Abstract: Improved balance boards feature a combination of components that increases versatility and challenges with use. An elongated deck has a lower surface with a lengthwise recess configured to receive ground-contacting apparatus enabling a user to practice balancing on the board while standing on the upper surface of the deck. The ground-contacting apparatus may be balls of different sizes, rolling pins, or inserts with rollers, wheels, or non-rotating skateboard trucks. The inserts may have a peripheral edge that corresponds to the peripheral outline of the recess, and may be held in position using hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic elements, or fasteners that extend through the insert and the deck.