Skateboard Essentials for Every Skater

5 Top Q&A | Electric Longboard Skateboards

June 29, 2023June 13, 2023 by Luke

Over the last decade, electric longboard skateboards have become significantly popular globally as they are an incredibly efficient, fun and safe mode of transport. For generations, traditional skateboards have been a form of transportation for millions of people; however, electric skateboards combine the usual thrill with the unmatched convenience of electric power. Electric longboard skateboards are like traditional skateboards, yet they come standard with an electric motor. The motor functions as an effective propulsion system, seamlessly integrated into the underside of the board or its rear wheels. The electric motor is controlled by a handheld remote. It is worth noting that numerous high-quality, dependable, and desirable electric skateboard models are currently available. While premium electric skateboards are expensive, they are worthy of their price tag, induced by advanced safety features, longer ranges on a single charge and a higher top speed. Have you considered buying an electric longboard skateboard but want to know more? Keep reading for the Top 5 things you need to know about electric longboard skateboards. 1. What Is an Electric Longboard Skateboard? While numerous electric longboard skateboards are currently available, most are considered traditional skateboards with an additional electric propulsion motor. These skateboards are similar to usual longboard skateboards. However, an electric motor connected to the device’s rear wheels or underside enables users to travel several miles without inserting any arduous physical effort. Electric longboard skateboard owners commonly control their devices with a handheld remote or a smartphone application. This can be used to decelerate or accelerate, depending on the situation. Some higher-end electric skateboard models use a regenerative braking system, allowing users to travel substantially further on a single charge. Despite most electric longboards being limited to shorter or medium distances, they are an effective and exciting alternative to traditional modes of transport such as regular skateboards, bicycles, scooters, or walking. The longer wheelbase associated with electric longboard skateboards is beneficial. This significantly enhances the ride’s smoothness, stability, and safety compared to archaic ones. Purchasing an electric longboard skateboard is a decision you will never regret. It will allow you to effortlessly travel around your local area completely free of charge. 2. How Do Electric Longboard Skateboards Function? Electric longboard skateboards work by efficiently combining a traditional longboard skateboard design with modern battery and electric motor systems. The best ones are designed with a narrow deck comprising lightweight composite materials. A high-quality deck is essential as it provides the rider unparalleled stability, especially at higher speeds, with the accompanying electric motor providing the required forward power. Moreover, the remote controller that comes with the skateboard is the most critical aspect of the entire experience as it manipulates the battery and onboard motor to accelerate, brake, or reverse. Suppose your electric longboard skateboard comes standard with LED lights. In that case, you have purchased one of the better models. Lights are directly responsible for your safety while riding due to their illumination characteristics. In addition, the LED lights indicate how much of the battery is currently available, the indicated temperature, and other safety features. 3. What are the Main Benefits of Using an Electric Longboard Skateboard? There are countless benefits directly associated with modern electric skateboards, especially when considering how much more advantageous they are compared to traditional longboard skateboards. While there are numerous benefits of utilizing an electric longboard skateboard, these are the top seven unseen aspects worth noting: Speed and range. Most modern electric longboard skateboards can reach speeds of between 10 and 20 miles per hour, with an accompanying range of between 15 and 25 miles on a single charge. Convenience. Premium electric longboard skateboards do not require any additional physical effort, meaning users can ride forwards or backward without taking their feet off the deck. Inclines and hills. With the associated power and torque, modern electric longboards. Skateboards can traverse most hills and inclines without necessitating significant physical user effort. Customization. The best electric longboard skateboards can be highly customized, meaning you can adjust crucial settings until they suit your riding style, requirements, and skill level. Health and fitness. Despite electric longboard skateboards requiring almost no additional physical exertion, users must maintain their stability, balance, and direction, indirectly benefiting their overall health and fitness. Fun, enjoyment, and pleasure. Any electric longboard user will agree that riding modern equipment induces unparalleled levels of enjoyment, fun, and pleasure, especially when used as a recreational device. Improve your surfing and snowboarding skills, without having to hit the waves or the slopes! It is important to remember that while these skateboards are convenient and thrilling, they can be risky if utilized incorrectly or recklessly. 4. Which Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Longboard Skateboard? You must comprehensively account for numerous considerations before purchasing a pricy electric longboard skateboard. While there are too many considerations to analyze entirely, here are the most critical ones: Fundamental purpose. Knowing what you intend to use for the electric longboard is vital. By knowing your specific purpose for purchasing a pricy device, the selection process will be streamlined and efficient. The electric longboard skateboards range. Before purchasing your device, check its range, battery life, and power, directly influencing its overall convenience, practicality, and usability. Power and speed. Consider the electric longboard’s power and speed. It must be powerful and fast enough to account for your intended usage effortlessly. Your current budget and the electric longboard’s price. Overall safety. Long-term reputation and online reviews. Build quality. It is vital to check the electric longboard skateboard’s overall build quality and accompanying deck, as this will directly influence its longevity, usefulness, and practicality. Suspension and wheels. Larger wheels and suspensions usually mean the device’s ride quality will be outstanding. Braking and control. How fast your device can brake and how well it can be controlled by a user of your current skill level is critical as it will impact your general safety and the security of those around you. It is important to consider the abovementioned factors fully as they will positively … Read more

