Skateboard Lazar

What is a skateboard? Part 3

2010-10-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Such an axis (Truck) consists of two main components: the lower part (base plate) which is secured with four screws (mounting, bolts, shorties) on board, and from the upper part (Hanger), the two ball-bearing rollers (wheels) with polyurethane plastic.

Both parts (kingpin) by a main screw and two Bushings (bushings, rubber, dohdohs) connected. By moving to a tipping point (pivot) bearing joints, the skateboards blank decks will be directed by a weight shift. To better hold the driver on the skateboard, a mostly black, self adhesive paper (grip tape) on top (foot rest) glued.

Today's skateboards have a respective front and rear axles on the outstanding, up curved part. The rear tail protruding region of the board is, the front nose. In addition, most boards more professional now a slight curvature to the inside (concave).

What is a skateboard? Part 2

2010-10-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

In addition to the above-described common form of the skateboard or other variations exist. The most important are longboards and slalom boards. Longboards have a longer deck, bigger and softer wheels, less pronounced nose and tail. Slalom boards are often made of flexible wood swinging and often without any overhang on the nose and tail. Snake boards are divided into two skateboards. They are used for both slalom and tricks for.

What is a skateboard?

2010-10-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

A skateboard is a board (deck) with two axles (trucks) and four castors (wheels) on which you are standing move by pushing with one leg can. The skateboard is rarely used as a mere means of transportation. Skateboarding (skating) has rather over the decades to develop a sport with a rich repertoire of tricks (tricks) and its own terminology. The tricks consist mostly of jumps with a skateboard and are often implemented in combination with rotations of the board and the body.

A skateboard is a mostly seven-layer, solid Canadian maple or Baltic existing board (blank deck). Its dimensions are usually about 80 centimeters in length and 20 centimeters in width. To the often graphically elaborate bottom two movable axes supported are screwed.

Why You Should Ride a Blank Deck - 2

2010-10-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

A blank skaters tend to choose who in the budget. Its quality is the same blank skateboard decks often good, if not better. A blank slide, but the price is more cost-effective. Many times, people complain that the ride blank "harm skateboard industry", but this can not be further from the truth. Floating support to remain independent blank skateboard shops, it also brings more sales at the local skating economy. If a child came in every day deck of 20 dollars, there is a good opportunity, he will use his money to buy shoes or something else. This is the house there is a great store, because in clothes, shoes, clothing, and other than the greater profit margins on the skateboard deck.

Riding a skateboard blank, because you love the sport because you love your local store. If not you, will not shop there. Not a shop, you will not be able to skate. Or riding a store blank deck to balance. You can usually get a space in the local skateshop or online. A variety of online retailers that you can buy a blank deck.

Why You Should Ride a Blank Deck

2010-10-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

An empty lot. Mini logo appears and is surface surfboard from the same manufacturer that makes producing commercial skateboard decks. Instead of drawing it, and instead put a small version of this design - hence the "mini-logo" name. Skateboard blank completely, and it is completely customizable. Sometimes, immersed skateboard blank (dipped), or colored, but mostly just solid Canadian maple color.

A blank skateboard skateboard equipment is high quality work. This is not only a piece of wood is hand-factories in China. Believe it or not, a lot of research and development into an empty deck to the decision-making. Not only that, but it is blank skateboard decks skateboarding as a professional the same material. The only difference is that in any gaps in the graphics. And it is cheaper. Is mostly a blank skateboard deck than a normal better investment.

Skating in Mexico (Part 2)

2010-10-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, someone came very quickly out of the building, which we sent away and even wrote down the license plate of the car as we drove away. At least it seemed. Wero drove us to a ledge, they are gone shit so was that it hardly could stand, but still: Pedro FS 50-50 and Wero BS 50-50.

After this ordeal, we were naturally hungry and could serve us a snack and lose crabs alongside Mexico and Argentina in the semifinals 0-3 see. We had anticipated it, so the mood was still good. As a conclusion we skated at a few steps that you could go as Curb. Unfortunately it started to rain after the first attempt, and the session was over. The blank skateboards could not roll anymore.

Wero Pedro and drove on, but eventually it was too wet for them from above. Back at Wero I took another 2 cups corn with mayo to me, and I must say that I have more than one shell can not recommend. I was tired afterwards and went to bed with the vermin.

Skating in Mexico (Part 1)

2010-09-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

At 12 clock we took a broken car that had to be warmed up for 5 minutes in the garage before you could ride it to a rather dull spot. Flat, far too high curb and 4 very long, ankle-high levels, where you could make fullest its fine manual skills using our blank decks.

The next spot would have better contrast, almost can not be. Ledges, curbs, banks, super floor and right next to a supermarket. If only the damn floor grate not been.

We blew off at a bank that you could also super slide and grind. Unfortunately, after 30 minutes there and back end and led the way to go to a stair railing. Pekas, who had recovered, sent down by the FS 50, BS 50, BS Suski and I was really impressed.

The children around it also, unfortunately, they also interfered belonging. They shot their ball on the steps and often stood in their way. Then there came by an old crazy man and gave his two cents, but then finally came the 50th BS KF Everyone was happy. Right next to the rail was a roof-to-roof-hole that we had to skate away.

Skatepark Fun

2010-05-24T22:31:00.001-07:00

I went to the skatepark recently and had lots of fun. I hadn't been in a while, but I picked up a new blank deck from complete blank skateboards and decided I should go skate. I had a blast! It's been a few months since I last skated, but it's just like riding a bike. It's something you never forget.

After a little bit of warming up, I was riding like a new man. This new board was sweet; there's always something awesome about getting a new deck. It's every skater's dream. Now that summer has come, I am hoping to have much more time to spend down at the skatepark.

I know I tend to say this a lot, but it's very important. You need to wear a helmet and skateboard pads when you go skateboarding. It's good for your health. Anyways, get out there and have fun. Inspire yourself or something, I don't know.

What do I skate?

2010-05-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

People have been asking me, "So what do you ride, man?"

Well, I have many skateboards. My primary board is an old school deck with carver carving trucks on it. I used to skate an old school board, and before that I rode a popsicle stick deck. My style is always changing.

I also own a limited edition Bennett that I probably shouldn't be skating, because that makes it worthless. Oh well. If it has wheels, I'm gonna give it a go.

That's about it. I don't have a crazy huge skateboard collection like some people.

Skateboarding? Heck yes.

2010-05-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

I love skateboarding. I try and do it every day, but can't always make it. I'm a little bit old now, and things are starting to hurt (legs, back, etc.) but skateboarding still gives me great satisfaction. It's like I'm doing something that's good for me. It's a great sport. If you don't skate, or skated when you're young, go buy a skateboard and give it a try. You won't regret it. Unless you hurt yourself. So don't let that happen.

Skateboarding is sweet.
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___Skateboard Lazar_________

Where do I skate my Skateboard? Part 3

2010-05-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

If you're a longboarder and dislike the street skating style, then you need to find yourself a hill. If your town is flat, then practice your pumping on flat land and ditches. If you have curbs and driveways, skate them.

There are always places to skate, sometimes they just take a little bit of searching. The world is your skatepark. Wear a helmet,and be safe, but most importantly, have fun.

Like this article? Congratulations. It's over. Leave a comment below.

Where do I skate my Skateboard? Part 2

2010-05-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

If you don't have any curbs in your neighborhood, then build a ramp! It's expensive to build a ramp, but in the end your money pays off. A good ramp that is properly taken care of will last a very long time.

