Picking your first skateboard deck is genuinely confusing. There's a wall of numbers — 8.0, 8.25, 8.375 — and no one's explaining what any of it means. This guide cuts through it. By the end you'll know exactly what size to get and why, without having to ask a stranger at the skate park.
Start here: what does deck width actually mean?
The number you'll see on a skateboard deck — 8.0, 8.125, 8.25, 8.375 — is the width in inches, measured across the widest point. That's the main measurement that affects how the board feels under your feet. Length matters less than most people think, especially when you're starting out.
A narrower deck (around 8.0") feels more responsive and flicks faster. A wider deck (8.25" and up) feels more stable and planted — easier to balance on, better for bigger feet. Neither is better. It comes down to your size and what you want to do.
How to pick your size
The simplest way to choose is by shoe size. It's not a perfect rule, but it's a reliable starting point:
- Kids / youth (shoe size under US 6): 7.5" or smaller — but this is below our range, so look at a kids' complete setup instead
- Smaller feet (US 6–9): 8.0" is a solid choice — responsive, versatile, the most common street skating width
- Medium feet (US 9–11): 8.125" or 8.25" — a good all-rounder that works for street, parks, and just cruising around
- Bigger feet (US 11+): 8.25" or 8.375" — more platform underfoot, easier to balance on from the start
If you're genuinely unsure, go with 8.25". It's the most forgiving size for beginners and sits right in the middle of what most adult skaters ride.
Does style matter if I'm just starting out?
Not really. You don't need to pick a deck based on whether you want to skate street or transitions — you haven't figured that out yet, and that's fine. Get a width that fits your feet and go skate. You'll work out the rest naturally.
What we'd say is: avoid going too narrow if you have bigger feet. Balancing on a board that's too skinny makes learning harder than it needs to be.
What about the Amnesia OG series?
Our OG decks — OG Blood, OG Spray, OG Chalk, OG Sketch, OG Realistic — come in a single standard width and are built the same way as everything else in our range: 7-ply Canadian maple, pressed and shaped in a proper skateboard factory. They're not beginner boards, they're just skateboards. The only difference from our multi-width decks is that they come in one size rather than letting you choose.
If you're between sizes or want to dial in your width precisely, go with one of our multi-width decks like A Wonderful Life, Breathless, Call It Fate, or Dance with Death — all available in 8.0, 8.125, 8.25, and 8.375.
Do I need grip tape?
Yes — you need grip tape to skate. Without it your feet will slip straight off.
When you buy a deck from us you can add grip tape at checkout. We offer two options:
- Jessup (+$6): The industry standard. Used by skaters all over the world for decades. Grippy, durable, does the job.
- Jessup Ultragrip (+$9): Coarser texture, more aggressive grip. Good if you want extra hold or tend to skate in wet conditions.
For most beginners, standard Jessup is fine. If you're buying the deck without grip tape, any good skate shop can apply it for you.
What else do I need to skate?
A deck on its own won't go anywhere — you'll need trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware to put it all together. We stock Amnesia trucks and Amnesia wheels if you want to keep it in the family. A complete setup from scratch will run you $200–$300 depending on components.
Quick summary
- Size by shoe size — 8.0 for smaller feet, 8.25 for bigger feet, 8.125 if you're in between
- When in doubt, go 8.25 — it's the most forgiving for beginners
- Add grip tape at checkout — you need it to skate
- Don't overthink it. Get a deck you like the look of in the right size and go skate.
Browse the full Amnesia deck range here.
Frequently asked questions
What size skateboard deck should a beginner get?
Most adult beginners do well with an 8.0" to 8.25" deck. If you have bigger feet (US 10+), go 8.25" or wider — it's more stable and easier to balance on when you're learning. If you're still unsure, 8.25" is the safest choice for adults.
Does shoe size affect skateboard deck size?
It's the best starting point. US shoe size 6–9 suits an 8.0" deck, size 9–11 suits 8.125"–8.25", and size 11+ suits 8.25"–8.375". These aren't hard rules but they work for most people.
What's the difference between an 8.0 and an 8.25 deck?
0.25 inches of width. An 8.0" feels lighter and more responsive underfoot — good for quick footwork and flip tricks. An 8.25" feels more planted and stable — easier to balance on, better for bigger feet. For beginners the 8.25" is usually the better choice.
Do I need grip tape on my skateboard deck?
Yes, always. Grip tape is what keeps your feet on the board. You can add it when you order from us, or have a local skate shop apply it if you've already bought the deck.
What's the difference between Jessup and Jessup Ultragrip?
Jessup is standard skate grip tape — coarse, durable, used by skaters everywhere. Ultragrip has a more aggressive texture for extra hold. For beginners, standard Jessup is more than enough.
How long does a skateboard deck last?
Depends how hard you skate it. A deck ridden a few times a week can last anywhere from a couple of months to over a year. Decks lose their pop (the snappiness that makes them responsive) before they physically break — when it starts feeling dead underfoot, it's time for a new one.