Skateboarding is a great form of exercise, both for the mind and body, but it can be intimidating if you’re someone who is just starting out. There are many different types of skateboards, and it can be difficult to choose which one will meet your individual needs when you’re just starting to learn how to skateboard. If you’re a complete beginner to the sport, you should first learn about the difference between old skool and modern models of skateboards.
Old School Skateboards
Skateboarding began in the 1960s, but old school skateboarding refers to the style and designs of the boards that were produced in the 1970s. The company Santa Cruz is largely responsible for designing these vintage styles that are still popular today.
With the distinct look retro skateboards are easily set apart from modern skateboards. These boards are a bit longer and wider than the modern alternative, allowing for easier balancing, but they are also heavier because of their size. In addition, most old school skateboards have nose and kick tails to make it easy to perform tricks such as ollies and wheelies.
The old school skateboards were created for pure street skating. The boards had a lot of concave to them, which allowed the rider to have more control. This style of riding is referred to as “vert.” The reason concave was so important was because vert skating was all about doing tricks in bowls and half pipes. Concave allowed the rider to dig their toes and heels into the board while going up and down the side of the bowl or half pipe.
For many skaters, old school skateboards are preferred over modern models due to their classic design. These boards often feature unique graphics and bright colours which allow for a more personalized style. They also offer great manoeuvrability which is why many skaters choose to use them in street skating and park skating rather than vert skating or pool skating as they do not move as quickly as modern boards do.
If you want to ride retro skateboards, you may be able to find one at your local sports store. However, if they do not supply them, you can always purchase one online or another retailer that specializes in selling vintage skateboarding equipment.
Modern Types
In the last couple of decades, skateboarding has evolved from a niche sport to a lifestyle. The early days of skateboarding were a bit rougher and tumble than what we see today. Skateboards are no longer just wooden planks with wheels attached to them – they’re sleek, colourful vehicles that can handle all kinds of terrain.
There are different types of modern skateboards which include longboards, street boards, downhill boards, trick and regular skateboards. The longboards can go on long-distance rides because they’re designed for speed and comfort. Longboards are the adult version of skateboarding.
It’s a longer, smoother, and more relaxed ride that appeals to those who want to cruise down the boardwalk, navigate the city streets, or even commute to work. Street boards have smaller decks than the old school skateboards. Ranging from 7.5 to 8.25 inches wide, they are lighter and more responsive than their predecessors.
This makes them ideal for younger skaters and beginners who have yet to develop the strength and skill to handle larger boards. Street boards also have a shorter wheelbase (the distance between the front axle and rear axle) and are more concave (the amount of curve from nose to tail).
These features allow them to turn faster and give skaters more control when doing tricks like kickflips. Downhill skateboards are meant for more advanced skaters who like to go fast. These boards usually have larger wheels and a more stable platform. Downhill skateboards are best used on smooth concrete or asphalt, so these boards aren’t good for use at the local skate park.
Trick skateboards are designed for skaters who like to perform tricks and stunts, so these boards tend to be lighter than downhill boards and have smaller wheels that work well on ramps or street obstacles like curbs or stairs. Trick skateboards also come in different sizes depending on the type of tricks you want to perform.
Skateboarding as a Lifestyle
When people think of skateboarding, they may picture someone in a hooded sweatshirt or baggy jeans, doing tricks on a half-pipe. But this is only a small part of the sport. The world of skateboarding has changed dramatically in the last few years, and now it even has its own subcultures.
No matter whether you’re into old skool skateboarding with retro skateboards or prefer the modern take on the sport, you can enjoy the freedom perks this particular hobby offers. This freedom comes from being able to use public spaces to do tricks and go anywhere without having to buy a ticket or be told what time you need to be there by someone else. In fact, many skateboarders are just normal kids who want an excuse for spending more time outside!
The appeal of skateboarding lies partly in its rebellious roots: it is still seen by some as an “alternative” sport that doesn’t need any rules or organization. But most skaters today are not trying to defy authority; they simply enjoy being outdoors and doing tricks with their friends!