One great option if you don't have a place to skate is to find a skatepark. If you don't have a skatepark nearby, then you might have to go z-boys on your neighborhood and start draining swimming pools. This is illegal and dangerous, but a pool is great fun.

Like this article? Check back tomorrow for the rest.

Where do I skate my Skateboard? Part 1

2010-05-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

So you've just gotten a skateboard, and you're pretty good at riding it, but you're running out of skate spots. What do you do? You can go hunt for new spots, using the ideas listed below.

A favorite place for many skaters is their own front yard. Wax up the curb in front of your house, and then skate that ledge! This isn't always good for the curb - the wax is hard to get off and before long the concrete will chip, but it definitely provides you a place to skate.

Check back tomorrow for the rest.

What Kind of Skateboard Wheels do I Need? (Part VI)

2010-05-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

The final step you will have to take in purchasing your wheels is to find out what is available to you at your local skateboard shop, and then purchase the wheel that will suit your needs. If you are a street cruiser, you might want to look at getting some 78a 60mm conical wheels.

If you are a skatepark skater, you'll probably want wheels that are small and hard - 97a 52mm wheels would do nicely. Before you purchase the wheels you're looking at, see if you can try out a board that has the wheels you were checking out on it. A few skateboard shops have skateboard decks that they will be happy to let you try out.

In conclusion, we learned about what the durometer of a wheel is, why the shape matters, and the differences in size. If you're still confused after consuming all this info, take a trip down to your local skateboard shop. They will be happy to help out a fellow skater.

What Kind of Skateboard Wheels do I Need? (Part V)

2010-05-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Next you will want to think about is the size of the wheel. Street skateboard wheels typically come in sizes from 50 to 54mm. Skateboard wheels aren't really made much smaller than 50mm, as they become too small to skate on. Bigger wheels are often used on longboard or cruiser boards; a few longboarders like to utilize a soft wheel that is around 59 to 60mm.

Longboarders use bigger wheels than street boarders because it makes it easier to roll over bumps or cracks in the road. Extreme downhill longboarders will on occasion buy even bigger wheels - up to 65mm or more - because there is a speed increase. The bigger the wheel, the more speed you will gain on a hill. Sometimes, it's hard to get a bearing into the wheel. You might need a tool like the FKD press. It's a little expensive, but it definitely works better than a normal skate tool.

What Kind of Skateboard Wheels do I Need? (Part IV)

2010-05-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

The other type of wheel is the conical, or tunnel, wheel. Conical wheels have a V shape to them, with a flat reverse side. (If this does not make sense, do a quick image search and you will understand what I'm explaining.)

Conical wheels are often used for cruisers, as they are very light weight and ride on the street quite smoothly. Since they are light weight, a cruiser or longboarder won't have to push as often as they would with a regular wheel.

What Kind of Skateboard Wheels do I Need? (Part III)

2010-05-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

The other thing you have to take into account for a wheel is the shape of the wheel. There are a couple separate shapes of wheels, and each one is designed for a different purpose. A 'free ride' style wheel is your every day skateboard wheel.

Free ride wheels have rounded edges and a rounded face, which makes getting off ledges or coping much easier than it would have been if you had tunnel wheels with a squared back. Downhill longboarders sometimes use soft freeride wheels because it makes it more enjoyable to go down a hill. The rounded edges also give you a little extra grip while carving.

What Kind of Skateboard Wheels do I Need? (Part II)

2010-05-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

You must pick a durometer depending on what you desire in a skateboard wheel. One rule to follow is that 78a to 88a are great cruising or longboarding wheels, as they are extremely soft wheels that will roll over rocks very easily, whereas 88a to 97a or higher make good wheels for street skaters.

The harder wheels provide a tiny bit more control of the board, and give you extra velocity on smooth skating spots, such as the concrete in a skatepark. A harder wheel is also less likely to end up with a flatspot if you're a powerslider. If you need to get some trucks, try an online shop, like this website. Online sites are usually the best if you're looking for great prices.

What Kind of Skateboard Wheels do I Need? (Part I)

2010-05-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

Buying new skateboard wheels can occasionally be difficult, but this guide should help sort out the different types.

If you're a skateboarder, then you know just how necessary wheels are. There are many, many different types of skateboard wheels out in the world. What kind of skateboard wheels should a skateboarder get? This article should help you generate a better understanding of the different kinds of wheels out there. If you are in need of skateboard trucks, and not wheels, then try online.

The very first item you must to learn about wheels is that they can be bought in all kinds of hardness's. Skateboarders call this 'hardness' the wheel's Shore D, or durometer. There are two different scales of durometer. The D scale is used for materials that aren't very soft, while the A scale is used for softer materials, such as the urethane used in a skateboard wheel.

Buying a Skateboard (Part VI)

2010-05-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

The other type of deck is the longboard. If you're not into doing tricks, then the longboard is probably the deck you need. The longboard gives some good control, and, thanks to it's linear shape, allows you to build up some speed.

Now that you know about the different types of skateboards, it's time to go out and get one that you like. If you're still lost after reading this guide, head down to your local skateboard shop. They'll be glad to help you! You could even just look at some boards online, to get an idea for what you're looking for.

Buying a Skateboard (Part V)

2010-05-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

The eighties skateboard decks are perfect for skating pipes and pools. They are quite stable, but aren't so good for flip tricks.

The eighties style decks tend to be very heavy, and thus aren't very good for flip tricks. They're also pretty clunky, and don't have much of a front nose. These two qualities make street skating nearly impossible.

Buying a Skateboard (Part IV)

2010-04-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

The wider decks are naturally less maneuverable and not as good for flip tricks. Since there is more wood for your feet to get tripped up on, it will be much more difficult to perform technical flip tricks on a wide board. This doesn't usually matter for pool or vert skateboarders, though.

The modern popsicle stick deck is the choice of most skaters, but there are other types of boards, too. A favorite classic is the 10 inch pig. This deck refers to the eighties style decks that used to be king of the skating world.

Buying a Skateboard (Part III)

2010-04-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

A skateboard that's under eight inches will also allow you to be more maneuverable in the streets. You should have more control under your feet because you have less deck to worry about.

You'll want to buy a board that's eight inches or wider if you're a pool skater or vert skateboarder. Wider skateboard decks tend to give the rider a more stable ride, especially at high speeds.

Buying a Skateboard (Part II)

2010-04-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

If you have been skating a certain deck for a while, there's a good chance that your body has gotten used to the feeling of it. You should try and purchase a board that's as similar to that board as possible. If you get a new deck, and it's a different size, you may find it hard to do tricks that you used to land with ease.

Street skaters will want to choose a skateboard deck that has a width of 8 inches or less. This range is the best for performing flip tricks. It allows you to stay stable when you gain a little bit of speed, but let's you have control over the board, too.

Buying a Skateboard (Part I)

2010-04-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

It's sometimes difficult to pick the right skateboard. There are a lot of different kinds of decks you can buy. If you don't know what you're looking for, you'll have a rough time buying the right deck.

The first thing most skateboarders do when they choose a skateboard is to pick a size. The type of skating you do determines the width of the deck that you'll need to get. If you get the wrong width deck, you may find it hard to skate on.

I like carver skateboards, myself.

How to do a Shuvit (Part VI)

2010-04-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is a long section! If you want to get yourself some seismic trucks, check out the link.

