Guide to Skateboards

Skateboards have five basic parts: the deck, wheels, trucks, bearings, and some form of mounting mechanism, such as risers. The deck forms the main body of the board and is commonly made of seven-ply North American maple. It is usually covered with grip tape, a rough adhesive sheet, to prevent the feet from slipping off the board. The wheels range in size from 48 to 90 millimeters and are usually made of rigid polyurethane. Each wheel is fitted with two eight-millimeter ball bearings, which reduce friction against he ground. The trucks are attached underneath the deck and connect the board to the wheels. The upper part of the truck, called the baseplate, is screwed into the deck while the hanger, or bottom half, holds the wheels. The two halves are joined by a bushing, a rubber pad that can be adjusted to stiffen or soften the wheel turns. They are attached to the board by bolts or risers, which also protect the trucks and deck from pressure and impact.

Skateboards can be classified into longboards and shortboards. Longboards are more stable and better for cruising and transportation, while shortboards are commonly used for tricks and streetboarding. Both are further divided into subtypes.

Choosing Skateboards

Deck size: Choose a skateboard with an appropriate deck size for the type of skating you normally do. Wide decks are best for beginners, because they provide a stable surface for learning balance and control. They are also great to use as transportation. If you have fairly good balance and like to do tricks and skate on tight or rough terrains, a narrow deck may be right for you.

Bushing: The bushing determines the board’s stability and maneuverability. Choose a skateboard with a stiff bushing if you prefer a calm, comfortable ride, and a softer bushing if you are more into competitive and street skateboarding.

Wheels: Your skateboard’s wheels should be the right size and hardness for your desired speed and intended use. Larger wheels are faster and are great for ramps and cruising. Smaller wheels are not as fast, but provide excellent control for rough terrains and flip tricks. Choose softer wheels for better grip on uneven grounds, and hard wheels for fast, smooth riding.