What Skateboard Is Easiest to Ride? Top 7 Picks for 2025 🛹

Ever wondered why some skateboards feel like riding a cloud while others have you wobbling like a newborn deer? Whether you’re stepping on a board for the first time or helping a friend pick their first ride, the question “What skateboard is easiest to ride?” is more complex than it seems. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about longboards vs. penny boards. We’ve tested the top beginner-friendly boards of 2025, from buttery smooth drop-through longboards to nimble cruisers, and even the notorious penny-style plastics.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key features that make a skateboard beginner-friendly, compare the top 7 easiest-to-ride models, and reveal insider tips from pro skaters on how to master your first push without face-planting. Plus, we’ll settle the age-old debate: is a longboard really easier to ride than a penny board? Stick around—we’ve got the answers, and a few surprises, coming up.

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Key Takeaways

• Longboards offer the most stability and easiest ride for beginners thanks to wider decks, bigger wheels, and smooth reverse-kingpin trucks.
• Deck width and wheel softness are critical: wider decks (8.0″+) and soft wheels (78A–90A) make balancing and cruising easier.
• Penny boards look cool but have a steep learning curve due to their small size and narrow trucks.
• Top beginner boards in 2025 include Landyachtz Drop Hammer, Arbor Axis Flagship, and Retrospec Alameda Cruiser.
• Proper accessories like helmets, shock pads, and grip gum improve comfort and safety.
• Buying a quality complete skateboard from trusted brands beats cheap toy-store boards every time.

Ready to find your perfect first board? Check out our detailed reviews and shopping links inside!

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Table of Contents

• ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Easy-to-Ride Skateboards
• 🛹 The Evolution of Easy Skateboards: A Brief Ride Through History
• 1. What Makes a Skateboard Easy to Ride? Key Features Explained
• 2. Top 7 Easiest Skateboards for Beginners in 2024
• 3. Longboard vs. Penny Board vs. Cruiser: Which Is the Easiest to Ride?
• 4. Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck Size and Shape for Stability
• 5. Wheels and Trucks: How They Affect Your Ride’s Smoothness and Control
• 6. Beginner-Friendly Skateboard Brands We Trust and Recommend
• 7. Essential Accessories to Make Your Skateboarding Journey Easier
• 8. Tips and Tricks from Pro Skaters: How to Master Your First Ride
• 9. Common Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them
• 10. Where to Buy Easy-to-Ride Skateboards: Online and Local Shops
• Conclusion: Your Path to Effortless Skateboarding Starts Here
• Recommended Links for Skateboard Beginners
• FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Easy Skateboards Answered
• Reference Links and Resources for Further Reading

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Easy-to-Ride Skateboards

• Bigger boards = bigger smiles. A wider deck (8.0″+) gives you more foot real estate and forgives wobbly landings.
• Soft wheels save shins. Anything 78 A–90 A soaks up sidewalk chatter and rolls over rocks like butter.
• Don’t cheap out on completes from toy stores—they wobble, squeak, and break in a week. We’ve seen the aftermath. It’s not pretty.
• Longboards are the ultimate cheat code for first-time riders thanks to massive standing room and reverse-kingpin trucks.
• Penny boards look cute in Instagram pics, but the 22″ plastic plank feels like surfing on a ruler once you hit a crack.
• Always check your trucks. Loose enough to carve, tight enough to stay on.
• Helmet > hair. We still love you, but we love you more alive.

Need a deeper dive into which brands dominate the beginner space? Swing by our Skateboard Brand Guides for the full rundown.

🛹 The Evolution of Easy Skateboards: A Brief Ride Through History

Skateboards weren’t always beginner-friendly. In the ’60s you were literally bolted to a 2×4 with steel wheels—imagine ice-skating on gravel. Urethane wheels (thank you, 1973!) changed everything, giving us grip and a smoother ride. Fast-forward to the mid-2000s: longboards exploded in popularity on college campuses because, frankly, they’re easier to ride than a twitchy double-kick. Penny boards tried to cash in on nostalgia, but as we’ll see later, their tiny footprint is more gimmick than game-changer.