Is Skateboarding Good For Surf Training?

December 16, 2023June 11, 2023 by Luke

Skateboards were invented long ago by surfers who wanted to surf the sidewalks when not catching waves. Sure, they aren’t the same sport, given the difference in the surfaces ridden, but they share similar techniques. So, many surfers skate for fun and to practice skills in a more controlled environment. Skateboarding is a good tool for surf training, provided it is not the only form of practice. You can practice valuable techniques while working on your fitness, balance, concentration, and strength. However, skateboarding will not teach you how to paddle or understand the fickle nature of waves. In any training regime, knowing what you want to improve is good. You can enhance specific surfing techniques like balance, footwork, cutting, and board control with intentional practice on a skateboard. Doing so won’t make you a pro surfer, but the board time and muscle memory will undoubtedly help. Benefits Of Skateboarding For Surf Training Skateboarding is beneficial for surf training if you have already got some experience on a surfboard. You can use your skateboard to practice critical skills used in surfing, especially if you live somewhere where good waves are absent or inconsistent. Discussed next are some benefits of skateboarding for surf training: Skateboarding Improves Balance And Coordination The balance required in skateboarding is much like the unique type of balance needed in surfing. For instance, you can practice the following balance and coordination skills as part of your cross-training and fitness regime. Carving and turning are basic maneuvers used in skateboarding and surfing. Practicing leaning and adjusting your balance on a skateboard will help improve your bottom turn and carving skills in the waves. Stopping and stalling on a skateboard helps you get barreled in surfing or return to a wave’s energy zone. Slowing down on either of these boards requires you to shift your body weight to the tail without losing your balance or falling off. Helps Build Core Strength And Stability Skateboarding helps to maintain your core strength and stability when you’re not surfing, working, or sleeping. Such stability and core strength are vital for functional fitness and executing those advanced maneuvers on a surfboard later. Skateboarding Enhances Board Control And Foot Placement Board control and the correct foot placement are imperative for riding a wave to the max. Unfortunately, since we don’t all have access to consistent, excellent waves to practice these skills, we can do a bit of training on a skateboard. As mentioned, you slow a skateboard or surfboard by shifting your body weight to your back foot. However, you can also practice board control and foot placement by learning a critical maneuver on your skateboard: the ollie. If you know how to ollie on a skateboard, it opens you up to the world of aerial moves in surfing. All that fancy footwork on your skateboard creates muscle memory and sets you up for a splendid time of planned acrobatics in the surf. Skateboarding Offers A Similar Sensation To Surfing Skateboarding can offer a similar sensation to surfing, depending on what, where, and how you’re riding. For instance, you’ll find practicing in a skate park is more like surfing than cruising down a straight, flat road. So how else does skateboarding benefit surfing? The two board sports share a few fundamental elements, allowing you to practice despite the surf conditions. When used intentionally, skateboarding can benefit your surfing by helping you: Improve your flow, Visualize new lines, Experiment with new carves, Work on your timing and focus, and Create your suave surfing style. Drawbacks Of Skateboarding For Surf Training As helpful as skateboarding can be for surf training, it can negate some of your progression if not done right. But how so? Skateboarding And Surfing Use Different Movement Patterns Skateboarding and surfing share a few similarities, but many movement patterns differ. For instance, a large portion of surfing requires you to lie on your belly and confidently paddle while you wait for a wave, and skateboarding doesn’t teach you how to do that. Skateboarding Lacks The Resistance And Instability Of Water When skateboarding, you must contend with the certainties of gravity and solid ground. But the ocean is a different animal altogether. It’s moody and constantly changing, and no amount of skating can prepare you for a session in deep water. For example, you can only learn to survive being churned underwater by spending quality time in the waves – either with or without a board. Skateboarding Can Lead To Bad Habits On The Board You need to balance out your skating with surfing time to avoid reinforcing habits that aren’t ideal for surfing. If you’ve developed bad habits from skating, you must unlearn them to progress with your surfing. You can do this by retraining in the surf or practicing the right skill on your skateboard. How To Incorporate Skateboarding Into Your Surf Training Skateboarding can be helpful for surf training if you don’t rely on it as your sole training method. Here are some great tips to help you to incorporate skateboarding into your surf training: Use skateboarding as a complementary exercise to surfing. Not only is it like surfing in many respects, but you’re also getting valuable time on a board that helps you focus on mastering specific techniques. Additionally, you can use skateboarding as a cross-training or warm-up activity before hitting the surf. Focus on specific movements and techniques relevant to surfing. Skateboarding allows you to repeatedly practice appropriate surfing movements and techniques even when the surf isn’t great. Find a local skate park or DIY spot to practice. A skate park offers more opportunities to practice surf-related techniques than a flat surface would. For instance, you can practice kick turns, work on your floaters by doing 50-50s, practice your airs, slides, and carving on big ramps, and get valuable pocket practice. In the absence of a skate park in your area, you can make a DIY setup with a few ramps and ledges. Practice using a surf skate. If … Read more

