Buying a Great Skateboarding Equipment Gift
By David Vanbergen
As I write this, we are coming up on the Christmas season, but this skateboarding equipment gift buying guide can be used or referred to year round because it isn't just Christmas time when we need to buy gifts for people. Since skateboarding and all extreme sports are becoming so popular, there is a good chance that you will need to buy a skateboarding equipment gift for somebody who skateboards, snowboards, rollerblades or does one of the many emerging extreme sports made so popular by ESPN and the X-Games.
I am going to start with a list of ideas (in no particular order) then expand a little on some of them. Remember, a lot of skateboarding equipment like skateboard shoes are popular with all extreme sport athletes and are used every day even when not skating.
- Skateboard Shoes
- Complete Skateboard
- Skateboarding Equipment like helmets and pads
- Magazine Subscription
- Beanie with Company Logo
- Baseball Cap with Company Logo
- Sweatshirt or T-Shirt
- Backpack or Bag
- Gift Card
If you know what kind of skateboard your skater wants, buying him or her a new skateboard is probably the best gift you can give. Before you go out and buy a skateboard, though, you need to know what you are buying. Don't be shy, just ask what they like. Their friends can probably tell you what they like if it isn't obvious by the clothes they already wear or posters hanging in their room. You need to know what brand they want. Even though their isn't a lot of physical difference from one skateboard company to another, it makes a world of difference to the person that will be skating on it. You also need to know what size they want. There are different widths of skateboards. Wider boards are typically for skating ramps and narrower boards are for doing street skating and tricks on the ground. Again, the best thing to do is ask. Get some general information and you can apply it to whatever skateboarding equipment choice you make.
Another good choice for skateboarding equipment that any skater will appreciate is skateboard shoes. They can wear them every day even when they are not skating. The one bit of advice I have here is to make sure you know exactly what they want or need. You may want to cut out a picture of a skateboard shoe and put it in a box with a note saying you will go out with them and pay for the pair of shoes they pick out. You can put a limit on the price if you need, but for the most part, skateboard shoes are pretty reasonable compared to many other specialty sport shoes.
Skate clothing is probably the most popular gift. It is easier to buy and you can get lots of different things for under $30 which you can't really do with a skateboard or shoes. All you need to know is what brands the person likes and what size to get. In both cases, even if you don't know the exact size or favorite brand the item can still be worn.
If you are worried about injury, you can help to protect the skateboarder you are buying for by getting them some safety equipment. I know it might not be cool, but buying a helmet, elbow pads, or knee pads will be appreciated every time they wreck. If they are skateboarding and doing tricks, it will happen. Now the only trick is to get them to wear this skateboarding equipment.
A skateboarding magazine is another good choice. As I have said a couple times, ask what they have or want. You want to make sure they don't already have a subscription to the magazine you want to get them. This is another gift in that under $30 category.
I am going to close with one more idea that is sure to give them what they actually want. I am talking about a gift card. You can get one for a shoe store so they can pick out shoes, a sporting goods store where they can get clothing or skateboarding equipment, or you can even get them for skateboard shops. Many people don't think this is very personal, but if you really don't know what they want or like, a gift card lets them pick out whatever skateboarding equipment they want. I know I never worried about a gift card being too impersonal.
You can learn more about all types of skateboarding equipment at SkateboardPlanet.net or visit some of the specific pages on things like skateboarding shoes or complete skateboards to get some more help picking out the perfect gift.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Vanbergen
Safety First - Helmet Styles and Brands
Safety First - Helmet Styles and Brands
By John Pauls
Even though skateboarding is a very fun sport for people, it can also be dangerous. Safety always needs to be a number one priority out there. You should have a helmet that fits you properly. It is important to understand there is quite a difference between a helmet for bike and one for riding a skateboard. Therefore you need to have one that is specifically for the art of skateboarding. This type of helmet will cover the back of your head which is where you are most likely to land on it.
Pay close attention to the information on such a helmet. If it isn't certified then it won't offer you the level of protection that you need. Don't be fooled by cheap imitations as they aren't going to protect your head from a serious injury. There are two types of skateboarding helmets to choose from. For beginners and those that do basic tricks a single impact helmet will be sufficient. However, if you place to take on riskier moves and jumps you need to buy a multiple impact helmet for added protection.
There are quite a few different helmet styles you can choose from when it comes to skateboarding. You want to buy one that you think looks good on you. If you feel that you look like a dork you are going to justify not wearing it when you skateboard. You also want one with an adjustable chin strap. Manufacturers have worked hard to offer styles of helmets that look cool too so take your time to explore the different styles out there.
You will also find plenty of brands of skateboarding helmets to choose from. It is wise to do more than choose one that is cool looking or made by your favorite manufacturer. Take the time to read reviews so that you can find out the level of safety rating associated with them. You will find the best skateboarding helmets are offered by those manufacturers that also sell skateboards. They understand the industry as well as the need to be well protected against injuries.
The Bell Faction was the first brand to offer a helmet specifically for skateboarding. They continue to improve upon their designs and so they are also the top seller out there. You can be very confident with a Bell Faction helmet that you have the utmost protection for your head that is available out there. They are very comfortable too due to the extra liners inside of them.
Kryptonics offers the Kore Series which has the highest technology in them. They are designed to absorb energy. They also offer a way to keep sweat out of your eyes due to a special type of lining. They have many styles to select from including those designed specifically for women.
The Pro Tech Ace is an expensive type of skateboarding helmet but well worth every penny you spend on it. They are a good idea for anyone that decides to engage in a variety of skateboarding tricks. Each color is to represent a certain professional skateboarder as well that endorses it. So you can get one that helps you to represent your skating idols.
No matter what your level of skill is with a skateboard, an accident can still happen. Head injures can be significantly reduced if you wear a helmet that fits you properly. There is no reason why it can't be comfortable as well as something that fits you well. You will quickly get used to it and forget it is even in place while you are skateboarding. Take your time to find one that fits well and has a good rating. That way you can enjoy skateboarding while significantly reducing your risk of any serious injury.
Skateboarding is becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, there are increasingly numbers of manufacturers that produce skateboards. As a result, various brands of skateboards come up, such as Plan B skateboards, Zoo York skateboards etc. You can find your favorite skateboards in SkateboardPro.com which is an online skateboards and accessories supplier providing many brands of complete skateboards and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pauls
By John Pauls
Even though skateboarding is a very fun sport for people, it can also be dangerous. Safety always needs to be a number one priority out there. You should have a helmet that fits you properly. It is important to understand there is quite a difference between a helmet for bike and one for riding a skateboard. Therefore you need to have one that is specifically for the art of skateboarding. This type of helmet will cover the back of your head which is where you are most likely to land on it.