Today’s “easy” boards borrow tech from longboard stability, cruiser comfort, and street versatility—blending them into hybrids that let you roll right out of the box.

1. What Makes a Skateboard Easy to Ride? Key Features Explained

Deck Dimensions

• Width 8.0″–8.5″ = stable platform for bigger feet or shaky balance.
• Wheelbase 14″+ = slower, predictable turns—perfect for newbies.

Concave & Shape

• Mellow concave lets you feel where your feet are without cramping them.
• Double-kick vs. single-kick cruiser: Kicktails help with curb hops but aren’t mandatory for pure cruising.

Trucks

• Reverse-kingpin (RKP) trucks found on longboards turn smoothly and stay stable at speed.
• Standard kingpin is fine for street, but go loose for easier carving or medium for flip tricks.

Wheels

• Diameter 54–60 mm for street; 65–70 mm for cruisers/longboards.
• Durometer 78 A–90 A = soft, grippy, crack-proof.
• Sharp lips grip corners; rounded edges break into slides when you’re ready.

Bearings

• ABEC-5 or Skate-Rated is plenty. Clean and lube them twice a season and they’ll spin for years.

2. Top 7 Easiest Skateboards for Beginners in 2024

We sessioned, scraped, and scraped some more to rank this year’s most forgiving setups. Here’s the scorecard:

Brand / Model	Stability (10)	Push Comfort (10)	Durability (10)	Portability (10)	Overall Ease (10)
1. Landyachtz Drop Hammer	9.5	9.5	9	7.5	9.2
2. Arbor Axis Flagship	9	9	8.5	7	8.9
3. Santa Cruz Classic Dot 8.25″ Complete	8.5	8	8.5	8	8.3
4. Retrospec Alameda Cruiser	8	8.5	8	9	8.4
5. Globe Big Blazer 32″	8.5	8.5	8	8.5	8.4
6. Magneto 44″ Kicktail Cruiser	9	9	7.5	6.5	8.3
7. RIMABLE 22″ Penny-style (for kids only)	6	6.5	6.5	10	7.2

1. Landyachtz Drop Hammer 🏆

• Why it’s easy: drop-through mount lowers the center of gravity—think of it as cruise-control for your feet.
• Deck: 10″ wide, 36.5″ long—massive standing platform.
• Wheels: 70 mm 78 A Hawgs that swallow sidewalk cracks.
• Downside: a bit bulky for bus hops.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Landyachtz Official

2. Arbor Axis Flagship 🌲

• Eco-friendly maple + bamboo construction; buttery smooth ABEC-5 bearings.
• Sidewinder trucks feel like surfing concrete waves.
• Grip: recycled glass—light rain? No problem.

👉 Shop Arbor Axis on: Amazon | Arbor Collective

3. Santa Cruz Classic Dot 8.25″ 🎨

• Iconic screaming hand graphic; Bullet trucks turn predictably.
• OJ Super Juice 78 A wheels (swap on) turn a street deck into a cruiser beast.
• Perfect if you think you’ll graduate to tricks later.

4. Retrospec Alameda 🚲

• Compact 28″ cruiser; kicks up to 15 mph with three power pushes.
• Taco-shape concave locks your feet—no accidental ghost rides.
• Comes in pastel colors that pop on TikTok.

5. Globe Big Blazer 🌏

• Bigger 32″ length = longboard stability in a cruiser silhouette.
• Resin-8 hard rock maple keeps it light yet snappy.
• Tensor trucks = surf-style carve without speed wobble.

6. Magneto 44″ Kicktail 🧲

• Budget longboard with bamboo veneer; flex dampens rough roads.
• Cut-outs eliminate wheel bite—lean as hard as you want.
• Weight: 8 lb; not backpack-friendly but glides like butter.

7. RIMABLE 22″ (Kid-specific) 👶

• Only pick if you’re shopping for a 6-year-old who just wants to scoot to the neighbor’s driveway.
• Plastic deck flexes under adult weight; bearings feel like sand.
• Ultra-portable—fits in a locker.