Longboard Skateboards: You Need To Know

December 11, 2023May 18, 2023 by Luke

Although longboard skateboards originated in the mid-1900s, they’ve gone through popularity booms and busts. In recent decades these weirdly proportioned skateboards saw a resurgence but usually face a lot of negative publicity. For those interested in learning more, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about longboard skateboards. Longboards are a type of skateboard designed for moving at higher speeds than regular skateboards and over greater distances, thanks to their larger wheels and bodies. Good rider balance is essential, and turning is usually slower. Riders also perform different tricks on these skateboards. Longboard skateboards are among the most contentious topics, depending on which road user you ask. But what is all the hype around longboard skateboards? Are they fantastic? Are they more user-friendly than regular skateboards? What tricks can you do on them? And how alike are they to longboard surfboards? What Is A Longboard Skateboard? A longboard skateboard is a wooden-bodied board mounted onto metal trucks with bearings on the ends. Wheels mount onto these bearings, which allows the skateboarder (rider) to push themselves along the ground. They are designed for “sidewalk surfing.” Longboards come in various shapes and sizes, which alter the speed and handling of these boards. Although the original designs in the 1950s allowed riders to cruise along sidewalks, skateboarders use modern boards for several different purposes, including: Carving Cruising Dancing Downhill Freestyle Slalom Street luge Longboard Skateboards Vs. Regular Skateboards A longboard skateboard resembles a regular skateboard in that both are (relatively) flat boards mounted on two wheels. However, there are several physical and purpose-related differences. The table below explores some differences and similarities between the two skateboard types. Characteristic Longboard skateboard Regular skateboard Length 35 to 60 in 28 to 32 in Width 9 to 10 in 6.5 to 8 in Wheels 2.56 to 2.76+ in (diameter) 75 to 85a (hardness) 1.93 to 2.36 in (diameter) 96 to 101+a (hardness) Method of propulsion Pushing with a foot Downhills Pushing with a foot Ramps Areas of use Roads and sidewalks Roads and sidewalks Skateparks Purpose Faster speeds. Longer rides. Cruising and transportation. More agile. Trick performing. Origin 1950s California, but the 1990s saw a popularity explosion. 1950s California Longboards resemble surfboards, while regular skateboards usually have ended that curve upward, facilitating ollies (jumps) and similar tricks. A regular skateboard’s trucks are also harder/more rigid, improving the board’s responsiveness to kicks and flips while allowing grinds. Is Longboard Skateboarding Similar To Longboard Surfing? Unsurprisingly, surfing and skateboarding emulate each other when considering their origins. The intention behind longboard skateboards was for surfers to bring surfing to the terrestrial environment (surfers in the 1950s wanted to surf on days when conditions weren’t favorable). While both require exceptional balance and subtle weight shifting, you control longboard surfboards through different movements (front foot in skateboarding, back foot in surfing). However, both involve using a board in/on the chosen medium and heel/toe movements to make gradual turns (and less gradual turns). Aside from the size restrictions on a longboard, the styles have many similarities. Both use a carving technique (small turns to reposition) and a skidding/sliding motion to quickly change directions. The good news is, if you’ve practiced one, it should be a quicker learning curve to bring your balance and handling skills to the other type of board. Is It Easy To Skate On A Longboard Skateboard? Although they require balance and a lot of practice, longboards are easier for beginners to ride than regular skateboards. The advantages that longboard skateboards provide beginners include: Longer and wider boards provide more stability. Larger and softer wheels improve movement, which means coasting is easier. Bigger trucks provide better clearance and accommodate larger wheels. A longboard design allows riders to rock side to side or back and forth to build up speed (so you don’t need to put your foot down once you’re going). Tips For Learning To Skate On A Longboard Like any new venture, longboard skateboarding is a skill you’ll need to develop through practice and perseverance. Master your stance. Balancing on a longboard is a product of standing correctly. First, decide if you’re a “regular” (right foot at the back) or a “goofy” (left foot at the back) rider. Once you’re on, move your feet shoulder width apart (depending on the board’s length, your feet should be close to or on the bolts that hold the trucks to the board). Stand with your back foot across the width of your board (perpendicular) and your front foot with the toes pointing slightly forward. Practice balancing while stationary. Before you cruise down a steep hill, you’ll need to practice balancing on your board while it’s still. Remember to bend your knees slightly, as this improves balance. Practice leaning while stationary. You’ll need to lean your weight onto your toes or heels to turn, so getting a feel for that while balancing is essential (while stationary). Likewise, it’s wise to practice swiveling on your front toes (so they point toward the front of the board), then turn your body to face forward and practice putting your foot on the ground to “push” or brake. Then turn back to the starting position. Once you’re comfortable with the stationary stuff, you can start with slow movements. Practice the same movements and (especially) braking at lower speeds to prevent injuries later. After some time, you’ll progress to steeper hills where you can practice turning and braking while balancing. If you need a more “stable” board that doesn’t turn too easily, try tightening the kingpin (nut). If you want a board that turns easier, then loosen the kingpin. An important skill to learn is carving because you can’t put your foot down to brake at high speeds. The correct board is essential to learning and improving your techniques. Choosing The Right Longboard Skateboard Several types of longboards are designed with a specific purpose in mind. When choosing which longboard to get, you must consider why you want the board. The different longboard … Read more