Soon, you will perform your first shuvit and maybe even your first pop shuvit. These two tricks are great to work into your skating vocabulary, and will even help you prepare for different tricks that you want to learn.

Once you've learned the basics of the shuvit and pop shuvit, you should keep praciting the tricks. It will take a lot of time before you can consistently land pop shuvits and shuvits, so keep practicing. Don't forget to put on your safety equipment!

How to do a Shuvit (Part V)

2010-04-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know how to ollie, then you should first learn. There are plenty of internet guides out there to help you. Learn to ollie, and then come read this after you're done.

When you're able to pull off an ollie with good form and it's looking pretty consistent, then you're ready for the pop shuvit. Pop shuvits are almost exactly like shuvits, but you throw an ollie in there. Don't forget about carver trucks. Can't do this trick with those. Or can you?

Start out by doing an ollie and shifting your front foot to the left or right. You may do a shuvit perfectly the first time, but there's a good chance you won't, so keep practicing.

Try to spin the board right as your tail hits the ground. It's hard to do a shuvit when you're already airborne, and even harder when your tail doesn't make contact with the concrete.

How to do a Shuvit (Part IV)

2010-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

It would be nearly impossible to land something like a 540 shuvit on flat ground, but you can try it anyway. The 180 shuvit is the easiest to perform, and the 360 shuvit is barely feasible on flat ground.

The pop shuvit is a variation of the shuvit. It does take more skill than the regular shuvit; the reason being that you must know how to ollie first.

Looking for an easier way to get bearings into your skateboard wheels? Try a skateboard bearing press.

How to do a Shuvit (Part III)

2010-04-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

To do a shuvit, place your back foot up on the tail of the board, and your front foot on the mid section of the deck. Lift the board up as if you were going to do a manual, and then kick your front foot to the left or right.

If you did this properly, the board should pivot and spin underneath your feet. Start with 180 shuvits at first. After landing a few of those, you can start working your way up to a 360 shuvit or even a 540 shuvit.

Looking for an easier way to get bearings into your skateboard wheels? Try a skateboard bearing press.

How to do a Shuvit (Part II)

2010-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

The word 'shuvit' comes from 'Shove it', as this trick is performed by shoving your board to the left or right and landing back on it. The origins of this trick are rooted in early skateboarding, probably before the ollie was invented.

Since the shuvit is the easier of the two tricks, we'll go over that one first. The shuvit is the perfect trick for novice skateboarders, because it only requires a little bit of skill and is easily pulled off without knowing how to ollie.

A shuvit would also be difficult to do on a set of seismic trucks.

How to do a Shuvit

2010-04-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

Many new skateboarders have a hard time performing tricks. Luckily, there are a few tricks out there that aren't difficult to do, and have a low learning curve. Two tricks in particular are the 'shuvit' and 'pop shuvit.'

The shuvit and pop shuvit are very similar tricks, the pop shuvit is done while in an ollie, and the shuvit is the same, but without an ollie in the mix. This type of trick would be difficult with carver trucks.

Purchasing Your Very Own Longboard (Part III)

2010-04-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Next you need to purchase a longboard deck. For downhill skating, you will want to buy something from loaded longboards. There aren't really many other companies to buy a longboard deck from anyway. Unless you want to buy a blank deck or something. Loaded longboards are great decks anyway; they've been specially designed to assist the user in doing various maneuvers at fast speeds and will usually last a long time

Finally, you'll need a pair of longboarding trucks. It's hard to advise you what the best types of trucks are, but anything that is made for a longboard will do nicely. Don't just buy a long pair of skateboarding trucks, they act differently (believe it or not). If you find that you're really having a tough time with this, as one of the people working at the store. They will probably share their opinion on what's best for you. Like maybe some carver trucks? Maybe not.

That is everything you should need to know about constructing your own longboard. Sure, it's not very in depth, but the fun in putting your own deck together is finding out what works best for you. Going in depth would put too much opinion into this piece. Don't forget to have fun while putting your deck together - that's probably the best part (aside from riding it, of course).

Purchasing Your Very Own Longboard (Part II)

2010-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

If you purchase a complete longboard, there isn't much this guide can tell you other than don't buy a cheap knockoff. You are probably reading for some info on piecing your own deck together, though, so we will start with the wheels.

Longboard wheels vary in size and hardness. Longboard wheels are typically very soft. Softer wheels grip the road more easily and give the rider a smoother riding experience. Softer wheels also work better when a person slides - they act more like a brake than harder wheels do. This is at the cost of the wheels, though. Softer wheels tend to not last as long as harder ones.

Other people enjoy riding longboards with seismic trucks - these special trucks use springs!

Purchasing Your Very Own Longboard (Part I)

2010-04-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Buying your first longboard can be a daunting task - especially if you have never stepped foot on a longboard before. If you really have an interest in the sport, keep reading. This guide will help you get started by teaching you what makes a good longboard.

You will want to think about the type of longboarding you're going to be doing before you just go out and buy a longboard. If you want to go downhill as fast as possible, you'll need a high tech board, like something from sector nine or loaded longboards. If you just want to cruise the streets and do things at low speeds, then most any other board will work just fine.

Some people like to use carver trucks on their boards. Check the internet to learn more about those.

How to buy skateboarding shoes (Part III)

2010-04-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

The best skateboarding shoes are simple. They are fairly smooth, without much detail on them. Shoes with lots of different embroidering and patches tend to get caught on the board while you’re doing tricks.

Every pair of skateboarding shoes will get torn up eventually, and this is another reason that plain shoes are the best for skateboarding. An expensive pair of shoes might look cool, but they’ll be torn to shreds eventually.

One of the best shoe soles for skateboarding is the classic waffle bottom. The waffle sole provides a great amount of grip, while keeping the shoe light. The waffle indents prevent the sole from just being another heavy piece of rubber.

When buying shoes, remember to pick a shoe that fits snugly, is simple in design, and has laces. Don’t buy your shoes online, and try to pick shoes with a flat sole. Choose the right shoes, and you will become a better skateboarder.

How to buy skateboarding shoes (Part II)

2010-04-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

It’s a good idea to remember that when you’re shopping for skateboarding shoes, you’re not looking for cleats, running shoes or other athletic shoes. You want something with a flat sole, and something that is comfortable.

Many people will make the mistake of buying running shoes. Running shoes don’t work well for skateboarding because they aren’t flat. A flat sole provides the best contact with the grip tape, and thus gives you more friction while skateboarding.

As you look for shoes, try to find a pair that fits snugly, but not tight. Your feet may swell after extended activity, and this will affect the way the shoes fit. Snug shoes are good shoes.

A good pair of skateboarding shoes should also have shoelaces. It’s not a great idea to skate in loafers, because they’re so loose. Make sure that the shoes you’re looking at have shoelaces.

How to buy skateboarding shoes (Part I)

2010-04-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Picking the right skateboarding shoes can be a big deal. If you get a pair that isn’t right, you’ll notice it. Not only that, but you won’t be able to do tricks very well, and the tricks that you can do are probably going to look sloppy.

When choosing skateboarding shoes, it’s important to pick shoes that are not only comfortable, but stylish. Well, to most people at least. Some people don’t care so much about the style.

To start, you’ll want to buy your shoes in a skateshop or other sporting goods store. Don’t buy your shoes online – this usually ends in disaster. Since you can’t see how the shoe fits on your foot, the final product that gets delivered will probably not be what you were looking for.

