Skateboard Parts: Names, Functions & How to Duild Dream Board

Skateboarding has captured the hearts of many globally and is especially popular among the younger generation. At the heart of this sport lies the skateboard, a versatile tool that riders can customize to suit their skill levels. The skateboard typically consists of three main parts: the deck, trucks, and wheels. Manufacturers often construct the deck using specially designed 7-8 ply maple plywood and attach polyurethane wheels to the underside using a pair of skateboarding trucks.

The deck serves as the flat board where the rider stands. It is constructed with multiple layers of maple plywood. With a wide range of customizable options, skateboarders can select and design their decks to suit their unique preferences and style. Whether it’s a vibrant graphic or a specific shape, the skateboard deck has become an essential part of the skateboarding culture. It allows riders to showcase their creativity and individuality.

Table of Contents

Parts of a Skateboard Diagram

Skateboard Names

Deck
Grip Tape
Trucks
Wheels

Bearings
Hardware
Risers
Shock pads

Parts of a Skateboard & their Functions

Deck

Skateboarding is an exciting sport that requires immense skill, creativity, and precision. At the core of every skateboard lies the deck, which serves as the board’s backbone.

Skateboard decks typically comprise multiple layers of laminated birch or maple wood, with a standard of seven to nine layers.

However, with technological advancements, innovative companies are experimenting with new materials, such as carbon fiber and bamboo, to enhance the deck’s strength and durability.

Each skateboard deck has a distinct shape and design, catering to the skating it’s intended for. Longboards, cruisers, shortboards, and old-school boards are some of the most prevalent forms.

Longboards have a characteristic length for a stable ride while cruising and downhill. On the other hand, shortboards have a compact and lightweight design, which makes them ideal for performing tricks and stunts.

Whether cruising around town or shredding a skatepark, selecting the right skateboard deck can make all the difference in your performance. The shape and size of the board should align with your skating style and preferences.

Skateboarding requires physical skill and precision and calls for individual style and creativity. As a result, the skateboard deck is more than just a piece of wood but is an extension of the rider’s personality and self-expression.

Grip Tape

Skateboard grip tape is a secret weapon for skateboarders. It has a sandpaper-like surface and adhesive backing. Its main function is to improve grip and prevent slipping, enhancing control and precision for tricks and maneuvers.

Beyond its practical benefits, the grip tape is also an important aspect of skateboard culture. It comes in various colors, designs, and textures, allowing riders to customize their boards and express individuality.

Some riders prefer coarse grip tape that maximizes traction, while others opt for a smoother surface that allows greater movement freedom.

Those outside the skateboarding community overlook the grip tape despite its importance. However, for those who ride, it is an essential component that can make all the difference in performance and safety.

So, the next time you see a skateboarder cruising down the street, take a closer look at their deck and appreciate grip tape’s role in their ride.

Trucks

Skateboard trucks are like the beating heart of a skateboard, pumping life into the board and allowing it to flow and move with the rider. These crucial components connect the wheels to the deck and determine the board’s turning ability, stability, and overall feel.

Different people have different heart rates and rhythms. Similarly, skateboarders have varying truck preferences, such as bushing tightness and hanger width. Skateboard trucks can be adjusted to match different terrains and riding styles. Just like the heart can adapt, skateboard trucks can be customized.

Whether cruising down the boardwalk, hitting a ramp at the skatepark, or grinding rails in the streets, the trucks support and enhance your ride.

Wheels

Skateboard wheels play a crucial role in determining the performance of your board. Whether you are a street skater, a cruiser, or a vert skater, your choice of wheels will significantly impact your ride.

Typically, skateboard wheels are polyurethane, and manufacturers determine their performance characteristics based on size and hardness.

Softer wheels with a durometer rating of 78a-87a are recommended for leisurely traveling over rough terrain. These wheels offer better shock absorption and can handle uneven surfaces with ease. These wheels will be your go-to option if you want a smoother ride.

Choosing a wheel with a durometer rating of 88a-95a for street skating is recommended. These wheels are harder and faster, offering more speed and control.

However, they still have enough grip to ensure you don’t slip or slide when performing tricks. These wheels are ideal for street skating, allowing quick acceleration and sharp turns.

If you’re into vert skating or cruising, larger wheels with a durometer rating of 95a-101a are recommended.

These wheels offer greater speed and are perfect for cruising around the city or hitting the skatepark. They are also ideal for vert skating, providing the stability and speed needed for high-flying tricks.

Bearings

Skateboarding is an art form; just like any other art form, the little details make a big difference. One of those little details is the often-overlooked skateboard bearings.

These small metal discs are the unsung heroes of the skateboard world, allowing the wheels to rotate with speed and precision.

Bearings are the perfect example of forming the following function. Their intricate design consists of precisely placed interior balls that reduce friction and ensure the wheels spin smoothly. Without bearings, a skateboard would be nothing more than a piece of wood with wheels attached.

Skateboarders who genuinely understand and appreciate their craft know the importance of bearings. They know that a good set of bearings can make all the difference when performing tricks, cruising down hills, or simply enjoying the ride.

Hardware

Hardware may seem like a small detail, but the backbone holds everything together. The nuts, bolts, and screws that secure the trucks to the skateboard are essential for the board’s stability and durability.

The axle nuts and hanger work together to keep the wheels in place, while the bushings allow for fluid turns and quick response.

Choosing the right hardware for your skateboard is like selecting the perfect ingredients for a gourmet meal. The kingpins, which adjust the truck height, provide a level of customization that allows you to fine-tune your board to your preferred riding style.

By experimenting with different hardware combinations, skaters can achieve optimal performance and control. This gives them the confidence to push their limits and try new tricks.

Safety is paramount in skateboarding, and using high-quality hardware is crucial in reducing the risk of injury. The hardware’s durability and reliability are essential for skaters to perform their best without worrying about equipment failure.

As such, selecting the right skateboard hardware is not just a matter of personal preference but a crucial step toward achieving maximum performance and safety.

Risers

Risers are the hard plastic pads, often overlooked by non-skateboarders, which are a crucial accessory that can take your ride to the next level.

Skateboard risers serve two primary purposes – raising the overall height of your board and preventing wheel bite. But did you know that they can also enhance your ride in other ways?

By selecting the right size and material, you can customize your skateboard’s shock absorption and responsiveness, giving you a ride tailored to your style and preferences.

Imagine cruising down the street on your customized skateboard, perfectly tuned to your unique specifications. With the right riser pads, you can take your riding experience to new heights, literally and figuratively.

You need to use riser pads with larger diameters for larger wheels, and you can fine-tune your board’s feel using various materials, such as hard plastic or rubber.

Shock Pads

Shock pads are designed to provide a pliable and stretchy buffer between the skateboard’s deck and trucks. They effectively reduce the shock and impact of jumps and landings, making them a must-have accessory for serious skateboarders. These pads have superior shock-absorbing properties, minimizing the risk of injury and strain during skateboarding.

What sets shock pads apart is their ability to absorb shock and vibration, which enhances safety and prolongs your skateboard’s lifespan. They are made from durable and flexible rubber, silicone, or polyurethane. These high-quality materials enable the pads to withstand heavy impacts while maintaining their shape.

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1 thought on “Skateboard Parts: Names, Functions, and How to Build Your Dream Board”

Essence Roy

April 11, 2024 at 1:59 pm

You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!