I'm interested in learning how to skateboard. What are some things I should know? What are some good, inexpensive boards to start out with. And what does a complete kit come with?

Thanks.

10/15/2007 2:42:48 PM

you know you are not in high school anymore right????

10/15/2007 2:46:38 PM

yeah, but i've never thought about trying it before and it still looks fun

10/15/2007 2:48:05 PM

^^ who cares?

same goes to the threads on graphic novels, and video games etc. all of these things are just as enjoyable when youre in college as high school, and the thought that people think they might be 'too old' for stuff like that is quite comical.

sorry i cant be more help prime but i hope you get some advice and have fun trying to learn something new.

10/15/2007 3:02:57 PM

1) go back to 6th grade and get a rad board. maybe one with bright pink wheels and grip tape across the entire board

2) attempt to learn how to ollie. Do a lot of jumping and kicking. proclaim you "know how to ollie" when you can successfully get the board 1.5" off the ground

3) go to a friend's house and make a wicked quarter pipe. never get up the nerve to actually go down it. proclaim victory because you still know how to ollie.

4) grow up

10/15/2007 3:03:41 PM

^lol.

i guess some people are 'too cool and too mature' to have a good time and try new things.

10/15/2007 3:07:43 PM

http://www.endlessgrind.com/store.aspx

10/15/2007 3:10:18 PM

Quote :

"1) go back to 6th grade and get a rad board. maybe one with bright pink wheels and grip tape across the entire board 2) attempt to learn how to ollie. Do a lot of jumping and kicking. proclaim you "know how to ollie" when you can successfully get the board 1.5" off the ground 3) go to a friend's house and make a wicked quarter pipe. never get up the nerve to actually go down it. proclaim victory because you still know how to ollie. 4) grow up "

FTW

10/15/2007 3:10:26 PM

attitudes like both of yours are laughable at best. There is no way you could find one reasonable explanation for why he shouldnt try skateboarding besides the fact that YOU think it is childish. And beyond that you have nothing to back up your claim that it is childish.

I probably wouldnt have had half the fun I did in college if I spent all 4 years trying to act like an adult who is too old to have fun besides going to bars and partying

[Edited on October 15, 2007 at 3:19 PM. Reason : ]

10/15/2007 3:17:26 PM

I'm honestly sick of these guys who think they are so mature because they look down on comic books and things like skateboarding. Name one thing about skateboarding that makes it childish. Maybe you guys should grow up and just have some fun. And before you say it, no, I neither skateboard or read comic books. I just know how to respect people for what they find interesting.

10/15/2007 3:31:03 PM

my posts/attitude are mostly in jest. If he wants to learn how to skateboard at 20 years old, that's fine.

but skateboarding truly seems to be one of those activities that 90% of boys try in middle school, most fail miserably at it, 10% will continue to do it through high school, and 10% of them will bring a board to college and get around campus on. Then after that, you just don't see people doing it anymore. I think maybe it's because skateboarding not an activity that busy, productive adults really have time to do. Most adults recreational time is spent doing activities with friends or family, and if outdoors, doing something that "accomplishes" something. Running, biking, roller blading - those are all activities that get you in good shape while exploring different places of the city or countryside. Skiing, playing basketball, playing soccer are activities that keep you in good shape and have nice leisure and recreational qualities.
I'm just saying that skateboarding just doesn't fit into those categories. Most 20+ year old wouldn't call up a friend and say "let's go board" and then go out to an abandoned parking lot and watch each other railgrind on curbs. Not because it's "childish", but because it doesn't really serve a purpose. Once again, "serve a purpose" in quotes because I know most recreation doesn't necessarily "serve a purpose" except to get outdoors, get fit and be with friends, which are all fine purposes.

so if he wants to learn to board now? great, good luck. If I or someone else thinks it's silly (i don't, really), whatever. Maybe i'm just a bitter 27 year old because I could never figure out how to ollie more than 2 inches....

10/15/2007 3:41:49 PM

Quote :

"I'm honestly sick of these guys who think they are so mature because they look down on comic books and things like skateboarding. Name one thing about skateboarding that makes it childish. Maybe you guys should grow up and just have some fun. And before you say it, no, I neither skateboard or read comic books. I just know how to respect people for what they find interesting."

HAHAHAHA

Just reread this post.

HAHAHAHAHAH

10/15/2007 3:46:15 PM

1. watch the movie "Gleaming the Cube"
2. profit

10/15/2007 4:03:27 PM

I had to quit skating when I was 18 because of a recurring injury, but it is good for you in a lot of ways. Skaters have awesome balance. You see people in other sports training specifically for the balance that skaters take for granted. It's a good way to get outside without having to try to get together a group of people which can be a pita sometimes. You're definitely a little old to be getting in the game, but don't let that stop you.

