Skateboarding is a relatively inexpensive physical activity that has gained popularity in past years. While it does have a reputation for being dangerous, you can minimize the risk of injury by wearing protective padding, skating in designated areas and keeping your skateboard in good condition, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Additionally, skateboarding can improve cardiovascular fitness, overall strength and flexibility.
The only things really necessary for skateboarding are the skateboard itself and a safe place to use it. The standard street skateboard is 30 to 33 inches long and 7 to 9 inches wide. It is usually made from seven-ply hard Canadian maple. Mounted to the underside of the board are trucks, which contain the axles where the wheels attach.
What to Look for
When buying a skateboard, the most important thing to consider is the width of the board. Aside from width, most boards are about the same. If you are on the shorter side, or close to 5 feet tall, you need a board less than 8 inches wide. If you are closer to 6 feet tall, your board should be at least 8 inches wide. The right board will feel comfortable and proportionate when you stand on it.
Another thing to consider is which trucks to pair with your board. Trucks come in different widths. A wider truck creates a shorter turning radius and a more stable surface to land on. A thinner truck is lighter, which makes it easier to do tricks. Also, if you grind with your board--grinding is sliding along an edge (such as a curb, bench or rail) using your trucks instead of your wheels or deck--then you need to make sure that the main bolt in the truck doesn't stick up over the grinding surface. This will cause you to stick or stop completely when grinding.
Also important are the wheels that you put on your board. Wheels come in various sizes and levels of hardness. For street skateboarding, choose a small, hard wheel no larger than 55 millimeters. If you plan on jumping ramps or are looking for speed, then buy a larger hard wheel that is between 55 and 65 millimeters. You can expect to spend around $50 on the board itself and $135 to $150 once it is fully assembled with the trucks and wheels.
Common Pitfalls
For safety reasons, avoid buying a cheap mass-produced skateboard, such as the ones found in toy stores and superstores. These boards will be poorly made and have trucks and wheels that break easily. Also, these boards cannot be upgraded, so if one part breaks, then you will have to replace the entire thing. Instead, buy a moderately priced skateboard from a skate shop or sporting goods store. These boards can come in a complete form but are customizable, which allows you to replace parts if they break or upgrade parts as your skills improve.
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