Skate Board – A Hobby Turn Serious
By: Alan Ross
Skateboard shed its transport equipment image of the late 40s and 50s to become what it is today, the recreational tool. The early skateboard championships were ‘soap box derbies’ held in cities during that era of crude skateboards, which sometimes used to double up as surf boards too.
Skateboards as Sports Gear
With mass production becoming a reality in the 1960s skateboards underwent a lot of transformation for better; from solid wood or metals to plywood for decks, flat no shape to concavity, clay composite steel wheels to polyurethane made ones and finally single action trucks (axles) to aluminum constructed two part trucks. There is so much more in the safety, comfort and durability departments that you need to look into when buying skateboards.
Well, how do these things help? At first, the question may strike an irrelevant chord, but not so when you see the difference. Just taste this for samples: Without that innovative concavity would it have been possible for those champion skateboarders to takeoff from flat ground? Forget that for a minute, speeding along the streets wouldn’t have been a reality but for the grip tapes now you find on the decks, which prevent you from slipping even as you takeoff.
Did you know, what helped easy turning at such high speeds? Of course you do your skillful ‘foot work’ but the rubber cushion in between the two part truck flexes when you turn by front foot while pressing by the back foot. It is this flexibility that gives you additional turn which was harder in older skateboards.
Skateboard Ramps
If you are not on the streets you are skateboarding on the ramps. Ramps are carpentry constructions made in plywood. As you are aware, there are just as many ramp plans as you like and the simplest one is the obvious bank plan (flat plan), half pipe, quarter pipe, pyramid plans etc, all of which are named after their shapes.
Then you have the ‘launcher’ ramp for the lion hearted guys and girls. Skateboarding over this launches you into the skies vertically. If you don’t want to fly, you still have an option that interests you. You can ride the walls with two identical ramps placed at a distance apart.
Skateboarding Championships
Championships have encouraged many aspirants to take-up the sport and excel there. Television coverage has catapulted skateboarding to top youth sport. The most famous competition are them all is the annual X-Game Skateboard Championships. Skateboarders from all around the world take part this is event to gain recognition and fame, not to mention lucrative sponsorships and turn this one time hobby to a serious career path.
About the Author:
Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites SkateBoard, Online Games and Research Hub
Ripstik
Ripstik
By Tom Cruz
If you are someone who has got bored with their skateboard and is looking for something that is going to give you a few more thrills. Then why not consider purchasing a Ripstik Caster Board.
This board will certainly help to provide you with a more extreme sport than you ever thought imaginable when you’ve been riding your skateboard. It is not only unique in design but also comes with its own set of unique movements as well. Where as a normal skateboard which is solid framed this particular model comes with flexible panels and move separately from each other.
Using this particular board a skateboarder can carry out 360 degree turns on just 2 wheels plus it allows them to move uphill easily also. In fact riding one of these is very similar to the way a person would ride a snowboard.
The Ripstik is the latest item to hit the world of skateboarding and allows you to combine the way you ride a skateboard with the way you would ride a snowboard. Because of the inclined casters on the board and the way that the deck is able to pivot and allows you to carve your way through traffic just like you would on snow on a snowboard.
Plus you can accelerate and turn the whole board without needing to push as you do with a skateboard. Plus the 2 decks of the Ripstik Caster Board are concaved which means the person using it has more foot control than they would normally associate with a skateboard. However these particular kinds of boards should only be used by children over the age of 8 and adults.
Although you may consider using a caster board wrong because it comes with just 2 wheels rather than 4 it can make the whole ride actually seem much smoother. Plus the way you actually ride a Ripstik Caster Board is completely different from any other kind of skateboard you have tried and used before.
No longer do you need to push in order to get your momentum rather you need to twist your body in a particular way which you can learn about from the DVD that is provided with this particular board when you purchase one. In the beginning if you are someone who has not ridden a skateboard much before you may find getting use to learning the technique in order to manoeuvre the board a little bit difficult, but for the more experienced skateboarders learning this should come quite naturally and easily to them.
To find out more about the Ripstik caster board visit www.ripstikreview.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz
By Tom Cruz
If you are someone who has got bored with their skateboard and is looking for something that is going to give you a few more thrills. Then why not consider purchasing a Ripstik Caster Board.
This board will certainly help to provide you with a more extreme sport than you ever thought imaginable when you’ve been riding your skateboard. It is not only unique in design but also comes with its own set of unique movements as well. Where as a normal skateboard which is solid framed this particular model comes with flexible panels and move separately from each other.
Using this particular board a skateboarder can carry out 360 degree turns on just 2 wheels plus it allows them to move uphill easily also. In fact riding one of these is very similar to the way a person would ride a snowboard.
The Ripstik is the latest item to hit the world of skateboarding and allows you to combine the way you ride a skateboard with the way you would ride a snowboard. Because of the inclined casters on the board and the way that the deck is able to pivot and allows you to carve your way through traffic just like you would on snow on a snowboard.
Plus you can accelerate and turn the whole board without needing to push as you do with a skateboard. Plus the 2 decks of the Ripstik Caster Board are concaved which means the person using it has more foot control than they would normally associate with a skateboard. However these particular kinds of boards should only be used by children over the age of 8 and adults.
Although you may consider using a caster board wrong because it comes with just 2 wheels rather than 4 it can make the whole ride actually seem much smoother. Plus the way you actually ride a Ripstik Caster Board is completely different from any other kind of skateboard you have tried and used before.
No longer do you need to push in order to get your momentum rather you need to twist your body in a particular way which you can learn about from the DVD that is provided with this particular board when you purchase one. In the beginning if you are someone who has not ridden a skateboard much before you may find getting use to learning the technique in order to manoeuvre the board a little bit difficult, but for the more experienced skateboarders learning this should come quite naturally and easily to them.
To find out more about the Ripstik caster board visit www.ripstikreview.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz
Online Skateboard Gear Shop Started By Eleven Year Old
By Dianne Anderson
The son of a skateboarder, Spencer Semien was on a skateboard himself by the time he was three years old.
“All of a sudden, skateboarding became his passion,” says his mother, Marla Sneed.
As any parent knows, a child’s passion can be quite expensive and Spencer needed a part-time job to support his skateboarding activities. He already had an interest in computers and, in fact, had built a personal web site, so building one devoted to skateboarding was the logical next step. With the help of his mother and a Denver-area skateboard shop, the 11-year old got his site up and running. The official launch date was Oct. 21 of last year.
First and foremost, the site markets skateboarding equipment to intermediate-level skaters and higher. Skaters can purchase pre-built complete decks (that’s a fully assembled skateboard) as well as individual parts and accessories, everything from wheels, to grip tape, (intended to give the skater a surer foothold on the board), to skateboard repair tools, to the latest in safety equipment.
And those that switch from skateboarding in the warm weather to snowboarding in the winter haven’t been neglected; the site also provides a snowboarding section with a selection of snowboards and protective gear.
In addition to serving as an equipment supply headquarters, the site provides a full range of skateboarding services. Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
For today’s skaters, the site makes use of video technology. Video clips allowing aspiring skaters to study tricks performed by people Spencer has chosen as “worthy of being sponsored” by his website are represented. After many days of viewing “sponsor me” videos, a select few were chosen to receive recognition and free merchandise from this site.
The site also caters to visitors who aren’t skaters, such as parents of skaters or those who want to become more knowledgeable about a friend’s favorite pastime. A history section details the evolution of skateboarding, from the early 1900s to the present day, with the focus being on the evolution of the actual skateboard and skateboarding competitions, but also taking care to address the issues that have plagued the sport through the years, specifically, issues dealing with safety.
As hard as it might be for today’s corps of skaters to believe, there was a time when no one thought about putting on a helmet and protective padding before getting on a skateboard. And in the late ‘70s, many public skateboard parks were shut down because of liability issues. Rather than whitewash all these issues, the site points them out.
By perhaps clearing up some misconceptions about skateboarding, this site seems to be working to increase its bottom line, while embarking on enhancing the growth of the sport.
For this reason alone, the site is something Spencer Semien and his mother should be very proud of.
Visit http://www.allproskate.com for all of your skateboarding needs! With over 9000 products to choose from, Allproskate offers 100% secure online ordering as well as discounts and specials on brand name products such as Element, Girl, Flip, Habitat, Hookups, Independent, Mystery, Spit Fire, Zero, Zoo York and more. If you purchase $150.00 or more shipping is free! There are also many youth and adult skateboarding clothes available as well as discounted yearly subscriptions to the latest and most popular skateboard magazines like Thrasher and Slap.
Allproskate has its own Blog located at http://allproskate.blogspot.com/ offering information on the latest skateboard contests, news and events. Here you can post and view skateboard contests from around the world. While your there you can visit Allprokate's Daily Skateboarding News page located at http://www.allproskate.com/site/955556/page/479225 keeping you up to date on current skateboarding news. Allproskate cares about its customers and offers exceptional customer service. Check out Allproskate today!
The son of a skateboarder, Spencer Semien was on a skateboard himself by the time he was three years old.
“All of a sudden, skateboarding became his passion,” says his mother, Marla Sneed.
As any parent knows, a child’s passion can be quite expensive and Spencer needed a part-time job to support his skateboarding activities. He already had an interest in computers and, in fact, had built a personal web site, so building one devoted to skateboarding was the logical next step. With the help of his mother and a Denver-area skateboard shop, the 11-year old got his site up and running. The official launch date was Oct. 21 of last year.
First and foremost, the site markets skateboarding equipment to intermediate-level skaters and higher. Skaters can purchase pre-built complete decks (that’s a fully assembled skateboard) as well as individual parts and accessories, everything from wheels, to grip tape, (intended to give the skater a surer foothold on the board), to skateboard repair tools, to the latest in safety equipment.
And those that switch from skateboarding in the warm weather to snowboarding in the winter haven’t been neglected; the site also provides a snowboarding section with a selection of snowboards and protective gear.
In addition to serving as an equipment supply headquarters, the site provides a full range of skateboarding services. Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
For today’s skaters, the site makes use of video technology. Video clips allowing aspiring skaters to study tricks performed by people Spencer has chosen as “worthy of being sponsored” by his website are represented. After many days of viewing “sponsor me” videos, a select few were chosen to receive recognition and free merchandise from this site.
The site also caters to visitors who aren’t skaters, such as parents of skaters or those who want to become more knowledgeable about a friend’s favorite pastime. A history section details the evolution of skateboarding, from the early 1900s to the present day, with the focus being on the evolution of the actual skateboard and skateboarding competitions, but also taking care to address the issues that have plagued the sport through the years, specifically, issues dealing with safety.
As hard as it might be for today’s corps of skaters to believe, there was a time when no one thought about putting on a helmet and protective padding before getting on a skateboard. And in the late ‘70s, many public skateboard parks were shut down because of liability issues. Rather than whitewash all these issues, the site points them out.
By perhaps clearing up some misconceptions about skateboarding, this site seems to be working to increase its bottom line, while embarking on enhancing the growth of the sport.
For this reason alone, the site is something Spencer Semien and his mother should be very proud of.
Visit http://www.allproskate.com for all of your skateboarding needs! With over 9000 products to choose from, Allproskate offers 100% secure online ordering as well as discounts and specials on brand name products such as Element, Girl, Flip, Habitat, Hookups, Independent, Mystery, Spit Fire, Zero, Zoo York and more. If you purchase $150.00 or more shipping is free! There are also many youth and adult skateboarding clothes available as well as discounted yearly subscriptions to the latest and most popular skateboard magazines like Thrasher and Slap.
Allproskate has its own Blog located at http://allproskate.blogspot.com/ offering information on the latest skateboard contests, news and events. Here you can post and view skateboard contests from around the world. While your there you can visit Allprokate's Daily Skateboarding News page located at http://www.allproskate.com/site/955556/page/479225 keeping you up to date on current skateboarding news. Allproskate cares about its customers and offers exceptional customer service. Check out Allproskate today!
How Skateboards Are Made - Custom Wooden Boards
By L. Winslow
Most skateboards are made of wood and there are certain woods that are preferred by skateboard manufacturers. One of the common types of woods used comes from maple trees. The wood is cut into very thin slices or veneers, which will be laminated together during the manufacturing process using glue very similar to how plywood is made.
The glue or adhesive is sandwiched between each thin-flat strip of wood and pressed together and allowed to dry. If the skateboards are to have kick-tails on them, the wood will be pressed into that particular shape with a bend in them. Next the skateboard will be cut out from the wood and holes drilled where the trucks will be mounted underneath.
Once this process is completed it is time to for the boards to be sanded and finished. Then various finishes will be applied and custom graphics. Then the coatings, graphics, silk screens will go through a drying process, generally in a big rack and for a specific time period. Last nose guards or other incidental extra features will be attached and then boxed and shipped to the retailer.
Many higher skill level skateboarders prefer wood boards to other types of skateboards. Of course generally a good wooden board will cost you quite a bit more. Composite boards offer riders some advantages too. Plastic Boards have an advantage due to their low cost and are favored for parents buying skateboards for children. What ever skateboard you buy, look for quality and look close, you can tell the difference.
L. Winslow is a Technology Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.calling-plans.com/ - all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow
Skateboarding - One of the Most Exciting and Skilled Board Sports
by: Ben Ruhland
If you’re looking to get into a board sport why not try out skateboarding? Let me guess you and your friends go out on weekends looking for something to do but you’re bored stiff. Well I can guarantee you skateboarding is a sport you’ll never be able to give up on once you get into it. It’s a board sport that can have a steep learning curve depending on the person but most people can pretty much master the basics within a couple of months.
Skateboarding has developed quite a bit in recent years. For decades when skateboarding was in its infancy, it was seen as an activity performed by youngsters, mainly rebel kids. In these earlier years skateboarders were perceived as outcasts who went around vandalizing other people’s property by skating on it. It is becoming more understood these days but it still has a long way to go before people will fully understand the skill and dedication that goes into this sport.
The basics of skateboarding like pushing yourself along the street are easy to learn but once you get into the tricks and manoeuvres such as the most basic trick, the ollie, it takes quite a bit more practice to master. You need to learn the ollie as it’s a fundamental move that is combined into the majority of tricks where the board leaves the ground. The ollie is what could be considered a “jump” where the skateboard and the rider leave the ground with the board under their feet. To really master this basic move it can take a natural skater up to a year to really get it down.
When learning to skateboard some protective gear can go a long way to ensuring your safety as you can expect to take many falls when first starting out. A decent helmet, some elbow pads and knee pads will give you the safety you’re looking for and a little extra confidence knowing you won’t get too hurt when you fall. You can buy this protective gear fairly cheap from most skate shops and even some general purpose stores.
It’s easy to get nervous when first starting out on a skateboard because your balance will most likely be very out of tune. But don’t worry, every single skater you see out there on the skate park doing all those big moves, grinding rails, doing big grabs on the half pipe, they were all just like you when they started out. It’s a sport that takes a lot of dedication, and it relies on practice. If you put in the hours you’ll be popping kick flips in a matter of months. So go out there and get practicing, it’ll keep you busy for many years to come.
