How to Put Together a Skateboard
Putting together your skateboard can be a little overwhelming at first but with a few simple steps, you can get through the process smoothly. Begin by clearing out a spot to work. Lay out all the parts so you can you inspect them to make sure you have everything. Your complete skateboard consists of four wheels, eight bolts and nuts, eight bearings, a pair of trucks, one deck and one grip sheet.
Once you’re sure you have everything, gather up your tools. You’ll need a socket wrench, a file, a knife and an Allen wrench or screwdriver, depending on which type of bolts you have. Now, you’re ready to put together your skateboard.
Step 1:
Place the deck on the floor with the graphics facing down. Peel off the backing of the grip sheet and stick it to the board so that the entire board is covered. As long as everything is covered, it can be crooked. (You will trim it later.)
Step 2:
Use the file to go around the outline of the board. This will create a line that will make it easier to trim off the excess grip. Use the knife to trim around the edges very carefully. Use your screwdriver to poke a hole through the grip for the hardware and you are ready to move on to the next step.
Step 3:
Install the trucks next. This is an important step. If you don’t do it correctly, you’ll have problems later (trucks can slip or if they are too tight, can affect handling of the board). Put the four bolts through the holes and the place the truck on the bolts and tighten. The kingpin is the main bolt that holds it all together. It needs to be facing inward. Repeat the process on the other side. When you’re finished, both kingpins should be facing each other.
Step 4:
Once you have installed the trucks, you’ll need to press the bearings into the wheels. Turn the board over on its side and remove the nut from the axle. Put one of the bearings on the axle and slide the wheel on. Press downward putting pressure on the wheel until the bearing pops into the wheel. Place two bearings in each wheel and if you need spacers, place it between the two bearings. Repeat this step until you have finished all four wheels. Finally, replace the nut.
Step 5:
Attach the wheels with the wrench. Make sure you tighten them securely so they won’t fall off, causing an accident. Your skateboard is now fully assembled and ready for a test run. Before skating, test the trucks and wheels to make sure they’re performing correctly. You may need to make a few adjustments and then you’re ready to ride.
Clean and Sanitize Your Skate Shoes
If smelly shoes are a problem for you, then it’s time you did something about your stinky skate shoes. There is a two-step process involved in caring for your skate shoes. First you want to prevent the funk as much as you can and secondly, you want to learn how to clean and sanitize. Here are some tips.
Prevent the Stink
The first step is to help reduce the problem of stinky feet as much as you can. Companies are designing skate shoes that allow your feet to breathe unlike older shoes. This can be helpful in reducing the smell that accumulates over time but it’s not enough to keep the smell away completely.
When you skate, your feet sweat, bacteria grows and eventually your shoes will begin to smell bad. You can’t stop the process but you can slow it down. Use foot powder and always wear socks with your skates to reduce sweating that causes odor and this will help significantly. When you do notice your skate shoes beginning to take on that obnoxious smell, it’s time to clean and sanitize.
Clean and Sanitize
Here’s a trick that always works and it’s simple and easy to do. You probably already have everything you need at home. Simply place your canvas shoes in zip-lock baggies to contain the smell and place them in the freezer. Make sure the baggies are sealed completely to avoid smelling up your food. Leave them in the freezer overnight and this will kill the bacteria in the shoes that are causing the smell.
Take them out of the freezer and allow them to thaw for two or three hours and then place them in the washing machine. Use mild detergent and wash them alone to avoid damaging other items. Wash on the gently cycle and use cold water. When they’re finished, allow them to air dry. Never place them in the dryer. This can ruin a good pair of skate shoes. You can put them out in the sun if you need to speed the drying process.
If your skating shoes are made from suede, leather or some other type of material other than canvas, you can freeze them in the same method to kill the bacterial and most of the smell. However, you do not want to wash these because it can ruin them. Replacing a good pair of skate shoes can be pretty expensive. Instead, leave them out in the fresh air until they thaw out and completely dry.
Carpet Skating to Learn New Tricks
Carpet skating, or carpet boarding, is a great way to learn some new tricks right in your own bedroom. While most people probably don’t have a room big enough to do full skating, you can practice tricks, balance and more on your board indoors on carpets.
