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Skateboard Glossary, Anatomy, Assembley, Saftey, Sk8boarding on TV, & Sk8 calendar
Glossary
50-50 grind A grind on both the front and back trucks
360 Flip / 3 flip / Trey flip A trick that consists of a kickflip combined with a 360 pop shuvit
Five-0 grind A grind on the back truck, with the nose pointing up and forward
ABEC A universal unit of measurement for the precision that bearing surfaces are honed to; bearings used for skateboarding range from ABEC 1, the least precise, to ABEC 7, the most precise, though some skateboard bearing manufacturers do not give their bearings a rating.
Air To air means to jump or ollie, usually off of a ramp; Tony Hawk aired over a police car in Police Academy 3
Airwalk This trick can be done with or without grabbing the nose; once in the air the front foot is kicked out and the back foot is kicked back so they are in a walking type position
Alley-oop A spinning trick on transition that entails spinning to the right while airing to the left, or vice versa
Am (amateur) Everyone who is not a pro
Anchor grind A grind on the front truck, with the tail pointing back, down, and away from the obstacle
Axle The pin, threaded on both sides, that rests in the hanger and that the wheels are mounted to
Axle Nut The nut that screws on to the axle, holding the wheel against the outside of the hanger; it is a 1/2" hex
Axle Slip The act of your axle slipping one way or another inside the hanger, causing one wheel to lock up; axle slip can be caused by landing primo, though some truck manufacturers guarantee no axle slip
Backside 1. When a skater or his board are spinning, they are spinning backside if the rotation leads the skater’s back or the heel edge of the board to turn immediately forward
Backside 2. When approaching an obstacle, the potential trick will be called backside if the obstacle is on the heel side of the board upon approach
Backside grab / Melongrab / Melancholy / Mosquito Grabbing heel edge with your front hand while airing forward or backside
Bail 1. To fall
Bail 2. While in the air, deciding your not going to land your trick and kicking your board away for a hopefully painless landing.
Bank Any incline used for riding up, completing a trick, and riding back down
Barley grind An ollie 180 to switch smith grind *Named after Donny Barley
Baseplate Aside from the hanger, it is the other main piece of the truck, used for mounting the truck to the deck
Bearing Skateboard bearings come in a standard size, various precisions, and have 7 or 8 balls enclosed in races between two shields, some of which are removable; one skateboard wheel takes two bearings
Bearing Spacers Thick washers placed between the two bearings of a wheel
Beni-Hana A grab in which, after the ollie is initiated, the front foot pulls the board as far forward as possible, the back foot is left to hang in the air, and the back hand grabs the tail of the board before pulling it back under the skater's two feet
Bigflip A bigspin with a kickflip incorporated into the spin
Bigspin A trick in which the skater and his board both rotate along a vertical axis, but the skater rotates 180 as the board rotates 360 *Alfonso Rawls named this trick after its inventor, Brian Lotti. Rawls thought Lotti sounded like lottery, and since the board was spinning so much during the trick he named it after the California Lottery's Big Spin.
Bitch Slap Grabbing right near the front wheel on the heel edge with your front hand, then pushing the tail over to the left (right if goofy foot) by crossing your back leg underneath your front leg
Bluntslide A slide on the tail or nose, with the respectful truck resting atop the obstacle, and the opposite end of the board pointing up and towards the obstacle
Boardslide A slide in which the nose is brought up over the obstacle and the board slides between the two trucks
Body Varial The spinning of ones body along its vertical axis while the board does not spin
Bomb a hill To skate down a big hill
Bowl A vert or miniramp with concave transition wrapping around 360 degrees, forming a bowl shape
Burly A big trick involving lots of potential for pain if it is not pulled off; a skater can be called burly if they are partial to these tricks (Jamie Thomas and his tricks are burly)
Bushing Cups The cupped washers that are placed on the kingpin, one on top of the small bushing and another underneath the large one
Bushings Rubbery components that surround the kingpin and aid in turning
Bust 1. A spot is a bust if you are likely to get kicked out
Bust 2. To bust a trick is to perform it successfully; you are busting if you are skating well
Caballerial / Full Cab The name given to a fakie ollie 360
Carve The act of making big fast turns usually in a large bowl or transition
Casper slide A slide in which the board is flipped for half of a kickflip, then caught with the back foot on the darkside of the tail and the front foot holding up the nose from the griptaped side of the deck, and brought down by the skater into a slide on the peak of the tail
Casperflip A trick in which the board is flipped for half a kickflip, then caught upside down and flipped back over and spun backside 180 degrees on its vertical axis, all while in the air
Catch To stop the board from rotating by placing your feet back on the board while in the air
Cess Slide The act of sliding sideways on all four wheels while on a transition
Chip When a piece of wood is broken off of the deck
Christ Air Once in the air, go into the crucifix position, holding the board out to the side with one hand
Complete A skateboard composed of all the necessary components; deck, griptape, 4 wheels, two trucks, and bearings; a complete is often referred to as a board
Concave 1. The various curves of the deck
Concave 2. Describes a curve or transition arced inward
Convex Describes a curve or transition arced outward
Coping Any grindable and slidable material attached to an obstacle for easier grinds and slides
Crooked grind A grind on the front truck, with the tail pointing up, back, and away from the obstacle *Originally called Dan grinds after Dan Paterka, later renamed Koston grinds after Eric, and are now called K-grinds, crooked grinds, or crooks
Curb Cut The transition created between the bottom of a driveway and the top of a curb that is used as a hip
Darkslide A slide in which the board is flipped for half a kickflip, then caught with the back foot on the darkside of the tail and the front foot on the darkside of the nose and brought down by the skater into a slide on the middle of the griptaped side of the deck
Darkside Your board is darkside if it is upside down; the darkside of a deck is the side that the baseplate is mounted to
Deck The wooden part of the skateboard assembly, made usually of hard maple
Delamination The result of a manufacturers defect when the plys of the deck become unglued and peel apart
Demo Parks and shops host demos, where pros and ams demonstrate their skateboarding.
