It’s hard to resist the call of skateboarding. This sport just looks so fun and cool. Plus, the skateboarding community around the world is huge. It’s easy to find people with similar interests, and meet amazing athletes that you could go on to compete against someday. All the tricks and stunts of skateboarding are amazing, but there’s no denying a big part of the sport rests on the board itself. That’s why any good skater has spent time finding their perfect one. This isn’t so easy, however. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro that’s just looking for a way to kick their board up a few notches, we’ve got some suggestions about what to look for the next time you go shopping online or at your local shop.
When you’re grabbing a new board, it’s easy to get swayed by a good price tag. However, the most important thing is the support it gives you. Cheap choices made with bad parts end up costing you more in the long run. When you buy a new board, you should be checking that it is built to support. It should feel solid when you pick up speed or do tricks. If you pick a lackluster option that’s prone to being wobbly and unsupportive, you’ll be wasting your money because they are more prone to break apart.
A good quality board will have a focus on supportive structure and well-sourced parts. The main source of support comes from the size of the board itself and how well the wheels are attached. That’s why you have to be picky when it comes to choosing wheels and ball bearings. Ball bearings are the devices that effectively affix the wheel to your axle while allowing it to move with flexibility. It can seem overwhelming to pick a board that’s giving you enough support without knowing what to look for. Luckily though, there are tons of helpful guides to teach you about the anatomy of a skateboard. One of our favorite guides is this one on ballbearings, https://www.thrillappeal.com/best-skateboard-bearings. It’s sure to make you feel like an expert the next time you shop for a board.
Once you’ve got the support of your board down, then it’s okay to focus on looks. You should be riding a board you want to see again and again. When shopping, your priority should be the performance of your board, but aesthetics are actually important too. Liking how it looks will make you want to ride again and again, which ultimately encourages you to practice.
There are tons of ways to customize your board regardless of your budget. From simple things like adding stickers to the bottom of your board to more involved solutions like repainting or taping, you can create a whole new look. It might feel silly to spend a few extra bucks each time to add some personalization, but think of it as an investment in your board. If you are so much more likely to use it with a few tweaks, that brings the cost per use of your board way down.
In The End
The most important part of buying a board is making sure you feel comfortable with it. It doesn’t matter how much you like to skate; you’ll always want your board to reflect who you are, and keep you safe with quality parts. Be selective about what you put under your feet, then trust your gut and do your research. You’re sure to find the one that’s perfect for you.