Skateboard: August 2014

Parts
The following descriptions cover skateboard parts that are most prevalent in popular, modern forms of skateboarding. Many parts exist with exotic or alternative constructions. A traditional complete skateboard consists of the deck (often with grip tape applied on top to enhance traction), trucks (with urethane bushings), wheels (with sealed bearings), bushings and nuts and bolts to fasten the truck and wheel assembly to the bottom of the deck. Older decks also included plastic parts such as side, tail, and nose guards.

1.Deck
Modern decks vary in size, but most are 7 to 10.5 inches (17.78 to 26.67 centimeters) wide. Wider decks can be used for greater stability when transition or ramp skating. Skateboard decks are usually between 28 and 33 inches (71.12 and 83.82 centimetres) long. The underside of the deck can be printed with a design by the manufacturer, blank, or decorated by any other means. The longboard, a common variant of the skateboard, has a longer deck. One of the first deck companies was called "Drapped" taken from Jonny's second name. "Old school" boards (those made in the 1970s–80s or modern boards that mimic their shape) are generally wider and often have only one kicktail. Variants of the 1970s often have little or no concavity, whereas 1980s models have deeper concavities and steeper kicktails.

Examples

2.Grip tape
Grip tape is a sheet of paper or fabric with adhesive on one side and a surface similar to fine sand paper on the other. Grip tape is applied to the top surface of a board to allow the rider's feet to grip the surface and help the skater stay on the board while doing tricks. Grip tape is usually black, but is also available in many different colors such as pink, yellow, checkered, camo, and even clear. Often, they have designs die-cut to show the color of the board, or to display the board's company logo.

Examples

3.Trucks
Attached to the deck are two metal (usually aluminum alloy) trucks, which connect the wheels and bearings to the deck. The trucks are further composed of two parts. The top part of the truck is screwed to the deck and is called the baseplate, and beneath it is the hanger. The axle runs through the hanger. Between the baseplate and the hanger are bushings, also rubbers or grommets, that provide the cushion mechanism for turning the skateboard. The bushings cushion the truck when it turns. The stiffer the bushings, the more resistant the skateboard is to turning. The softer the bushings, the easier it is to turn. A bolt called a kingpin holds these parts together and fits inside the bushings. Thus by tightening or loosening the kingpin nut, the trucks can be adjusted loosely for better turning and tighter for more stability. Standard kingpin nut size is 3/8" - 24tpi. Skateboard trucks are manufactured in a number of different axle widths. In general an axle width should be chosen that is close to the width of the deck it will be used with. For example, a 7.75" wide deck will usually be fitted with trucks that have axles between 7.5" wide and 8.0" wide. (Standard truck axle nut size is 5/16"-24tpi UNF, and the thinner "jam" style with an optional nylon lock.) Trucks that are too wide can make doing tricks difficult and can cause the wheels to get in the way when the skateboard is being ridden. Trucks that are too small can be hard to maintain stability and can cause wheel bite to occur when turning. Longboard-specific trucks are a more recent development. A longboard truck has the king pin laid at a more obtuse angle (usually between 38 and 50 degrees) to the deck, this gives a greater degree of turning for the same tilt of the deck. This allows riders to go much faster while still maintaining stability and control.