Dildo Blades/Fruit Boots Derogatory terms for in-line skates
Disaster The smacking of the center of the deck on the coping during re-entry into a quarter pipe, mini ramp, etc.
Dog Piss Grab mute right by your front foot and kick off your back foot as if you were a dog taking a piss, hence the name
Double set A stairway with two sets of stairs seperated by a flat section
Double sided ledge A ledge that is narrower than your wheelbase, allowing for boardslides and lipslides without any wheels sliding on top of the ledge
Drop In The act of going from a flat platform into a steep transition
Drop-in Any obstacle where a skater can place his tail on the edge of said obstacle and lean forward to drop in to a transition of some kind
Dropping! Some skaters will yell this to prevent a collision as they drop in to a section of a crowded park
Dual Durometer A term used to describe a wheel made with two urethanes of different hardnesses; the core is of a hard urethane to better encase the bearing, and the outer part is softer for a smoother ride.
Durometer The hardness of urethane used to make a wheel, measured by a number followed by a letter; ex: 98a
Early Grab Grabbing your board before leaving the ground or the transition
Escalator On some bowls, quarters, minis or vert ramps, the escalator is the part of the coping that is not parallel to the ground, but rather slopes from one height to another
Extension A part of a ramp where the transition extends higher than normal
Fakie You are skating fakie if your predominant foot is leading, and will be used to initiate a trick
Fast plant A trick initiated with an ollie, the back foot then planting on the ground and pushing off while the board is controlled by the front foot and some kind of grab; the trick is landed with both feet on the board
Feeble Grind A grind on the back truck, with the nose pointing forward, down, and toward the obstacle
Flatbar A rail or bar that is not sloped down stairs or an incline
Flatbottom Any flat surface at the bottom of a transition
Flat ground Skateboarding without any obstacles, with the exception of something to trick over
Flatspots These appear as clean spots on your dirty wheels as a result of the dirty urethane being rubbed off by the wheels sliding on some surface
Flip To flip your board is to make turn on its lengthwise axis, as in a kickflip or heelflip; to flip your body is to go head over heals as in a McTwist
Fliptrick A fliptrick is a move that involves the board spinning on any or a variety of its axes
Focus To break a board in half
Footage / Footie Skateboarding captured on tape
Frontside 1. When a skater or his board are spinning, they are spinning frontside if the rotation leads the skater or the toe edge of the board to turn immediately forward
Frontside 2. When approaching an obstacle, the potential trick will be called frontside if the obstacle is on the toe side of the board upon approach
Frontside flip The name given to a frontside ollie 180 with a kickflip
Frontside grab An indy grab while airing frontside
Funbox Any variety of box (usually wooden) with grindable and slidable surfaces
Gap A distance between two riding surfaces which skaters ollie over, and often do other more sophisticated tricks over
Gay Twist A caballerial with a mute grab *Lance Mountain and Neil Blender gave this trick its name after being humble enough to call their version of a caballerial "gay"
Gnarly Amazing, Sick, Rad
Goofy You are goofy footed if you normally skate with your left foot on the tail
Grab Using either hand to grab anywhere on the deck while in the air
Grind Any variety of tricks where the hanger(s) of the truck(s) grind(s) along the edge of an obstacle
Griptape A sandpapery sheet with strong glue on its underside, put on the top of a deck for grip and control
Grommet / Grom Little kid skaters
Gyrate see Pump
Half Cab The name given to a fakie ollie 180
Halfpipe / Vert Ramp A ramp composed of a flatbottom with concave transition leading to vert on both sides
Handrail A rail that is down stairs or an embankment and is of at least moderate height
Hang up While trying to drop back in off of the coping after completing a trick, the truck that was above the coping does not clear it on the way back into the transition; this often results in a slam, but can be pulled off by some
Hanger The largest part of the truck, it contains the axle, pivots on the baseplate, and is used to grind on
Hardflip A trick consisting of a frontside 180 pop shuvit and a kickflip
Hardware The nuts and bolts of your skateboard
Heelflip The rotation of the board around its lengthwise axis as a result of kicking your front foot off the toe edge of your board
Hip The junction of two banks, transitions, or other riding surfaces which meet at an angle, usually anywhere from slight (300 degrees) to right (90 degrees); these angles are ridden, grinded, and flown over
Hip ollie An ollie off of a hip
Hipper A large, painful strawberry bruise on the hip which often becomes a hematoma, or a swelling of blood; avoid at all cost
Hurricane grind A grind starting with an ollie 180, then the back truck (which is now in front) is placed on the obstacle with the nose pointing back, down and towards the obstacle
