Got a skateboard...

Dragon365

Golden Member
Jul 23, 2002
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And I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good resources on the internet for beginners. Yeah, I searched google, and I didn't find a whole lot, so advice is appreciated.
 

bootymac

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2001
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Hell, I could never ride a skateboard. Then after a summer of riding a scooter, I brought out the skateboard and it was hella easy.
Just takes time to get used to.

Edit: By the way, don't think you'll learn much reading on the net. Get out there and experiance!
 

Dragon365

Golden Member
Jul 23, 2002
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Originally posted by: NeoMadHatter
where'd you get it? how much was it? i'm looking to get one too. must be fun.

I got it at olympia sports, a razorx board for $25, regularly $60.
 

guapo337

Platinum Member
Apr 7, 2003
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umm skating is one of those things you have to GET OUTSIDE AND EXPERIENCE!

sitting on your computer browsing webpages will do nothing!!!
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
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Originally posted by: Dragon365
I got it at olympia sports, a razorx board for $25, regularly $60.
Heh, that's funny. It's kinda like saying "I got a new Emachine computer.... anyone know any skateshops where I can download some cool games for it?"
 

flavio

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Go outside and practice doing 180s and generally getting used to being able to lift the front up to turn in either direction.
 

NeoMadHatter

Platinum Member
Nov 29, 2000
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johntwang.com
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: Dragon365
I got it at olympia sports, a razorx board for $25, regularly $60.
Heh, that's funny. It's kinda like saying "I got a new Emachine computer.... anyone know any skateshops where I can download some cool games for it?"

is that board bad or something? considering the price i'm guessing it's not the best ones out there since most sell for $100. but for a beginner it can't be all that bad. you have any recommendations?
 

deftron

Lifer
Nov 17, 2000
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The board you got is definitely on the lower end of skateboards.


Normally, you'd want to get the parts seperately (deck, trucks, wheels, etc.)

Check out skatebard.com or ccs.com for examples.

If you're just gonna ride it out on the sidewalk back and forth, then don't worry about it.
But if you're serious about learning to skate and want to learn ollies, flip tricks, or ride ramps,
I'd get a real board.

Go to the store and buy a copy of Thrasher magazine.

Or better yet, find some kids around you that skate... they could help you out.
 

Dragon365

Golden Member
Jul 23, 2002
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Yeah, it was just kind of an impulse purchase - I'm only a beginner anyways, so I don't need anything too extreme.
 

NeoMadHatter

Platinum Member
Nov 29, 2000
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johntwang.com
yea, i have a feeling he's not trying to be tony hawk or anything. i just want one to get me from place to place as having a bike is too big to fit in the car all the time and sometimes walking is too far or too slow. and scooters are just stupid. enjoy learning though.
 

Dragon365

Golden Member
Jul 23, 2002
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Originally posted by: NeoMadHatter
yea, i have a feeling he's not trying to be tony hawk or anything.

Nope, I don't have the athletic capacity to be Tony Hawk :).
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
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NeoMadHatter, skateboarding is somewhat elitist. The boards do not come in various quality grades. All the different types of boards are just based on personal preference and skating style. Otherwise, they come in either professional quality (which are built from individual components at a skate shop) or the crap sold at Target or Wal-Mart. There is no in-between.
Last I checked (and it's been a while), a good complete board (i.e. deck, wheels, trucks, bearings, risers [if any], bolts, and grip tape) cost the same today as when I skated back in the late '80s and early '90s (roughly $140). When I skated (too old and crippled now :( ), I burned through a pair of Nikes about every 4-6 weeks, a deck every 2-3 months, wheels every 4-6 months, and trucks about once a year.

Dragon365, if you're just beginning, then that board should be somewhat cool. Just don't go to the skateparks yet. Aside from being a total noob, you won't look too cool.

How to skate? Simple. First, get on the board and then try to decide whether you like your left-foot forward (regular foot) or your right foot forward (goofy foot). Give this some thought because the decision is permanent (I was goofy foot, put your best foot forward I always say). To help decide, try coasting down some small gentle slopes, like a driveway or neighborhood. Skateboards are very sensitive to pavement quality, especially when you're new and haven't yet learn to do those necessary subtle balance shifts, so pick something smooth while you're stilling learning.
Once you decide your stance, learn to kick. ALWAYS kick with the back foot and NEVER put your heel on the ground. Kicking is always done with the balls of your feet. Try to work on balance and being smooth, fast, and confident. Tighten or loosen your trucks to personal preference. Do NOT attempt any real downhills until you feel confident on the board.
Once you get all this down, you should be ready to learn to ollie.
 

NeoMadHatter

Platinum Member
Nov 29, 2000
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johntwang.com
Originally posted by: Vic
NeoMadHatter, skateboarding is somewhat elitist. The boards do not come in various quality grades. All the different types of boards are just based on personal preference and skating style. Otherwise, they come in either professional quality (which are built from individual components at a skate shop) or the crap sold at Target or Wal-Mart. There is no in-between.
Last I checked (and it's been a while), a good complete board (i.e. deck, wheels, trucks, bearings, risers [if any], bolts, and grip tape) cost the same today as when I skated back in the late '80s and early '90s (roughly $140). When I skated (too old and crippled now :( ), I burned through a pair of Nikes about every 4-6 weeks, a deck every 2-3 months, wheels every 4-6 months, and trucks about once a year.

yea, i just want one to ride around a little bit. i'm not trying to be doing many tricks and stuff. just ride back and forth around for a little. like down to a park or to classes every now and then. i'm not planning on trying out for x-games or nothing.