Skateboard Tricks

For some, skateboards are a mundane form of transportation, but in the hands of a seasoned skater, they can become the means to express creativity and skill.

It wasn't always this way. In the early days of skaters, most of the tricks were simple maneuvers such as riding on two wheels, jumping and doing the slalom.

But with the introduction of skateboarding parks things changed. No longer were simple tricks the norm, but a period of experimentation began. It was an effort to transpose what surfers could do on the water into tricks that could be done on land.

Some of the early pioneers of the sport included Alan Gelfand who pioneered the Ollie, to Rodney Mullen who invented the Ollie kickflip. They took a simple board with wheels and turned it into a art form.

The popularity of the sport continues to this day as skaters continue to innovate and combine old tricks into new ones. Competitions are judged based on the difficulty and originality of these tricks and have fueled innovation in the sport.

If your normal four wheeled skateboard isn't fast enough, maybe this is more to your liking.
Skateboard Motorcycle

These sweet rides come in two styles the Scarpar and the Wheelman. They take skateboarding to the next level.

In order to be able to perform specific skateboard tricks, the skateboarder needs to have the right type of skateboard for the task. This is much like a racecar driver - the car determines what events it should be used for.

When it comes to skateboards there are many varieties. Two of the main types of boards include the long board and the traditional. The main difference between the two is the length and concavity of the deck.

Long boards are mainly used for cruising so they are not really suitable if your goal is to perform tricks. Most skaters use the traditional skateboard when performing tricks.

The traditional boards vary in concavity with the deeper boards being more precise and more suitable for ramps. It is advised that beginners stick with the shallower boards as they are both safer and easier to learn.

Be sure to consult with your skateboard shop to find the board that would be most suitable for you.

Keeping your griptape spotless can mean the difference between landing that righteous trick and a face flop. Here's a few tricks to help keep you feet firmly planted on the board.

Start with a firm toothbrush and a bowl of warm water. Yah, it's a pain but rubbing with a rag will rub off the sand from the tape. Keep the area wet and brush toward the center of the board, dabbing the excess water off with a rag.

Removing Wax
Wax can be a bit tougher, try using a hair dryer to soften the wax so it will come off. Don't over do the heat, this will dry up your tape and doesn't do the board much good either.

Stubborn debris can be loosened with one of those big pink erasers.

Removing Oil and Tar
Oil, tar and stubborn mud may take a little more coaxing. Add a little lemon Juice and some liquid hand soap to your water and start over again. This will remove the dirt and oils but will likely leave a film. Don't worry, that stuff wears off quickly.

A little preventative medicine is always helpful. You can always bring your brothers favorite shirt to wipe your feet off after you step in something.

You can find more skateboard tips at Redding Speed

Got a little room in your backyard and about $600 to spend. Then your ready for your own half pipe!

Practicing your best moves is a lot easier without the competition to use the local half pipe (if you have a nearby skateboard park with one). Building your own might be the answer.

You can find step by step instructions on how to build a half pipe at Build a half pipe

Looking for a cheap used board before you pick up a custom board? Try Checking out Craigslist

Here's a few links to get you started.
San Diego Craigslist

Sacramento Craigslist

Bay Area Craigslist

Las Vegas Craigslist