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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.

 

 

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