# Beginners' Guide ## Step 1: Choose Your Board Size **The Finger Test:** Place your index and middle fingers across the width of the board. Your fingers should fit comfortably without hanging off the edges. ### Common Sizes: - **29-30mm:** Smaller hands or younger riders - **32mm:** Most popular beginner size – great balance - **34mm:** Larger hands or those who prefer more surface area - **36mm+:** Advanced riders seeking specific feel 💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, start with 32mm – it's the most versatile size for learning! ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0895/2093/1182/files/z7021052627188_87ba028dc01cb9841e7affd0a9a64c5e.jpg?v=1758094002) ## 🎮Step 2: Match Your Skill Level ### 🌱 Complete Beginner (Newbie) Never touched a fingerboard before? Start here! - ✅ Get a **complete kit** – deck, trucks, wheels, tools included - ✅ Focus on basic tricks: ollies, kickflips, grinds - ✅ Don't worry about customization yet ### 🔥 Intermediate You've got the basics down and want to level up! - ✅ Upgrade to **ABEC-7 bearings** for smoother spins - ✅ Experiment with different **wheel durometers** (65D vs 80D) - ✅ Try different truck widths for varied feel ### ⚡ Advanced (Pro) Ready to build your dream custom setup! - ✅ Mix and match components for your perfect feel - ✅ Precision trucks with specific kingpin types - ✅ Seasonal and limited edition decks ## 🛠️Step 3: Understanding Components ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0895/2093/1182/files/skateboard-parts.gif?v=1769059969) ### Deck The wooden board itself. Look for quality wood (maple or birch) with smooth finish and proper concave shape. ### Trucks Metal components that connect wheels to the deck. Width should match your deck size. Raw finish or colored options available. ### Wheels **Durometer matters!** 65D = softer, better grip for street-style. 80D = harder, faster for park/ramp skating. ### Bearings ABEC-7 is the gold standard for fingerboards. Smoother spin = better tricks and longer roll time. ### Grip Tape Provides traction for your fingers. Essential for control during tricks. Can be customized with designs. ## 💯Step 4: Find Your Personal Style Fingerboarding is personal! What feels perfect for one person might not work for another. Here's how to discover your preferences: - **Experiment:** Try different setups at local meetups or order sample components - **Surface matters:** Test on different surfaces (wood, concrete, smooth vs textured) - **Watch and learn:** Follow Vietnamese and international fingerboard communities online - **Practice daily:** Even 10 minutes a day builds muscle memory - **Join the community:** Connect with other Vietnamese fingerboarders for tips and tricks 1\. How to Order a Custom Fingerboard: Wood, Concave, Graphics, and Everything In Between [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-order-a-custom-fingerboard](1.%20How%20to%20Order%20a%20Custom%20Fingerboard:%20Wood,%20Concave,%20Graphics,%20and%20Everything%20In%20Between%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-order-a-custom-fingerboard%20%202.%20ABEC-7%20Fingerboard%20Bearings:%20What%20the%20Rating%20Means%20and%20Why%20It%20Matters%20for%20Your%20Setup%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/abec-7-fingerboard-bearings-what-the-rating-means%20%203.%2032mm%20vs%2034mm%20Fingerboard:%20Which%20Size%20Is%20Right%20for%20You?%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/32mm-vs-34mm-fingerboard-which-size-is-right-for-you%20%204.%20Fingerboard%20Wheel%20Durometer%20Explained:%20Soft%20vs%20Hard%20Wheels%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/fingerboard-wheel-durometer-explained%20%205.%20What%20Makes%20a%20Fingerboard%20Truly%20Handmade?%20Inside%20the%20Workshop%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/what-makes-a-fingerboard-truly-handmade%20%206.%207%20Fingerboard%20Tricks%20for%20Beginners%20\(In%20the%20Right%20Order\)%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/7-fingerboard-tricks-for-beginners%20%207.%20How%20to%20Do%20a%20Kickflip%20on%20a%20Fingerboard:%20Full%20Guide%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-a-kickflip-on-a-fingerboard%20%208.%20How%20to%20Ollie%20on%20a%20Fingerboard:%20A%2040-Year%20Veteran's%20Guide%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-ollie) 2\. ABEC-7 Fingerboard Bearings: What the Rating Means and Why It Matters for Your Setup [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/abec-7-fingerboard-bearings-what-the-rating-means](1.%20How%20to%20Order%20a%20Custom%20Fingerboard:%20Wood,%20Concave,%20Graphics,%20and%20Everything%20In%20Between%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-order-a-custom-fingerboard%20%202.