What Side is the Front of a Skateboard?

Skateboards come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. But for some, figuring out the front of a skateboard can be difficult. A regular skateboard looks somewhat like a popsicle stick and so it can be hard to figure out which side is the front and which is the back. With that in mind, what side is the front of a skateboard?

There are a few ways that you can confidently determine the nose and tail, or front and back, of the skateboard.

Graphic Design: Many skateboards have a graphic design on the underside, which is often more intricate and visually appealing than the top. The graphic design is usually positioned closer to the front trucks, making it a clear indicator of the front.
Nose and Tail Shapes: Skateboards typically have slightly different shapes for the nose and tail. The nose is usually slightly narrower and may have a more pointed shape, while the tail is slightly wider and more rounded. These differences in shape can help you identify the front and back.
Wear and Tear: Over time, the grip tape on the top of the skateboard may wear differently near the front and back due to foot placement and tricks. The front might show more wear around the bolts that attach the trucks.
Concave Shape: Skateboards usually have a slight concave shape, which means the deck curves upwards towards the center. The concave might be more noticeable at the back due to the way the deck is designed for better control and trick execution.

Look At The Graphic On The Bottom Of The Skateboard

If you lay your skateboard flat and look directly at the artwork on its underside, you’ll get a clear idea of which end is the front and which is the back. When the graphic is designed to be viewed horizontally, the right side of the image points to the tail or backside of the deck. On the other hand, if the graphic is oriented vertically, the lower part of the design aligns with the tail (back), while the upper part represents the nose (front).

But remember, there might be some exceptions to this. If you’re still uncertain about telling the front from the back of your skateboard, try a different approach. Take a moment to study the board from another angle and see which side seems narrower and steeper. This distinct shape often gives you a clear hint to confidently figure out the front and back of your skateboard.

The Nose Is More Narrow & Steep

When you examine the anatomy of a skateboard, you’ll often notice that the front end, known as the nose, has distinct characteristics that set it apart from the back end or tail. One distinguishing feature is its comparatively narrower and steeper shape. This distinct configuration of the nose isn’t just for aesthetics; it serves a practical purpose in the world of skateboarding.

The term “catch” is often used to describe the role of the nose. Just as the term implies, the nose functions as a catch point, particularly during maneuvers like the Ollie. When you execute an Ollie, your front foot makes contact with the nose, providing you with the leverage and control needed to propel the skateboard into the air. The narrowness and steepness of the nose enhance this catching ability, allowing you to manipulate the board with precision and finesse.

Tail Design for Pop and Responsiveness

In the realm of skateboarding, the tail of the skateboard plays a crucial role in delivering an optimal pop and lightning-fast responsiveness. The tail is strategically designed to be smaller and positioned closer to the ground, serving as a launching pad for various tricks and maneuvers. To achieve a heightened pop and swift board response, the tail is crafted to possess certain distinctive characteristics.

For a more pronounced pop – the upward force generated when you snap the tail down against the ground – the tail is engineered to have slightly more curvature and flexibility. This dynamic curvature, coupled with the smaller size, allows the tail to act as a springboard, propelling the skateboard off the ground with greater force and agility.

To further differentiate the tail from the nose, it’s essential to note that the tail is typically wider than the front of the deck. When viewing the skateboard from a side profile, you can readily identify the tail by observing which end doesn’t rise as prominently as the other. This disparity in elevation is a visual clue that underscores the functionality of the tail in delivering enhanced pop and maneuverability.

The Significance of Nose and Tail in Skateboarding

The distinct design of the nose and tail on a skateboard reflects the diversity and adaptability inherent in the sport. Skaters develop unique preferences based on their individual styles and the tricks they intend to master. Some skateboarders gravitate toward utilizing the nose more prominently, while others find greater comfort and versatility in focusing on the tail.

