Blank skateboard decks in Canada: What you need to know before buying
In this article we’ll explore if blank skateboard decks are right for you. Then we’ll talk about quality and help you find the right shape and size. Finally we’ll share where to buy the best blank skateboard decks in Canada, locally and online.
Alternatively skip ahead to the section you need:
How can you determine the quality of a deck
What dimensions should you choose
Where to buy blank skateboard decks online in Canada
Why do people skate blank decks?
If you love skateboarding and skate every day, branded and pro decks can quickly become unaffordable. To save money, some skaters buy top quality blank decks.
Top quality blanks are made in the same factories and woodshops as branded and pro boards. These blanks are made with the same quality wood, glue and molds as pro decks.
Skateboards with art and graphics can be really cool and sometimes brands support pro skaters just as they might support different scenes. But there are also a lot of brands simply trying to increase prices on skateboards and clothing so they can pocket more of your dollars. If you would rather save money, or just love the look of blanks, then a top quality blank is what you’re looking for.
Why do some people only skate branded and pro decks?
Generally when we buy products, we use the brand name to determine the quality. Our experiences with that brand help us determine whether we trust the quality of that brand.
Top skateboard brands will generally use the best woodshops (factories where decks are made), so generally, we can trust that their boards will have good quality.
Unfortunately, blank skateboard decks are not branded, so we have very little information about their quality and where they were made.
Many blanks sold on amazon, for example, end up being of very poor quality and break easily.
How can you determine the quality of blank skateboard decks?
The only way to determine the quality of a board is to ride it.
When you ride your board you can feel how stiff it is and how it pops. Over a period of time you will see if it starts to chip, delaminate or crack.
It is difficult to judge a skateboard before buying. So what can you do?
Ask your local skate shop owner where their blanks come from and do research about the woodshop online.
If you don’t have a local skate shop or are having trouble finding good information, then follow our tips for buying online below.
Not all blank skateboard decks are the same. But they don’t just vary by quality, they vary in size, shape and concave just like branded and pro decks do.
8.0 or 8.25? What dimensions should you choose?
The first thing you want to consider when buying a blank skateboard deck are the dimensions. The most common way to measure a board is by its width. Generally the width of a deck varies from 8 to 8 and a half inches but can range anywhere from under 7 and a half to over 10 inches.
Currently the most popular size is 8.25”, but many enjoy 8.0″ or 8.5″.
The size of the board you ride will depend on personal preference. As you work out your preferences it will become easier to pick out a new board quickly.
As a first time blank skateboard buyer, I would use this general rule:
- Kids should first skate a board that is 8.0 or less
- Teens and adults should skate a board that is 8.0 or more
If you’re a really small kid, go for a smaller size, like a 7.5 or 7.75. Taller and bigger teens or adults should try a bigger board, like an 8.25 or 8.5.
Whatever board you choose, don’t get too stuck on finding the perfect size. Your preferences will develop over time. You will be fine learning on any high quality skateboard.
Other dimensions to know are:
- the width
- the length of the board
- the length of the nose
- the length of the tail
- the wheelbase
Mellow, medium or steep concave?
Skaters also evaluate the concave and the steepness of the kicks of a blank skateboard deck. This is the shape of the upwards curve of the board and the steepness of the nose and tail. Generally they are evaluated as mellow, medium or steep.
All of these elements of the shape of your deck can affect your tricks and how your board feels.
So how can you use all this info to find a deck that you like?
Visit a local skate shop to try out shapes
If you are not sure what dimensions you prefer, the best way to determine if a blank skateboard has the right shape and size for you before buying, is to stand on it and see how it feels.
By visiting your local skate shop you can feel and try out different products before you buy. It’s the only way to determine if you like the feel of a board. Just stand on it and see what you think!
Buying blank skateboard decks online? Only buy from trusted sources!
If you can’t find what you are looking for in person at a local shop, you can try buying online. Never buy from amazon or walmart etc. as they sell very low quality products.
Look for the online shops of different independent local skate shops in your area. Check their websites and call the shops if you have any questions about dimensions or shape, most shop owners are happy to help answer any questions.
Alternatively, you can try a trusted and well-know source for blank decks like Canada Skate Shop.
Canada Skate Shop stocks quality blank skateboard decks
Another great source for blank skateboard decks in Canada online is Canada Skate Shop. Our shop, Canada Skate Shop has a great reputation when it comes to sourcing top quality skateboards.
We don’t carry anything we wouldn’t skate ourselves. That is the true skater’s test.
We currently carry 5 main shapes of blanks. The OG shape, the Shorty Shape, the Teardrop shape, the Blunt shape and the Twin Tail shape.
Different shapes of blank decks
The OG shape is the first, classic and best selling shape. This is an easy to recognize popsicle shape with medium concave and kicks and has some of the most beautiful coloured plys on the market. We love this shape, and judging by how many have sold, so do you!
It’s manufactured in one of the best wood shops in North America, and like all our blank skateboards, is made from 100% North American hardwood maple.
The Shorty shape is very similar to the OG shape, but with a shorter wheelbase. This makes the Shorty shape turn a bit sharper and spin around easier for certain tricks.
The Teardrop shape is also a popsicle shape, but with a round nose and pointier tail that make this board easier to spin around! Did anyone say 360 flips?
The Blunt shape is a shorter board with a big, more squared nose and tail and a shorter wheelbase. This is an ideal board for all types of skating, but definitely help with nose and tail slides. Medium kicks and concave.
The Twin Tail shape is symmetrical board with an identical nose and tail. This means that you can ride the board in either direction. This is ideal for those putting together lines and also beginner skaters who don’t want to worry about differentiating between the nose and tail when skating, just drop the board and go!
The great thing about these blanks is that once you find the shape you like, you can buy it repeatedly from Canada Skate Shop, never having to worry about ordering a disappointing shape or low quality board again.
