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Just bought myself a setup last week. Rolling about the house and, this morning, the garage, has proved one thing, my balance is shot to shit. To be fair, the garage isn't as smooth as it could be, so maybe a trip down the skatepark next sunday morning for some smooth concrete is in order.
I find it quite hard going from rough tarmac to super smooth concrete, suddenly everything's an awful lot faster and you don't need to push so much!
I tend to just roll on smooth concrete.
Can anyone recommend a compete normal board for my lad? Small wheels are fine but reasonable hardness wheels (say mid/high 80s) for pavement would be good.
enuff completes are great value and decent. I think they do 2 different sizes for youths and adults- at least they used to. I used to own and like the rasta ones.
Whatever you decide just try to buy from a Skater Owned Store and not a chain like Route One etc
The Skate industry is being shafted by big corporations and it’s the little guys (who’ve supported it while it was in the crapper) who get the short end.
Most decent shops will give decent advice on what they have in stock and what would suit your needs
Skatewarehouse are skater owners I believe. Based in Devon and they do their own brand board. They have few options but here’s one.
https://www.skatewarehouse.co.uk/venom-custom-complete-skateboard-black-deck-8-25-black-trucks.html
Cheers everyone, ordered an Enuff board from the shop linked above!
I started again Nov 18 after probably 11 years since I last skated anything other than a longboard and over twenty years since o skated seriously.
I've been loving it - easy access to mini ramps / parks (never ever got to skate ramps back in the day) and a local crew of over 40's skaters have really inspired me. There's no way I'm at a level street skating that I unused to be and I don't bounce well enough any more to try anything too gnarly but I've actually moved past my old level on transition!
My Vimeo account
pretty much chronicles my progression over the year. Latest clip here
Been keeping it low impact although I smashed a tooth trying to learn fakie to FS smiths the other day!
This is making me want to dig my board out..
Spent last night watching Public Domain.. Happy days..
Loving that @ceepers, I'll check out the rest of your channel later on.
I was away in the hills over the glorious weekend so no skating for me, but the kids are back at school this week so if MiniMonkey plays ball (I was up with her from 5 this morning, so late into work = short lunch) I'm gonna try and get down the skatepark tomorrow at lunch, and see if I can still ollie.
Had a good blast into work this morning, way behind most of the folk on here but I'm feeling a lot looser on the board.
Whatever you decide just try to buy from a Skater Owned Store and not a chain like Route One etc
The Skate industry is being shafted by big corporations and it’s the little guys (who’ve supported it while it was in the crapper) who get the short end.
Most decent shops will give decent advice on what they have in stock and what would suit your needs
Totally agree with this - which online stores are skater owned nowadays? I'm pretty sure Native Skates, Black Sheep and Legacy are, but there's tons out there.
I picked up a set of 60mm / 78a Ricta Clouds t'other day, got them fitted earlier this week and got to have a skate on them for the first time this morning. First impressions are that they look MASSIVE - not just next to the old wheels, but on the board too. Second impressions are HOLY CRAP they roll well!
On the old wheels I was constantly pushing just to keep moving, let alone keep any speed - on these they just roll for ages, even on the crappy tarmac that makes up most of my commute - and they make bits that were basically unrideable almost smooth.
I've yet to try any tricks on them (or on the old wheels, really) and I imagine they'll be trickier to ollie or flip (and impossible to slide) but since most of my riding is likely to be cruising to work and back I'm not really too fussed. Plus they look kind of ridiculous, but I'm a middle aged man on a useless wooden toy, so I care even less about that.
Watch out for wheelbite. Maybe time for some risers.
No wheelbite so far - I run my trucks quite stiff (the marks on there are from when I was setting them up).
I do have 1/8" shock pads on there, but I might up them to 1/4", we'll see.
Like the look of those Ricta Clouds.
From the website..
"Set up the 78a urethane Crystal Clouds on your cruiser / filmer board or on your regular skateboard when you're hitting crusty spot. Don't let a rugged terrain get the best of you, set up Ricta Crystal Clouds and get to it."
crusty spots? That pretty much covers most of the UK!
We're in the slow process of working with the council to get a skatepark in my town - drop me a line if anyone has any experience of this.
cheers
Jim
I'm a fan so far. I think slightly smaller might have made for a better all rounder, but meh.
