, check out our Skateboard Gear guides, and if you’re curious about the best brands, don’t miss our article on What is the Best Skateboard Brand? Discover 10 Top Picks! 🛹.

Skateboarding Origins and Evolution: A Ride Through History 📜🛹

Skateboarding didn’t just pop out of nowhere — it’s a wild ride through surf culture, urban rebellion, and technological innovation. The roots trace back to the 1950s and 60s when surfers in California wanted to “surf” on land. Early skateboards were homemade, often wooden boxes with roller skate wheels.

By the 1970s, skateboarding exploded with the advent of polyurethane wheels and the rise of pool riding, which birthed vert skating. The 1980s and 90s saw street skating take over, fueled by urban landscapes and a DIY ethos. Today, skateboarding is a global culture with Olympic status, countless styles, and a vibrant community.

Fun fact: The term “skateboarding styles” reflects not just tricks but the lifestyle, fashion, and music that come with each style. For more on skate culture, check out our Skateboard Culture section.

1. Street Skateboarding: The Urban Jungle Playground 🏙️🔥

Street skating is the heart and soul of modern skateboarding. It’s about using the city as your playground — stairs, rails, ledges, benches, and pretty much anything you can ollie onto or grind across.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Creativity 10
Accessibility 9
Gear Durability 7
Trick Variety 10
Popularity 10

Why we love it: Street skating is raw and creative. You don’t need fancy ramps, just a good spot and your board. It’s also the style that gave birth to many iconic tricks like kickflips and heelflips.

Gear notes: Street decks are usually 7.75” to 8.25” wide, with smaller wheels (50-54mm) for quick flips and grinds. Brands like Element, Baker, and Girl Skateboards dominate here.

Pro tip: If you want to master street skating, focus on board control and learn to spot urban “lines” — sequences of obstacles you can flow through.

User story: Our team member Jake swears by street skating for its endless creativity. “Every spot is a new puzzle. One day it’s a stair set, the next a handrail. It keeps me sharp and humble.”

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2. Vert Skateboarding: Flying High on the Halfpipe 🏆🛹

Vert skating is the adrenaline-fueled style where skaters launch off vertical ramps (halfpipes, quarterpipes) to perform aerial tricks and grinds.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Thrill Factor 10
Physical Demand 9
Gear Stability 8
Trick Complexity 9
Popularity 7

What makes vert unique: It’s all about speed, height, and style in the air. Vert skaters need courage and precision — one slip can mean a hard fall.

Gear notes: Vert decks are wider (8.5”+), with larger wheels (55mm+) for stability and speed. Trucks are beefier to handle the impact. Brands like Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz are legendary in vert circles.

Pro tip: Vert skating requires protective gear — helmets, pads, and wrist guards are a must. Start small and build confidence.

Anecdote: Our vert specialist, Mia, recalls her first 10-foot air: “It felt like flying, pure freedom. Vert skating teaches you to trust your board and yourself.”

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3. Park Skateboarding: The Concrete Wave 🌊🏟️

Park skating is a hybrid style blending street and vert elements, performed in skateparks with bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Versatility 9
Flow and Style 9
Accessibility 6
Trick Diversity 9
Popularity 8

Why it rocks: Skateparks offer a controlled environment to practice a wide range of tricks. Park skating encourages flow — linking tricks smoothly through transitions.

Gear notes: Park decks are usually 8.0” to 8.5” wide, with wheels around 54-58mm for speed and grip. Nike SB and Adidas Skateboarding have killer park setups.

Pro tip: Learn to read the park’s terrain and plan your lines. Flow is king here!

User insight: Our team’s Alex says, “Park skating feels like dancing on concrete waves. It’s about rhythm and style, not just tricks.”

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4. Cruising and Carving: The Chill Side of Skateboarding 🚶‍♂️🛹

Cruising is the laid-back style focused on smooth rides, transportation, and carving turns — think of it as the skateboarding equivalent of a Sunday drive.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Relaxation 10
Accessibility 10
Gear Simplicity 8
Speed 6
Trick Potential 4

Why cruising matters: Not every session is about tricks. Cruising is perfect for beginners, commuters, or anyone who loves the feeling of gliding.

Gear notes: Wider decks (8.5”+), softer wheels (60mm+), and sometimes longboards or cruisers like Globe or Sector 9.

Pro tip: Invest in quality wheels for smooth rides on rough pavement. Soft wheels absorb cracks and bumps.