This dichotomy of preference is deeply rooted in the fundamental principles of skateboarding. The tail’s compact design and its pivotal role in executing tricks like the Ollie make it a favored choice for many skaters, especially those who are mastering the foundational aspects of the sport. However, the choice between utilizing the nose or tail ultimately boils down to personal taste and the specific demands of a skater’s chosen repertoire.

In essence, the deliberate design and varying functionalities of the nose and tail underscore the rich tapestry of possibilities within skateboarding. Whether you’re drawn to the catch and control of the nose or the dynamic pop and responsiveness of the tail, the skateboard’s distinct front and back elements invite skaters to explore and express their unique creativity on four wheels.

Deck Concave and Shape

Another key aspect that helps differentiate the front from the back of a skateboard is the deck’s concave and overall shape. Skateboard decks are often slightly curved along the length, creating a concave shape that enhances control and stability. When examining the deck’s concave, you’ll likely notice that it’s more pronounced towards the back, which contributes to better board manipulation during tricks and maneuvers. This curvature can serve as an additional visual cue to identify the tail of the skateboard.

Truck Placement and Wheelbase

The positioning of the trucks, the metal components that hold the wheels, also offers clues about the front and back of the skateboard. Typically, the front truck is mounted slightly closer to the nose, while the back truck is positioned closer to the tail. This arrangement affects the skateboard’s turning and stability. Additionally, the wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and back trucks, can influence the skateboard’s overall feel and maneuverability.

Functional Differences in Nose and Tail Use

Expanding on the preference for using either the nose or tail, it’s worth delving deeper into the functional differences between the two ends. While the tail excels in tricks like the Ollie and kickflips due to its pop and responsiveness, the nose has its own set of advantages. Skaters who emphasize riding with the nose may find it beneficial for performing manuals (riding on two wheels) and nosegrinds. Exploring the nuances of how each end of the skateboard contributes to various tricks can provide a more comprehensive understanding of their roles.

What Is A Twin-Tail Skateboard?

A twin-tail is a skateboard with two tails that are the same size “symmetrical” rather than a nose and tail which are slightly different sizes. Pro skateboarder, Ishod Wair, is a strong advocate of riding twin-tail skateboards.

Features of a twin-tail:

The same amount of pop on both sides
Consistent pop
The skateboard never feels like it’s backward

Take a look at Ishod Wair’s twin-tail skateboard deck made by REAL Skateboards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Skateboards Symmetrical?

Most skateboards are not perfectly symmetrical. The nose should be slightly steeper than the tail to catch your foot when performing ollies and flip tricks. Similarly, the tail shouldn’t be as steep and should be wider than the nose of the skateboard.

Do You Ride Nose Or Tail First?

Your front foot should be by the nose and your back foot should be on the tail or above the screws of the back truck. However, there are a few different skateboarding stances when riding your board.

Skateboard stances:

Fakie is when you’re in the regular stance but the skateboard is rolling backward.
Goofy is when you ride with your right foot in front.
Regular is when you ride with your left foot in front.
Switch is when you ride forward but in the opposite stance that you’d usually ride in. For instance, if you ride regular, in switch you would go into the goofy stance.

Is There A Front And Back Truck On A Skateboard?

There is no such thing as a front truck or a back truck. However, after you’ve been riding your skateboard for some time you may want to mark which is which before removing them from the deck.

Over time, the bushings will get worked in at different rates. So if they’re flipped it could feel as if the skateboard is backward because of how they’ve naturally adjusted over time.

What Angle Is A Skateboard Tail?

The rear of the skateboard, usually measured from the back truck bolts to the board’s end (usually curved up at about a 10-degree angle from the rest of the deck).

Is The Nose Or Tail Longer On A Skateboard?

The tail is the end of the skateboard that is shorter or smaller, while the nose is larger.

Conclusion | What Side is the Front of a Skateboard?

Skateboards are a lot simpler than they may seem. Even if you’re unsure of the difference between nose and tail, just remember that the nose is slightly steeper while the tail is more gradual. Not only will this make it easier for you to tell which side is front or back but also help keep your board in good working condition over time.