Pay close attention to the information on such a helmet. If it isn't certified then it won't offer you the level of protection that you need. Don't be fooled by cheap imitations as they aren't going to protect your head from a serious injury. There are two types of skateboarding helmets to choose from. For beginners and those that do basic tricks a single impact helmet will be sufficient. However, if you place to take on riskier moves and jumps you need to buy a multiple impact helmet for added protection.
There are quite a few different helmet styles you can choose from when it comes to skateboarding. You want to buy one that you think looks good on you. If you feel that you look like a dork you are going to justify not wearing it when you skateboard. You also want one with an adjustable chin strap. Manufacturers have worked hard to offer styles of helmets that look cool too so take your time to explore the different styles out there.
You will also find plenty of brands of skateboarding helmets to choose from. It is wise to do more than choose one that is cool looking or made by your favorite manufacturer. Take the time to read reviews so that you can find out the level of safety rating associated with them. You will find the best skateboarding helmets are offered by those manufacturers that also sell skateboards. They understand the industry as well as the need to be well protected against injuries.
The Bell Faction was the first brand to offer a helmet specifically for skateboarding. They continue to improve upon their designs and so they are also the top seller out there. You can be very confident with a Bell Faction helmet that you have the utmost protection for your head that is available out there. They are very comfortable too due to the extra liners inside of them.
Kryptonics offers the Kore Series which has the highest technology in them. They are designed to absorb energy. They also offer a way to keep sweat out of your eyes due to a special type of lining. They have many styles to select from including those designed specifically for women.
The Pro Tech Ace is an expensive type of skateboarding helmet but well worth every penny you spend on it. They are a good idea for anyone that decides to engage in a variety of skateboarding tricks. Each color is to represent a certain professional skateboarder as well that endorses it. So you can get one that helps you to represent your skating idols.
No matter what your level of skill is with a skateboard, an accident can still happen. Head injures can be significantly reduced if you wear a helmet that fits you properly. There is no reason why it can't be comfortable as well as something that fits you well. You will quickly get used to it and forget it is even in place while you are skateboarding. Take your time to find one that fits well and has a good rating. That way you can enjoy skateboarding while significantly reducing your risk of any serious injury.
Skateboarding is becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, there are increasingly numbers of manufacturers that produce skateboards. As a result, various brands of skateboards come up, such as Plan B skateboards, Zoo York skateboards etc. You can find your favorite skateboards in SkateboardPro.com which is an online skateboards and accessories supplier providing many brands of complete skateboards and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pauls
Why You Should Consider Buying Your Skateboard Parts Online
Why You Should Consider Buying Your Skateboard Parts Online
By John Pauls
If you love to skateboard then you may already know that it can be an expensive sport. To be able to perform well and to be safe, routine maintenance needs to be done on your skateboard. Those different parts can become expensive as well but there is a way to save money without sacrificing quality. That is to buy your skateboarding parts online. There are many advantages to doing so.
The main reason why you can usually get parts for your skateboard at a lower cost online has to do with the lower operating expenses they have. Since they don't have to pay for a building, utilities for it, and other aspects of the business they can charge you less but still make a profit. They also know there is plenty of competition online so they must make their prices reasonable. They know that people are going to look for a good deal online and so they strive to offer something beyond what their competitors are.
In order to keep you as a loyal customer, these online sites tend to offer great promotions as well. They will send you discount codes via email or offers that are only for repeat customers. It is to your advantage to sign up for such newsletters and promotions. That way you can save money on your future purchases. You may be able to save 10% on the order or even have it shipped to you for free.
You also have the chance to quickly compare prices for skateboard parts when you shop online. Make sure you include their shipping costs as well when you are comparing them though. You may find the part on one site for $10 less but if it costs you $15 more with the shipping it won't turn out to be such a good deal in the long run.
You will find the widest selection of parts for your skateboard online as well. Most retailers have a very limited supply of them on hand. They also only carry a few brands. Not all of them are willing to special order you the parts you want and need. Those that do often charge an additional fee for such a service. There shouldn't be any part out there for your skateboard that you can't find online.
By looking around you may discover there are parts for your skateboard that you find online to try. Without running across them online though you would never have thought about trying them out. You can find some very unique parts that can help you to accomplish what you want to on your skateboard. This can be an exciting way to experiment with new aspects of the world of skateboarding.
Most people have a very busy schedule, so it isn't always possible to run to the local skateboarding retailer and get it. You may live in an area where you don't have such a store. Driving to get to one can be time consuming which means you may have to wait a while to get your skateboarding parts. When you shop online for them, you can get them any time of the day or night. You can do so when it is convenient for you even if it is 2 am or it is a Sunday afternoon when most retail stores are closed.
You will find many online retailers of skateboarding parts also send them out the very next day. You won't have too long of a wait for your parts to be delivered right to your door. This is a very convenient way to get everything you need to keep your skateboard operational. You may even consider buying some extra parts online so you have them readily available when you do need them.
As Skateboarding is becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, there are increasingly numbers of manufacturers that produce skateboards As a result, various brands of skateboards come up, such as Plan B skateboards, Zoo York skateboards etc. You can find professional skateboards in SkateboardsPro.com which is an online skateboards and accessories supplier providing many brands of complete skateboards and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pauls
By John Pauls
If you love to skateboard then you may already know that it can be an expensive sport. To be able to perform well and to be safe, routine maintenance needs to be done on your skateboard. Those different parts can become expensive as well but there is a way to save money without sacrificing quality. That is to buy your skateboarding parts online. There are many advantages to doing so.
The main reason why you can usually get parts for your skateboard at a lower cost online has to do with the lower operating expenses they have. Since they don't have to pay for a building, utilities for it, and other aspects of the business they can charge you less but still make a profit. They also know there is plenty of competition online so they must make their prices reasonable. They know that people are going to look for a good deal online and so they strive to offer something beyond what their competitors are.
In order to keep you as a loyal customer, these online sites tend to offer great promotions as well. They will send you discount codes via email or offers that are only for repeat customers. It is to your advantage to sign up for such newsletters and promotions. That way you can save money on your future purchases. You may be able to save 10% on the order or even have it shipped to you for free.
You also have the chance to quickly compare prices for skateboard parts when you shop online. Make sure you include their shipping costs as well when you are comparing them though. You may find the part on one site for $10 less but if it costs you $15 more with the shipping it won't turn out to be such a good deal in the long run.
You will find the widest selection of parts for your skateboard online as well. Most retailers have a very limited supply of them on hand. They also only carry a few brands. Not all of them are willing to special order you the parts you want and need. Those that do often charge an additional fee for such a service. There shouldn't be any part out there for your skateboard that you can't find online.