About The Author
Ben Ruhland : If you’re looking for more informative articles checkout: http://www.choozle.com
If you’re looking to get into a board sport why not try out skateboarding? Let me guess you and your friends go out on weekends looking for something to do but you’re bored stiff. Well I can guarantee you skateboarding is a sport you’ll never be able to give up on once you get into it. It’s a board sport that can have a steep learning curve depending on the person but most people can pretty much master the basics within a couple of months.
Skateboarding has developed quite a bit in recent years. For decades when skateboarding was in its infancy, it was seen as an activity performed by youngsters, mainly rebel kids. In these earlier years skateboarders were perceived as outcasts who went around vandalizing other people’s property by skating on it. It is becoming more understood these days but it still has a long way to go before people will fully understand the skill and dedication that goes into this sport.
The basics of skateboarding like pushing yourself along the street are easy to learn but once you get into the tricks and manoeuvres such as the most basic trick, the ollie, it takes quite a bit more practice to master. You need to learn the ollie as it’s a fundamental move that is combined into the majority of tricks where the board leaves the ground. The ollie is what could be considered a “jump” where the skateboard and the rider leave the ground with the board under their feet. To really master this basic move it can take a natural skater up to a year to really get it down.
When learning to skateboard some protective gear can go a long way to ensuring your safety as you can expect to take many falls when first starting out. A decent helmet, some elbow pads and knee pads will give you the safety you’re looking for and a little extra confidence knowing you won’t get too hurt when you fall. You can buy this protective gear fairly cheap from most skate shops and even some general purpose stores.
It’s easy to get nervous when first starting out on a skateboard because your balance will most likely be very out of tune. But don’t worry, every single skater you see out there on the skate park doing all those big moves, grinding rails, doing big grabs on the half pipe, they were all just like you when they started out. It’s a sport that takes a lot of dedication, and it relies on practice. If you put in the hours you’ll be popping kick flips in a matter of months. So go out there and get practicing, it’ll keep you busy for many years to come.
About The Author
Ben Ruhland : If you’re looking for more informative articles checkout: http://www.choozle.com
Good Health Habits For Skateboarders
by: Dana Bradley
Many skateboarders take advantage of their good health. They feel that they don’t need to become ‘caught up’ in the health kick that so many sportsmen and women are involved with. For many, their idea of a wholesome breakfast is a candy bar and a diet soda. Some do not eat breakfast at all.
In order to be a good skateboarder and to stand out above the rest, you have to take good care of your body. For many professional skateboarders, skateboarding is their only means of income. Many worry about getting hurt so they invest in special padded clothing so if they fall, it won’t be as painful. Many spend a lot of time practicing how to avoid a serious fall. Rarely does a skateboarder invest in their health. Avoiding falls, bumps, bruises and broken limbs is essential but you also have to take care of your inner health. Skateboarders should practice twists and turns but not when it comes to good health.
The first step to maintaining good health is to ditch the bad eating habits. Ditch the eating junk food for breakfast or not eating breakfast at all. If you are not a breakfast eater, have a wholesome bowl of cereal…it takes less than 10 minutes to eat a healthy bowel of cereal or grab a healthy breakfast bar containing vitamins.
Throughout the day, try avoiding drinking a lot of sugar cured juices such as soda and artificially flavored fruit juices. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water per day. If drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water seems impossible, split it up. Drink 2 glasses of water during breakfast along with your vitamins. Drink 2 glasses of water during the early part of the morning, 2 glasses of water during lunch and 2 glasses of water during dinner.
The first step in learning the sport is of course, getting a reliable board. One can purchase from the nearest sports shop, rent, or even borrow one from a friend. Having some background on the different types of skateboard setups will help one choose the right board. As a beginner, one way to familiarize one’s self is by riding to a friend’s house, or at a local park, or at a mall parking lot. But before actually hopping on the board, one should be equipped not only with the proper gear, but with the knowledge of essential safety measures as well. As they say, “safety comes first”.
Everyone should take a multivitamin everyday. After eating your breakfast or meal for the day, it is important to take a vitamin. This will ultimately give you an extra boost of energy daily. Make sure that you consult your physician before using supplements. Your doctor can recommend what brand of vitamins. Basketball and football players are not the only sportsmen who prepare for a game. Skateboarders are now learning the important steps in maintaining good health.
About The Author
Dana Bradley writes about http://www.buyskateboardgear.com, and http://www.SportsTeamFanHeaven.com.
Many skateboarders take advantage of their good health. They feel that they don’t need to become ‘caught up’ in the health kick that so many sportsmen and women are involved with. For many, their idea of a wholesome breakfast is a candy bar and a diet soda. Some do not eat breakfast at all.
In order to be a good skateboarder and to stand out above the rest, you have to take good care of your body. For many professional skateboarders, skateboarding is their only means of income. Many worry about getting hurt so they invest in special padded clothing so if they fall, it won’t be as painful. Many spend a lot of time practicing how to avoid a serious fall. Rarely does a skateboarder invest in their health. Avoiding falls, bumps, bruises and broken limbs is essential but you also have to take care of your inner health. Skateboarders should practice twists and turns but not when it comes to good health.
The first step to maintaining good health is to ditch the bad eating habits. Ditch the eating junk food for breakfast or not eating breakfast at all. If you are not a breakfast eater, have a wholesome bowl of cereal…it takes less than 10 minutes to eat a healthy bowel of cereal or grab a healthy breakfast bar containing vitamins.
Throughout the day, try avoiding drinking a lot of sugar cured juices such as soda and artificially flavored fruit juices. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water per day. If drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water seems impossible, split it up. Drink 2 glasses of water during breakfast along with your vitamins. Drink 2 glasses of water during the early part of the morning, 2 glasses of water during lunch and 2 glasses of water during dinner.
The first step in learning the sport is of course, getting a reliable board. One can purchase from the nearest sports shop, rent, or even borrow one from a friend. Having some background on the different types of skateboard setups will help one choose the right board. As a beginner, one way to familiarize one’s self is by riding to a friend’s house, or at a local park, or at a mall parking lot. But before actually hopping on the board, one should be equipped not only with the proper gear, but with the knowledge of essential safety measures as well. As they say, “safety comes first”.
Everyone should take a multivitamin everyday. After eating your breakfast or meal for the day, it is important to take a vitamin. This will ultimately give you an extra boost of energy daily. Make sure that you consult your physician before using supplements. Your doctor can recommend what brand of vitamins. Basketball and football players are not the only sportsmen who prepare for a game. Skateboarders are now learning the important steps in maintaining good health.
About The Author
Dana Bradley writes about http://www.buyskateboardgear.com, and http://www.SportsTeamFanHeaven.com.
Skateboarding in the Eighties to the Present
By Kadence Buchanan
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-eighties to the present when major skateboard manufacturers propelled it to new heights. First, they started with half-pipe and vert ramp skateboarding. The manufacturers upgraded the boards to make their decks very wide and to equip them with larger and wider wheels.
As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating's pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.
Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.
Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.
These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Women, and Nursing
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-eighties to the present when major skateboard manufacturers propelled it to new heights. First, they started with half-pipe and vert ramp skateboarding. The manufacturers upgraded the boards to make their decks very wide and to equip them with larger and wider wheels.
As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating's pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.
Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.
Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.
These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Women, and Nursing
Skateboarding in the Sixties and Seventies
By Kadence Buchanan
One of the biggest crazes to ever hit children and teenagers of our generation has been skateboarding. But how many of you know that it actually started as early as the 1950s and its popularity coincided with the surfing mania in California at that time? That's true. In those early days, skateboards were all homemade and made of wooden planks that were attached to roller-skate trucks and wheels. It wasn't even known as skateboarding yet, rather as "sidewalk surfing." It's best practitioners were guys who simply imitated the styles and moves of the top surfers of the time. Some people say skateboards merely evolved from "crate scooters" which looked exactly like a skateboard except that it had handlebars like a regular scooter.
When the sixties came around, skateboarding began to really take off. There were now skateboard manufacturers such as Hobie and Makaha which were actually top surfing manufacturers. Their early products looked much like the surfboards of the time. Skateboarding became so popular that a magazine dedicated to it was produced regularly. There was even an international skateboarding championship in 1965 that was telecast on national television. In terms of sales, records show that Makaha's skateboard sales figures reached the $4 million mark from 1963 to 1965, which was truly a lot in those days. However, by 1965, the skateboard fad was over. Sales dropped significantly and the skateboarding magazine closed shop.
The second generation of skateboarders made their presence felt in the early seventies. It started when Frank Nasworthy was able to invent a skateboard wheel made out of polyurethane, which gave skateboarders improved traction and performance. The new product was such a big hit that skateboarding became in vogue among children and teens once again as well as many young adults. More companies tried to invent their own skateboarding innovations, including special axles that were designed specifically for skateboarding. And as the skateboards became more maneuverable and controllable, the decks began getting wider -- as wide as 10 inches and sometimes over. There was a lot of experimentation in skateboards at the time, including the use of aluminum and fiberglass to replace the standard material for skateboards, maple plywood. Soon enough, the new craze was all about who could pull off the best tricks. And the best was yet to come.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Home Improvement, and Investing
One of the biggest crazes to ever hit children and teenagers of our generation has been skateboarding. But how many of you know that it actually started as early as the 1950s and its popularity coincided with the surfing mania in California at that time? That's true. In those early days, skateboards were all homemade and made of wooden planks that were attached to roller-skate trucks and wheels. It wasn't even known as skateboarding yet, rather as "sidewalk surfing." It's best practitioners were guys who simply imitated the styles and moves of the top surfers of the time. Some people say skateboards merely evolved from "crate scooters" which looked exactly like a skateboard except that it had handlebars like a regular scooter.
When the sixties came around, skateboarding began to really take off. There were now skateboard manufacturers such as Hobie and Makaha which were actually top surfing manufacturers. Their early products looked much like the surfboards of the time. Skateboarding became so popular that a magazine dedicated to it was produced regularly. There was even an international skateboarding championship in 1965 that was telecast on national television. In terms of sales, records show that Makaha's skateboard sales figures reached the $4 million mark from 1963 to 1965, which was truly a lot in those days. However, by 1965, the skateboard fad was over. Sales dropped significantly and the skateboarding magazine closed shop.
The second generation of skateboarders made their presence felt in the early seventies. It started when Frank Nasworthy was able to invent a skateboard wheel made out of polyurethane, which gave skateboarders improved traction and performance. The new product was such a big hit that skateboarding became in vogue among children and teens once again as well as many young adults. More companies tried to invent their own skateboarding innovations, including special axles that were designed specifically for skateboarding. And as the skateboards became more maneuverable and controllable, the decks began getting wider -- as wide as 10 inches and sometimes over. There was a lot of experimentation in skateboards at the time, including the use of aluminum and fiberglass to replace the standard material for skateboards, maple plywood. Soon enough, the new craze was all about who could pull off the best tricks. And the best was yet to come.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Home Improvement, and Investing
X Games Skateboarding Party Games - Ideas For an Action-Packed Sports Party
By Gail Leino
Extreme sports fans will love having an X Game themed party. If your teenager is an avid skater, an action-packed X games skateboarding party, games and all, can be great way to celebrate their birthday. Here are a few ideas to get you rolling:
“Skateboard Tag” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This is a great X games skateboarding party game, but you’ll need a fairly large paved area to play it. All guests hop on their skateboards, and one person is declared “it”. All the other players have to ride away from “it”, and anyone who gets tagged must join “it” in trying to catch the other skaters. The game will continue until just one skater is left, with all the others trying to chase them. The last skater standing is the winner of this fun X games skateboarding party game.
“Skateboard Obstacle Course” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This fun race once again requires a decent-sized paved area, as well a stop-watch and household objects such as rope, buckets, pot-plants and the like to act as obstacles. Prior to the guests arriving set up the obstacle course. Make sure there are things to go around and jump over, to make it challenging. Skaters negotiate the obstacle course one at a time, with the fastest time being declared the winner.
If you’re planning an X games skateboarding party, games are an absolute must. With a bit of pre-planning you can make it an occasion that your teen will remember for a long time to come.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for X games party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including X games Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Extreme sports fans will love having an X Game themed party. If your teenager is an avid skater, an action-packed X games skateboarding party, games and all, can be great way to celebrate their birthday. Here are a few ideas to get you rolling:
“Skateboard Tag” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This is a great X games skateboarding party game, but you’ll need a fairly large paved area to play it. All guests hop on their skateboards, and one person is declared “it”. All the other players have to ride away from “it”, and anyone who gets tagged must join “it” in trying to catch the other skaters. The game will continue until just one skater is left, with all the others trying to chase them. The last skater standing is the winner of this fun X games skateboarding party game.
“Skateboard Obstacle Course” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This fun race once again requires a decent-sized paved area, as well a stop-watch and household objects such as rope, buckets, pot-plants and the like to act as obstacles. Prior to the guests arriving set up the obstacle course. Make sure there are things to go around and jump over, to make it challenging. Skaters negotiate the obstacle course one at a time, with the fastest time being declared the winner.
If you’re planning an X games skateboarding party, games are an absolute must. With a bit of pre-planning you can make it an occasion that your teen will remember for a long time to come.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for X games party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including X games Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Skateboarding Shoes
By Marcus Peterson
Skateboarding has evolved over the years and is now a serious sport. You can purchase special skateboarding shoes that help enhance your skater style and also help you maintain stability on your board. But there are so many different styles and brands. How do you choose?
First, determine what kind of shoe you truly need. Are you a serious skater or a beginner? Do you need something that will help you with complicated tricks or do you want a show that is purely for style? Or, do you need a shoe that will be both stylish and comfortable for some serious skateboarding? Asking yourself these questions can help you decide which model and company is best for you.
Before you choose your skateboarding shoes, you will also need to think about how much money you are willing to spend. Different styles and different companies have several shoes that span different price classes. Is your main concern money, or are you willing to spend a little more to make sure you are getting a shoe that is perfect for you?
You don't even need to be a skateboarder to own skateboarding shoes. Some people just like the way the shoes look and buy them purely for fashion.
So when choosing skateboarding shoes, you have many options. You can pick one based purely on fashion. You can buy shoes that achieve a specific purpose. You can look on the Internet or ask your friends which shoes are the latest style, or you can find people online who are serious about skateboarding and ask them what their favorite shoe is. A little research spent is worth it when you end up with skateboarding shoes you are happy with.
Skateboarding provides detailed information on Skateboarding, Skateboarding Shoes, Skateboarding Tricks, The History Of Skateboarding and more. Skateboarding is affiliated with Skateboard Ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
Skateboarding has evolved over the years and is now a serious sport. You can purchase special skateboarding shoes that help enhance your skater style and also help you maintain stability on your board. But there are so many different styles and brands. How do you choose?
First, determine what kind of shoe you truly need. Are you a serious skater or a beginner? Do you need something that will help you with complicated tricks or do you want a show that is purely for style? Or, do you need a shoe that will be both stylish and comfortable for some serious skateboarding? Asking yourself these questions can help you decide which model and company is best for you.
Before you choose your skateboarding shoes, you will also need to think about how much money you are willing to spend. Different styles and different companies have several shoes that span different price classes. Is your main concern money, or are you willing to spend a little more to make sure you are getting a shoe that is perfect for you?
You don't even need to be a skateboarder to own skateboarding shoes. Some people just like the way the shoes look and buy them purely for fashion.