You can practice carpet skating in one of three ways:
- With a board with no trucks
- On a board with trick trucks
- On your board with wheels because they won’t slide as easily on carpet
Benefits to Carpet Skating
There are many benefits to carpet skating. For one, it just gives you something to do to get more familiar on your board while you are inside the house or in your room. Another benefit is that it lets you practice certain tricks and moves without the board sliding all over the place on you. It can help you build your confidence on the board. If you fall, it usually doesn’t hurt as much, or at all when you are practicing on carpet. Another benefit is that it’s just fun to do.
Pitfalls to Carpet Skating
There are some downsides to carpet skating, of course. You will not get as much pop and since you can’t really roll around on carpet, certain moves will be more difficult. There is also the risk that you will break something or hit something when skateboarding indoors. The board can fly out from under you and if you lose control, it might break something.
Practice Tricks
If you want to use carpet boarding to learn new tricks, you might use a secondary board and take the trucks off or put practice trucks on. You should first decide which trick you are going to practice and you can watch some videos in your room and then try the moves for yourself. Watching videos that you can pause and rewind make it easier to slow it down and get your foot placement right. This makes it easier to get the tricks just right.
That’s pretty much all there is to carpet skating. There are no official rules; it’s just something that a lot of skaters do. If you’ve never tried it before then now is a good time to give it a shot and see if it helps you with balance, control or any new tricks.
How to Clean Your Skateboarding Pads
You wear your skateboarding pads every time you skate for protection. You sweat in them. You probably fall in them, too. There’s a good chance they stink. There’s no need to feel bad because this happens to everyone. However, you don’t have to keep putting those smelly pads back on every day. You can’t go out and buy a new set every time so what you need to do instead is learn how to clean your skateboarding pads.
Here are some tips:
- Pads only need a gentle cleaning to get the stench of sweat out. You don’t usually need to do a lot of scrubbing.
- You can hand-wash your pads and leave them out to dry before wearing them again or you can opt to drop them into the washing machine.
- Never put your pads in the dryer.
Hand Wash your Skateboarding Pads
You can wash them by hand by filling a sink of water and a little bit of dish detergent. Wipe any excess dirt off the pads and then dip them in the sink to soap in this detergent solution for about 30 minutes, longer for really bad odors. Then return and gently scrub them with just your fingers a bit and then rinse them clean. Be sure to rinse them really well and not leave any soap residue. Then hang them up to dry or put them out in the sun to dry.
Machine Washing your Skateboarding Pads
Always machine wash your pads separate from other clothing. You might be ok to wash them with some towels if you want but they will damage other clothing or delicate laundry items. Secure all the Velcro and fasteners on your pads before you put them in there. Set your wash’s water levels to low and put it on the gentle/delicate cycle.
Add your detergent the same as you would with a normal wash and start up the washing machine. Once the wash fills with soap and water, stop it and allow the pads to soak in the detergent water for about 30 minutes. This will ensure you get the odors out. Then restart the machine and let it finish to the end of the wash cycle.
When they are finished, hang them up to dry or put them out in the sun to dry. Never put them in the dryer. Heat and tumbling can damage the pads.
The honest truth about why most skaters don’t wash their pads is pure laziness. Either they don’t feel like it or they don’t know how. But now that you have these simple tips, you have no more excuses for stinky pads. You can work it into part of your skateboard maintenance routine and then you will be sure not to ever forget to clean your skateboarding pads.
How to Become a Good Skateboarder at Any Age
I always say skateboarding is a good hobby or activity to pick up, no matter what your age. If you want to become a good skateboarder, there are some simple tricks and tactics you can learn to help you look like you know what you’re doing and it doesn’t matter how old you are. Skateboarding is always more fun when you have the confidence to be able to do basics on your board.
If you want to be a good skateboarder at any age, here are some tips:
Dress properly- You don’t have to dress like a “skater” and you don’t have to wear any special gear but you do want to wear something safe and comfortable. Avoid clothing that can get caught in the wheels or drag underneath your board and cause injury. Make sure you wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in and that is appropriate to the weather.
Wear your safety gear- A properly-fitting helmet is essential when on your board. It also helps to get knee and elbow pads that fit you when skating. Some more advanced skaters also get additional safety gear such as pants that protect you when you fall in them. There are also wrist guards to help protect you when you fall on your hands/arms. Wear your safety gear all the time and you don’t have to worry about getting seriously injured when you take a fall.
Get comfortable with your board- The first step for any new skater to get better is to be familiar with your board. Know its parts and how they work and spend time standing, balancing and rolling around on it. Once you’ve done that, spend some time just skating on it as much as possible. This will build your confidence and help you feel comfortable at all times on the board.