Be sure to wear a pair of medium thickness socks when shopping for skateboard shoes. This will give you the best indicator of how the shoe fits on your foot.

Ten things to not do while longboarding (Part V)

2010-04-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Wear proper shoes! Anything with laces. Don't bomb a hill in your loafers, and definitely don't get on a longboard without shoes. That's just asking to get yourself hurt!

Don't skate if you don't feel like it! Longboarding is supposed to be fun. If you feel like it's a chore to hop on your board and go skate, then you're doing it wrong.

OK, that's everything. Go skate now.

Ten things to not do while longboarding (Part IV)

2010-04-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Don't ride when it's wet! Longboarding is lots of fun, but slick pavement is not. Wait at least a day after rain has fallen to skate. If you feel dangerous you can go for it, but I warned you.

Don't skate without pads, unless you're just doing some light skating. Anything hardcore needs at least a helmet and some knee pads. Knee pads are great because they transfer sliding energy to the plastic shields instead of your skin.

Ten things to not do while longboarding (Part III)

2010-04-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Don't tailgate a car, bus, or anything else that has brakes. These vehicles can stop, but you can't. There's a good chance that you'll run into whoever you decide to tailgate if they stop, and it will probably hurt. This rule also means don't go skitchin'

Don't ride in front of anything with 4 wheels, either. Just because they have brakes doesn't mean they're going to be used. Your helmet probably won't keep your head from getting crushed, either. Think of that ad where the watermelon gets broken because it didn't wear a helmet.

How To Skate Downhill... Again (Part IV)

2010-04-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

To control your speed, you'll want to slide. Put on your slide gloves, and find a hill. As you're going down this hill, try to push out the back end of the board by kneeling down, putting one hand (with the slide glove ON!) on the pavement behind you, and twisting your body towards the hand that's on the ground. The board should get thrown into a slide, and you should start to slow down.

Sliding takes practice, and there are many ways to do it. Don't forget that while you're skating downhill, you'll probably fall off a lot. Just try to control the speed wobble, and wear your pads. You should come out of your first run with a good experience.

If you want to find a place to buy a deck after reading this, check out The Skateboard and Longboard Shop.

Ten things to not do while longboarding (Part II)

2010-04-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Don't whip out your phone and start texting. One second you're telling your friend what a good time you're having, and the next second you're picking broken pieces of wood out of your body and trying to get your front teeth out of the tree you ran into.

While we're on the subject of phones, it's a good idea to not take your phone with you. Leave it in your car; if you fall, then your phone is likely to get broken. Well, maybe you should bring your phone just in case you have an accident. OK, so bringing your phone is optional.

How To Skate Downhill... Again (Part III)

2010-04-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

It's important to not just go straight down the hill. Since you haven't skated a hill before, you're probably not used to controlling speed wobble. You'll experience this quite a bit in downhill skating. Overcoming speed wobble can be incredibly difficult. When you first feel it, your natural instinct will be to tense up and brace for impact, but you'll want to do the opposite. Let your ankles loosen up, and try to ride out the speed wobble.

If you feel like you can't ride the speed wobble out, jump off and start running. This is a lot better than thinking you can handle the wobbles and then falling off. If you do fall off, try to roll. Rolling is better than scraping.

Ten things to not do while longboarding (Part I)

2010-04-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Don't jump up and down on the board while you're moving. As a matter of fact, don't jump up and down on the board at all. Sure, it's springy and trampoline-like, but it just won't be the same when it snaps into two pieces.

Don't ride backwards. It's fun at first; but you'll start to pick up some speed and then things will be terrifying. Especially if you're going down a hill that's next to a cliff and there aren't any guard rails. Woo. Hoo.

How To Skate Downhill... Again (Part II)

2010-04-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Besides a helmet and leather suit, you'll want to invest in some slide gloves and a proper pair of shoes. When you want to slow down, you'll either need to drag your foot on the ground, or slide. Since you don't know how to slide yet, you'll probably be dragging your feet a lot. Get some good shoes.

The best way to start downhill skating is to just go out and try it. Find a hill near your house, preferably one that's not too steep or too long if you're just starting out, and then try and ride it. Wear your safety equipment! As you're going down the hill, you may want to carve back and forth. Start slowly at first, and work your way up to bigger, crazier carves. Carving will slow you down a little bit, too.

If you want to find a place to buy longboards after reading this, check out The Skateboard Shop.

How To Skate Downhill... Again (Part I)

2010-04-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

Before explaining how to skate downhill, you should know that if you fall, it's not my fault! This is just a little disclaimer. You should also know that if you try any type of extreme sport, there's a possibility of getting hurt. Stay within your limits, and don't push them too hard if you're just starting out a new sport.

When downhill skating, it's also important to wear your safety equipment. Get a proper helmet; your every day skatepark brainbucket just wont help you at 50 miles an hour. You may want to invest in a good leather suit, too. Of course, if you plan on keeping your speeds down, then these won't be necessary.

If you want to find a place to buy longboards after reading this, check out The Skateboard Shop.

Longboarding and Skateboarding Safety Tips (Part II)

2010-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

There are other things you can do that will keep you safe on a skateboard; like wearing knee pads and elbow pads. It's important to have the right kind of shoes on, too. If you have shoes that are loose, you could end up with a broken ankle or foot. If you don't wear shoes at all, well, you're crazy and probably won't listen to my advice anyway.

One thing that a lot of people like to do while skateboarding is listen to music with their iPods or other portable music devices. Skateboarding requires your 100 percent concentration; and listening for oncoming traffic or other skaters is part of that concentration.

Skateboarding could be the most dangerous sport ever (for beginners, at least.) Of course, every sport is dangerous, not just skateboarding, so you should really try to protect yourself as best as you can no matter what sport you're into.

Don't forget to check out the longboard shop

Longboarding and Skateboarding Safety Tips

2010-04-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

One of the best things you can do to stay safe while skating is to wear proper safety gear. At the very least, wear a helmet and pads. If you cant (or don't want) to wear pads, just go for a long sleeve shirt and some jeans. Nothing can be substituted for a helmet, though, so please try and wear one of those.

Some people think a hat or beanie will protect their head - it won't. Like I said above, nothing is a substitute for a helmet. Try to find a skate helmet, but if you can't find one of those, go for a wakeboaring or snowboarding helmet. Don't wear a bike helmet, those don't provide the protection a skater needs.

If you need a longboard, you can buy longboards at that link.

Moral of the story

2010-03-25T18:23:00.001-07:00

In 2002, I had just picked up longboarding as a sport. I was only 19 at the time, so I was young and full of stupid ideas. Thankfully, most of them never came to fruition. On the off chance that one of my plans actually came to life, it often did so with disastrous results.

Longboarding is no exception to this rule. Plenty of ideas came up when I was hanging with friends, and they often included something along the lines of, "hey man, let's use your longboard to (insert stupid plan here)"

Often, plans were thought up that would result in the destruction of my board. Naturally, I would decline to let my longboard be used in a manner that would get it destroyed, but that doesn't mean we didn't use it for other stupid ideas; like skitching.

When you hold on to the back of a car and you get your friend to drive you around at high speeds, it's called skitching. Skitching is (obviously) dangerous. Lots of things can go wrong - you can fall off, for one. Even if you survive the pavement, you have to worry about getting run over.

