Skateboard Decks - History and Construction
By Anne Clarke
Shown in movies and commercials or seen on the side of roads and at skateparks, skateboarding is a relatively new sport, which has found its way into mainstream American culture. It was once difficult to find or create areas in which to skate, but now cities are full of designated skate areas in order to accommodate skateboarders. Despite the vast amount of skaters and skateboard companies at present, the origins of skateboarding and the invention of the skateboard are shrouded in mystery.
It has been argued the first skateboards arose in the 1930's and 1940's when children would ride soap-box carts attached to rollerskates (or planks on roller skates). Removing the box from the plank would leave a plank on wheels or what could be called a skateboard deck. However, others suggest the skateboard was an adaptation of a dismantled rollerskate-that is, the wheels were removed from a rollerskate and then added to a plank, a move that was influenced by surfers and their desire to recreate the surfing motion on land. Both possible origin theories have been argued in historical texts, magazines, and even on the big screen in documentaries as well as out on the street.
However, we do know the first retail skateboard appeared in 1958 and was marketed by Bill and Mark Richards of Dana Point, California. It was then mass-produced and remodeled in the 1960s. The blank, or deck, was often made in the shape of a surfboard out of solid wood or plastic. Some metal boards were created as well. The wheels were often made out of clay or steel and were less sturdy than today's version of wheels.
Constructed out of 7-ply cross-laminated maple, most decks are stable and can handle daily use and hard-play. However some decks are made out of fiberglass, resin, Kevlar, bamboo, aluminum, or carbon fiber or plastic components as well in order to increase rigidity.
The average size deck is 8 inches wide. Some can be as small as 7 inches and others are up to 10.5 inches. Width depends primarily on style and preference. Street skating usually requires a deck that is 7.5"-8", while wider decks are used for trick skating. The average length of the board is 29-33 inches long. However, longer decks are known as longboards and are quite common. They are much longer and do not have "kicktails," but instead are aerodynamic and intended for street-skating long lengths of road or downhill.
On top of the deck, grip tape is used. It provides the skater the ability to "grip" the deck by creating friction. On one side of the grip tape is an adhesive, which attaches to the deck. On the other side is a sandpaper-like top. While the general feel and shape of a skateboard is quite common, the main difference in boards is located on the bottom of the deck. Decks can range from solid colors and patterns to graffiti-covered art. Styles can include logos, phrasing, cartoon or movie or comic book characters, to original characters and themes such as aliens, music, animals, or skulls and crossbones.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and recreation. For more of her useful articles on skateboards, please visit Skateboard Decks, supplier of information about skateboards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
Skateboard Wheels and Other Skateboard Parts
Skateboard Wheels and Other Skateboard Parts
By Anne Clarke
Considered both a sport and a mode of transportation, skateboarding has found its way into mainstream culture and can be seen not only on the streets and in neighborhoods, but also on TV, in movies and in advertisements across the nation.
The origins of skateboarding are tricky, at best. Some consider it erupted out of an accidental phenomenon-that is, when kids on soap-boxes in the 1930s and 1940s detached the box from the soap-box cart off the plank and attached rollerskate wheels to the plank. Others argue the sport began as a pre-meditated move by Southern California surfers in an effort to recreate the smooth carving motion of surfing on land. Whatever the origin, skateboarding has caught on. Not only are skateboards widely available for purchase, but also cities are covered with sometimes gated, concrete areas designated for skateboarding. These areas are known as skate-parks.
Skateboards are made up of the following parts:
- Skateboard Deck
- Skateboard Bearings
- Skateboard Hardware
- Skateboard Trucks
- Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard decks are usually 7-ply maple planks that are anywhere from 7-10 ½ inches wide. Wide planks are used for trick-skating, while skateboards in the 7-8 ½ inch range are used for street-skating. Decks usually have "grip tape" on the top of them. This tape adheres to the top of the deck, while the surface provides a sandpaper material, which helps the individual "grip" the board. Decks also have a wide range of designs on the bottom of them from patterns or solid colors (which allow the individual to add stickers without disrupting any art) to figures, structures and landscapes.
