The front end of the skateboard is often referred to as the nose. Compared to the skateboards used by old school riders in the 1970s, the modern skateboard features an elevated nose that aids in aerial tricks. The concave nose was developed during the early 1980s and has helped the sport of skateboarding to progress.
Identification
Before stepping onto your skateboard for the first time, you will need to identify the nose. Hold the skateboard sideways to examine the shape of the board. The end of the skateboard that features the steepest incline is the nose. Rotate the skateboard until the nose of the deck points in the direction you want to roll. Align your lead foot over the four bolts located a few inches from the nose of the skateboard deck.
Shape
While certain skaters prefer a nose that features a steep incline, others opt for a board that has a nose with a mellow slope. Professional skateboarder David Gonzalez recommends a mellow nose for technical street skateboarding maneuvers that involve grinding down ledges and handrails. Skateboarders who enjoy riding on large inclined ramps often choose a board that features a flattened tail. The flat tail allows you to keep your feet positioned over the board during aerial tricks.
Construction
Compared to the middle and rear section of the skateboard deck, the nose is often constructed with similar materials. The nose of the skateboard deck generally features a maple or mahogany design. Numerous layers of paper-thin ply are glued together to form the curved shape of the nose. To prevent the nose from breaking, certain companies have equipped the nose with special features. Top-quality skateboard decks feature a nose that has been reinforced with a thin layer of carbon fiber.
Function
The nose of the skateboard allows you to perform nollie and switch trick variations. According to the skateboarding professionals at The Berrics, the nollie involves pushing the nose of the skateboard against the ground while jumping vertically. When setting up for a nollie trick, align your lead foot on the nose of the board with your back foot toward the middle of the deck. To execute a switch trick, align your non-dominant foot on the nose while rolling backwards.
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