Skateboarding is not just a sport, it is a true expression and art. Its practice has grown beyond a simple fad that is slowly evolving from the status of a toy to that of sports equipment. It is also one of the favorite means of transportation for teenagers. If some people practice it just for fun, others do it as a competitive sport. In any case, proper equipment is required to practice safely and comfortably. In this article, learn how to choose the type of skateboard that’s right for your level, how you’ll use it, and your goals.
Different Components of a Skateboard
A skateboard, no matter the type, is a board that is covered with gummed paper, rests on the sole of a shoe, and comes with a pair of trucks. The popskate.com website offers a variety of patterns to customize your skateboard to your liking. The main component of a skateboard is the board. The choice of this element is not limited to its aesthetics or displayed design.It is necessary to take into account its varying width Between 7.4 and 9.5 inches。 For children, choose a board around 7.5 inches. For standard riders, you can opt for an 8.0 plate for added stability and utility. Concavity is also an important criterion for selecting panels.Between skates with strong, medium or light concavity, we recommend a concave or shallow concave For starters. Another thing to consider are the wheels, which are usually made of polyurethane. Wheel size, width and stiffness vary by model.
- For street skaters, choose 49 to 51mm wheels, which are more technical and more responsive.
- For pool skaters and slope riders, wheels larger than 55mm will help with riding speed and stability.
- For seasoned street performers, choose a 52-55mm wheel.
Bearings and trucks are also factors to consider when buying a skateboard. The truck depends on the size of the board if choosing the bearings is based on your budget.
Different Types of Skateboards
There are three main types of skateboards. They feature trays, wheels, and of course, their purpose. We distinguish between:
- Figure skateboard, the most famous and best-selling model. It features a solid wooden platform, a truck that’s strong and adjustable to the type of practice you’re doing, and its fairly small and stiff wheels allow for a gliding figure. It also has full board grip, and a standard tail and nose. This type of board is suitable for the streets, ramps and going to the skate park.
- Longboards are models dedicated to descending and riding. This is the longest and heaviest skateboard. Its wooden deck is very strong, and the truck is wide and stable.
- The Cruiser is a small board that is great for riding around town. It is admired for its ease of handling, strength and lightness. In wood or plastic, its top ensures flexibility and reactivity.