One of the earliest skateboarding video games was a 1987 title called “Skate or Die,” for early Atari and Nintendo systems. It allowed up to eight people to play at once, which is several more than even most modern skateboarding games. However, it was a short game, featuring only five events, and the downside was that most skateboarders could master it very easily. Modern skateboarding games have rectified this by included many more levels for players to master, including some that are ‘unlocked’ by special moves.

One of the most well-known of all pro skateboarders, Tony Hawk, has lent his image to many different skateboarding video games, fifteen different titles in all produced since the late 1990s. They are produced for nearly every popular gaming console or system, including GameCube, GameBoy, Playstation, and Xbox. Popular titles include Pro Skater and Underground. Some of these are story-based, while others are based solely on the tricks you learn to perform. Most feature other popular skateboarders besides Tony Hawk, while some of the players whose personas you can take on as a player in the game are fictional.

Introduced in 2002 for the GameCube and Playstation 2, Evolution Skateboarding is one of the top selling skateboard video games yet. Including lots of professional skateboarders, such as Danny Way and Rick McCrank, this game is known for offering plenty of tricks to master. You must master certain ones before the game will allow you to move on and explore other moves.

Disney has also entered the popular world of skateboarding video games with their game called Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventure. Designed for younger players, and even those who may be too young to actually skateboard, it features favorite Disney characters from Toy Story, Tarzan, or Lion King. Their second title, 2003’s Disney Sports Skateboarding, included classic characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Targeted towards a younger audience, it is geared towards those who may have never been on a real skateboard before, unlike most other skateboarding video game titles.

The best skateboarding games historically have been those with a soundtrack that resonates with skateboarding enthusiasts, as well as well-done graphics that can bring the skateboarding tricks to life. Like skateboarding itself, skateboarding games offer many different levels, from beginner to advanced, making it easy for anyone to enter this world. Some manufacturers are currently working on new technology that will allow players to stand on a skateboard-like board in their living room to control the player’s movements in the game. Movements will be captured by the foot motion and leaning.

No matter what kind of skate ramp you are looking at, be sure to buy for your skill level. There are some ramps that are very long and step, and you shouldn’t try these as a beginner because you are likely to fall. If you’re new to skateboarding, you may feel like jumping right in and starting with the biggest ramp you can find, but this usually isn’t the best investment. Start with a ramp that is appropriate for your skill level, instead. Another benefit of a smaller ramp is that it is much more portable than a larger and heavier ramp.

When buying a cheap skate ramp, remember not to sacrifice quality to get the lowest possible price. Since you will be skating over this ramp on your skateboard at high speeds, it’s important that it is very sturdy, unless you enjoy visiting the emergency room after skateboard crashes.

If you are a beginning skateboarder, start with a small plastic ramp. Not only the length, but also the angle is important. It won’t be too steep for you to handle, but you’ll still be able to practice your tricks on your own, without visiting a skate park. The best of these plastic ramps are made of sturdy, hard plastic. Make sure that they seem able to withstand the weather as well as any abuse from your skateboard. Thinner plastic ramps may even bend under the weight of you and your skateboard.

Once you have mastered this smaller ramp, then you can move up to a larger and steeper ramp. You can always use this smaller ramp along with your larger ramp to make a mini skate park once you’ve outgrown it. More experienced skaters can start with a large, steep ramp, or even a mini quarter pipe or half pipe. These are more expensive, and more dangerous because of their steeper inclines, but they are also challenging enough for any level of skateboarder. Choose one of these after you’ve already mastered the shorter plastic ramps. These are usually made of wood, and will not bend under the weight of your skateboard.

Besides the traditional ramp design, you can also find low rails, grind boxes, and other forms often found in skate parks. You should be able to find a suitable skate ramp for your skill level online or by visiting your local skate shop. If you can’t find a suitable premade skate ramp, you may decide to build your own. These are usually made of wood; the downside is that unlike plastic ramps, you’ll need to keep it covered when not in use to protect it from the elements. These do take some time to build, but are also very rewarding. If you choose this route, don’t sacrifice quality when choosing the plans and materials; a little extra investment may go a long way towards ensuring that you have the best quality ramp you can build.

During the 1970’s, a group of skateboarders called the Z-Boys essentially created the punk/skater subculture that exists to this day. These skateboarders were part of a team called the Jeff Ho Zephyr team, which is how they got their name.

The Z-Boys got their start in 1973, when Jeff Ho and others opened Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions in Venice Beach. The first Z-Boy was Nathan Pratt, then fourteen years old. He was hired to work at the shop, and became an apprentice surfboard maker and the founding member of what would become the Z-Boys. By 1974, this group of teenagers also included Allen Sarlo, Jay Adams, Tony Alva, Chris Cahill, and Stacy Peralta. These surfers were notorious around Dogtown for being a rough-and-tumble crowd who dominated the surf.

In the 1970s, surfing was a counterculture sport, frowned upon by much of mainstream society. The Z-Boys were not only surfers, but also avid skateboarders who used their boards to imitate popular surfing moves and create their own tricks. They developed a new style that was completely different than that of most other skateboarders of the time. By 1975, the Z-Boys started a skateboard team that was separate from the surf team started by Jeff Ho.

The Z-Boys’ first competition was the Del Mar Nationals in March of 1975, today recognized as the first major skateboarding competition since the mid 1960’s, nearly a decade earlier. Half of the finalists of the competition were Z-Boys members, in part thanks to their new style and approach when compared to the other competitors. Despite their comparatively young age, the Z-Boys soon rose to the top of the skateboarding world.

The Z-Boys’ style, which relied on vertical and airborne moves, would become widespread over the next year. During a drought in the mid 1970s, the Z-Boys took their boards to empty pools, skating on the sides. It was during this time that the technique of coming out of the “bowl” and re-entering was discovered; the Z-Boys had invented aerial skateboarding. Their techniques paved the way for today’s skateboarding world, which relies heavily on aerial tricks. It is hard to imagine today, but before the Z-Boys, no one was skateboarding in bowls.

Soon their stories were gracing the cover of Skateboard Magazine. Members of the Z-Boys became top ranked surfers and skateboarders. As a result, many team members left for other companies and teams. By 1977, the Z-Boys were no longer together. Despite their short history, the Z-Boys are considered one of the most influential skateboarding teams to this day, and their story has been chronicles in numerous films and books. The Z-Boys played a significant role in turning skateboarding from a hobby to a widely recognized extreme sport.