Surfing & Skating: How Skating Can Improve Your Surfing

December 6, 2023May 7, 2023 by Luke

No two sports have had such a major impact on one another. Skating and surfing have been intrinsically interlinked ever since the first surfers in California invented skating back in the 50s. Surfers began trying to “surf’ outside the water and skating quickly, progressing into the radical skateboarding we see today. The maneuvers skaters learned out the water translated perfectly back into the Ocean, and both disciplines developed into their own separate counter cultures and million-dollar sports industries. In this article, we dive into the relationships between surfing and skating. We’ll explore the history of how surfing started skateboarding, how skating pushed surfing in terms of progression, and how skating made surfing more radical. We’ll also check out the different styles of skating, from surf skate carving to traditional skating. Finally, we look at how skateboarding can help improve your surfing. It’s a super interesting relationship, and there are no two similar sports. We have a bit to get through, so let’s dive in. Surfing Vs. Skating While both sports have similar aspects, surfing involves riding waves in the ocean, while skating involves riding a smaller board on land. This describes both disciplines in straightforward terms; surfers usually ride larger boards and may change their equipment based on conditions, whereas skaters will typically ride similar style boards. There are many ways to ride waves in surfing, from performance short boarding, long-boarding, barrel riding, big wave surfing, and fun-board riding. While skating comprises park, bowl, and street. Surf Skate & Traditional Skateboarding (Similarities & Differences) Surfing Board riding in water in varying ocean conditions Combines face turns, barrel riding, and Arial maneuvers. Styles include performance shortboard, longboarding, fun boards, and big wave surfing. Skating Board riding on land using a smaller board. Combines rail, flatland, bowls, and parks. Skating styles differ from bowl skating, street skating, and park skating. How Skating Improves Your Surfing There’s no doubt that skating can help improve your surfing. Because you’re not relying on conditions and ever-changing variables like wind, tide, swell, and sand, you can repeat and practice the same moves repeatedly. This makes the rate at which you progress in skating much higher than in surfing. So, if you can’t get in the water (nothing can replace surfing), go skating. Here are some transferable sports skills that will help you surf better. Balance Balance is a vital component of both surfing and skating. Both require an incredible degree of balance for even the most basic maneuvers. So, if you’re riding a skateboard when you can’t ride a surfboard, your body replicates the next closest body movement. Because your body is repeating similar actions, it triggers your muscle memory, making everything from stance, and moves more familiar. Footwork The small movements you do with your feet in skating and surfing are transferable. More so in surfing, when you perform advanced moves, you change your foot position back and forward based on your turn. Pushing and adjusting your feet as you skate helps you do this when you surf. Maneuvers Several moves in surfing are directly related to skating. If you’re using a carver surf/skateboard, moves such as pumping, carving, and even snaps are almost the same. So, if the waves are crappy, jump in a half pipe or bowl and practice pumping and carving repeatedly getting this constant repetition is the best land-based method of replicating surfing. Co-ordination Perhaps one of the biggest crossovers between surfing and skating is having the ability to use the top and bottom half of your body to be in sync to perform maneuvers and gain speed. The Origins of Skating & Relationship to Surfing Back in the 1950s, a group of surfers in California were sick of the wave-starved summers and crappy waves, so they devised a way to “surf” on land. This involved attaching rollerblading wheels onto boards and performing surfing-type moves on land. This is how skateboarding was born. After a draught in the 70s in California, surfers began using drained swimming pools to skate in, performing more radical maneuvers and learning airs. Because of how replicable and repeatable skating was, as conditions didn’t change like in surfing, skating progressed rapidly. Things got radical, and surfers soon began translating futuristic moves like airs and carves into the water. So essentially, things came full circle, from surfing starting skating and then skating progressing so quickly that it pushed surfing to be more radical. Christian Fletcher was one of the pioneers to start translating skateboarding airs to surfing, while Kelly Slater also used moves from Skateboarding to change how waves were surfed–sparking the Momentum generation (If you haven’t seen the movies, I’d highly suggest you check them out) and surfing in a way that combined the new school flare with old school flow. As surfers continue to push what’s possible in terms of airs and above-the-lip moves, skating and surfing remain more closely linked than ever before. Final Thoughts Surfing and skating have a harmonious relationship. With surfing influencing the start of skating and then skateboarding getting radical so quickly, it influenced surfing and pushed surfing further than anyone could ever have imagined. While nothing can replace surfing, skateboarding is, by far, the closest thing you can get to surfing on land. So if you don’t live near the sea and can’t get in the water as much as you’d like, the next best thing is skating. You only have to look at John John Florence’s skating to see how transferable some skills are between the two sports. An interesting history and two of the most closely related sports on earth. When you can surf, surf, and when you can’t, skate–you’ll improve your surfing exponentially. LukeLuke is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has inspired him … Read more

