Welcome to the ultimate guide on skateboard decks. Skateboard decks are the heart and soul of the skateboard, serving as the canvas for countless tricks and maneuvers and expressing a skateboarder’s style.
This comprehensive guide will explore the anatomy, artistry, and considerations surrounding skateboard decks.
Whether you’re a seasoned skateboarder looking to fine-tune your setup or a newcomer eager to understand the essentials, this guide will provide a deep dive into what skateboard decks are, how they’re made, and how to choose the perfect one for your skating style.
Let’s roll into the world of skateboard decks and uncover the crucial aspects that make them an iconic element of skateboarding culture.
Skateboard decks are the primary and foundational component of a skateboard.
They are the flat, usually rectangular, board-like structures on which skateboarders stand and perform tricks.
Skateboard decks are typically wood-made but can be constructed from plastic or composite materials.
Here are some key features and aspects of skateboard decks:
Shape and Size:
Skateboard decks come in various shapes and sizes, but the most common shape is a symmetrical, double-kick design, meaning both the nose (front) and tail (back) have upward curves or “kicks.”
The size of a skateboard deck is typically measured in width, and it can vary from around 7.5 inches to over 9 inches, with smaller sizes being suitable for street skating and larger sizes for vertical and transition skating.
Construction:
Most skateboard decks are made of multiple layers of laminated wood, usually maple.
The number of layers and the wood quality can vary, affecting the deck’s strength, flexibility, and durability.
Higher-quality decks often use seven or more plies of hard maple for increased durability.
Concave:
Skateboard decks have varying degrees of concavity (a curved shape along the width) to provide more control and grip.
The concave can be mellow or steep, depending on the skateboarder’s preference and the type of skating they do.
Graphics:
Skateboard decks often feature colorful graphics on the bottom side.
These graphics can be custom designs, team logos, or artwork by professional artists.
The top side of the deck is usually left blank, allowing grip tape to be applied for better traction.
Wheelbase:
The distance between the trucks (axles) is known as the wheelbase.
It can affect the stability and maneuverability of the skateboard.
Shorter wheelbases are typically more maneuverable, while longer wheelbases offer excellent stability.
Kicktails:
The upturned ends of the deck, known as cocktails, allow skateboarders to pop the board into the air for tricks, such as ollies and kickflips.
The length and angle of the details can vary.
Skateboard decks are customizable, and skateboarders often choose specific deck sizes, shapes, and designs that suit their skating style.
Choosing a skateboard deck is a personal preference and depends on a skater’s skill level, style, and the type of terrain they prefer to ride on.
Additionally, skateboarders can attach trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape to their decks to complete the skateboard setup.
FAQs
Why are they called decks?
Skateboard decks are called “decks” because they serve as the foundational, board-like platform on which a skateboarder stands and performs tricks.
The term “deck” is a colloquial and straightforward way to refer to this essential component of a skateboard.
It’s akin to calling the flat surface of a ship where people stand the “deck,” which is also a foundational and flat structure.
Over time, this term has become standard within the skateboarding community and is widely recognized in the sport’s terminology.
What is skateboard deck art?
Skateboard deck art, often called “deck art,” encompasses the creative designs and images that adorn the underside of a skateboard deck.
These graphics are a form of personal expression and can range from custom designs to team logos and works of art by professional artists.
Deck art not only adds a unique aesthetic to the skateboard but also serves as a distinctive representation of the skateboarder’s style and personality, making it an integral part of skateboard culture.
Do you call a skateboard a deck?
No, a skateboard deck is a component of a skateboard, specifically the flat, board-like structure on which a skateboarder stands.
A complete skateboard includes a deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape.
However, within urban skateboarding, “deck” is the colloquial term used to refer to the skateboard itself.
It’s a prime example of the unique jargon and terminology defining skateboarding culture.
What does skateboard deck size mean?
Skateboard deck size refers to the width of the skateboard deck in inches.
Choosing a deck that suits a skateboarder’s rider’s foot size, style, and preference is crucial.
Smaller sizes are suitable for street skating, while larger sizes are ideal for vertical and transition skating.
In conclusion
As we draw the final lines of this guide, it’s clear that the skateboard deck is more than just a piece of wood – it’s a canvas for personal expression, a tool for honing one’s skills, and the platform that propels the art of skateboarding.
We’ve explored the nuances of deck construction, the various shapes and sizes available, and the artistry that adorns them.
From the streets to the skate parks, skateboard decks are the starting point of every incredible trick and unforgettable ride.
Remember that the deck you choose reflects your unique style and preference.
So, whether you’re shredding the pavement, grinding rails, or just cruising for the pure joy of it, embrace the skateboard deck as your partner in this thrilling journey and let it carry you through the ever-evolving world of skateboarding.
