Palm Isle Guide: Every Skater Starts Somewhere

Every skater starts somewhere.

Whether you’ve just stepped on a board for the first time or you’re coming back after a long break, the right gear can make all the difference.

Starting skateboarding can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s all about choosing the right gear and taking it step by step. Durable, classic styles are a great place to start because they’re designed to handle the wear and tear of daily practice, while offering a comfortable fit. Whether you’re just learning to balance on your board or already trying your first trick, having something reliable under you makes all the difference.

At Palm Isle Skateshop, we make it easy to get started. No pressure — just solid advice and products that help you build skills and have fun.

Start With a Complete Setup

If you’re new, a complete skateboard is the fastest way to get rolling. Everything is already assembled with parts that work well together — no guesswork needed.

Palm Isle Picks:

• Complete Boards from Santa Cruz – Quality wood, iconic graphics.
• Toy Machine Completes – Fun art, solid construction.
• Creature Completes – Classic shapes, ready to ride.

Shoes That Make Learning Easier

A good skate shoe helps with grip and balance, making it easier to control your board and learn tricks. Your shoes are one of the most important piece of gear when you’re starting out. Durable, comfortable skate shoes with a classic silhouette give you a solid grip on your board and absorb the shock from all those first tricks and landings.

Look for something tough enough to handle daily use, flexible enough for movement, and comfortable enough to keep you going for hours. Here’s a list of our top three staff-selected shoe brands.

Palm Isle Picks:

• Vans Skate Classics – Reliable grip and boardfeel.
• New Balance Numeric 272 – Lightweight, easy to break in.
• ÉS Accel OG – Durable, supportive, and classic shoe for beginners.

Protective Gear You’ll Actually Wear

Pads and helmets aren’t just for kids — they’re smart for anyone learning. Today’s gear is lighter, better looking, and more comfortable than ever.

Palm Isle Picks:

• Pro-Tec Street Gear 3-Pack – Certified protection, for every impact.
• 187 Killer Pads – Knee, elbow, and wrist protection that stays put.
• Pro-Tec Helmets – Classic skate style with modern safety.

Clothing for Comfort and Movement

When you’re learning, comfort and durability matters. Look for clothing that lets you move freely and holds up when you take a fall (because you will). Your pants or shorts need to be tough, comfortable, and flexible. Durable bottoms made from heavy materials, like denim or canvas, can handle falls and scuffs without tearing easily. A classic or baggy fit lets you move freely on your board and practice without feeling restricted — perfect for a beginner who’s figuring it all out.

Accessories, like a durable hat or a small bag, can make all the difference when you’re starting skateboarding. A classic hat can keep the sun and hair out of your face, while a small, tough bag lets you carry essentials — a tool, wax, or a water bottle — without weighing you down. Durable, versatile accessories help you stay comfortable, prepared, and ready for whatever your sessions bring.

Your First Push Starts Here

Versatility is also a huge plus when you’re starting. A classic style that fits with whatever you’re wearing makes it easier to grab your board and go skate, whether you’re headed to the skate park, your local spot, or just the nearby grocery store. Durable, flexible, and comfortable — this kind of gear lets you learn and progress at your own pace.

Skateboarding is all about progression — every skater started as a beginner. With the right setup, comfortable shoes, and gear that protects you, you’ll have more fun and learn faster. At Palm Isle Skateshop, we’re here to help you find the right gear for your first push, your first ollie, and beyond.

Beginner’s Guide to Deck Shapes & Concaves

A skateboard deck isn’t just “a piece of wood.” The shape, size, and concave (curve) all affect how it rides, turns, and feels under your feet. At Palm Isle Skateshop, you’ll see a variety of deck types — each with its own purpose.

Decks – Your Foundation

The deck is the wooden platform you stand on. At Palm Isle, most decks are made from 7-ply maple for strength and pop. The shape and concave affect how your board rides.