Each year, over 80,000 spectators show up to the Winter X games and over 200,000 to the Summer X Games, and thousands more watch the events on television. Along with the competitions of the X Games, ESPN also hosts the X Fest sports and music festival, with live music, autograph sessions, and other interactive activities. The event is growing each year, with more events added to the lineup, more sports stars competing, and more fans showing up to watch.

The Winter X Games will be hosted in Aspen, Colorado, through 2012, while the Summer X Games will be held in Los Angeles, as they have been for the past several years. Besides the main X Games, there are also smaller international competitions called the Global Championships, as well as demo events held by X Games at varying times through the year, all around the world.

The first Winter X Games were held in Big Bear Lake, California, in 1997. The event has also been held in Colorado and Vermont. The Winter X Games include skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling events, and have recently included new events such as free skiing, SnoCross, and SkiBoarding. New events are added every couple of years to keep up with the changing face of the extreme sports world.

The first Summer X Games took place in 1995, when the event was called Extreme Games. Competitions were held in Rhode Island and Vermont. Summer sports include inline skating, bike stunts, motocross, skateboarding, surfing, and wakeboarding.

Most of these extreme sports’ biggest stars have taken part in the X Games. Popular participants include snowboarder/skateboarder Shaun White, snowboarder Danny Kass, skier Sarah Burke, skateboarder Tony Hawk, motocross and rally racer Travis Pastrana, and many others. The X Games gain media exposure by attracting big name sponsors and the top athletes in their respective sports.

For skateboarding, the X Games currently includes six divisions: Big Air, Street Women’s, Street Men’s, Vert Men’s, Vert Women’s, and Vert Best Trick, where top skateboarders often debut new stunts. Big Air includes a 60 to 80 foot roll-in with a gap 50 or 70 feet long, ending in a 27 foot quarter pipe. This style of skateboarding was developed by pro skateboarder Danny Way, and is used exclusively at the X Games. During the street competitions, athletes perform in a concrete skate park with stairs, ledges, banks, and other features. In the vert competition, competitors ride down a 120-foot wide ramp with transitions, combining big air and lip tricks.

Scores in all three competition types are based on style, creativity, difficulty, and amplitude. Big Air competitions are untimed, while Street competitions give an allotted time of seven to fifteen minutes, and the Vert competitions include 45-second runs.

According to Wikipedia, Twitter is:

..a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them (known as followers).

Since tweets are shorter, we tend to twitter more about what's going on here at Sk8board Racks, random thoughts and occasionally special offers or short-term deals that we don't post about elsewhere.

Feel free to follow us at http://www.Twitter.com/SkateboardRacks - we look forward to connecting!

Most sand boarders search for their own locations to board, since the sport is not yet popular enough to have well-known sand boarding locations across the globe. Experienced riders look for long, steep hills in beautiful surroundings. Although sandboarding is possible on every continent, Africa and Australia are perennial favorites for those who are willing to travel for the best sand.

Sandboarding makes use of a specially polished board to slide on the dunes. Although it can be ridden head-first, like a boogie board, most riders choose to stand on the board with a stance similar to that of surfers. The board may or may not have bindings, though those without bindings are considered more dangerous than those that provide some means to keep your feet on the board.

The sandboard is made of a very hard composite or laminated material, like Formica. After a while, the surface will begin to be sanded down due to constant contact with rough sands. The board bottom is waxed with a special sandboard wax so that it glides smoothly along the sand. Boards range in length from about the size of a longboard skateboard to the size of a snowboard, depending on the boarder’s style. Wearing the right eye protection is very important for those in the sand, to protect their eyes from both UV rays and flying sand particles.

Tricks can be done with a sandboard, just like with a snowboard or skateboard. Josh Tenge is a professional sandboarder who holds the world record for longest distance back flip, at 44 feet and 10 inches. He is a four-time world sand boarding champion with multiple world records. Still, many involved in the sport will affirm that performing tricks on sand is much more difficult than tricks on skateboards or snowboards.

Kite sandboarding is the latest incarnation of this sport, utilizing a kite to travel along the sand at up to 40 miles per hour. The world record for sandboard speed is 51 miles per hour, though unofficial speeds of 60 miles per hour are reportedly possible.

Although sandboarding has grown exponentially as a sport over the last deade, it remains less popular than snowboarding, in part because of the difficulty of building a ski lift on a sand dune, so boarders must walk or use a dune buggy to get back to the top after every run. However, one benefit of sand boarding is that it is usually possible year-round, whereas snowboarding is only possible on snow-covered slopes. There are said to be about 14,000 sand boarders in the U.S. alone, with six major events annually sanctioned by the U.S. National Sandboard League.

By replacing the wheels on your regular skateboard, you can gain some off-road capabilities. Try larger rubber wheels. This will allow your board to glide smoothly on some surfaces, like grass and dirt. If you want a skateboard that can handle even more rugged terrain, consider an offroad skateboard. These special skateboards use a regular skateboard design, but each component is specially chosen to allow for heavy-duty use on rough terrain. One feature found on mountain boards that isn’t usually available on regular skateboards is a brake, making it easier to stop on dangerous terrain.

Sometimes called mountainboards, these skateboards usually have bindings to keep your feet securely on the board, like you’d find on a snowboard. In fact, mountainboards or offroad skateboards are sometimes seen as a hybrid of snowboard and skateboard styles; they incorporate four wheels, like a skateboard, but are usually ridden with a stance similar to that of snowboarders.

Mountainboards can be used nearly anywhere, rolling over sticks, leaves, bumps, leaves, and other items that would stop most regular boards. Offroad skateboarding is also called all-terrain boarding, and these boards can literally go almost anywhere. The one limitation of mountainboards is that they are meant to be used on slopes, not flat terrain. In fact, they have been seen as a summer alternative for snowboarders, and can usually be used on the same slopes that become snowboarding courses in the winter months.

To get started as an offroad skateboarder, you’ll want to use plenty of protection. The rough terrain makes it even more important to wear padding and a helmet. Otherwise, you run the risk of hitting against trees, large rocks, and other obstacles. Because these boards are ridden on sloping hills, you can often go very fast. Although there is a brake, higher speeds do increase your risk of falling. Don’t forget about padding for the rest of your body, and always wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from branches and other obstacles that may hang in your way. Always ensure that the bindings hold your feet securely, like you would if you were going snowboarding.

