Beginner’s Guide

Getting Started

Interested in skateboarding and want to give it a shot? Whether it’s for you, your kid, or a friend; we’re glad to hear it! It might seem a bit daunting to get started but we are here to help you get excited about it. Skateboarding is all about having fun after all! We’ve tried to address the main questions that newbies have asked us in this beginner’s guide and hope that it helps you. If we’ve missed something or you need further information about anything at all, feel free to call the shop during working hours or e-mail Kyle at kyle@birlingtheottawa.com.  

Choosing the Right Gear

The simplest way to get started is by purchasing one of our complete skateboards that are ready to go! For those under the age of 13, we recommend “starter completes”. Picking the right size (width) of the board is important and although the following size guide is helpful, remember that these are just approximate suggestions. They are not hard and fast rules.

Approximate Age	Deck Width	Approximate Height	Approximate Shoe Size
5 years and under	6.5’’-7.0’’	3’4’’ and under (104 cm)	< 1 kids
6 to 8 years	7’’-7.5’’	3’5’’ to 4’4’’ (106 to 134 cm)	2-5 kids
9 to 12 years	7.5’’-7.75’’	4’5’’ to 5’2’’ (136 to 158 cm)	5-7 adults
13 + years	7.75’’-8.25’’+	5’3’’ and above (160 cm +)	7-9 + adults

Our “next step completes” are also great for those under the age of 13. They were assembled with the size and weight of 13+ year olds in mind but would also work for younger skaters.

We also offer “cruiser completes”. These skateboards have wider decks with larger, softer wheels. They are more stable and comfortable to ride, even on rough pavement, making them ideal for transportation. They tend to be heavier than “standard skateboards” (“starter completes” or “next step completes”), making them difficult for getting off the ground for tricks.

You can always build a custom complete skateboard by purchasing the components individually. Grip tape, hardware and assembly are always included for free when you do so! Click through the following hyperlinks to learn more about each part of a skateboard: deck, wheels, trucks, and bearings. Proper skate shoes are also essential for any skateboarder. They make a huge difference by providing performance and durability specifically designed for skateboarding. Lastly, don’t forget about safety! Check out our helmets and pads!

Maintenance

Almost all parts of a skateboard are replaced when needed, rather than repaired. Bearings are the exception to this rule as they can sometimes be removed, cleaned and re-inserted into the wheels. Also, the inner components of a truck (bushings, king pin etc.) can sometimes be replaced instead of the whole thing. In general, however, once a deck feels soggy or wheels are no longer smooth, they are replaced. The best way to extend the life of a skateboard is to avoid water and dirt (puddles, sand, mud etc.) as much as possible.

Lessons + Camps

The city of Ottawa offers excellent skateboard camps at various locations throughout the city including McNabb recreational facility, Bob MacQuarrie, Manotick, and more. Click here to learn more.

We also highly recommend the programming offered by our friends at Gatineau Skate and the Arnprior Skateboard Association. They are both fantastic organizations!

Skatepark Information

Check out the Ottawa Skateboard Association’s website for a complete list of skateparks in the Ottawa area.

Need more help?  Reach out to us anytime