Have you ever wondered about the best ways to store your skateboard? Taking care of your skateboard is crucial to ensure both longevity and peak performance whenever you hit the streets, ramps, or skateparks. While riding skills and techniques are often the focus, storage is an aspect that plays a vital role in preserving your board’s integrity over time.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Skateboard Storage
Before diving into methods, it’s essential to comprehend why proper storage matters. Your skateboard is exposed to various elements over time—weather conditions, humidity, and physical wear and tear—that can impact its durability and performance. Proper storage helps in protecting your investment and keeps your skateboard ready for your next thrilling ride.
The Effect of Humidity on Your Skateboard
Humidity can be a silent destroyer. Just like how it affects wooden furniture, excessive humidity can lead to warping your deck, loosening adhesive tapes, and even rusting the metal components. Keeping your skateboard in an indoor environment with controlled humidity should be a priority.
The Impact of Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme temperatures can cause havoc on your skateboard components. Too much heat may soften the board adhesives, while cold can make them brittle. Ideally, you should aim to store your skateboard in a location with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Safety and Maintenance
Implementing proper storage is not just about the skateboard’s health but also about safety. Tripping over a skateboard left in a precarious spot can lead to injuries and damages around your home. Well-organized storage solutions also make maintenance tasks more accessible and efficient.
Various Storage Methods for Your Skateboard
With the understanding of why storage is important, let’s move onto exploring some practical storage options. Depending on your space, aesthetic preferences, and how frequently you skate, different methods might suit you better.
Wall Mounts
Wall mounts are a fantastic way to store your skateboard, keeping it off the ground and away from potential damage. Besides protecting your skateboard, wall mounts can turn your skateboard into a piece of modern art in your room. Ensuring your skateboard is securely mounted is key to prevent it from falling and getting damaged.
How to Choose a Wall Mount
When selecting a wall mount, it’s essential to consider the size of your skateboard and the space on your wall. Options range from simple hooks to more elaborate brackets that hold your skateboard securely. Look for mounts that are easy to install and can be adjusted according to your board’s shape and size.
Racks
Skateboard racks offer a stylish and practical storage solution, especially if you have multiple boards. They come in various styles, from freestanding to mounted versions, offering both utility and aesthetic appeal.
Types of Racks
- Freestanding Racks: Ideal for skateboarders with limited wall space; they are easy to move and can accommodate multiple boards.
- Wall-Mounted Racks: Save floor space and are great for organizing multiple boards vertically.
Choosing the right rack involves considering how many boards you need to store and the amount of space you have available.
Skateboard Bags
If space is at a premium or you need a portable solution, skateboard bags are an excellent option. These bags protect your skateboard from the elements should you need to transport or store your board temporarily.
Advantages of Skateboard Bags
Skateboard bags often come with extra features like straps and pockets for carrying additional accessories. They offer protection against scratches and keep everything consolidated, eliminating the chance of misplacing items.
Storage on Shelves
Another practical option is to store your skateboard on a shelf. You can place it horizontally or vertically, depending on the space you have. Shelves provide an organized manner of keeping your skateboard along with accessories like helmets and safety gear.
Best Practices for Using Shelves
- Ensure the shelf is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the skateboard and any additional items.
- Utilize non-slip mats or holders to keep the skateboard from rolling off accidentally.
Ceiling Hooks
For those with very limited floor and wall space, ceiling hooks offer an innovative storage solution. You can hang your skateboard by its trucks to keep it out of the way yet easily accessible.
Setting Up Ceiling Hooks
Proper installation is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness. Make sure to use sturdy hooks and find beams that can support the weight of your skateboard to avoid accidents.
Keeping Your Skateboard Clean While Stored
Once you’ve chosen the best storage method, it’s vital to keep your skateboard clean before putting it away. Dirt and grime can accelerate wear and tear. A clean skateboard is a healthy skateboard.
Cleaning Your Deck
Regularly clean your skateboard deck using a damp cloth to remove grime and dust. Make sure to dry it thoroughly to avoid any potential damage from moisture.
Maintaining Metal Components
Metal parts such as trucks and bearings require regular maintenance, too. Check for any signs of rust and apply lubricant where necessary to keep things running smoothly.
Organizing Your Skateboard Accessories
When you have a dedicated space for your skateboard, why not expand it to involve your accessories? Keeping everything organized ensures that you’re always ready for your next skate session.
Helmet and Safety Gear Storage
Consider adding hooks or bins near your skateboard storage for helmets, knee pads, and other essential safety gear. Keeping these items together not only makes them easier to find but reinforces good safety habits by reminding you to gear up before skating.
Storage Table Example
| Accessory Type | Recommended Storage Solution |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Wall hooks or a dedicated shelf |
| Knee/Elbow Pads | Storage bins or drawers |
| Skating Shoes | Shoe rack or basket |
| Tools and Spare Parts | Tool rack or small storage boxes |
Tool and Spare Part Organization
Having a dedicated toolbox or small storage boxes for spare parts like screws, bearings, and other tools can make maintenance tasks more efficient. Labeling each box can assist in quick access when needed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to store your skateboard will depend on your specific needs, space availability, and personal preference. Whether you choose a wall mount, rack, bag, or shelf, each method offers its own set of benefits that help in prolonging the life of your skateboard while keeping your space organized and safe. Remember, careful storage is key to maintaining your skateboard’s performance, ensuring every ride is as exciting as the first. Taking some time to set up an organized storage solution today will save you from hassle and potential damages tomorrow.
