Types of Skateboards (Explained)

By: Billy James | April 26, 2023 | Cruiser Skateboards

Gone are the days when a “skateboard” represents just one style.

Skateboarding has evolved into many subgenres.

Here are the most popular types of skateboards.

Street Popsicle

street skateboard

Double kick, street popsicles are commonly used for street/transition skateboarding. They’re functional for tricks like ollies and flip tricks. Street skateboards usually have smaller and harder wheels.

Street Brands

Freestyle

freestyle skateboard

A freestyle skateboard is designed for performing technical flat-ground tricks.

Freestyle Brands

Mini Cruiser

Mini cruisers are portable skateboards designed for cruising, carving and occasional tricks. They’ll typically have softer wheels.

Mini Cruiser Brands

Polarizer

Polarizer skateboards are a modern version of a 1960s setup. Popularized by the legendary professional skateboarder Neil Blender.

Polarizer Brands

Old School

old school skateboard

Old school skateboards are inspired by the 1970s and 1980s. They often have wider, directional shapes. They’re often used for pool riding, vert, and cruising.

Old School Brands

Slalom

slalom skateboard

Slalom is a style that involves navigating through a series of cones. A slalom skateboard typically features a narrow deck with a pointed nose and tail.

Slalom Brands

Surfskate

Learn more here

surfskate skateboard

A surfskate is designed to mimic the feeling of surfing on land. They typically have a front pivoting adapter that allows you to pump from a standstill.

Surfskate Brands

Drop Through

drop through longboard

A drop-through design is where the trucks are mounted through cutouts on the deck. This allows them to sit lower and have a lower center of gravity.

Drop Through Brands

Drop Down

drop down longboard

A drop-down longboard has a deck that drops between the trucks. They’re often used for long-distance pushing/commuting.

Drop Down Brands

Pintail

pintail longboard

Pintails are wider at the center and gradually narrow towards the nose and tail. They resemble the shape of a surfboard.

Pintail Brands

Downhill/Freeride

downhill freeride longboard

A downhill/freeride is specifically designed for high-speed riding and sliding. Their decks are typically stiff for fast speeds.

Downhill Brands

Dancer

dancer longboard

A dancer longboard is designed for dancing and freestyle tricks requiring more deck space. Their decks are large and flexible for smooth and flowy movements.

Dancer Brands

Electric

electric skateboard

Electric skateboards are powered by electric motors. They’re typically controlled by a wireless remote.

Electric Brands

Bottom line is that there are a bunch of different skateboard styles. There’s no “best” style, it just comes downs to what fits your riding style.

Billy James

I've been skating for over 20 years and it's had an incredibly positive impact on my mental health. My mission is to show the world the power of cruising and carving.

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