One day, while hanging out with my group, I brought up the topic of skitching. Naturally, we all went outside and, this being my idea, I tried it first. I grabbed on to the spoiler that my friend had mounted to his saturn, and we took off.

We, like the idiots we were, didn't bother with safety equipment. After all, if things got out of hand, the driver would just stop, right? Well, that couldn't have been more wrong.

As the saturn sped up, I started getting nervous. I remember thinking about how fast I was going, and how even on the steepest hill I've ever ridden, I had never gone that fast. We hit what I would estimate as pretty fast and then someone leaned out of the back passenger window and screamed, "BUMP!"

But it wasn't the bump that got me; rather the rapid deceleration that occurred after my friend thought it would be a good idea to stop. You see, inertia works like this: things stop, but you don't. When the car stopped, I slammed into the back bumper and lost 3 teeth. The arm I was using to hold on to the spoiler with was broken instantly.

Woo hoo. Fun stuff. I had a minor concussion, but my teeth were put back thanks to a great dentist, and my arm healed thanks to a cast and lots of waiting.

Moral of the story? Don't go skitching.

Downhill Skating (Part V)

2010-03-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

If you feel like you can’t ride the speed wobble out, jump off and start running. This is a lot better than thinking you can handle the wobbles and then falling off. If you do fall off, try to roll. Rolling is better than scraping.

To control your speed, you’ll want to slide. Put on your slide gloves, and find a hill. As you’re going down this hill, try to push out the back end of the board by kneeling down, putting one hand (with the slide glove ON!) on the pavement behind you, and twisting your body towards the hand that’s on the ground. The board should get thrown into a slide, and you should start to slow down.

Sliding takes practice, and there are many ways to do it. Don’t forget that while you’re skating downhill, you’ll probably fall off a lot. Just try to control the speed wobble, and wear your pads. You should come out of your first run with a good experience. Check out the longboard shop if you need a longboard skateboard.

Downhill Skating (Part IV)

2010-03-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

It’s important to not just go straight down the hill. Since you haven’t skated a hill before, you’re probably not used to controlling speed wobble. You’ll experience this quite a bit in downhill skating.

Overcoming speed wobble can be incredibly difficult. When you first feel it, your natural instinct will be to tense up and brace for impact, but you’ll want to do the opposite. Let your ankles loosen up, and try to ride out the speed wobble.

Everyone should buy longboards, but many people can't find a place. Check the internet and see what you find.

Downhill Skating (Part III)

2010-03-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

The best way to start downhill skating is to just go out and try it. Find a hill near your house, preferably one that’s not too steep or too long if you’re just starting out, and then try and ride it. Wear your safety equipment!

As you’re going down the hill, you may want to carve back and forth. Start slowly at first, and work your way up to bigger, crazier carves. Carving will slow you down a little bit, too.

If you're interested in looking for a place to buy longboards, check out the skateboard and longboard shop.

Downhill Skating (Part II)

2010-03-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

When downhill skating, it’s also important to wear your safety equipment. Get a proper helmet; your every day skatepark brainbucket just wont help you at 50 miles an hour. You may want to invest in a good leather suit, too. Of course, if you plan on keeping your speeds down, then these won’t be necessary. If this sounds like fun, consider checking online for a place to buy longboards.

Besides a helmet and leather suit, you’ll want to invest in some slide gloves and a proper pair of shoes. When you want to slow down, you’ll either need to drag your foot on the ground, or slide. Since you don’t know how to slide yet, you’ll probably be dragging your feet a lot. Get some good shoes.

Downhill Skating (Part I)

2010-03-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Downhill skateboarding is lots of fun, but is also dangerous. Many people love flying down big hills on their longboards, but they know how to keep it under control. Read this guide, and you will soon be under control, too.

Before explaining how to skate downhill, you should know that if you fall, it’s not my fault! This is just a little disclaimer. You should also know that if you try any type of extreme sport, there’s a possibility of getting hurt. Stay within your limits, and don’t push them too hard if you’re just starting out a new sport. If this sounds like fun, then you should search online for a place to buy longboards.

Slide Longboards Like A Pro (Part III)

2010-03-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

Many longboarders prefer to use a loaded longboard when riding downhill simply because they are one of the only boards that were designed for high speed skaters. The decks are shaped specially to give the user more control than they would have on a regular longboard. The positioning of the trucks is different as well. It’s all about giving you easier ways to get the board sliding.

That’s about it for sliding. It all boils down to practice and technique. Practice takes effort, and technique just takes time. Don’t forget to wear your safety equipment, such as a helmet and pads and stuff, because sliding can be dangerous.

Slide Longboards Like A Pro (Part II)

2010-03-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

Now, you are ready to practice sliding. First off, sliding is as easy as losing traction. All you have to do to slide is to get the back wheels to lose traction. From there, the front wheels lose traction and then suddenly you’re sliding. Start by watching some youtube videos on sliding. Try to mimic the stances that the pros get into and you will understand the correct way to slide. The motion is this: squat down with one knee on the board, grab the deck, and push out the back. You’re now ready to try it on a slope.

Don’t forget that the very first time you attempt to slide, you will be going quite fast. You will also probably fall. This is natural – failure precedes success. Sliding also can’t be done at slow speeds. This means you will be sliding at high speeds. This makes sliding scary. Try doing this on any type of longboard (including loaded longboards) and you will find out for yourself.

Slide Longboards Like A Pro (Part I)

2010-03-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered how to slow down when you’re going too fast on a longboard? Well, there’s one method that many longboarders use called ‘sliding’. Sliding is easy to learn and works great for reducing speed without dragging your feet on the ground or falling off and rolling 60 feet.

Before learning how to slide, you will need to find a nice piece of flat land to practice your sliding stance. Practicing your sliding stance on flat land makes things easier, plus you don’t have to worry about the whole falling off while going fast thing. If you’re finding that the flat area isn’t enough, move to the grass. It’s even easier to balance on a good patch of grass.

Get The Info on Longboard Skateboards (Part III)

2010-03-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

If a longboarder wants to cruise down a hill as fast as possible, they will probably want a deck with bigger wheels and a wider truck base so that they don’t lose control at high speeds. If a longboarder wants to get from point a to point b, they will usually invest in something a little shorter than a normal longboard. This helps keep it portable.

then There are many different types of longboard skateboards, and the best way to find the one that suits you best is to get out there and ride a few. Maybe a friend has a deck you can try? If not, the people down at your local longboard shop are probably happy to help. Good luck in your search!

Get The Info on Longboard Skateboards (Part II)

2010-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

The purpose of a regular skateboard is to allow the user to do tricks. This is great, but not everyone has the skill to perform ollies and kickflips. The longboard skateboards are used mostly for transportation, cruising, or carving hills. Some of the more expensive longboard skateboards have special shapes that allow the user to perform certain tasks more easily.

Every longboard is different. Different longboarders need different longboard skateboards. It’s a matter of preference to the rider. Just like they taught you in school – everyone is different.

Get The Info on Longboard Skateboards (Part I)

2010-03-02T09:17:00.001-08:00

Many people know what a skateboard is; it has four wheels and is shaped almost like an oval. How many people know what a longboard skateboard is, though? The longboard skateboards are like the older brother to the skateboard.

The first skateboards were much like longboard skateboards in the sense that they were shaped similarly. Early skate decks were long and thin, with soft wheels. The longboard skateboards we know about today are basically the same – they’re long, thin pieces of wood with very soft wheels.