I actually do have some experience of getting a skatepark built, but it's a loooooong while ago (though the park is still there, still in heavy use and has just been massively upgraded). I'd be happy to offer any help I can do, drop me a PM on here if you like.
To to follow on from above where I asked for beginner board recommendations. The Enuff board turned up yesterday and I'm super impressed with it! Board looks lovely, wheels and bearings are fine considering the price and the trucks turn (so bushes are not too hard).
Thanks again for the great recommendation.
glad you like it SammyC. Good choice. It's not just a beginner's board!
I said earlier that I put some cloud nines on mine. I was wrong of course and meant Ricta Clouds the same as above. They really do make a huge difference and turn a normal board into a cruiser. I think I put a spacer on too.
Haha, I'm pretty sure Cloud 9 wheels are a thing too. I was amazed how much difference they made tbh, carries speed so much better on the rough stuff now.
Hi guys - been looking through this thread with interest, recently dug out an old cobbled together setup (cheap old school 23" mini cruiser deck with 90s venture 8.5" trucks & slimeballs - not the prettiest but it works, kinda) using it to keep up with my 2 year old on her scooter but fancy something a bit bigger.
What's the best option for general cruising around without spending a fortune? Probably don't need a 40" drop through longboard but what about a cruiser / pintail type thing? Would something like that work with my existing trucks or would it be better to pick up a cheap complete for £40 or so?
Cheers!
nothing wrong with getting a longboard.
Sounds good - fancied one for a while, had a look at some cheaper completes from mindless / osprey / Maui for around £40-£50, any reason not to go with any of those or is one better than the others?
Used to skate plenty - then started again a few years ago. Ive let it lapse again. But this is a friendly bunch
http://www.middle-age-shred.com
I'm not sure of the best one out of those. I should image they'd all be fine. I personally would go for a longer one if some come up shorter. Would be good if you can find a reduced one.
That Atom looks just the ticket - could spend more than that cobbling some random bits together once you start buying new bolts / bearings / risers / tape etc.
A twin tip like that is probably a better shape for me than a pintail, I do like some wood grain on show - I'll tell the wife it's an important parenting tool... which is true as my 2 year old daughter was extremely impressed by me dragging her along on her scooter on the old mini cruiser #stillgotit #neverhadit
I quite fancy a longboard, but I've never skated anything without a kicktail and the idea scares me a bit! I barely use it on the commute though...
Really tempted by a longboard (even though I definitely don't need one) and those Atoms look pretty cunning. I know nothing about longboards, which would be best for general cruising around flat, craply surfaced streets and maybe trying to carve a little bit?
Bezzed down one of the local parks for a quick session at lunch today after a fairly crappy weekend, and rather helpfully the sun decided to come out just as I got there! Took me less than 13 minutes from leaving the office, including stopping and chatting to nice lady in a hijab who used to skate. Takes all sorts.
Anyway, first time in a park in god knows how long, and it's fair to say I'm a little bit rusty. Spent a while trying to relearn ollies (I may have landed one or two, but I'm not sure there was any actual air) then playing around on the transition trying to kickturn.
It wasn't pretty and I'm VERY rusty, but I can't think of many better ways to spend a lunch break in the middle of Hull.
Video to follow at some point maybe, if it's not too embarrassing. Also I need to get one of those tiny little tripods for my camera, leaning it against the grind box isn't the ideal solution.
Ollie attempt video as promised. Even if I do feel a bit like I'm talking to myself. Don't laugh too much.
Side note: has anyone skated Film trucks? The old Route One own brand ones I have at the moment are pretty dire, and Film look pretty decent (plus it's a French company, so getting away from the US big 3). Either that or Ventures I reckon, which is what I always used to skate.
Size question.
My 143cm tall/sz 4 shoe son wants a Popsicle stick skateboard as he's wants to learn how to oli. Already spends a couple of hours a week cursing on a Penny nickel.
Is 7.25" x 30.25" deck gonna be good for him? With 5" trucks? I know he will grow and I'm happy to buy him bigger deck(s) as does.
What's that in feet and inches? I'm old school 😉
Took me a while to work it out but..
He's 4’8” with 2 feet.