By looking around you may discover there are parts for your skateboard that you find online to try. Without running across them online though you would never have thought about trying them out. You can find some very unique parts that can help you to accomplish what you want to on your skateboard. This can be an exciting way to experiment with new aspects of the world of skateboarding.
Most people have a very busy schedule, so it isn't always possible to run to the local skateboarding retailer and get it. You may live in an area where you don't have such a store. Driving to get to one can be time consuming which means you may have to wait a while to get your skateboarding parts. When you shop online for them, you can get them any time of the day or night. You can do so when it is convenient for you even if it is 2 am or it is a Sunday afternoon when most retail stores are closed.
You will find many online retailers of skateboarding parts also send them out the very next day. You won't have too long of a wait for your parts to be delivered right to your door. This is a very convenient way to get everything you need to keep your skateboard operational. You may even consider buying some extra parts online so you have them readily available when you do need them.
As Skateboarding is becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, there are increasingly numbers of manufacturers that produce skateboards As a result, various brands of skateboards come up, such as Plan B skateboards, Zoo York skateboards etc. You can find professional skateboards in SkateboardsPro.com which is an online skateboards and accessories supplier providing many brands of complete skateboards and accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pauls
Skateboarding Clothes and Shoes
Skateboarding Clothes and Shoes
By James R Shaw
When you're out there showing off your skateboarding tricks, it's important to "look the part" by rockin the latest clothes and shoes. But what's hot? What are the brands that are popular with local skaters and famous skaters alike? Checkout these four brands of clothes and shoes before heading out to the skate park:
Vans.
Vans sells both clothes and shoes, but they are most know for their shoes. Founded in 1966 by brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, the company was originally called Van Doren Rubber Company. Vans are the shoes of choice among elite skateboarders worldwide. Not only does Vans make apparel and shoes, they also have skate parks in Southern California and Florida, and they are the creators and promoters of the famous Vans Warped Tour concerts.
Zoo York.
What an interesting name for a clothing company. It's said that the name comes from a subway tunnel that runs under the Central Park Zoo in New York. The tunnel is referred to as "Zoo York Tunnel" or just "Zoo York". Graffiti artists used to hang out and tag this tunnel back in the 60's and 70's. The clothing company Zoo York was founded in 1993. Zoo York sells clothes and shoes for boys, girls, men and women.
DC Shoes.
Like Zoo York, DC Shoes was also founded in 1993. The company makes clothing, shoes and accessories for all kinds of extreme sports including: skateboarding, snowboarding, bmx, rally car racing, motocross and surfing. DC Shoes is popular amongst a broad range of people. The famous drummer Travis Barker sports DC Shoes and even has a shoe line with DC Shoes that was influenced by him. Actor Adam Sandler is a fan, as is Rapper "Lil Wayne".
Perhaps the youngest "pro" skateboarder ever, Mitchie Brusco has been sponsored by DC Shoes since he was five years old!
DC Shoes sells skateboarding clothes and shoes for boys, girls, men and women.
Element.
Element was founded in 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was first called Underworld Element until one of the owners decided to drop "Underworld" from the name, and simple call the company Element. Element eventually became a major clothing, shoes and board brand, and was given opportunities to sign popular skateboarders. Element's professional team is made up of: Bam Margera, Brent Atchley, Chad Muska, Chad Tim Tim, Chris Senn, Darrell Stanton, Jeremy Wray, Mike Vallely, Nyjah Huston, Ray Barbee, Tony Tave and Vanessa Torres.
Although Element is more known for their decks, they also sell a wide variety of clothes and shoes for men, women, boys and girls.
You can find all of these brands by shopping online, so shopping for clothes and shoes have never been easier. You can also likely find Element, DC Shoes, Vans and Zoo York brand clothing at your local skate shop as well. There is no excuse for not having the hottest clothing and shoes anymore. Now go show off your style!
Display your skateboards and keep them off the floor with Jimmy Racks original steel skateboard racks - holds 3 skateboards and can be installed on your wall in under 4 minutes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Shaw
By James R Shaw
When you're out there showing off your skateboarding tricks, it's important to "look the part" by rockin the latest clothes and shoes. But what's hot? What are the brands that are popular with local skaters and famous skaters alike? Checkout these four brands of clothes and shoes before heading out to the skate park:
Vans.
Vans sells both clothes and shoes, but they are most know for their shoes. Founded in 1966 by brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, the company was originally called Van Doren Rubber Company. Vans are the shoes of choice among elite skateboarders worldwide. Not only does Vans make apparel and shoes, they also have skate parks in Southern California and Florida, and they are the creators and promoters of the famous Vans Warped Tour concerts.
Zoo York.
What an interesting name for a clothing company. It's said that the name comes from a subway tunnel that runs under the Central Park Zoo in New York. The tunnel is referred to as "Zoo York Tunnel" or just "Zoo York". Graffiti artists used to hang out and tag this tunnel back in the 60's and 70's. The clothing company Zoo York was founded in 1993. Zoo York sells clothes and shoes for boys, girls, men and women.
DC Shoes.
Like Zoo York, DC Shoes was also founded in 1993. The company makes clothing, shoes and accessories for all kinds of extreme sports including: skateboarding, snowboarding, bmx, rally car racing, motocross and surfing. DC Shoes is popular amongst a broad range of people. The famous drummer Travis Barker sports DC Shoes and even has a shoe line with DC Shoes that was influenced by him. Actor Adam Sandler is a fan, as is Rapper "Lil Wayne".
Perhaps the youngest "pro" skateboarder ever, Mitchie Brusco has been sponsored by DC Shoes since he was five years old!
DC Shoes sells skateboarding clothes and shoes for boys, girls, men and women.
Element.
Element was founded in 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was first called Underworld Element until one of the owners decided to drop "Underworld" from the name, and simple call the company Element. Element eventually became a major clothing, shoes and board brand, and was given opportunities to sign popular skateboarders. Element's professional team is made up of: Bam Margera, Brent Atchley, Chad Muska, Chad Tim Tim, Chris Senn, Darrell Stanton, Jeremy Wray, Mike Vallely, Nyjah Huston, Ray Barbee, Tony Tave and Vanessa Torres.
Although Element is more known for their decks, they also sell a wide variety of clothes and shoes for men, women, boys and girls.
You can find all of these brands by shopping online, so shopping for clothes and shoes have never been easier. You can also likely find Element, DC Shoes, Vans and Zoo York brand clothing at your local skate shop as well. There is no excuse for not having the hottest clothing and shoes anymore. Now go show off your style!
