Have you ever wondered what you truly need to start skateboarding, especially when faced with a dizzying array of gear and accessories available today? Skateboarding is more than just a thrilling sport—it’s a culture, a community, and a personal expression. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience under your belt, understanding the essential gear and accessories can make all the difference in your skating experience, safety, and growth.
Understanding Skateboard Basics
Before jumping into accessories, it’s crucial to know the fundamental components that make up a skateboard. This clarity helps not just in buying the right items but also in maintaining them.
The Skateboard Deck
The deck is the flat board you stand on, made from layers of wood—typically maple. Decks come in various sizes and shapes, with width being one of the most important aspects for performance. A wider deck offers more stability, which is great for beginners or those focusing on vert skating. Meanwhile, a narrower deck is more agile, suitable for street skaters.
Trucks
Trucks are the T-shaped pieces that mount onto the bottom of your deck and hold the wheels. They are essential for turning and are typically made from metal. The width of the trucks should closely match the width of the deck. It’s important to consider the truck height, too—low trucks are great for grind tricks, while high trucks help prevent wheel bite in carving and turns.
Wheels
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and hardness levels. Larger wheels (above 55mm) are ideal for ramp skating as they provide more speed, whereas smaller wheels (50-54mm) suit technical street skating that involves flips and maneuvers. The durometer scale measures wheel hardness, with softer wheels (78A) providing more grip and smoother rides over cracks, and harder wheels (101A) offering a faster ride on smooth surfaces.
Bearings
Bearings enable the wheels to spin smoothly. Typically made of steel, good quality bearings contribute significantly to the efficiency of your ride. Bearings are rated using the ABEC scale, with higher numbers like ABEC 9 giving a smoother ride, though for most recreational skating ABEC 5 or 7 is sufficient.
Grip Tape
Grip tape is a gritty, sandpaper-like layer applied to the top of the deck. It ensures your feet do not slip as you perform tricks or turns. Choosing a quality grip tape is crucial for safety and control.
Essential Skateboarding Gear
While the skateboard itself is crucial, there are other key pieces of gear that ensure safety and extend your skating lifespan.
Helmet
Your brain is one of the most important parts of your body to protect. A certified skate helmet fits snugly around your head, providing maximum protection against impacts. Look for helmets that meet safety certifications such as CPSC, ASTM, or Snell for guaranteed safety.
Knee and Elbow Pads
While you’ll always focus on not falling, wipeouts are an integral part of skating. Knee and elbow pads offer essential protection to prevent serious injuries during these falls. Focus on pads that are comfortable, non-restrictive, and highly durable, preferably with a hard outer shell for better impact resistance.
Wrist Guards
Wrist injuries are common in skating, typically occurring when you catch yourself during a fall. Wrist guards support your wrists, reducing the risk of sprains or fractures. A quality wrist guard has a stiff plastic brace on the palm side to protect against impact.
Skate Shoes
Wearing appropriate skate shoes can tremendously improve your grip, control over the board, and overall comfort. Skate shoes often have flat soles, padded collars, and additional toe protection. Brands like Vans, Etnies, and DC are popular among skaters for their specialized designs catering to skateboarding needs.
Optional yet Beneficial Accessories
Beyond the essentials, various accessories can greatly enhance your skateboarding journey. They might not be necessary for everyone, but they can definitely make riding more convenient and enjoyable.
Skate Tool
A multitasking tool that suits your skateboard’s maintenance needs is a wise investment. A skate tool often includes a wrench, screwdriver, and other fittings necessary to adjust trucks, change wheels, or even replace bearings.
Backpack or Gear Bag
A practical backpack or skate bag can be incredibly helpful for transporting your equipment effortlessly. Look for those with straps to secure your board and compartments to store pads, tools, and a water bottle.
Riser Pads
Riser pads go between the deck and trucks, adding extra height to prevent wheel bite. They can be especially useful if you prefer bigger wheels or frequently ride on uneven terrain.
Tail Devil or Spark Plate
These fun accessories are for the daredevils. A Tail Devil is a metal plate fitted under the tail of the skateboard that creates sparks when doing tricks involving the tail hitting the ground. It sure adds some flair to your tricks!
Maintenance and Care
Keeping your gear in optimal condition is equally essential. Regular maintenance prevents accidents and prolongs the life of your equipment.
Cleaning Bearings
Periodically cleaning and lubricating your bearings can prevent wear and ensure a smooth ride. Use a bearing cleaner and lubricant specifically designed for skateboards, avoiding solvents that might damage the materials.
Inspecting Trucks
Ensure that the bolts and nuts on your trucks are tight. Loose trucks could lead to wobbles, which may cause falls. Conversely, trucks that are too tight can restrict maneuverability.
Checking Deck and Grip Tape
Look for signs of wear or damage on your deck, such as chips or splinters. Replace or repair issues quickly to maintain your board’s integrity. For grip tape, regular wiping with a damp cloth removes accumulated dirt and preserves its gritty texture.
Advancing to New Levels
As you become more skilled and adventurous, you may find a desire to explore specific types of skateboarding that might call for additional equipment.
Longboarding
If transitioning to longboarding, consider different deck shapes like pintails or drop-throughs, which are designed for stability and cruising.
Advanced Tricks
Skaters focusing on technical tricks might experiment with different wheel sizes or even specialized trucks designed for grinding on rails.
Skateboarding Culture and Community
Embracing skateboarding gear is also about joining a vibrant culture. Whether at a local skate park, attending competitions, or engaging online, equipment ties you to a community rich in creativity and passion.
Skate Park Etiquette
When visiting a skate park, understanding and following certain unwritten rules ensures a harmonious experience. Respect personal spaces, take turns, and help out fellow skaters when needed.
Joining Skateboarding Groups
Finding clubs or groups to join can enhance your learning curve. There are several online forums and groups where enthusiasts gather to share experiences, tips, and invite others to events or casual meet-ups.
Conclusion
Understanding the essential skateboarding gear and accessories is your gateway to not only ensuring safety and comfort but also fully immersing yourself in the culture. Each piece of equipment, from your trusty helmet to the skateboard deck, contributes to the dynamic experience that skating offers. Your journey in skateboarding will evolve, and so will your gear needs. Stay curious, stay safe, and enjoy every ride!