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Skateboarding equipment list with all 16 items: the board, helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, skate shoes and a tool kit for adjustments.

Eight of the sixteen are the skater’s own. Three belong to coaches, namely a first aid kit, portable ramps and rails and a video camera for reviewing tricks, and five describe the park itself, from ramps, bowls, rails and stairs to lighting for night sessions. The table below lists all sixteen with the purpose of each one and who supplies it.

Check out the best skateboarding coaches who can help you master these essential items.

16items in total
8carried by the skater
8supplied by coach and park
Quick answers
What equipment do you need for skateboarding?
A complete skateboard, a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and flat soled skate shoes. The park supplies the ramps, bowls and rails.
What equipment does a skate park need?
Ramps, bowls, rails and stairs as the riding surface, plus lighting for night sessions, a seating area and tools for upkeep. Coaches bring portable ramps and rails when the ground is flat.
What tools does a skateboarder need?
One all in one skate tool covers the whole board. It fits the axle nuts, the kingpin and the mounting hardware, which is every bolt a skater ever has to turn.
Skateboarding

Skateboarding Equipment at a Glance

Eight items are the skater's own, three belong to the coach, and five are part of the park. A first session needs the board, a helmet and shoes with a flat sole, everything else follows once tricks start.

ItemWhat it doesWho supplies it
Skateboarddeck, trucks, wheels, bearingsThe board itself, bought complete or built from partsPlayer
HelmetTakes the impact when a trick ends on the back of the headPlayer
Knee padsLet a skater bail onto the knees and slide out of a fallPlayer
Elbow padsCover the point that hits first in a sideways fallPlayer
Wrist guardsSplint the base of the hand, where most skate fractures happenPlayer
Skate shoesFlat vulcanized sole for board feel, suede that survives grip tapePlayer
Tool kit for adjustmentsTightens trucks, changes wheels, one T tool fits every boltPlayer
Water bottleSessions run for hours in the sun with no break built inPlayer
First aid kitScrapes and road rash are the everyday skate injuryCoach
Portable ramps and railsTurn any flat surface into a practice obstacleCoach
Video cameraSlow motion review is how a trick gets correctedCoach
Skateparkramps, bowls, rails, stairsThe terrain itself, built to copy street obstacles safelyFacility
Seating area for spectatorsKeeps watchers off the riding linesFacility
Lighting for night sessionsExtends park hours and makes edges visible after darkFacility
Locker roomsChanging and storage, where the park is indoorsFacility
Maintenance tools for park upkeepCracks, chipped coping and debris are cleared before they hurtFacility

Skateboarding Equipment List For SkateBoarders

#1 Skateboard

The skateboard is the heart of the sport, a versatile platform for street and ramp skating alike. Its construction allows for customization to suit individual styles and preferences, making each skateboard a unique tool for self-expression and skill development.

WhiteFang Complete Skateboard

Assembled, ready to ride
  • Size31.75 inches long and 7.88 inches wide
  • Deck7 layers of Canadian maple, double kick concave
  • Wheels52mm 95A PU wheels on ABEC-9 bearings
  • Trucks5 inch magnalium alloy
  • Assemblynone, it ships complete
A complete board is the sensible first purchase, because buying deck, trucks, wheels and bearings separately costs more and needs a build. The double kick shape is the standard street setup and leaves room to learn ollies on both ends.

#2 Helmet

A helmet is a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment for any skateboarder. Designed to protect the head during falls, it significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries and is a must-have for skaters of all levels.

Triple Eight Sweatsaver

Triple certified skate helmet
  • CertificationCPSC bicycle, ASTM F1447 and ASTM F1492 for skateboarding
  • Shellhard shell over impact absorbing EPS foam
  • Linerdual density foam with moisture wicking Sweatsaver fabric
  • Fittwo sets of sizing pads included
  • SizesXS/S 20 to 21.25 inches up to XL/XXL 23.5 to 24.5 inches
A bike helmet only carries the bicycle certification, and skateboarding falls happen backwards, which is what the ASTM F1492 standard covers. The spare pad sets are how the same shell is tuned to fit tight.

#3 Knee Pads

Knee pads cushion the impact on the knees, a common point of contact during spills. They are essential for preventing abrasions and more severe knee injuries, allowing skaters to practice new tricks with an added layer of protection.

  • Capsize specific hard cap
  • Paddinghigh performance foam system
  • Shellballistic nylon with industrial weight stitching
  • Interiorseamless finish for skin contact
  • SizesX-Small 10 to 12 inches through X-Large 17 to 20 inches
Knee pads are what let a skater bail out of a failed trick by dropping to the knees and sliding. The Fly is the thinner of the two 187 models, which is why it fits under jeans without stopping the leg from bending.

#4 Elbow Pads

Elbow pads are crucial for shielding the elbows from scrapes and impacts. Whether learning new maneuvers or cruising at high speeds, they offer confidence and protection to skateboarders.

Triple Eight Covert Elbow Pads

Pull on sleeve, no straps
  • Designpull on sleeve with integrated EVA foam
  • Profilethe slimmest elbow pad in the Triple Eight range
  • Wearfits under or over clothing
  • Closurenone, the sleeve holds itself
  • SizesSmall 6 to 8 inches through X-Large 12 to 14 inches
A strapped pad slides down the arm on a hot day, which is the reason skaters end up leaving elbow pads at home. The sleeve version stays put and is thin enough to wear under a long sleeve shirt.

#5 Wrist Guards

Wrist guards provide support and protection to one of the most vulnerable parts of a skater's body. They help absorb shocks from falls, reducing the possibility of sprains and fractures, and are a smart addition to any skater's gear.

