Anatomy of a Skateboard: A Beginners Guide

Welcome back for another chapter on skateboard basics. Previously, we highlighted the different types of skateboards. In this chapter, we will build on that knowledge by learning about the parts that make up the anatomy of a skateboard.


Deck/Board: The wooden platform on which the skater stands. The deck shape will vary depending on the style of skateboard you have. Please refer back to our “Types of Skateboards” blog for a more in-depth description of deck styles. 


Grip Tape: A self-adhesive sheet that has the texture of sandpaper. This sheet is placed on the top of the deck to help the skateboarder grip the board with their feet. 


Trucks: The most complex part of the skateboard that allows the rider to skate around, turn and get into the air. The truck components include several parts: baseplate, pivot cup/bushings, hanger, king pin and axle. 
•    Baseplate: Just as the name indicates, this is a metal plate that bolts directly onto the underside of the deck and is the base for every component of the trucks. 
•    Pivot Cup/Bushings: The pivot cup is a plastic piece that is shaped like a cup and sits inside of the baseplate to help support the trucks' ability to turn smoothly. Bushings, which are small rubber pieces sandwiched between the baseplate and hanger, work with the pivot cup to allow for smooth turning. 
•    Hanger: This piece of metal sits on top of the pivot cup and holds the skateboard`'s axles. 
•    King Pin/King Pin Nut: The king pin is a bolt that reaches from the baseplate all the way to the hanger and holds everything in place. The king pin nut is what tightens and holds the king pin in place resulting in a completely assembled skateboard truck. If the king pin nut is too tight, it will be harder to turn.  If it is too loose, the trucks won`'t safely operate.
•    Axle: A metal rod that runs through the truck and into the center of the wheels. There are two axles on a skateboard, one for the front truck and one for the back. The wheels are then secured into place using axle nuts.


Wheels: Four urethane wheels are attached to the trucks on a skateboard, and each wheel includes bearings that allow the wheels to roll smoothly on the axle. There are several types of skateboard wheels that vary based on size in millimeters and durometer (hardness scale). Trick skateboards use harder wheels with a smaller millimeter size, while larger, softer wheels are better for cruising on a longboard. 


Remember, only ride within your skill level, ride where the conditions are safe and always wear your safety equipment. Hope to see you on a board soon!

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