Impossible This trick can be performed using either your front or back foot, and it entails wrapping the nose or tail around its respectful foot 360 degrees
Indy grab When either airing forward or backside, grab your toe edge with your back hand and poke your nose out
Invert A trick that entails getting upside down and supporting yourself on one hand, usually on the coping of a ramp, as the other hand performs a grab
Japan A mute grab, tweaked frontside 9090
Jetty Ledge A ledge that continues out laterally as an adjacent staircase or bank goes down
Judo Grab heel edge near the front wheel with your front hand and kick your front foot off in front of you
K-grind see crooked grind
Kickflip The rotation of the board around its lengthwise axis as a result of kicking your front foot off the heeledge of your board
Kickflip Underflip A trick consisting of a fully rotated kickflip that is then kicked with the front foot on the dark side of the deck to send it flipping back in the same direction that it came from
Kingpin The bolt that holds the hanger to the baseplate
Kingpin Nut The nut that, on most trucks, screws on to the tip of the kingpin that sticks out through the bushings; on other trucks, the nut is held in place by a mold on the underside of the baseplate, and the kingpin is inserted down through the bushings rather than up (ex: Grind King); it is usually a 9/16" hex
Kinked Rail A rail that is kinked or bent, increasing its difficulty
Land To perform a trick successfully
Late trick Any trick that is executed after the board has reached its peak height in the air, or after another trick without first touching the ground
Launch Ramp A ramp used for launching a skater in the air
Ledge Any raised surface used for grinding and sliding
Lien air Grabbing heel edge while airing frontside *Invented by Neil Blender who said you have to lean into it, though nowadays it is spelled as Neil's first name written backwards
Line 1. A number of tricks performed consecutively
Line 2. A path or planned course through a park or spot
Lip The edge of any obstacle that a skateboarder rides; on ramps, the lip usually is completed with coping; on a bank or curb, the square or angled corner is the lip
Lipslide A slide in which the tail of the board goes up and over the obstacle and the board slides between the two trucks
Local A skater is local to a spot if he lives nearby and is skating it and ripping it all the time
Lock see Hang up
Lock in The act of getting your board into a slide or grind position in a way that is most stable, allowing for a lengthy maneuver
Madolly A madonna air with no grab
Madonna Grab heel edge near the front wheel with your front hand and kick your front foot off behind you; this trick is often done to tail smack on the way back into the tranny Tony. Hawk himself named this one after a singer as trendy as the trick itself
Manuel A trick in which the skater balances his weight over the back truck, keeping the front wheels off of the ground
Manuel Pad Any raised surface where a skater can ollie on to one section, and drop off another; such obstacles are used for manuals and for doing tricks onto and tricks off of
Method Grabbing your heel edge with your front hand and pulling that edge up towards your back *named by Neil Blender who described this grab as the method for getting higher air
Mini ramp Similar to a halfpipe, but smaller, with mellower transition and no vert
MM Millimeter, the standard unit of measurement for the diameter of a wheel
Mongo You are mongo footed, or “pushing mongo”, if you are using your leading foot, the incorrect one, to push
Mounting Hardware Mounting bolts come in 1/8” increments from 7/8” up to 1 ¼” for standard setups; four are used to mount each truck, and they come in either allen or phillips head; their corresponding nuts are 3/8" hex
Mounting Holes The two sets of four holes drilled through your deck
Mute Grab your toe edge with your front hand while airing backside *named after Chris Weddle, a deaf mute known for being one of the first skaters to execute this trick
No Comply Any trick that entails the front foot stepping off of the board and onto the ground while the back foot initiates any of a number of tricks such as ollie, 180, pop shuvit, etc.
Nollie An ollie off of the nose of the board rather than the tail *originated by Natas Kaupas, it is short for nose ollie or Natas ollie
Nose The part of the deck in front of the most forward two mounting holes which is steeper and longer than the tail
Nose bonk A very short nose grind involving a quick bonk of the front truck on an obstacle
Nose grind A grind on the front truck, with the tail pointing up and back
Nose manual / Nose wheelie A manual performed on the front truck rather than the back
Nose pick A stall in the nose grind position, usually involving an indy grab for control
Nose slide A slide on the nose of the deck
Obstacle Any object that you can incorporate into a skateboarding trick
Old School Used to describe a trick or skater or pretty much anything that is representative of an older, nearly outdated style
Ollie The basis of most other tricks, it entails using your back foot to smack the tail of your board against the ground while your front foot pulls the board up into the air. Invented by Alan Gelfand.