Bearings help mount the deck on an axle. Most bearings are graded according to a scale called an ABEC scale. Industrial "608" size bearings are standard and bearings are usually made of steel.
Hardware consists of a set of bolts, usually 8 in a set (10-32 bolts). An allen (or crosshead) is also part of hardware. Additionally, self-lock nylock nuts are used.
Skateboards have two metal trucks, which are usually an aluminum alloy. These connect the wheels to the deck. The trucks are made up of a baseplate and a hanger. The baseplate is screwed to the deck and the hanger holds the axle. There are also rubber grommets or bushings between the hanger and the baseplate, which help the board maneuver and turn. The stiffer the bushings or rubber grommets, the stiffer the turn. The bushings also cushion. A kingpin bolt is used to hold the parts together.
Wheels are made of polyurethane. They can come in different shapes and sizes. Sizes and shapes are suited for different types of skating, such as street or trick skating. Smaller sizes keep the deck closer to the ground, which requires less force to speed up or slow down. The hardness of the wheel also affects the overall performance. Hardness is usually measured by durometer 'A' scale. A very soft wheel is about 75a and a very hard wheel is about 101a.
Optional parts include:
- Lapper
- Nose guard
- Rails
- Risers
- (Angled) Risers
- Grip tape
- Tail guard
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and recreation. For more of her useful articles on skateboards, please visit Skateboard Decks, supplier of information about skateboards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
By Anne Clarke
Considered both a sport and a mode of transportation, skateboarding has found its way into mainstream culture and can be seen not only on the streets and in neighborhoods, but also on TV, in movies and in advertisements across the nation.
The origins of skateboarding are tricky, at best. Some consider it erupted out of an accidental phenomenon-that is, when kids on soap-boxes in the 1930s and 1940s detached the box from the soap-box cart off the plank and attached rollerskate wheels to the plank. Others argue the sport began as a pre-meditated move by Southern California surfers in an effort to recreate the smooth carving motion of surfing on land. Whatever the origin, skateboarding has caught on. Not only are skateboards widely available for purchase, but also cities are covered with sometimes gated, concrete areas designated for skateboarding. These areas are known as skate-parks.
Skateboards are made up of the following parts:
- Skateboard Deck
- Skateboard Bearings
- Skateboard Hardware
- Skateboard Trucks
- Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard decks are usually 7-ply maple planks that are anywhere from 7-10 ½ inches wide. Wide planks are used for trick-skating, while skateboards in the 7-8 ½ inch range are used for street-skating. Decks usually have "grip tape" on the top of them. This tape adheres to the top of the deck, while the surface provides a sandpaper material, which helps the individual "grip" the board. Decks also have a wide range of designs on the bottom of them from patterns or solid colors (which allow the individual to add stickers without disrupting any art) to figures, structures and landscapes.
Bearings help mount the deck on an axle. Most bearings are graded according to a scale called an ABEC scale. Industrial "608" size bearings are standard and bearings are usually made of steel.
Hardware consists of a set of bolts, usually 8 in a set (10-32 bolts). An allen (or crosshead) is also part of hardware. Additionally, self-lock nylock nuts are used.
Skateboards have two metal trucks, which are usually an aluminum alloy. These connect the wheels to the deck. The trucks are made up of a baseplate and a hanger. The baseplate is screwed to the deck and the hanger holds the axle. There are also rubber grommets or bushings between the hanger and the baseplate, which help the board maneuver and turn. The stiffer the bushings or rubber grommets, the stiffer the turn. The bushings also cushion. A kingpin bolt is used to hold the parts together.
Wheels are made of polyurethane. They can come in different shapes and sizes. Sizes and shapes are suited for different types of skating, such as street or trick skating. Smaller sizes keep the deck closer to the ground, which requires less force to speed up or slow down. The hardness of the wheel also affects the overall performance. Hardness is usually measured by durometer 'A' scale. A very soft wheel is about 75a and a very hard wheel is about 101a.
