Skateboards: views, best models, tips for choosing and operating

Skateboard is very popular among young people and is highly regarded by lovers of extreme sports. The high demand for roller boards due to their reasonable cost and wide consumer availability. In addition, skateboarding is a very interesting activity and contributes to the development of coordination and strengthening the vestibular apparatus.

The skateboard owes its name to the English transcription of the word skateboard, which in literal translation into Russian means “skateboard”. Skateboarding (performance on a skateboard of various tricks) was recently included in the program of the Summer Olympic Games. The appearance of this sport has its roots in the 30s of the last century, when surf lovers began to use skateboards to maintain their physical fitness in the offseason.

Over time, skateboarding came to the masses and became the favorite pastime of a large number of young people. Over the short history of its existence, the skate has repeatedly improved and acquired a more or less modern shape in 1958. A little later, namely in 1971, Richard Stevenson invented leg mounts and slightly changed the design of the board itself, after which it became more obedient and maneuverable.

High consumer demand for skateboards is due to a number of important advantages of these unique designs.

• A modern skate is an unusual vehicle, where you can not only perform various jumps, but also take leisurely walks, as well as move around in a big city.
• Due to the small size and light weight of the skate, with it you can go down the subway, use all types of ground transportation, as well as take it with you to shopping centers and movie theaters.
• Due to the fact that the skates are constantly under the supervision of the owners, the probability of their theft is minimal.
• Regular skateboarding develops the muscles of the legs and back. and allows you to always be in excellent physical shape.

Despite the resemblance, penny boards differ from classic skateboards. They are smaller in size, their decks are made of plastic and bent up only on one side. Thanks to this design, the deck bends slightly while riding and well dampens the pits when driving on rough roads. Mini skateboards are equipped with wide polyurethane wheels and are very convenient for long walks.

Modern skateboards are made up of elements such as deck, wheels, bearings, bushings, suspensions and influenza.

This structural detail is the most important component of the skate and largely determines its purpose. For the manufacture of decks using the following materials:

• Canadian maple is considered the best option for making a skateboard and is highly regarded by professional athletes;
• Chinese maple loses a little to its overseas counterpart, but has a lower cost and is quite suitable for making stunt models;
• plastic is also widely used for manufacturing skateboards and is characterized by good strength and excellent cushioning effect.

Wooden decks have a multilayer structure, numbering from 6 to 9 layers. The most common are 7-ply boards, which make up 90% of the skateboard market. The decks of some sports models from the bottom are equipped with plastic pads that allow you to perform different somersaults using the sliding technique on the railing. The width of the decks ranges from 12 to 26 cm and is directly dependent on the type of skate.

The wider the board, the more stable the skate, and the higher its speed characteristics. And vice versa - narrow skateboards are more maneuverable and obedient, but not as stable and fast as wide ones. As for the length of the deck, depending on the type, it ranges from 16.9 ″ to 55 ″, the standard length of the classic model is 31 ″ or 78.7 cm.

According to the shape of their profile, decks are straight, bent on one or both sides or equipped with side bends (concave). Straight decks are designed for a quiet ride, and curved decks are used to perform various tricks. According to their performance, there are boards whole or segmented, which also depends on the type of skateboard.

The next most important part of the skate is the wheels. They are available in a wide variety and are made of polyurethane. The main characteristics of the wheels are diameter, width and stiffness. The diameter depends on the dimensions of the deck and riding style and ranges from 48 to 75 mm. The standard wheel size for a classic skate is 5.4 cm in diameter.

When choosing videos, you need to know that the larger their diameter, the faster the skateboard picks up speed and rolls better. Models with small rollers slowly accelerate, but have greater maneuverability. Such patterns are designed to perform complex tricks and jumps.

The choice of roller diameter depends on the operating conditions of the skate. So, 54-60 mm models have proven themselves on tiles and cracked asphalt, however, when cornering, they often rest against the deck. Rollers 51-53 mm in size go well along a relatively flat but rough road, devoid of potholes and pits, while samples with a diameter of 48-50 mm are suitable for trips on even concrete or special sites of skate parks.

The stiffness of the rollers displays an indicator of their resistance during mechanical stress. Each video has its own marking, which is represented by a numerical indicator and a letter. Wherein the larger the numerical value, the stiffer the wheel. Soft rollers marked 73A-79A are designed for comfortable travel. Such models provide the skateboard with obedience to control, but they wear out quite quickly and require replacement.

Wheels of medium hardness are marked 80A-85A and are the "golden mean". They are able to provide high grip, make the skate maneuverable and improve cushioning. Such instances are ideal for ramp riding.

Rigid models are issued with marking 86A-100A and have a long service life. They do not lend themselves well to wear and give the skate excellent speed characteristics and good acceleration. The disadvantages of hard wheels include their inability to damp vibrations when driving on rough roads.

This element of the skate construction is responsible not only for its speed and condition of the wheel, but also for the safety of the rider. Therefore, when choosing a model, you should be very careful and purchase products only with high-quality bearings. According to their working qualities and reliability, bearings are divided into 5 classes, which are indicated by odd numbers and must be indicated on the skate's data sheet.