Examples

4.Wheels
The wheels of a skateboard, usually made of polyurethane, come in many different sizes and shapes to suit different types of skating. Larger sizes like 55–85 mm roll faster, and move more easily over cracks in pavement and are better for transition skateboarding. Smaller sizes like 48–54 mm keep the board closer to the ground, require less force to accelerate and produce a lower center of gravity, but also make for a slower top speed and are better for street skateboarding. Wheels also are available in a variety of hardnesses usually measured on the Shore durometer "A" scale.. Wheels range from the very soft (about Shore A 75) to the very hard (about Shore A 101). As the A scale stops at 100, any wheels labeled 101A or higher are harder, but do not use the appropriate durometer scale. Some wheel manufacturers now use the "B" or "D" scales, which have a larger and more accurate range of hardness. Modern street skaters prefer medium sized wheels (usually 51–54 mm), as small wheels with lighter trucks can make tricks like kickflips and other flip tricks easier by keeping the center of gravity of the skateboard closer to the deck, thus making the deck easier to spin. Street wheels are harder (A 100/A 101). Vertical ramp or "vert" skating requires larger wheels (usually 55–65 mm), as it involves higher speeds. Vert wheels are also usually slightly softer (A 98/ A 99), allowing them to maintain high speed on ramps without sliding. Slalom skating requires even larger wheels (60–75 mm) to sustain the highest speeds possible. They also need to be soft and have better grip to make the tight and frequent turns in slalom racing. Even larger wheels are used in longboarding and downhill skateboarding. Sizes range from 65 mm to 100 mm. These extreme sizes of wheels almost always have cores of hard plastic that can be made thinner and lighter than a solid polyurethane wheel. They are often used by skateboard videographers as well, as the large soft wheels allow for smooth and easy movement over any terrain.

Examples

5.Bearings

Each skateboard wheel is mounted on its axle via two bearings. With few exceptions, the bearings are the industrial standard "608" size, with a bore of 8 mm, an outer diameter of 22 mm, and a width of 7 mm. These are usually made of steel, though silicon nitride, a high-tech ceramic, is sometimes used. Many skateboard bearings are graded according to the ABEC scale. The scale starts with ABEC1 as the lowest, 3, 5, 7, 9. It is a common misconception that the higher ABECs are better for skateboarding, as the ABEC rating only measures tolerances, which do not necessarily apply to skateboards. Bearing performance is determined on how well maintained the bearings are. Maintenance on bearings includes periodically cleaning and lubricating them. Bearings that are kept unmaintained have their performance greatly lowered and will soon need to be replaced. Bearing cleaning kits are commonly available on the market. The ABEC rating does not determine how fast or how durable a bearing used for skateboarding will be. In particular, the ABEC rating says nothing about how well a bearing handles axial (side-to-side) loads, which are severe in most skateboard applications. Many companies do not show the ABEC rating, such as Bones Bearings, which makes bearings specifically for skateboarding, often marketed as "Skate Rated". Each bearing usually contains 7 steel or ceramic ball bearings, although other configurations are used as well..

Examples

6.Hardware

Mounting hardware is a set of eight 10-32 UNF bolts, usually an Allen or Phillips head, and matching nylon locknuts. They are used to attach the trucks to the board. Some sets have one different colored bolt to show which side is the nose of the skateboard. Hardware is available in various lengths for mounting trucks with or without risers.

Examples

7.Bushings

Each skateboard has a set of "bushings" inside, usually placed in between the hardware, going through the trucks. Bushings are usually 0.75 - 1.5 inches, depending on the riders preference and/or type of skateboard. When a skateboarder "tightens/loosens the trucks", the trucks go closer, or farther from the top of the bushing. Bushings help the skateboard turn, without "tick tacking", or going into a manual position and turning the board to the desired area. If a bushing falls off, usually from high "ollies", or other tricks, (also what causes "pressure cracks"), the skateboard would be unable to turn.

Examples

Optional components

Risers/wedges

Risers increase the space between the truck and the deck. This allows the truck to twist further without causing wheel bite (when the wheel touches the deck and stops rotating). Wedges can be used to change the turning characteristics of a truck.

Rails/ribs

Narrow strips of plastic or metal that are attached under the deck lengthwise along the edges. They are used for additional grip for grabs, and to enhance sliding while protecting the deck's graphics at the same time. Rails also provide a more consistent feel for slides, as the slide of a regular skateboard will suffer from the wear of the paint or varnish on the bottom of the board. Although rarely used anymore, they are useful for experienced skaters that are capable of grabs.

Sliptape

Sliptape is a clear piece of self-adhesive plastic that sticks to the underside of a deck. It helps protect the board's graphics and allows the board to slide easier. Another name for this is everslick.

Lapper

A lapper is a plastic cover that is fastened to the rear truck and serves to protect the kingpin when grinding. It also prevents hang-ups by providing a smoother transition for the truck when it hits an obstacle or a metal pipe or round bar.

Nose guard

A nose guard is a plastic bumper used to protect the front of a skateboard, which was used in older skateboard models.

Tail guard (a.k.a. Skid Plate)

Bolted onto the underside of the tail end of a skateboard, the tail guard (also known as a "skid plate") protected the tail end from skid stops and other maneuvers that would otherwise wear away the wood and decrease the longevity of the tail. Typically made of plastic, these were widely popular in the '80s, yet quickly dissolved their usage upon the arrival of the '90s and the increasingly popular skateboard design which incorporated two tails.

Tail Devil

Sparking device placed on the tail or nose of the skateboard.

Copers

Plastic half tubing that protected the axles of the trucks. In the 1980-85 period, stolen shopping cart handles were cut by some to fit as a makeshift coper.

Sublimated Graphic

A sublimated graphic is when the graphic of a deck is tattooed underneath a layer of fiberglass to keep the graphic and the board more stiff and help to keep it in good condition for a longer period of time without having the graphic damaged.

Complete skateboard examples

This is my all decks

Skateboard Deck Sizing Guide

Style	Width	Length	Wheelbase	Nose	Tail	Description
Long Boards	8.5"	32.75"	15"	6.875"	6.75"	Name tells all, LongBoards are for the boardwalk/Store Runs & Just going fast down some hills..
Old School	7.125"	31.125"	13.875"	6.5"	6.5"	Bring back the BEST, different shapes for each style of skating. Use for cruising aroud or Pools/Bowls
Popsical	7.75"	31.625"	14"	6.875"	6.5"	Med-Large Shapes for Larger Skaters,
Popsical	7.875"	31.625"	14"	6.875"	6.5"	Widths and Lenghts vary on skill and preferance.
Popsical	8.125"	31.625"	14"	7"	6.375"	Ideal for more Street/Park/Tranny
Popsical	8.5"	32"	14.25"	7"	6.5"
Mini	7.25"	29"	12"	6.5"	6.125"	Smaller Width & Length, Ushally Lighter,
Mini	7.375"	30.25"	13"	6.625"	6.375"	Great for First Timer and Smaller Skaters

Sizing Chart

What size skateboard deck should you skate?

Decks come in many different widths. If you are a beginner to skateboarding, choose your deck according to the width, not the length or wheelbase. The width you need depends on your size, skating style and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines.

7.5" to 8" - Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks

8.0" to 8.25" - Skating pools, ramps and parks

8.25" and larger - Vert, pools, cruising and just going old school

What type of skateboard deck should you skate?

Let's get some of the skateboard lingo down first. The skateboard deck is the actual board itself. The skateboard deck is the flat, long board that you stand on when skateboarding. SkateNutter offers a huge selection of skateboard decks in a variety of shapes, sizes, weight and color patterns. Skateboard decks vary in size but most are between 7"-10", and are made of either seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on what you will be skating and, of course, your personal brand preference.

Width : The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5"- 8.25". Width is influenced by the size of the rider and the type of riding. Bigger riders and those skating ramps and vert ramps typically prefer a wider deck. Street skaters usually choose a smaller deck. Choose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length.

Length : The length of the skateboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Average board length is 28"- 32" but length is only referred to by advanced skaters.

Wheelbase : The wheelbase is the distance from one pair of inner mounting holes to the other inner pair. The average wheelbase is 13"-15", and again, the choice is influenced by the skill set of the rider.

Nose and Tail : The nose and tail of a skateboard can be hard to tell apart, but most decks provide you with graphics to distinguish the two apart. Also, most skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail.