Optional parts include:
- Lapper
- Nose guard
- Rails
- Risers
- (Angled) Risers
- Grip tape
- Tail guard
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and recreation. For more of her useful articles on skateboards, please visit Skateboard Decks, supplier of information about skateboards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
Tony Hawk Vert Skateboarding Superstar
Tony Hawk Vert Skateboarding Superstar
By Louie Baur
When Tony Hawk first started out in skateboarding there were only 2 different styles of skateboarding. One was vert skateboarding which consisted of skating in pools and ramps and the other was freestyle which was flatland skateboarding. Freestyle Skateboarding is responsible for the modern day street skateboarding you see in all the youtube videos where you have people hurling themselves down stairs and ledges.
The future of vert skateboarding for Tony Hawk is very optimistic. Tony doesn't blame anyone for not picking up vertical skateboarding. It takes a very long time just to learn how to drop in and once you have that part wired you have to figure out how to keep your speed to get to the top of the other side of the ramp. This particular practice is known as pumping the ramp. Once you get that part down it takes years to learn how to do even the basic of tricks such as a backside or front side air. Vert Skateboarding is a well respected sport and the limits are being pushed continuously.
There are newcomers to the spectrum, not very many, but there are new up and comers out there. Additionally there is a new breed of skate park skateboarder that knows how to get up on the vert walls and is able to skate the normal street skating stuff as well as carving corners and transfers and that is great! It keeps them well rounded and a well rounded skateboarder is the best type to be.
If you want to learn more about Tony Hawk you can read this article here. Additionally you can go to Skateboarding Magazine to find more skateboard related content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louie_Baur
By Louie Baur
When Tony Hawk first started out in skateboarding there were only 2 different styles of skateboarding. One was vert skateboarding which consisted of skating in pools and ramps and the other was freestyle which was flatland skateboarding. Freestyle Skateboarding is responsible for the modern day street skateboarding you see in all the youtube videos where you have people hurling themselves down stairs and ledges.
The future of vert skateboarding for Tony Hawk is very optimistic. Tony doesn't blame anyone for not picking up vertical skateboarding. It takes a very long time just to learn how to drop in and once you have that part wired you have to figure out how to keep your speed to get to the top of the other side of the ramp. This particular practice is known as pumping the ramp. Once you get that part down it takes years to learn how to do even the basic of tricks such as a backside or front side air. Vert Skateboarding is a well respected sport and the limits are being pushed continuously.
There are newcomers to the spectrum, not very many, but there are new up and comers out there. Additionally there is a new breed of skate park skateboarder that knows how to get up on the vert walls and is able to skate the normal street skating stuff as well as carving corners and transfers and that is great! It keeps them well rounded and a well rounded skateboarder is the best type to be.
If you want to learn more about Tony Hawk you can read this article here. Additionally you can go to Skateboarding Magazine to find more skateboard related content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louie_Baur
Skateboarding Trick Tips - 3 Basics You Must Have
Skateboarding Trick Tips - 3 Basics You Must Have
By Mark A. Kaye
Skateboarding has become one of the most popular pastimes in America. When I was growing up the skateboarding craze was slowly overtaking BMX for the top spot in the world of extreme sports. Because skateboarding can be done anywhere and for significant less money it has become the standard alternative sport of choice. But just like any other sport, skateboarding is a skill and requires instruction, desire, and practice. You can get all the expensive equipment and skateboarding trick tips you want, but if you don't have the three necessities, you will never be the next Tony Hawk or Kevin Staab. Be sure you even step on that board make sure you have all three of these key elements:
1. Instruction: Skateboarding is a very anti-authority type of sport. It's rooted in rebellion and civil disobedience so it's kind of ironic that there is actually instruction available for something that grew out of the empty swimming pools of Southern California. However, nowadays you can save yourself a lot of time, angst, and skin by getting some expert instruction for little or no money. There are thousands of videos and DVDs available to show you the basics. Also, some skateboarding trick tips have been compiled and published in book form. These prove helpful because you can carry them around and whip them out at a moments notice. If you are die-hard and have some extra time and cash, most major cities offers skateboarding clinics and classes. These are great ways to get one-on-one professional instruction and learn things properly the first time!