I reckon he'll be fine with that. I think my deck is about 32" length, Skate Warehouse have some 7.25 x 29ish" completes which is quite a big difference.
Of course learning to ollie is still really hard...
ide note: has anyone skated Film trucks? The old Route One own brand ones I have at the moment are pretty dire, and Film look pretty decent (plus it’s a French company, so getting away from the US big 3).
Out of interest, is there anything in particular you don't like about them? My main concern about cheap trucks would be breaking them, but that's quite a rare event, even when launching yourself down stairs and stuff. I bought a setup with some cheap trucks and can't tell the difference. And I reckon the only thing I'm likely to break is myself.
They seem to manage to feel really stiff and not turn particularly well whilst simultaneously feeling really unstable and loose, if that makes sense. In fairness I've not ridden anything else for years, I don't remember my Ventures back in the day feeling like that but it could just be that I'm still getting used to the whole thing again. I did manage to break a truck once, but they were definitely cheap ones. I think it was a combination of being a fat knacker, trying to 50-50 on rough as kerbs and too many badly landed boardslides (all off really low stuff, no massive stair gaps).
Plus I like shiny new things, which is probably more to do with it.
A lot of the feel depends on the rubbers, which are available in different hardnesses. You can tighten soft rubbers to the max, and they'll still be squidgy. Geometry obviously differs from brand to brand though, with varying pivot designs. Trucks are something I've never been picky about. If I didn't gel with a board or even the wheels, that would bug me. But trucks, I always stuck on whatever was available at the time.
Yeah that's true, plus the bushings are a few years old now (mostly spent in the loft, admittedly) so I dunno if they might have perished a little bit.
But really, it's the shiny things.
Have kind of got into this by accident. Eldest wanted a skateboard and I ordered one off Sportpursuit without paying too much attention (never really skated as a child and very little idea of what was what).
It arrived as a bloody longboard. He thought it was too big so we bought an Enuff board of the appropriate size for him and I thought I’d have a play on the longboard. Great fun. But like snowboarding and felt a lot safer than the skateboards I remember from my youth.
Fast forward a few months of playing and watching videos on YouTube and I’ve now got 2 longboards as eldest decided he did like it after all and have just received my Wowgo Elecrtic skateboard. Had a go at the weekend and took it out with the kids on their bikes on a nice flat bike path. God it’s brilliant fun. Even on slow setting it’ll do 20km/h and really easy to use.
Just found a new way to break myself.
I still haven't picked up a longboard yet, do quite fancy one though. I quite fancy playing on an electric board too, though I definitely can't justify the cost of one of those.
Did anyone watch Chad Caruso's 50 Tricks, 50 States, 50 Days on the Youtubes? He got given an e-board(!) and seemed to love it (plus the series is ridiculous).
Hi all. Recently started surfing but live nowhere near the sea. I want a skateboard that feels like a surfboard to play around on and to improve my balance and possibly my surfing.
I think what I want is a cruiser board. Any one have one or can recommend one?
If you like surfing you need a longboard.
Aye I'd have thought longboard, as above. Don't know much about 'em though.
The Wowgo electric one was just over £300. Not that I’ve told the wife that! Whilst lots are way more I can’t see myself needing anymore speed or distance. I’m sure my 2 boys will use it more once they have developed the balance and speed control parts.
Can’t say I know enough to recommend a particular longboard but would definitely say get one though.
now fast does the electric one go. Sounds terrifying.
Claims 38km/h in top gear. Scary enough 1st time out at 20km/h on a lovely smooth straight empty bike path! It even has regenerative braking! Will be playing on it again on day off tomorrow!
thanks. enjoy it.
Blimey, that's north of 20mph. Potential for skinned knees: high.
As per the stw way I asked a question completely ignored the recommendation and hovering over the buy button for a landyachtz tugboat. I really like the arbor oso as well.
samueir how much do you want to spend? Mine was about £60 down to £30 but does not have dropped trucks like the more expensive ones. Have a look at discounted models. I like long ones too, as the lengths can vary slightly.
Jaw well and truly dropped!
9 years old
not sure if FB pic link possible
One of these is on the way
https://landyachtz.com/product/tugboat-captain/
What shoes is everyone wearing at the moment? Mine're falling apart and I'm on the hunt for a bargain...
