In this category, we will discuss equipment and accessories used in skateboarding, an action sport that involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard.
Skateboarding is often considered an extreme sport, although it can also be a recreational activity or a mode of transportation. Like many sports or activities categorized as extreme sports, it isn't necessarily performed to the extreme.
To many skateboarding enthusiasts, skateboarding is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle, a mode of transportation, and an art form.
The primary piece of equipment in skateboarding is the skateboard itself, which consists of a deck (the board), trucks, wheels, and bearings. Typically, a skateboard is made of a 7-8 ply maple plywood deck, with polyurethane wheels attached to the underside by a pair of skateboarding trucks. While various styles are available, the deck is generally concaved to perform tricks, and the shape of the board is important to its overall performance.
There are two main types of skateboards: longboards and shortboards. Longboards are used for higher speeds and rough surface boarding, while shortboards are ideal for tricks and street skating.
Other styles might be termed street, vert, or cruising.
The trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck. They come in different forms and sizes, and can be modified according to the rider's preference. The height of the trucks can impact the board's stability and turning ability, and its width should equal the width of the deck for a balanced ride.
Skateboard wheels are usually made of polyurethane and come in different sizes and hardness levels. Smaller wheels (48-54mm) are used for street skating because they offer better maneuverability, while larger wheels (55-60mm) are better for maintaining speed and longer distances, as well as a smoother ride on rough surfaces.
The bearings are small metal pieces that fit inside the wheels, designed to allow the wheels to spin smoothly. They are usually made of steel, but sometimes silicon nitride, a high-tech ceramic, is used. Bearings are rated by the ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating higher precision and speed.
Another component of a skateboard are the deck rails, which are thin, plastic strips that decrease friction while performing slide tricks.
While disdained by some skateboarders, protective gear might include helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Skateboard helmets are designed to absorb impact and provide coverage for the back of the head in the event of a fall. Wrist guards are used to protect the wrists as skaters extend their hands to break fall, and knee and elbow pads protect these joints during falls.
Skateboarding shoes are designed specifically for skateboarding, featuring reinforced areas, padded collars, and sticky rubber soles for better grip and durability.
Skateboarding bags might be used to carry skateboards, helmets, and other gear, such as tools to adjust and maintain skateboard components. Some skateboarders will use specialized backpacks with straps to carry their board when they're not riding. These backpacks would also have compartments for protective gear and accessories.
These and other products associated with skateboarding are the chief topics of this category, which may include websites representing manufacturers and retails specializing in skateboarding gear, as well as product comparison or review sites.
Recommended Resources
Active Ride Shop is a well-known online skate shop offering a wide selection of skateboards, skate accessories, footwear, and apparel from top brands. Catering to beginner and seasoned skateboarding needs, the company has stores in Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, and Redlands, California, as well as offering its products through its online shopping site. Its locations, contacts, and hours of operation are featured, and its online catalog is sorted by product, brand, and on-sale items.
https://activerideshop.com/
Located in Portland, Oregon, CCS is a popular retailer of skateboards and skateboarding gear, as well as a producer of skateboarding apparel. The address, a map, and hours of operation for its Portland shop are provided, and its online product catalog includes new items, skateboards, shoes, clothing, and accessories, as well as highlighting CCS's own brands, snowboards, brands, and sale items. A printed catalog is available on request, along with a snowboard buyer's guide.
https://shop.ccs.com/
Launched by professional skateboarder Nyjah Huston in collaboration with skateboard manufacturer Paul Schmitt, the skateboard brand features Nyjah's custom deck shape, which he also rides in competitions, as well as a variety of other skateboards, apparel, and accessories. Its product catalog includes boards, shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories, along with sale items, policy data, and an online contact form. Several skateboarding videos are also featured.
https://disorderskateboards.com/
Element Skateboards is a US-based skateboard company founded in 1992 that manufactures and distributes skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, grip tape, wax, apparel, and footwear. Acquired by Boardriders Inc. in 2018, it has headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, with its flagship store in Paris. Its website features a store locator, an online product catalog, size charts, product guides, an informational blog, and an introduction to the company.
https://www.elementbrand.com/
Producing a line of skateboarding accessories and apparel, Reapers Grip offers several types of Griptape, ReapersWax, Grim Bomber Jackets in various colors, and branded patches, hats, mugs, posters, keychains, and shirts. Shoppers can browse by product category, price, size, price range, or name. Its team is introduced, a contact form is provided, and wholesale information is available, with an email for wholesale pricing. Customers may also request to be put on its mailing list.
https://www.reapersgrip.com/
Located in Simi Valley, California, Skate America is an online retailer of skateboarding gear, including skateboards, shoes, decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and apparel. Its address, telephone, fax, and email address are posted on its site, along with its product catalog, which may be browsed by brands, best sellers, products, or sale items. Free ground shipping is available on orders over $100. Shoppers may also search by brand, model, or other keyword variables.
https://www.skateamerica.com/
The California-based retailer began in 2002, and sells its products primarily online, specializing in skateboards, skate shoes, clothing, and other items, including a wide variety of products, such as decks, complete skateboards, shoes, protective gear, and accessories. Shoppers may browse by product type or view products endorsed by professional skateboarders. Besides its online product catalog, the company's website features skateboarding guides and videos.
https://www.skatewarehouse.com/