O-Vert Short for over vert, a transition that goes past vert so that the face of the transition is actually facing slightly down
Pig / Five0 / Po Po Derogatory terms for peace officers
Pivot grind A trick or part of a trick where the back truck is grinding atop an obstacle for just a moment before the trick's completion
Pivot Cup The cup molded into the baseplate that the rounded extension that sticks out from the hanger rests and pivots in
Play Skate This game is also called horse; someone starts off the game by doing a trick; if they miss, it's the next person's turn to try their own trick; if they land it, everyone else has to try it and whoever misses gets an S; the winner is the last one not to spell out the full word
Ply A sheet of wood used to make a deck; standard decks are 7 ply, but they can range from 6 to 9 plies with varying strengths and weights
Pole Jam Riding up and off of a pole bent diagonally out of the ground
Pop 1. The amount of snap and stiffness to a board
Pop 2. To smack the tail against the ground to initiate a trick
Pop Shuvit A trick in which the board is popped in the air where it rotates along its vertical axis
Poser Someone who poses as a skateboarder, or anyone who tries to be something they're not
Pressure flip Popular a few years ago, and still today with a lot of grommets, it entails putting pressure on the correct spot of the tail to make it flip around without hardly leaving the ground
Primo Your board is primo if it is resting on its side, axles running vertically
Pro (professional) A skater who is so good, companies want to put his/her name on their products
Pro Ho A girl who likes hanging around with pro skaters
Pump Flexing your legs at the right spot on a transition to build up speed
Push With one foot on the board, the other pushes along the ground to get speed
Pyramid A pyramid shaped obstacle with a flat top
Quarterpipe (quarter) A ramp with only one concave transition (two quarters positioned facing each other would make up a vert or mini ramp, minus the connecting flatbottom)
Rad see gnarly
Rail Any type of railing of any size, material, and height
Rasta A certain genre of skaters known for their laid back style, high ollies, dreadlocks and pot smoking abilities
Regular You are regular footed if you skate with your right foot on the tail
Revert A trick that is added on to the end of any other trick, and it means to spin one's self and the board 180 after completing the initial trick
Ripper A really good and consistent skater
Riser Pads Rubber or plastic spacers used between the baseplate and the darkside of the deck for a softer ride, to keep mounting hardware from loosening, and to prevent wheelbite
Roastbeef Grab your heel edge with your back hand, in front of your back leg
Rocket air Once in the air, putting both feet on the tail facing lengthwise and grabbing the nose with both hands, keeping one's body as straight as possible so one looks like a rocket
Roll-in A smooth convex transition going from a flat platform into a steep transition
Sack it / Nut it To land on an obstacle usually a narrow one like a handrail, right on your jewels
Salad grind A grind on either truck, with the opposite end of the board pointing forward, up, and towards the obstacle
Session Any time a group of skaters get together at a spot
Sex Change A body varial while doing a trick
Shifty / 9090 Shifting your board 90 degrees, with feet still in contact with the board, then bringing it back to starting position
Shuffle A sidewards reentry into a transition, which is then turned fakie
Sick see gnarly
Skate Camp A summer camp for skateboarders where street obstacles, ramps, bowls, and banks can be skated without hassle from cops, parents, etc.
Skate Key Any tool made specifically for a skateboard
Skatepark An area, publicly or privately owned, that has a variety of obstacles designed specifically for skating, and where you are safe from tickets (unless the nazis in blue see you padless)
Skate rock A term coined in the early eighties and made famous by Thrasher magazine, that catagorizes the bands whose members rode skateboards; could be any type of music, but is noted for its generally uptempo beats
Sketch or Sketchy 1. Used to describe an obstacle or trick when either lacks smoothness and apparent ease
Sketch or Sketchy 2. Used to describe a person or situation that is fishy
Slam A hard fall
Slappie A grind on a ledge without ollieing
Slide Any trick in which any part of the deck is sliding atop an obstacle
Slob A mute grab while airing frontside
Smith grind A grind on the back truck, with the nose pointing forward, down, and away from the obstacle
Snake 1. Someone who cuts you off or steals your line at a park or spot
Snake 2. To cut someone off or steal their line
Speed Washers Small washers placed on the axle on both sides of the wheels to limit friction
Spin To spin your board is to make it rotate on its vertical axis as in a pop shuvit
Spine A ramp consisting of two quarter pipes back to back with a narrow spine, usually coping, separating the two
Sponsored Having your skateboarding supported by someone or some company who gives you discounts or free product
Sponsor me video A video made by a kid to send in to a company to see if he has the skills to get sponsored
Spot Any place any where that has anything to skate
Stalefish Grab your heel edge with your back hand, behind your back leg
Stall The act of getting your board into a sliding or grinding position on an obstacle, without sliding or grinding
Stances The different ways you can stand on your board
Stick To land a trick solid and clean
Street Course The part of a skatepark with obstacles that mimic those found while street skating
Street Skating Skating which is done using only those objects or obstacles found in the urban environment
Stress Cracks Small lengthwise cracks on your deck that extend from the mounting holes and are a result of the stress created by the mounting hardware
Swellbow When you fall on your elbow and it gets abnormally large
Switch You are skating switch when you are not using your predominant foot to initiate a trick
Tail The part of the deck in back of the furthest back two mounting holes which is shorter and more mellow than the nose
Tail Slide A slide on the tail of the deck
Tail Grab Grab your tail with your back hand
Technical (tech) Any trick that is usually performed on flat ground or on a fairly low ledge, that involves plenty of technical skill such as combinations of flips/spins and slides or grinds. Also, a skater can be called tech, or a tech dog, if they are partial to these types of tricks. (Daewon Song is a tech dog)
Tic Tac To pivot left and right on your back wheels, either as a means of acceleration or to keep your balance when landing a trick off center, tic-ing and tac-ing your wheels to the ground
Tools To a skater, tools are any of the following: a phillips head, hex key, 3/8" wrench, 1/2" wrench, or 9/16" wrench, or anything else that can be used on a skateboard
Topsheet The top ply of the deck
Tranny Transition
Transfer Whenever a skater transfers from one area to another; ex: from one ramp to another, approaching an obstacle from one side and riding away on the other side, etc.