Display your skateboards and keep them off the floor with Jimmy Racks original steel skateboard racks - holds 3 skateboards and can be installed on your wall in under 4 minutes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Shaw
Create Your Own Skatepark Layout With Portable Skate Ramps
Create Your Own Skatepark Layout With Portable Skate Ramps
By Jack M Patterson
A lot of people have ventured to create their own skateparks in their backyards. Unfortunately, these are not always tested for safety and will eventually rot from the weather over time. They are also not easy to build nor are they cheap to build, as all of that lumber and hard labor adds up in time and money. Plus, they are so large and heavy; you've pretty much committed your entire yard to the skatepark once it's completed.
However, with portable skate ramps, you are able to create the same skatepark or even a better skatepark. This because portable skate ramps have not only been tested for safety, but they are created from 10 gauge steel that will not rot in the rain over time, nor do they swell causing dangerous bumps and irregularities. When you're done practicing, you can easily fold up the portable skate ramps and place them in your garage, storage shed or just out of the way. This way you don't have to commit your whole backyard to a lumber field of homemade skate equipment.
Another benefit to portable skate ramps is that you can combine several pieces to create your own skatepark layout. You can create your own layout or you can purchase a custom designed skatepark layout for your home, community park or event. Those designs that you purchase are available in 3D so that you know exactly which pieces of equipment go where and the order that the layout is designed to be completed in. If you are in need of a custom design, there are even experts available to assist you in creating custom skatepark layout for use with your portable skate ramps.
Freshpark.com features a full line-up of safe, weatherproof and affordable portable skate ramps. Why pay a fortune on something you have to build yourself when you can make one investment that will not only be more reliable, but also easy to store and transport?
FreshPark introduces a new, affordable and easily portable portable skate ramps that any skateboarder would love to have. For more information, visit FreshPark.com or call 800-490-2709.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson
By Jack M Patterson
A lot of people have ventured to create their own skateparks in their backyards. Unfortunately, these are not always tested for safety and will eventually rot from the weather over time. They are also not easy to build nor are they cheap to build, as all of that lumber and hard labor adds up in time and money. Plus, they are so large and heavy; you've pretty much committed your entire yard to the skatepark once it's completed.
However, with portable skate ramps, you are able to create the same skatepark or even a better skatepark. This because portable skate ramps have not only been tested for safety, but they are created from 10 gauge steel that will not rot in the rain over time, nor do they swell causing dangerous bumps and irregularities. When you're done practicing, you can easily fold up the portable skate ramps and place them in your garage, storage shed or just out of the way. This way you don't have to commit your whole backyard to a lumber field of homemade skate equipment.
Another benefit to portable skate ramps is that you can combine several pieces to create your own skatepark layout. You can create your own layout or you can purchase a custom designed skatepark layout for your home, community park or event. Those designs that you purchase are available in 3D so that you know exactly which pieces of equipment go where and the order that the layout is designed to be completed in. If you are in need of a custom design, there are even experts available to assist you in creating custom skatepark layout for use with your portable skate ramps.
Freshpark.com features a full line-up of safe, weatherproof and affordable portable skate ramps. Why pay a fortune on something you have to build yourself when you can make one investment that will not only be more reliable, but also easy to store and transport?
FreshPark introduces a new, affordable and easily portable portable skate ramps that any skateboarder would love to have. For more information, visit FreshPark.com or call 800-490-2709.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson
Improve Your Skating Skills With Adjustable Grind Rails
Improve Your Skating Skills With Adjustable Grind Rails
By Jack M Patterson
Handrails, slides, and any other type of stair handrail that can be found have often been used as a grind rail by all skaters. However, there have also been numerous trips to emergency rooms and doctor's offices from the result of a handrail grind or board slide gone wrong.
All skaters know that there is a little danger involved with the grind rail, but if you utilize the proper equipment, much of this risk can reduced significantly, if not eliminated. To improve your grinding skills, it is vital that you use the proper equipment. In this case, adjustable grind rails are your solution to not only performing better skateboard tricks, but also reducing your chances of a broken bone.
Handrails come in two styles as well. They are either flat bars or rounded rails. With grind rails designed for skating, you can actually practice with both, as the rails include both flat edges and round edges. Adjustable ground rails also allow you to gradually improve your skills over time without having to make a large jump in height differences. For instance, an adjustable grind rail allows you to increase the height of the rail from nine inches to nineteen inches with several options in between. Or, you can adjust only one end of the rail to be higher and create an ideal situation for practicing board slides.
Adjustable grind rails are also ideal as they can add variety to your skate layout at home. For instance, you can create transitions from your quarterpipe to your grind rail or vice versa. This allows you to create even more challenging situations for yourself and to test your skills or improve them over time. Adjustable grind rails that are also weatherproof are available at Freshpark.com.
FreshPark introduces a new, easily portable grind rails for all your skateboarder's grinding need. For more information, visit FreshPark.com or call 800-490-2709.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson
By Jack M Patterson
Handrails, slides, and any other type of stair handrail that can be found have often been used as a grind rail by all skaters. However, there have also been numerous trips to emergency rooms and doctor's offices from the result of a handrail grind or board slide gone wrong.
All skaters know that there is a little danger involved with the grind rail, but if you utilize the proper equipment, much of this risk can reduced significantly, if not eliminated. To improve your grinding skills, it is vital that you use the proper equipment. In this case, adjustable grind rails are your solution to not only performing better skateboard tricks, but also reducing your chances of a broken bone.
Handrails come in two styles as well. They are either flat bars or rounded rails. With grind rails designed for skating, you can actually practice with both, as the rails include both flat edges and round edges. Adjustable ground rails also allow you to gradually improve your skills over time without having to make a large jump in height differences. For instance, an adjustable grind rail allows you to increase the height of the rail from nine inches to nineteen inches with several options in between. Or, you can adjust only one end of the rail to be higher and create an ideal situation for practicing board slides.
Adjustable grind rails are also ideal as they can add variety to your skate layout at home. For instance, you can create transitions from your quarterpipe to your grind rail or vice versa. This allows you to create even more challenging situations for yourself and to test your skills or improve them over time. Adjustable grind rails that are also weatherproof are available at Freshpark.com.
FreshPark introduces a new, easily portable grind rails for all your skateboarder's grinding need. For more information, visit FreshPark.com or call 800-490-2709.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson
Tips For Choosing Your Skateboard
Tips For Choosing Your Skateboard
By John Pauls
When it comes to buying a skateboard, you may be very impressed with the designs of what you see. Some of them feature amazing graphics while others have been designed by professional skateboarders themselves. Before you jump right in and purchase one of them though you need to take your time to look at other aspects of it. That way you can be certain you are getting a great one you will be able to use for a long time.