10/15/2007 4:11:34 PM

Depends on what type of boarding you think your interested in.

You can find shortboards (ie. ollies, halfpipes, double kick etc) at skateshops and can even find decent beginner boards at sporting good stores.

If you are more interested in longboarding i recommend ordering off an internet site.


The best way to learn is to just find a board and a small incline and keep jumping on everyday until you figure it out.

A complete board should come with wheels, bearings, trucks, hardware, and a deck

[Edited on October 15, 2007 at 5:02 PM. Reason : complete]

10/15/2007 5:01:46 PM

Hey guys. Thanks for the comments and the support.

I'm not too worried or offended by those who call me immature or w/e. I'm not trying to be a professional skater or a skate rat. I'm an extremely busy guy but I like trying out new things. I just think life is too short and I try to learn a little of everything. No worries.

Is it possible to find a good board for under $50 new? What are some trusted brands?

10/15/2007 5:52:52 PM

Quote :

"Running, biking, roller blading - those are all activities that get you in good shape while exploring different places of the city or countryside. I'm just saying that skateboarding just doesn't fit into those categories. "

you can't be serious... imho, skateboarding is one of the most physically tedious activities that i can think of. it requires finesse, balance, strength, etc..

and about not exploring different places.. well..

10/15/2007 6:26:10 PM

^exactly. The type of longboarding I do fits right between biking and running. Its more like traditional skating than skateboarding anyway... Both feet are on the board and you pump for propulsion. With the right setup you can go for miles and miles this way never putting a foot on the ground. Here recently I have been riding close to 50 miles a week including greenway rides and riding to and from class.

If you want to skateboard give it a go! Don't let naysayers get you down. Hell, even this 40 year old got a board... http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55378

If you are wanting to do the skate park thing look around on craigslist every now and then and somebody's gently used complete is sure to pop up. Honestly I'd steer you towards longboarding but thats for you to decide. I say try it all and see what you like.

The point is to have fun. And insurance.

10/15/2007 7:18:05 PM

^ are you pumping your drop deck?

10/15/2007 7:45:04 PM

Quote :

"The type of longboarding I do fits right between biking and running. "

i think you know damn well that when someone says they "want to take up boarding", unless they explicitly say so, they are not talking about longboarding. someone who wants to learn to board is generally looking for a traditional board and wants to learn street riding.

if I'm wrong in this case, my bad. but in general, this is true.

and also, i'm not denying that boarding (street or longboard or whatever) can give you a good workout, or that it doesn't require fitness or skill. I am saying, though, that only a very small portion of boarders actually do so for fitness.

10/15/2007 7:50:43 PM

Quote :

"Depends on what type of boarding you think your interested in."

I'd say that the easiest way to learn would be to just get a $20 Wal-Mart board and go mess around somewhere flat and smoothly paved. Your major humps are going to be remaining balanced on a moving board and learning to pump. You can learn to ollie and such -- if that's your thing -- after you actually learn to move, steer, and stop.

10/15/2007 7:51:48 PM

some inspiration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTzUOLCUqes

crazy stuff

10/15/2007 8:18:12 PM

With the walmart boards you get what you pay for. They roll slow because they have grease packed bearings and the truck bushings are hard and unresponsive. IF you can find something used first I'd go with that. With the walmart board I fear you will soon be wanting to upgrade.

Agentlion, you are saying that he should not board because the majority of boarders don't do it for fitness? Not that it really matters why you do it anyway. I take it you mean that something else may be a better expenditure of his time, for whatever reason. (not trying to dwell on this but this sort of attitude oozes out from every damn where.)

Terd, responded to your question in the longboard thread

10/15/2007 8:45:51 PM

he can do whatever the fuck he wants.

try to make a fucking joke and see where it gets you. jesus.

10/15/2007 8:54:10 PM

I'm not really familiar with longboarding. Why do people who like longboarding prefer that? Just curious, cause that looks fun too.

10/15/2007 9:52:55 PM

You need to figure out if you want a trick board or a long board. Trick boards are for doing tricks...long boards are mainly for going long distances and hill carving and such. A "kit" as you put it would include a deck, trucks, and wheels. I would recommend getting something already assembled for as much as you're willing to spend on a board that will probably get really torn up. You also need to determine if you're going to ride regular or goofy footed, this will likely impact which foot you kick with and such. Good luck, and if you're serious about this, you WILL break a limb eventually.