Begin learning to offroad skateboard on gentle slopes. It’s a good idea if you learn how to skateboard or snowboard before trying it offroad; this can help you learn how to balance. Stopping can be difficult; you’ll want to bend your knees and lower yourself down, grabbing the front edge of the deck with both of your hands. When still holding the deck, lean backwards. The board will make a sharp turn, stopping suddenly. Be sure to keep your weight in the center of the board when performing this maneuver, or you will lose your balance.

The caster board is designed with two foot plates, joined with a pivot mechanism so that they can twist independently. The caster board has two caster wheels which can rotate in any direction, unlike a skateboard. This added range of motion allows the rider to slide and turn, just like carving on a snowboard.

If your left leg is dominant, it should be placed on the front foot plate; if your right leg is dominant, then it should go in the front. Once you have your feet placed on each foot platform, you’ll want to start by practicing balancing on the board. Remember that your feet can turn and twist independently from each other; this can make it hard to balance on the board.

Caster boards can be propelled by the side to side movement of the legs. Unlike a skateboard, the rider does not need to remove their foot from the board to push it along, even when going uphill. For many new riders, learning how to propel themselves along is the most difficult part of riding a caster board. This motion is not used in skateboarding, so even experienced skateboarders may have trouble with this part. To propel the caster board, twist your hips as you move your feet to respond to the motion of the board. Begin doing this will on level ground for practice. The board will begin to roll forward. As it picks up speed, you’ll find that you no longer need to twist as much to keep it going.

This unique board can be used to do most of the tricks that can be performed using a regular skateboard. It is also capable of additional stunts that are impossible on a regular skateboard, thanks to its increased range of motion. An easy beginner trick is a manual, where you lift the front wheel off the ground.  This requires careful balancing to allow you to ride on just your back wheel.

Many riders find it difficult to balance on a caster board with only 2 wheels. For this reason, a 4-wheeled version is available, mainly designed for younger riders or those who are new to the sport. If you have experience skateboarding or snowboarding, you should be able to balance on a caster board with just a little practice.

Like all board sports, caster boarding should only be done when wearing appropriate clothing and pads, and a helmet. Even if you are an experienced skateboarder you may fall when learning to use a caster board. If you feel like you’re up for a new challenge, take a look at the caster board.

In part because skateboarding has been considered a counterculture sport, and also because skateboarding in fact can be dangerous, local laws exist in nearly every community to control skateboarding and limit where skateboarders can practice their skills. Skateboarding parks provide skateboarders a place to practice their skills amongst like-minded people who will not get angry at them for boarding in inappropriate locations such as parking lots or in front of stores.

Many popular skateboarding tricks can only be done with the aid of a curb, flight of stairs, or a railing. However, these of course are usually in use for other purposes by pedestrians, shoppers, and others. In fact, many local ordinances have resulted in signs in front of local business, prohibited skateboards, skates, and bicycles. Boarders using public areas like parking lots to practice are sometimes labeled loiterers, even though they may not have a suitable practice area, such as a skate park. Plus, skate wax applied to skateboards to make them slide easily can leave behind a residue, and the act of skateboarding may damage some surfaces, whereas in skate parks, skate wax residue is not a problem, and the obstacles are specially designed to hold up to frequent use by skateboarders, using materials such as high-density cement that will not chip.

Building such items in a skate park alleviates the need for skateboarders to use such items in other locations. By allowing a designated area full of stairs, railings, bowls, and other areas, cities can keep skateboarders from using public areas for their tricks. Today, skate parks are regaining their former popularity. This resurgence is also helped by pro skateboarders and large skateboard companies who are transforming the image of the skateboarder, from a loiterer to a serious athlete.

Skateboard parks allow skateboarders a safe, designated place to skate. Many towns have begun building such parks as a way to reach out to youth culture. These parks also provide a way for skateboarders to congregate, learning new tricks from each other. Parks may be built by cities, sponsored by skateboard manufacturers or others in the industry, or built by local businesses. According to some estimates, today there around 500 skateboarding parks throughout the United States, and most were built within the last decade or so.

Today, the fixtures of skateboard parks are fairly well defined. In most parks, you’ll find a bowl, railings, steps, and curbs. These are used in nearly every skateboard trick. Skateboard parks of the future may incorporate new designs, not based on items found in real-life situations like parking lots or buildings, as the world of skateboarding tricks evolves.

There are two main ways that many believe that skateboards will evolve; these are motorized skateboards and hover boards. Though these designs are likely a ways off, many believe that they will eventually be possible. Advances in technology will affect skateboarding as they will affect many other products, by making features available that today we only dream of.

There is already talk about solar powered skateboards. These skateboards could be wrapped in thin film solar panels and left in the sun to charge. A traditional motor could also be used, though many believe that this additional weight will badly affect the board’s use. Motorized skateboards could be the next step in technology, particularly for those who use their skateboards mainly for transportation.

Hover boards, or flying skateboards, would be shaped like a skateboard deck, but would not require trucks or wheels for propulsion. As seen in the “Back to the Future” movies, this board would simply fly through the air, about a foot away from the ground. Along with flying cars, this technology has been featured in sci fi movies depicting the future for decades. They have been on the drawing board for years, but the technology is not yet available to produce such boards, though many have tried.

This technology is likely further into the future than the technology for motorized skateboards, but many have envisioned what these futuristic devices would look like. The designs for such boards rely on complex concepts of physics, aerodynamics, and engineering. For example, the hoverboards could work using air blowing underneath, like a hover craft. They could also work on anti-gravity devices that have not yet been invented. The key is to make this skateboard as fully controllable as the wheeled versions of today; difficulties also lie in the skateboard’s size relative to the weight it needs to carry. Because of the wearer’s weight, hover boards are very top-heavy, and would be likely to tip over. All of these are issues that still need to be worked out as the hover technology develops.

One futuristic advance that is just on the horizon is changes in the way today’s skateboards are constructed. New materials are being incorporated into skateboard design as they are into everything else. Although maple plywood is still the preferred material for skateboard decks, this is almost sure to change as new materials are developed.

With all of these technological advancements, there’s no telling where the future of skateboarding competitions will lead. Will competitions be held on motorized and hover skateboards? It is unlikely that regular boards will become obsolete as skaters switch to these new versions, but skaters have proven likely to quickly adopt any new technological changes in their boards. Only time will tell what the future’s skateboards will look like.

During the late 1990s, skateboard manufacturers and toy makers latched onto the potential for branding and profit. Today, fingerboards range from cheap novelty toys to high-end collectibles. Nearly the same range of accessories is available for a fingerboard as for a skateboard.