Think about your own skating style and that will help you to get the skateboard for it. If you aren't sure take some time to find out. You may need a longer board or a wider board for your style of skating. Keep in mind that your overall size will play into the size of skateboard for you to use. The more you weigh the heavier you need the deck of the skateboard to be.
You can find this type of information online and you can also ask at retailers that specialize in the sales of skateboards. Another good tip to follow is that a wider board is better for beginners. They should also buy a cheaper skateboard to learn the basics on. Not everyone finds this to be a sport that they continue with. Therefore you don't want to place too much money into that initial skateboard.
Never be in a rush to buy a skateboard. Take your time to look over every aspect of it. How does the deck feel when you stand on it? Are the size and style of wheels going to work for you as well? Take it for a spin to try out the types of events you want to perform on it. If the retailer isn't willing to let you do so, then go find one someone where else.
You should also read reviews online about a certain type of skateboard. You want to make sure it is going to last you. Even with daily use a good quality skateboard should last you at least six months to a year. If the reviews for it aren't good then pass on it for one that is. You don't want to be replacing it more often than you have to.
Many people find that buying a skateboard online is less expensive than doing it locally. Still, you are encouraged to try out what is being sold locally. That way you can be more confident the one you order online is going to work well for you as well. If it isn't what you want then it won't matter that you were able to save some money on it. Make sure that the final cost you look at also includes the shipping costs.
It is a good idea to carefully review the return policy of any skateboard you buy online as well. You want to get one so that you can return it for a refund if it doesn't offer you what you thought it would. You don't want to be stuck with it so never buy one online that doesn't have a very liberal return policy to accompany it.
Keep in mind that the style and design of skateboard for each person out there is going to vary. It is a good idea to look at several models within your budget before you choose one. By experiencing how different ones feel you will be able to find the one that is going to be safe as well as fun for you. There are quite a few affordable skateboards out there that are very good. If you have the money to invest, you may consider having one customized to your own specifications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pauls
By John Pauls
When it comes to buying a skateboard, you may be very impressed with the designs of what you see. Some of them feature amazing graphics while others have been designed by professional skateboarders themselves. Before you jump right in and purchase one of them though you need to take your time to look at other aspects of it. That way you can be certain you are getting a great one you will be able to use for a long time.
Think about your own skating style and that will help you to get the skateboard for it. If you aren't sure take some time to find out. You may need a longer board or a wider board for your style of skating. Keep in mind that your overall size will play into the size of skateboard for you to use. The more you weigh the heavier you need the deck of the skateboard to be.
You can find this type of information online and you can also ask at retailers that specialize in the sales of skateboards. Another good tip to follow is that a wider board is better for beginners. They should also buy a cheaper skateboard to learn the basics on. Not everyone finds this to be a sport that they continue with. Therefore you don't want to place too much money into that initial skateboard.
Never be in a rush to buy a skateboard. Take your time to look over every aspect of it. How does the deck feel when you stand on it? Are the size and style of wheels going to work for you as well? Take it for a spin to try out the types of events you want to perform on it. If the retailer isn't willing to let you do so, then go find one someone where else.
You should also read reviews online about a certain type of skateboard. You want to make sure it is going to last you. Even with daily use a good quality skateboard should last you at least six months to a year. If the reviews for it aren't good then pass on it for one that is. You don't want to be replacing it more often than you have to.
Many people find that buying a skateboard online is less expensive than doing it locally. Still, you are encouraged to try out what is being sold locally. That way you can be more confident the one you order online is going to work well for you as well. If it isn't what you want then it won't matter that you were able to save some money on it. Make sure that the final cost you look at also includes the shipping costs.
It is a good idea to carefully review the return policy of any skateboard you buy online as well. You want to get one so that you can return it for a refund if it doesn't offer you what you thought it would. You don't want to be stuck with it so never buy one online that doesn't have a very liberal return policy to accompany it.
Keep in mind that the style and design of skateboard for each person out there is going to vary. It is a good idea to look at several models within your budget before you choose one. By experiencing how different ones feel you will be able to find the one that is going to be safe as well as fun for you. There are quite a few affordable skateboards out there that are very good. If you have the money to invest, you may consider having one customized to your own specifications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pauls
The Future of Skateboarding
The Future of Skateboarding
By Brad Jakes
Where have we been, where are we now and where is skateboarding going ?
The Beginning
If we're going to try to figure out the future, it's probably a good idea to head back first and see how this thing started.
It all began in the fifties, when Californian surfers started attaching roller skate wheels to planks of wood and riding down their local streets. Skateboard manufacturers started springing up in the early sixties and a new lifestyle was born.
Urethane skateboard wheels were invented in 1972 and are still used today. The mid 70s saw the first skateboard parks begin to appear which naturally spawned new styles of riding, new tricks and new boards as skaters went vertical. Also in the mid 70s, a new competitive scene was born when a slalom and freestyle contest was held at the Ocean Festival in Del Mar, California .The famous Zephyr team turned the skateboarding world on its head with their new aggressive approach to freestyle skating. In 1978 the most famous skate trick of all, the "Ollie", was invented by Alan Gelfand (the 70s were a big decade for skating).
The 80s were a comparatively slow decade for skateboarding although there was a boost that came with the popularity of the VCR when the first skateboard videos were introduced. The Bones Brigade Video Show was particularly popular and made Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, Rodney Mullen, Stacy Peralta, and Kevin Staab household names amongst the skating fraternity.
The first Extreme Games were held in Rhode Island in 1995 and the skateboarding competition received a lot of attention leading to increased interest in the sport and raised its profile in the broader community. Skateboarding was also part of the first Winter X games in '97 and competitive skateboarding had truly become mainstream.
The biggest thing to hit skateboarding in the 2000s is the massive popularity of the video game console. Skateboarding games lend themselves well to the format and there have been smash hit video games every year in the 2000s. A new generation of skaters was born as kids traded their console controllers for the real thing.
The Future of Skateboarding
Competitive skateboarding will be established as a legitimate mainstream sport in much the same way as surfing and surf culture. Just a few decades ago, surfers were looked down upon as untrustworthy reprobates. These days parent don't think twice about wandering into the surf stores that exist in every shopping mall and loading up on clothes with surf labels for their offspring, who mightn't even know what a beach looks like. Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Billabong are all trusted global brands now. Like it or not, watch for skating to go the same way. We'll see mindblowing tricks leveraging energy and athleticism that would seem unimaginable today. Skate heroes will go mainstream and expect to see a much more advanced global competitive scene. Once again it's instructive to take a look at surfing's path. The competitive surfing scene floundered for decades before getting its act together in the late 80s, when the brave step was taken to give ultimate control of the sport to a single governing body. A new man-on-man format was introduced and contests were taken to the best waves at the best time of the year. The overall good of the sport finally overcame parochialism and commercial interest and poor, uncompetitive contests were discarded. Now, surfing has hit the big time - it has sophisticated, multi-tiered competitive scene with massive media coverage. Can skating go the same way ? Yes, if it allows itself to.
