[LiteraryLark]

I have a resolution to learn something new every month.

One thing I'd like to learn is how to ride a skateboard. There's a skate park near me and I live in a court which would be two good places to start.

But before I hit the skate park, I need a skateboard.

How do I pick out a skateboard? What do I look for? What do I need? Do the wheels come with the skateboard or do I have to buy those separately, and then where do I go from there? What's the difference between a regular skateboard and a longboard? What's the upkeep with a skateboard and a long board?

Thank you for your help!

[DeterminedSlacker]

Your best bet would to be to find a skate shop that can help you out. It's been years since I've skated but I'll help where I can.

How do I pick out a skateboard: mostly just aesthetic preference, most of the boards are basically the same size so the main thing that varies is design.

What do I need: Well if you're going all out I'd get some skate shoes as they grip the board better. If you're just starting out I'd recommend a helmet and wristguards at the very least, elbow and knee pads if you want to be really safe.

Do the wheels come with: There are fully assembled boards with wheels and trucks already attached, or you can pick them out individually. The skate shop will assemble it for you if you decide to buy a deck/trucks/wheels separately. (trucks are what attach the wheels to the board)

What's the difference between a regular skateboard and longboard: Longboards are made more for speed and travel rather than tricks/ramps. Regular boards take more energy to move on but their smaller size makes them easier to maneuver and perform tricks with.

What's the upkeep: Not much, skateboards are made to take a beating. If you're using it constantly you may need to replace the wheels every few months but if you're using it sparingly you shouldn't really have to worry about upkeep.

I haven't skated in years so there may be some new things I'm not aware of but I can't imagine all that much has changed.

DetermineSlacker. You seem to be well versed. I live in a building next door to a skate shop. I regularly (I admit it is very annoying) see/hear people using our lot and front ramp as a 'practise' park. I am assuming one gets to try a board out befor purchase.

But I wonder too if some skate shops might rent out boards so that one might determine if skating or the board is right for them.

I have one last comment, this is for Literary Lark. How do you find your balance? Mine has been significantly affected by my medication. So much so has my balance deteriorated that I have become unable to kayak any longer as I have a difficult - and scary - time trying to stay upright. I also blame my poor sense of balance for my corresponding difficulty walking across packed snow and ice without slipping and falling. So too it is difficult to wear a high heel.

Just something you might want to think about.

[notz]

YouTube comes to mind.

Originally Posted by notz

YouTube comes to mind.

So does insurance
Good luck LiteraryLark!

[eskielover]

Personally like with every other sport I try, I believe in renting or borrowing the equipment first to see if I even like it before dumping a lot of money into the equipment & then finding out I really don't like it as much as I thought I would....of course, there's not just the skateboard, there are the shoes & the helmet & the pads that are really needed also.

Also, it takes more than a month to really learn a new sport, really get the feel for it to know if it's really a sport you are going to like spending time doing or if you just want to dabble in it to see what it's like....much better to borrow the equipment to start with or pay for a lesson through some place & have them provide the equipment. That way you get from a professional the real feel for the sport & what is really involved in it before investing money in equipment that you may end up just throwing into the black hole for sports equipment in the back of the closet.

i think it's neat you have mini-goals for each month.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by eskielover

Personally like with every other sport I try, I believe in renting or borrowing the equipment first to see if I even like it before dumping a lot of money into the equipment & then finding out I really don't like it as much as I thought I would....of course, there's not just the skateboard, there are the shoes & the helmet & the pads that are really needed also.

Also, it takes more than a month to really learn a new sport, really get the feel for it to know if it's really a sport you are going to like spending time doing or if you just want to dabble in it to see what it's like....much better to borrow the equipment to start with or pay for a lesson through some place & have them provide the equipment. That way you get from a professional the real feel for the sport & what is really involved in it before investing money in equipment that you may end up just throwing into the black hole for sports equipment in the back of the closet.

That is some sound advice. Thank you. And no...im not trying it out for only a month...it is just my goal to try one new thing each month