This hobby employs a finger-skateboard or “fingerboard”, a miniature version of a skateboard, approximately 4 inches long. These miniature versions of a real skateboard include moving wheels, carefully assembled trucks, and graphics on the deck. Most are plastic, with diecast metal trucks and plastic wheels. Others are made with bearing wheels and wooden decks; these may even be hand-shaped, like a regular skateboard, and usually command a premium price. Today, many makers produce fingerboards, the largest being the Tech Deck brand. Accurate scale size, interchangeable parts, and graphics from popular skateboard companies make certain brands of fingerboards more desirable than others. Many even include grip tape and the smaller components visible on a full-scale skateboard. The contouring of fingerboards varies from board to board, the same as with real skateboards, which is reflected in the type of tricks that can be easily performed with each fingerboard.

These fingerboards are used to perform tricks, using the fingers instead of the feet to propel the board. To use a fingerboard, place your middle finger on the tail of the board, and the index finger on the middle of the board. A surprising variety of real skateboarding tricks can be performed with a fingerboard. Today, ramps, bowls, and other accessories are available in scaled-down “fingerboard” size to allow for a wider range of tricks.

In some areas, fingerboarding contests are held regularly, particularly in Europe and in California. These smaller, more affordable versions of the skateboard are particularly popular among a younger age set, although skateboarders of all ages collect and compete with fingerboards. Fingerboards are also used by skateboarders who use them as miniature models to plan their own tricks.

Finger snowboarding is a new invention using a miniature snowboard in a similar manner to the fingerboard. Another variation on the fingerboard is the handboard, a skateboard that has been scaled down to approximately 11 inches long. These handboards are controlled using the entire hand to perform tricks. Because of their larger size, they are constructed in much the same way as a full-size board, utilizing the same construction methods and materials. Today, fingerboards, handboards, and snowboards remain a very popular hobby among skateboarders.

Composites, aluminum, nylon, fiberglass, resin, Kevlar, Plexiglas, and other artificial materials are being experimented with to increase the rigidity of the skateboard deck. The main issue that many have found with these designs is that the deck requires some flexibility to perform tricks and other maneuvers. Also, these materials can make decks too heavy to use. Some experimental designs use artificial materials to form a honeycomb design inside a wooden exterior. Inexpensive decks may be made simply of plastic.

Even if you opt for a simple plywood deck, you still have several options. Most plywood decks are made of maple, laminated together with glue. The grain of each wood layer is laid in an alternating direction, so that the deck cannot split along the natural grain of the wood. The main difference here is between 7-ply board and 9-ply boards. 7-ply have seven thin sheets of wood laminated together, while 9-ply have nine sheets. The 9-ply decks are thicker and heavier, which can make it more difficult to manipulate the board.

Most skateboard decks measure about 32 inches long and 8 inches wide, and are roughly rectangular or oval in shape. Longer boards are better for downhill or street riding, as well as transportation, while shorter ones make it easier to use skateboard parks and perform tricks. However, the length of the board is not nearly as important as the width.

If you are very tall, choose a wider deck, as it can help you feel proportionate while riding the board. On the other hand, a wider deck will also give beginners stability as they learn to balance on the skateboard. The dimensions of the board may vary depending on intended use, so decide whether you want to use your board mainly on streets, in skate parks and bowls, or as transportation. A deck that is too skinny will be hard to use because your feet may hand over the edge of the board, reducing your stability. On the other hand, a larger deck may be too difficult to control during tricks.

After the laminated boards are shaped into a skateboard, holes for the truck mount are drilled, and the board is coated with paint or sealant. Grip tape may then be placed on the top of the deck, although some manufacturers leave this step for the user. Most decks also include a large logo of the manufacturer.

Decks also differ in their angles depending on the intended use. Decks are not straight across and flat. All decks rise slightly at both ends. The amount of curvature and the shape of the front and back are designed specifically for different uses; a bigger curve will give more leverage, making it easier to perform more tricks.

The first laws to ban skateboards were passed almost at the beginning of the sport itself. The first known ordinances began in 1965, when a New York Times Story covered the banning of skateboards in one town by quoting a local official: “These devices are most dangerous... because of their speed on inclines and the difficulty in controlling them."

In part, these local restrictions are due to the “extreme” nature of skateboarding, or how dangerous it is perceived to be. In fact, studies have determined that skateboarding is actually less dangerous than more accepted sports, like basketball. It is clear that skateboards can be dangerous, depending on who is using them. Like bicycles, skates, and other devices, you must know how to use one, and wear the proper safety equipment, in order to lessen the likelihood of a crash, which could injure the rider as well as bystanders.

The laws vary from town to town; most skateboarders are familiar with signs around businesses grouping skateboards in the same category as skates, bicycles, and other devices. In other cases, skateboarders are targeted where bicyclists and other pedestrians are not; for example, many local ordinances prohibit skateboarding in bike lanes or on sidewalks. Some laws require helmets and pads; others prohibit skateboarding after dark.

Although most skateboarders see it as a serious sport, others not involved in this counterculture activity see boarders as loiterers. Skateboarding is often prohibited in local parks and other facilities due to fear over injuries and lawsuits. These too-familiar signs are grounded in well-meaning, but are often seen as discriminatory or misguided by skateboarders.

The first skate parks were introduced in the 1970s, specially designed with bowls, pipes, and other obstacles to challenge riders. However, as this sport became increasingly identified with “antisocial” youths, these skate parks often became embroiled in local controversy. By the end of the 1970s, many skateparks had closed due to fear of lawsuits stemming from injuries. The sport again returned underground. Today, skate parks are regaining their popularity, helped by large skateboard companies and pro skateboarders who are legitimizing the sport in the eyes of the public.

The mid-1990’s helped somewhat to loosen these laws. Televised “extreme sports” competitions led skateboarding to gain an air of legitimacy. Despite its increase in popularity, skateboarding was still outright banned or regulated in many local communities.

Besides the counterculture element and possibility of injury, skateboarders are disliked by property owners and local officials for several other reasons. Skate wax, applied to boards to make them easier to slide or grind over a surface, leaves behind a residue on wood, metal, or concrete surfaces. The act of sliding or grinding itself can also damage the structure. The noise created when the skateboard hits steps, railings, and other obstructions can be quite loud and bothersome to those in the immediate area.

Some skateboarders also spray graffiti to mark their skateboarding territory; this is typically associated with a skateboarding subculture that involves heavy metal bands and a supposed link with Satanism and cults. As a result, skateboarders are often looked down upon by those who do not understand their culture.

