Shawna Newman

Skateboarding can look quite difficult. And the way you see it done at the X Games or skate competitions, it certainly is. But the main aspects of riding a skateboard are not complicated. To get started good and proper, beginners need only master four skills – Pushing Balancing Stopping Correcting/Steering These are the four main […]

It sounds strange, but turning on a skateboard really isn’t that important when you are first learning to ride. As long as you have a nice straight shot to practice on (like a driveway or parking lot), you can learn the skateboard fundamentals of balancing, pushing, and stopping without having to turn at all. However,

The trucks (the metal pieces on the bottom of a skateboard that connects the deck to the wheels) are the steering system of a skateboard. How tightly or loosely those trucks are attached to the deck determines how rigid or how free that steering system is. Skateboards with tight trucks don’t turn easily. That’s by

Riding a skateboard is tricky. The movements are simple, but they require a ton of balance and an ability to react – but not overreact – to changes in terrain and momentum. Stopping a skateboard, by comparison, is relatively easy. Though, it too demands some degree of balance. Along with balancing and pushing, stopping is

This article is specifically about the best beginner skateboards for adults and other full-size humans. You can find more options for complete boards in our Complete Skateboard Buying Guide, which has several boards appropriate for beginners. When you first step on a skateboard, you have a lot of things to think about. How to make

A “complete skateboard” is a skateboard that comes pre-assembled with pre-selected components. They are typically cheaper than custom boards – though, they also use cheaper parts – and don’t require any knowledge of a skateboard’s internal workings. A complete skateboard eases the process of selecting your first skateboard, and gives you something to ride without

Balance is the most essential skill you will need on a skateboard. Yes, pushing, turning, and being able to stop matter. (You can’t get anywhere by simply staying centered.) But, when it comes down to it, balance is the most rudimentary skill a skateboarder must have. The one that all the other skills build on.

Skateboards are not just sports equipment or hobby supply. They are vehicles. Modes of transport. And, like any mode of transport, the better their parts, the better their performance. A standard skateboard is made up of three major components – the deck, the trucks, and the wheels. Any of these components can be upgraded to

A skateboard looks simple. But, in reality, it’s a finely-tuned vehicle that can handle speed and a lot of hard knocks. That requires a sturdy build. To have a complete skateboard, you need only seven main components: A deck 2 trucks 4 wheels (with bearings) Each main part of a skateboard has additional parts built-in.