You might think wearing a helmet will make you look like a poser, but the reality is that skaters don’t actually care if wears them Put on the helmet. Honestly, there is no reason to be self-aware about this. Get the skateboard helmet from Triple Eight, which is best for oval heads ($60 at Amazon, $70 at Triple Eight). For round heads like mine, try a Pro-Tec or S1 helmet. Be sure to wear it when you go out to meetings, have fun, and avoid possible traumatic brain injury. For a small additional fee, you can get an ASTM 1492 certified model, designated by ANSI specifically for skateboard safety.
Elevate
If you are a new skater, you will fall…if you are an experienced skater, You will fall. Like a helmet, a set of pads can help you avoid emergency care. If your day job involves using your hands (or even a keyboard jockey), it’s a good idea to wear elbow pads, or even more importantly, wrist pads. Knee pads are also key. It feels great to pull myself off the ground after a tried (or five) failed trick attempt and walk away without my hands or joints beating. 187 Killer Pads are a great set of pads. Get the 187 Killer Pads for $59 or Amazon for $73. Pro-Tec’s $43 option isn’t bad either, and it’s a little cheaper for kids.
Beginners may also want to wear a set of padded shorts ($50 and up) under your pants; they’ll really save your ass.
Quarter-Tube Kit
Quarter-Tube (even a full quarter of an incomplete small tube) Fun for all skaters. My advice is to dig up some plans, ask for wood chips well at the building site, and start building. However, if you want to make sure you have a high-quality setup, you might opt ​​for a ramp kit that provides CNC cut, pre-drilled plywood and wood, metal top caps, sill plates and all the necessary fasteners— — you only need one driver to pop them all.
OC Ramps offers a lot of kit options; I have their 3ft quarter tube ramp ($389) and my own DIY miniature quarter ramp Connected with some masonite in my garage to make a funky, mismatched mini ramp that’s super fun to skate on in the rain. Keen Ramps is another manufacturer of quality ramp kits worth considering.
Park Spotting
The Skate Park Project app from the Tony Hawk Foundation (iPhone) only, Android users can use similar functionality The Smap app) provides an almost complete list of parks with user photos, 3D aerial maps, and icons for park features. Don’t see a favorite place on the app? The database is user generated, so you can add it yourself. In fact, I just did it in a park near my house.
If cruising street attractions is more your thing, the ShredSpots app can cover stairs, curbs, ditches, and ledges that many skateboarders consider the natural terrain of skateboarding.
Totes Magotes
You might throw your skateboard and helmet into you when you go skating in different places car trunk. Add your pads and stuff and it’s nice to have a bag to carry everything. I use a big blue IKEA bag for my gear—it’s big, has hand and shoulder straps, and it’s only 99 cents. No need to think, just throw things in.
When I do something fancier, I use a $60 OID Skateboard Tote. I can use it as a backpack, sling or carry it like a duffel bag. There are some cheaper versions on Amazon, but the ones I’ve tried tend to be undersized and prone to jamming. However, in reality, you don’t see many skaters using these.
Vacation/Business Travel Tip: Most airlines will actually let you carry your skateboard with you and store it in the overhead compartment. I find it more convenient to store mine as checked luggage in my oversized suitcase. The board mounts diagonally (I wrap it in an old towel, or use that OID bag to keep entrapment from fraying my pants); my helmet and skate shoes are right next to it, and there’s still plenty of room for my everyday clothes. Use your skate park app to find some attractions near your destination and plan for early morning or early evening activities. It’s neater — and cooler — than carrying golf clubs around.