So when choosing skateboarding shoes, you have many options. You can pick one based purely on fashion. You can buy shoes that achieve a specific purpose. You can look on the Internet or ask your friends which shoes are the latest style, or you can find people online who are serious about skateboarding and ask them what their favorite shoe is. A little research spent is worth it when you end up with skateboarding shoes you are happy with.
Skateboarding provides detailed information on Skateboarding, Skateboarding Shoes, Skateboarding Tricks, The History Of Skateboarding and more. Skateboarding is affiliated with Skateboard Ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
Skateboarding - The Vert Ramp
By Steve Batchelor
Step one
Hopefully you know how to skateboard already, if not you ain’t ready for the vert ramp. Make sure you know all the basics well. Practice on a mini ramp before you consider the vert. It’s a good step to take before you start mixing with the big boys. You need to be able to pull off some tricks on mini ramp with confidence, comfort and style. The better the skater you are the more you will enjoy your experience at the vert ramp, and the less likely you are to be ending the experience in hospital…
Step two
Check out a few vert ramps first so you can get used to the height of them before throwing yourself off. They are a lot higher at the top than they look at the bottom. Getting used to this will help you when on your first run. It’s a bit late to discover you have vertigo when you are on the edge with your board at your feet.
Step three
This is dangerous game so make sure you have some decent safety equipment. It’s highly likely that you go sprawling across the ramp at some point so prepare for it as best you can. Make sure you have a helmet and pads on all your knobbly bits.
Step four
Unless you are a crazy loon or a particularly confident skater you probably won’t want to just go leaping off the top, start off at the bottom and build up speed pumping each side of the ramp. This will acclimatise you to the vert ramp; keep going until to be comfortable enough to hit the top of the ramp a few times, and get down again in one piece…
Step five
OK its now or never, time for the first drop in. Build up the courage; check that the way is clear, make sure there isn’t a fellow skater flattened at the bottom. If you clip someone else on the way down you could create some carnage. It’s a good idea to try you first run in an empty or nearly empty ramp, not only to avoid maiming others but to save you own humiliation…
Step six
Go for it, take a deep breath and go with the adrenalin. Don’t panic and try to relax and be confident. If you do have a spill don’t give up, if you’re a decent skater you will soon pick it up and be performing killer tricks before you know it.
Steve Batchelor is an Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at www.extremesportguides.com where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends http://www.infogoldmine.info for more info on extreme sport and many other subjects.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Batchelor
Step one
Hopefully you know how to skateboard already, if not you ain’t ready for the vert ramp. Make sure you know all the basics well. Practice on a mini ramp before you consider the vert. It’s a good step to take before you start mixing with the big boys. You need to be able to pull off some tricks on mini ramp with confidence, comfort and style. The better the skater you are the more you will enjoy your experience at the vert ramp, and the less likely you are to be ending the experience in hospital…
Step two
Check out a few vert ramps first so you can get used to the height of them before throwing yourself off. They are a lot higher at the top than they look at the bottom. Getting used to this will help you when on your first run. It’s a bit late to discover you have vertigo when you are on the edge with your board at your feet.
Step three
This is dangerous game so make sure you have some decent safety equipment. It’s highly likely that you go sprawling across the ramp at some point so prepare for it as best you can. Make sure you have a helmet and pads on all your knobbly bits.
Step four
Unless you are a crazy loon or a particularly confident skater you probably won’t want to just go leaping off the top, start off at the bottom and build up speed pumping each side of the ramp. This will acclimatise you to the vert ramp; keep going until to be comfortable enough to hit the top of the ramp a few times, and get down again in one piece…
Step five
OK its now or never, time for the first drop in. Build up the courage; check that the way is clear, make sure there isn’t a fellow skater flattened at the bottom. If you clip someone else on the way down you could create some carnage. It’s a good idea to try you first run in an empty or nearly empty ramp, not only to avoid maiming others but to save you own humiliation…
Step six
Go for it, take a deep breath and go with the adrenalin. Don’t panic and try to relax and be confident. If you do have a spill don’t give up, if you’re a decent skater you will soon pick it up and be performing killer tricks before you know it.
Steve Batchelor is an Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at www.extremesportguides.com where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends http://www.infogoldmine.info for more info on extreme sport and many other subjects.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Batchelor
Skateboard Contest Preparation
By: Dana Bradley
When preparing for a skateboarding contest, the contestants have to stand out above the rest. One can not expect to stand out above their competitors without preparing well in advance before the ‘big day’.
Skateboarding is an extremely popular sport among young people from the ages of 10 – 25. Why is skateboarding such a popular sport? It’s more than the tricks and the turns that a skateboardist can do. It’s about style, attitude and even the type of music that one listens to whether its rap, rock or contemporary Christian. Skateboarding is a lifestyle.
Like all spirited sporting activities, skateboarding when it’s time to compete, you have to go out in full force. Here are some tips, to prepare for a competition.
-Make sure that your helmet fits nice and snug on your head. It will be quite an embarrassment for one’s helmet to fly off during a competition…not to mention a safety hazard.
-Invest in the top of the line skateboard and make sure that you choose colors that capture people’s attention. When the judges rate a contestant during a competition, everything is visual.
-Unless you are highly gifted at skateboarding, if you are new to the sport, don’t join a competition unless you know for certain that you have the skills that it takes to compete.
-Make sure that you practice everyday. The judges will be judging how smoothly you maneuver your skateboard. Skateboarding should be like music…it should flow easily.
-Do not invent new tricks during the competition. Inventing new tricks can cause embarrassing bloopers.
-Do not eat a huge meal before a skateboarding competition. If you do have breakfast, do not over indulge. Stick with dry foods such as a breakfast bar, bagel or toast. Eating eggs with sausage and pancakes is not recommended. It will not only make you tired and slow you down but it may cause stomach pains from the excitement and all the twist and turns that you will make during the competition.
Last but not least, it’s extremely important that a player is in tip top shape before the competition. That means eating healthy, taking your vitamins and exercising. Practicing skateboarding is not an excuse not to exercise your limbs. You should jog or take 30 minute brisk walks daily or join a gym to help build your muscle and give you more confidence and definitely more energy.
Being in shape prior to the contest helps one to escape from injuries.
About the Author:
Dana Bradley writes about Skateboard coupon codes, DickSportingGoods Coupon Codes and Sport Coupons
When preparing for a skateboarding contest, the contestants have to stand out above the rest. One can not expect to stand out above their competitors without preparing well in advance before the ‘big day’.
Skateboarding is an extremely popular sport among young people from the ages of 10 – 25. Why is skateboarding such a popular sport? It’s more than the tricks and the turns that a skateboardist can do. It’s about style, attitude and even the type of music that one listens to whether its rap, rock or contemporary Christian. Skateboarding is a lifestyle.
Like all spirited sporting activities, skateboarding when it’s time to compete, you have to go out in full force. Here are some tips, to prepare for a competition.
-Make sure that your helmet fits nice and snug on your head. It will be quite an embarrassment for one’s helmet to fly off during a competition…not to mention a safety hazard.
-Invest in the top of the line skateboard and make sure that you choose colors that capture people’s attention. When the judges rate a contestant during a competition, everything is visual.
-Unless you are highly gifted at skateboarding, if you are new to the sport, don’t join a competition unless you know for certain that you have the skills that it takes to compete.
-Make sure that you practice everyday. The judges will be judging how smoothly you maneuver your skateboard. Skateboarding should be like music…it should flow easily.
-Do not invent new tricks during the competition. Inventing new tricks can cause embarrassing bloopers.
-Do not eat a huge meal before a skateboarding competition. If you do have breakfast, do not over indulge. Stick with dry foods such as a breakfast bar, bagel or toast. Eating eggs with sausage and pancakes is not recommended. It will not only make you tired and slow you down but it may cause stomach pains from the excitement and all the twist and turns that you will make during the competition.
Last but not least, it’s extremely important that a player is in tip top shape before the competition. That means eating healthy, taking your vitamins and exercising. Practicing skateboarding is not an excuse not to exercise your limbs. You should jog or take 30 minute brisk walks daily or join a gym to help build your muscle and give you more confidence and definitely more energy.
Being in shape prior to the contest helps one to escape from injuries.
About the Author:
Dana Bradley writes about Skateboard coupon codes, DickSportingGoods Coupon Codes and Sport Coupons
Skateboard Safety
By: Dana Bradley
Skateboarding is an immensely popular sporting activity, specially enjoyed by young persons having a flair for advantageous sports. Skateboard is a narrow platform with attached wheels and people ride on it to move quickly on hard surface. Like all adventurous sporting activities, skateboarding may cause several types of injuries. Fracture or sprains are main types of injuries.
There are some safety tips, which are always to be followed by skateboard riders to escape from injuries. Some important recommendations are given below:
1) A skateboard rider should always use properly fitting helmet, Wrist guards, Knee and elbow pads & shoes. All of these accessories are used as protective gear.
2) A quality skateboard is always should be used. There are different types of skateboard for all types of riding. A beginner skateboard rider should always use board with shorter deck, which is easy to handle.
3) Skateboard is not an easy sport for a newbie and one should always learn the basic skill of this sporting activity. Various techniques like slowing, turning, falling safely are very necessary to learn to start skateboarding on hard surface.
4) Skateboard should be inspected thoroughly before a ride. A broken or loose part or a sharp edge on board, wheels with cracking, a slippery board can cause serious injuries.
5) A skateboard should not be ridden in traffic jammed place as it can cause serious injuries. A collision with any vehicle can take a toll on skateboard rider.
6) Skateboard should not be used in darkness or in wet weather, as it is always risky.
7) A proper screening and observation of the area before riding is always helpful. Irregular riding surface cause more than half of the injuries.
8) It is always advisable not to take unnecessary risk with difficult tricks and jumps while skateboarding. A person should always use such tricks and jumps, which are perfectly under his control.
9) It is also very important for a skateboard player to be in good physical shape to escape from injuries. Some stretching exercises are always recommended before and after skateboarding to avoid muscle injuries.
10) A sound knowledge to handle any problem in emergency.
11) One and only one person should use one skateboard. There should not be any sharing as it can cause dangerous accident.
12) Hitching a ride from car, bicycle can be very risky and cause accident.
13) Children under age of 14 are the main victims of skateboard injuries. So, a child under that age should be always under observation while skateboarding. Skateboard riding is a strictly “NO” for children under age seven. Poor balance, slow reaction, lesser coordination of body parts, lacking of riding skill are the prime cause for children having injured while skateboarding.
When skateboarding, a person should never compromise their safety. When skateboarders play by the rules, everyone can enjoy.
About the Author:
Dana Bradley writes about BladesBoard promo codes, FogDog on sale and Skate boards
Skateboarding is an immensely popular sporting activity, specially enjoyed by young persons having a flair for advantageous sports. Skateboard is a narrow platform with attached wheels and people ride on it to move quickly on hard surface. Like all adventurous sporting activities, skateboarding may cause several types of injuries. Fracture or sprains are main types of injuries.
There are some safety tips, which are always to be followed by skateboard riders to escape from injuries. Some important recommendations are given below:
1) A skateboard rider should always use properly fitting helmet, Wrist guards, Knee and elbow pads & shoes. All of these accessories are used as protective gear.
2) A quality skateboard is always should be used. There are different types of skateboard for all types of riding. A beginner skateboard rider should always use board with shorter deck, which is easy to handle.
3) Skateboard is not an easy sport for a newbie and one should always learn the basic skill of this sporting activity. Various techniques like slowing, turning, falling safely are very necessary to learn to start skateboarding on hard surface.
4) Skateboard should be inspected thoroughly before a ride. A broken or loose part or a sharp edge on board, wheels with cracking, a slippery board can cause serious injuries.
5) A skateboard should not be ridden in traffic jammed place as it can cause serious injuries. A collision with any vehicle can take a toll on skateboard rider.
6) Skateboard should not be used in darkness or in wet weather, as it is always risky.
7) A proper screening and observation of the area before riding is always helpful. Irregular riding surface cause more than half of the injuries.
8) It is always advisable not to take unnecessary risk with difficult tricks and jumps while skateboarding. A person should always use such tricks and jumps, which are perfectly under his control.
9) It is also very important for a skateboard player to be in good physical shape to escape from injuries. Some stretching exercises are always recommended before and after skateboarding to avoid muscle injuries.
10) A sound knowledge to handle any problem in emergency.
11) One and only one person should use one skateboard. There should not be any sharing as it can cause dangerous accident.
12) Hitching a ride from car, bicycle can be very risky and cause accident.
13) Children under age of 14 are the main victims of skateboard injuries. So, a child under that age should be always under observation while skateboarding. Skateboard riding is a strictly “NO” for children under age seven. Poor balance, slow reaction, lesser coordination of body parts, lacking of riding skill are the prime cause for children having injured while skateboarding.
When skateboarding, a person should never compromise their safety. When skateboarders play by the rules, everyone can enjoy.
About the Author:
Dana Bradley writes about BladesBoard promo codes, FogDog on sale and Skate boards
Top 10 Skateboard Truck Brands
Top 10 Skateboard Truck Brands
From Steve Cave,
Your Guide to Skateboarding
Here's a list of the best skateboard truck brands Trucks in the Skateboard Dictionary). Trucks can be expensive, and picking out the right set of skate trucks can seem tough. But, if you get a pair of trucks off of this list, you should be good. There are other brands that are good quality too, but each of these brands has something that helps it to really stand out. These aren't put in any particular order.
1. Fury Trucks
Fury TrucksFury skateboarding trucks are heavier and stronger than most. Most skateboarders try to shave off as much weight as possible. However, Fury has some other special features to try to tempt you - Fury trucks are wider than most, come with a mini riser (similar to Phantom trucks), and special Fury bushings. And if that's not enough, Fury trucks have a unique ballpoint turning design, so that the hangar has a ball joint sitting in a socket in the base plate.
2. Grindking Trucks
Grind King TrucksGrind King skateboard trucks are the best trucks available for grinding. The truck hangar is made from aluminum, making it softer and weaker, but better for grinding. This means you will have to replace them faster if you grind, but your grinds will be smoother and better. Grind King trucks do use special hex-head kingpins, so you will need a special tool to adjust them.
3.Tensor
From Steve Cave,
Your Guide to Skateboarding
Here's a list of the best skateboard truck brands Trucks in the Skateboard Dictionary). Trucks can be expensive, and picking out the right set of skate trucks can seem tough. But, if you get a pair of trucks off of this list, you should be good. There are other brands that are good quality too, but each of these brands has something that helps it to really stand out. These aren't put in any particular order.
1. Fury TrucksFury TrucksFury skateboarding trucks are heavier and stronger than most. Most skateboarders try to shave off as much weight as possible. However, Fury has some other special features to try to tempt you - Fury trucks are wider than most, come with a mini riser (similar to Phantom trucks), and special Fury bushings. And if that's not enough, Fury trucks have a unique ballpoint turning design, so that the hangar has a ball joint sitting in a socket in the base plate.
2. Grindking TrucksGrind King TrucksGrind King skateboard trucks are the best trucks available for grinding. The truck hangar is made from aluminum, making it softer and weaker, but better for grinding. This means you will have to replace them faster if you grind, but your grinds will be smoother and better. Grind King trucks do use special hex-head kingpins, so you will need a special tool to adjust them.
