When it comes to outdoor activities, there are not many things that are cheaper and more fun than skateboarding. When it comes down to it, all you really require is a quality skateboard. There are all kinds of accessories in the shops too, but these are not really necessary. If you have a decent skateboard, the whole world is a skate park.

Skateboards, as we know them today, have been on sale since the '50s. Skateboard design has come on a little since then, but not really that dramatically. The general design is still unchanged - four wheels and a deck.

Deck - This is the flat board that you stand on. Decks are normally made from narrow layers of maple, but can also be constructed from different substances. Often a deck will be about 10 inches wide and 30 inches in length. Most decks have kicktails at either end which allow the board to be easily kicked up off the ground, which aids in tricks and stunts. The deck's surface will often be covered by a high-grip substance.

Trucks - Trucks attach the wheels and the deck of the board. They are made up of two parts. The baseplate is attached to the deck. The hanger holds the axle and also aids in the turning of the skateboard. The hanger is adjustable to make steering the board easier or more difficult.

Wheels - Board wheels come in a range of sizes and varying levels of hardness, depending on the tastes of the boarder. For example, bigger wheels provide faster speeds, while smaller wheels give a lower center of gravity and are more suitable for jumps and tricks.

They are the components that make up a good skateboard and, when it comes down to it, they are all that is necessary. That said, skateboarding is a lot more than a sport, it is a whole sub-culture and has all the accessories that go with it.

At the more practical level, there is a massive selection of safety gear that is a good idea when learning the ropes or for boarders trying out riskier jumps and stunts. A strong helmet and knee and elbow guards can save you from a lot of unnecessary bumps and cuts.

There are all kinds of bits and pieces to help you 'pimp your board'. Not to mention nose and tail guards, and rails and lappers. The under-side of skateboards sometimes have intricate graphics, while there are also lines of garments, shades and other fashion accessories aimed at the skateboarding market.

While skateboarding is usually regarded as a sport or a hobby, many enthusiasts laud it as a green form of transportation. That said, skateboarding on streets and sidewalks is illegal in many places because of the belief that it is excessively hazardous as a means of transport. In reality, injuries tend to be minor when they do happen.

As hobbies go, skateboarding is definitely one of the cheapest around. For as cheap as seventy-five dollars you can pick up a quality skateboard that will, most likely, last you for years.

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Article Submitted By: JimSamposzi
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