The ollie is a favorite trick of most skateboarders, and it is the one that most boarders learn first.  Start by taking your board from your feet as you jump off it. Then replace your board under your feet, and land back on the board as you come down from the jump. The key to learning how to ollie is remembering to control the skateboard with your hand as you also watch where your feet are moving. This hand-eye coordination is essential to learning more advanced skateboarding tricks.

A beginning style of flip trick you can try is the Kickflip, which is based on the Ollie. While you are in the air, spin the skateboard 360 degrees, and then land on it. The key to this trick is making sure that the skateboard flips all the way around; otherwise, you will be trying to land on a skateboard that is upside down. This is one of the ways you can slowly add to these simple tricks, making them more complicated as you gain more skills with your skateboard.

The bomb drop is done when you are boarding down a flight of stairs. Jump first, with the board in your hands. Bring it up to your feet while in midair, similar to the first trick. To master this trick, start with a very small staircase. Be sure to wear your helmet and other safety padding; falling down a flight of stairs is not safe, and it can hurt!

Another trick you can do on stairs is the firecracker. As you are traveling down the flight of stairs, shift some weight onto your back foot. This will cause the back edge of your board to hit the steps, making a loud noise as it hits each step.

Another category of tricks involves those done on the lip of half pipes or ramps. This requires a great deal of balance. One beginner trick for the ramp is a nose stall; reach the top of the ramp, and then lean on the nose, or front end, of the skateboard once before coming back.

Like all sports tricks, mastering skateboarding tricks does take concentration, practice, and patience. Do not expect to be able to do all of these tricks the moment you step onto a skateboard. First, you’ll need to learn how to balance and move with a skateboard under your feet. Don’t try tricks that you aren’t ready to perform yet. If you don’t have the skills to control your body and the board, you can end up hurting yourself.

Before purchasing your skateboard, make sure that you know what to look for. The deck (or ‘board’) is the most important part. Most are made of plywood. The biggest difference here is between 7-ply boards and 9-ply. 9-ply are usually cheaper, but also heavier and difficult to work with. Cheaper decks are made of plastic, although these will not hold up to heavy use. Fiberglass or carbon board are both good choices that will be long-lasting.

The average skateboard measures 8 inches wide. If you are just learning how to ride, consider a wider board, as these are more stable. However, the extra width does make it more difficult to perform many skateboard tricks. If you are planning to use a skateboard mainly for transportation, this extra width can provide extra stability.

Most decks have a raised front and sides. A deeper concave will help the user perform more dramatic tricks, but a shallow concave is much easier to learn on. Still, some are too shallow. These flat and straight boards are hard to learn on, and you may become frustrated because you can’t do much with your board.

The wheels are usually made of hard plastic. The harder the wheel, the harder it will be to ride. Most skateboards are a 90a hardness, but pros use 100a hardness. If you want to use skateboard parks and ramps frequently, choose wheels with around a 97a hardness. Start with larger wheels; smaller wheels will put your skateboard lower to the ground, and make it easier to do some tricks, but they are harder to learn on.

There are technically three different kinds of boards: street, ramp, and longboards. Street and ramp are nearly the same; the size of wheels is usually the determinant between whether a board is good for street riding or ramp riding. Longboards are longer than regular skateboards, and are used for downhill racing or transportation, not tricks.

Name brands are not very important when buying skateboards, though you should still ask your friends which brands they recommend. Blank boards will not have a brand name emblazoned across the deck, so you can customize it by adding your own design. These graphics can make a pro deck expensive, but they will get all scratched up as you learn to use the board.

Skateboards can cost over a hundred dollars, especially if you upgrade the wheels, trucks, and bearings, although you can start with a fairly inexpensive basic board, especially if you aren’t sure if skateboarding is for you. Another reason to choose an inexpensive board for your first skateboard is that you may fall a lot in the process of learning, and you can end up ruining your nice expensive skateboard. As a beginner, choose a full skateboard setup; there is no reason for you to build a skateboard piece by piece.

Because skateboarding is a relatively new sport, the most prominent skateboard competitions have only existed for a few decades. In fact, the first recorded skateboarding competition happened in 1975 at the Ocean Festival in Del Mar, California.

The most prominent competition today is the X Games, although there are many other popular contests. These are usually open only to invited boarders or those who have won qualifying competitions. For example, the most famous pro skateboarders are known for debuting their new tricks at the X Games. The X Games, which began in 1995, are held twice per year, and focus on extreme sports including not only skateboarding but also motocross, BMX, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Currently, the four skateboard categories include vert, street, big air, and SuperPark.

Several other popular skateboarding competitions are the World Cup of Skateboarding and the Vans Triple Crown. The World Cup takes place at different cities around the globe throughout the year. The Vans Triple Crown takes place on a vert ramp, and the season usually ends in Southern California. Each competition includes one or more styles of skateboarding, with a specific way of calculating point totals for the skateboarders. In part because skateboarding is such a new sport, there is no one competition that stands above the rest, and most professional skateboarders show their tricks at a wide range of competitions throughout the year.

Many competitions are hosted by skateboard manufacturers as an advertising gimmick to boost the popularity of their brand with skateboarders. The winners of these competitions may end up with trophies, prizes, or endorsement deals. Skateboard competition winners may also get noticed by various sponsors.

For most skateboard competitions, there are no upper age cutoffs or other restrictions. Most competitors are boys, although girls are also involved in the sport. There are also several competitions which cater to women in skateboarding, including the All Girl Skate Jam and the Ride Like a Girl contest.

There are countless local contests wherever there is a concentration of skateboarders in a given town. Most of these are open to everyone, although those under 18 will likely need parental consent. At these competitions, skateboarders at all skill levels can show off their tricks. There is not usually a high standard for entrance qualifications, although this is not always the case. Most local competitions are more about fun and showing off than about prizes or endorsement deals, although they may be sponsored by a local skate shop or skateboarding company.

Helmet - This is the most import piece of skateboarding safety gear you could ever wear. If you hit your head without a helmet on, you risk getting a concussion, causing permanent brain damage, and even death. Why risk your life by not wearing a helmet? Even professional skateboarders who have years, or even decades of experience riding, always wear a helmet.

Elbow and Knee Pads – What’s wrong with a couple of bruised knees and elbows right? You might even consider such injuries as “battle scars”. Unfortunately, although it may only seem like a minor bruise on the surface, you might be doing permanent damage to your joints. Falling on your knees without knee pads can cause joint inflammation, and breakage. Injuries to the elbow can include dislocation and fractures.