3.Tensor TrucksTensor TrucksTensor trucks are the most highly engineered skateboard trucks on the market. Tensor trucks are like the Cadillac of trucks, and have the brilliance of skateboarding legend / engineer Rodney Mullen as a driving force. Tensor trucks come in both standard and low designs, and should work excellently in most skateboarding situations. Sort of a perfect all-round well built skateboarding truck.
4. Independent Trucks
Independent TrucksIndependent has been making skateboarding trucks for over 25 years. Independent's Stage 9 truck series are quality made, lightweight and still durable. They also feature "Fast Action Independent Geometry," which means they are designed to react more quickly to your motions than other trucks. Independent trucks are usually on the wider side, but all sizes are available. Independent trucks are also guaranteed for life against manufacturer defects, but should last forever anyway.
5. Navigator Trucks
Navigator TrucksNavigator is a newer truck company, and may be hard to find (the Navigator site has a store locater that should help). I've listed them here because they have some unique features on their trucks. For example, they have a special addition beneath the baseplate that holds the kingpin in place so bushings can be replaced without taking the trucks off of the skateboard. Also, Navigator is the only truck company that pins their axles, so they can guarantee their axles will NEVER slip! The Navigator site lists many other features - take a look and see what you think.
6. Destructo Trucks
Destructo TrucksDestructo has some fancy skateboarding trucks. The Destructo raw series skate trucks come in low, medium and high designs and look oddly skinny. The Limited and Pro series trucks just look awesome, with simple pro signatures on the front and great color schemes. That's not to mention Destructo's "Rail Killer" series - these light trucks have extended baseplates to reduce wheelbite, and come in some incredible color schemes (including one using 24 karat gold!).
7. Krux Trucks
Krux TrucksKrux make some great trucks. Krux makes "downlows" trucks, that have a lower hanger and kingpin than even Grind King. However, you will need a hex tool to adjust them. The Krux IIIs with Topless System are even lighter, with special bushings that feel broken in from the start, but that also provide a faster snap back into position. Krux trucks are light and low.
8.Thunder Trucks
Thunder TrucksThunder trucks are solid, with some great innovations. Thunder's light truck range claims ot be the lightest available, with the quickest turning. Thunder's team is also pretty impressive, with Thomas, Appleyard, Marks, Steamer, Ellington ... the list is actually pretty huge. If having a lot of pros ride the same trucks as you is important (which isn't a bad idea - these people are skating in competitions, and want the best!), then take a look at Thunder.
9. Phantom Trucks
Phantom TrucksPhantom 2 trucks have a low profile, are lightweight and have a nice smooth edge for grinding. They also just look nice. The thing that sets Phantom trucks (both regular Phantoms and Phantom 2s) are their built in shock pads. Phantom calls it an "Impact Dispersion System," a 1.5 mm rubber shock pad built onto the bottom of the trucks. Shock pads help reduce stress from the trucks to the board.
10. Silver Trucks
Silver TrucksSilver has edged it's way onto the scene offering nice, quality skateboard trucks, with plenty of little extras to make their trucks stand out from the rest. With things like inverted kingpins and axle caps, Silver trucks are pushing their motto, "Strength with Style." Silver trucks do look nice! Silver also sports a great team, with guys like Sheckler, Dyrdek, Rodriquez and more.
4. Independent TrucksIndependent TrucksIndependent has been making skateboarding trucks for over 25 years. Independent's Stage 9 truck series are quality made, lightweight and still durable. They also feature "Fast Action Independent Geometry," which means they are designed to react more quickly to your motions than other trucks. Independent trucks are usually on the wider side, but all sizes are available. Independent trucks are also guaranteed for life against manufacturer defects, but should last forever anyway.
5. Navigator TrucksNavigator TrucksNavigator is a newer truck company, and may be hard to find (the Navigator site has a store locater that should help). I've listed them here because they have some unique features on their trucks. For example, they have a special addition beneath the baseplate that holds the kingpin in place so bushings can be replaced without taking the trucks off of the skateboard. Also, Navigator is the only truck company that pins their axles, so they can guarantee their axles will NEVER slip! The Navigator site lists many other features - take a look and see what you think.
6. Destructo TrucksDestructo TrucksDestructo has some fancy skateboarding trucks. The Destructo raw series skate trucks come in low, medium and high designs and look oddly skinny. The Limited and Pro series trucks just look awesome, with simple pro signatures on the front and great color schemes. That's not to mention Destructo's "Rail Killer" series - these light trucks have extended baseplates to reduce wheelbite, and come in some incredible color schemes (including one using 24 karat gold!).
7. Krux TrucksKrux TrucksKrux make some great trucks. Krux makes "downlows" trucks, that have a lower hanger and kingpin than even Grind King. However, you will need a hex tool to adjust them. The Krux IIIs with Topless System are even lighter, with special bushings that feel broken in from the start, but that also provide a faster snap back into position. Krux trucks are light and low.
8.Thunder TrucksThunder TrucksThunder trucks are solid, with some great innovations. Thunder's light truck range claims ot be the lightest available, with the quickest turning. Thunder's team is also pretty impressive, with Thomas, Appleyard, Marks, Steamer, Ellington ... the list is actually pretty huge. If having a lot of pros ride the same trucks as you is important (which isn't a bad idea - these people are skating in competitions, and want the best!), then take a look at Thunder.
9. Phantom TrucksPhantom TrucksPhantom 2 trucks have a low profile, are lightweight and have a nice smooth edge for grinding. They also just look nice. The thing that sets Phantom trucks (both regular Phantoms and Phantom 2s) are their built in shock pads. Phantom calls it an "Impact Dispersion System," a 1.5 mm rubber shock pad built onto the bottom of the trucks. Shock pads help reduce stress from the trucks to the board.
10. Silver TrucksSilver TrucksSilver has edged it's way onto the scene offering nice, quality skateboard trucks, with plenty of little extras to make their trucks stand out from the rest. With things like inverted kingpins and axle caps, Silver trucks are pushing their motto, "Strength with Style." Silver trucks do look nice! Silver also sports a great team, with guys like Sheckler, Dyrdek, Rodriquez and more.
Skateboarding: A Brief History (3)
Skateboarding: A Brief History (3)
From Steve Cave,Your Guide to Skateboarding.
Vert skateboarding took a dive in fame in the early 90s, but skateboarding still remained, though it became primarily street. It was then that Mike Vallely and Natas Kaupas came on the scene and pushed street skateboarding even further.
Skateboarding started to grow again in popularity in the 90's, this time with a more raw, edgy, and dangerous attitude. This coincides with the rise of more angry punk music, and the general discontent with the current system that raged throughout this time frame. Call it discontent, or call it Post Modern frustration, but the image of the poor, angry skater punk came to the surface loud and proud. Interestingly, this only helped to fuel skateboarding's popularity.
In 1995, ESPN held their first Extreme Games, in Rhode Island.
first X Games was a huge success, and helped pull skateboarding closer to the mainstream, and closer to being accepted by the general population (read more in the History of the X Games). In 1997 the first Winter X Games were held, and "Extreme Sports" were classified. Plenty of skaters resent the way skateboarding has slowly moved from underground to mainstream.
However, the X Games did bring vert skateboarding back into popularity. The X Games and competitions like that have continued to keep vert skateboarding popular, even though vert few skaters actually ride real vert ramps. Vert skateboarding has slowly become a much loved spectator sport.
Since 2000, attention in the media and products like skateboarding video games, children's skateboards and commercialization have all pulled skateboarding more and more into the mainstream. The benefit of this is that, of course, skaters are more accepted, and the assumption that all skaters are criminals is slowly being torn down. Also, with more money being put into skateboarding, there are more skateparks, better skateboards, and more skateboarding companies to keep innovating and inventing new things.
However, there is a large group of skaters who miss the underground days, and who strongly disagree with the way skateboarding has been made more mainstream. One benefit of skateboarding is that it is a very individual activity. There is no right or wrong way to skate.
However, if skateboarding is officially classified as a "sport", many skaters fear that this freedom will die out. There is currently a great deal of concern about skateboarding becoming an Olympic sport (read Skateboarding in the Olympics? for more).
But, with all this history crammed into such a short period of time, it's easy to see that no one knows where skateboarding will truly go from here. Skateboarding still hasn`t stopped evolving, and skaters are coming up with new tricks all the time. Boards are also continuing to evolve, as companies try to make them lighter and stronger, or try to improve on their performance.
Skateboarding has always been about personal discovery and pushing oneself to the limit, but where will skateboarding go from here? Wherever skaters continue to take it.
From Steve Cave,Your Guide to Skateboarding.
Vert skateboarding took a dive in fame in the early 90s, but skateboarding still remained, though it became primarily street. It was then that Mike Vallely and Natas Kaupas came on the scene and pushed street skateboarding even further.
Skateboarding started to grow again in popularity in the 90's, this time with a more raw, edgy, and dangerous attitude. This coincides with the rise of more angry punk music, and the general discontent with the current system that raged throughout this time frame. Call it discontent, or call it Post Modern frustration, but the image of the poor, angry skater punk came to the surface loud and proud. Interestingly, this only helped to fuel skateboarding's popularity.
In 1995, ESPN held their first Extreme Games, in Rhode Island.
first X Games was a huge success, and helped pull skateboarding closer to the mainstream, and closer to being accepted by the general population (read more in the History of the X Games). In 1997 the first Winter X Games were held, and "Extreme Sports" were classified. Plenty of skaters resent the way skateboarding has slowly moved from underground to mainstream.
However, the X Games did bring vert skateboarding back into popularity. The X Games and competitions like that have continued to keep vert skateboarding popular, even though vert few skaters actually ride real vert ramps. Vert skateboarding has slowly become a much loved spectator sport.
Since 2000, attention in the media and products like skateboarding video games, children's skateboards and commercialization have all pulled skateboarding more and more into the mainstream. The benefit of this is that, of course, skaters are more accepted, and the assumption that all skaters are criminals is slowly being torn down. Also, with more money being put into skateboarding, there are more skateparks, better skateboards, and more skateboarding companies to keep innovating and inventing new things.
However, there is a large group of skaters who miss the underground days, and who strongly disagree with the way skateboarding has been made more mainstream. One benefit of skateboarding is that it is a very individual activity. There is no right or wrong way to skate.
However, if skateboarding is officially classified as a "sport", many skaters fear that this freedom will die out. There is currently a great deal of concern about skateboarding becoming an Olympic sport (read Skateboarding in the Olympics? for more).
But, with all this history crammed into such a short period of time, it's easy to see that no one knows where skateboarding will truly go from here. Skateboarding still hasn`t stopped evolving, and skaters are coming up with new tricks all the time. Boards are also continuing to evolve, as companies try to make them lighter and stronger, or try to improve on their performance.
Skateboarding has always been about personal discovery and pushing oneself to the limit, but where will skateboarding go from here? Wherever skaters continue to take it.
Skateboarding: A Brief History (2)
Skateboarding: A Brief History (2)
From Steve Cave,Your Guide to Skateboarding.
The Zephyr team, and all the skaters who wanted to be like them, also made skateboarding even more edgy in the public eye, and added a strong anti-establishment sentiment that still remains in skateboarding today.
In 1978, only a few years into the popularity of this new style of low-to-the-ground skateboarding, a skater named Alan Gelfand (nicknamed "Ollie") invented a maneuver that gave skateboarding another revolutionary jump. He would slam his back foot down on the tail of his board and jump, thereby popping himself and the board into the air. The ollie was born, a trick that completely revolutionized skateboarding -- most tricks today are based in performing an ollie. The trick still bears his name, and Alan Gelfand was inducted into the skateboard hall of fame in 2002.
Unfortunately, near the end of the 70's skateboarding faced its second crash in popularity.
Public skate parks had been being built, but with skateboarding being such a dangerous activity, insurance rates got out of control. This, combined with less and less people coming to use skateparks forced most to close.
But skaters kept skating. Through the 80's skateboarders started to built their own ramps at home, and to skate whatever else they could find. Skateboarding began to be more of an underground movement, with skaters continuing to ride, but to make the whole world into their skatepark.
During the 80's, smaller skateboard companies owned by skateboarders started cropping up. This enabled each company to be creative and do whatever they wanted - new styles and shapes of boards were tried.
It was also during the 80's that the VCR came on the scene, and opened up the world of skateboarding to any kid, anywhere. Stacey Peralta and George Powell pulled together a team of young talented skaters and named them the Bones Brigade. Stacey had a talent for filming, and in 1984 shot the first of a long series of revolutionary skateboard videos - The Bones Brigade Video Show. The team included Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, Rodney Mullen, Stacy Peralta, and Kevin Staab, among piles of other huge named skaters. Peralta made more Bones Brigade videos - Future Primitive in 1985, and the famous Search for Animal Chin in 1987. There are many, many more. Skateboarding began influencing clothing styles, music and culture.
Unfortunately, near the end of the 80's, skateboarding started to dive in popularity again. Vert skateboarding quickly lost popularity, and most skaters only rode street. Each time skateboarding has fallen in popularity, it has fallen a little less. But these dips in popularity have huge impacts on pro skaters. Pure vert skaters like Tony Hawk had a very difficult time holding on through the late 80's and early 90's. The stress on Tony Hawk was incredible, and he even lost his first wife during this time.
Continue to the next page for the end of the history...
From Steve Cave,Your Guide to Skateboarding.
The Zephyr team, and all the skaters who wanted to be like them, also made skateboarding even more edgy in the public eye, and added a strong anti-establishment sentiment that still remains in skateboarding today.
In 1978, only a few years into the popularity of this new style of low-to-the-ground skateboarding, a skater named Alan Gelfand (nicknamed "Ollie") invented a maneuver that gave skateboarding another revolutionary jump. He would slam his back foot down on the tail of his board and jump, thereby popping himself and the board into the air. The ollie was born, a trick that completely revolutionized skateboarding -- most tricks today are based in performing an ollie. The trick still bears his name, and Alan Gelfand was inducted into the skateboard hall of fame in 2002.
Unfortunately, near the end of the 70's skateboarding faced its second crash in popularity.
Public skate parks had been being built, but with skateboarding being such a dangerous activity, insurance rates got out of control. This, combined with less and less people coming to use skateparks forced most to close.
But skaters kept skating. Through the 80's skateboarders started to built their own ramps at home, and to skate whatever else they could find. Skateboarding began to be more of an underground movement, with skaters continuing to ride, but to make the whole world into their skatepark.
During the 80's, smaller skateboard companies owned by skateboarders started cropping up. This enabled each company to be creative and do whatever they wanted - new styles and shapes of boards were tried.
It was also during the 80's that the VCR came on the scene, and opened up the world of skateboarding to any kid, anywhere. Stacey Peralta and George Powell pulled together a team of young talented skaters and named them the Bones Brigade. Stacey had a talent for filming, and in 1984 shot the first of a long series of revolutionary skateboard videos - The Bones Brigade Video Show. The team included Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, Rodney Mullen, Stacy Peralta, and Kevin Staab, among piles of other huge named skaters. Peralta made more Bones Brigade videos - Future Primitive in 1985, and the famous Search for Animal Chin in 1987. There are many, many more. Skateboarding began influencing clothing styles, music and culture.