YOW Surfskate Review

December 17, 2023March 10, 2023 by Luke

While there has long been an overlapping community between surfers and skateboarders, nothing has made that more visible than the growing interest in surfskate. Yow is one of the leading brands at the forefront of this new revolution, and we will take a look at everything you need to know about the YOW Surfskate below. But first, we will consider some important questions for surfers interested in buying a YOW: Is surfskate the same as a skateboard? Is surfskate good for surfing? What size surfskate should I get? The answers to these and other common buying questions will help any surfer looking into surfskate as a way to improve surfing skills and enjoy another thrill seeker’s recreation. Is Surfskate the Same as a Skateboard? While surfskate is certainly similar to traditional skateboarding, it also differs in some significant ways. You will first notice that a surfskate is longer and wider than a traditional skateboard. A surfskate’s deck is also often concave, giving the rider more control. Once you set out to learn how to surfskate, you will also notice immediately that the feel of it is much closer to surfing than a traditional skateboard: this is because the front trucks on a surfskate are designed to swivel from side to side. The increased range of motion on a surfskate versus a traditional surfboard makes riders feel like they are riding waves (even on the asphalt!) Another key difference between skateboards and surfskates comes in how riders propel the board. As you picture a traditional skateboard, you would think of a rider pushing himself along with his foot pumping off the ground below; with a surfskate, riders can move with a side-to-side pumping motion of the nose of the surfskate. Is Surfskate Good for Surfing? Some surfers might be concerned about how surfskate skills translate to the water or how the movements could shape their performance once they are out of the “asphalt waves” and back in the real ones. The consensus among surfers is that surfskate is a great way to train outside of the water, and using a surfskate enhances their skills on surfboards. Surfskate effectively trains your body in ways that translate on the bigger board: it improves your balance and stance, muscle memory, and motor learning. What Size Surfskate Should I Get? Size is an important consideration when purchasing a surfskate Yow board, whether for beginners or more experienced riders, and the deck of a surfskate can vary based on the manufacturer. For reasons related to aesthetics and skill levels, the deck (or wooden platform) of a surfskate can differ from one model to another in terms of its width, length, concaves, and outline. The rule of thumb when looking at surfskates is to go longer if you are a beginner. The longer deck will help beginners (or even intermediates) with stability. A shorter surfskate is good for those who want to practice and perfect their sharp radical turns and cutbacks (which are generally more experienced surfers and skateboarders). <iframe sandbox=”allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin” style=”width:120px;height:240px;” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=rachaeltayl0f-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B09QQPX5YT&asins=B09QQPX5YT&linkId=a21363f9b2d2caa1bafe2f01583af0a8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true”></iframe> Are Surfskates Good for Beginners? Yes! It doesn’t matter if you have never surfed, had surf training, or skateboarded. Learning how to ride a surfskate is easy. The moves are intuitive, and beginners can learn the basics quickly and easily. It is also said that a surfskate is easier to learn than a street skate, even if you have never touched foot on a traditional skateboard. Yow Surfskate: The Ultimate Review and Buyers Guide YOW (short for “Your Own Wave”) is a company and surfskate brand that prides itself on exploring “the intersections of oceans, mountains, and concrete.” And their product offerings, including their high performance series and classic series surfskate, live up to this claim, with a broad selection of surfskates, decks, skate accessories, apparel, and even a wave Yow board ramp system to bring the ocean right to your backyard. YOW board surfskates were conceived in the Basque Country, where they are still made by a skilled workforce and crew passionate about bringing the wave to the customer. “No more flat days” is their motto and promise to customers, one that is consistently delivered thanks to their high-quality, state-of-the-art surfskates and gear. YOW Specifications and Hardware Just as surfers must carefully consider the quality and design of the boards they use to tackle the biggest waves, they must also consider the quality of surfskates and how that plays into safety while using them. Surfskating is a fantastic way to perfect difficult skills, but that can only be done with a surfskate produced with great attention to detail and the rider’s safety in mind. YOW products incorporate high-quality materials and sturdy construction to give the rider the best tools for tackling the job. Here is what you can expect from YOW system hardware: Bolts, Kingpins, Bushings, and Barrels Two kinds of 10-32 flat hex bolts are used to construct a YOW system. On the front adapter, you will find 5/8-inch flat hex bolts; on a YOW rear truck, the company uses a two-inch flat hex bolt. Nine-inch kingpins are used on the truck hangers, with the back trucks featuring a one-inch riser pad. The riser pad makes the YOW deck level with the front Meraki adapter. Standard half-inch street barrels are used in YOW surfskate bushings and .4-inch street cones with cup washers. The Durometer (or standard measure of hardness for rubber-like materials) is listed at 92a for YOW bushings. Durometer is an important consideration for riders based on their weight, and in general, you would look for the following Durometers based on weight: 5a: up to 125 pounds 85a: 125 to 165 pounds 5a: 150 to 200 pounds 90a: 170 to 215 pounds 5a: 185 to 230 pounds 95a: 230 pounds and up YOW Trucks A coiled tension spring is the basis for performance on a YOW Meraki truck. This spring is the key to the versatility and functionality of the … Read more