Wrist Guards – You might not think wrist guards are an essential piece of safety equipment, but wrist fractures happen to be very common skateboarding injuries. Imagine not being able to do simple things like write, or hold a fork, all because you didn’t want to wear wrist guards.

Proper Shoes – Flip flops, dress shoes, slippers and shoes with open toes or open backs are not the best choices for skateboarding. You’ll need to wear good quality tennis shoes, or even skate shoes from companies like Vans, DC Shoes, Etnies, etc. Make sure you keep the laces tied tight and keep the loops from hanging too far over your shoe so that you don’t trip.

Optional skateboarding safety gear can include an athletic cup for guys, and “turtle shell” style bra cups for women. For any guy who plans on executing tricks that include grinding rails, (or any hard surface that can easily be fallen on in a straddled position) I recommend you wear a cup for obvious reasons. If you are a woman who likes to hit the skatepark with your buddies, you might consider wearing bra cups to protect yourself from doing any damage if you fall forward too hard.

In addition to wearing safety gear, remember to stay safe by:

Skating in areas designated for skating like a local skatepark.

Wearing reflective or bright clothing when skating in the dark.

Keeping away from traffic.

Not skating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Skateboarding is a fun sport that most anyone can enjoy with time and effort, but please remember to keep your safety in mind when riding. People who choose to wear skateboarding safety gear will be the ones who can enjoy skateboarding for years to come – injury free.

The type of ramp you build will depend upon how much money you have for materials,  and how much time you have to spend working on this project. We’ll list the basic steps and some material suggestions to get you started.

Materials and equipment may vary depending on the type of plan you follow, but you will likely need:

• Open space for jumping.
• Blueprint/Plans for the ramp.
• 4-6 2X4’s.
• A couple sheets of plywood.
• Hammer and Nails (or preferably wood screws)
• Level.
• Pencil.
• Some friends to help out.

Decide if you want a ramp to place in a permanent location (like your yard) or if you want something smaller and more portable that you can put away when you’re done skateboarding. This will determine a round about size for your ramp.

Figure out what you want to build. Search online for plans that you can purchase or download for free. Free plans are usually just as good as paid ones. You should probably gather a few tools at this point as well (hammer and nails at least).

If you don’t want to buy or download a plan, follow these steps to build a simple mini ramp:

1. Lay a ¾” piece of plywood on a flat surface. Sketch a straight line upwards on the right hand side of the wood. This line should be about 25 to 30 inches tall.
2. Draw another straight line out to the left, but more towards the center of the plywood. This should be about 2 or 3 feet (this will be your deck).
3. Draw a line on the bottom of the skateboard ramp that’s about 5 feet or so. This will be the bottom of your mini-ramp.
4. Connect the top of the deck to the end of the bottom using a curved line (this is the ramp). Try to use a half-circle drawing tool or drafting compass if possible so the curve is perfect.
5. Cut along the lines using a saw. If you have access to a skilsaw, use it to make sure that the curves are smooth.
6. Repeat step 5 on the other piece of plywood for the other side of the ramp.
7. Connect both sides with 2x4’s. Make sure you have enough spacing between the 2x4’s to allow proper support.
8. Use a single sheet of 3/8” plywood for the mini-ramp section. You will have to bend it to make it fit over the curve.
9. Finish by finishing any rough edges with sandpaper.

This may be a very simple plan for building your own skateboarding ramp, but it’s perfect if you are a first time builder with limited time, skills and money. To keep your new ramp in top shape, store it in your house or garage when not in use.

Some of the most popular styles of ramps include:

Half Pipes. Almost always made of wood, but can be seen in concrete, dirt, and snow (for snowboarding). A half pipe consists of two quarter pipes. Years ago, half pipes were just half of large pipes. It wasn’t until the early 80’s that these pipes were extended by a flat ground between the two quarter pipes. This flat ground section gives the rider time to build speed for the next trick, as well as regain balance when coming back down from a trick.

Vert Ramps. Named because they go from flat ground in the center to a vertical wall. Vert ramps are usually 10-15 feet, with six inches to three feet of vert up top. The vert at the top allows for the rider to catch more air than on a mini-ramp. The vert at the top causes the rider to shoot straight up instead of forward like on a mini ramp.

Mini Ramps. A mini ramp is a like a half pipe, but much smaller (usually less than 6ft high). Mini ramps can even be as small as 2-3’ high. Most small ramps are designed with beginners in mind (not too high of a fall!). Some of these ramps are built to suit experienced riders as well who seek a steep ledge for lip tricks.

If you want to work on lip tricks, mini ramps are the way to go.  This is because when pulling off air tricks on a mini ramp, you will have to Ollie to keep from eating the ground when you go flying over the deck. Ollie won’t be necessary when you move onto a vert ramp since the vertical (vert) wall will send you straight up, not out. You’ll find mini ramps at every skatepark because they work for beginners and experienced riders.

Mega Ramp. Created by famous BMX rider Mat Hoffman in 1992. It was a 21’ tall quarter pipe vert that Mat used to launch himself up into the air (by using a BMX bike modified with a lawnmower engine for a boost). The tallest Mega Ramp is 197' tall. It is located in professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist's backyard.

Quarter Pipes resemble a quarter of the cross section of a pipe. You’ll find them in both skateboarding and snowboarding parks. Quarter pipes have a steep transition that starts at the ground and ends at a metal rail called the coping. Use these ramps to launch yourself into the air and land on the transition, or to grind and pull off stall tricks on the coping.

If you want to start skateboarding on ramps, try to find a skatepark in your area. Alternatively, you can try your hand and building your own ramp for your yard or street (watch for traffic!). If you don’t have any construction skills, you can buy your own ramps. Pricing can be as low as $100 for a mini ramp, to several thousands of dollars for huge and elaborate setups.

A longboard is just a skateboard that’s much longer than usual, and used for longboarding (as opposed to skateboarding). Instead of street style skating using ramps and pipes, longboards are almost always used for downhill racing, getting from point a to point b, or cruising around town. Since longboards are heavier than a standard board, they are not ideal for doing any kind of tricks. Longboarding is compared to surfing, like “surfing on land” or “surfing on concrete”. The design of the longboard allows big turns and quick carves just like the surfers do.

Longboarding started becoming popular around the same time as surf culture back in the 1950’s. People say that longboarding started in southern California where riders enjoyed rolling hills and streets, but some believe longboarding started in Hawaii. This is still arguable today.