Watch other skaters- When you’re ready to get better, spend time watching other skaters. You can watch videos online, check out the pros in movies and advertisements and also watch friends or people at the local skate park. Watching others will give you new ideas for tricks to learn, help you spot their techniques and help build your confidence as well.
Don’t be afraid to try new things- If you want to be a good skater, you will have to try things sometimes that make you a little nervous. Don’t be afraid to do new things, just be sure you know your limitations and that you have proper safety gear. You will start with flatground tricks and as you learn more, you will build to other types of tricks.
Learn basic tricks- When you’re feeling comfortable standing on and riding your board, it’s time to learn some basic tricks. The Ollie is one of the first and most basic tricks you can learn. It is often incorporated into other tricks so learning it first will give you the foundation you need.
Lisa has been skateboarding since she was a young girl and now skates with her husband and four children. She believes that you are never too young- or too old- to love skateboarding.
How to Be a Cool Skater Mom
Even if you don’t skate yourself, it’s possible to be a cool skater mom. If your kids are into skateboarding, it’s important that you take the time to learn more about what they’re doing. Showing your child support and taking interest in his interests is not the same as being nosy. A lot of kids don’t think their parents will be interested in what they are doing and sometimes, the parents give this impression by saying so or by not taking their interests seriously.
Skateboarding is great for physical health and it can be a great way for a young person to make friends, learn dedication (such as when learning tricks) and it has many more positive benefits. A cool skater mom will recognize the benefits that skateboarding has for her child.
Here are some ways to be a cool skater mom:
Learn the lingo- Do you know what a “poser” is? What if your kid wants some new “ankle biters”? Learning the lingo doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use it all the time. If it’s not natural for you, then you might have your kid thinking you’re a poser. But learning the lingo shows that you care enough about your skater to know what he’s talking about. It shows interest, gives you something to talk about and helps you understand him and his friends when their skating in the driveway.
Watch the pros- Watching the pros is a great way to learn more about this sport and how it can be taken seriously. People have made entire careers around something that many parents just pass off as “child’s play”. You can find videos online, search official websites of skateboard brands and professional skaters and even look for them on TV when an event is airing. It will also help you to appreciate how hard that trick really is when you see your kid practicing it for hours on end.
Smash the stereotypes- Stop thinking that skaters are hoodlums or that skateboarding kids only get in trouble and make trouble. There are troublemakers everywhere and the problem is not exclusive to skateboarding. If you want to be a cool skater mom, you need to ditch all the pre-conceived notions you might have about skateboarders.
Meet his friends- If your kid loves to skate, take some time to meet his or her friends, especially those who are also into skateboarding. Take an interest in what they do. You don’t have to be a hovering mom to show interest. Be there, ask them about new tricks they are learning. See if they want to show off to you and be supportive, not nagging.
Skateboarding can be a very positive activity for kids, especially when parents take the time to get involved and show interest and support.
How to Do a Casper on a Skateboard
One of the most popular skateboarding tricks you will find is the casper. It’s a fairly easy skate trick that plays off the kick flip but learning it can be a challenge, just as with any new trick. It’s well worth it to put forth the effort because it leads into other tricks. The casper will help you learn technique and control so that you can better master the board for this and other tricks.
Here are the basics of how to do a casper:
Place your back foot on the skateboard tail. You will need your lead foot just over the edge of the skateboard’s deck and just below the front trucks. You need your lead foot at an angle, mostly off the board. If it’s too high or too low, you’re going to fall.
Your back foot won’t move because it kick flips the tail of the skateboard. Bend your knees and jump, making sure to kick flop the board and move your lead foot around in almost a U-turn motion. It will pull off the board and around to circulate.
This motion will make your lead foot comes down over the skateboard. Now put your front foot and back foot back on the skateboard. Land on the board, bend your knees and control the board with both of your feet. Now you have “stuck” the casper.
It sounds like a long description for what is actually a short move but it will probably take a lot of practice to get it all down to one fluid motion. If you try to do it too quickly, you will probably mess it up and if you try it too slowly, your board will just fall and not flip properly. It’s important to get just the right speed and momentum going to get the board to move like you need it to. Once you master the casper, you are in a good position to start learning other tricks that build off of this one.
Video: Here’s a cute video of a kid showing you how to do a casper. It’s actually a really great video explanation and he shows you goofy and regular footed foot placements.