Top 9 Best Skateboard Brands | Tried and Tested by the Pros

December 10, 2023January 4, 2022 by Luke

Skateboarding is one of the top sports in the United States. With over 2,800 skateparks scattered all around here, the demand for skateboards and clothing is always at an all-time high. Due to this, brands that pioneered in manufacturing skateboards continue to develop and build high-quality products for skaters — not just in the US, but also in other parts of the world. But among these companies, which one stands out? In this article, we’ve listed the best skateboard brands that push the limits and boundaries of creativity. These are brands that were tested by professional skateboarders, with the aim to inspire the young generation of skaters to expand their talents and skills. Top 9 Best Skateboard Brands The list below consists of the most popular brands in the market today. Some of them may already be familiar because of their collaboration with pro skaters in designing and marketing. Here they are in no particular order. Santa Cruz Element Anti-Hero Plan B Almost Girl Zero Creature Powell Peralta Santa Cruz Santa Cruz from the NHS, Inc. distribution company holds the title of the oldest skateboard company in the world. Established in 1973, this brand was founded by surfers Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman. Their skateboard products consist of decks, wheels, and clothing. Since the founders are surfers, the Santa Cruz brand initially started as a store for surfing equipment; however, it didn’t receive much success. Until one day, they received an order to make 500 skateboards from a Hawaiian company. The boards immediately sold out after that, and this ultimately helped established the name of this legendary brand. Santa Cruz broke through the market and grew a fan base because of the logos and graphic designs created by Jim Phillips, a well-known surf artist from California. Some of his work includes the Road Rider Wheels, the Red Dot, the Screaming Hand, and the slanted Santa Cruz logo. For many years, Santa Cruz has been consistent in constructing durable skateboards. They’re also the first ever to introduce concave decks that are made from birchwood. It isn’t as high-quality as Canadian maple wood, but it’s more affordable. Santa Cruz skateboards are customizable and can be combined with different wheels and trucks from other brands. This makes them good options for beginners who are still learning how to ride and those who are still experimenting on their riding style. This brand is also known for the ‘Everslick’ coating wherein their graphics are sealed under a plastic layer. They also utilize a method called ‘Powerply’ wherein the nose or tail of the skateboard is reinforced to make it more durable. One of Santa Cruz’s greatest achievements was when they were inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2013. Element In 1992, Johnny Schileneff founded one of the biggest and most influential skateboard companies in the world — Element. This brand was formerly known as ‘Underworld Element’, but they had to go through rebranding, so they decided to remove the first word and settle with just ‘Element’. From their former base in Atlanta, their team also moved into a creative space known as The Branch in Costa Mesa, California. Element was first known for its skateboard decks, but today, they also sell completes, wheels, trucks, and other merchandise like clothing, apparel, and accessories. They’re popular for their very affordable prices. For under USD 100, beginners (and even pros) can already have high-quality skateboarding products that’ll last many seasons of pops and slides. Speaking of pros, another reason for Element’s success is the prominent team of skaters that helped grew their fan base. This includes famous names like Tom Schaar, Donny Barley, Evan Smith, Bam Margera, and Nyjah Huston, just to name a few. Element skateboards feature graphics that are all about art and nature. One good example of this is their renowned logo inspired by the water, fire, wind, and earth. This brand was created with Schileneff’s ‘Elementality’ vision that focuses on authenticity, sustainability, and taking on social and ethical initiatives in manufacturing products. One of their notable environmentally-friendly initiatives is the use of a technology called Thriftwood construction. This skateboard manufacturing process doesn’t include the use of wood dyes and other chemicals, therefore, they produce less carbon footprint. Element skateboards are also made with thin layers of wood that are bound with very strong adhesives. By doing this, they use less wood and make lighter boards. Anti-Hero The brand Anti-Hero was founded in 1995 by Julien Stranger in hopes to create a skateboard trend that sets it apart from the others. For 15 years, Anti-Hero has only been making skateboard decks made from solid-pressed 7-ply maple wood. They have a distinct concave with a low flex design for comfort and easier maneuverability. Their decks feature striking graphics created by Todd Francis. In 1996, he designed Anti-Hero’s logo, along with several deck designs that feature his artworks. Some of Anti-Hero’s famous deck designs include the skull, the trainwreck, the bald eagle, and other different animals. To further promote their skateboard lifestyle theme, Anti-Hero collaborated with pro skaters such as Jeff Grosso, a prominent skater and documentarian. Their team is also joined by Grant Taylor, Tony “T-Mo” Maiorana, John Cardiel, and Ryan “Peabody” McWhirter. They’ve also partnered with other famous brands like Girl Skateboards to promote the video documentary ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that featured their Northwest tour in 2008. Today, Anti-Hero is owned by Deluxe Distribution, and it is still considered one of the bests in the skateboarding industry. Plan B Next on the best skateboard brands lineup is a company that’s famous for selling premium skateboarding gear. For 30 years, Plan B brand remains one of the best professional deck companies. However, their journey, like other brands, consists of its own ups and downs. Plan B was founded by Mike Ternasky who first worked for H-Street along with Tony Magnusson. After he realized that H-Street is a company owned by business owners that was only focused on profit, Ternasky decided … Read more

Top 8 Best Surf Skateboards (Flow Surf Skates)

