When it comes to sports, there can be few things that are better value for money and more fun than skateboarding. In truth, all you really require is a good skateboard. There are all kinds of accessories available too, but these are not really necessary. If you have a good skateboard, the world is a skate park.
Skateboards, as we know them today, have been available since the '50s. Skateboard design has developed a bit since then, but not really that significantly. The general design has stayed unchanged - 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 from other substances. Usually a deck will be around 10 inches wide and 30 inches long. Most decks have kicktails at either end that allow the skateboard to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will often be coated by a high-grip finish.
Trucks - These attach the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They have two parts. The baseplate is fastened to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also assists in the turning of the board. This should be adjustable to make turning the skateboard easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Board wheels come in different sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the tastes of the boarder. For example, larger wheels provide higher speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and are better for jumps and stunts.
These are the parts that make up a standard skateboard and, basically, that is all you need. That said, skateboarding is a lot more than a hobby, it is a whole way of life and has all the accessories that go with it.
At the more practical end, there is a massive choice of safety gear that is a good idea for beginners or for those attempting riskier jumps and stunts. A good helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and bruises.
There are endless add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. Not to mention nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The bottom of decks often have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothes, sunglasses and other fashion accessories aimed specifically at skateboarders.
While skateboarding is usually regarded as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts promote it as an environmentally friendly form of getting around. That said, boarding on streets and sidewalks is prohibited in many areas because of the belief that it is too hazardous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries are usually minor when they do take place.
As hobbies go, boarding has to be one of the cheapest around. For as little as seventy-five dollars you can purchase a quality board that will, most likely, last you for years.
Skateboards, as we know them today, have been available since the '50s. Skateboard design has developed a bit since then, but not really that significantly. The general design has stayed unchanged - 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 from other substances. Usually a deck will be around 10 inches wide and 30 inches long. Most decks have kicktails at either end that allow the skateboard to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will often be coated by a high-grip finish.
Trucks - These attach the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They have two parts. The baseplate is fastened to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also assists in the turning of the board. This should be adjustable to make turning the skateboard easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Board wheels come in different sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the tastes of the boarder. For example, larger wheels provide higher speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and are better for jumps and stunts.
These are the parts that make up a standard skateboard and, basically, that is all you need. That said, skateboarding is a lot more than a hobby, it is a whole way of life and has all the accessories that go with it.
At the more practical end, there is a massive choice of safety gear that is a good idea for beginners or for those attempting riskier jumps and stunts. A good helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and bruises.
There are endless add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. Not to mention nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The bottom of decks often have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothes, sunglasses and other fashion accessories aimed specifically at skateboarders.
While skateboarding is usually regarded as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts promote it as an environmentally friendly form of getting around. That said, boarding on streets and sidewalks is prohibited in many areas because of the belief that it is too hazardous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries are usually minor when they do take place.
As hobbies go, boarding has to be one of the cheapest around. For as little as seventy-five dollars you can purchase a quality board that will, most likely, last you for years.
About the Author:
Jim Samposzi is a reporter with over ten years writing experience. Jim is presently engaged as a gazetteer for many well-known b2b portals and has become the company specialist on skateboards. Visit our web portal for additional information on Skateboard and Skateboard Wheel.
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