BMX / Skateboarding

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Skateboarding Accessories

Skateboarding isn’t just a hobby, it isn’t just a sport, it’s a culture – a whole way of life. Ever since Marty McFly hitched a tow on the back of the truck on his way to school in Back to the Future, kids have been practising their skateboarding, and what about those hover boards?? It’s all about style, but it’s also about balance, and if it don’t come naturally to you, you’d better have plenty of band-aid ready. . .

Skateboarding these days is big business, with loads of different skateboarding accessories available so that you can be sure that your board is rolling free, designed for your lifestyle and ready for action at all times.

Skateboarding Accessories

Skateboard Decks: come in loads of different designs, you don’t have to buy your skateboard ready made you know, you can design your own with the deck, wheels etc. Skateboard designs do differ depending on whether you’re a trick rider or just use it for everyday transportation (yeh, right!!) – anyway, skateboard decks are a really good place to start. It’s the big part which everyone sees for starters, you know, the bit you stand on. There are loads of really snazzy designs available, – skulls, wacky ones, cartoon ones, and super cool ones,  just make sure that the surface is nicely gripped so your feet don’t slide around – that would be so uncool!

Skateboard Longboard Gear: these are kind of like surfboards (or snowboard) fitted with wheels to travel across the ground at high speeds. They’re generally used for downhill racing events, cruising, slaloms, that sort of thing.  Longboards generally measure anywhere between 35 an 60 inches (wow, that’s 5′m that is a longboard). They come in different shapes, which are suitable for different events – pintails (give you a surf-rider feeling), flat-nose riders, or some of them are shaped similar to a conventional skateboard. They’re built more for speed than tricks (they’re a bit too big and heavy for lots of events) but are very popular nevertheless.

Skateboard Re-Issue Decks: are available for anyone who likes a skateboard with a “retro” feel. Do you remember the boards of the 70′s and 80′s, well, you can have a skateboard re-issue deck from those times, it’s just like stepping back in time, just remember, you’re not as young as you were then – and people who are thirty or forty years older don’t bounce so well as they used to – keep on reading to see what safety equipment you really do need, in fact, you’d better have the paramedics standing by until you get the hang of it . . .

Skateboard Completes: if you’re not quite so sure what you want from your skateboard, you know, not one of these people who like to design their own thing, don’t worry, because there are thousands of complete skateboards available, there’s sure to be something to catch your eye. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, with different types of wheels, bearings etc. etc. etc. Buying a complete skateboard is the perfect way to enter the weird, wacky and wonderful world of skateboarding.

Skateboard Hardware: to get the best performance out of your skateboard, you need to ensure that it’s maintained to a high standard. I know, there doesn’t seem to be much to it, you don’t even have to pump up the tires like you do on a bicycle, but you might be surprised at the hardware available to keep your skateboard running sweet. There are a few basic essentials which every skateboarder needs at their disposal - bolts (for if your wheels get wobbly), griptape (to help keep you on your feet), tools (for those quick little adjustments), training aids (yes, little bits and pieces which can help you to learn those new tricks, learn to Ollie with a wheelbone for example).

Skateboard Trucks: not the things which Marty McFly hung onto, these skateboard trucks are actually the bits which attach the deck to the wheels. They come in different axle widths (go for a truck which is about the same width as your deck), and can be adjusted to make turning easier, or for more stability, depending on your skill and requirements.

Skateboard Wheels: these are generally manufactured from polyurethane, and are available in different sizes and shapes. The shape and size you choose depends on the type of skateboarding you do. Larger wheels go faster, and are better for going over uneven ground, you know, pavement cracks and stuff, smaller wheels keep the skateboard lower which lowers the center of gravity but go a bit slower – small wheels and light trucks are better for doing kickflips and such like, if that’s your thing.

Skateboard Safety Gear: skateboarding is great fun, but it’s also fraught with danger and you really shouldn’t attempt to do anything without some basic safety gear.

• Helmet – The most important part of the safety gear is the helmet, you only get one head and falling off a skateboard is very easy, even for the most experienced boarders. It should be securely fastened all of the time, and should fit correctly. It’s no use having a helmet which moves around as your head moves. Make sure that you buy a proper skateboarding helmet which is designed specifically for the job, the front of the skateboard helmet should be pretty low (lower than many bicycle helmets) and be only around a finger’s width above your eyebrows. If you do have an accident and your helmet has an impact it must be replaced, even if it looks okay.
• Knee and Elbow Pads – aren’t just for kids, they’re for grown up kids too. Especially in the beginning when you are trying to find your balance on 4 small wobbly wheels, you are going to come a cropper many times, and knee and elbow pads which are securely fastened will save you from many cuts and scrapes.
• Gloves and wrist guards – instinctively, if you are about to take a fall, what do you do? You put your hands out for protection don’t you? But don’t forget that your hands and wrists need protection too. Grazed knuckles can be very painful and make life very uncomfortable for a long time.

