Skateboards, Shoes, and Gear

Many people are still not familiar with skateboards and the skateboarding culture that exists in almost every city in the country. Skateboarding was originally created in late fifties in California. Surfers were looking for a way to catch waves everyday- even when the ocean wasn’t cooperating.

Skatestreet.com is an informational site intended to provide information on skateboards, safety equipment and skating apparel such as skate shoes. This site does not endorse any one product, making it easy for the consumer to make an informed, unbiased decision about which board will be best for them.

Skateboards are normally made from wood. Inexpensive boards made from plastic or fiberglass can be found, but are not the choice of the pros. Consider purchasing a fiberglass or plastic board if the rider is very young, just learning the sport, and will not be performing any tricks.
The deck is made by gluing and pressing four to seven thin layers of wood- called veneers- together. Maple is the best type of wood because of its superior flexibility, but other types of wood can also be used. The decks are slightly concave, with the tail and nose bends being formed while in the press.

When buying a deck, consider the size of the rider. In general a shorter person will want a shorter board; while taller, heavier riders should opt for a wider board. The type of skating will also help the rider decide on the size of the deck. If the board is going to be used for technical or street skating then a more narrow board- about seven and half to eight inches- should be selected. Skaters riding in skate pools and skate parks can go wider for added stability and control, about eight to eight and a quarter inches.

The length of the board should never be longer than thirty two inches- and that’s for taller riders, the average board length is thirty inches. The exception to this rule is in the case of long boards. Long boards are about thirty eight inches, typically. These boards are designed for cruising and not tricks. They are great for transportation because their larger wheels handle bumps and rocks a lot better. The larger size also decrease the chances of getting “speed wobbles” when going downhill at high speeds.

Mini skateboards are less than twenty nine inches long. Minis are easier to pack making them a good idea for those looking to take their board with them everywhere. The smaller size makes for precise tricks, but is more difficult to ride as balance is compromised when the board is smaller.

The concaveness of the board is another factor to consider when buying a deck. For beginners a shallow curve will make learning easier. The more concave a board is the easier it is to pull of crazy, aggressive tricks but using this curve to the rider’s advantage takes practice.

The trucks are what attach the wheels to the deck. They should have some give to allow the rider the ability to steer. Ball bearings are used to give the wheels a smooth roll. The wheels are made from polyurethane; this provides an even ride that will last a long time. Taking care of the board by periodically aligning the trucks and replacing worn bearings will ensure the trucks and wheels last as long as they are supposed to.

A skateboard should never be purchased based on graphics alone. The rider should ask the shop if he can demo a board so that he can get a feel for each brand and pick the deck that works best for him. Boards endure a lot a wear, so don’t expect that the deck’s graphics will last forever. Consider purchasing a blank deck and adding stickers to express personality. Too many riders spend way more than they need to because of a limited edition graphic.

Some online skate stores even give the rider the option of uploading their own graphics to create a custom board. Other skate accessories and apparel can be bought online for good prices. Safety equipment is a must for skaters and every skater should at least have a helmet. Newbies would be wise to invest in knee and elbow pads. Skate shoes are designed to take the extreme wear that skateboarding puts them through, so invest in a decent pair to prevent going through shoes every month.

Check back with this site often for more advice and information on skateboards, apparel, and safety equipment. Encourage friends and family new to the sport to visit the site too so they can learn the basics and learn to understand the passion and the culture in the world of skateboarding.    

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