Avid surfers, skateboarders and snowboarders commonly utilize a balance board to improve their riding skills and ankle strength. The balance board has a simple design consisting of a flat board that sits on top of a round cylinder. The balance boarder must center his weight over the cylinder as it rolls back and forth to maintain a balanced stance. Purchasing a professionally built balance board can cost upward of $100 as of 2010. Creating your own balance board at home remains an inexpensive way to help improve your balancing and riding skills.
Step 1
Place your old or lightly used wooden skateboard deck onto a level surface. Measure the width of your skateboard deck using the measuring tape. Cut out two pieces from the 2-by-4 lumber using the circular saw that have a length that corresponds with the width of your skateboard deck.
Step 2
Locate the eight holes running through the skateboard deck. Place one of the 2-by-4 pieces horizontally under each set of holes located near the front and back of the skateboard deck. Drill a 1-inch screw through each hole and into the 2-by-4 pieces as these will act as the stoppers of your homemade balance board.
Step 3
Flip the skateboard deck to guarantee none of the screws went through the bottom of the 2-by-4 pieces. Empty the contents of your plastic 2-liter bottle. Insert a paper towel into the 2-liter bottle to remove any excess moisture. Pour sand into the plastic 2-liter bottle until completely full.
Step 4
Tighten the cap of the 2-liter bottle as this will act as the roller for your homemade balance board. Place your newly made balance board roller sideways onto a flat carpeted surface. Lay your balance board on top of the roller with the stoppers on either side.
Step 5
Step onto your new balance board and lean forward and backward to ensure the stoppers catch the 2-liter roller. Practice on top of your new balance board to increase your balance and improve your riding skills.
Things You'll Need
- Skateboard deck
- Measuring tape
- 2-by-4 piece of lumber
- Circular saw
- Electric drill
- Box of 1-inch screws
- 2-liter bottle
- Bag of sand
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