Unfortunately, near the end of the 80's, skateboarding started to dive in popularity again. Vert skateboarding quickly lost popularity, and most skaters only rode street. Each time skateboarding has fallen in popularity, it has fallen a little less. But these dips in popularity have huge impacts on pro skaters. Pure vert skaters like Tony Hawk had a very difficult time holding on through the late 80's and early 90's. The stress on Tony Hawk was incredible, and he even lost his first wife during this time.
Continue to the next page for the end of the history...
A Brief History of Skateboarding (1)
A Brief History of Skateboarding
From Steve Cave, Your Guide to Skateboarding.
Some big names and turning points in skate history
Skateboarding was first started in the 1950s, when all across California surfers got the idea of trying to surf the streets. No one really knows who made the first board -- instead, it seems that several people came up with similar ideas at the same time. Several people have claimed to have invented the skateboard first, but nothing can be proved, and skateboarding remains a strange spontaneous creation.
These first skateboarders started with wooden boxes or boards with roller skate wheels slapped on the bottom. Like you might imagine, a lot of people got hurt in skateboarding's early years! It was a sport just being born and discovered, so anything went. The boxes turned into planks, and eventually companies were producing decks of pressed layers of wood -- similar to the skateboard decks of today.
During this time, skateboarding was seen as something to do for fun after surfing.
In 1963, skateboarding was at a peak of popularity, and companies like Jack's, Hobie and Makaha started holding skateboarding competitions. At this time, skateboarding was mostly either downhill slalom or freestyle. Torger Johnson, Woody Woodward and Danny Berer were some well known skateboarders at this time, but what they did looked almost completely different from what skateboarding looks like today! Their style of skateboarding, called "freestyle", is more like dancing ballet or ice skating with a skateboard.
Then, in 1965, skateboarding's popularity suddenly crashed. Most people assumed that skateboarding was a fad that had died out, like the hoola hoop. Skateboard companies folded, and people who wanted to skate had to make their own skateboards again from scratch.
But people still skated, even though parts were hard to find and boards were home made. Skaters were using clay wheels for their boards, which was extremely dangerous and hard to control. But then in 1972, Frank Nasworthy invented urethane skateboard wheels, which are similar to what most skaters use today. His company was called Cadillac Wheels, and the invention sparked new interest in skateboarding among surfers and other young people.
In the spring of 1975, skateboarding took an evolutionary boost toward the sport that we see today. In Del Mar, California a slalom and freestyle contest was held at the Ocean Festival. That day, the Zephyr team showed the world what skateboarding could be. They rode their boards like no one had in the public eye, low and smooth, and skateboarding was taken from being a hobby to something serious and exciting (Read more about the history of Dogtown and the Zephyr team). The Zephyr team had many members, but the most famous are Tony Alva, Jay Adams and Stacy Peralta.
But that was only the first big jump in the evolution of skateboarding - continue to the next page for the rest of the history...
From Steve Cave, Your Guide to Skateboarding.
Some big names and turning points in skate history
Skateboarding was first started in the 1950s, when all across California surfers got the idea of trying to surf the streets. No one really knows who made the first board -- instead, it seems that several people came up with similar ideas at the same time. Several people have claimed to have invented the skateboard first, but nothing can be proved, and skateboarding remains a strange spontaneous creation.
These first skateboarders started with wooden boxes or boards with roller skate wheels slapped on the bottom. Like you might imagine, a lot of people got hurt in skateboarding's early years! It was a sport just being born and discovered, so anything went. The boxes turned into planks, and eventually companies were producing decks of pressed layers of wood -- similar to the skateboard decks of today.
During this time, skateboarding was seen as something to do for fun after surfing.
In 1963, skateboarding was at a peak of popularity, and companies like Jack's, Hobie and Makaha started holding skateboarding competitions. At this time, skateboarding was mostly either downhill slalom or freestyle. Torger Johnson, Woody Woodward and Danny Berer were some well known skateboarders at this time, but what they did looked almost completely different from what skateboarding looks like today! Their style of skateboarding, called "freestyle", is more like dancing ballet or ice skating with a skateboard.
Then, in 1965, skateboarding's popularity suddenly crashed. Most people assumed that skateboarding was a fad that had died out, like the hoola hoop. Skateboard companies folded, and people who wanted to skate had to make their own skateboards again from scratch.
But people still skated, even though parts were hard to find and boards were home made. Skaters were using clay wheels for their boards, which was extremely dangerous and hard to control. But then in 1972, Frank Nasworthy invented urethane skateboard wheels, which are similar to what most skaters use today. His company was called Cadillac Wheels, and the invention sparked new interest in skateboarding among surfers and other young people.
In the spring of 1975, skateboarding took an evolutionary boost toward the sport that we see today. In Del Mar, California a slalom and freestyle contest was held at the Ocean Festival. That day, the Zephyr team showed the world what skateboarding could be. They rode their boards like no one had in the public eye, low and smooth, and skateboarding was taken from being a hobby to something serious and exciting (Read more about the history of Dogtown and the Zephyr team). The Zephyr team had many members, but the most famous are Tony Alva, Jay Adams and Stacy Peralta.
But that was only the first big jump in the evolution of skateboarding - continue to the next page for the rest of the history...
Q. Why is Naming Skateboarding Tricks So Confusing?
Q. Why is Naming Skateboarding Tricks So Confusing?
From Steve Cave,Your Guide to Skateboarding.
Do you ever get confused about what to call a certain skateboarding trick? To be honest, it happens to everybody. It can get frustrating, and people can even get angry about it. So why is it so confusing?
A. Skateboarding has its roots in surfing, and so a lot of skateboarding tricks borrow names from surfing - like "backside" and "frontside" turns. You ever get confused about which is which?
But, as skateboarding began to evolve on its own, piles of skateboarding-specific trick names rolled around. Take the "Ollie" for example, named after Allen "Ollie" Gelfand who invented it. A lot of skateboarding tricks got named after the skater who invented them, like Christian Hosoi's "Christ Air" or Steve Caballero's "Caballerial". The McTwist is after Mike McGill, who invented it.
Other tricks were named for what they looked like, like a "Kickflip" or a "Pop Shuvit" (you pop the board then shove it around...).
Nollie is an Ollie off the Nose. A 360 is when you spin 360 degrees.
So, the mix of skater invented names and names that make sense would be confusing enough, especially with skateboarding evolving all over the planet independently, but then you add in snowboarding. Snowboarding uses several of the same names, but differently.
For example, the Indy. I was recently corrected on this one - in Snowboarding, the Indy is the name of a certain grab, where you reach down with your back hand and grab the board between your toes. In skateboarding, an Indy looks exactly the same, but the name implies that you are spinning backside.
But, here's where it gets REALLY messy - what if no one you know knows that? So who tells you the real name then? What do you call the trick where you sail off a ramp, don't spin, and reach down and grab the board, just like in an Indy? Do you know? Most likely, you'll call it an Indy, and would you be right? Would you be mad if someone told you you were wrong?
Here's where skateboarding fights against itself a little - everything in skateboarding is about being free, independent, and without rules. There IS no ruling body for skateboarding. You can't call up the NFL of skateboarding and ask them questions. It's impossible to ever nail anything down "officially". As soon as one group says, "We're right! Listen to us!", a lot of skaters out there will turn the other way. We don't like being told what to do, including what to name things.
But on the other hand, we don't want to look dumb, and we also want to make sure we are naming tricks correctly!
So, what should you do? A lot of skaters I know get their trick names from two places - the X Games and video games. And when they disagree about the name of a trick, sometimes they fight over it. Truthfully, those aren't the best sources - sometimes they are wrong. But, if they are wrong, and then you run with what they say, and everyone says it, then are you really wrong anymore? Skateboarding is still changing - there is no immutable Holy Bible or Pope of skateboarding. At least not yet!
Really, it doesn't matter what the trick is called, so much as you have fun doing it. That's the deal. Once you're good enough, and everyone listens to what you have to say, then you can demand that your trick be called a "Bobbyflip", or whatever your name is. But for now, don't stress about it. As long as you and your friends have a name for it, you're good to go. Get out and skate!
From Steve Cave,Your Guide to Skateboarding.
Do you ever get confused about what to call a certain skateboarding trick? To be honest, it happens to everybody. It can get frustrating, and people can even get angry about it. So why is it so confusing?
A. Skateboarding has its roots in surfing, and so a lot of skateboarding tricks borrow names from surfing - like "backside" and "frontside" turns. You ever get confused about which is which?
But, as skateboarding began to evolve on its own, piles of skateboarding-specific trick names rolled around. Take the "Ollie" for example, named after Allen "Ollie" Gelfand who invented it. A lot of skateboarding tricks got named after the skater who invented them, like Christian Hosoi's "Christ Air" or Steve Caballero's "Caballerial". The McTwist is after Mike McGill, who invented it.
Other tricks were named for what they looked like, like a "Kickflip" or a "Pop Shuvit" (you pop the board then shove it around...).
Nollie is an Ollie off the Nose. A 360 is when you spin 360 degrees.
So, the mix of skater invented names and names that make sense would be confusing enough, especially with skateboarding evolving all over the planet independently, but then you add in snowboarding. Snowboarding uses several of the same names, but differently.
For example, the Indy. I was recently corrected on this one - in Snowboarding, the Indy is the name of a certain grab, where you reach down with your back hand and grab the board between your toes. In skateboarding, an Indy looks exactly the same, but the name implies that you are spinning backside.
But, here's where it gets REALLY messy - what if no one you know knows that? So who tells you the real name then? What do you call the trick where you sail off a ramp, don't spin, and reach down and grab the board, just like in an Indy? Do you know? Most likely, you'll call it an Indy, and would you be right? Would you be mad if someone told you you were wrong?
Here's where skateboarding fights against itself a little - everything in skateboarding is about being free, independent, and without rules. There IS no ruling body for skateboarding. You can't call up the NFL of skateboarding and ask them questions. It's impossible to ever nail anything down "officially". As soon as one group says, "We're right! Listen to us!", a lot of skaters out there will turn the other way. We don't like being told what to do, including what to name things.
But on the other hand, we don't want to look dumb, and we also want to make sure we are naming tricks correctly!
So, what should you do? A lot of skaters I know get their trick names from two places - the X Games and video games. And when they disagree about the name of a trick, sometimes they fight over it. Truthfully, those aren't the best sources - sometimes they are wrong. But, if they are wrong, and then you run with what they say, and everyone says it, then are you really wrong anymore? Skateboarding is still changing - there is no immutable Holy Bible or Pope of skateboarding. At least not yet!
Really, it doesn't matter what the trick is called, so much as you have fun doing it. That's the deal. Once you're good enough, and everyone listens to what you have to say, then you can demand that your trick be called a "Bobbyflip", or whatever your name is. But for now, don't stress about it. As long as you and your friends have a name for it, you're good to go. Get out and skate!
Skateboarding, from Father to Son
Skateboarding, from Father to Son
It’s a sunny weekend afternoon and a Memphis father wheels up in his Sonata to a newly paved, sloping parking lot to let his 11-year-old son, Connor try out some well-honed tricks on his skateboard. It doesn’t take very long for Dad David to give into the longtime itch to get out his board too, a mid 1980s model. That’s just one of his older models he keeps in addition to a Bahne ash board from the mid 1970s and a Gordon & Smith Fibreflex from the same period.
After all, this 51-year old has seen a lot of skateboarding seasons cycle through. Out of the four total waves of the skateboarding scene, he has skated in the last three and vaguely remembers the first wave from afar. That was the pre-urethene one with hardened clay wheels that followed the original metal wheels.
Both father and son have taken their scrapes with the dad winning the prize for bumming up the knees and elbows more than the son.
It was not long ago that he would also ride the skate parks too, but his wiser wife, Cathy, raises a concerned eyebrow about the prospect of missing work as an editor of a daily business newspaper. Rightfully so. Daughter Lawrence just likes going to see some of the skateboarders ride from time to time.
It will be many years and cycles of skateboarding before David even considers putting his board up for all time.
Ride, ride, ride – let ‘em ride…
That was from David Yawn - thanks for sharing that with us. David has been skating since clay wheels and is still riding today, and is sharing his passion with his son. There's absolutely no reason to stop skating for age, or any other reason, really. You can contact the author at ysanctus@aol.com.
Skateboarding attracts all kinds of people with interesting stories - Dean just started to learn to skate at 41 - read I'm Not Too Old to Skate! for his story. And Daredog, as she likes to be called, was blinded at a young age and picked up skateboarding at 20. Read Blind Speed for her story.
Got a great story of your own? Post a comment below, or e-mail me, or both!
It’s a sunny weekend afternoon and a Memphis father wheels up in his Sonata to a newly paved, sloping parking lot to let his 11-year-old son, Connor try out some well-honed tricks on his skateboard. It doesn’t take very long for Dad David to give into the longtime itch to get out his board too, a mid 1980s model. That’s just one of his older models he keeps in addition to a Bahne ash board from the mid 1970s and a Gordon & Smith Fibreflex from the same period.
After all, this 51-year old has seen a lot of skateboarding seasons cycle through. Out of the four total waves of the skateboarding scene, he has skated in the last three and vaguely remembers the first wave from afar. That was the pre-urethene one with hardened clay wheels that followed the original metal wheels.
Both father and son have taken their scrapes with the dad winning the prize for bumming up the knees and elbows more than the son.
It was not long ago that he would also ride the skate parks too, but his wiser wife, Cathy, raises a concerned eyebrow about the prospect of missing work as an editor of a daily business newspaper. Rightfully so. Daughter Lawrence just likes going to see some of the skateboarders ride from time to time.
It will be many years and cycles of skateboarding before David even considers putting his board up for all time.
Ride, ride, ride – let ‘em ride…
That was from David Yawn - thanks for sharing that with us. David has been skating since clay wheels and is still riding today, and is sharing his passion with his son. There's absolutely no reason to stop skating for age, or any other reason, really. You can contact the author at ysanctus@aol.com.
Skateboarding attracts all kinds of people with interesting stories - Dean just started to learn to skate at 41 - read I'm Not Too Old to Skate! for his story. And Daredog, as she likes to be called, was blinded at a young age and picked up skateboarding at 20. Read Blind Speed for her story.
Got a great story of your own? Post a comment below, or e-mail me, or both!
KICK OR SKATE YOUR WAY INTO THE MILLENIUM
KICK OR SKATE YOUR WAY INTO THE MILLENIUM
Paws Plus ... Inc. is proud to introduce three new products to all who enjoy Winter Sports! These new models arrive just in time for Xmas and Winter Family Fun!Worldwide shipping is available.
Transactions are in Canadian dollars! All sleds are F.O.B. and estimates are gladly given. Secure Online ordering available at our website. See you there!Do you want lots of exercise?
Look at *The Canadian Kicker* Y2K Model Sled.Do you love to skate? Look at *The Canadian Skater* Y2K Model Sled... you don't even have to know how to skate to enjoy the sport ... Have a seat and glide around in style (as long as you know someone who is willing to skate behind the seat to guide the sled, of course).