Transition Any surface for skating that is not horizontal or vertical
Trick A trick is any maneuver performed on a skateboard
Triple set see Double set, and go from there
Truck The axle assembly, made up of the following: hanger, baseplate, axle, kingpin, bushings, axle nuts, bushing cups, and usually speedwashers
Tuck knee Grabbing your toe edge right near the back wheel with your back hand and pulling the board back as you push your knees forward
Tweak To add style to a trick be exaggerating or contorting it
Varial / Shuvit The spinning of the board along its vertical axis, without popping the board in the air
Vert Vertical
Wallie Getting all four wheels on a vertical wall before ollieing
Wallride A trick entailing riding your board on a very steep or vertical wall
Wedge ramp Two launch ramps, touching at one corner, with a triangle shaped platform between them
Wheel Skateboard wheels are made of urethane; four of them let the skateboard roll
Wheelbite When too much weight is applied to one side of the board, causing the darkside of the deck to touch a wheel and stop its rotation
Wheelburn The marks on the darkside of your deck made by wheelbite scraping the paint off the deck
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Skateboard Anatomy
Skateboard Anatomy
It is important to be selective when choosing the right equipment for skateboarding. Skateboards are made up of several different components. These components have technical differences for various types of terrain and styles of riding. Essentially, skateboards contain the following components:
The skateboard deck, usually made of laminated wood plys molded with concave and raised tail and nose for functionality. They range in different sizes and lengths.
Grip tape is applied to the top for traction and grip while riding.
The trucks (qty 2) are metal casted components that mount to the underside of the skateboards with hardware (nuts and bolts) and which the wheels are attached to. The trucks are used for turning and are adjustable to turn at different speeds and degrees.
Wheels (qty 4) are compromised of urethane compounds and made with resiliency, durability and traction at the focal point of attention. Different wheels are made for different terrain and surfaces. They are critical to the quality, functionality and safety of riding a skateboard.
Two precision bearings are inserted into each wheel with a spacer between and they are attached to the axle of the trucks with nuts. The precision bearings are machine made products for highest quality for speed and durability. They are available in different quality levels.
While you can by cheaper skateboards and components for your board you are also taking a dangerous risk in the reliability of your skateboard. Faulty low-grade products are not made to premium quality standards and are not safe. Do not sacrifice your health to dangerous products. Always buy quality merchandise from reputable brands. A .00 skateboard is much cheaper than a .00 broken arm.
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Skateboard Assembley
Skateboard Assembley
So, you're ready to get your first skateboard? A decision you've made so that you too can ride the rolling urban landscapes of the world. Well, you have two choices; get a complete skateboard, which comes already set up and ready to ride, or get all the components and set it up to your own specs. The second choice may seem a bit more daunting, but in reality it's a no-brainer. And you have the freedom of choosing and customizing your set up, exactly how you want it. What can be better than that? The following are instructions on setting up your new board properly and effectively. If you are under 15, get your Mom or Dad to help you out.
Tools Needed
Metal file
Safety knife with fresh blade
Phillips screwdriver or allen wrench
Scratch Awl (though either of no. 3 will work)
3/8", ½", 9/16" nut drivers
Optional power drill
A work bench or workspace that will get scratched up. A vise helps but is not necessary.
Griptape
This is the gritty sticker-backed material that helps your shoes grip the board while riding. This goes on your deck first - obviously, on the top of the board (duh). It usually comes in full-length sheets and various colors and designs. Pull the backing off the grip tape sheet and place it on the top of your board. It doesn't matter if it is crooked, but make sure it goes over all edges. You can also do half-at-a-time by pulling only half the backing off, placing it on the board, then pulling the rest of the backing off and pressing it on the other half. Whatever floats your boat. Place your board on the ground (carpet if you are worried about scratching the underside) and walk all over it, making sure the grip tape is stuck on good. If you notice air bubbles in the grip tape, you can pop them with the tip of the razor. Now put the board up on your bench or workspace.
Ok, here comes the trade secret. Take your file and firmly file an outline of the board right onto the deck's edge. Do not file through the tape to the deck, just remove the gritty stuff. This gives you a guideline to cut the excess off, and also makes it easy to cut. Grab the safety knife, holding the blade 45 degrees to the edge, and come up from the bottom side of the grip Cut along the line you just filed and trim the excess tape off. If you do this right, it should cut off like butter. No effort what so ever. Be careful not to file and trim so deep that you cut into the board. Once you've cut off the excess grip, give the board a light "run over" with the file to secure any raised edges. Success! We are ready to move on to the next step.
Truck Mounting
Use a scratch awl (or whatever else will fit through a mounting hole) to poke through the grip tape where the truck holes are (on the board) so you can install the mounting hardware that holds the trucks on. Be careful not to poke yourself. Now grab the board and put it between your legs, or just hold it or have a friend hold it. A bench vice works too. Take the mounting bolts and push them through the truck holes on the board, four per truck (do one truck at a time). Slide the optional riser pads onto the bolt ends, then do the same with the truck. Make sure the truck bushings and kingpins are facing each other towards the middle of the board when they are both mounted This is very important, because if you put the trucks on backwards, they will turn in the opposite direction that you want them to, and that wouldn't be good. Secure them with nylon inserted locknuts and tighten them down snug with the screwdriver or allen tool and the 3/8" nut driver. Repeat this process with the other truck. Wheels up next!
Wheel Assembly and Mounting
Okay, you're almost there. The most difficult part of assembling wheels is getting the bearings into the wheel without damaging the delicate shields on the bearings. The softer wheels are fairly easy to pop the bearings into, but with the harder durometers it gets a little tough. Bearing tools (or bearing presses) are available, but not always handy. Low and behold, you can McGiever it and use your truck as a bearing tool. There are two bearings and a spacer per wheel. Drop one of the bearings on the truck axle, followed by a spacer, and press the bearing into the wheel using the leverage between your hand and the truck Take a visual to make sure they are seated flush all the way. Do the same for the other bearing. Most quality trucks have two thin washers on each axle. These are mounted on the outside of the bearings to achieve a good bearing seat and minimize friction. Axle washers minimize friction even more by allowing less of the bearing to come in contact with the washer. After the washers are in place and the wheel is installed, follow it all with a nylon inserted ½" aircraft lock nut. Tighten it down snug and then back the nut off until you get non-binding roll with minimum play - just a little bit jiggley.