How to Grease Your Skateboard Wheel Bearings
Skateboard maintenance is important no matter how often or how serious you skate. Learning how to grease the wheel bearings of your skateboard is one of the simplest but most important steps in skateboard care. It’s as important as cleaning your grip tape or replacing chipped wheels. Once you learn how and why to do it, greasing the bearings will become a normal part of your skateboard maintenance routine.
Here is what you need to know about how to grease your skateboard wheel bearings.
Why Grease the Bearings
It’s important to grease the bearings to keep your wheels turning smoothly. This is important for safety and for enjoyment of your ride and tricks. You don’t want your wheels to lock up on you while trying to ride or perform tricks. Grease will keep them loose and rolling smoothly.
It’s also important because it will help to extend the life of your bearings and wheels. When you take care of them, they will last longer, saving you money. Bearings are key to your skateboard wheel movement and they need to be in smooth working order for your wheels to work properly.
How to Grease the Bearings
You probably already have all of the things you need to grease your bearings, which is a good thing because it’s easy and cheap to maintain your skateboard. You can buy bearing grease at your local skate shop, sporting goods store or an automotive shop.
Make sure you bring some paper towels or old rags and then place your skateboard deck down on a flat surface. Use your skateboard tool to remove the wheels from the front and back of the board. Once you remove them, exposing the bearings, use a paper towel to wipe them down.
Now use another paper towel or old rag to pick up some grease and wipe it onto both sides of the bearing liberally. You can’t really grease it too much so feel free to add more. Then replace the wheels and use the skateboard tool to secure them back onto the trucks.
If you spin the wheels, they should spin freely if you have greased the wheel bearings properly.
Amateur Skaters being Paid Like Pros
Skateboarding has changed over the years and while I’m still in my 20s, I’ve seen a great deal of changes in my lifetime alone. One of those changes is the extreme popularity of skateboarding as a serious, competitive sport and activity now. We are seeing more pros than ever before and more people wanting to go pro. There is also more business which means more opportunity in the business for people to get paid doing what they love.
But in all of these changes, we are also seeing an odd trend. Many amateurs are now making the money and benefits of the pros, leaving some to wonder what “pro” really means anymore. An article on ESPN “Professional Amateur” brings up this issue. The author Keith Hamm says, “Many of today’s top amateur skaters are also living the life. The line between am and pro is thinner than ever.”
He makes a good point and gives us some great examples of this theory in action such as Foundation skateboards amateur Nick Merlino and Chocolate’s Raven Tershy. Some of these amateur skaters are raking in some serious cash and perks for their efforts. Merlino scored 5th place at the Maloof Money Cup back in June and took home $7,000. That’s quite a purse for an amateur win.
So with amateur skaters getting paid like the pros, where is line of distinction drawn between the two? Hamm says it’s more of a grey area and that the line is getting harder to define. Merlino on the other hand, says it’s black and white and explains that while he’s allowed to enter pro events, he does not have a board and other perks.
Experts will continue to differ on what distinguishes one from the other. You might get a different answer with each person you ask, actually. So what does this mean to the skater community? It doesn’t really mean a whole lot at all unless you are looking to get sponsored or possibly go pro yourself.
If you are looking to get a sponsor and go pro or am status, you will want to be sure to read all the fine print in your contracts; ask any and all questions about your pay, perks and benefits and seek the help and advice of a professional if needed to ensure you understand the relationship between you and your sponsor.
For those of us who are just fans, we may be seeing some new faces making bigger bucks on the skateboarding scene. Is it possible it might become even more difficult to tell the difference between pro and amateur status? And does it really matter to those of us watching from home?
7 Skateboards Great for Pop
When you want to get the best pop on your skateboard, choosing the board wisely will help. If you’re in the market for a new board anyway, then now is a great time to research the board with the most pop for your needs. The term “pop” in skateboarding refers to the process of kicking the board up with your trailing foot at the heel of the skateboard. This motion followed by another activity creates a skateboard trick and this is the “pop”.
Boards that are said to have good pop are those that are good for doing tricks. A good board will actually make tricking easier because you get that pop in the trick, making it easier to do the stunt, get more air or control your board easier. Most boards with good pop are lighter but that’s not always the case.
I’ve been skating since I was about 9 years old- nearly 20 years now- and I have tried a lot of different boards. The one thing to know about a skateboard is that every rider is different so the board your friend loves may not be best for you. However, you can take some general guidelines to help you narrow your search when shopping for your own.