When it comes to local ramps and skate parks, expect bigger walls, bigger bowls and more of them. As the current generation of skaters grows up and gets its turn to have a say in council spending and infrastructure, well it's good news for skaters who like parks and ramps.
Technology will impact skateboards in the same way that it's hitting so many other products. Stronger, lighter materials will appear and the rapid distribution of information means that board and truck design will advance even faster. The impact of the internet is both a challenge and an opportunity for the local skateboard shop. Ecommerce growth rates are huge and more people are keen to buy skateboards online. The web allows a distribution model that effectively puts the consumer closer to the skateboard warehouse. If you long for the old days of the 70s wooden plank, then this mightn't do much for you but if you're kid on a limited budget, it's all good news. Expect better, more technically advanced products at lower prices.
If skateboarding follows the same lines as other markets, then we might see further consolidation amongst the big brands, similar to Billabong's acquisition of Sector 9. Other big players in today's skateboard market are brands like Birdhouse, Girl, Zero, Plan B, Element and Blind. There's a fair chance we could see a large company buy up a stable of big skate brands to get the pricing benefit that comes with volume, which can obviously help with product pricing but doesn't always result inoriginal product design and creativity (when was the last time Ford or GM came out with a cool product ?). In any market, if the big get bigger, then opportunities arise for small players to carve out their own niche for local markets and buyers who are less brand conscious.
Maple is still the premium construction material for decks but surely the day is approaching when maple will be superceded, at least for some styles of board. New styles of boards will continue to emerge - the humble skateboard of the early days has already evolved into longboards, cruisers, retro boards, pool boards, old school and mountain boards. As well as lighter, stronger trucks and better quality wheels, there'll be new deck plan shapes and original artwork.
So there you have it, a quick look at the past and a peek into the future - and the future looks good!
Brad Jakes is a traveler, writer, skater, raconteur and test pilot for Skateboard Express Australia
http://www.skateboardexpress.com.au
http://skateboardexpress.com.au/alllongboards.html
You're welcome to reprint this article online free of charge provided: - you include the three links at the bottom- you don't change the article
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Jakes
By Brad Jakes
Where have we been, where are we now and where is skateboarding going ?
The Beginning
If we're going to try to figure out the future, it's probably a good idea to head back first and see how this thing started.
It all began in the fifties, when Californian surfers started attaching roller skate wheels to planks of wood and riding down their local streets. Skateboard manufacturers started springing up in the early sixties and a new lifestyle was born.
Urethane skateboard wheels were invented in 1972 and are still used today. The mid 70s saw the first skateboard parks begin to appear which naturally spawned new styles of riding, new tricks and new boards as skaters went vertical. Also in the mid 70s, a new competitive scene was born when a slalom and freestyle contest was held at the Ocean Festival in Del Mar, California .The famous Zephyr team turned the skateboarding world on its head with their new aggressive approach to freestyle skating. In 1978 the most famous skate trick of all, the "Ollie", was invented by Alan Gelfand (the 70s were a big decade for skating).
The 80s were a comparatively slow decade for skateboarding although there was a boost that came with the popularity of the VCR when the first skateboard videos were introduced. The Bones Brigade Video Show was particularly popular and made Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, Rodney Mullen, Stacy Peralta, and Kevin Staab household names amongst the skating fraternity.
The first Extreme Games were held in Rhode Island in 1995 and the skateboarding competition received a lot of attention leading to increased interest in the sport and raised its profile in the broader community. Skateboarding was also part of the first Winter X games in '97 and competitive skateboarding had truly become mainstream.
The biggest thing to hit skateboarding in the 2000s is the massive popularity of the video game console. Skateboarding games lend themselves well to the format and there have been smash hit video games every year in the 2000s. A new generation of skaters was born as kids traded their console controllers for the real thing.
The Future of Skateboarding
Competitive skateboarding will be established as a legitimate mainstream sport in much the same way as surfing and surf culture. Just a few decades ago, surfers were looked down upon as untrustworthy reprobates. These days parent don't think twice about wandering into the surf stores that exist in every shopping mall and loading up on clothes with surf labels for their offspring, who mightn't even know what a beach looks like. Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Billabong are all trusted global brands now. Like it or not, watch for skating to go the same way. We'll see mindblowing tricks leveraging energy and athleticism that would seem unimaginable today. Skate heroes will go mainstream and expect to see a much more advanced global competitive scene. Once again it's instructive to take a look at surfing's path. The competitive surfing scene floundered for decades before getting its act together in the late 80s, when the brave step was taken to give ultimate control of the sport to a single governing body. A new man-on-man format was introduced and contests were taken to the best waves at the best time of the year. The overall good of the sport finally overcame parochialism and commercial interest and poor, uncompetitive contests were discarded. Now, surfing has hit the big time - it has sophisticated, multi-tiered competitive scene with massive media coverage. Can skating go the same way ? Yes, if it allows itself to.
When it comes to local ramps and skate parks, expect bigger walls, bigger bowls and more of them. As the current generation of skaters grows up and gets its turn to have a say in council spending and infrastructure, well it's good news for skaters who like parks and ramps.
Technology will impact skateboards in the same way that it's hitting so many other products. Stronger, lighter materials will appear and the rapid distribution of information means that board and truck design will advance even faster. The impact of the internet is both a challenge and an opportunity for the local skateboard shop. Ecommerce growth rates are huge and more people are keen to buy skateboards online. The web allows a distribution model that effectively puts the consumer closer to the skateboard warehouse. If you long for the old days of the 70s wooden plank, then this mightn't do much for you but if you're kid on a limited budget, it's all good news. Expect better, more technically advanced products at lower prices.
If skateboarding follows the same lines as other markets, then we might see further consolidation amongst the big brands, similar to Billabong's acquisition of Sector 9. Other big players in today's skateboard market are brands like Birdhouse, Girl, Zero, Plan B, Element and Blind. There's a fair chance we could see a large company buy up a stable of big skate brands to get the pricing benefit that comes with volume, which can obviously help with product pricing but doesn't always result inoriginal product design and creativity (when was the last time Ford or GM came out with a cool product ?). In any market, if the big get bigger, then opportunities arise for small players to carve out their own niche for local markets and buyers who are less brand conscious.