Do you have a dog that likes to pull or run in the snow? Look at *The Canadian Sled* Y2K Model Sled! This sled can be used as a Kick Sled (inspired by the Norwegian kick sleds of old) or pulled by one dog for recreational activities.These folding sleds are easily transported and stored.
Visit our website to find out how easy it is to get lots of mileage out of one of these sleds because of the interchangeable skis available!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Paws Plus ... Inc. 18959 South Branch Road, RR #1, Williamstown, Ontario, Canada K0C 2J0URL: http://www.pawsplus.net ; Email: pawsplus@pawsplus.netTel: 613-931-2408 Toll Free Order Line: 800-915-9767 (North America)Fax: 613-931-2079
Paws Plus ... Inc. is proud to introduce three new products to all who enjoy Winter Sports! These new models arrive just in time for Xmas and Winter Family Fun!Worldwide shipping is available.
Transactions are in Canadian dollars! All sleds are F.O.B. and estimates are gladly given. Secure Online ordering available at our website. See you there!Do you want lots of exercise?
Look at *The Canadian Kicker* Y2K Model Sled.Do you love to skate? Look at *The Canadian Skater* Y2K Model Sled... you don't even have to know how to skate to enjoy the sport ... Have a seat and glide around in style (as long as you know someone who is willing to skate behind the seat to guide the sled, of course).
Do you have a dog that likes to pull or run in the snow? Look at *The Canadian Sled* Y2K Model Sled! This sled can be used as a Kick Sled (inspired by the Norwegian kick sleds of old) or pulled by one dog for recreational activities.These folding sleds are easily transported and stored.
Visit our website to find out how easy it is to get lots of mileage out of one of these sleds because of the interchangeable skis available!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Paws Plus ... Inc. 18959 South Branch Road, RR #1, Williamstown, Ontario, Canada K0C 2J0URL: http://www.pawsplus.net ; Email: pawsplus@pawsplus.netTel: 613-931-2408 Toll Free Order Line: 800-915-9767 (North America)Fax: 613-931-2079
How To Assemble a Skateboard?
Things you will need:
1 Skate board deck
1 sheet skate board deck griptape
2 skateboard trucks
4 skateboard wheels
8 skateboard wheel bearings
2 risers1 set of mounting hardware
1 philips head screwdriver
1 skate tool
1 metal file
1 sharp razorblade
1. First apply the skate board deck grip tape.
By unpeeling the backing and then carefully stick the tape evenly on the top surface of the skate deck. File down the grip tape around the edges of the skateboard, and then carefully use the razorblade to slice off the excess grip tape that hangs over the edges on the skatedeck.
2. Next, attach your skate trucks to your skateboard deck.
Use one of the screws from the mounting hardware to poke a hole in the griptape. Then push the mounting hardware from the top of the skatedeck to the bottom.
3. Now slide the risers over the hardware.
Next slide your skate trucks on. Make sure that the bushings from the trucks point toward each other or face the center of the board. Tighten the nut with the skate tool until it's flush with the trucks. Warning: Do not over tighten; you can cause the wood to split.
4. Now press the bearings into your wheels using the skate tool.
Repeat this for all four wheels. If you do not have a skate tool. You can use your axe on the trucks by placing the bearing on the axel and then pressing the wheel into the bearing, causing the bearing to slip into the wheel. Warning: Be very carefull not to dent or pinch the metal seal around the sides of the bearing. This will ruin the bearings and cause them not to spin!
5. Once the bearings are in place, you can put the on the trucks.
Do not over tighten this will crush the bearing causing it not to role.
6. Now the board is ready to skate. You may need to fine tune the trucks to your liking by loosening them or tighten them. The looser the trucks the easier to carve.
7. Once you are done you can always customize your board with some stickers
Remember to skate safe and wear your pads when needed.
Fred Riehl has been surfing and working with Brave New World surf shops for 18 years!
The Tube Quest Continues at ... www.bravesurf.com
1 Skate board deck
1 sheet skate board deck griptape
2 skateboard trucks
4 skateboard wheels
8 skateboard wheel bearings
2 risers1 set of mounting hardware
1 philips head screwdriver
1 skate tool
1 metal file
1 sharp razorblade
1. First apply the skate board deck grip tape.
By unpeeling the backing and then carefully stick the tape evenly on the top surface of the skate deck. File down the grip tape around the edges of the skateboard, and then carefully use the razorblade to slice off the excess grip tape that hangs over the edges on the skatedeck.
2. Next, attach your skate trucks to your skateboard deck.
Use one of the screws from the mounting hardware to poke a hole in the griptape. Then push the mounting hardware from the top of the skatedeck to the bottom.
3. Now slide the risers over the hardware.
Next slide your skate trucks on. Make sure that the bushings from the trucks point toward each other or face the center of the board. Tighten the nut with the skate tool until it's flush with the trucks. Warning: Do not over tighten; you can cause the wood to split.
4. Now press the bearings into your wheels using the skate tool.
Repeat this for all four wheels. If you do not have a skate tool. You can use your axe on the trucks by placing the bearing on the axel and then pressing the wheel into the bearing, causing the bearing to slip into the wheel. Warning: Be very carefull not to dent or pinch the metal seal around the sides of the bearing. This will ruin the bearings and cause them not to spin!
5. Once the bearings are in place, you can put the on the trucks.
Do not over tighten this will crush the bearing causing it not to role.
6. Now the board is ready to skate. You may need to fine tune the trucks to your liking by loosening them or tighten them. The looser the trucks the easier to carve.
7. Once you are done you can always customize your board with some stickers
Remember to skate safe and wear your pads when needed.
Fred Riehl has been surfing and working with Brave New World surf shops for 18 years!
The Tube Quest Continues at ... www.bravesurf.com
Pro Skateboard Trick Tips - The 360 Flip
By Amy S
If you want to learn some skateboard trick tips that will have you looking like a pro without being featured on MTV's Scarred, read on.
The 360 Flip:
If you've followed the first of the skateboard trick tips and have learned how to do an Ollie, this trick will go more smoothly. This one is really cool, and looks impressive when you do it in front of your friends.
When you slam your back foot on the board just like when you do an Ollie, hit it extra hard in order to try and flip it. While you're doing this, allow your front foot to slide off the board and use your toes to flip it that way as well.
Be careful while you're doing this trick, because it's easy to get jumbled up and fall. After you've managed the flip, you want to catch the board with your feet and center it again.
Don’t forget to bend your knees no matter which of the skateboard trick tips you're doing. With all tricks, it will help you absorb the shock of the landing so you won't be injured. You can try and learn these tricks on a stationary board, as it may be easier.
Just place your board on grass or some other textured surface to keep it from moving. Once you've learned to do these tricks on a board that's not moving, you should practice them with the board rolling.
If you want to see some online instructional videos check out http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/ If you follow the skateboard trick tips above, you'll look like a pro in no time.
Amy S is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
If you want to learn some skateboard trick tips that will have you looking like a pro without being featured on MTV's Scarred, read on.
The 360 Flip:
If you've followed the first of the skateboard trick tips and have learned how to do an Ollie, this trick will go more smoothly. This one is really cool, and looks impressive when you do it in front of your friends.
When you slam your back foot on the board just like when you do an Ollie, hit it extra hard in order to try and flip it. While you're doing this, allow your front foot to slide off the board and use your toes to flip it that way as well.
Be careful while you're doing this trick, because it's easy to get jumbled up and fall. After you've managed the flip, you want to catch the board with your feet and center it again.
Don’t forget to bend your knees no matter which of the skateboard trick tips you're doing. With all tricks, it will help you absorb the shock of the landing so you won't be injured. You can try and learn these tricks on a stationary board, as it may be easier.
Just place your board on grass or some other textured surface to keep it from moving. Once you've learned to do these tricks on a board that's not moving, you should practice them with the board rolling.
If you want to see some online instructional videos check out http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/ If you follow the skateboard trick tips above, you'll look like a pro in no time.
Amy S is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
Pro Skateboard Trick Tips - The Ollie
By Amy S
So, you want to be able to do tricks with your board like the pros, huh? Most pros train for years before they can catch all that air.
However, Practice makes perfect, and once you get this trick down, your friends will flip out and be so jealous.
The Ollie:
The Ollie is the absolute most used skateboard tricks, and a lot of other tricks are based on this one. Most Skateboard trick tips will tell you how to do it, but they don't include the tips that make it easier.
You should be on your board with your back foot on the tail of the board. Your front foot should be in the middle of the skateboard, and you should have your knees slightly bent.
Don't ride very fast while you're learning to Ollie. You don't want to eat dirt before you learn this cool trick. Now, here is one of the neatest skateboard trick tips when you're learning to Ollie.
As you're riding, the lower you bend, the more air you will get. In fact, your hands shouldn't be too far from the ground.
When you're ready to do the Ollie, you want to jump high into the air by slamming your back foot on the tail of the board. You should hit the board with your foot as hard as you can, and when you go into the air, your board should follow.
In fact, if you want to see some pro skateboard trick tips in action check out http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/
Make sure that you stay in the center of your board to keep it balanced. Keep your knees bent so that you will absorb the landing better.
Just follow the skateboard trick tips above and you will be skating like a pro before you know it.
Amy S is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
So, you want to be able to do tricks with your board like the pros, huh? Most pros train for years before they can catch all that air.
However, Practice makes perfect, and once you get this trick down, your friends will flip out and be so jealous.
The Ollie:
The Ollie is the absolute most used skateboard tricks, and a lot of other tricks are based on this one. Most Skateboard trick tips will tell you how to do it, but they don't include the tips that make it easier.
You should be on your board with your back foot on the tail of the board. Your front foot should be in the middle of the skateboard, and you should have your knees slightly bent.
Don't ride very fast while you're learning to Ollie. You don't want to eat dirt before you learn this cool trick. Now, here is one of the neatest skateboard trick tips when you're learning to Ollie.
As you're riding, the lower you bend, the more air you will get. In fact, your hands shouldn't be too far from the ground.
When you're ready to do the Ollie, you want to jump high into the air by slamming your back foot on the tail of the board. You should hit the board with your foot as hard as you can, and when you go into the air, your board should follow.
In fact, if you want to see some pro skateboard trick tips in action check out http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/
Make sure that you stay in the center of your board to keep it balanced. Keep your knees bent so that you will absorb the landing better.
Just follow the skateboard trick tips above and you will be skating like a pro before you know it.
Amy S is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Skateboarding
By Marcus Peterson
Skateboarding has its own culture. Skateboarders, in general, have their own style. Their clothing is individualized. They may sport tattoos and piercings. They practice their craft on their favorite skateboards in shopping malls, on stairs, in their driveways. Some places have skateboarding parks where people who are passionate can practice tricks and socialize with their friends. Many are intrigued by the culture and want to join in but don't know how.
Well, if you want to get into skateboarding, the first thing to do is buy a skateboard. Pick a board that fits your own personal style, because that is a large part of what skateboarding is all about. You'll want to find a skateboard that you'll feel proud to own because it represents you as an individual. You should also pick up some safety gear; you'll probably fall a lot at first.
There is no dress code for skateboarding. Just wear something comfortable. If you want to get into skateboarding, don't feel as if you need to dress like a typical skater if that isn't your style. The point is to find a unique way to express yourself, not to fit into a group. People will respect you more for your individuality.
Next, you'll want to take your first ride. Get someone who's been skateboarding for a while to help you. It can take a while to learn how to balance on the skateboard and maintain that balance as you are riding. Once you master that, you can start to learn some tricks. You can either learn by trial and error or get someone to show you how. After that, you're on your way to being a pro!
Skateboarding provides detailed information on Skateboarding, Skateboarding Shoes, Skateboarding Tricks, The History Of Skateboarding and more. Skateboarding is affiliated with Skateboard Ramps.
Skateboarding has its own culture. Skateboarders, in general, have their own style. Their clothing is individualized. They may sport tattoos and piercings. They practice their craft on their favorite skateboards in shopping malls, on stairs, in their driveways. Some places have skateboarding parks where people who are passionate can practice tricks and socialize with their friends. Many are intrigued by the culture and want to join in but don't know how.
Well, if you want to get into skateboarding, the first thing to do is buy a skateboard. Pick a board that fits your own personal style, because that is a large part of what skateboarding is all about. You'll want to find a skateboard that you'll feel proud to own because it represents you as an individual. You should also pick up some safety gear; you'll probably fall a lot at first.
There is no dress code for skateboarding. Just wear something comfortable. If you want to get into skateboarding, don't feel as if you need to dress like a typical skater if that isn't your style. The point is to find a unique way to express yourself, not to fit into a group. People will respect you more for your individuality.
Next, you'll want to take your first ride. Get someone who's been skateboarding for a while to help you. It can take a while to learn how to balance on the skateboard and maintain that balance as you are riding. Once you master that, you can start to learn some tricks. You can either learn by trial and error or get someone to show you how. After that, you're on your way to being a pro!
Skateboarding provides detailed information on Skateboarding, Skateboarding Shoes, Skateboarding Tricks, The History Of Skateboarding and more. Skateboarding is affiliated with Skateboard Ramps.
Easy Skateboard Trick Tips - Rock to Fakie
By Amy S
Want to learn how to skateboard just like the pros? You need to learn the basics first. Here is the perfect trick to get you started.
Rock to Fakie:
This is one of the first skateboard trick tips that most people learn to do on a ramp. You should start off learning how to do this on a mini ramp.
This is the trick where a skater goes up one side of the ramp, parks for a second on the edge of the ramp (the coping,) and then rocks back down and goes down the ramp.
You want your feet positioned the same way that they're positioned for an Ollie, with your front foot a little closer to the nose of the board. Your back foot should be one the tail of the board.
While you're rolling up the ramp, just before you hit the coping, you want to stomp down just a bit on the nose of the board. This will park your board on the coping.
Allow gravity to catch up with you, and then you will pop the trucks of the board back over the coping so that you will ride back down the ramp.
If you follow the skateboard trick tips in this article, you will be learning some great tips, and in no time you will be able to move onto the more advanced tricks in no time.
Keep in mind while you're learning that skateboarding is hard, and you have to practice your butt off to get good.
You can do it, though if you have the proper drive and determination. If you want to see some more advanced skateboard tricks in action you can see some free videos at http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/
Amy J is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
Want to learn how to skateboard just like the pros? You need to learn the basics first. Here is the perfect trick to get you started.
Rock to Fakie:
This is one of the first skateboard trick tips that most people learn to do on a ramp. You should start off learning how to do this on a mini ramp.
This is the trick where a skater goes up one side of the ramp, parks for a second on the edge of the ramp (the coping,) and then rocks back down and goes down the ramp.
You want your feet positioned the same way that they're positioned for an Ollie, with your front foot a little closer to the nose of the board. Your back foot should be one the tail of the board.
While you're rolling up the ramp, just before you hit the coping, you want to stomp down just a bit on the nose of the board. This will park your board on the coping.
Allow gravity to catch up with you, and then you will pop the trucks of the board back over the coping so that you will ride back down the ramp.
If you follow the skateboard trick tips in this article, you will be learning some great tips, and in no time you will be able to move onto the more advanced tricks in no time.