December 18, 2024September 7, 2020 by Luke

Surf skateboarding has become a thrilling blend of surfing and skateboarding, offering riders the experience of riding waves on land. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice looking to dive into the world of surf skateboarding, selecting the right board is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Surf skateboards, also known as surf skates or surf skateboards, simulate the feeling of surfing on concrete. These specialized skateboards feature a longer wheelbase, a wider deck, and unique truck systems that mimic the fluid motion of surfing. Designed to carve and pump like a surfboard, surf skateboards offer riders the ability to perform surf-inspired maneuvers on flat surfaces, making them an excellent training tool for surfers and a thrilling recreational activity for skating enthusiasts. Surf skateboards first appeared in the water sports scene before the new millennium. Pioneers of these excellent longboards or skateboards designed them to copy the dynamic motion of riding waves using a typical surfboard. Versatile surf skateboards are useful in various riding styles and moves, including cruising, carving, street skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, and many more. As you can see, manufacturers of surfskates designed them to copy actual sea or ocean surfing motions. Here we tackle eight of the top-rated and versatile surf skateboards, which are the following: Top 8 Best Surf Skateboards Reviewed Surf Skateboard by Hamboards Surf Skateboard by Flow Surf Skates Roller Derby Slide Street Surf Skateboard Black Sox Surfeeling USA Bone Breaker Surf Skateboard Austin Keen Pro SwellTech SurfSkate Surfeeling USA Snap Surf Skateboard Carver Surfskate Resin 31-inch C7 City Surf Longboard Skateboard by Krown #1. Surf Skateboard by Hamboards Specifications: Product Dimensions: 59¼ inches [Deck Length]; 11¼ inches [Width] Construction: Premium, nine-ply maple-birch Color: Red Riding styles and moves: Cruising, Carving, Noseriding, Stand up paddle boarding or SUP skating Surf Skate Rider Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Other Features: Hamboards Surfskate Trucks, Durable, ultraviolet or UV-resistant grip coating Among the best surf skateboards available today that is popular for its versatility is the Hamboards Logger Handcrafted Longboard Surf Skateboard. Hamboards is a Huntington Beach, California-based company that designed this all-around surfskate. The Hamboards Surf Skateboard is long and narrow. It allows you to perform cross-stepping and profound leans. Plus, its Hamboards Surfskate Trucks facilitate marvelous carving. You will love the material and design applied in the construction of this surf skateboard. Hamboards restyled this product for retro and epic thrash design to give you the ultimate cruising and carving experiences. You can feel assured that your Hamboards surf skateboard will last long because it is high-quality and made using premium, nine-ply birch-maple. Hence, the Hamboards Surf Skateboard can take any beating and still remain sturdy. The fantastic surf skateboard also features heavy-duty, ultraviolet, or UV-resistant grip coating. As it copies ocean surfing encounters, this piece of water sports equipment features heavy slides. You can expect the ultimate versatility with the Hamboards Surf Skateboards because it caters to riders of