Ready to Skate?
Ok, you are just about ready to roll. Give the deck a quick check for any missed nuts and bolts. Sometimes, when a board is brand new and you place the board on a flat surface, not all of the wheels will sit flat. Three wheels may touch but the other might be floating a bit. This is normal, and the problem will vanish once the truck cushions are worked in and relaxed. Another minor problem you may face is that new wheels don't spin very freely. Once the board is used and the bearings settle in the wheels, they will spin free and true. Adjust the truck kingpin nut (9/16") to dictate how the board turns. If you loosen the nut, this causes the trucks to turn more freely. If you tighten it they will turn less. Take your time getting to know what feels right. Have a tool handy when you are riding so that you can make minor adjustments. (You should always check your ride before sessioning. Things loosen up.)
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Skateboard Saftey
The Reality of Skateboarding Safety
Skateboarding is a fun, active, physically demanding and mentally challenging sport. But it can be as dangerous as any other physical activity if you do not take the time to learn proper skills, techniques and safety measures. While skateboarding may look chaotic and reckless, it is essentially a low impact and relatively safe sport compared to most other popular sports. Of course, riders should ride within their own capabilities. It is important to develop your skills. Begin with basics and learn how to feel comfortable while riding, turning and stopping on your skateboard. Remember, everyone has his or her own individual learning curve. With the right gear and a strong will to learn, skateboarding can be a great activity that builds character, integrity, determination and creativity. Have fun and skate safe.
Choose A Quality Skateboard
It is important to be selective when choosing the right equipment for skateboarding. Skateboards are made up of several different components. These components have technical differences for various types of terrain and styles of riding. Essentially, skateboards contain the following components (You can also check out Skateboard.com's Skateboard Anatomy for more information):
The skateboard deck, usually made of laminated wood plys molded with concave and raised tail and nose for functionality. They range in different sizes and lengths.
Grip tape is applied to the top for traction and grip while riding.
The trucks (qty 2) are metal casted components that mount to the underside of the skateboards with hardware (nuts and bolts) and which the wheels are attached to. The trucks are used for turning and are adjustable to turn at different speeds and degrees.
Wheels (qty 4) are compromised of urethane compounds and made with resiliency, durability and traction at the focal point of attention. Different wheels are made for different terrain and surfaces. They are critical to the quality, functionality and safety of riding a skateboard.
Two precision bearings are inserted into each wheel with a spacer between, and they are attached to the axle of the trucks with nuts. The precision bearings are machine made products for highest quality, speed and durability. However, they are also available in different quality levels.
While you can by cheaper skateboards and components for your board, you are also taking a dangerous risk in the reliability of your skateboard. Faulty low grade products are not made to premium quality standards and are not safe. Do not sacrifice you or your child's health to dangerous products. Always buy quality merchandise from reputable brands. A .00 skateboard is much cheaper than a .00 broken arm.
Protective Gear Safety gear is another important aspect of skating safely. Beginners and young riders should always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Make sure to get a CPSC approved helmet. Knee and elbow pads can help protect against bumps and abrasions, and gloves/wrist guards with padded palms can help protect against hand and wrist injuries. Certain terrain may dictate the use of certain protective gear. Professionals that ride vertical terrain (ramps and bowls that reach heights up to 12' high) wear full gear due to the speed and height they attain. Street technical professional riders prefer less gear due to the possibility of getting caught in their pads and causing a lack of control, which can lead to injury. Street technical skateboarding is low speed and low impact, but helmets are still recommended. Again, riders must be aware of their limitations and skill level to avoid injuries. All in all, it's recommend that you wear safety gear whenever you ride your skateboard.
Where To Skate
Skateboarding can be done anywhere there is smooth, traffic free pavement. Most cities, however, have laws that confine skateboarding to certain areas -- or that ban it altogether. Now, most cities are adopting public skateparks that are designed specifically for skateboarding. Check Skateboard.com's Worldwide Skatepark Directory to search for the skateparks in you town or state.
1997 U.S. Injuries Per Selected Activity
Activity Total Participants* Total Injured Treated And Released (%) Hospital Visits Hospitalized (%)
Per Participant
Ice Hockey 318,000 77,492 98.9 0.9 .244
Baseball 2,033,000 326,569 98.2 1.1 .161
Basketball 4,527,000 644,921 99 0.6 .142
Football 4,414,000 334,420 98 1.4 .076
Soccer 2,825,000 148,913 98.3 1.1 .053
Golf 971,000 39,473 95.6 2.3 .040
Snowboarding 1,037,000 37,638 96.7 2.5 .036
Volleyball 2,732,000 67,340 99.4 0.5 .025
Fishing 3,812,000 72,598 98.8 0.8 .019
Skateboarding 8,238,000 48,186 95.2 3.9 .006
Based on Product-Associated Visits To Hospital Rooms report by the U.S.
Consumer Products Safety Commission.
* Based on information from American Sports Data, Inc.
Skateboarding remains to be safer than other recreational choices available to today's youth.
The following data is compiled by the National Safety Council and the
Consumer Safety Commission (based upon data from 1996).