Keep in mind while you're learning that skateboarding is hard, and you have to practice your butt off to get good.
You can do it, though if you have the proper drive and determination. If you want to see some more advanced skateboard tricks in action you can see some free videos at http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/
Amy J is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
Easy Skateboard Trick Tips - Indy Grab
By Amy S
So you want to learn how to skateboard like the pros? Well before you do that, you need to start with some basic skateboarding trick tips to help get you going.
The Indy Grab:
One of the easiest and most used tricks in skateboarding is the Indy Grab. This is where you see skaters catching air, bending down and grabbing their board. It looks really cool, and it's one of the first skateboard trick tips you should learn.
The first thing you want to do is learn how to do the Ollie. Once you know how to do this, you can incorporate the Indy Grab. While you're riding, you should have your front foot in the middle of the board, and your back foot on the tail of the board.
You will slam down on the board and with your back foot and jump at the same time. You will keep your body centered on the board so that it stays even. This is the basic steps of the Ollie. Once you have this down, you will reach down while you're in the air and hold onto the board between your feet.
Let go before you hit the ground, and always keep your knees bent so that it will absorb the shock of the landing. You can do this trick on a ramp, as you're coming off the flat edge, or you can do it on flat ground. One of the best skateboard trick tips is to try and get as high as you can. This will help you have enough time to pull off the Indy Grab.
If you want to see some more advanced skateboard tricks in action you can see some free videos at http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/
Amy J is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
So you want to learn how to skateboard like the pros? Well before you do that, you need to start with some basic skateboarding trick tips to help get you going.
The Indy Grab:
One of the easiest and most used tricks in skateboarding is the Indy Grab. This is where you see skaters catching air, bending down and grabbing their board. It looks really cool, and it's one of the first skateboard trick tips you should learn.
The first thing you want to do is learn how to do the Ollie. Once you know how to do this, you can incorporate the Indy Grab. While you're riding, you should have your front foot in the middle of the board, and your back foot on the tail of the board.
You will slam down on the board and with your back foot and jump at the same time. You will keep your body centered on the board so that it stays even. This is the basic steps of the Ollie. Once you have this down, you will reach down while you're in the air and hold onto the board between your feet.
Let go before you hit the ground, and always keep your knees bent so that it will absorb the shock of the landing. You can do this trick on a ramp, as you're coming off the flat edge, or you can do it on flat ground. One of the best skateboard trick tips is to try and get as high as you can. This will help you have enough time to pull off the Indy Grab.
If you want to see some more advanced skateboard tricks in action you can see some free videos at http://www.skateboardtricktips.net/
Amy J is creator of Skateboard Trick Tips. Visit and discover how to take your skateboarding level from poser to pro.
Skateboarding - Building a Jump Ramp in 10 Easy Steps
By Steve Batchelor
Whether you are into skateboards, bikes or in-line skates you really need a jump ramp to launch yourself into the air and perform all those crazy aerial stunts. You have probably been and tried out other peoples ramps but of course you want a better one in your own back yard. Read on and we'll tell you how to go about it....
Step one
Check out as many jump ramps as you can, it's the best way to find out what kind of ramp you want for yourself. When you find ones you like make a note of what you like about them so you can copy it for your ramp. You are interested in the height and transition; why not take a photo on your mobile to refer to when you're designing your own.
Step two
Collect together all your notes and photos and sit down and design your ramp on paper. Decide how high you want to go, don't go over board to start with if you're a beginner, you can always make a bigger ramp in the future.
Step three
When you have the design you want sketched on paper you need to draw the shape of the transition (sides of the ramp) on some plywood. The best way to do this is to lay a large sheet of plywood on the floor, tie some string about 8 feet long to a pencil, place the pencil on the corner of the plywood, stretch the string out along and extending past the shortest edge of the plywood and anchor the end of the string to the floor. You can then draw a curve keeping the string taut as you do it. You may need to play around with the length of the string and the anchor point to get the curve you want.
Step four
When you have sketched the curve you want on the plywood and you are happy with it, you can cut out the shape with a jigsaw. Make sure to get an adult to help you....
Step five
When you have cut the shape out get the edges nice and smooth with some sandpaper or and electric sander. Then you can lay it on another sheet of plywood, or if you had your head screwed on when you planned the ramp you might be able to get both sides of the transition out of one sheet of plywood. Trace around the first transition then cut and sand to suit.
Step six
Now you have two identical pieces which you should brace together with some 2" by 4" timber. Nail or screw a length at each corner. If you're clever you will make the ramp the same width as the material you are going to use for the curved riding surface of the ramp to save you cutting it.
Step seven
Fix more 2" by 4"s lengths between the curved sections of the transitions at 6" intervals. Make sure these are well fixed and your ramp will last longer. Screw from the outside in with at least two screws at each end for the best results. Pilot drill the holes for the screws to prevent splitting.
Step eight
Glue and nail a piece of flexible double ply to the riding surface; obviously you will have made your ramp the right width to accommodate this without cutting it...
Step nine
Fit a flat thin piece of metal at the bottom of the ramp to bridge the gap and give a smooth transition between the ramp and the floor. Make sure there are no exposed nails or screw heads on the ramp or your tyres and wheels won't last long.
Step ten
Hopefully you have finished up with a strong sturdy design. Test the strength of the ramp with your own body weight before you use it. It would be a shame to break your neck after going to all that trouble....
Steve Batchelor is a Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at http://www.extremesportguides.com/ where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends infogoldmine for more info on extreme sports as well as many other subjects.
Whether you are into skateboards, bikes or in-line skates you really need a jump ramp to launch yourself into the air and perform all those crazy aerial stunts. You have probably been and tried out other peoples ramps but of course you want a better one in your own back yard. Read on and we'll tell you how to go about it....
Step one
Check out as many jump ramps as you can, it's the best way to find out what kind of ramp you want for yourself. When you find ones you like make a note of what you like about them so you can copy it for your ramp. You are interested in the height and transition; why not take a photo on your mobile to refer to when you're designing your own.
Step two
Collect together all your notes and photos and sit down and design your ramp on paper. Decide how high you want to go, don't go over board to start with if you're a beginner, you can always make a bigger ramp in the future.
Step three
When you have the design you want sketched on paper you need to draw the shape of the transition (sides of the ramp) on some plywood. The best way to do this is to lay a large sheet of plywood on the floor, tie some string about 8 feet long to a pencil, place the pencil on the corner of the plywood, stretch the string out along and extending past the shortest edge of the plywood and anchor the end of the string to the floor. You can then draw a curve keeping the string taut as you do it. You may need to play around with the length of the string and the anchor point to get the curve you want.
Step four
When you have sketched the curve you want on the plywood and you are happy with it, you can cut out the shape with a jigsaw. Make sure to get an adult to help you....
Step five
When you have cut the shape out get the edges nice and smooth with some sandpaper or and electric sander. Then you can lay it on another sheet of plywood, or if you had your head screwed on when you planned the ramp you might be able to get both sides of the transition out of one sheet of plywood. Trace around the first transition then cut and sand to suit.
Step six
Now you have two identical pieces which you should brace together with some 2" by 4" timber. Nail or screw a length at each corner. If you're clever you will make the ramp the same width as the material you are going to use for the curved riding surface of the ramp to save you cutting it.
Step seven
Fix more 2" by 4"s lengths between the curved sections of the transitions at 6" intervals. Make sure these are well fixed and your ramp will last longer. Screw from the outside in with at least two screws at each end for the best results. Pilot drill the holes for the screws to prevent splitting.
Step eight
Glue and nail a piece of flexible double ply to the riding surface; obviously you will have made your ramp the right width to accommodate this without cutting it...
Step nine
Fit a flat thin piece of metal at the bottom of the ramp to bridge the gap and give a smooth transition between the ramp and the floor. Make sure there are no exposed nails or screw heads on the ramp or your tyres and wheels won't last long.
Step ten
Hopefully you have finished up with a strong sturdy design. Test the strength of the ramp with your own body weight before you use it. It would be a shame to break your neck after going to all that trouble....
Steve Batchelor is a Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at http://www.extremesportguides.com/ where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends infogoldmine for more info on extreme sports as well as many other subjects.
Skateboarding Tricks and Tips
By Chris Angelo
Skateboarding is a fascinating and fun sport that is growing rapidly.
To help you get the most from skateboarding, below are a few tricks and tips that can be very useful.
Here are a few skateboarding tips to get you started.
• Overcome the fear of having your back face the transition
• Learn how to stall properly
• Learn how to gain momentum
• Never let your edge wheels hang up
Here is a list of some of the most popular tricks.
• Stall
• Backside 50-50 on transition
• Frontside 50-50 on transition
• Frontside 5-0 on transition
• Ollie
• Kickflip
• Kickflip nose manual
One of the first things that a skateboarder needs to learn is how to stall. This needs to be done before you attempt to move on to other tricks. Stalling helps you to get familiar with your weight placement which aids in other tricks. Once you have accomplished this move you are ready to move on.
To perform a stall start off with a good amount of speed and as soon as the trucks on the back of the skateboard reaches the coping turn and make your heel edge wheel roll onto the top of the coping. Put your weight over the heel edge to help you get up on top of the coping. Once you have accomplished this, continue by setting your front truck down and finish off the stall by dropping back in, lift up your front truck then kickturn into a tranny. Avoid hang ups by putting weight on the toe edge.
The Backside 50-50 on transition is one of the first tricks that most skaters learn. Begin with more speed than you need to simply perform a stall. When you approach the coping turn slightly so you will be at an angle, this will allow you to ride the coping. The more momentum you have the further you will be able to go before dropping back in with the kickturn.
The Frontside 50-50 can be very intimidating for many skaters because your back is facing down the transition. However, once you get over this fear you will be amazed at all the tricks you will be able to accomplish. Gain momentum and go straight up the transition. When you near the coping turn because, instead of your heel edge wheel you want the toe edge wheel of the back truck to hook as far as possible over the coping. Begin with the back truck first and then set down on your front truck. You need to keep your weight mainly on the toe side of your skateboard.
To do a Frontside 5-0 transition you must get on top of the coping and scrape some metal. Get up as much speed as possible, turn putting your body weight to the front then lock your back truck onto the coping. After some practice and learning how to keep your balance you got it made.
The Ollie will be the next trick that you need to learn followed by the kickflip and the kickflip nose manual. As you may have noticed learning one trick will help you accomplish the next one.
For instance, knowing how to do the Ollie will help you accomplish the kickflip, which in turn helps you learn the kickflip nose manual. Take your time and learn one trick at a time. Before you know it, you will be a skating pro that knows all the tricks and tips to success.
Chris Angelo is a skating enthusiast. He enjoys all forms of skating, from Inline to Skateboarding. Get to meet and interact with skaters from all around the world NOW at http://www.skaters.com/
Skateboarding is a fascinating and fun sport that is growing rapidly.
To help you get the most from skateboarding, below are a few tricks and tips that can be very useful.
Here are a few skateboarding tips to get you started.
• Overcome the fear of having your back face the transition
• Learn how to stall properly
• Learn how to gain momentum
• Never let your edge wheels hang up
Here is a list of some of the most popular tricks.
• Stall
• Backside 50-50 on transition
• Frontside 50-50 on transition
• Frontside 5-0 on transition
• Ollie
• Kickflip
• Kickflip nose manual
One of the first things that a skateboarder needs to learn is how to stall. This needs to be done before you attempt to move on to other tricks. Stalling helps you to get familiar with your weight placement which aids in other tricks. Once you have accomplished this move you are ready to move on.
To perform a stall start off with a good amount of speed and as soon as the trucks on the back of the skateboard reaches the coping turn and make your heel edge wheel roll onto the top of the coping. Put your weight over the heel edge to help you get up on top of the coping. Once you have accomplished this, continue by setting your front truck down and finish off the stall by dropping back in, lift up your front truck then kickturn into a tranny. Avoid hang ups by putting weight on the toe edge.
The Backside 50-50 on transition is one of the first tricks that most skaters learn. Begin with more speed than you need to simply perform a stall. When you approach the coping turn slightly so you will be at an angle, this will allow you to ride the coping. The more momentum you have the further you will be able to go before dropping back in with the kickturn.
The Frontside 50-50 can be very intimidating for many skaters because your back is facing down the transition. However, once you get over this fear you will be amazed at all the tricks you will be able to accomplish. Gain momentum and go straight up the transition. When you near the coping turn because, instead of your heel edge wheel you want the toe edge wheel of the back truck to hook as far as possible over the coping. Begin with the back truck first and then set down on your front truck. You need to keep your weight mainly on the toe side of your skateboard.
To do a Frontside 5-0 transition you must get on top of the coping and scrape some metal. Get up as much speed as possible, turn putting your body weight to the front then lock your back truck onto the coping. After some practice and learning how to keep your balance you got it made.
The Ollie will be the next trick that you need to learn followed by the kickflip and the kickflip nose manual. As you may have noticed learning one trick will help you accomplish the next one.
For instance, knowing how to do the Ollie will help you accomplish the kickflip, which in turn helps you learn the kickflip nose manual. Take your time and learn one trick at a time. Before you know it, you will be a skating pro that knows all the tricks and tips to success.
Chris Angelo is a skating enthusiast. He enjoys all forms of skating, from Inline to Skateboarding. Get to meet and interact with skaters from all around the world NOW at http://www.skaters.com/
World's Longest Longboard Skateboard
By Lorenzo Green
Thanks to “Nervous Ned” on Silverfish I found someone who would actually road an 100 INCH beast. Ned said that it was in 2005 at the New Jersey Fatboy Garage Fest. So it’s no longer an 88 INCH record, we are up to 100 now.
A guy called George won the “longest board” contest by riding a homemade 100 inch board (carving, board walking, sliding, and racing), and i think he actually came in third place in the downhill race somehow. it was amazing watching him drifting 90 degree corners around the garage. he won pie that day.
Im sure this kid looks no older then 17, decent effort for the board! Congrats George!
After writing this post I found the official “Longest Longboard Skateboard World Record.
After the two previous Longboard Skateboard World Records I talked about were impressive and I thought they would not get any longer. But no! Here is the official longest longboard ever built! Longboard
Ever thought you had seen some longboards that are just to long? Well check out this one! It would sure make things interesting if you wanted to turn sharply on it. But would be the king of board walking kings!
Introducing the worlds Largest Longboard “Texas Rolling Thunder” - 80″A massive solid wood juggernaut - 80″ Long with dual tandem trucks Titanium bearings. Rock steady on downhill rolls. Comes complete with custom soul kryptonic wheels.
I tried hunting the “World’s Shortest Shortboard” but it seems no one has taken that title yet. I wonder how short it can get, you would probably end up looking like you just had rollerskates on. World’s Longest Longboard wins!
– If any one has a video of a mentally long longboard or a stupidly short shortboard, send them in here! http://skurfboards.com/
Thanks to “Nervous Ned” on Silverfish I found someone who would actually road an 100 INCH beast. Ned said that it was in 2005 at the New Jersey Fatboy Garage Fest. So it’s no longer an 88 INCH record, we are up to 100 now.
A guy called George won the “longest board” contest by riding a homemade 100 inch board (carving, board walking, sliding, and racing), and i think he actually came in third place in the downhill race somehow. it was amazing watching him drifting 90 degree corners around the garage. he won pie that day.
