Are you looking to venture into the exhilarating world of skateboarding? Understanding the core components of a skateboard is crucial for every beginner who wants to master this dynamic sport.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of skateboard wheels, skateboard trucks, and complete skateboards to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to hit the pavement confidently.
The Foundation of a Good Ride: Understanding Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks are the metal T-shaped components that mount onto the underside of a skateboard deck, attaching to the wheels. They are pivotal for the steering and control of your skateboard. The trucks’ tightness or looseness dictates the skateboard’s responsiveness to turns and tricks. For beginners, it’s essential to start with trucks that are not too tight or too loose, allowing for a balance of stability and manoeuvrability.
Additionally, the size of the trucks must match the width of your deck to avoid imbalance. The wrong size could completely throw off your ride, making it awkward to control. Therefore, when choosing skateboard trucks, always consider the width of your deck and your individual riding style.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels
Wheels are more than just the rolling component of your skateboard; they define your skateboarding experience. Skateboard wheels come in various sizes and hardness levels, measured in durometer. Larger wheels are ideal for faster speeds and smoother surfaces, while smaller wheels offer more control and are better suited for street skating and tricks.
The durometer affects the grip and shock absorption of the wheels. Softer wheels (lower durometer) better absorb the irregularities of the road and resonate less vibration, making them perfect for cruising. Conversely, harder wheels (higher durometer) provide better slideability and are favoured for technical street skating.
Finding the right balance between wheel size and hardness can significantly affect your ability to perform tricks and maintain comfort during your ride.
Finding the Perfect Complete Skateboard
For those who prefer a ready-to-ride option, complete skateboards are the go-to. These skateboards come with all the components pre-assembled, allowing beginners to bypass the hassle of individual part selection. While complete skateboards are a great starting point, it’s important to ensure that the quality and specifications match the rider’s intended use.
Whether you prefer to cruise, hit the skate parks, or train on street terrain, there’s a complete skateboard that caters to your needs. Most complete skateboards provide a good balance of quality trucks, wheels, and deck to get you started. However, as you progress, you may want to customise your skateboard by upgrading specific parts to better suit your evolving style and ability.
Decks: The Canvas of Your Skateboard
The deck is essentially the platform of your skateboard and dictates everything from your balance to your ability to perform tricks. The width of the skateboard deck should align with your skateboarding style and shoe size. Wider decks (above 8 inches) offer more stability, which is beneficial for vert skating or big ramps. Narrower decks (under 8 inches) provide more precision and easier flip tricks, ideal for technical street skating.
Furthermore, the concave of the deck – the curvature from side to side – helps secure your feet and provides better control when performing tricks. A deeper concave equates to more secure foot placement, which can be preferable for more aggressive skating styles.
Sizing It All Up
Every component of your skateboard must work in harmony, and sizing is essential for finding this balance. This is not purely about the dimensions but also encompasses the compatibility of your trucks, wheels, and deck. Opting for components that complement each other ensures a smoother ride and optimum performance.
Selecting the correct size also resonates with the skateboarder’s body dimensions and skill level. Younger or shorter riders may benefit from narrower decks and smaller wheels, while taller riders might need wider decks with larger wheels for better control.
Building Durability
No one wants their skateboarding progression halted by broken components. Hence, it’s vital to invest in quality parts right from the start. Premium quality trucks can withstand the rigours of skateboarding, and high-grade wheels can resist wear and tear better, providing prolonged enjoyment and less frequent replacements.
Beginners should seek balance between cost and quality when it comes to their first skateboard. Complete skateboards are often a cost-effective approach, allowing newcomers to the sport to save money while gauging their interest and commitment level before investing in more specialised parts.
Accessorising Your Skateboard
Beyond the basics of trucks, wheels, and decks, numerous accessories can enhance your skateboarding experience. These include bearings for the wheels, griptape for the deck surface, and hardware like bolts and nuts. Each plays a role in the functionality and customisation of your skateboard, allowing for a more personalised and comfortable ride.
The key takeaway for every beginner skateboarder is to not rush the process. Take the time to research, understand the essentials, and get to grips with the basics of skateboarding mechanics. Remember, whether you’re practicing ollies in your driveway or dropping into a half-pipe at the local skatepark, it all starts with the fundamentals – the wheels, the trucks, and the board itself.
So, arm yourself with knowledge, pick your skateboard, and be prepared to carve, cruise, and kickflip your way into skateboarding proficiency!