I wear a pair of old vans.
Love that @Dezb, vert is terrifying…
It is indeed. Watching a video doesn't convey the sheer speed involved which alone is quite frightening. And that's before you get up and stand looking over the edge, leaning back a bit while you do because it's ****ing high up there.
What shoes is everyone wearing at the moment? Mine’re falling apart and I’m on the hunt for a bargain…
Rollersnakes are regularly doing offers on Osiris I find, for about 30 magic beans.
I remember Osiris had some mental shoes back in the day... Anyone remember the D3? Hopefully they might have something a little more restrained nowadays.
The current range is a bit more subtle.
Although I'm sure they recently re-issued the D3! Unless it was all talk.
Nice vid on a day of shite
https://www.culturedmag.com/samarria-brevard-dan-buyanovsky/
Bookmarking this for next time I have proper internet (we're on holiday without which is kinda lovely).
Anyone who got a board care to share their experiences so far?
Thought I'd give this thread a lockdown update.
Since we've been locked in I've been skating a bit more - got bugger all time, so an hour skating a couple of times a week suits pretty well. Currently got two boards set up, both 8.25" popsicles but one with massive soft cruiser wheels (ace fun for, well, cruising) and one set up more for tricks. Also figured out a way to strap a deck to my rack so I can ride to spots. Bonus.
The uni car park (where I used to work) has become my go to spot, and seems to be populated by middle aged es skaters (longboard, wheelyboots, all sorts) most nights of the week which is nice.
Getting fairly confident with ollies (faster and higher too) and manuals, landed a few shuvits but kickflips still evade me. Managed to slide the board about a foot tonight, but I didn't land it. I will though.
Anyone else enjoying the deserted car parks?
Have to stick to watching other people do it, me.
Anyone seen the Epicly Later’d series on Vice channel? I think its on Prime.
Fascinating series about retired pros. The Heath Kirchart one especially.
Been having knee problems recently and a slow to heal ankle sprain, and I think spending 8h a day sitting at a desk during lockdown hasn't been helping. So I've treated my board to some new bearings and rubbers and I'm hoping getting out and pushing around the streets might loosen everything up a bit. Or I might just re-sprain the ankle.
Rather fetching set up of purple 80s Hosoi Hammerhead, NOS pink Slammers and indy 159s (or 169s I forget).
The deck is actually unridden and I've seen them go for the thick end of $500 on the bay, but I think this one has spent enough time on the wall 🤘
I got myself a surfskate to get through the flat summer. Pumping it is kinda fun, not sure it's much good for anything else thou
What shoes is everyone wearing at the moment? Mine’re falling apart and I’m on the hunt for a bargain…
Rollersnakes are regularly doing offers on Osiris I find, for about 30 magic beans.
My old Vans are getting pretty shabby, and I’ve been looking for a replacement pair, but I prefer all black, no decorations, and a particular style of toe, with the puffy tongue, and I’d completely forgotten Rollersnakes, used to get stuff from them years ago! Just had a look at their site, and they’ve got some Etnies in exactly the style I want! Yowza.
Then all I need is a Mindless drop-in style longboard...
The shoes I can justify, ‘cos my old Vans are shot, but sneaking a longboard into the house could take some doing.
Well, there’s always the ‘going cheap on eBay’ excuse...
Holy thread resurrection!
Not skateboarding, but quads. Same theory though. It seemed not too as there were plenty of empty car parks and my local rink is obviously shut. I've been doing the first street skating I've done in decades. Nice and early in the morning so that as few people as possible see me, obviously 😀
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I was so bored, I even got round to putting colour co-ordinated bushes on the Bauers
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Mum is moving house and having a clearout, I rescued my Dads skateboard from the 70s? USA made True-Glide
https://flic.kr/p/2j4vovP
I'd just started again at 47, had a few lessons at Projekts in manchester before lockdown. Now I'm a bit out of luck for local places to skate. It's all muck round here! I might have to get up really early and go up to marple memorial park or something.
Outdoor parks are still sealed off here in Spain so laps of the plaza it is.
My son has some skate, sandboard and snow boarding films up. Japan, Cuba, Peru and the US...
Link to website/blog https://www.steffangriffiths.net