The dynamism and energy of skateboarding is captured in these electrifying wallpaper murals. They add a striking sense of speed and depth to any space and may be displayed as a group or individually to enhance your decor.
Trucks are the steering devices on the bottom of the board that allow the wheels to turn in a predefined arc. Shaped decks are typically preferred by more experienced skaters for performing stunts.
Origins
Whether it be a stairway in front of an abandoned factory, or even a river bridge with an incline and manual pad, natural skate spots can make all the difference. These can be as simple as finding some unused space to skate in, or they can be more elaborate like the rock formations found near Burnquist in the desert that mimic a skate park. The key is to find a spot that will make you happy while skating, but also has enough obstacles for you to get creative with your moves.
Decks
Skate decks can vary in shape and style, but they all share a few common characteristics. They are generally constructed of 7-ply maple wood with background stains that may vary from image to image. Some skaters prefer to have a deck with a steep kick and a tail that extends beyond the center of the board. This provides more feel when performing tricks like flips and spins and is preferred by transition skaters who travel at high speeds. Some riders also prefer shaped decks, which deviate from the standard popsicle shape. These can be more difficult to perform some tricks on but they are best left to experienced skaters who know what they want out of a deck. These shaped decks are also more prone to razor tail wear, which causes the board to thin and become less responsive. This makes them great for cruising or longboarding, but not as good for technical street skating.
If you’re looking for a new skateboard, visit a local store and get to know the boards that they carry. It’s a lot easier to get a feel for a deck when you can pick it up, see the graphics and touch it.
Stunts
In recent years skaters have been utilizing their imagination to creatively utilize natural spots in their skating. This can include things like stairs in front of an abandoned factory, a concrete pedestrian bridge or even docks downtown. While these aren’t really stunts per se, they still have their own unique perks. These are often referred to as “spots” and can be found all over the place. They are usually flat ground, smooth enough pavement and often empty of witnesses – a nice and safe place to practice your moves!
Aside from these man-made elements there are also many other natural skate spots that are just as good. The best spot might not be the newest or most expensive one but it might be a simple place you’ve never been before!