Sport Participants Injuries Percentage
1996
Baseball 36,600,000 437,207 1.26%
Basketball 29,600,000 761,358 2.57%
Football 14,700,000 409,296 2.78%
Ice Hockey 1,700,000 61,264 3.60%
Soccer 10,300,000 146,409 1.42%
Volleyball 20,500,000 112,120 0.54%
Skateboarding 6,200,000 27,718 0.49%
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Skateboarding On T.V.
SKATEBOARDING/LAKE HAVASU, ARIZ.
Date Time Network
April 21 10:30-11:30 p.m. ESPN2
April 22 012-1 p.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast)
April 23 12:30-1:30 p.m. ESPN
April 24 5:30-6:30 p.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast)
April 25 4-5 p.m. ESPN (rebroadcast)
April 27 12:30-1:30 a.m. ESPN2
BEST OF BIKE STUNT, SKATEBOARDING, AGGRESSIVE IN-LINE
Date Time Network
May 4 10:30-11:30 p.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Lake Havasu)
May 6 12-1 p.m. ESPN (rebroadcast from Lake Havasu)
May 30 11-12 a.m. ESPN2 (from Lousiville, Ky.)
June 1 4-5 p.m. ESPN (rebroadcast from Louisville, Ky.)
SKATEBOARDING, LOUISVILLE, KY.
Date Time Network
May 14 1-2 p.m. ESPN
May 16 10-11 p.m. ESPN2
May 9 4-5 p.m. ESPN (rebroadcast from Lake Havasu)
May 12 12:30-1:30 a.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Lake Havasu)
May 13 10-11 a.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Lake Havasu)
May 20 3:30-4:30 p.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Lousiville)
May 21 1-2 p.m. ESPN (rebroadcast from Louisville)
May 31 1-2 a.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Louisville)
June 2 1-2 a.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Louisville)
June 3 10-11 a.m. ESPN2 (rebroadcast from Louisville)
June 4 12:30-1:30 p.m. ESPN (rebroadcast from Louisville)
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How To Get Sponsored
The professional and amateur skateboarding career is a fiercely competitive career. Currently, there are over 100 professionals and over 200 amateurs. All are competing to "be someone" in skateboarding and to achieve the ultimate lifestyle -- skateboard and get paid to do it. Hang out with friends and travel the world to exotic skate spots. Make enough money to live comfortably -- and then some. All while doing what you love to do anyway -- ride your skateboard -- and let the good times roll.
If you're interested in getting sponsored by a skateboard (or related) company, the first thing you need to do is develop your ability. Skateboard companies reluctantly get smothered daily with sponsorship requests from riders that can hardly ride a board. The best advice? Go skateboarding. Lots. Everyday, all day. Travel to new areas. Conquer new terrain. When you get to the point where you are pushing the limits of known skateboarding, then it's time to consider getting sponsored.
But most likely, if you are at the point of pushing limits, you will not have to look very far for a willing sponsor. If you have the skills, people will already be talking about you. The word gets out when there's someone ripping it up, and news travels fast on the skateboarding network. So, have an idea of what companies you would like to ride for, and set your goals on them. There are both good companies and bad companies. Make sure you are selective. You want to go with a company that will properly represent you, with one that feels right.
The "Sponsor Me" Video
Most likely, no matter what, you will make a "sponsor me" video to send to prospective companies, so that they can see your skateboarding abilities even though they are on the other side of the country. You will probably make several of these videos throughout your pre-sponsor phase. That's okay, because once you get sponsored you will need to make "video parts" for your sponsors videos, so that they can promote you to be a big-named pro. A "video part" can make you or break you in skateboarding. Make sure you strive for the best in the quality of the filming, the editing, and the skateboarding being filmed. Short and sweet is better than long and boring.
What Are Companies Looking For?
Number one, skateboard companies are looking for the best, or someone who may become the best. (Best is a relative term. You could easily put ten of the top pros together and say that they are all the best.) Companies are willing to nurture, develop and promote potential talent. They look for the fire in your eyes, the skills on your board and for a distinctive personality. They want you to represent them, ride their products, sport their gear, and give props to them (meaning, put in a good word for them). They scratch your back, you scratch theirs. It's a 50/50 deal. It won't work out if either party fails. What's helpful is providing them with good background info -- who you are, how long you've been skating, where you're from, where you are going. Also, note any magazine coverage you have received.
Note: Contest results are not a good representation of your abilities. Don't expect the companies to come knocking down your door because you placed well in a contest.
Once you get your foot in the door, opportunities can start rolling faster than you can say, "give me free stuff". But it doesn't stop there. Being a sponsored skateboarder requires strength, determination, endurance and creative ingenuity. You need to maintain your credibility and loyalty with your sponsors by continually pushing yourself to new levels.
And that, my friend, is the definition of a true Skateboarder.
Summary of Tips:
1. Skateboard a lot
2. Collect quality video footage
3. Skateboard more
4. Contact companies
5. Travel and skateboard more
6. Be yourself and enjoy yourself
7. Good things are bound to happen
8. Start collecting those pay checks!
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Tour and Demo Calendar
TEAM DATES CITIES DETAILS
Osiris
The Aftermath Tour 5/5-6/2 Phoenix, Albuquerque, Dallas, New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City, San Francisco Osiris will have a D.J. spinning for each demo and will be hosting afterparties as well. Check back for more info as it arises.
