Is it normal to be a little nervous before buying a skateboard? The answer is YES.
It’s normal to feel some level of uncertainty about buying the right type of skateboard for your skill level and needs. And it’s also common to have some questions about the process, like how much should you spend on a board or what size board would work best for you.
The good news is that we’re full of answers for all your questions! In this article, we debunk seven doubts that can stand in the way between you and the perfect skateboard setup. Zephyr skate shop is a leading skate shop in the nation, and they have helped many people turn their dream of skating into reality. Take a look at the following seven doubts and set your mind at ease.
1. Do I need a grip tape?
Grip tape is essential for your skateboard. It can be applied to the deck to cushion your feet during a fall (e-boards don’t require it), it can secure the deck to another object, or it can help you hold onto the board while performing tricks. The only downside is that you may have to apply some effort to keep from slipping off when applying it to your board, but once it’s on there you’ll be fine.
2. What is the difference between a skateboard deck, a longboard, and an e-board?
To make it simple: Longboards have bigger wheels and longer decks than skateboards, but they’re not as stable for tricks. E-boards are smaller than electric longboards because they are powered by electric engines and have onboard remotes that you use to operate them. Before you buy any electric board, make sure you take your time to learn about the technology behind them or else you will waste your money!
3. How do I put an ollie on my board?
You already know how to put an ollie on your skateboard. You can jump off your skateboard with one or both feet and land on the board. But you can take it up a notch with a trick called the 360 ollie. Just like regular ollies but you do not jump off your skateboard and land on the board, you will do an ollie with your feet facing forward. To do a 360 ollie, you turn in the opposite direction of your feet.
4. Can I ride a longboard at night?
Of course! If it’s legal to ride on, then it’s legal to ride at night! If you bought an electric longboard, anyone can ride them whenever it’s dark out.
5. How can I tell if a skateboard deck is made of maple?
There’s more than one way to tell that your board is made of maple, but generally speaking you’ll see the words “maple” or “maple wood” printed on the bottom. If it’s not printed on the top of your board, then it’s not real maple, and if you buy a real maple skateboard you’ll have to pay extra for wood that says “maple”. This scam takes place all over the world about 1 in 3 times. So make sure you’re every check to make sure your board is made from real maple wood.
6. Can I buy used skateboards?
You can buy a used skateboard from a friend or family member, but if you do be sure that the board is in good condition. Make sure it doesn’t have cracks or other damage. You can also buy a used skateboard online through websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Buying a used electric skateboard will save you some money, but there’s no guarantee that it won’t break down on you while you’re riding it. Only buy an electric longboard if you’re willing to spend hundreds of dollars to fix the motor if something goes wrong.
7. How do I put an ollie on my skateboard?
You already know how to put an ollie on your skateboard. You can jump off your skateboard with one or both feet and land on the board. But you can take it up a notch by putting an ollie kick, which is not a regular kick, but jumping in the air without your feet leaving the board, to get over a truck, barrier or bridge. To do this, you will also have to have your foot flat on the ground so that when you jump it goes slightly up and then stays at that angle for about half of a second before the transition.
- What else do I have to know if I want to buy a skateboard?
There are many other things to take into account when buying a skateboard. First, you need to consider your height, weight and shoe size. If you fall within the ranges on the manufacturer’s website, then you should be good! Next, pay attention to the condition of the deck. Are there any cracks in the wood or holes where screws were removed? After that, check out how handy you are with tools and hardware. If you’re already experienced working with tools and hardware then this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