• Class ABEC-1 It is represented by the most budgetary and weakest models, which are put on children's skateboards and inexpensive copies for beginners. It is impossible to accelerate strongly on such bearings, and their service life leaves much to be desired.
• Class ABEC-3 It is represented by standard bearings, which have good strength and are designed for installation on boards of amateur skateboarders. They are able to provide pretty good speed, although they are not up to professional models.
• Class ABEC-5 represents the largest category and is installed on most skateboards. Fives are great for everyday skiing, providing good acceleration and excellent reel.
• Class ABEC-7 are already much more expensive and are installed on professional sports boards. Models are very accurate and reliable and allow you to achieve serious speeds, for which they received the name "racing".
• Class ABEC-9 It is represented by the most expensive models, however, due to the unfinished design, it was not widely used among professional skateboarders. "Nines" do not withstand overloads and quickly deform.

A gripeype is an abrasive pad located on the upper side of the deck and providing its reliable grip with the shoes of a skateboarder. In addition to the practical task, influenza also perform a decorative function, determining the appearance of the skateboard. Skins are available in a wide range of colors and often have a pattern. However, experienced skateboarders find color fluype less effective and more durable and prefer classic black or gray emery.

Pendants (in a professional environment - tracks) are a simple design by which the rollers are attached to the board. The trucks are responsible for the maneuverability of the skate and the safety of the turns.The principle of operation of the suspensions is quite simple and consists in the following: with lateral pressure on the deck, they make the wheels turn in one direction or another, and when the center of gravity is aligned, they return them to their original position. The dimensions of the tracks are selected based on the width of the deck so that the wheels mounted on the hanger do not protrude beyond the deck.

For the manufacture of pendants use the following materials:

• plastic - used on children's models, inexpensively and copes with light loads;
• aluminum - is the optimal ratio of quality and lightness, which is why it is especially common;
• steel – Although much stronger than previous materials, it is rarely used due to its high weight.

The main characteristic of pendants is maximum load level, which varies from 20 to 120 kg and consists of the mass of a skateboarder and the ultimate load that arises when performing jumps. An equally important parameter is suspension height. So, lowered tracks facilitate flip tricks and add stability to the move, however, they require high skill and the installation of small wheels. High tracks are designed for large wheels and behave perfectly at serious speeds and during long trips.

These small parts are part of the suspensions and are small shock absorbers made of technical rubber. The higher their stiffness, the more stable the skateboard shows rolling, and vice versa - the softer the bushings, the worse the rolling in a straight line, but the easier the execution of turns.

To reduce the load on the suspension and to protect the wheels on steep turns, special linings are used. More often they are installed on boards equipped with large-diameter wheels; for models with wheels of 5-5.5 cm, they are not needed.

Today there are a large number of modifications of the skateboard, many of which have transformed into separate types. They, as a rule, already have their own name, a special riding technique and quite vaguely resemble their ancestor. The following are the most popular varieties of skateboards, used both for the execution of complex elements, and for city driving.

• Classic skateboard It is presented in the form of a four-wheeled board with the edges bent up and is intended for extreme driving. Traditional designs are characterized by considerable margin of safety, excellent stability and beautiful design. Among the minuses can be noted the high cost of many models, poor reel and unsuitability for high-speed trips on city roads. Adult classic skateboards cost from 1,000 to 18,000 rubles, and for a model for children will have to pay from 500 to 2,000 rubles.

• Freeboards have a bamboo or maple deck and 6 wheels that rotate 360 ​​degrees, allowing the board to go in any direction. Modified pendants are equipped with weights that give the model maximum stability and allow you to develop serious speeds. Freeboards are quite maneuverable, however, they require certain riding skills. The length of the deck is selected according to the growth of the rider. The cost of models is from 13,000 to 15,000 rubles.

• Roller skis is a hybrid of skateboard and roller skates. The product consists of 2 unicycle parts connected by a torsion spring. Four-wheeled models of skateboarders are also found, however, are not widespread and are rarely used. Rollersurfers can accelerate well and do not require constant repulsion. Cost - from 1 350 rubles.

• Streetboards (Snakeboards) they look like classic skateboards, however, they have a prefabricated deck consisting of one static block and two movable ones attached to it on its sides.Models are distinguished by unusual appearance, good maneuverability and good stability. Cons are short-lived and not suitable for beginners. The price range of streetboards is from 2,000 to 25,000 rubles.

• Longboard is a kind of skateboard and has a long deck with massive wheels. The deck reaches a length of 100-140 cm, the rear and front suspension are maximally distant from one another, and massive wheels stick out beyond the deck. The model is designed to overcome long distances and long descents, develops good speed, is very stable, durable and can be used as urban transport. Among the shortcomings are noted high cost, great weight and difficulty in performing stunts. The cost of longboards is from 1,500 to 28,000 rubles.