all capability levels, including novice, advanced, and intermediate. Plus, this all-around surf skateboard can accommodate people of all ages and sizes. The Hamboards Surf Skateboards is ideal for plenty of weight limits, starting from 100 to 200 pounds. Smooth surf skateboard rides and the classic longboard feeling are undoubtedly within your reach with the Hamboard Surf Skateboard. Its ideal mix of height, length, and flex make classic surf flow and carve possible. You will not get inconvenienced by rail drag, wheel bite, or wheel lift, too. You will just relish noseriding, cruising, carving, and stand up paddle boarding or SUP skating fun! #2. Surf Skateboard by Flow Surf Skates Specifications: Product Dimensions: 33 inches long [Deck Length]; 10 inches wide [Width]; 19 inches [Wheelbase] Construction: Exotic veneer and seven-ply maple Color: Black Riding styles and moves: Surfing, Street skating, Skating in urban landscapes Surf Skate Rider Level: All surf skateboarding capability levels Other Features: 69-millimeter Flow Surf Cruisers (Wheels), Snappy Flex Flexibility, Flow Surf Skate Truck Technology The Flow Surf Skates Surf Skateboard with Carving Truck is another of the best surf skateboards with unprecedented versatility. The Swell 33 model features an adjustable truck spring tension that facilitates customizable surf skateboard rides. You can loosen or tighten this feature of the Flow Surf Skates to suit your preferences and body size. This surfskate is truly well-suited for surf skateboard riders of all capability levels and ages. Furthermore, this product, which is best for skating and surfing and inspired by the sea, allows you to relish surf skateboarding in the city. Its manufacturer designed it for you to enjoy surfing in urban streets and sidewalks. On flat days, this product enables you to practice your surfing moves. You can also utilize the Flow Surf Skates Surf Skateboard with Carving Truck to merely go surf skating around the town to enjoy it. This product is undoubtedly ideal for enjoying any urban landscape’s paved waves. The Swell 33 features a wide standing platform that facilitates you to have a comfortable position. On the rails, it is unnecessary for you to sacrifice leverage. You can enjoy stability at higher speeds with this lengthy, classic cruiser. Also, Flow Surf Skate’s Truck Technology enables you to enjoy smooth pumping and fluid and snappy carving, thanks to the internal spring. This one-of-a-kind style mimics the feeling of actually riding a surfboard. The Flow Surf Skates Surf Skateboard with Carving Truck is among the all-around surf skateboards you can buy. With its affordability of less than $170 complementing its versatility, you surely will not regret your purchase. #3. Roller Derby Slide Street Surf Skateboard Black Sox Specifications: Product Dimensions: 31 inches long [Deck Length] / 32.01 X 10.24 X 5.24 inches [Product Dimensions]; 7.6 pounds [Weight] Construction: Canadian maple Color: Red and blue hues in the body Riding styles and moves: Simulation of carving feeling on land, Surfing, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Carving through a turn, Putting a surf skateboard on rail Surf Skate Rider Level: Intermediate, Advanced Other Features: The patented spring-loaded truck system, Bevo Gold Seven high-speed precision bearings, … Read more

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