Here are a few brands that are great for pop:
Element– Pros like Bam Margera stand behind Element because this board is great for riding and tricks. I have skated on several different Element boards and they are all consistent, durable and great for pop. If you plan on doing a lot of tricks or are just learning tricks, you will like Element boards.
Girl-Girl boards are not just for females although being a girl, I must say I have a fondness for them. I’m looking to buy my daughter one for her birthday because she’s getting into more tricking instead of just riding and they contain a lot of pop without breaking. It will be a great board for her to trick on.
Zero– Zero boards have good flip, pop and spin on them. They seem to be built for tricks and they ride really smooth. This is another great brand if you are looking for good skateboard pop.
Baker–I’ve seen a lot of semi-pros use Baker boards. They are great for pop, give you more air on even the simplest of tricks like an Ollie and they are durable.
Flip- With a name like Flip, you expect nothing but pop and this brand delivers. It’s easier to do an Ollie or other flatground tricks, especially those requiring you to get some air under them because Flip boards are made for this. You can’t go wrong, no matter which Flip you choose.
Blind- Blind is great for pop and also durable enough for rail slides, ramps and more. When you want a board that has good pop but will still take a beating, you’ll be pleased with Blind.
Plan B– Plan B has a great skate team. Their boards are made from durable plywood and they do not break or snap easily. They are light and flexible and come with a lot of pop.
How to Teach Your Kids to Avoid Injury on a Skateboard
If you have kids who skate, there are a few basic things you can teach them to help them avoid injury on a skateboard. While falls will happen and proper protective gear will reduce the injury and severity, there are some things you can teach your child to help him avoid injury and gain confidence on the board.
Whatever the age of your skater, you can being teaching simple tactics that will help avoid injury on a skateboard and will build his confidence while skating as well.
Here are some tips:
Adjust your trucks- Trucks work like the axle on a car and they hold the wheels on. When you first buy a new board, you may need to adjust the trucks so that you are most comfortable. The proper adjustment is personal preferences for the rider but too loose or too tight can cause problems. Be sure not to over-tighten them or you can have injuries and falls because the board will not turn well. Loose trucks make the board easier to turn but too loose may mean a wobbly board that you cannot control as well.
Stay in your comfort zone- It’s good to try new things and this is the only way you will learn new tricks but it’s important to stay in your comfort zone and don’t overstretch your capabilities. Doing so can increase the chances of you getting hurt.
Bail if you lose control- If you lose control of your board, stop or just jump off. This is all part of learning and there’s nothing wrong with bailing out of a trick gone wrong.
Always protect your head- If you do fall, always try to protect your head above all else. Head injuries can lead to serious trauma, coma or even death. Wear your helmet and protect your face by putting up your arms if you have to in a fall.
Land on your pads- Avoid landing on your knees unless you have kneepads on. You should also avoid placing your hands out to try to brace for a fall as this can cause impact to land on your wrists. If you must fall, try to take the impact with the parts of your body that are protected by padding.
Take a break after repeated falls- If you repeatedly fall and land on the same body parts while trying a new trick, you will repeatedly damage the same areas. Take a break and try another trick for a bit or just take a break altogether.
Skate safe- Be sure you are skating in a safe location and that the area is clear of rocks and debris that can cause you to lose control of your board. Never skate into traffic or off of dangerous obstacles.
Teach your kids these basic tips and they will become ingrained like habit, giving your skater the confidence to skate without higher risk of injury.
What’s the Difference in a Professional Skateboard and a Wal-mart Board?
When it comes to buying a skateboard, you’re not alone if you have questions. If you’re a parent looking to buy a board for your child, you may feel even more lost in the world of skateboarding. Maybe your child has told you that he doesn’t want a Wal-mart skateboard but you noticed the prices there are much cheaper than professional boards at the sporting goods store or skate shop.
Or maybe you are looking for a board yourself but you’re new to skateboarding and you don’t know the difference between a professional skateboard and a Wal-mart board but you just want to go cheap since you don’t even know if you will be really into skateboarding.
Whatever your situation, there are some important things to know. First, Wal-mart boards are much better than they used to be in years’ past. In fact, you can even find pro named skaters like Tony Hawk endorsing boards on the Wal-mart shelves. These can run you from $9-60 and just like anything else, the more you pay, the more you get for the price. $9 skateboards serve little more function than decoration.