Osiris
Canada Tour 2000 22-Apr Quebec City Demo at the Patinodrome
23-Apr Montreal Store appearance at Underworld, demo at Taj Mahal
25-Apr Ottawa Store appearance at Top of the World
26-Apr Toronto Demo at Bowmanville Park
28-Apr Toronto Demo at Oakville Park
30-Apr Vancouver Store appearance at Level on Robson, demo at Richmond Park. Wrap up party at Maverick's from 8p to 2a, with DJ Peril on the ones and twos.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Tour
29-Apr San Jose, CA Go Skate
30-Apr Salinas, CA Bill's Wheels
9-May Salem, OR Exit Real World
11-May Redding, CA Boardmart
13-May Chico, CA Landlocked Surf Co.
17-May Boulder, CO Brothers Boards
20-May Lawrence, KS Let it ride
22-May Minneapolis, MN 3rd Lair
24-May Milwaukee, WI 4 Seasons
26-May Cicero, IL First Gear
28-May St. Louis, MO Altered Skates
30-May Columbus, OH Black Sheep
1-Jun Pittsburgh, PA The Head Board Shop
4-Jun Rochester, NY Krudco
8-Jun Nashua, NH Eastern Boarder
10-Jun Philadelphia, PA Pact
12-Jun Frederick, MD Pit Crew
14-Jun Myrtle Beach, SC Surf City
16-Jun Orlando, FL Heaven
18-Jun Tampa, FL The SPOT
20-Jun Pensacola, FL Waterboyz
23-Jun Houston, TX Southside
24-Jun Stafford, TX Dex
29-Jun Chandler, AZ Cowtown
3-Jul Twain Harte, CA Bud's Boards
Tum-Yeto
The Manifest Destiny Tour 15-Apr Quebec City, Quebec EXO (Taj Mahal)
17-Apr Montreal, Quebec Underworld
18-Apr Ottawa, Ontario On Deck
19-Apr North Bay, Ontario Cheap Skates
21-Apr Toronto, Ontario Shred Central
22-Apr Toronto, Ontario Hustler
24-Apr Chicago, IL RQ
25-Apr Lacrosse, WI Pro Skate and Snow
27-Apr Winnipeg, Manitoba Sk8 Skates
28-Apr Regina, Saskatchewan Tiki Room
30-Apr Edmonton, Alberta Farside
1-May Calgary, Alberta Mission
Supernaut
Canada Tour 2000 May 2-21 Supernaut's Paul Sharpe, Matt Pailes, Matt Rodriguez, and Aaron Vanenbulk. Trust's Craig Williams. Check back for more info.
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Maintenance of Your Skateboard
Skateboards do need minimal maintenance. Nuts and bolts can jiggle loose. Parts wear out beyond safety standards. You need to take care of your skateboard and make sure it is operating properly in order to avoid any needless injuries. Spend five minutes making sure your skateboard is ready to session -- or five months in a cast because you didn't bother checking you board, and you didn't notice that your wheel was about to fall off. Yikes!
Decks
Skateboards are mostly made from wood ply pressed together and glued. Even the best-built boards can have problems from the demanding pressures that riding a skateboard can do it. I have seen skateboards manufactured from other types of durable materials, but nothing has compared to the ride of a good maple deck. If you ride a lot your board is going to wear out and need replacing. Visible pressure cracks are not uncommon, but if your board is cracked badly through multiple ply or has separated between the plys, it's time for a new one. The bottom line is, because of the nature of skateboarding, boards take a lot of abuse and they do wear out. Don't risk the chance of broken bones!
Grip Tape
You can clean excessively dirty grip tape with a plastic bristle brush and some water. Unfortunately, grip tape is almost impossible to remove from a skateboard, so it really cannot be replaced. Don't go crazy with the water. Towel off excess, and leave in the sun to dry.
Truck Mounting Hardware
Truck mounting hardware (holds trucks to the skateboard deck) can get loose from all the vibrations and banging around that a skateboard goes through. Make sure the hardware is tight and secure.
Trucks
If the rubber bushings -- or pivot cups -- are all smooshed and out of whack, it is time to replace them. Almost all truck manufacturers sell replacement parts, and there are some third party companies that also sell parts. Replacing bushings and pivots can make your old trucks ride like new. Just remove the kingpin tension nut, work the old cushions off, replace the metal retainer cups if needed (they get smashed), and put the new cushions on. Inspect the actual truck hangers and base plates for any cracks. Replace when necessary.
Axle Wheel Lock Nuts
These hold your wheels onto the trucks. Always check these before going skateboarding. Also, check them often during your sessions (not to mention the rest of your board). Axle nuts tend to wear out and loosen with repeated tightening and removal. Replace them even if there is a slight doubt of their condition. There is nothing worse than setting for a big rail, when suddenly, you see this wheel zooming out if front of you. Whammo! No good.
Wheels
Wheels should be smooth and free of any major irregularities or damage. Large chunks of missing urethane, flat spots, or just long time wear should be replaced. If any of your bearings seem to pop out too easily, the wheel-bearing seat may be damaged, and justifies replacement.
Bearings
Bearings are the little metal components that allow the wheels on your skateboard to spin. You will know if your bearings are in need of service. They won't spin freely anymore. If they make a little noise or are a little rough you may need to clean them. Some bearings are not made to take apart and clean. You should replace these with freshies. It might be best to opt for ones that you can service. If you do have serviceable bearings, you will be removing them from the wheel, popping off the shields, spraying them out with solvent, adding lubricant and putting them back together. Follow bearing manufacturer directions for best results. Warning: this can be a tedious and nerve racking job.
Remember, you don't want to waste any quality skateboard riding time on some stupid injury because your skateboard was neglected. Take care of your skateboard and it will take care of you.
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