• Standard Popsicle / Twin Tip Decks
  These are symmetrical with a rounded nose and tail, usually with medium concave. Perfect for all-around skating — street, park, and tricks. Easy for beginners because they’re versatile and predictable.
  Brands we carry: Real, Krooked, Girl, Chocolate, Toy Machine, Santa Cruz, Polar, Quasi, Pass~Port, Creature, Almost, Enjoi, WKND, There, Dime.
• Cruiser Decks
  Wider and often shorter, with a single kicktail and mellow concave. Built for smooth cruising, commuting, and carving — not technical tricks.
  Brands we carry: Santa Cruz Cruisers, Landyachtz, Arbor, Globe, Creature Cruisers.
• Shaped / Old School Decks
  Asymmetrical shapes with wider tails, unique outlines, and medium-to-deep concave. Great for bowls, ramps, and pool skating, or for a style-focused street setup.
  Brands we carry: Welcome, Heroin, Santa Cruz Shaped Series, Krooked Guest Shapes, Creature VX Shapes, Pass~Port Shaped Boards.
• Wide Pool Decks
  Oversized decks (8.75"–10"+) with flat or mellow concave for maximum stability on transitions and in pools.
  Brands we carry: Powell-Peralta, Antihero, Santa Cruz, Creature.
• Mini Decks (Youth)
  Narrower (7.25"–7.75") popsicle shapes sized for smaller feet and lighter weight, making it easier for younger skaters to learn.
  Brands we carry: Almost, Enjoi, Santa Cruz, Powell-Peralta.

Concave Guide:

• Mellow = comfort and cruising.
• Medium = balanced all-around choice.
• Steep = maximum control for technical tricks.

Trucks – Your Turning System

Trucks are the metal T-shaped parts mounted under the deck that hold the wheels and allow you to turn. Choosing the right height and style affects stability and responsiveness.

• Standard Trucks – Mid-height with balanced turning and stability, perfect for all-around use.
  Brands we carry: Independent, Thunder, Venture, Ace, Lurpiv.
• Low Trucks – Lower profile for faster flip tricks and more stability with small wheels (50–53mm).
  Brands we carry: Thunder Low, Venture Low.
• High Trucks – More clearance for bigger wheels (54mm+) and sharper turns, ideal for transition and cruising.
  Brands we carry: Independent High, Ace AF1 High, Venture High.
• Lightweight Trucks – Hollow axles, hollow kingpins, or forged baseplates to reduce weight.
  Brands we carry: Independent Hollow, Thunder Hollow, Ace Hollow.

Wheels – Your Ride Feel

Wheels affect speed, grip, and how your board rolls over different surfaces. Size is measured in millimeters, hardness in durometer (A scale).

• Street / Park Wheels – Small to mid-size (50–54mm), hard (99A+) for tricks and smooth surfaces.
  Brands we carry: Spitfire, Bones, Ricta, Snot, OJ.
• Transition / Bowl Wheels – Larger (54–60mm), hard (97A–99A) for speed and stability in bowls and ramps.
  Brands we carry: Spitfire, OJ, Bones, Snot.
• Cruiser Wheels – Larger (54–60mm+), soft (78A–87A) for smooth rides over rough streets.
  Brands we carry: OJ Keyframes, Ricta Clouds, Hawgs, Powell-Peralta G-Bones.
• All-Terrain Wheels – Medium-soft (90A–95A) for mixed surfaces.
  Brands we carry: Ricta, OJ.

Bearings – Your Speed Factor

Bearings are small precision components that fit inside your wheels, letting them spin smoothly. Quality bearings make riding easier and faster.

• Standard Steel Bearings – Durable and affordable for all-around skating.
  Brands we carry: Bones Reds, Bronson G2, Bronson G3, Independent GP-S, Cortina.
• High-Performance Bearings – Premium steel for smoother, faster rolls.
  Brands we carry: Bones Super Reds, Bronson G3.
• Ceramic Bearings – Extremely fast, resistant to rust, and long-lasting.
  Brands we carry: Bones Swiss Ceramics, Bronson Ceramic.
• Built-In Bearings – Integrated spacers for perfect alignment and less maintenance.
  Brands we carry: Cortina Built-In, Bronson Built-In.

Most of all, remember that skateboarding is a journey. Everyone starts somewhere, falls a few times, and then finds their balance. With the right, durable gear and a bit of patience, you’ll soon find yourself feeling more comfortable on your board, trying new tricks, and developing your own style. So grab your board, put on a pair of classic, tough shoes, and enjoy the ride — you’re just getting started!