We bought some before to check them out. They had plastic trucks that broke almost the first time my son skated on it. My younger daughter sat on hers and rolled it around the driveway some and it’s held up ok but if anyone tried to actually skate or trick on it, it will break as well.
Some of the main differences that you will see in a cheaper Wal-mart board are in the deck itself. The deck will usually be thicker, making it heavier. It is usually not made of the same type of wood either and the cheaper wood materials can cause it to react differently when skating or coming in contact with the road and ground during tricks.
Another problem is that they have cheaper trucks that will not turn or flex as well when you lean on one side of the board to make it turn. They will also break more easily, as happened with my son’s cheap board.
The wheels of a Wal-mart board are usually made from plastic or urethane and the board will be slower and get less traction. It’s harder to ride and can create a bumpier ride. The wheels will also break and chip more easily, becoming a safety hazard to the rider.
You can find professional skateboards for as low as $50 in many cases so if you’re concerned about spending too much money before you are sure you will like it, there are other options. In fact, if you’re trying to make sure you or your child will like skateboarding before putting a lot of money into it, it’s highly recommended that you get a professional board. A cheap board will affect the riding experience and can make you want to give up skating before you’ve even really experienced it properly.
Longboarding Techniques
Many skaters enjoy longboarding, which means they prefer to use a skateboard that is longer and wider than the average board. Most skaters consider any board measuring 42 inches long or longer to be a longboard. These are more stable than regular boards so they are used mainly by skaters who prefer speed and racing down hills instead of doing tricks.
Here are five longboarding techniques that will help you slow down or stop when skateboarding on a longboard:
- Foot Braking– This is a very simple technique. You balance with one foot on the board and use the other one to slow down or stop. This technique is not recommended when skating at high speeds, so you’ll need to slow down before you try to stop completely.
- Slide Braking– This is the best technique to use when skating downhill. When using this method, you quickly turn the skateboard sideways and slide into a stop. You can perform the slide from the front side or backside of the board. Most skaters wear gloves so you can place one hand on the ground as you’re sliding sideways to help you maintain control and for balance. If you’re not traveling very fast, you may be able to stop without touching the ground with your hand, but it’s best to be prepared just in case you need to.
- Air Braking– This technique is used to slow down when longboarding at high speeds. You will not be able to stop completely using this method but you’ll be able to slow down enough to use one of the other braking techniques. With this technique, you stand upright on your board and stretch out your arms so you can use your body as resistance to the wind and this slows you down.
- Craving– Carving is a technique used to help control your speed when you’re skating down a hill. You need to lean your body to the right and then to the left to create an “S” shape as you’re traveling and this will help you control your speed.
- Drifting– This is a controlled move in which the skateboard loses traction when you’re going around a turn. It’s used to reduce your speed so you can make it safely around curves. Sometimes, a skater may start to drift accidently when they’re carving.
Once you learn how to slow down and stop, here are five more longboarding techniques that you can use when skateboarding:
- Slalom– When you’re in a race with other riders in which you’re trying to dodge all types of obstacles, its called slalom.
- Skogging– This is something that skaters do mostly for fun and it’s when you use your right leg to push the board in a forward method and then your left leg, alternating between the two.
- Pumping– You use this method when you’re trying to gain momentum without pushing off and you turn left, then right using a quick motion to get the board moving.
- Land Paddling– This is when skaters use a stick to move forward instead of their body.
- Boardwaking– This technique involves cross stepping and it takes some practice to master. You’ll move your feet around on the board in a variety of different ways such as jumping, hopping and twisting while you’re skating.
If you want to show off what a great skateboarder you are, try dancing on the board instead of just boardwalking. It’s a lot of fun but it does take some skill and lots of practice.
How to Build Ramps and Walls for Fingerboards
My kids love fingerboarding but after awhile, skating on regular surfaces around the house can get boring. You can buy ramps and accessories for fingerboarding but they can get pricey and sometimes it’s more fun to build your own anyway.
Here are some tips on how to build ramps and wall for fingerboards to help you perform the best jumps and tricks:
To build ramps- Cut a rectangle shape out of thick cardboard. Be sure it has enough room for you to move your fingerboard around inside. Now cut another rectangle in the same width as the first. The length will vary according to how long you want your ramp to be.
Tape the two pieces together and they will form an acute angle. Place the taped end upright on a flat surface and you have a basic ramp. Once you see how to make them, you can experiment with different sizes and lengths for your fingerboards.