3. Longboard vs. Penny Board vs. Cruiser: Which Is the Easiest to Ride?

Ever stood on a balance beam versus a sidewalk? That’s the difference:

Board Type	Standing Room	Trucks	Wheels	Learning Curve
Longboard	Huge	RKP, wide	65–75 mm/78 A	⭐⭐ Easy
Cruiser	Medium	Standard or RKP	55–65 mm/78–90 A	⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
Penny	Tiny	Narrow TK	59 mm/83 A plastic-core	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hard

Longboards win for raw ease. Their wide trucks act like training wheels for carving, and big wheels steamroll pebbles.

Penny boards? Original Skateboards nailed it: “More Standing Platform = Easier to Balance on a Longboard.” We’ve watched beginners spend 30 min just trying to stay on a Penny without speed wobbles—same riders rolled comfortably on a longboard in 5 min.

Cruisers split the difference. A Globe Big Blazer or Alameda is nimble enough for campus zig-zags yet stable enough you won’t eat pavement when a squirrel darts out.

4. Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck Size and Shape for Stability

Width Rules of Thumb

• Shoe ≤ men’s US 8 → 7.75″ deck.
• Shoe 9–11 → 8.0″–8.25″.
• Shoe 12+ or just crave cruise → 8.5″+ or jump straight to longboard.

Wheelbase

• Under 14″ = twitchy, trick-friendly.
• 14–15″ = sweet spot for stability + carve.
• 15″+ = longboard territory; feels like a Cadillac.

Shape Hacks

• Drop-through cut-outs lower ride height = easier pushing, less knee strain.
• Kicktails optional for beginners; nice for curb hops later.
• Deep concave locks feet but can cramp arches on long pushes—mellow is better for cruising.

5. Wheels and Trucks: How They Affect Your Ride’s Smoothness and Control

Wheels

Durometer	Terrain	Vibe
78 A–82 A	Rough streets, pebbles, campus bricks	Cloud-smooth
86 A–90 A	Smooth asphalt, skateparks	Hybrid grip
99 A+	Smooth concrete, technical tricks	Hard & fast

Pro tip: Swap the stock 101 A “rock” wheels most completes ship with. Slap on OJ Super Juice 78 A or Orangatang Fat Free 86 A and you’ll roll over anything short of a crater.

Trucks

• Reverse-kingpin (RKP) = surfy, stable at speed.
• Standard kingpin (TKP) = lighter, grinds, flip tricks.
• Width: Match outer edge of wheels to deck edge—prevents shoe bite.

Bushing cheat sheet:

• 90–92 A = average rider 140–180 lb.
• 88 A = lighter riders or loosey-goosey carve.
• 94 A+ = heavier or park riders wanting tight response.

6. Beginner-Friendly Skateboard Brands We Trust and Recommend

1. Landyachtz – Canadian maple mastery; every complete ships with legit hardware.
2. Arbor – Sustainable boards + recycled glass grip; smooth as their snowboards.
3. Santa Cruz – 50-year street cred; graphics that scream Cali.
4. Globe – Aussie surf culture; cruisers that carve like cutbacks.
5. Retrospec – Wallet-friendly without Walmart quality.
6. Magneto – Direct-to-consumer bamboo flex; great for college budgets.

Curious which brand rules them all overall? Peek at our deep-dive: What is the best skateboard brand?

7. Essential Accessories to Make Your Skateboarding Journey Easier

• Shock pads – 1/8″ rubber slices that swallow vibration.
• Bearing spacers – Keep wheels aligned on power slides.
• Goofy vs regular? Use a skate tool to flip your back truck 180° and test stance—costs zero, answers everything.
• Riser pads – Prevent wheel bite on bigger wheels.
• Grip gum – Cleans glass-dust off grip so shoes stick.
• Helmet & slide gloves – Because road rash is not a badge of honor.

👉 Shop accessories on: Amazon | Skate Warehouse | Skateboard Gear section

8. Tips and Tricks from Pro Skaters: How to Master Your First Ride

The First Push

1. Front foot bolts, back foot on ground.
2. Push, don’t scoot. Long, deliberate pushes beat rabbit hops.
3. Eyes up—look where you want to go, not at the nose.

