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 bettering your expertise. Whereas slang phrases are enjoyable and a part of the tradition, as we speak we’re diving into the extra technical facet of skateboarding lingo, particularly specializing in gear. These phrases will assist you get a grip (pun meant) 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 potential. Realizing your gear in and out can assist you make knowledgeable choices, whether or not you’re shopping for a brand new board, upgrading your present setup, or simply tweaking issues for a greater experience. 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 facet of skateboarding!
1. Deck: The flat board you stand on. Decks are available in numerous dimensions and shapes to go well with totally different using types. We cowl deck types fairly extensively on this article!
- Previous College 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 College Deck: Trendy deck designs which might be typically slimmer and have a extra symmetrical form, with a extra pronounced nostril and tail.
- Drop-By Deck: A kind of longboard deck the place the vans are mounted via cutouts within the deck. This lowers the experience peak for higher stability and simpler pushing.
- Prime Mount Deck: A conventional longboard or skateboard deck the place the vans are mounted straight beneath the deck, providing the next experience peak 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 supplies 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, typically with a symmetrical form and kicktails at each ends.
2. Vehicles: The T-shaped steel elements connected to the underside of the deck that maintain the wheels and will let you flip. Discover out how to decide on the proper vans for you.
- Low Vehicles: Vehicles with a decrease profile, bringing the board nearer to the bottom for higher stability and simpler flip tips.
- Excessive Vehicles: Vehicles with the next profile, permitting for bigger wheels and a smoother experience over tough surfaces.
3. Wheels: Usually made from polyurethane, these are the spherical parts connected to the vans that permit your board to roll. Which type ought to I purchase?
4. Bearings: Small steel 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 offer traction to your toes. Must know learn how to apply new grip tape?
6. Nostril: The entrance finish of the skateboard, often barely upturned.
7. Tail: The rear finish of the skateboard, additionally barely upturned however typically shorter than the nostril.
8. Bushings: The rubbery rings contained in the vans that permit for clean turning and pivoting. Completely 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: Onerous plastic pads positioned between the deck and the vans to extend the gap between the wheels and the deck, stopping wheel chew.
10. {Hardware}: The bolts and nuts used to connect the vans to the deck. They arrive in numerous 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 clean turning.
12. Axle: The steel rod working via the vans the place the wheels are mounted. It’s essential for wheel alignment and stability.
13. Kingpin: The massive bolt that holds the truck parts collectively. Tightening or loosening the kingpin adjusts the truck’s tightness and turning potential.
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 in opposition to 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 experience.
17. Deck Rails: Plastic strips connected 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 forestalls the truck from hanging up on coping throughout grinds and slides.
19. Pace Rings: Small washers positioned on both facet of the bearings to cut back friction and improve wheel spin effectivity.
20. Skate Software: A multi-functional instrument used for assembling and adjusting your skateboard. It sometimes features a socket wrench, screwdriver, and different helpful parts.
21. Wheelbase: The space between the back and front vans on the deck. An extended wheelbase supplies 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 connected. These are essential for aligning your vans accurately.
23. Professional Mannequin: A skateboard deck or full setup endorsed by knowledgeable skateboarder. These fashions are sometimes designed to satisfy the precise preferences and magnificence 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 experience, whereas tougher wheels (greater durometer) provide much less grip however are higher for slides and tips.
25. Core: The interior a part of the wheel, which could be made from plastic or different supplies to offer construction and help for the urethane outer layer.
26. Cruiser Board: A skateboard designed for informal using and transportation, often 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 connected to the perimeters of the deck to stop put on and tear throughout slides and grinds.
29. Shock Absorbers: Parts positioned between the deck and vans to soak up impression and scale back vibrations, bettering experience 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 figuring out these phrases will assist you make knowledgeable choices about your setup. Whether or not you’re tweaking your vans or selecting new wheels, this information 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. Preserve working towards, continue learning, and most significantly, preserve having enjoyable on the market!
Completely satisfied shredding!