Skateboard Tshirts: Skaters are a stylish bunch, and they are proud of their pastime – so very often they like to wear skateboard t-shirts, even when they’re not on their skateboard. Skateboard t-shirts are available in every size imaginable, with thousands of different designs – go on, be proud, tell the world you’re a skater by having it emblazoned across your chest.

Skateboarding Clothing: Skateboarders have developed a style all of their own. You know the traditional “skater-boy” – with their pants about 4 sizes too big (when I was a child that was so that you could “grow into them”, these days they do it on purpose), of course, the crutch must be somewhere around the knee area and you should have at least 3 inches of your underwear showing around your midriff. Skater shoes are big, loud and comfortable, a baseball cap worn the wrong way around is cool (not while you’re riding though, although some people do wear their helmets over their caps). Now then, don’t worry if you’re not 10 years old and don’t want to wear this stuff, there’s a whole range of great gear available for grown ups too, but remember, be loud and proud.

Skateboard Displays: Skateboarding displays are great fun, but the one problem is, they make it look so easy don’t they? If you’re interested in skateboarding or just fancy a day out, then a high profile skateboard display is always a great way to spend a few hours. You might pick up a few tips too, but remember, “don’t try this at home” – not without an ambulance standing by anyway.

Skateboard Pre-Order Products: If you’re a real skateboarding enthusiast and have the necessary time under your belt and experience to know exactly what you want in the latest skateboarding equipment, then you might have to pre-order. That way you’ll be sure to be the first on the street with the latest innovative designs – a bit of a trend setter if you please.

Skateboard Accessories: Now every girl knows that the way to a really classic outfit is to accessorize – and to remember that less is more, but in the skateboarding world this isn’t too much different. There are so many different skateboarding accessories available that you can’t possibly use them all, but just to choose one or two stickers, the right type of wax for free running, and maybe a trendy back-pack to carry your lunch, and you really will stand out from the crowd.

Skateboard Backpacks: Ah backpacks, I’ve just given those a brief mention. Okay, let’s look at skateboard backpacks in a little more detail. Don’t worry if you’re still at the “up and down the driveway” stage, but once you get out and about with the real skating community, a skateboard backpack is essential. You need to carry all of your essentials without hampering your ability to ride the wheels . . .  There is also a great range of skateboard backpacks which are designed to easily transport your skateboard from place to place. When you can’t be wheeling, pop it on your back.

Skateboard Bags: Are another handy way to transport your skateboard from place to place. There are loads of different cool styles and designs available so you’re sure to find something which suits your style just perfectly.

Skateboard Banners: if you, or someone you know lives, eats and breathes skateboarding, then there are some great skateboard banners which are fantastic for a little bedroom decoration etc.  They are available in lots of different sizes (to make sure that they fit on your wall) and you can adorn your room with banners and posters of your favorite skateboarding champion, they might even inspire you to great things. They make good gifts too, for the skateboarders who have everything else!

Skateboard Shoes: are unmistakable, in fact, they’re extremely popular even with those people who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground. They’re big, they’re heavy, they’re loud and they’re comfortable. One of the most important features of a good skateboard shoe is that they’re non-slip! Loads of different designer brands are available – Vans probably being the most common.  Oh, and it’s considered cool not to tie the laces, just push them inside the shoe and have your feet slopping about – but that’s not probably safe when you’re riding your skateboard.

Skateboard Books: a quick search on Amazon or similar, and you’ll soon discover that there are loads of skateboard books available, all claiming to help you master the art of skateboarding. Books of Tricks, Streetstyle, How Not to Kill Yourself on a Skateboard – it ought to be compulsory to read some of these before you’re let loose.

Skateboard DVDs: Reading is a great way to learn, but watching a DVD can really demonstrate how to do things so clearly. There are some fantastic DVD’s showing all of the tricks of the trade, learning how to start, how to fly, or maybe you just want to marvel at some of the experts. Some of these skateboarders (well, most of them) are absolutely awesome.

Skateboard Magazines: Like to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world of skateboarding, well then, you need to subscribe to a skateboard magazine.  You’ll get all of the latest info on your favorites, photos, news, reviews,  interviews and details of up and coming events.

Skateboard Misc Items: Skateboard fanatics aren’t content with having the best skateboard, the coolest gear and the best information, they’re also hungry for a whole host of other skateboard related items. Skateboard jewelry, keychains, hip flasks, sunglasses, wristbands – some skateboarders just can’t get enough of ‘em.

Skateboard Patches: Fancy customizing some of your stuff in the skateboarding style. There are some great (and some quite scary) patches which you can buy to fix to your favorite jacket, pants, t-shirts, shirts. Time to get stitchin’ (or ask your Mom).

Skateboard Stickers: Stickers are probably the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to transform your skateboard into something unique. There are thousands of designs available for you so get “stuck in”, sorry, couldn’t help myself.

Skateboard Wallets: You need somewhere to keep your cash for when you fancy an ice-cream or a bottle of soda don’t you? Well, any respectable skateboarder will keep their cash in a skateboard wallet.  They’re often adorned with the logo of your favorite skateboard manufacturer, and don’t cost the earth so you should have a little cash left over to put into them.