When it comes to hobbies, there are few things that are less expensive and more rewarding than skateboarding. In truth, all you really require is a good skateboard. There are any number of accessories on sale too, but these are optional. If you have a quality skateboard, the world is a skate park.
Skateboards, as we know them now, have been available since the fifties. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that dramatically. The overall design remains the same - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - The deck is the flat board that you stand on. These are normally made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be made from other substances. Often a deck will be approximately 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at both ends that allow the board to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will usually be coated with a high-grip finish.
Trucks - Trucks attach the wheels and the deck of the board. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is fastened to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also helps in the steering of the board. The hanger should be adjustable to make turning the board easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Board wheels come in a number of sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the needs of the boarder. For example, bigger wheels give greater speeds, but smaller wheels provide a lower center of gravity and can be better for jumps and tricks.
These are the components that make up a basic skateboard and, when it comes down to it, that is all you need. However, skateboarding is much more than a sport, 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 selection of safety equipment that is a good idea for beginners or for boarders taking on riskier jumps and stunts. A quality helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain.
There are a myriad of add-ons to help you 'pimp your board'. For example, nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of decks commonly have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of garments, shades and other fashion gear aimed at the skateboarding market.
While skateboarding is most often thought of as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts promote it as an environmentally friendly form of transportation. That said, boarding on streets and sidewalks is prohibited in many places because of the belief that it is too dangerous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries are usually minor when they do take place.
As sports go, boarding is certainly one of the cheapest around. For as cheap as seventy-five dollars you can find a decent board that will, most likely, last you for years.
Skateboards, as we know them now, have been available since the fifties. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that dramatically. The overall design remains the same - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - The deck is the flat board that you stand on. These are normally made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be made from other substances. Often a deck will be approximately 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at both ends that allow the board to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will usually be coated with a high-grip finish.
Trucks - Trucks attach the wheels and the deck of the board. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is fastened to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and also helps in the steering of the board. The hanger should be adjustable to make turning the board easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Board wheels come in a number of sizes and different levels of hardness, depending on the needs of the boarder. For example, bigger wheels give greater speeds, but smaller wheels provide a lower center of gravity and can be better for jumps and tricks.
These are the components that make up a basic skateboard and, when it comes down to it, that is all you need. However, skateboarding is much more than a sport, 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 selection of safety equipment that is a good idea for beginners or for boarders taking on riskier jumps and stunts. A quality helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain.
There are a myriad of add-ons to help you 'pimp your board'. For example, nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of decks commonly have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of garments, shades and other fashion gear aimed at the skateboarding market.
While skateboarding is most often thought of as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts promote it as an environmentally friendly form of transportation. That said, boarding on streets and sidewalks is prohibited in many places because of the belief that it is too dangerous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries are usually minor when they do take place.
As sports go, boarding is certainly one of the cheapest around. For as cheap as seventy-five dollars you can find a decent 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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment