Skateboards

Skateboarding is a thrilling pastime, and I remember when I first started, it was all about mastering the basics. To learn how to skateboard, the first thing I did was determine whether I was regular or goofy. Regular means your left foot is in front; goofy means your right foot leads. I spent time just standing on the board, focusing on balance and bending my knees, getting comfortable with the feel of the grip tape beneath me. Once I had that down, I practiced the simple act of pushing off. I'd put my foot on the board (left foot forward if you're regular, right foot forward if you're goofy) and then used the other foot to push off the ground. It's called the "kick and push". Remember, always wear your safety gear – helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and skate shoes. I learned the hard way that all these items are essential for safety. After I felt comfortable moving, I started practicing shifting my body weight to control the board's direction, a technique known as tic-tacing. Shifting my weight onto my toes turned the board right; shifting onto my heels turned it left. This helped me control my board, whether on a vert ramp or in a parking lot. Once I had the fundamentals down, I moved on to tricks. I started with the Ollie and the Shove It. These tricks require a lot of practice but being persistent and patient helped me a lot. Most importantly, I made sure to always ride high quality boards with good decks, wheels, and bearings. Believe me, it's not as easy as experienced skaters make it look, but once you start skating, it's a ride you won't want to end. So, don’t be afraid to drop in and start skateboarding!

As a seasoned skater, I've learned that choosing a skateboard is largely a matter of personal preference. When I'm getting a new board, I usually look at full size, complete skateboards. I've found the feel and control of full-sized boards give me the high speeds I love at skate parks. But it's not just about my preference, it's about understanding the technical aspects too. For instance, shoe size plays a part in deciding what size board to get. If you're like me and have bigger feet, wider boards might be more comfortable. I've found that wider decks can help me perform tricks better because they give me more room to move around. But again, it depends on what you're comfortable with. Skateboard wheels and trucks also play a major role. I always double-check the size chart before picking these parts. A narrower board might be better for certain technical tricks and street skating, but a wider board will provide more stability, especially at high speeds. When choosing a skateboard, I also consider where I'll be skating. I enjoy flip tricks, so I usually go for street skateboards. They're excellent for technical tricks and perform well in skate parks. But that’s just me, you might prefer wider decks for different reasons. In a nutshell, when answering the question "what size skateboard should I get", I always say it depends on several factors - your shoe size, your personal preference, and where you plan on skating. It's important to take into consideration the type of tricks you want to perform. Skating is all about fun, comfort, and personal style. So, get the skateboard that feels best to you, and you'll be shredding the parks in no time!

Just like any hobby, the cost can range quite a bit. For a good quality, complete skateboard, you're looking at anywhere from $50 to $150. I know, it's quite a range, but let me explain. If you’re just starting out and want a beginner skateboard, you're likely to spend around $50 to $60. These boards are perfect for learners like you; they have decent skateboard wheels and skateboard decks, and come with grip tape that helps you stay on the board while you're mastering those first few tricks. If you're looking for something higher quality, maybe even professional skateboards, you're probably going to be spending closer to $100 to $150. These skateboards have high-quality skateboard bearings and skateboard trucks, making them ideal for performing complex tricks at skateparks and street skating. Remember, the cost of a skateboard doesn't just stop at the board itself. You might need to consider additional things like elbow pads for safety, especially if you're planning to hit the skate parks or do some street skating. And, of course, over time you might need to replace parts like the grip tape, bearings, trucks, or wheels. So, all up, you’re looking at anywhere from $50 to $200 initially, depending on the type of skateboard you want and your plans for skating. Happy skating!