When it comes to sports, there can be not many things that are less costly and more rewarding than skateboarding. When it comes down to it, all you really require is a quality skateboard. There are any number of accessories on sale too, but these are optional. If you have a quality skateboard, the whole world is a skate park.
Skateboards, as we know them these days, have been around since the fifties. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that much. The general design has stayed unchanged - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - This is the flat board that you stand on. They are usually made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be constructed from other substances. Usually a deck will be about 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at either end which allow the skateboard to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will normally be coated with a high-grip substance.
Trucks - Trucks connect the wheels and the deck of the board. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is attached to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also aids in the steering of the board. The hanger should be adjustable to make turning the skateboard easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the tastes of the boarder. For example, bigger wheels provide greater speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and can be better for jumps and tricks.
Those are the parts that make up a basic skateboard and, when it comes down to it, they are all that's needed. However, skateboarding is much more than a activity, it is a complete way of life and has all the trappings that go with it.
At the more practical end, there is a massive range of safety gear that is a good idea starting out or for boarders attempting more dangerous jumps and stunts. A good helmet and knee and elbow pads can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and bruises.
There are all kinds of add-ons to help you 'pimp your board'. Not to mention nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The bottom of decks sometimes have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothing, shades and other fashion accessories aimed specifically at skateboarders.
While skateboarding is normally seen as a sport or a hobby, many enthusiasts promote it as a green form of transportation. That said, boarding on streets and sidewalks is banned in many areas because of the belief that it is too dangerous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries are usually minor when they do occur.
As sports go, skateboarding is certainly one of the cheapest around. For as little as $75 you can find a decent board that will, most likely, last you for years.
Skateboards, as we know them these days, have been around since the fifties. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that much. The general design has stayed unchanged - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - This is the flat board that you stand on. They are usually made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be constructed from other substances. Usually a deck will be about 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at either end which allow the skateboard to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will normally be coated with a high-grip substance.
Trucks - Trucks connect the wheels and the deck of the board. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is attached to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also aids in the steering of the board. The hanger should be adjustable to make turning the skateboard easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the tastes of the boarder. For example, bigger wheels provide greater speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and can be better for jumps and tricks.
Those are the parts that make up a basic skateboard and, when it comes down to it, they are all that's needed. However, skateboarding is much more than a activity, it is a complete way of life and has all the trappings that go with it.
At the more practical end, there is a massive range of safety gear that is a good idea starting out or for boarders attempting more dangerous jumps and stunts. A good helmet and knee and elbow pads can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and bruises.
There are all kinds of add-ons to help you 'pimp your board'. Not to mention nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The bottom of decks sometimes have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothing, shades and other fashion accessories aimed specifically at skateboarders.
While skateboarding is normally seen as a sport or a hobby, many enthusiasts promote it as a green form of transportation. That said, boarding on streets and sidewalks is banned in many areas because of the belief that it is too dangerous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries are usually minor when they do occur.
As sports go, skateboarding is certainly one of the cheapest around. For as little as $75 you can find a decent board that will, most likely, last you for years.
About the Author:
Jim is an independent writer with more than twenty years of writing experience. Jim is currently employed as a gazetteer for our b2b site and is considered the company expert on skateboards. Visit our web portal for more information on Skateboards and Skateboard Wheels.
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