Mounting Holes : Mounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.

Ply : When looking at the side of the skateboard deck, thin layers of maple veneer are visible. Layering the wood in a cross-grain pattern creates a stronger board than a single solid piece of wood. The typical skateboard is seven-ply.

Concave : The section of the board between the nose and tail curves up slightly on the sides. The concave gives the rider more control and increases the skateboard's strength.

A skateboard is a type of sports equipment used primarily for the activity of skateboarding. It usually consists of a specially designed maple wood board combined with a polyurethane coating used for making smoother slides and stronger durability.

A skateboard is propelled by pushing with one foot while the other remains on the board, or by pumping one's legs in structures such as a bowl or half pipe. A skateboard can also be used by simply standing on the deck while on a downward slope and allowing gravity to propel the board and rider. If the rider positions their right foot forward, he/she is said to ride "goofy;" if the rider positions their left foot forward, he/she is said to ride "regular." If the rider is normally regular but chooses to ride goofy, he/she is said to be riding in "switch," and vice versa. A skater is typically more comfortable pushing with their back foot; choosing to push with the front foot is commonly referred to as riding "mongo".

Recently, electric skateboard have also appeared. These no longer require the propelling of the skateboard by means of the feet; rather an electric motor propels the board, fed by an electric battery.

There is no governing body that declares any regulations on what constitutes a skateboard or the parts from which it is assembled. Historically, the skateboard has conformed both to contemporary trends and to the ever-evolving array of stunts performed by riders/users, who require a certain functionality from the board. Of course, the board shape depends largely upon its desired function. Longboards are a type of skateboard with a longer wheelbase and larger, softer wheels.

Skateboard have three axes. The tail axis (running from nose to tail), the central axis (running straight down through the center of the board), and the short axis (running from the width of the board, perpendicular to the tail axis).

The two main types of skateboard are the longboard and the shortboard. The shape of the board is also important: the skateboard must be concave to perform difficult tricks.

Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard. Skateboarding can also be considered a recreational activity, an art form, a job, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2009 report found that skateboarding market is worth an estimated $4.8 billion in annual revenue with 11.08 million active skateboarders in the world.

Other uses and styles

Transportation
The use of skateboards solely as a form of transportation is often associated with the longboard. Depending on local laws, using skateboards as a form of transportation outside residential areas may or may not be legal. Backers cite portability, exercise, and environmental friendliness as some of the benefits of skateboarding as an alternative to automobiles.

Military
The United States Marine Corps tested the usefulness of commercial off-the-shelf skateboards during urban combat military exercises in the late 1990s in a program called Urban Warrior '99. Their special purpose was "for maneuvering inside buildings in order to detect tripwires and sniper fire".

LCPL Chad Codwell of Charlie Company 1st Battalion 5th Marines carries a skateboard during military exercise Urban Warrior '99.

Trampboarding
Trampboarding is a variant of skateboarding that uses a board without the trucks and the wheels on a trampoline. Using the bounce of the trampoline gives height to perform a tricks, whereas in skateboarding you need to make the height by performing an ollie.

Swing boarding
Swing boarding is the activity where a skateboard deck is suspended from a pivot point above the rider which allows the rider to swing about that pivot point. The board swings in an arc which is a similar movement to riding a half pipe. The incorporation of a harness and frame allows the rider to perform turns spins all while flying though the air.

Controversy
Skateboarding is sometimes associated with property damage to urban terrain features such as curbs, benches, and ledges when skateboarders perform tricks known as grinds on these surfaces.

Private industry has responded to this perceived damage with skate deterrent devices, such as the Skate stopper, in an effort to mitigate damage and discourage skateboarding on these surfaces.

The passing of ordinances and the use of posted signs stating "Skateboarding is not allowed" has also become a common methodology, to mitigate skateboarding in public areas in many cities, to protect pedestrians and property. In the area of street skating, tickets and arrest from police for trespassing are not uncommon.