The equipment used for longboarding is nearly the same that is used for skateboarding. You’ll notice longboarders will wear gloves and a helmet at a minimum. Longboarders participating in downhill races will wear special gloves to protect their hands while maneuvering the board (this is done in a lying position). Of course wrist, knee, and elbow padding is always recommended, especially for a beginner.

Most longboards are 35-60 inches long. Shorter boards can still be called longboards if their main purpose is the same as longboarding (cruising, downhill racing, travel). Longboards come in all kinds of shapes such as: pintails, flat nose, and boards shaped like a longer shortboard. Pintails allow looser trucks and larger wheels to be installed for more of a smooth surfing feel.

Longboard wheels can be much larger than regular skateboard wheels. The size difference is because smaller wheels have to spin faster to maintain the same speed, so larger wheels create less friction for a faster and smoother ride. Smaller wheels sometimes have problems with sticks, rocks, and cracks in the street or sidewalk. The larger the wheel size, the less likely it will stop rolling, and more likely to just roll over the obstruction.

Other hardware such as trucks and bearings are exactly the same on a skateboard and a longboard. There are a few types of trucks specific to longboards, which make the boards easier to use for downhill racing. Two of these are called Randal R-I Downhill style trucks and Torsion trucks.

Many Longboarders as well as skateboarders like to build their own decks in order to get the exact board they want. Board builders have a variety of materials like fiberglass, bamboo, and even a foam core.  If you’re thinking of building your own skateboard or longboard, everything can be purchased on the internet or local skateshop, including board building instructions.

The deck is the actual part that you would stand on. It’s made of compressed wood (some more expensive models can be made of maple, etc). The width is about 8 inches or so, with the length being between 30 and 35 inches. Size will vary depending on your preference and the type of skating you do (street or vert). There are hundreds, if not thousands of different graphical designs you can choose to adorn your deck. Top deck companies include: Element, Powell, Toy Machine, Birdhouse, and Alien Workshop. Try choosing a design that will show off your personality and style.

The skateboard truck attaches to the bottom of the skateboard deck. Bushings, kingpins, baseplates, hangers and axles make up the trucks. You can buy these in tons of different colors, and you have a choice of titanium or aluminum. Look for skateboard trucks from Phantom Trucks, Thunder Trucks, Tensor Trucks, or other well known brands.

Skateboard wheels are plastic urethane and can be hard or soft. Softer wheels are preferred by vert skaters, and hard wheels are favored by street style skaters. Wheels can come in small or large sizes, depending on the type of performance you are after. Smaller wheels are best for extreme “tricking”, and the larger wheels are good for beginners needing more stability while riding. Beginning riders might also consider using wheels that a bit wider than normal, to create even more stability.

Grip tape is placed on the top of the deck to provide traction (or grip). You can buy grip tape in several different colors to match your deck and/or trucks. Try not to buy the cheapest grip tape, a few dollars more will provide you with tape that sticks to your deck without peeling up.

Skateboard hardware is simply the nuts and bolts used to secure the skateboard trucks to the deck. As with all other parts that make up a skateboard, you can choose nearly any color you want to match the rest of the parts.

Knowing all the parts that make up a skateboard will allow you to know exactly what to purchase if you need to make repairs, or keep up with general maintenance. Another benefit of skateboard parts knowledge is the fact that you could probably build your own board! Even someone who just started skateboarding can benefit from building their own board. What better way to ensure that you’re riding on quality material?

Vans.

Vans sells both skateboarding clothes and shoes, but they are most know for their shoes. Founded in 1966 by brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, the company was originally called Van Doren Rubber Company. Vans are the shoes of choice among elite skateboarders worldwide. Not only does Vans make apparel and shoes, they also have skate parks in Southern California and Florida, and they are the creators and promoters of the famous Vans Warped Tour concerts.

Zoo York.

What an interesting name for a skateboard clothing company. It’s said that the name comes from a subway tunnel that runs under the Central Park Zoo in New York. The tunnel is referred to as “Zoo York Tunnel” or just “Zoo York”.  Graffiti artists used to hang out and tag this tunnel back in the 60’s and 70’s. The clothing company Zoo York was founded in 1993. Zoo York sells skateboard clothes and shoes for boys, girls, men and women.

DC Shoes.

Like Zoo York, DC Shoes was also founded in 1993. The company makes clothing, shoes and accessories for all kinds of extreme sports including: skateboarding, snowboarding, bmx, rally car racing, motocross and surfing. DC Shoes is popular amongst a broad range of people. The famous drummer Travis Barker sports DC Shoes and even has a shoe line with DC Shoes that was influenced by him. Actor Adam Sandler is a fan, as is Rapper “Lil Wayne”.

Perhaps the youngest “pro” skateboarder ever, Mitchie Brusco has been sponsored by DC Shoes since he was five years old! DC Shoes sells skateboarding clothes and shoes for boys, girls, men and women.

Element. 

Element was founded in 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was first called Underworld Element until one of the owners decided to drop “Underworld” from the name, and simple call the company Element. Element  eventually became a major skateboard clothing, shoes and board brand, and was given opportunities to sign popular skateboarders. Element’s professional skateboarding team is made up of: Bam Margera, Brent Atchley, Chad Muska, Chad Tim Tim, Chris Senn, Darrell Stanton, Jeremy Wray, Mike Vallely, Nyjah Huston, Ray Barbee, Tony Tave and Vanessa Torres.

Although Element is more known for their skateboard decks, they also sell a wide variety of skateboard clothes and shoes for men, women, boys and girls.

You can find all of these brands by shopping online, so shopping for skateboard clothes and shoes have never been easier. You can also likely find Element, DC Shoes, Vans and Zoo York brand clothing at your local skate shop as well. There is no excuse for not having the hottest skateboard clothing and shoes anymore.  Now go show off your style!

Read on to learn the basics of: ollie on a ramp, rock to fakie, heelflip, indy grab.

Ollie on a Ramp.

This should actually be called “ollie off a ramp”. If you know how to ollie on the ground, great. Now you’re going to ollie while flying off a ramp. This is fun, but dangerous when attempting to ollie off a huge ramp. Start with a mini ramp first. To ollie on a ramp:

1. Skate towards the ramp and pickup as much speed as possible.
2. Make sure your feet are in ollie position.
3. Lean back a little while riding up the ramp.
4. When the nose of the board gets to the edge, push the tail down quickly and pull your front knee up.
5. Ollie and try to land safely.

Rock to Fakie.