Story: Our cruiser champ, Sam, uses his Globe cruiser for daily rides. “It’s my escape — just me, the board, and the street.”

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5. Freestyle Skateboarding: Old School Tricks with New School Flair 🎩🛹

Freestyle is the grandfather of skateboarding styles, focusing on flat-ground tricks, spins, and choreography — often performed to music.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Technical Skill 9
Creativity 8
Accessibility 7
Gear Specificity 6
Popularity 5

Why freestyle rocks: It’s about precision, balance, and style. Freestyle skaters perform wheelies, handstands, and intricate footwork.

Gear notes: Smaller, lighter decks often with a symmetrical shape and smaller wheels (50mm). Brands like FlatFace and Original Skateboards specialize here.

Pro tip: Practice balance and foot placement religiously. Freestyle is a dance on wheels.

Historical note: Freestyle was huge in the 60s and 70s, and legends like Rodney Mullen revolutionized it with technical tricks.

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6. Downhill and Speed Skateboarding: The Need for Speed 🏁⚡

Downhill skateboarding is the thrill-seeker’s dream, racing down hills at breakneck speeds, often exceeding 50 mph.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Adrenaline 10
Skill Requirement 9
Gear Durability 9
Risk Factor 10
Popularity 6

Why it’s intense: This style demands focus, balance, and nerves of steel. Protective gear is non-negotiable.

Gear notes: Longboards with stiff decks, large soft wheels (70mm+), and specialized trucks for stability. Brands like Loaded Boards and Landyachtz dominate downhill.

Pro tip: Start on gentle slopes and master braking techniques before hitting the steep stuff.

Legendary fact: The world speed record on a skateboard is over 90 mph! (Source: Guinness World Records)

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7. Slalom Skateboarding: Dancing Through Cones 🕺🚧

Slalom is a precision sport where skaters weave through cones as fast as possible, blending speed and agility.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Precision 9
Agility 8
Gear Specialization 7
Accessibility 5
Popularity 4

Why slalom is unique: It’s like a dance on wheels, requiring quick reflexes and tight turns.

Gear notes: Shorter decks with responsive trucks and medium-sized wheels (60mm). Brands like Sector 9 and Arbor offer slalom-friendly boards.

Pro tip: Practice carving and quick weight shifts to improve your slalom runs.

Fun fact: Slalom skateboarding is considered a precursor to downhill racing and remains popular in niche competitions.

8. Longboarding: The Smooth Ride and Style Revolution 🌄🛹

Longboarding is a broad category encompassing cruising, downhill, freeride, and dancing — all on longer decks designed for stability and smoothness.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Versatility 10
Comfort 9
Speed 8
Trick Potential 7
Popularity 9

Why longboarding? It’s perfect for riders who want a smooth, stylish ride with options for tricks or speed.

Gear notes: Decks range from 33” to 60”+, with soft wheels and trucks designed for carving. Brands like Arbor, Madrid, and Sector 9 lead the pack.

Pro tip: Choose your longboard style (cruising, downhill, dancing) first, then pick the deck shape and wheel hardness accordingly.

Story: Our longboarder, Nina, says, “Longboarding is meditation in motion — the perfect blend of flow and freedom.”

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9. Adaptive Skateboarding: Breaking Barriers and Limits ♿🔥

Adaptive skateboarding is a game-changer, making skateboarding accessible to riders with disabilities through specialized equipment and inclusive programs.

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Inclusivity 10
Innovation 9
Accessibility 8
Community Impact 10
Popularity Growing

Why it’s inspiring: Adaptive skateboarding empowers everyone to experience the joy and freedom of skating, breaking down barriers.

Gear notes: Customized boards, prosthetic-friendly setups, and balance aids. Brands like MADD Gear and organizations like Adaptive Skateboarders lead the charge.

Pro tip: Connect with local adaptive skate groups to learn and share experiences.

Our shoutout: We salute skaters like Aaron Fotheringham who push limits and redefine what’s possible.

