Thursday, August 6, 2009

Pick Yourself A Cool Skateboard And Get Fit Before You Know It!

By Jim Samposzi

When it comes to sports, there can be not many things that are better value for money and more fun than skateboarding. In truth, all you really require is a quality skateboard. There are all kinds of accessories on sale too, but these are not really necessary. If you have a decent skateboard, the whole world is a skate park.

Skateboards, as we know them now, have been on sale since the '50s. Skateboard design has come on somewhat since then, but not really that much. The general design remains unchanged - four wheels and a deck.

Deck - The deck is the flat board that you stand on. These are usually made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be made from different substances. Often a deck will be around 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at either end which allow the board to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and jumps. The deck's surface will often be coated with a high-grip finish.

Trucks - These connect the wheels and the deck of the skateboard. They consist of two parts. The baseplate is connected to the deck. The hanger contains the axle and , in addition, assists in the steering of the board. This should be adjustable to make turning the skateboard easier or more difficult.

Wheels - Board wheels come in a range of sizes and varying levels of hardness, depending on the needs of the boarder. For example, larger wheels give higher speeds, while smaller wheels have a lower center of gravity and are better for jumps and tricks.

They are the parts that make up a basic skateboard and, basically, that is all that's needed. However, skateboarding is much more than a hobby, it is a complete way of life and has all the trappings that go with it.

At the more practical level, there is a massive selection of safety gear that is a good idea starting out or for people attempting more dangerous jumps and stunts. A good helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and cuts.

There are a myriad of add-ons to help you 'pimp your skateboard'. For example, nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The bottom of skateboards often have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of clothes, sunglasses and other fashion items aimed specifically at skateboarders.

While skateboarding is most often regarded as a sport or a hobby, a lot of enthusiasts praise it as an environmentally friendly form of transportation. However, skateboarding on streets and sidewalks is prohibited in many areas because of the belief that it is excessively dangerous as a means of transport. In truth, injuries are usually minor when they do occur.

As hobbies go, skateboarding is certainly one of the cheapest around. For as cheap as $75 you can pick up a decent board that will, most likely, last you for years.

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