You’ll need a quarterpipe, halfpipe or mini ramp to do a rock to fakie. The rock to fakie is when a skater rides up the ramp right to the very edge, balances on the middle of the board, rocks a little bit, and then goes back the direction they came. To rock to fakie:

1. Skate towards the ramp and pickup some speed.
2. Your front foot should be on the nose and your back foot on the tail.
3. Hit the top of the ramp and push your front foot forward so that the front of the board dips forward.
4. You should balance and hold this move for a few seconds.
5. Drop down and go back the same direction you came up.

Heelflip.

The heelflip is closely related to the kickflip, so this is probably the trick to learn after mastering kickflips. A heelflip is when a skater ollies into the air and flips the skateboard so that it rotates once (parallel to the ground) then lands on the skateboard in the same position he/she started in. To heelflip:

1. You should place your feet the same way you would for an ollie.
2. Your back foot should be on the tail.
3. Your front foot is towards the center of the board (hang your toes over the edge a bit).
4. Now Ollie and kick your back heel forward.

Indy Grab.

The Indy Grab is considered a “grab” trick, hence the name. It can be performed on a skateboard as well as a snowboard. You’ll mostly see this trick performed on a ramp. Before learning the indy grab, I recommend you master the ollie on a ramp first. To indy grab:

1. Drop down the ramp and start picking up speed.
2. Place your back foot on the back of your board (the tail).
3. Your front foot should be on your front trucks.
4. Ride towards the ramp and Ollie off the top as high as possible.
5. While you’re up there, reach down and grab your board between your feet with your back hand.
6. Bend your knees deep to make this easier.
7. Try to hold the grab as long as you can, but don’t forget that you have to land safely!

Make sure you’ve mastered basic skateboard tricks before attempting more difficult tricks. As silly as it sounds, safety should always come first. You should wear a helmet and all padding while skating, especially when trying new tricks – wipeouts are almost guaranteed to happen until you get the trick right!

Tony Hawk. Pro Skater Tony Hawk (born May 12, 1968) is most famous for being the first skateboarder to land a 900 and the second skater to land a McTwist. Tony has his own skateboard company, a TV production company, clothing and shoe line and over 10 video games published by Activision. Tony no longer competes, but he still performs occasionally. He’s married and has four kids.

Shaun White. Better known in the snowboarding world, Shaun White AKA The Flying Tomato (born September 3, 1986) is famous for bringing home medals in every Winter X Games since 2002. When snowboarding season is over, he swaps his snowboard for a skateboard and dominates the competition. Shaun has tons of sponsors and is featured in two video games.

Ryan Sheckler. Sheckler (born September 30, 1989) has been skateboarding since before he was two years old! By the time he was six, he was practicing tricks 22 hours a week in his back yard. Ryan Sheckler turned pro in 2003 after winning many prestigious competitions such as the X Games and the Vans Triple Crown. He’s stared in several movies, has his own reality TV show on MTV, and is sponsored by top companies like Oakley, Red Bull and Etnies Shoes.

Bob Burnquist. Burnquist (born October 10, 1976) turned pro at just 15 years old. He’s probably most known for winning the vert competition at the 2001 X Games. He received a score of 98 – the highest score given at the games for the skateboarding events, beating out skateboard icon Bucky Lasek. Burnquist is quite the trickster, pulling off incredible tricks and winning trick competitions.

Steve Caballero. Caballero (born November 8, 1964) is known for creating a trick called the Caballerial. He’s been on the cover of Thrasher magazine, appeared as a playable character in four Tony Hawk video games, and has been a member of several punk bands. He enjoys painting, collecting toys, and riding motocross.

Bucky Lasek. Bucky (born December 3, 1972) began his skateboarding journey at 12 years old, all because someone stole his bike! He turned pro in 1990 and became one of the most consistent skateboarders in competitions. He’s known for pulling off incredible tricks that other skaters only dream about. Bucky has collected ten medals from the X Games, and several titles from popular tournaments like the Vans Triple Crown and Gravity Games. Bucky has appeared in a few movies, been a playable character in the Tony Hawk video game series, and is sponsored by companies like T-mobile, Element, Wendy’s, and Rock Star Energy Drinks.

Now that you know about some of the many skateboarding Icons; get inspired, go out and master the basics, learn all the tricks. You may become a skateboarding icon yourself someday.

If you’ve been skating for years, chances are you own more than one skateboard. You might even own two, three, or over five skateboards. Whether you buy skateboards to ride, or to add to a growing collection, you need to know how to: find the hottest skateboards for sale online, maintain and repair your skateboards after extensive use, and how to store your skateboards properly to keep yourself and others from tripping over the boards you’re probably keeping on the floor.

How to find skateboards for sale online.

Finding skateboards to buy online is easy. You can use a search engine like Google or Yahoo to search for specific brands such as Birdhouse, Element, Flip, Gravity, Powell, Bullet, Speed Demons, Sector 9, Toy Machine and more. You can also specifically search for different types of skateboards like longboards or special shorter skateboards made for tricks.

You can usually buy skateboards directly from the manufacturer’s website, but do shop around since prices are likely lower at a “mom and pop” online shop. Don’t forget to check auction sites like eBay and classifieds sites like Craigslist for used and hard to find skateboards.

If you’re wondering what the “in” skateboard is, search for forums and blogs where people gather online to discuss skateboarding. You could always ask your skating buddies about the latest skateboards too.

How to maintain and repair your skateboards.

The most important part of your skateboard is the wheels. Without the wheels, you would be stuck with nothing more than a fancy piece of wood! When your wheels start to slow you down, it’s usually a ball-bearing problem. To make sure you keep your wheels in top rolling order, keep your bearings lubricated. You can use regular cooking oil (vegetable, corn, etc) every time you skate. Use oil sparingly though because excess oil will attract a lot of dirt. You should only use cooking oil if the bearings make any kind of noise when you spin them. If the bearings are quiet, you’ll need to lubricate them with bicycle grease instead of cooking oil.

If you happen to lose any of your bearings, you’ll have to buy replacements at your local or online skate shop. Never mix old bearings with new. If you have to replace one, it’s probably a good idea to replace them all (usually 16 bearings for each wheel). Bearings for your skateboard or not too expensive, so don’t hesitate to replace all of them.

How to store your skateboards.

Sure. You could toss your skateboards in your closet or leave them out on the floor, but why? A much better idea would be to buy a skateboard rack. Skateboard racks can easily be mounted on your wall, and can hold all of your boards safely. Skateboard racks are perfect for simple storage, or to display some of the more expensive, limited edition, or collectable skateboards you may have. What better way to show off your hobby than to put it on your walls?