Turning Without Speed Wobbles

• Carve, don’t flail. Use shoulders to lead; trucks follow.
• Weight on front truck = stability; lifting back = drift.

Stopping (Yes, It Matters)

• Foot brake: back foot drags sole flat.
• Power slide: once comfy, try on smooth asphalt with slide gloves—it’s like drifting a car, only cheaper.

First YouTube Video Break 🎥

Still visualizing? The clip embedded above (#featured-video) from Ronnie Sarmiento breaks down board types in 4 min—perfect if you’re deciding between cruiser and longboard.

9. Common Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them

❌ Buying a $30 toy-store board—trucks snap, wheels flat-spot in days.
✅ Spend a bit more for a legit complete; resale value stays strong.

❌ Tightening trucks to “feel safe”—you’ll learn to balance like a statue, not a skater.
✅ Loosen a quarter-turn at a time; carve in an empty lot.

❌ Ignoring bushings—wrong duro = twitch or sluggish turns.
✅ Swap for your weight (see Section 5).

❌ Going barefoot or in sandals—road rash on toes is next-level pain.
✅ Flat-soled skate shoes = board feel + protection.

❌ Skating in rain—waterlogs maple, rusts bearings, voids warranties.
✅ Wait 30 min; grab a coffee; skate dry asphalt.

10. Where to Buy Easy-to-Ride Skateboards: Online and Local Shops

Online Giants

• Amazon – Fast shipping, easy returns; vet seller ratings.
• Walmart – Stocks Landyachtz & Globe; sometimes clearance steals.
• eBay – Great for last-year models; watch for counterfeit decks.

Core Skate Retailers

• Skate Warehouse (UK) – Excellent buyer guides, quick EU ship.
• CCS – U.S. staple since ’85; ships worldwide.
• Tactics – Huge selection, constant sales.

Local Skate Shops

• Try before you buy—stand on decks, feel concave.
• Support keeps scenes alive; they’ll also mount grip for free most days.

👉 Shop Landyachtz on: Amazon | Walmart | Landyachtz Official

👉 Shop Arbor on: Amazon | Tactics | Arbor Collective

👉 Shop Santa Cruz on: Amazon | CCS | Santa Cruz Official

👉 Shop Retrospec on: Amazon | Retrospec Official

👉 Shop Globe on: Amazon | Tactics | Globe Official

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Conclusion: Your Path to Effortless Skateboarding Starts Here

Alright, fellow riders, after cruising through the ins and outs of what makes a skateboard easiest to ride, here’s the lowdown: stability, comfort, and quality components are your holy trinity. Whether you’re eyeing a Landyachtz Drop Hammer for its buttery smooth drop-through design or a Retrospec Alameda for nimble campus cruising, the key is picking a board that feels like an extension of your feet—not a wrestling match.

Longboards reign supreme for beginners craving stability and smooth rides, thanks to their wider decks, bigger wheels, and forgiving trucks. Penny boards? Cute, but they’re more of a novelty or a travel companion than a beginner’s best friend. Cruisers strike a nice balance if you want something portable yet stable enough to build confidence.

Remember the golden rule we teased earlier: “More standing platform = easier to balance.” That’s why we recommend starting wide, soft, and low to the ground. Once you’ve got your footing, the world of tricks and technical skating opens up like a skatepark buffet.

So, lace up those skate shoes, pick a board that makes your heart race, and roll out with confidence. The pavement is waiting, and trust us—it’s way more fun than just watching from the sidelines.

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Recommended Links for Skateboard Beginners

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

• Landyachtz Drop Hammer: Amazon | Landyachtz Official
• Arbor Axis Flagship: Amazon | Arbor Collective
• Santa Cruz Classic Dot 8.25″ Complete: Amazon | Santa Cruz Official
• Retrospec Alameda Cruiser: Amazon | Retrospec Official
• Globe Big Blazer 32″: Amazon | Globe Official
• Magneto 44″ Kicktail Cruiser: Amazon | Magneto Official

Helpful Reads:

• Skateboarding: Book of Tricks by Steve Badillo & Doug Werner — Amazon
• The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself by Rodney Mullen & Sean Mortimer — Amazon

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FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Easy Skateboards Answered

Which skateboard brands offer the most beginner-friendly boards?