Maple is still the premium construction material for decks but surely the day is approaching when maple will be superceded, at least for some styles of board. New styles of boards will continue to emerge - the humble skateboard of the early days has already evolved into longboards, cruisers, retro boards, pool boards, old school and mountain boards. As well as lighter, stronger trucks and better quality wheels, there'll be new deck plan shapes and original artwork.
So there you have it, a quick look at the past and a peek into the future - and the future looks good!
Brad Jakes is a traveler, writer, skater, raconteur and test pilot for Skateboard Express Australia
http://www.skateboardexpress.com.au
http://skateboardexpress.com.au/alllongboards.html
You're welcome to reprint this article online free of charge provided: - you include the three links at the bottom- you don't change the article
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Jakes
More Advanced Skateboard Tricks
More Advanced Skateboard Tricks
By James R Shaw
So you have mastered all the basic skateboard tricks like: the ollie, kickturns, 50/50 grinds, rock n rolls, board slides, truck stands, manuals and maybe even the kickflip (which could be considered an intermediate trick). Are you ready to kick it up a notch and start learning some serious skateboard tricks? Read on to learn the basics of: ollie on a ramp, rock to fakie, heelflip and indy grab.
Ollie on a Ramp. This should actually be called "ollie off a ramp". If you know how to ollie on the ground, great. Now you're going to ollie while flying off a ramp. This is fun, but dangerous when attempting to ollie off a huge ramp. Start with a mini ramp first. To ollie on a ramp:
1. Skate towards the ramp and pickup as much speed as possible.
2. Make sure your feet are in ollie position.
3. Lean back a little while riding up the ramp.
4. When the nose of the board gets to the edge, push the tail down quickly and pull your front knee up.
5. Ollie and try to land safely.
Rock to Fakie. You'll need a quarterpipe, halfpipe or mini ramp to do a rock to fakie. The rock to fakie is when a skater rides up the ramp right to the very edge, balances on the middle of the board, rocks a little bit, and then goes back the direction they came. To rock to fakie:
1. Skate towards the ramp and pickup some speed.
2. Your front foot should be on the nose and your back foot on the tail.
3. Hit the top of the ramp and push your front foot forward so that the front of the board dips forward.
4. You should balance and hold this move for a few seconds.
5. Drop down and go back the same direction you came up.
Heelflip. The heelflip is closely related to the kickflip, so this is probably the trick to learn after mastering kickflips. A heelflip is when a skater ollies into the air and flips the skateboard so that it rotates once (parallel to the ground) then lands on the skateboard in the same position he/she started in. To heelflip:
1. You should place your feet the same way you would for an ollie.
2. Your back foot should be on the tail.
3. Your front foot is towards the center of the board (hang your toes over the edge a bit).
4. Now Ollie and kick your back heel forward.
Indy Grab. The Indy Grab is considered a "grab" trick, hence the name. It can be performed on a skateboard as well as a snowboard. You'll mostly see this trick performed on a ramp. Before learning the indy grab, I recommend you master the ollie on a ramp first. To indy grab:
1. Drop down the ramp and start picking up speed.
2. Place your back foot on the back of your board (the tail).
3. Your front foot should be on your front trucks.
4. Ride towards the ramp and Ollie off the top as high as possible.
5. While you're up there, reach down and grab your board between your feet with your back hand.
6. Bend your knees deep to make this easier.
7. Try to hold the grab as long as you can, but don't forget that you have to land safely!
Make sure you've mastered basic skateboard tricks before attempting more difficult tricks. As silly as it sounds, safety should always come first. You should wear a helmet and all padding while skating, especially when trying new tricks - wipeouts are almost guaranteed to happen until you get the trick right!
Display your skateboards and keep them off the floor with Jimmy Racks original steel skateboard racks - holds 3 skateboards and can be installed on your wall in under 4 minutes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Shaw
By James R Shaw
So you have mastered all the basic skateboard tricks like: the ollie, kickturns, 50/50 grinds, rock n rolls, board slides, truck stands, manuals and maybe even the kickflip (which could be considered an intermediate trick). Are you ready to kick it up a notch and start learning some serious skateboard tricks? Read on to learn the basics of: ollie on a ramp, rock to fakie, heelflip and indy grab.
Ollie on a Ramp. This should actually be called "ollie off a ramp". If you know how to ollie on the ground, great. Now you're going to ollie while flying off a ramp. This is fun, but dangerous when attempting to ollie off a huge ramp. Start with a mini ramp first. To ollie on a ramp:
1. Skate towards the ramp and pickup as much speed as possible.
2. Make sure your feet are in ollie position.
3. Lean back a little while riding up the ramp.
4. When the nose of the board gets to the edge, push the tail down quickly and pull your front knee up.
5. Ollie and try to land safely.
Rock to Fakie. You'll need a quarterpipe, halfpipe or mini ramp to do a rock to fakie. The rock to fakie is when a skater rides up the ramp right to the very edge, balances on the middle of the board, rocks a little bit, and then goes back the direction they came. To rock to fakie:
1. Skate towards the ramp and pickup some speed.
2. Your front foot should be on the nose and your back foot on the tail.
3. Hit the top of the ramp and push your front foot forward so that the front of the board dips forward.
4. You should balance and hold this move for a few seconds.
5. Drop down and go back the same direction you came up.
Heelflip. The heelflip is closely related to the kickflip, so this is probably the trick to learn after mastering kickflips. A heelflip is when a skater ollies into the air and flips the skateboard so that it rotates once (parallel to the ground) then lands on the skateboard in the same position he/she started in. To heelflip:
1. You should place your feet the same way you would for an ollie.
2. Your back foot should be on the tail.
3. Your front foot is towards the center of the board (hang your toes over the edge a bit).
4. Now Ollie and kick your back heel forward.
Indy Grab. The Indy Grab is considered a "grab" trick, hence the name. It can be performed on a skateboard as well as a snowboard. You'll mostly see this trick performed on a ramp. Before learning the indy grab, I recommend you master the ollie on a ramp first. To indy grab:
1. Drop down the ramp and start picking up speed.
2. Place your back foot on the back of your board (the tail).
3. Your front foot should be on your front trucks.
4. Ride towards the ramp and Ollie off the top as high as possible.
5. While you're up there, reach down and grab your board between your feet with your back hand.
6. Bend your knees deep to make this easier.
7. Try to hold the grab as long as you can, but don't forget that you have to land safely!
Make sure you've mastered basic skateboard tricks before attempting more difficult tricks. As silly as it sounds, safety should always come first. You should wear a helmet and all padding while skating, especially when trying new tricks - wipeouts are almost guaranteed to happen until you get the trick right!