We also like to paint and decorate ours for fun. You can use stickers, make your own graffiti designs or whatever you want your ramp to look like. This is all part of the fun of building them yourself.
To build vert walls- Empty cereal boxes work great for this. We first tear out the flaps from one end of the box. Next, cut the corner of the cereal box about 2/3 upward on the box like you’re going to cut the sides away from each other. Now each wall is a flap.
Next, push the box down from its top and make the flaps slide outward however far you want them to go until you reach the desired height for your wall. Now to keep them from moving, tape the flaps to another flat surface.
We also like decorating and painting our walls. You can use these simple parts that most people have around their home anyway or throw out with the trash and build your own fingerboarding skate park for hours of fun and entertainment.
We make a habit of saving old cardboard, empty cereal boxes and other cardboard parts to use them for fingerboarding ramps and walls. The kids have collected enough to have their own mini skate parks and sometimes building the ramps is as much fun as skating on them.
Best Skateboarding Magazines
We all know there are a lot of different skateboarding magazines out there but which ones are the best? While all publications have something to offer skaters of different skill levels, some have just exceeded the expectations and earned the reputation of one of the best.
Here are three of the best magazines for skateboarding available today:
- Slap Magazine – This magazine has won respect from everyone for its wonderfully illustrated periodicals. Not only do they have excellent writers that give you tons of information, but they have a crack team of photographers working with some of the best graphics of any skating magazine out there.
- Kingpin – Kingpin magazine is unique because of its location, which is Europe. In fact, it’s the only European-based skateboarding magazine offered today. Kingpin has been around since 2002 so they have some credibility as well. They work on stories that are relevant to the skaters that read it and include some images that rival others. One other perk? They produce their magazine in four languages!
- Skateboarder Magazine– Now let’s take a look at Skateboarder Magazine. This publication is probably the most well-known magazine for skateboarders. They follow all the biggest names in the industry, give you all the newest information about the top brands and include articles about some amazing up and coming skaters that will be making a name for themselves soon.
As you can see, different magazines offer different approaches to the skateboarding community and for this reason you may prefer a different magazine than your friends. If you prefer to see pictures of nearly impossible tricks shot in high quality, look towards Slap Magazine. If you speak another language more fluently, want a magazine tailored to the youth of skating or just want to see how things are done in another part of the world, then look for Kingpin.
If you want a magazine that stays at the top of the game with all the biggest and baddest pros, gives you a heads up on the newest products and talks about competitions that are well known, then you will most likely enjoy Skateboarder Magazine. If you want to get the best of all, then subscribe to several skateboarding magazines and stay up to date at all times.
How to Clean the Grip Tape on Your Skateboard
Skateboard maintenance is a very important part of being a responsible skateboarder. Maintenance will keep your board working for a lot longer and it also reduces the chance of injury while on your board. One thing you will notice about your skateboard is that the grip tape gets dirty. It just makes sense when the tape is where your feet will be when you’re on the board. So anything that your feet have stepped in, might just end up on your board.
In addition to just looking dirty, cleaning the grip tape on your skateboard is important to ensure it works properly. When it gets dirt, mud or debris on it, your feet can slip and you will not get the grip that is intended with it.
To clean your grip tape, you can use plain water or a window/glass cleaner like Windex. Here’s how to do it correctly:
Spray on the cleaner- Spray on the Windex or use a water bottle to spray plain water directly onto the dirty spots.
Scrub with a toothbrush-Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the area with circular motions.
Press dry- Use paper towels to press onto the tape to dry.
Don’t rub at the grip tape with the paper towels or they will pull apart and leave a mess all over the board. You can press the paper towels on for about five minutes to let them absorb the water and then remove them. Continue as needed until it is dried out.
Don’t just leave the grip tape wet because it might start to grow mold on your board and you will need to replace the grip tape, rather than just clean it. Make sure you don’t spray any Windex or water on the bolts or other parts of your board. You want to avoid getting the rest of the board wet.
It’s also a good idea to prevent dirt build up by wiping off your board with a cloth or soft brush after each time you ride it. Even if you just brush dirt off with your hands before you bring the board in, you will keep scuffs off the grip tape, helping it last longer for you.
Louie Baur Skating The 2011 Coastal Carnage Bowl
This looks like so much fun! Wish I was there with you Louie.