10/15/2007 9:54:51 PM

some more inspiration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUKroc4L9dI

10/15/2007 11:13:41 PM

^hey that was cool. I'm actually looking to do this recreationally - nothing too crazy...yet. Which boards have the highest learning curve when it comes to just getting around and not falling off?

I know these might seem like really easy questions for people who know about this stuff, but thanks for all the help.

10/15/2007 11:29:12 PM

I am closing on my house on 10/30.

I am buliding a half pipe on 10/31

10/15/2007 11:34:06 PM

Prime, silverfish (link posted earlier) is a really good place to read up on longboards and stuff. they also have a couple forums on building your own, which is a really cool project. you might want to run to vertical urge out on six forks or another local shop and just get an idea of what they have and their prices and stuff. i've been on a flexdex for a few years now...they're pretty nice boards, good for speed and carving...a little on the heavy side but thats not particularly bad. anyway, good luck on finding some good stuff and getting started in a very fun hobby!


ps_HELMET!!! haha, a concussion right before exams last semester was NOT good! peace

10/16/2007 9:09:19 AM

Quote :

"I think maybe it's because skateboarding not an activity that busy, productive adults really have time to do. Most adults recreational time is spent doing activities with friends or family, and if outdoors, doing something that "accomplishes" something. Running, biking, roller blading - those are all activities that get you in good shape while exploring different places of the city or countryside. Skiing, playing basketball, playing soccer are activities that keep you in good shape and have nice leisure and recreational qualities."

Because 60% of America (the obese portion, if anyone needs me to spell it out) spends all their recreational time running, biking, or playing soccer with the family.

I think what's "immature" or "unproductive" is working 8 hours in a corporate office all the while eagerly awaiting your huge dinner and/or TiVO'd episodes of House, Scrubs, and Flavor of Love. I will never hate on anyone who wants to get outside and be active, no matter what that activity is. Hell, go buy some of those wheelie shoes and roll your 20 year old ass around the mall parking lot for all I care.

Skateboarding is physically demanding, and just because Joe Basketball doesn't think it's has nice recreational or leisure qualities in no way means Bob Boarder doesn't find it relaxing, fun, and therapeutic. To each his own.

And I'm guessing most of you hating on someone for wanting to learn something new like skateboarding are fatasses withering away behind some sort of screen.

10/16/2007 3:59:11 PM

It will take at least a month to learn how to ollie, and probably a year for kickflips. I miss skating sometimes, but I don't miss broken ankles. The last one I had was off a 10 stair set.

You'd probably have fun just cruising around on a longboard. If you want to learn tricks, then go for it. I wouldn't recommend a generic kmart brand, though. Bearings stop rolling after 10 feet, and they're actually harder to learn tricks on.

Did someone mention mini-ramp?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSUhwML3SWs

Video of my 2 fav skaters, besides mullen of course....

10/16/2007 4:50:43 PM

^^ nobody's hating. christ.
i made a joke, then got sucked into the worst internet trap there is: attempting to defend a position that I didn't really hold or care about to begin with just because someone (Wraith) was being a bigger douchebag than I was in the beginning.

[Edited on October 16, 2007 at 4:53 PM. Reason : .]

10/16/2007 4:53:24 PM

[Edited on October 16, 2007 at 10:48 PM. Reason : ejy]

10/16/2007 10:46:57 PM

find someone to ride with - riding by yourself in a parking lot, although less embarrasing, will slow down your progress.

be prepared of little 10 yo kids showing you what's up first time you are out in the park on in the public. lil fuckers are crazy good these days.

talk to dustm and take up longboarding if you want to just stroll around the campus and pick up a few bitches here and there.

10/17/2007 2:05:04 AM

I learned in college, and pretty much completely from watching the Tony Hawk Trick Tips videos and then just going out to the tennis courts and practicing.

10/17/2007 8:53:00 AM

fresh/soph year at state I skated a few hours a DAY. i got pretty good and friends that skated eventually dropped out so i quit.

gonna work on a half pipe now and get back into it. should be fun.

10/17/2007 1:44:09 PM

skateboarding used to be my thing in high school and it still would be my thing if I knew anyone that did it.

unfortunately, the stereotype is true. most people I know stopped skateboarding as soon as they got a car. skateboarding by yourself might just be the shittiest hobby ever.

10/17/2007 2:11:47 PM

street skating by yourself is lame.

skating by yourself at a skate park isn't that bad.

10/17/2007 4:39:28 PM

That's because you people have never gleamed the cube.
Losers.

10/17/2007 4:44:45 PM

10/17/2007 5:10:30 PM

I'm heading out to centennial to poop around some. Will be up on that deck on Partners.

10/17/2007 5:16:19 PM