When it comes to hobbies, there can be not many things that are better value for money and more rewarding than skateboarding. When it comes down to it, all you really need is a good skateboard. There are all kinds of accessories available 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 available since the 1950s. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that much. The overall design is still unchanged - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - This is the flat board that you stand on. They are usually made from thin layers of maple, but can also be constructed out of different substances. Usually a deck will be about 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 jumps. The deck's surface will normally be coated with a high-grip substance.
Trucks - Trucks connect the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is fastened to the deck. The hanger holds the axle and also helps in the turning of the board. This is adjustable to make steering the skateboard easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Board wheels come in a range of sizes and varying levels of hardness, depending on the requirement of the boarder. For example, larger wheels provide higher speeds, while smaller wheels give a lower center of gravity and can be more suitable for jumps and stunts.
Those are the parts that make up a good skateboard and, when it comes down to it, that is all you need. That said, skateboarding is a lot more than a hobby, it is a complete sub-culture and has all the accessories that go with it.
At the more practical end, there is a massive selection of safety gear that is a good idea for beginners or for boarders trying out riskier jumps and tricks. A good helmet and knee and elbow pads can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain.
There are a myriad of add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. These include nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of decks commonly have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of garments, sunglasses and other fashion items aimed at the skateboarding market.
While skateboarding is usually thought of as a sport or a hobby, many enthusiasts praise it as a green form of transportation. However, boarding on streets and sidewalks is banned in many places because of the belief that it is excessively hazardous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries tend to be 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 buy a quality skateboard that will, most likely, last you for years.
Skateboards, as we know them these days, have been available since the 1950s. Skateboard design has come on a bit since then, but not really that much. The overall design is still unchanged - four wheels and a deck.
Deck - This is the flat board that you stand on. They are usually made from thin layers of maple, but can also be constructed out of different substances. Usually a deck will be about 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 jumps. The deck's surface will normally be coated with a high-grip substance.
Trucks - Trucks connect the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is fastened to the deck. The hanger holds the axle and also helps in the turning of the board. This is adjustable to make steering the skateboard easier or more difficult.
Wheels - Board wheels come in a range of sizes and varying levels of hardness, depending on the requirement of the boarder. For example, larger wheels provide higher speeds, while smaller wheels give a lower center of gravity and can be more suitable for jumps and stunts.
Those are the parts that make up a good skateboard and, when it comes down to it, that is all you need. That said, skateboarding is a lot more than a hobby, it is a complete sub-culture and has all the accessories that go with it.
At the more practical end, there is a massive selection of safety gear that is a good idea for beginners or for boarders trying out riskier jumps and tricks. A good helmet and knee and elbow pads can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain.
There are a myriad of add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. These include nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of decks commonly have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of garments, sunglasses and other fashion items aimed at the skateboarding market.
While skateboarding is usually thought of as a sport or a hobby, many enthusiasts praise it as a green form of transportation. However, boarding on streets and sidewalks is banned in many places because of the belief that it is excessively hazardous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries tend to be 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 buy a quality skateboard that will, most likely, 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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