How Different Skateboard Setups Match Each Style 🛠️🔧

Choosing the right skateboard setup is like picking the perfect pair of shoes — it can make or break your ride. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Style Deck Width Wheel Size (mm) Wheel Hardness (Durometer) Trucks Typical Brands
Street 7.75” – 8.25” 50-54 95A-101A Narrow, responsive Element, Baker, Girl
Vert 8.5”+ 55+ 98A-101A Wide, stable Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz
Park 8.0” – 8.5” 54-58 95A-99A Balanced Nike SB, Adidas Skateboarding
Cruising 8.5”+ 60+ 78A-87A Loose, smooth Globe, Sector 9
Freestyle 7.0” – 7.5” 50 95A-101A Lightweight FlatFace, Original Skateboards
Downhill 9”+ (longboard) 70+ 78A-85A Stable, precise Loaded, Landyachtz
Slalom 7.5” – 8.0” 60 78A-87A Responsive Sector 9, Arbor
Longboarding 33”+ 60-75 78A-85A Carving trucks Arbor, Madrid, Sector 9
Adaptive Custom Custom Custom Custom MADD Gear, Adaptive Skateboarders

Pro tip: Don’t just buy the flashiest board. Match your gear to your style and terrain for maximum fun and safety.

The skateboarding world is packed with brands that have carved their own niches. Here’s a quick look:

Brand Signature Style(s) Notable Products Why We Recommend
Element Street, Cruising Element Section Deck, Wheels Durable, versatile, eco-conscious
Powell Peralta Vert, Old School Bones Brigade Decks Legendary heritage, quality
Santa Cruz Vert, Street Screaming Hand Decks Iconic graphics, solid build
Nike SB Park, Street Dunk Shoes, SB Blazer Decks Innovation, pro team support
Adidas Skateboarding Park, Street Busenitz Pro Decks Comfort, style, durability
Loaded Boards Downhill, Freeride Dervish Sama, Tan Tien High performance, craftsmanship
Sector 9 Cruising, Longboarding Sector 9 Lookout, Meridian Smooth ride, great for beginners
FlatFace Freestyle Classic Freestyle Decks Lightweight, precise
MADD Gear Adaptive Custom Adaptive Boards Inclusive, innovative

For more brand insights, check our Skateboard Brand Guides.

Skateboarding Competitions and Events by Style 🎟️🏆

Skateboarding styles shine brightest on competition stages. Here’s where you can catch the action:

Style Major Competitions/Events Highlights
Street X Games Street, Street League High-level technical tricks, urban spots
Vert X Games Vert, Vans Pool Party Massive airs, daring grinds
Park Dew Tour, Olympic Park Skateboarding Flow and style in skateparks
Freestyle World Freestyle Skateboarding Championships Technical flat-ground routines
Downhill International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) (defunct), Local downhill races High-speed races, sliding techniques
Slalom World Slalom Series Precision and speed through cones
Longboarding International Longboard Series Variety of disciplines: downhill, dancing
Adaptive Adaptive Skateboarding Events Inclusivity and skill showcase

Pro tip: Watching competitions is a great way to learn new tricks and styles. Plus, it’s pure inspiration!

Health Benefits and Risks of Various Skateboarding Styles 💪⚠️

Skateboarding is a full-body workout, but styles vary in intensity and risk:

Style Primary Benefits Common Risks Safety Tips
Street Balance, coordination, creativity Scrapes, sprains, fractures Wear helmets, wrist guards
Vert Strength, agility, cardio High-impact falls, concussions Full protective gear mandatory
Park Endurance, flow, flexibility Collisions, falls Warm-up and use pads
Cruising Cardiovascular health, relaxation Low risk Use reflective gear at night
Freestyle Precision, balance, mental focus Overuse injuries Stretch and rest
Downhill Reflexes, strength, adrenaline High-speed crashes, serious injury Full gear, practice braking
Slalom Agility, precision Twists, falls Practice on safe courses
Longboarding Endurance, balance Falls, collisions Helmets and pads recommended
Adaptive Physical therapy benefits Varies by individual Customized safety gear

Remember: No matter your style, safety gear is your best friend. Helmets, pads, and wrist guards save careers and smiles.

How to Choose Your Skateboarding Style: Tips from the Pros 🎯🛹

Still wondering which style fits you? Here’s our pro advice:

  • Assess your environment: Urban streets? Skateparks? Hills? Your surroundings shape your style.
  • Consider your goals: Tricks, speed, cruising, or competition?
  • Try multiple styles: Many skaters start with street or cruising and branch out.
  • Gear up accordingly: Match your board and protective gear to your chosen style.
  • Join communities: Local skate crews and online forums help you learn and stay motivated.

Pro tip: Don’t rush. Skateboarding is a journey, not a race. Explore styles, find your flow, and most importantly, have fun!

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Skateboarding Groove 🎉🛹

So, how many types of skateboarding are there? At least nine major styles, each with its own flavor, gear, and culture — from the raw creativity of street skating to the adrenaline rush of downhill racing, the smooth flow of longboarding, and the inspiring inclusivity of adaptive skateboarding.

We’ve taken you through the history, gear setups, top brands, competitions, and health aspects to help you find your perfect fit. Remember, skateboarding is as much about self-expression and community as it is about tricks and speed. Whether you want to ollie down a stair set, carve a hill, or dance on flat ground, there’s a style waiting for you.

Our advice? Don’t box yourself in. Try different styles, experiment with gear, and most importantly, have fun and stay safe. The best skateboard brand for you is the one that feels like an extension of your personality and style — and we’re here to help you find it.

Ready to roll? Your perfect skateboard and style await!

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Recommended Books on Skateboarding:

  • “Skateboarding: Book of Tricks” by Steve Badillo & Doug Werner — A comprehensive guide to tricks and styles.
  • “The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself” by Rodney Mullen & Sean Mortimer — A legendary skater’s memoir and guide.
  • “Skateboarding and the City: A Complete History” by Iain Borden — Dive into the culture and evolution of skateboarding.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Skateboarding Styles Answered ❓🛹

What are the different styles of skateboarding and which skateboard brands cater to each style?

There are at least nine main styles: Street, Vert, Park, Cruising, Freestyle, Downhill, Slalom, Longboarding, and Adaptive. Each style demands specific board features and gear. For example:

  • Street: Brands like Element, Baker, and Girl focus on lightweight decks and smaller wheels for tricks.
  • Vert: Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz offer wider decks and sturdy trucks for stability on ramps.
  • Downhill/Longboarding: Loaded Boards and Landyachtz specialize in long, stiff decks with soft wheels for speed and control.
  • Adaptive: MADD Gear provides customized setups for riders with disabilities.

Choosing a brand aligned with your style ensures better performance and durability.

How do I choose the right skateboard brand for my preferred type of skateboarding, such as street or vert skating?

Start by identifying your style and then look for brands with proven expertise in that area. For street skating, prioritize brands known for durable, lightweight decks and responsive trucks like Element or Baker. For vert skating, look for brands with wider decks and strong trucks such as Powell Peralta or Santa Cruz.

Also, consider:

  • Brand reputation and pro team endorsements
  • Availability of parts and customization options
  • Your budget and local availability

Trying out boards from different brands at local skate shops or demo days can help you find your perfect match.

Are there any skateboard brands that specialize in specific types of skateboarding, such as downhill or cruising?

Absolutely! Some brands focus heavily on niche styles:

  • Loaded Boards and Landyachtz are leaders in downhill and freeride longboarding, offering high-performance decks and trucks.
  • Globe and Sector 9 excel in cruisers and longboards designed for smooth rides and urban commuting.
  • FlatFace and Original Skateboards cater to freestyle enthusiasts with lightweight, maneuverable decks.

Specialized brands often innovate gear tailored to the unique demands of their style, giving riders an edge.

What are the key differences between skateboard brands that focus on professional skateboarding versus those that cater to recreational skaters?

Brands targeting professional skaters often emphasize:

  • Cutting-edge materials and tech for performance and durability.
  • Pro model decks and shoes endorsed by top athletes.
  • Higher price points reflecting advanced craftsmanship.

Examples: Nike SB, Adidas Skateboarding, Powell Peralta.

Brands for recreational skaters focus on:

  • Affordability and ease of use.
  • Versatile gear suitable for beginners and casual riders.
  • Wider availability in general retail.

Examples: Globe, Sector 9, MADD Gear.

That said, many brands offer lines for both pros and beginners, so you can grow with the brand.

How important is protective gear across different skateboarding styles?

Protective gear is non-negotiable for all styles but especially critical for high-risk disciplines like vert, downhill, and slalom. Helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads can prevent serious injuries. Even in street and park skating, falls are common, so gear up to skate another day!

Can I switch between skateboarding styles easily?

Yes! Many skaters start in one style and branch out. However, each style requires different board setups and skills. Transitioning smoothly means adjusting your gear and practicing the specific techniques. For example, going from street to vert requires wider decks and confidence on ramps.

Ready to find your perfect ride? Dive into our Skateboard Brand Guides and gear up to shred like a pro! 🛹🔥

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