%20ABEC-7%20Fingerboard%20Bearings:%20What%20the%20Rating%20Means%20and%20Why%20It%20Matters%20for%20Your%20Setup%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/abec-7-fingerboard-bearings-what-the-rating-means%20%203.%2032mm%20vs%2034mm%20Fingerboard:%20Which%20Size%20Is%20Right%20for%20You?%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/32mm-vs-34mm-fingerboard-which-size-is-right-for-you%20%204.%20Fingerboard%20Wheel%20Durometer%20Explained:%20Soft%20vs%20Hard%20Wheels%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/fingerboard-wheel-durometer-explained%20%205.%20What%20Makes%20a%20Fingerboard%20Truly%20Handmade?%20Inside%20the%20Workshop%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/what-makes-a-fingerboard-truly-handmade%20%206.%207%20Fingerboard%20Tricks%20for%20Beginners%20\(In%20the%20Right%20Order\)%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/7-fingerboard-tricks-for-beginners%20%207.%20How%20to%20Do%20a%20Kickflip%20on%20a%20Fingerboard:%20Full%20Guide%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-a-kickflip-on-a-fingerboard%20%208.%20How%20to%20Ollie%20on%20a%20Fingerboard:%20A%2040-Year%20Veteran's%20Guide%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-ollie) 3\. 32mm vs 34mm Fingerboard: Which Size Is Right for You? [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/32mm-vs-34mm-fingerboard-which-size-is-right-for-you](1.%20How%20to%20Order%20a%20Custom%20Fingerboard:%20Wood,%20Concave,%20Graphics,%20and%20Everything%20In%20Between%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-order-a-custom-fingerboard%20%202.%20ABEC-7%20Fingerboard%20Bearings:%20What%20the%20Rating%20Means%20and%20Why%20It%20Matters%20for%20Your%20Setup%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/abec-7-fingerboard-bearings-what-the-rating-means%20%203.%2032mm%20vs%2034mm%20Fingerboard:%20Which%20Size%20Is%20Right%20for%20You?%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/32mm-vs-34mm-fingerboard-which-size-is-right-for-you%20%204.%20Fingerboard%20Wheel%20Durometer%20Explained:%20Soft%20vs%20Hard%20Wheels%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/fingerboard-wheel-durometer-explained%20%205.%20What%20Makes%20a%20Fingerboard%20Truly%20Handmade?%20Inside%20the%20Workshop%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/what-makes-a-fingerboard-truly-handmade%20%206.%207%20Fingerboard%20Tricks%20for%20Beginners%20\(In%20the%20Right%20Order\)%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/7-fingerboard-tricks-for-beginners%20%207.%20How%20to%20Do%20a%20Kickflip%20on%20a%20Fingerboard:%20Full%20Guide%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-a-kickflip-on-a-fingerboard%20%208.%20How%20to%20Ollie%20on%20a%20Fingerboard:%20A%2040-Year%20Veteran's%20Guide%20https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-ollie) 4\. Fingerboard Wheel Durometer Explained: Soft vs Hard Wheels [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/fingerboard-wheel-durometer-explained](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/fingerboard-wheel-durometer-explained) 5\. What Makes a Fingerboard Truly Handmade? Inside the Workshop [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/what-makes-a-fingerboard-truly-handmade](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/what-makes-a-fingerboard-truly-handmade) 6\. 7 Fingerboard Tricks for Beginners (In the Right Order) [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/7-fingerboard-tricks-for-beginners](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/7-fingerboard-tricks-for-beginners) 7\. How to Do a Kickflip on a Fingerboard: Full Guide [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-a-kickflip-on-a-fingerboard](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-do-a-kickflip-on-a-fingerboard) 8\. How to Ollie on a Fingerboard: A 40-Year Veteran's Guide [https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-ollie](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/how-to-ollie)[](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/what-makes-a-fingerboard-truly-handmade)What Makes a Fingerboard Truly Handmade? Inside the Workshop[](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/fingerboard-wheel-durometer-explained)Fingerboard Wheel Durometer Explained: Soft vs Hard Wheels[](https://saigonskateboards.com/blogs/news/32mm-vs-34mm-fingerboard-which-size-is-right-for-you)32mm vs 34mm Fingerboard: Which Size Is Right for You? --- > Source: [Saigon Skateboards](https://saigonskateboards.com/pages/fingerboarding-beginners-guide)