How to Put Together a Skateboard
Putting together your skateboard can be a little overwhelming at first but with a few simple steps, you can get through the process smoothly. Begin by clearing out a spot to work. Lay out all the parts so you can you inspect them to make sure you have everything. Your complete skateboard consists of four wheels, eight bolts and nuts, eight bearings, a pair of trucks, one deck and one grip sheet.
Once you’re sure you have everything, gather up your tools. You’ll need a socket wrench, a file, a knife and an Allen wrench or screwdriver, depending on which type of bolts you have. Now, you’re ready to put together your skateboard.
Step 1:
Place the deck on the floor with the graphics facing down. Peel off the backing of the grip sheet and stick it to the board so that the entire board is covered. As long as everything is covered, it can be crooked. (You will trim it later.)
Step 2:
Use the file to go around the outline of the board. This will create a line that will make it easier to trim off the excess grip. Use the knife to trim around the edges very carefully. Use your screwdriver to poke a hole through the grip for the hardware and you are ready to move on to the next step.
Step 3:
Install the trucks next. This is an important step. If you don’t do it correctly, you’ll have problems later (trucks can slip or if they are too tight, can affect handling of the board). Put the four bolts through the holes and the place the truck on the bolts and tighten. The kingpin is the main bolt that holds it all together. It needs to be facing inward. Repeat the process on the other side. When you’re finished, both kingpins should be facing each other.
Step 4:
Once you have installed the trucks, you’ll need to press the bearings into the wheels. Turn the board over on its side and remove the nut from the axle. Put one of the bearings on the axle and slide the wheel on. Press downward putting pressure on the wheel until the bearing pops into the wheel. Place two bearings in each wheel and if you need spacers, place it between the two bearings. Repeat this step until you have finished all four wheels. Finally, replace the nut.
Step 5:
Attach the wheels with the wrench. Make sure you tighten them securely so they won’t fall off, causing an accident. Your skateboard is now fully assembled and ready for a test run. Before skating, test the trucks and wheels to make sure they’re performing correctly. You may need to make a few adjustments and then you’re ready to ride.
How to Improve Your Skateboarding Style
In skateboarding, style is very important. You can learn all types of tricks but if you don’t have your own style, they won’t be as impressive. If you’re having trouble improving your style or just don’t know where to start, you’re in luck. The following tips can help you improve your skateboarding style so you can get the most from the sport.
The first step is to determine what style you want to use. If you’re not sure, watch some skating videos to learn a few different ones. Then, try them out until you find one you’re comfortable using. After choosing a style, you can begin implementing it to your own skating.
Be Comfortable Skating
Before you can improve your style, you need to feel comfortable skating. This means that you must be comfortable with your board. There are many different types of skateboards designed for different types of skaters. For example, the concave (how much the board curves in from the sides to the middle) will vary considerably in the boards.
You need to find the one that suits you the best. You also need to adjust the trucks to suit you. Some skaters like them tight and others prefer them loose. Adjust yours until you feel the most comfortable. You want to have proper control of your board.
Learn Control
Learn how to control your board. If you expect to maintain a style, you need to be able to control how your board moves even when you’re popping a high trick. If the board gets away from you, it’s going to leave you wobbling around trying to get it back under control and style will be last thing on your mind.
In order to have control, you need good balance. Good balance requires you to lean your body in different directions to prevent yourself from falling. For example, if you’re falling forward, lean backwards until you maintain balance. Bending your needs will help to absorb the shock of the board when you do tricks, which will also help you improve your balance.
Master Your Technique before Showing Off
Before performing a trick for others, learn how to do it correctly. You may still mess up occasionally but you should be able to do it right the majority of the time in order to do it with style. Now, the only thing that’s left to do is practice, practice and practice some more.
76-year Old Skateboarder Began at Age 65
Llyod Kahn is proving that you are never too old to love skateboarding. He tells the San Francisco Gate that he never goes anywhere without two or three skateboards and safety gear in the back of his truck. Kahn, the owner of Shelter Publications in Bolinas, talks to SFGate about how he took up skateboarding and what it really means to him.
In this interview, he admits that he tried out the skateboard of his son’s friend at the age of 65 and became hooked. He loves it most because it’s fun and he enjoys riding downhill. While he doesn’t ride in skate parks or perform tricks, he appreciates skating for what it is.
Says Kahn, “I think it’s good for the brain to be learning a new skill at my age. Good also for balance and coordination. There’s also the element of danger or pain if I screw up, so it makes me pay attention.”
Sports Zone Media 