• Mountainboards are skates for skiing in the mountains. The models are equipped with 8 "inflatable wheels, due to which they are able to move freely on bad roads and grass. The length of the board is 100 cm, width - 30 cm. Mountainboards are equipped with a powerful spring suspension, mounts for the legs, and sometimes a motor. The advantages include high traffic , excellent cushioning, good speed and the ability to overcome steep climbs. Among the disadvantages are high weight and high cost.

• Freestyle skateboard consists of a narrow deck and wheels off-center. This view is one of the earliest and is designed to perform flatland style flips.

• "Old school" - The very first type of skateboard, which was widely used in the 70s of the last century and used to perform basic tricks. The models had a wide nose, due to which they were highly stable.

• Boardboards characterized by high stability and fast acceleration, designed for long trips. The design of the view includes 4 massive wheels, a metal frame and folding nose and tail.

• Waveboards and Ripsticks represent two-wheeled models consisting of 2 independent parts fastened by a torsion spring. In order to set such a skate in motion, it is enough to move the center of gravity of the body from one leg to the other, without pushing from the ground. The advantages of the view include good acceleration, high maneuverability and ease of tricks. Disadvantages - instability and unsuitability for beginners. Price - from 2,000 to 15,000 rubles.

• Electric skateboards equipped with motor and brakes. The skate is controlled by moving the center of gravity from one leg to the other.

The modern market for extreme sports products offers a wide range of skateboards. Below are the best samples, occupying the highest lines of ratings.

• US Baker stunt model It is equipped with a deck of Canadian maple, has a low weight and high impact resistance. Skate is great for practicing jumps and is recommended for beginners. The minus of the model is one - a high price.

• Children's skate from the Australian manufacturer Penny Board available in two lengths - 22 and 28 ″, has wheels with a diameter of 5.9 cm with a hardness index of 78A and racing bearings ABEC-7. The model is designed for high-speed driving and is not recommended for performing tricks. The disadvantages include a narrow deck and high cost.

• Oxelo Yamba Wood Classic Skate Cruiser manufactured in China under the French brand and is designed for long trips along city streets, including poor asphalt and tile. The model has excellent reel, low weight and accelerates quickly. Of the minuses, low moisture resistance is noted, because of which the deck should be protected from prolonged contact with water.

• Skate Trick 300 from the Chinese company Roces has a 9-layer deck made of Chinese maple 31x7.50 ″ in size, a durable aluminum pendant and looks very stylish. The model is of good quality and is well suited for beginners.

• Children's skate Kreiss 57 cm It is made in turquoise color and is equipped with a plastic deck of the "fish" shape. The model is equipped with 5.9 cm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-7 bearings. Skate is so compact that it easily fits into a spacious backpack. The board is designed for riders weighing up to 100 kg and growing from 120 to 170 cm.

In order to choose the right skate, you should pay attention to a number of important points.

• For beginners, a 7-layer classic beech or birch skate is suitable.
• For boys and girls it is better to choose models with bearings of the 1st and 3rd classes, a teenager needs fifth grade.
• Experienced skateboarders to practice tricks a model with wheel stiffness up to 95A is suitable, for beginners - up to 80A.
• Beginner Board Width must be at least 20 cm.
• Beginner skateboarders are advised to choose models with rigid bushings, which will make the skate more manageable on a stable ride. Only athletes experienced in the field of freestyle can use too soft bushings, and for lovers it is better to choose bushings of medium stiffness.
• Kids will love the luminous wheels model backlight and bright stickers on the deck.

For skateboarding, you must choose loose, breathable clothing and special shoes. Better to get good skate shoes, but if this is not possible, then you can take sneakers or sneakers with a non-slip flat sole. It is necessary to take care of protection in the form of helmet, knee pads and elbow pieces.

Training place completely Depends on the style of skiing. For example, for a “flatdend” you will need asphalt and horizontal concrete slabs, for a street “street” - stairs and railings, for a “freestyle”, in which stunts are performed in one plane, any platform is suitable, and for a “vert” you need a ramp. Athletes riding in the style of “park” will be able to be content with specially created for them sites in skate parks. For beginners, a low-lane alley with a slight slope and devoid of borders is suitable.

Before you start skateboarding, It is necessary to correctly assemble and adjust the suspension. Most models have the ability to customize the tracks depending on the style of riding. To do this, they are twisted more strongly or, conversely, slightly weakened, regulating the work of shock absorbers. During the operation of the skateboards, it is necessary to monitor the presence of grease in the bearings and to clean the wheels of dirt and dust on time. Otherwise, they will quickly begin to creak and spin badly.

Start training recommended at home on a soft carpet away from sharp corners. The soft grass of the nearest park is also good. First you need to learn how to stand on the board with both legs, while maintaining balance. Then you should determine the supporting and pushing leg, stand on the skate and try to push off slightly. It is advisable to do this on a flat surface.

Next, learn how to remove the pushing leg on the deck and roll until the skate stops. The next step will be to develop the skill of maneuvering by tilting the body back and forth. And only after the skill of managing a skateboard in free run comes, under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you can go on to learn easy tricks.

See how to choose a skateboard in the next video.