As of 2010, extreme sports contests showcase skateboarding as one of the main events. California surfers created skateboarding as a leisure activity in the early 1950's. Since then, skateboarding has broken into various genres, including half-pipe and street. The features of the modern skateboard allow you to withstand the high impact of tricks and maneuvers.
Skateboard Deck
The deck refers to the wooden component of the skateboard. The deck consists of various sheets of paper-thin ply. The layers of ply are fastened together using a heavy-duty adhesive. The ends of the deck are rounded and given a concave shape. According to the Transworld Skateboarding website Buyer's Guide, the skateboard deck ranges in width from 7.5 to 8.5 inches. Skateboarders with large feet prefer wider decks for increased stability. The deck commonly has a length of around 30 inches.
Wheels
The skateboard wheel features a urethane composition. Skateboard wheels offer a lightweight-yet-durable design. Skateboarders use the wheels as the braking mechanism. Sliding your wheels across the pavement will slow the momentum of your skateboard. Street wheels vary in size from around 52 to 56 millimeters. Larger wheels remain ideal for ramp riding, because they help to add needed weight to the skateboard. Skateboard wheels come in a variety of colors and often feature graphics.
Bearings
Each skateboard wheel houses two ball bearings. The ball bearings feature a plastic shield that helps to protect against moisture and residue. According to the Bones Bearings website, most skateboarding bearings receive a speed rating from the Annular Bearing Engineers Committee. Bearings with a high ABEC rating can reach breakneck speeds down steep hills. Skateboard bearings feature a metallic body as well as a cage that holds the internal balls in place. Customize your skateboard with a set of colored bearings.
Trucks
The skateboard features two metal trucks fastened onto the underside of the deck. The trucks function to hold the skateboard wheels in place. Skateboarding trucks usually feature an aluminum composition. The kingpin of the skateboard trucks are surrounded with a pair of circular bushings. The Know How To Skateboard website explains that bushings often have a soft rubber design. The bushings help to absorb the impact of tricks and prevent the wooden skateboard deck from cracking.
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