Hey there, skaters! Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or have been shredding for years, mastering the language of skateboarding could make a world of distinction in understanding and enhancing your abilities. Whereas slang phrases are enjoyable and a part of the tradition, in the present day we’re diving into the extra technical aspect of skateboarding lingo, particularly specializing in gear. These phrases will provide help to get a grip (pun supposed) on the intricacies of your tools and improve your conversations on the skate park. So, seize your board, and let’s roll into the world of skateboarding terminology!
Skateboarding isn’t nearly doing tips and mastering strikes; it’s additionally about understanding the gear that makes all of it doable. Figuring out your gear inside and outside might help you make knowledgeable selections, whether or not you’re shopping for a brand new board, upgrading your present setup, or simply tweaking issues for a greater journey. From the deck to the wheels, each part performs a vital function in how your skateboard performs. On this information, we’ll break down the important gear-related phrases that each skater ought to know. So, seize your board, and let’s dive into the technical aspect of skateboarding!
1. Deck: The flat board you stand on. Decks are available varied shapes and sizes to swimsuit totally different using kinds. We cowl deck kinds fairly extensively on this article!
- Previous Faculty Deck: A deck form that harkens again to the early days of skateboarding, sometimes that includes a wider, extra squared-off tail and a definite nostril.
- New Faculty Deck: Fashionable deck designs which might be typically slimmer and have a extra symmetrical form, with a extra pronounced nostril and tail.
- Drop-By means of Deck: A kind of longboard deck the place the vans are mounted by cutouts within the deck. This lowers the journey top for higher stability and simpler pushing.
- Prime Mount Deck: A standard longboard or skateboard deck the place the vans are mounted immediately beneath the deck, providing a better journey top and extra leverage for carving and sliding.
- Drop Deck: A deck design that lowers the standing platform nearer to the bottom by having drops the place the vans are mounted. This design offers higher stability for downhill using.
- Double Kick: A skateboard deck that has kicktails at each ends, permitting for a wider vary of tips and stances.
- Single Kick: A skateboard deck that solely has a kicktail at one finish, sometimes used for cruising and old-school tips.
- Freestyle Deck: A kind of deck designed particularly for freestyle tips, usually with a symmetrical form and kicktails at each ends.
2. Vans: The T-shaped metallic elements hooked up to the underside of the deck that maintain the wheels and let you flip. Discover out how to decide on the fitting vans for you.
- Low Vans: Vans with a decrease profile, bringing the board nearer to the bottom for higher stability and simpler flip tips.
- Excessive Vans: Vans with a better profile, permitting for bigger wheels and a smoother journey over tough surfaces.
3. Wheels: Sometimes manufactured from polyurethane, these are the spherical parts hooked up to the vans that enable your board to roll. Which sort ought to I purchase?
4. Bearings: Small metallic items fitted contained in the wheels to assist them spin easily. Excessive-quality bearings could make a big distinction in pace and efficiency. Discover out extra about how bearings impression your board’s efficiency right here.
5. Grip Tape: The tough, sandpaper-like materials utilized to the highest of the deck to supply traction on your ft. Have to know find out how to apply new grip tape?
6. Nostril: The entrance finish of the skateboard, normally barely upturned.
7. Tail: The rear finish of the skateboard, additionally barely upturned however usually shorter than the nostril.
8. Bushings: The rubbery rings contained in the vans that enable for easy turning and pivoting. Totally different durometers (hardness ranges) can have an effect on the board’s responsiveness. Discover out extra about your bushings and when to improve them right here.
9. Risers/Riser Pads: Arduous plastic pads positioned between the deck and the vans to extend the gap between the wheels and the deck, stopping wheel chunk.
10. {Hardware}: The bolts and nuts used to connect the vans to the deck. They arrive in varied lengths to accommodate totally different setups.
11. Pivot Cup: The small plastic cup within the baseplate of the truck that holds the truck’s pivot level. It helps with easy turning.
12. Axle: The metallic rod operating by the vans the place the wheels are mounted. It’s essential for wheel alignment and stability.
13. Kingpin: The big bolt that holds the truck parts collectively. Tightening or loosening the kingpin adjusts the truck’s tightness and turning skill.
14. Baseplate: The underside a part of the truck that attaches to the deck. It’s the inspiration of the truck’s construction.
15. Hanger: The a part of the truck that homes the axle and grinds towards surfaces. It’s essential for the truck’s sturdiness and efficiency.
16. Shock Pads: Just like risers, these are softer pads used to soak up impression and scale back vibrations for a smoother journey.
17. Deck Rails: Plastic strips hooked up to the underside of the deck to guard it throughout slides and grinds. In addition they assist with board management.
18. Lapper: An old-school accent that stops the truck from hanging up on coping throughout grinds and slides.
19. Pace Rings: Small washers positioned on both aspect of the bearings to scale back friction and enhance wheel spin effectivity.
20. Skate Software: A multi-functional software used for assembling and adjusting your skateboard. It sometimes features a socket wrench, screwdriver, and different helpful parts.
21. Wheelbase: The gap between the back and front vans on the deck. An extended wheelbase offers stability at excessive speeds, whereas a shorter wheelbase permits for faster turns and tips.
22. Mounting Holes: The pre-drilled holes within the deck the place the vans are hooked up. These are essential for aligning your vans appropriately.
23. Professional Mannequin: A skateboard deck or full setup endorsed by an expert skateboarder. These fashions are sometimes designed to satisfy the precise preferences and elegance of the professional skater.
24. Hardness (Durometer): The measurement of the hardness of the wheels or bushings. Softer wheels (decrease durometer) present extra grip and a smoother journey, whereas more durable wheels (increased durometer) supply much less grip however are higher for slides and tips.
25. Core: The internal a part of the wheel, which might be manufactured from plastic or different supplies to supply construction and help for the urethane outer layer.
26. Cruiser Board: A skateboard designed for informal using and transportation, normally that includes bigger, softer wheels and a deck form optimized for consolation and stability.
27. Slalom Board: A specialised skateboard designed for slalom racing, that includes a slender deck and vans arrange for fast, sharp turns.
28. Rail Guards: Protecting strips hooked up to the perimeters of the deck to stop put on and tear throughout slides and grinds.
29. Shock Absorbers: Elements positioned between the deck and vans to soak up impression and scale back vibrations, enhancing journey consolation.
There you’ve it, skaters – a rundown of important gear phrases in skateboarding. Understanding your tools is essential for each efficiency and security, and understanding these phrases will provide help to make knowledgeable selections about your setup. Whether or not you’re tweaking your vans or selecting new wheels, this data will make sure you get essentially the most out of your skateboarding expertise. So, subsequent time you hit the skate store or the park, you’ll be well-versed within the language of skate gear. Hold training, continue learning, and most significantly, hold having enjoyable on the market!
Blissful shredding!