187 Killer Pads Wrist Guards

Splint at the palm base
  • Splintextra thick splint at the base of the hand
  • Fitangled anatomical shape with thumb hole
  • Shellballistic nylon with reinforced palm
  • Interiorpadded for support and cushioning
  • SizesJunior 6 to 7 inches through Large 10 to 11 inches, measured at the knuckles
The wrist takes the first impact in almost every skate fall because the hands go out on reflex. A guard works by stopping the joint from bending back past its range, which is what the splint under the palm does.

#6 Skate Shoes

Skate shoes are designed with flat, grippy soles to provide stability and precise control over the skateboard. Durable and comfortable, they enable better board feel and performance, a staple for any serious skateboarder.

Etnies Barge LS

Vulcanized skate shoe
  • Solevulcanized rubber outsole
  • Upperdouble stitched suede overlays with reinforced toe
  • Collararmored collar for durability
  • Comfortpadded tongue and collar with supportive insole
  • Cutlow profile
A skate shoe differs from a sneaker in two places, the flat vulcanized sole that reads the board and the suede over the ollie area that grip tape would otherwise shred. Etnies has been skater owned since 1986 and the Barge is one of its long running models.

#7 Tool Kit for Adjustments

A skateboard tool kit allows skaters to perform crucial adjustments and maintenance on-the-go. Tightening trucks or replacing wheels, the right tools ensure a skateboard remains safe and responsive.

Spitfire T3 Skate Tool

Every bolt on the board
  • Sockets3/8, 1/2 and 9/16 inch
  • Extrasbuilt in Allen key and Phillips driver
  • Handlegrooved edges double as a grip tape file
  • Buildsolid metal
  • Fitsskateboards, cruisers and longboards
One T tool covers the axle nuts, the kingpin and the mounting hardware, so nothing else is needed to change wheels or tighten trucks. The metal version is worth the few extra dollars because plastic tools round off on a tight kingpin.

#8 Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining focus and physical performance. A water bottle helps skateboarders replenish fluids, keeping their energy levels up during long sessions or competitions.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 First Aid Kit

In skateboarding, where falls and scrapes are common, a first aid kit is indispensable for any team. It provides coaches with the essentials for prompt on-site medical attention, reducing the risk of infection and allowing minor injuries to be managed immediately during practice or competitions.

#2 Portable Ramps and Rails

Portable ramps and rails are vital for teams to practice a variety of tricks in different environments. They allow coaches to set up a customizable practice area, cater to different skill levels, and help skateboarders adapt their techniques to diverse terrains and obstacles.

Madd Gear Round Grind Rail

55 inch adjustable rail
  • Length55 inches
  • Materialround steel tube, heavy duty
  • Heightthree step adjustable
  • Stabilitywide base supports with rubber feet
  • Also forscooters and inline skates
  • Warranty3 years from the maker
A portable rail turns a driveway or a gym floor into a place to learn boardslides. The three height settings matter more than the length, because the first grinds are learned with the bar close to the ground.

#3 Video Camera

A video camera is a crucial tool for coaches to analyze techniques and progress. It allows for the recording of practice sessions and performances, facilitating review and feedback sessions with the team. This visual aid can significantly accelerate skill development and tactical understanding.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Skatepark (ramps, bowls, rails, stairs)

Skateparks with diverse elements, such as ramps, bowls, rails, and stairs, provide skaters with a variety of terrain to practice and refine their skills. These features simulate real-world obstacles, which are crucial for skaters to test their abilities, develop new tricks, and gain confidence in a controlled environment.

#2 Seating Area for Spectators

Seating areas are essential for spectators to comfortably enjoy watching skaters perform. Whether it's a practice session or a competition, providing a designated viewing space fosters a supportive community atmosphere, encourages learning by observation, and enhances the overall experience for both participants and audience members.

#3 Lighting for Night Sessions

Appropriate lighting fixtures are vital for night sessions at skateparks, allowing skaters to continue their practice after dark and ensuring safety. Good lighting helps skaters better assess distances and obstacles, reducing the risk of accidents and allowing the facility to extend operational hours, benefiting both skaters and the community.

#4 Locker Rooms (if applicable)

Locker rooms provide a secure and private space for skaters to change attire, store personal belongings and prepare mentally for their sessions. Facilities equipped with locker rooms enhance the experience by offering convenience and fostering a professional atmosphere for practice or competition days.

#5 Maintenance Tools for Park Upkeep

Maintenance tools are essential for the upkeep of skatepark features and surfaces. Regular maintenance ensures a safe and smooth riding experience by preventing potential hazards such as cracks or debris accumulation. A well-maintained park cultivates a reliable and enjoyable environment for skaters of all levels.

Skateboarding

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Skateboarding?

A skateboard, protective gear such as helmets and pads, and appropriate footwear are the equipment you need to play skateboarding. These ensure safety and enable you to perform tricks.

What is the most important equipment in Skateboarding?

A skateboard is the most important equipment in skateboarding; it's the essential tool that allows you to ride, perform tricks, and navigate various terrains.

What is a recommended list of Skateboarding equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Skateboarding equipment for beginners: a skateboard suitable for beginners, a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and skate shoes. These items provide the basics for safe riding and learning.

Nic Hilditch-Short, an English football enthusiast and former player, has a rich background in sports despite a knee injury that shifted their focus from football and skateboarding to climbing and hiking. Their early years were marked by their involvement in the Manchester skateboarding scene and playing football at a local and university level, influenced by their professional footballer father. After their injury, they transitioned to climbing and hiking, engaging in indoor bouldering competitions and enjoying outdoor climbs and hikes around the world, from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, and China. Their love for Arsenal football club has remained strong since 2001.

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