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

Skateboarding is a globally recognized activity that has captured the hearts of many, particularly among the younger generation. At the core of this sport is the skateboard, a versatile tool that can be customized to meet the needs of riders of varying skill levels. Typically, the main 3 parts of a skateboard are the deck, trucks, and wheels. It is usually made of a specially designed 7-8 ply maple plywood deck and has polyurethane wheels attached to the underside by a pair of skateboarding trucks.

The deck serves as the flat board where the rider stands and is constructed with multiple layers of maple plywood. With a wide range of customizable options available, skateboarders have the freedom to 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, allowing 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 and stimulating sport that requires immense skill, creativity, and precision. At the core of every skateboard lies the deck, which serves as the backbone of the board.

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

However, with the advancements in technology, 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 type of skating it’s intended for. Longboards, cruisers, shortboards, and old-school boards are some of the most prevalent board forms.

Longboards are particularly characterized by their length, providing a stable ride for cruising and downhill riding. In contrast, shortboards are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them ideal for performing tricks and stunts.

Whether you are 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 like a secret weapon in a skateboarder’s arsenal, providing a sandpaper-like surface that is applied to the top of the deck with an adhesive backing.

Its primary function is to improve a rider’s grip and prevent their feet from slipping, thereby allowing them to perform a wide range of tricks and maneuvers with greater precision and control.

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

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

Despite its importance, the grip tape is often overlooked by those outside of the skateboarding community. However, for those who ride, it is an essential component that can make all the difference in their performance and safety.

So, the next time you see a skateboarder cruising down the street, take a closer look at their deck and appreciate the role that grip tape plays 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 not only connect the wheels to the deck but also determine the board’s turning ability, stability, and overall feel.

Just like how different people have different heart rates and rhythms, skateboarders have different preferences for their trucks, from the tightness of the bushings to the width of the hanger. And just like how the heart can adapt to different situations, skateboard trucks can be adjusted to suit different terrains and riding styles.

Whether you’re cruising down the boardwalk, hitting a ramp at the skatepark, or grinding rails in the streets, the trucks are there to 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 have a significant impact on your ride.

Skateboard wheels are typically made of polyurethane, and their size and hardness are used to determine their performance characteristics.

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

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

However, they still have enough grip to ensure that you don’t slip or slide when performing tricks. These wheels are ideal for street skating, as they allow for 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, and just like any other art form, it’s the little details that 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 that 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 it comes to performing tricks, cruising down hills, or simply enjoying the ride.

Hardware

Hardware may seem like a small detail, but it is the backbone that 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 securely 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, giving them the confidence to push their limits and try new tricks.

In the world of skateboarding, safety is paramount, and using high-quality hardware is a crucial factor 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 that’s 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.

Larger wheels require riser pads with larger diameters, and a variety of materials, such as hard plastic or rubber, can be used to fine-tune your board’s feel.

Shock Pads

Shock pads are specially designed to provide a pliable and stretchy buffer between the skateboard’s deck and trucks, effectively reducing the shock and impact of jumps and landings.

With their superior shock-absorbing properties, shock pads have become a must-have accessory for serious skateboarders, allowing them to push their limits without fear of injury or strain.

What makes shock pads unique is their ability to absorb shock and vibration, which can significantly reduce the risk of injury and extend the lifespan of your skateboard.

These durable and flexible pads are often made from high-quality materials like rubber, silicone, or polyurethane, which makes them capable of withstanding heavy impact and maintaining their shape over time.

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