Im sure this kid looks no older then 17, decent effort for the board! Congrats George!
After writing this post I found the official “Longest Longboard Skateboard World Record.
After the two previous Longboard Skateboard World Records I talked about were impressive and I thought they would not get any longer. But no! Here is the official longest longboard ever built! Longboard
Ever thought you had seen some longboards that are just to long? Well check out this one! It would sure make things interesting if you wanted to turn sharply on it. But would be the king of board walking kings!
Introducing the worlds Largest Longboard “Texas Rolling Thunder” - 80″A massive solid wood juggernaut - 80″ Long with dual tandem trucks Titanium bearings. Rock steady on downhill rolls. Comes complete with custom soul kryptonic wheels.
I tried hunting the “World’s Shortest Shortboard” but it seems no one has taken that title yet. I wonder how short it can get, you would probably end up looking like you just had rollerskates on. World’s Longest Longboard wins!
– If any one has a video of a mentally long longboard or a stupidly short shortboard, send them in here! http://skurfboards.com/
Make a Skateboard
By Dash Hammer
It is very easy to learn how to make one with easy to find tools. Of course, many skateboarders have a dream of making skateboarding a profession instead of just something they do in their spare time. Once you learn the technique for making skateboards, assuming either you or a friend have any art talent, a logical next step would be to try to turn this into a business.
Before starting any business, you should first do market research. What this means is asking yourself if there's a market for your product - in this case, custom made skateboards. Skateboarding is a 2.5 billion dollar industry, and it's growing each year. I don't know about you, but a tiny piece of that pie would be very nice. So there is a market.
The next step is to determine if you can get people to find your business. The great news is that the Internet is an awesome tool for driving customers to your business, so once you have a cool website with a few different board designs on it, you can get customers to come to you without the expense of opening a traditional store in a strip mall. Again, if you have web skills with any design talents or know a friend who does, it should be fairly easy to make a killer website which will help drive sales.
Lastly, you'll need to figure out how to mass produce skateboards - maybe smallish quantities, but more than you could do with a wooden-block form and a shop vacuum. Fortunately, you can either make skateboard forms out of concrete or purchase them online (there are several suppliers). Then you'll just have to mount this form into a press (a hand-jack inside a custom welded frame will work until you can afford a hydraulic press) and start semi-mass producing boards. Maple veneer and epoxy are both readily available online, so this really is an easy startup compared to many other business.
Other things to remember, however, is that even though this business will relate to something you're passionate about, it will still be a business.
Most small businesses fail in the first year. This isn't because they didn't have a great product in most cases, it's because the owners didn't know how to run a business. In most towns in the US, there is a Small Business Development Center - if not an the town, nearby. They provide a free service to help small businesses succeed. I highly recommend visiting them early in the planning stage and anytime you run into a stumbling block. Any time you can find a free resource to help your business succeed, it's a huge plus.
So again, once you can make a skateboard, figure out if you can make it a business. It might not be enough to retire on, but you never know - you might be the next Paul Schmitt!
Dash Hammer is a rabid skateboarder who has been researching methods to make skateboards and skateboard related items. He enjoys the sport, and knows that skateboarding has great potential as a business. He hopes to be able to show you how you can turn it into more of a hobby, and perhaps even a business as well. Visit Dash's blog for more information on how to make a skateboard and how to develop a skateboarding business.
It is very easy to learn how to make one with easy to find tools. Of course, many skateboarders have a dream of making skateboarding a profession instead of just something they do in their spare time. Once you learn the technique for making skateboards, assuming either you or a friend have any art talent, a logical next step would be to try to turn this into a business.
Before starting any business, you should first do market research. What this means is asking yourself if there's a market for your product - in this case, custom made skateboards. Skateboarding is a 2.5 billion dollar industry, and it's growing each year. I don't know about you, but a tiny piece of that pie would be very nice. So there is a market.
The next step is to determine if you can get people to find your business. The great news is that the Internet is an awesome tool for driving customers to your business, so once you have a cool website with a few different board designs on it, you can get customers to come to you without the expense of opening a traditional store in a strip mall. Again, if you have web skills with any design talents or know a friend who does, it should be fairly easy to make a killer website which will help drive sales.
Lastly, you'll need to figure out how to mass produce skateboards - maybe smallish quantities, but more than you could do with a wooden-block form and a shop vacuum. Fortunately, you can either make skateboard forms out of concrete or purchase them online (there are several suppliers). Then you'll just have to mount this form into a press (a hand-jack inside a custom welded frame will work until you can afford a hydraulic press) and start semi-mass producing boards. Maple veneer and epoxy are both readily available online, so this really is an easy startup compared to many other business.
Other things to remember, however, is that even though this business will relate to something you're passionate about, it will still be a business.
Most small businesses fail in the first year. This isn't because they didn't have a great product in most cases, it's because the owners didn't know how to run a business. In most towns in the US, there is a Small Business Development Center - if not an the town, nearby. They provide a free service to help small businesses succeed. I highly recommend visiting them early in the planning stage and anytime you run into a stumbling block. Any time you can find a free resource to help your business succeed, it's a huge plus.
So again, once you can make a skateboard, figure out if you can make it a business. It might not be enough to retire on, but you never know - you might be the next Paul Schmitt!
Dash Hammer is a rabid skateboarder who has been researching methods to make skateboards and skateboard related items. He enjoys the sport, and knows that skateboarding has great potential as a business. He hopes to be able to show you how you can turn it into more of a hobby, and perhaps even a business as well. Visit Dash's blog for more information on how to make a skateboard and how to develop a skateboarding business.
Learning Tricks As A Beginning Skateboarder
By Jay Schmoker
So you want to learn skateboard tricks? Well, there is a lot more to it that simply wearing the clothes and trying to look like a skater. Yes, it's also fun to just skate around the neighborhood, but we all know that skateboarding is about doing some cool tricks.
There are all kinds of tricks that can be done on a skateboard; some probably haven't even been invented yet. Some tricks are fairly easy to do, and some are nearly impossible. So if you are just now learning to skateboard, how should you take your skating to the next level and start trying some of these crazy tricks? This article is a bit of advice for beginners.
First things first, make sure you get some good equipment. I suggest doing some research online and buying a board from a good skate shop instead of a department store. You get better quality skateboards from shops that specialize in skating, and you get better deals too. Also, even if you don't want to, you need to wear a helmet and other safety gear when you skate. If you don't, you might end up regretting it. I have seen too many people crack their head open while trying some trick they thought would be easy. You will be much happier in the future if you wear safety gear and try not to sustain any serious injuries, otherwise you might not be able to skate the same ever again. Safety equipment is especially important if you're a beginner or if you are trying a new trick for the first time.
When you pick out a skateboard you like, along with some skate shoes, and safety gear, then you can start practicing your balance and learning how to move around on the skateboard. It might be easy to balance on the board when it isn't moving, but it's a different story when it starts rolling. Start off slow, and gradually work your way up to a faster ride.
When you're able to roll around comfortable while standing up on your board, you can go to some of the local skate parks and try to learn some tricks. Try to learn just some basic tricks right at first when you start off. If you have some friends who are decent skaters, ask them to help you learn some stuff, or if you talk to someone nice at the skate park, maybe they will be willing to show you some tricks. Also, a lot of skate parks offer lessons to beginners.
For good skateboard information, visit http://www.skaterlegends.com/ Here is a list of Rodney Mullen tricks He is considered to be the most influential skater ever.
So you want to learn skateboard tricks? Well, there is a lot more to it that simply wearing the clothes and trying to look like a skater. Yes, it's also fun to just skate around the neighborhood, but we all know that skateboarding is about doing some cool tricks.
There are all kinds of tricks that can be done on a skateboard; some probably haven't even been invented yet. Some tricks are fairly easy to do, and some are nearly impossible. So if you are just now learning to skateboard, how should you take your skating to the next level and start trying some of these crazy tricks? This article is a bit of advice for beginners.
First things first, make sure you get some good equipment. I suggest doing some research online and buying a board from a good skate shop instead of a department store. You get better quality skateboards from shops that specialize in skating, and you get better deals too. Also, even if you don't want to, you need to wear a helmet and other safety gear when you skate. If you don't, you might end up regretting it. I have seen too many people crack their head open while trying some trick they thought would be easy. You will be much happier in the future if you wear safety gear and try not to sustain any serious injuries, otherwise you might not be able to skate the same ever again. Safety equipment is especially important if you're a beginner or if you are trying a new trick for the first time.
When you pick out a skateboard you like, along with some skate shoes, and safety gear, then you can start practicing your balance and learning how to move around on the skateboard. It might be easy to balance on the board when it isn't moving, but it's a different story when it starts rolling. Start off slow, and gradually work your way up to a faster ride.
When you're able to roll around comfortable while standing up on your board, you can go to some of the local skate parks and try to learn some tricks. Try to learn just some basic tricks right at first when you start off. If you have some friends who are decent skaters, ask them to help you learn some stuff, or if you talk to someone nice at the skate park, maybe they will be willing to show you some tricks. Also, a lot of skate parks offer lessons to beginners.
For good skateboard information, visit http://www.skaterlegends.com/ Here is a list of Rodney Mullen tricks He is considered to be the most influential skater ever.
Skateboard Protective Gear - Learn How To Pick The Right Skate Pads - Helmet
By Jim Bartlett
What Skateboard Protective Gear Do I Need?
1. A Good Quality Skateboard Helmet
The consequences of a serious head injury make skateboard helmet safety your first priority. Skateboarders fall a lot, especially as you learn new moves and tricks. Depending upon your speed, distance to the ground, ground hardness (a wooden ramp vs. a concrete barrier), and other factors, you can suffer a serious head injury.
Important skateboard protective gear notice: there is currently no US law that requires manufacturers to meet a specific safety standard for a skateboard helmet. The ASTM certification is voluntary, not mandatory. So, a skateboard helmet may or may not carry the ASTM certification.
If you are in the market for a skateboard helmet, look for these features:
Buy a helmet from a reputable manufacturer, such as Bell, ProTec, SixSixOne or Giro. The established companies have the resources to design and warrant their skate helmets.
Check to see if the helmet is ASTM F-1492 certified, as proven by an ASTM certification sticker on the inside of the helmet. Although not required, this is nice to have. For additional protection, you may want to look for a helmet that is dual certified to both the ASTM F-1492 skateboard and the CPSC bicycle standards.
Don't mess with skateboard helmet safety. Get yourself a good quality skateboard helmet. Make sure it fits well, feels good, and looks good. Then, WEAR IT!
2. Skateboard Knee Pads / Skateboard Elbow Pads
A good pair of skateboard knee pads and skateboard elbow pads will help absorb impacts and prevent nasty abrasions from sliding on rough surfaces. Skate Pads Combo Packs are an inexpensive way to outfit yourself with knee and skateboard elbow pads, and several also include skate wrist guards.
3. Skate Wrist Guards
Skateboard injury statistics show that wrist injuries are the most common skateboarding injury. When you fall, your natural reaction is to reach for the ground. This places large impact forces on your wrists and causes lots of injuries.
Good quality skate wrist guards will help prevent a wrist injury. The two basic types are:
Skate wrist guards with no fingers
Skateboard gloves with integrated wrist guardsBoth types have splints underneath the leather that absorb the impact and reduce the chance of a wrist injury.
4. A Pair of Padded Skate Shorts
Padded skate shorts help protect your butt, tailbone, hips, and thighs from impact and abrasions. Padded skate shorts are very popular with our customers, as they make falling much less painful and reduce soreness. Trust us, you'll really appreciate padded skate shorts after a day on the street or at the skate park! Plus, you can be covert and hide them under your shorts, so no one will know...
5. Skateboard Ankle and Shin Guards
If the plan is to ride hard at the park near rails, structures, or other inflexible objects, consider some ankle and shin guards to prevent big black and blue spots from appearing all around your lower legs.
This checklist will help you select the right skate pads and skateboard protective gear. Before you drop in...get protected!
Jim Bartlett is the president of XSportsProtective, a leading online retailer and expert on skateboard protective gear, including skateboard helmets, such as Bell, Giro, SixSixOne and ProTec skateboard helmets; skate pads, skate wrist guards and much more. Find out more at http://www.XSportsProtective.com.
What Skateboard Protective Gear Do I Need?
1. A Good Quality Skateboard Helmet
The consequences of a serious head injury make skateboard helmet safety your first priority. Skateboarders fall a lot, especially as you learn new moves and tricks. Depending upon your speed, distance to the ground, ground hardness (a wooden ramp vs. a concrete barrier), and other factors, you can suffer a serious head injury.
Important skateboard protective gear notice: there is currently no US law that requires manufacturers to meet a specific safety standard for a skateboard helmet. The ASTM certification is voluntary, not mandatory. So, a skateboard helmet may or may not carry the ASTM certification.
If you are in the market for a skateboard helmet, look for these features:
Buy a helmet from a reputable manufacturer, such as Bell, ProTec, SixSixOne or Giro. The established companies have the resources to design and warrant their skate helmets.
Check to see if the helmet is ASTM F-1492 certified, as proven by an ASTM certification sticker on the inside of the helmet. Although not required, this is nice to have. For additional protection, you may want to look for a helmet that is dual certified to both the ASTM F-1492 skateboard and the CPSC bicycle standards.
Don't mess with skateboard helmet safety. Get yourself a good quality skateboard helmet. Make sure it fits well, feels good, and looks good. Then, WEAR IT!
2. Skateboard Knee Pads / Skateboard Elbow Pads
A good pair of skateboard knee pads and skateboard elbow pads will help absorb impacts and prevent nasty abrasions from sliding on rough surfaces. Skate Pads Combo Packs are an inexpensive way to outfit yourself with knee and skateboard elbow pads, and several also include skate wrist guards.
3. Skate Wrist Guards
Skateboard injury statistics show that wrist injuries are the most common skateboarding injury. When you fall, your natural reaction is to reach for the ground. This places large impact forces on your wrists and causes lots of injuries.
Good quality skate wrist guards will help prevent a wrist injury. The two basic types are:
Skate wrist guards with no fingers
Skateboard gloves with integrated wrist guardsBoth types have splints underneath the leather that absorb the impact and reduce the chance of a wrist injury.
4. A Pair of Padded Skate Shorts
Padded skate shorts help protect your butt, tailbone, hips, and thighs from impact and abrasions. Padded skate shorts are very popular with our customers, as they make falling much less painful and reduce soreness. Trust us, you'll really appreciate padded skate shorts after a day on the street or at the skate park! Plus, you can be covert and hide them under your shorts, so no one will know...
5. Skateboard Ankle and Shin Guards
If the plan is to ride hard at the park near rails, structures, or other inflexible objects, consider some ankle and shin guards to prevent big black and blue spots from appearing all around your lower legs.
This checklist will help you select the right skate pads and skateboard protective gear. Before you drop in...get protected!
Jim Bartlett is the president of XSportsProtective, a leading online retailer and expert on skateboard protective gear, including skateboard helmets, such as Bell, Giro, SixSixOne and ProTec skateboard helmets; skate pads, skate wrist guards and much more. Find out more at http://www.XSportsProtective.com.
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