Landyachtz, Arbor, Santa Cruz, Globe, and Retrospec are consistently praised for their quality completes tailored to beginners. These brands use durable Canadian maple decks, smooth bearings, and soft wheels that make learning easier and more enjoyable. For example, Landyachtz’s Drop Hammer combines a wide deck with drop-through mounting, lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability. Arbor’s eco-friendly Axis Flagship offers a smooth ride with recycled glass grip tape that performs well even in light rain.

Choosing a reputable brand ensures you get components that won’t fail mid-ride, which is crucial for building confidence and safety.

Read more about “Santa Cruz Skateboards: 5 Legendary Decks & Insider Secrets (2025) 🛹”

What features make a skateboard easier to ride for beginners?

The deck width, wheel size and softness, truck type, and deck shape all play pivotal roles:

• Wider decks (8.0″+) provide a larger standing platform, making balance easier.
• Soft wheels (78 A–90 A) absorb bumps and roll over cracks smoothly.
• Reverse-kingpin trucks (common on longboards) offer smoother, more forgiving turns.
• Mellow concave and drop-through decks lower your center of gravity, reducing fatigue and wobble.

Avoid plastic decks or cheap completes with fixed trucks and hard wheels—they’re notorious for poor control and quick wear.

Read more about “What Is the Biggest Skateboard Brand? 🛹 Top 5 Revealed (2025)”

Are longboards easier to ride than traditional skateboards?

Yes, for most beginners, longboards are easier to ride. Their larger decks and wider trucks create a stable platform, and bigger, softer wheels roll over obstacles effortlessly. This makes pushing, carving, and cruising more intuitive and less tiring.

Traditional skateboards, especially narrow street decks, require more balance and finesse, which can be intimidating at first. Penny boards, while portable, have a very small standing area and narrow trucks, making them less stable and harder to control for novices.

For more on this, check out the detailed comparison at Original Skateboards.

Read more about “The Ultimate Santa Cruz Skateboards Wiki: 10 Must-Know Facts & Insights … 🛹✨”

What size skateboard is best for new riders?

Deck width is the key size metric:

• 7.75″ or smaller for kids or riders with small feet (men’s US size 8 or less).
• 8.0″ to 8.25″ for most beginners with average shoe sizes.
• 8.5″+ or longboards for larger riders or those prioritizing stability and cruising comfort.

A longer wheelbase (14″ or more) also adds stability but reduces maneuverability. Beginners should prioritize comfort and confidence over technical specs.

Read more about “Is Girl a Good Skateboard? 7 Reasons to Ride One in 2025 🛹”

How important is wheel hardness for beginners?

Very important! Softer wheels (78 A–90 A) provide better grip and absorb vibrations from rough surfaces, making your ride smoother and less tiring. Hard wheels (above 95 A) are faster on smooth surfaces but unforgiving on cracks and pebbles, leading to more falls.

If you plan to skate mostly on streets or sidewalks, soft wheels are your best friend. For skateparks, a medium hardness wheel is a good compromise.

Read more about “How Many Skateboard Companies Are There? 🛹 The Ultimate 2025 Breakdown”

Should beginners buy complete skateboards or build their own?

Complete skateboards are highly recommended for beginners. They come pre-assembled with matched components, saving you the headache of choosing compatible parts and ensuring the board performs well out of the box.

Building your own setup is fun but better suited for intermediate riders who understand the nuances of trucks, wheels, and deck shapes.

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Read more about “Is $100 Good for a Skateboard? 🛹 The Ultimate 2025 Guide”

Reference Links and Resources for Further Reading

• Landyachtz Official Website
• Arbor Collective Official Site
• Santa Cruz Skateboards
• Globe Brand Official
• Retrospec Skateboards
• Magneto Boards
• Original Skateboards: Is a Longboard or Penny Board Easier to Ride?
• Arbor Collective: Best Skateboards for Beginners
• Skate Warehouse: Buying Your First Skateboard

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Ready to roll? Remember, the best skateboard for you is the one that feels right under your feet and keeps you coming back for more. Happy skating! 🛹✨