Let's Learn About Longboard Skateboards (Part III)

2010-03-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

The carver longboard is the other type of longboard that is fairly well known. You know longboard skateboards like the carver because of their distinct front truck. It's a specially manufactured piece of metal from the carver factory that allows the rider to push the nose of the deck left and right as if they were riding a wave. Any board can be transformed into a carver deck just by adding that special front truck. The typical carving skateboard is short and thick - this makes it both portable and easy to control. This type of deck works well on both hills and flatland.

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of longboard skateboards, you can head to your local longboard shop and check them out. Longboarding is a great sport with a lot of history, and it's a lot of fun to get into. Don't forget to be safe the first time you ride - always wear your helmet and pads!

Let's Learn About Longboard Skateboards (Part II)

2010-02-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy riding the hills in your neighborhood, you will probably search for longboard skateboards with a wider deck and also a wider set of trucks. You will want a longboard with these characteristics because they are what will help you maintain control over the board when you start to pick up some real speed and momentum. If you were to try and ride a hill with a longboard that was made for cruising, you might end up falling off and getting hurt.

The next type of board is the cruiser longboard. These longboard skateboards are typically shorter than a downhill board, because they're meant to be a little more portable. A cruiser board is a great longboard for transportation. If you live on a college campus, you may find that a cruiser board is a fun way to get to your next class. It beats walking, at least. The cruiser tends to look like your average 70s skate deck. It's slender with soft urethane wheels, and has relatively thin trucks.

Let's Learn About Longboard Skateboards

2010-02-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

Why are longboard skateboards so much fun? Some say it's the sense of speed you get when you are zooming down a hill. Others say it is simply a relaxing activity, and that there is nothing better than going down to the beach with your friends and using your longboard skateboards to skate the sidewalk and chill.

So many people love longboarding because there are so many different types of longboard skateboards. Since there are many different types, there is a big following behind the sport. People have created specialized longboard skateboards for riding downhill, special board for cruising, and also special boards for carving the streets up like they're waves.

Proper Skateboarding Equipment (Part III)

2009-12-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

If you plan on skateboarding without any knee pads, you will definitely need to wear some jeans. Regular pants will offer more protection than shorts, but jeans are definitely the way to go.

The final thing you have to keep protected is your left and right foot. If you have a history of ankle problems, you may want to invest in an ankle brace. This may pose a threat to your upper leg, but it’s better than having a shattered ankle.

Don’t forget to wear the right shoes for skating. It’s never a good idea to go skating in running or track shoes. Go buy some proper skate shoes. Always remember: Safety first.

Proper Skateboarding Equipment (Part II)

2009-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Elbow pads are necessary if you’re wearing a short sleeve shirt because when you hit the ground, your elbows usually take the fall right after your hands hit. This is also where wrist guards come into play.

Wrist guards are another optional item that you can think about wearing. If you have weak wrists, or have previously injured a wrist, you may want to pick up a set of wrist guards for yourself.

A lost of people choose not to wear wrist guards because first, they’re dorky. Second; wrist guards can cause upper arm injuries. If you want to keep your hands from scraping on the pavement, but don’t want to wear wrist guards, then buy some gloves.

Moving on to the midsection, we have hip and tailbone pads. A lot of people don’t even know that these pads exist. New skaters are prone to fall on their tailbones and may want to pick up a tail guard until their skill level improves.

Proper Skateboarding Equipment (Part I)

2009-12-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

If you aren’t wearing the proper skateboarding attire, your day of fun can be cut short. Not wearing knee pads and then falling while wearing shorts is an example of this. If you want to learn about what to wear while skateboarding, then keep reading.

The best way to go about this is to work from the head down. Starting with the head, we introduce the helmet. Always wear your helmet. Hats are cool; beanies are, too, but only a helmet will keep your skull from cracking like an egg.

Now we protect the face. Some people wear sunglasses when they skate during a bright and sunny day, but that’s optional. A very small percentage of people wear eye protection while skating, that’s an optional thing, though, too.

If you like your teeth, you may want to invest in a mouth guard. This is not necessary, because you’re likely to fall on your butt before you fall on your face, but some people like to wear a mouth guard anyway. You can’t be too safe, right?

You should wear a long sleeve shirt if you plan on skating without elbow pads. If you feel like a long sleeve shirt restricts your movement, try and find something that fits loose and lets in a breeze.

Maximizing Fun On a Skateboard (Part V)

2009-12-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

Speaking of gaps, we used to play a game where you stack up your skateboard and then your friends ollie over it. If someone doesn’t make it, then they add their board to the pile. This keeps going until there’s only one person left, and this person is the winner.

If you don’t have any friends to go skateboarding with, you should head over to the skatepark nearest you. The skatepark is a great place to meet other friendly skaters, who will probably enjoy playing skateboarding games with you.

You can have fun with your skateboard in plenty of different ways. Don’t feel like you are limited by what I’ve written above. Instead, use this guide as a way to think up new ideas. Always remember to wear your safety gear!

Maximizing Fun On a Skateboard (Part IV)

2009-12-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

Curbs can also be like a miniature skatepark. They’re perfect for practicing small tricks, and can be used as a ramp. Alternatively, you could jump from the street to the curb, using the gutter as a little mini gap.

When I was a boy, my group of friends thought it was a good idea to jump over each other with our home built ramp. It’s very dangerous, and I don’t recommend that you try it at home. A better idea would be to stack random objects, and try to jump over those instead.

Maximizing Fun On a Skateboard (Part III)

2009-12-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

If you already have a skateboard, but you’re getting bored of it, try building a ramp! A ramp can be as simple as a board stacked up on a couple of bricks. When I was younger, I made a ramp out of a two-by-four and a piece of plywood. Cut the two by four diagonally, and nail the plywood to it. Instant ramp!

Street curbs are a classic object that skateboarders skate on. They’re almost like a wave, if you can ride them properly. It’s a lot of fun to ride up and down the street, pumping off the curbs to keep you going.

Maximizing Fun On a Skateboard (Part II)

2009-12-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Also, before trying any of these fun things, wear your skateboarding equipment. Get a proper helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, at the very least. Safety should be your number one priority as a skateboarder. Without keeping yourself safe, you’re risking your ability to skate.

Skateboards are great because they can be used almost anywhere. Indoors and outdoors, up hills, down hills, and on flat ground. They’re simple to use, too. Just hop on and go. Skateboarding is the ultimate freedom.

Maximizing Fun On a Skateboard (Part I)

2009-12-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to do? Get a skateboard. Already have a skateboard? There are lots of things you can do to have fun with it. Keep reading and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Disclaimer: skateboarding can be a dangerous sport. Whenever you ride your skateboard, there’s a possibility that you could get hurt. It’s important that you understand this.

How to Conduct Yourself at a Skatepark (Part VI)

2009-12-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Go slow when you first make your way into the skatepark. Try skating down a few of the more gentle inclines at medium to slow speeds. Bend your knees as you are going down and stand up just as you hit the flat land again. This will help you generate speed.

Remember to try and stay out of the way of other skateboarders. This is one of the reasons you should go to the skateboard park in the morning, and not the middle of the day or afternoon. Since there are less skaters, there are less people for you to run into.

Don’t throw a fit if you fall, and don’t give up if you can’t skate the park very well. Keep coming back every day, and try to have a good time. And don’t forget to wear your safety equipment!