Display your skateboards and keep them off the floor with Jimmy Racks original steel skateboard racks - holds 3 skateboards and can be installed on your wall in under 4 minutes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Shaw
Longboard Wheel Guide - Understanding Your Longboard
Longboard Wheel Guide - Understanding Your Longboard
By Ilse Hagen
If you've got yourself a longboard, then you must be one of many enthusiasts who take to the streets to cruise for a ride. But this activity is not always about having fun. You also need to ensure that your longboard is properly taken care of to make sure that you've always got a ride when you need one. Need to change your longboard wheels? Here's a longboard wheel guide you can use.
The basics
Longboard wheels are designed for use in cruising and transport, ranging in size but available between 65 to 100 millimeters. Since they are bigger than other skateboard wheels, they are more stable and provide the user with a more comfortable ride. Because solid polyurethane combined with their size would make the wheels thick and heavy, hard plastic cores are usually used instead.
The issue of hardness and softness: a longboard wheel guide
Longboard wheels, as well as other skateboard wheels, can come in varying degrees of hardness, measured using the durometer A scale. The softest kind of wheels are rated at 75a, while the hardest are there on top with ratings of 99a. For those beyond the durometer A scale, it might be better to rely on the B or D scales, which have more accuracy and cover a wider range of hardness types.
Choosing your wheel: a quick tip
Wheel size is not just about finding something that fits your skateboard. Rather, you also need to factor in your own body size. The smaller you are, then the smaller your wheels will be. As for a longboard wheel guide, bigger folk actually have the advantage of using longboards since the wheels needed by a longboard are bigger, with sizes between 65 to 100 millimeters. This means that there won't be much need to go looking for the right wheels when you're big person using a longboard.
Important information
A complete longboard wheel guide is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced longboard wheels in PickyGuide's recommended products section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
By Ilse Hagen
If you've got yourself a longboard, then you must be one of many enthusiasts who take to the streets to cruise for a ride. But this activity is not always about having fun. You also need to ensure that your longboard is properly taken care of to make sure that you've always got a ride when you need one. Need to change your longboard wheels? Here's a longboard wheel guide you can use.
The basics
Longboard wheels are designed for use in cruising and transport, ranging in size but available between 65 to 100 millimeters. Since they are bigger than other skateboard wheels, they are more stable and provide the user with a more comfortable ride. Because solid polyurethane combined with their size would make the wheels thick and heavy, hard plastic cores are usually used instead.
The issue of hardness and softness: a longboard wheel guide
Longboard wheels, as well as other skateboard wheels, can come in varying degrees of hardness, measured using the durometer A scale. The softest kind of wheels are rated at 75a, while the hardest are there on top with ratings of 99a. For those beyond the durometer A scale, it might be better to rely on the B or D scales, which have more accuracy and cover a wider range of hardness types.
Choosing your wheel: a quick tip
Wheel size is not just about finding something that fits your skateboard. Rather, you also need to factor in your own body size. The smaller you are, then the smaller your wheels will be. As for a longboard wheel guide, bigger folk actually have the advantage of using longboards since the wheels needed by a longboard are bigger, with sizes between 65 to 100 millimeters. This means that there won't be much need to go looking for the right wheels when you're big person using a longboard.
Important information
A complete longboard wheel guide is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced longboard wheels in PickyGuide's recommended products section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
Understanding Lowrider Longboards - Finding the Right Longboards For You
Understanding Lowrider Longboards - Finding the Right Longboards For You
By Ilse Hagen
Longboards are essentially skateboards but are wider and longer, used for transportation purposes and for slalom, exhibition, and competitive riding. Typically, a longboard is made up of a deck, a set of wheels, bearings, and trucks in varying sizes depending on the kind of riding to be done. They may also be made from synthetic materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass or natural woods like maple or birch.
Kinds of longboards to choose from
Pintail longboards are best for general transportation, flatland cruising, and downhill bombing. They are very narrow skateboards at just about nine inches in width and extending up to 48 inches in length. Along with trucks installed at the farther ends of each side, they also have semi-slanted riser pads, allowing the rider to make deeper turns. However, because of this, beginners might find that pintail longboards may be difficult to maneuver. Lowrider longboards, on the other hand, are best meant for street riding. With decks made from durable laminated wood, lowrider longboards also have low profiles ideal for pushing and carving. Lowrider longboards also have trucks installed nearly at the tips to achieve better control and stability.
Choosing longboards: some tips
If you're more of a recreational rider, go for decks made from natural wood. They are inexpensive yet strong enough to handle the beating that accompanies general transportation. If you're more of a competitive rider, look for decks made from synthetic materials for more durability, since competitive riding is more punishing than recreational riding.
Longboards with stiff bushing is ideal for downhill bombing or adventure riding since they offer stability at high speeds. Softer bushing offers more control so they're more suited for general transportation.
General recreational riding calls for steel ball bearings, while downhill skating benefits from ceramic ball bearings because they lessen thermal resistance and friction. Ceramic ball bearings, though, are more expensive.
Important information
Complete information on lowrider longboards is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced longboards in PickyGuide's recommended products section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
By Ilse Hagen
Longboards are essentially skateboards but are wider and longer, used for transportation purposes and for slalom, exhibition, and competitive riding. Typically, a longboard is made up of a deck, a set of wheels, bearings, and trucks in varying sizes depending on the kind of riding to be done. They may also be made from synthetic materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass or natural woods like maple or birch.
Kinds of longboards to choose from
Pintail longboards are best for general transportation, flatland cruising, and downhill bombing. They are very narrow skateboards at just about nine inches in width and extending up to 48 inches in length. Along with trucks installed at the farther ends of each side, they also have semi-slanted riser pads, allowing the rider to make deeper turns. However, because of this, beginners might find that pintail longboards may be difficult to maneuver. Lowrider longboards, on the other hand, are best meant for street riding. With decks made from durable laminated wood, lowrider longboards also have low profiles ideal for pushing and carving. Lowrider longboards also have trucks installed nearly at the tips to achieve better control and stability.
Choosing longboards: some tips
If you're more of a recreational rider, go for decks made from natural wood. They are inexpensive yet strong enough to handle the beating that accompanies general transportation. If you're more of a competitive rider, look for decks made from synthetic materials for more durability, since competitive riding is more punishing than recreational riding.
Longboards with stiff bushing is ideal for downhill bombing or adventure riding since they offer stability at high speeds. Softer bushing offers more control so they're more suited for general transportation.
General recreational riding calls for steel ball bearings, while downhill skating benefits from ceramic ball bearings because they lessen thermal resistance and friction. Ceramic ball bearings, though, are more expensive.
Important information
Complete information on lowrider longboards is available at PickyGuide, the authority in free consumer advice. Access top-ranked, best-reviewed, and most competitively priced longboards in PickyGuide's recommended products section.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
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