Skateboard

Introduction To Skateboarding

Skateboarding-often portrayed in the media as an extreme sport-can be a form of art, a hobby, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding is a big sport now and a lot of companies are trying to get noticed. Lowering their prices is one thing they do, but it isn't the best idea to buy a Walmart or inexpensive skateboard and now a days you can usually get a really good board for a low price. Most skateboards are made of wood and there are certain woods that are preferred by skateboard manufacturers. Many higher skill level skateboarders prefer wood boards to other types of skateboards. A skateboard deck is made with concave edges to help hold your feet on the skateboard.

Skateboarding
Skateboarding was originally called "sidewalk surfing" and early skaters emulated surfing style and moves. Skateboarding, however, evolved quickly in the late 1980s to accommodate the street skater. Skateboarding has always been, first and for most, about having fun. Longboarding, speedboarding, downhill sliding, pool or bowl skating, slalom, and ditch skateboarding are thriving all over the world, albeit below the radar. Skateboarding used to be dominated by males, but it is a sport or hobby that is enjoyed by both males and females alike. There are even competitions specifically restricted to girls. As skateboarding has become increasingly popular, so has the market for skater merchandise.

Wheels and Trucks

The wheels, usually made of polyurethane, come in many different sizes and shapes to suit different types of skating. Wheels range from the very soft (about 75a) to the very hard (about 99a). Attached to the deck are two metal (usually aluminum alloy) trucks, which connect to the wheels and deck. Wheels and bearings are in turn mounted to the trucks and allow the skateboard to roll. Trucks allow the skateboard to maneuver, turn, and grind obstacles. The king pin is the big thick bolt found in the center of the skateboard truck that holds it to the board.

Skateboards come in a variety of shapes, widths and lengths. A longboard is a skateboard with a longer wheelbase, and typically larger and softer wheels. Skateboard decks are generally made of six or seven layers of maple wood laminated together. A skateboard can cost a lot, but buy something sufficient to last a while. There are many tricky parts while choosing a good skateboard, and you may not know what size wheels to get, what type of board to buy or the hardness of your wheels. Have a friend that is good at skateboarding suggest a brand to you and help you shop for your first board. First and foremost, remember skateboarding is fun.