How to Conduct Yourself at a Skatepark (Part V)

2009-12-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

It's not a great idea to head straight to the skatepark if you haven't skateboarded before. You should definitely practice skateboarding in your own neighborhood first, and then head to the skatepark after you get your balance and stance right.

Many people are used to the flat land outside. If you’re one of these people, you’ll want to get used to the bowls and hills of the skatepark by taking them on slowly. There’s nothing like trying to ride a bowl, but then falling and hurting yourself.

How to Conduct Yourself at a Skatepark (Part IV)

2009-12-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

It’s important to understand that the other skaters probably don’t even care that you’re there, at the skatepark. As long as you’re not running into other skateboarders or flinging your skateboard deck all over the place, then the other skaters won’t even notice you.

When you’re ready to skate, put on all of your safety equipment. You’re going to get hurt eventually, it helps to be prepared by wearing your safety equipment.

How to Conduct Yourself at a Skatepark (Part III)

2009-12-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

Since you’re early, you’ll notice that there aren’t a whole lot of people in the skatepark. You may even be the only one. This is great because you won’t be running into people, and you won’t have the fear of being watched.

Being watched is one fear that a lot of people have when they go to the skatepark. There are other skaters there, and it can feel like you’re being judged when you first go

How to Conduct Yourself at a Skatepark (Part II)

2009-12-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

After you have found a skatepark that you can skate at, you may want to go and check it out. Survey the park before skating. This will help you plan runs and also see what you're in for. Surveying the skatepark is one of the best things you can do to help prepare yourself.

The first time you go to the skatepark, you should do it early in the morning. Not super early, but early enough that you’re the only one there, or at least close to it. When you’re early you’ll be in a better position to skate. If you don’t have a skateboard for this, consider checking out the skateboard shop

How to Conduct Yourself at a Skatepark (Part I)

2009-12-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

It is lots of fun to skate at the skatepark, but if you're not careful, it can be seriously hazardous. Keep reading and you will learn how to stay out of trouble and also keep yourself from getting hurt at the skatepark.

Before doing any of this, you'll need to find a skatepark. There are plenty of them around, and you can find where they are online. If you're having trouble finding a skatepark, check out a local skateboard shop. The skateboarders there should be able to help you out.

Doing Kickflips in Laguna Niguel (Part II)

2009-12-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

When you make it into the air, you should see that your board is spinning under your feet. As it makes it’s first rotation, stomp down to trap it underneath you.

One problem with the kickflip is that it’s majorly skill based. The only way to really get people to learn it is to teach them the basic foot positioning, and then let them have at it. It’s nearly impossible to teach a skater how to actually land a kickflip; but it’s easy to teach them to get it started.

Keep practicing your kickflips, and you’ll eventually land them. Remember that it’s all about timing. You’ll start getting better and better, and then eventually start landing kickflips.

Don’t forget to wear your safety gear, and keep practicing! Don’t get frustrated and give up if you don’t land a kickflip the first time; that’s impossible.

Doing Kickflips in Laguna Niguel (Part I)

2009-11-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

The kickflip is one of the most technical basic tricks in skateboarding. It requires extreme precision, and a nice high ollie. If you want to learn how to pull off a kickflip on your skateboard, keep reading.

Before trying anything below, you should get your pads on. Hitting your head without a helmet on is no fun. Always wear your pads, and your helmet.

Disclaimer: It isn’t my problem if you hurt yourself while skateboarding. By getting on a skateboard, you’re taking a risk, and you should know that. The best you can do to lower this risk is to wear your safety gear, and also stay within your skill level.

Now that the spiel is out of the way, we’re ready to do a kickflip. If you didn’t already know, you’re going to need to be able to ollie before doing a kickflip.

If you can’t already ollie, I suggest reading a tutorial online or asking a friend to teach you. It will be very difficult to perform any trick without first knowing the basic ollie, so learn up and then come back to read more.

You are finally ready to start kickflipping! Get on your board, and ollie once or twice to get ready for the kickflip. When you’re feeling it, place your front foot near the middle of the deck, and let your heel hang off a couple of inches. Your back foot goes on the tail of the deck.

You should be feeling pretty good right now. This footing is the best (in my opinion) for performing a kickflip. Having your heel hang off should give you the ability to spin the deck with some good speed.

To actually perform the kickflip, you’ll want to slide your foot up the deck as if you’re doing an ollie, and then flick it left or right (depending on if you’re goofy or regular) the moment you get airborne.

How Does One Perform the Ollie? (Part V)

2009-11-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

Try not to flick your front foot to the right or left. If you do this, you’ll end up spinning the board left or right, and doing a kickflip/heelflip depending on your footing (goofy vs regular). There’s nothing wrong with doing a kickflip, it’s just that you probably want to start off with the ollie, and work your way up from there.

The best thing you can do is to practice. As you practice your ollies, they get easier and easier. Before you know it, you’ll be doing huge ollies and busting some big tricks. Remember to wear your helmet, and have fun practicing your ollies!

How Does One Perform the Ollie? (Part IV)

2009-11-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

If you’re feeling it, then slam your back foot down like you want to put it through the ground, and kick your front foot forward like you’re a kung fu master kicking your worst enemy in the stomach. You’ll either ollie way up into the air, or fall over miserably. Either way, you’ll need to practice.

It helps to do this motion quickly. Stomp your back foot down, and flick your front foot up the board. As your front foot slides up the deck, try and hop a little bit. You will eventually get airborne.

How Does One Perform the Ollie? (Part III)

2009-11-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

Since the ollie requires that you are perfectly synchronized, you may not be prepared to try it on pavement. The board could slip out and that would be bad. I recommend trying the ollie on some grass or soft carpet. The deck can’t roll away from you here.

With your pads on and your board on a surface where it can’t roll away, you’re ready to position your feet. Place your back foot on the tail of the deck, and your front foot near the center of it. Squat down to improve your center of gravity.

How Does One Perform the Ollie? (Part II)

2009-11-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

Before performing an ollie, you’ll first need to set yourself up properly. By this I mean wear your pads. If you’re not wearing all of your pads, you could be in for a serious hurting. Also, as a disclaimer, it’s not my fault if you fall and hurt yourself.

Once you’ve got your pads on, you should prepare your mind and body for this new trick by doing some light stretches. The ollie is a pretty intensive trick if you’ve never done it before. It requires that your body is perfectly synchronized. Doing some stretches will help you prepare yourself.

How Does One Perform the Ollie? (Part I)

2009-11-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

The first thing a lot of skaters will ask you is, “How high is your ollie?” They do this to measure themselves up with you, and to find out who the better skater is. But what if you don’t know how to ollie? You won’t be able to answer the above question. Continue reading, and you’ll be doing ollies in no time.

The history of the ollie should be explained before the method itself. Alan Gelfand – called ‘Ollie’ by his peers, invented the ollie around 1978 or 1979. If you didn’t know already, an ollie is a trick skaters do to get the deck airborne using just his legs and feet.

Skating's History (Part V)

2009-11-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

During the early nineties, skateboards changed yet again. The trucks got lighter, wheels got smaller, and the decks became less bulky, but still kept their pop. The popsicle shaped decks we all know today came about during this period of change.

This style deck was much better than the shape that dominated the eighties because it was much lighter and less bulky than the old decks. It was also symmetrical. This symmetrical deck allowed skaters to land on the board in different ways, allowing more cool tricks to be created.