2. Desire: You will never succeed at anything if you don't have the desire for it. Skateboarding takes an intense passion. Without a deep rooted desire and love of skateboarding you may never make it past your first broken deck...or bone. All the skateboarding trick tips in the world are worthless if you don't "want it." It's okay to try skateboarding only to find out that you don't have that passion for it. In fact, it's better to find out early so that you can save yourself a ton of time, energy, and money.
3. Practice: I hate practice. I want things to happen instantly. Unfortunately the world doesn't work that way. Skateboarding requires an insane amount of practice. You may spend days trying to master a single trick. Some skateboarders will spend weeks on a single move before they even come close to landing it. Don't give up. Practice makes perfect and nowhere does that saying ring truer than in the world of skateboarding.
Get skateboarding trick tips from experts and then practice incessantly. Practice until you reach the point of utter frustration and exhaustion. Then, practice some ore. Skateboarding is hard core. It requires expert instructions, undying passion, and mind-numbing amounts of practice. However, if you have the drive and determination to keep at it, then one day future skateboarding stars will be buying your skateboarding trick tips on DVD and video.
Mark Kaye is a Radio and TV Host from Jacksonville, FL. For additional skateboarding trick tips visit SkateboardingBadAss.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_A._Kaye
By Mark A. Kaye
Skateboarding has become one of the most popular pastimes in America. When I was growing up the skateboarding craze was slowly overtaking BMX for the top spot in the world of extreme sports. Because skateboarding can be done anywhere and for significant less money it has become the standard alternative sport of choice. But just like any other sport, skateboarding is a skill and requires instruction, desire, and practice. You can get all the expensive equipment and skateboarding trick tips you want, but if you don't have the three necessities, you will never be the next Tony Hawk or Kevin Staab. Be sure you even step on that board make sure you have all three of these key elements:
1. Instruction: Skateboarding is a very anti-authority type of sport. It's rooted in rebellion and civil disobedience so it's kind of ironic that there is actually instruction available for something that grew out of the empty swimming pools of Southern California. However, nowadays you can save yourself a lot of time, angst, and skin by getting some expert instruction for little or no money. There are thousands of videos and DVDs available to show you the basics. Also, some skateboarding trick tips have been compiled and published in book form. These prove helpful because you can carry them around and whip them out at a moments notice. If you are die-hard and have some extra time and cash, most major cities offers skateboarding clinics and classes. These are great ways to get one-on-one professional instruction and learn things properly the first time!
2. Desire: You will never succeed at anything if you don't have the desire for it. Skateboarding takes an intense passion. Without a deep rooted desire and love of skateboarding you may never make it past your first broken deck...or bone. All the skateboarding trick tips in the world are worthless if you don't "want it." It's okay to try skateboarding only to find out that you don't have that passion for it. In fact, it's better to find out early so that you can save yourself a ton of time, energy, and money.
3. Practice: I hate practice. I want things to happen instantly. Unfortunately the world doesn't work that way. Skateboarding requires an insane amount of practice. You may spend days trying to master a single trick. Some skateboarders will spend weeks on a single move before they even come close to landing it. Don't give up. Practice makes perfect and nowhere does that saying ring truer than in the world of skateboarding.
Get skateboarding trick tips from experts and then practice incessantly. Practice until you reach the point of utter frustration and exhaustion. Then, practice some ore. Skateboarding is hard core. It requires expert instructions, undying passion, and mind-numbing amounts of practice. However, if you have the drive and determination to keep at it, then one day future skateboarding stars will be buying your skateboarding trick tips on DVD and video.
Mark Kaye is a Radio and TV Host from Jacksonville, FL. For additional skateboarding trick tips visit SkateboardingBadAss.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_A._Kaye
Skateboarding For Total Beginners
Skateboarding For Total Beginners
By Arturs Rubins
Are you rookie in skateboarding!? Want to start but don't know what to do first!? Then you are in the right place! Skateboarding for beginners will help you to learn the most important basics about skateboarding.
