When it comes to outdoor activities, there are few things that are less expensive and more fun than skateboarding. In reality, all you really need is a good skateboard. There are all kinds of accessories available too, but these are optional. If you have a good skateboard, the world is a skate park.
Skateboards, as we know them these days, have been on sale since the fifties. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that much. The overall design remains the same - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - The deck is the flat board that you stand on. These are often made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be made out of different substances. Often a deck will be approximately 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at both ends which allow the skateboard to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will often be covered by a high-grip substance.
Trucks - Trucks attach the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They have two parts. The baseplate is connected to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also assists in the steering of the skateboard. The hanger is adjustable to make steering the board easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the needs of the boarder. For example, larger wheels provide higher speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and are more suitable for jumps and stunts.
These are the parts that make up a basic skateboard and, when it comes down to it, that is all that's needed. However, skateboarding is a lot more than a hobby, it is a whole way of life and has all the trappings that go with it.
At the more practical level, there is a huge selection of safety gear that is a good idea for beginners or for those taking on riskier jumps and stunts. A quality helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and bruises.
There are all kinds of add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. These include nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of decks often have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothing, sunglasses and other fashion items aimed at the skateboarding market.
While skateboarding is normally seen as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts laud it as an environmentally friendly form of getting around. However, skateboarding on streets and sidewalks is illegal in many places because of the perception that it is too dangerous as a means of transport. In truth, injuries are usually minor when they do occur.
As hobbies go, boarding is definitely one of the cheapest around. For as cheap as seventy-five dollars you can find a quality skateboard that will, in all likelihood, last you for years.
Skateboards, as we know them these days, have been on sale since the fifties. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that much. The overall design remains the same - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - The deck is the flat board that you stand on. These are often made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be made out of different substances. Often a deck will be approximately 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at both ends which allow the skateboard to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will often be covered by a high-grip substance.
Trucks - Trucks attach the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They have two parts. The baseplate is connected to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also assists in the steering of the skateboard. The hanger is adjustable to make steering the board easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the needs of the boarder. For example, larger wheels provide higher speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and are more suitable for jumps and stunts.
These are the parts that make up a basic skateboard and, when it comes down to it, that is all that's needed. However, skateboarding is a lot more than a hobby, it is a whole way of life and has all the trappings that go with it.
At the more practical level, there is a huge selection of safety gear that is a good idea for beginners or for those taking on riskier jumps and stunts. A quality helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and bruises.
There are all kinds of add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. These include nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of decks often have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothing, sunglasses and other fashion items aimed at the skateboarding market.
While skateboarding is normally seen as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts laud it as an environmentally friendly form of getting around. However, skateboarding on streets and sidewalks is illegal in many places because of the perception that it is too dangerous as a means of transport. In truth, injuries are usually minor when they do occur.
As hobbies go, boarding is definitely one of the cheapest around. For as cheap as seventy-five dollars you can find a quality skateboard that will, in all likelihood, last you for years.
About the Author:
Jim Samposzi is a journalist with over 25 years editorial experience. Jim is currently consulting as a national correspondent with many well-known b2b portals and is considered the local specialist on skateboards. Be sure to visit our very useful website for additional information on Skateboard and Skateboard Wheel.
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