Skateboarding today hasn’t changed much since the 90s, other than some notable improvements in the manufacturing process of skateboard bearings, and also the manufacturing of the skateboard decks. Skateboards today are more sturdy and reliable than they have ever been in the past.

Skating's History (Part IV)

2009-11-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

Not only did the wheels evolve, but the shape of the decks evolved, too. The basic skateboard decks that were manufactured in the seventies were fairly flat and thin, except for a slightly raised kick tail.

The new 80s decks were much better for doing tricks. The concaves were deep, and the kicktail and nose were raised to an extreme angle. All of these features combined to create the iconic skateboard of the 80s.

Skating's History (Part III)

2009-11-22T22:28:00.000-08:00

During the mid-seventies, skateboarding became an icon. Many new skating companies were developed during this time. While the skateboard companies grew and made products, people were looking for places to skate. Thankfully, new skateparks were being built almost every day.

When the eighties began, skateboarding started to evolve yet again. The urethane wheels got harder in order to be a better skatepark wheel. These harder urethane wheels were also much better for doing tricks.

Skating's History (Part II)

2009-11-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

These original decks were made by hand. Often, the shape of a wooden deck was carved out and then a pair of rollerskates would be disassembled. The skateboarders would attach the skate wheels to the wooden board and then ride it. This was very primitive, but worked fine for what the skaters needed.

Back in the day, skaters weren’t so obsessed with doing tricks as much as they were with becoming street surfers. The skateboard was created by surfers who wanted something to do on the days that the waves were bad. The skateboard has evolved much since then.

Skating's History (Part I)

2009-11-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

The history of skateboarding is very rooted in American culture. It’s also very interesting. Skateboarding has been around for such a long time, that people in today’s world don’t know what skateboarding used to be about.

Skateboarding has been around since the sixties, but it really took off in the seventies, with the advent of the urethane wheel. Before the 60s and 70s, skaters had skated on surfboard looking decks that had clay wheels.

Manualling for Dummies (Part VI)

2009-11-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

The nose manual is the same as a regular manual, but you must perform the actions in reverse. Raise your right foot slightly and then try to balance yourself out using your arms. Most importantly, don’t fall off!

Now that you understand the concept of a manual, you should go out into the world and try one. Remember to wear your pads and helmet, and don’t forget to adjust yourself as you’re cruising down the street on two wheels.

Manualling for Dummies (Part V)

2009-11-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

Another cool thing to try is a nose manual. Nose manuals are just like regular manuals, but you pick up the nose and not the tail of the deck. You can perform a nose manual by first setting yourself up properly by scooting forward on the deck.

After you’ve scooted up on the deck, you’ll want to be sure that your front foot is on the very tip of the deck, and your back foot is at or near the bolts in the rear of the board. This should be the perfect position for performing a nose manual.

Manualling for Dummies (Part IV)

2009-11-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Now all you have to do is keep your balance. Some people find that sticking their arms out helps them balance. This may or may not work for you, but it’s a good idea to try it out anyway, just to see if it works.

Always adjust your positioning on the board while riding a manual. If you don’t constantly adjust with the board, then it’s likely to slip out from underneath your feet and you will find yourself sitting on the ground, defeated.

Manualling for Dummies (Part III)

2009-11-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

The manual is somewhat difficult to pull off – it requires a little bit of skill. You’ll want to move your front foot slightly forward on the skateboard to achieve more control. When you have your foot on the front of the deck, lean back a little bit.

Now that you’re leaning back, raise your front foot up. You should see that the board raises with your foot. Don’t raise it too quickly, or you’ll just scrape the tail on the ground.

Manualling for Dummies (Part II)

2009-11-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Now that you’ve read the disclaimer, you’re ready to begin. First, be sure to put on your helmet and pads. When a new skater falls, they’re less likely to try doing a trick again. Falling can be a traumatizing experience. Here in aliso viejo, we try not to fall off because of this.

You’re now ready to perform your very first trick: A Manual. Manuals are great tricks because they’re so easy to pull off. If you don’t know what a manual is, it’s very similar to what a wheelie is on a bike. I used to ride my bike up and down crown valley parkway in laguna niguel, and that was a lot of fun.

Manualling for Dummies (Part I)

2009-11-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

If you’re a new skater and think that pulling off tricks is difficult, you’re wrong! The manual is a simple, fun, and most importantly, easy trick that anyone can learn as long as they know how to ride a skateboard. If they don't know, take them down to aliso viejo and we'll teach them :).

Before we begin, I must give a disclaimer. If you happen to get hurt while trying to perform a manual, it’s your own fault. You should be wearing all of your safety equipment while practicing this trick, too. In laguna niguel, we wear all of our safety equipment. You should, too.

Where do Skateboards Come From? (Part VI)

2009-11-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Once the deck has been shaped, the edges are sanded by a skilled worker. Many skateboard manufacturers own a sanding wheel that the workers use to sand down the sharp edge on the deck. This makes the deck look cleaner, and also helps prevent injuries to skaters and other objects by removing the sharp edges of the deck. Sanding the edges also helps prevent the skateboard from cracking if it runs into a wall or something similar.

The skateboard is not complete without a picture on the bottom. Skateboard manufacturers screen print deck graphics onto a piece of plastic, and then transfer the graphic to the skateboard with heat. The left over plastic is removed to showcase the graphic on the base of the deck.

After the graphic has been transferred to the board, the skateboard deck is treated with a varnish that will help to protect the board and also the image on the bottom. This lacquer also gives a pretty sheen to the deck, and helps bring out the color of the wood. The deck is then placed in a box and shipped to one of the many skateshops around the world, for an excited skater to buy and enjoy.

Where do Skateboards Come From? (Part V)

2009-11-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Once they have, the decks are processed further. A lot of skateboard manufacturers shape a board using a device that uses a completed deck as a template for removing the extra wood from a skateboard deck.

After the deck has been shaped, the holes are drilled for the trucks. A device similar to the one above is used for this. By utilizing a single deck as a template, skateboard makers can build lots of skateboard decks that are almost identical in form and size.

Where do Skateboards Come From? (Part IV)

2009-11-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

After the veneer is layered correctly, it is ready to be processed in the skateboard press. Depending on what kind of deck is being created, the layered veneer will be pressed in different presses. An old school shape and a new school shape have to be created in different machines, because the noses and tails are different.

The skateboard press converts the flat pieces of veneer into something with a bit more shape. After being pressed, the skateboard decks are left to dry for twenty-four hours or even longer. If the decks weren't left to cure before further processing, they would likely warp and be unskateable.

Where do Skateboards Come From? (Part III)

2009-11-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

With glue on the veneer, the strips are stacked to create the beginnings of a skateboard. Most skateboard decks are 7 ply skate decks. This simply means that 7 layers of veneer were layered to make the deck.

Then, the pieces of veneer are layered to give the most strength to the board, with the first piece being a layer of veneer where the grain goes vertically along the deck, and the next piece being one where the grain runs horizontally.

Where do Skateboards Come From? (Part II)

2009-11-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Once the veneer has been sent to the manufacturer, the pieces are thoroughly inspected. If a piece is too flawed to create a quality deck will be tossed out or recycled. The pieces of veneer are then arranged into two different types, one with the grain going along the length of the rectangle, and the other with the grain going against the veneer.

The pieces of wood are then sent through a machine that applies glue to the pieces of veneer. This glue is just a normal, water based wood glue. It bonds quite well after being taken out of the press, and ensures that your skateboard doesn't fall apart.