Skateboarding is one great thing, because you can express yourself in many ways. You can create a new style - YOUR style, you can get many friends and it's healthy to have an active lifestyle and skateboarding will help you to be active. I guarantee that!
What do you need to know before you buy a skateboard: Before you buy a skateboard, you need to know what you want to do with it. If you want to be poser, than you don't need to buy an expensive deck, you can buy a cheap skateboard in a supermarket. But if you want to skate with your deck then you need a good skateboard. From my experience I advise you to do not skimp your money and buy good and resistant deck in skate shop, not in some supermarket. Be right-minded and don't buy cheap decks which will preclude your upgrowth.
How to choose the right skateboard: To choose the first and right skateboard for you, I advise you to get help from the skate shop salesman. Tell him that you are beginner, what you want to do with your skateboard and I guarantee that he will help to choose apropos skateboard exactly for you.
What to do next: Now, when you have your skateboard you should start to use it. First of all you need to ascertain are you goofy* or regular*. After that you just need to start riding. Do not try tricks before you feel comfortable and stabile on the deck. Learn how to move skateboard front from one side to other, learn how to ride manual - riding only on two wheels, and other basic things. In the beginnings I advise to start skating in asphalted ground. Do not go to skate parks before you feel ready.
Tricks: When you feel ready and you know how to do the basic things, you can start learning tricks. The first and most important trick which is the basic of all tricks is the ollie - it is when you jump with your deck. It is a simple trick, but you must learn it very well, because if you don't know how to do an ollie, then you can't do other tricks. After you have learned the ollie you can learn other tricks like pop shuvit, kickflip and more. (More in trick tips)
I advise you to buy special skate shoes, because with those shoes is easier to do tricks than usual shoes.
http://sk8boarding4beginners.blogspot.com - skateboarding for beginners
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturs_Rubins
By Arturs Rubins
Are you rookie in skateboarding!? Want to start but don't know what to do first!? Then you are in the right place! Skateboarding for beginners will help you to learn the most important basics about skateboarding.
Skateboarding is one great thing, because you can express yourself in many ways. You can create a new style - YOUR style, you can get many friends and it's healthy to have an active lifestyle and skateboarding will help you to be active. I guarantee that!
What do you need to know before you buy a skateboard: Before you buy a skateboard, you need to know what you want to do with it. If you want to be poser, than you don't need to buy an expensive deck, you can buy a cheap skateboard in a supermarket. But if you want to skate with your deck then you need a good skateboard. From my experience I advise you to do not skimp your money and buy good and resistant deck in skate shop, not in some supermarket. Be right-minded and don't buy cheap decks which will preclude your upgrowth.
How to choose the right skateboard: To choose the first and right skateboard for you, I advise you to get help from the skate shop salesman. Tell him that you are beginner, what you want to do with your skateboard and I guarantee that he will help to choose apropos skateboard exactly for you.
What to do next: Now, when you have your skateboard you should start to use it. First of all you need to ascertain are you goofy* or regular*. After that you just need to start riding. Do not try tricks before you feel comfortable and stabile on the deck. Learn how to move skateboard front from one side to other, learn how to ride manual - riding only on two wheels, and other basic things. In the beginnings I advise to start skating in asphalted ground. Do not go to skate parks before you feel ready.
Tricks: When you feel ready and you know how to do the basic things, you can start learning tricks. The first and most important trick which is the basic of all tricks is the ollie - it is when you jump with your deck. It is a simple trick, but you must learn it very well, because if you don't know how to do an ollie, then you can't do other tricks. After you have learned the ollie you can learn other tricks like pop shuvit, kickflip and more. (More in trick tips)
I advise you to buy special skate shoes, because with those shoes is easier to do tricks than usual shoes.
http://sk8boarding4beginners.blogspot.com - skateboarding for beginners
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturs_Rubins
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)