Skateboarding Saves Me Twice

[IG88]

Rodney Mullen is the best skateboarder i've ever seen. When they still had a Vans skate park in the Great Mall, I had the chance to watch him skate up close a few times during 'pro hours' and he was the center of attention every time he was on a run. This is when he was in the same building as Cabellero, Macdonald, and the majority of the tiltmode and enjoi squads and all of those guys were obviously world class and would stop what they were doing just to study where his legs and board were coordinating with each other. Fucking dark slides...

Had a session after work today around Cupertino. Trying to take advantage of some of the spots it has to offer before they start blocking every length of ledge they can once Apple completely takes over the place.

[Achtane]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9KpaG2p_zI[/youtube]

[samzadgan]

this is sick as...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_BtdIiUj18[/youtube]

[D.o.S.]

Secondhand quote/question from my alma mater: "What would you think of us installing rails for skateboarders to grind on on campus?"

[kbit]

I'd go to school there just to watch kids skate.

[D.o.S.]

They also host a rail jam every year. Clearly they have a solid grasp of their student body.

[Achtane]

solid grasp of their student body.

[D.o.S.]

ayyyyyyy

[leaves turn]

The wife wants us to get skateboards for her birthday; just for kicks and riding around parks or whatever. Neither of us has ever skated before - what should we be looking for? Reputable brands? Should I just pick something cheap off Amazon?

[UglyCasanova]

Longboards maybe? They're more stable. Tighten the trucks fairly well, get some nice bearings (crucial) and some big soft wheels. So much fun.

Don't know about brands though.

[Jero]

Honestly, I would go against the long board route. More money for a decent one, and not easy to learn on, IMO. They're bulky, weigh a ton, and are harder to control, especially when starting out. If you keep skating, and find you like it, but don't plan on riding transition or doing flip tricks...then consider a long board.

Something with a cruiser vibe would do you better. Regular board, wider wheel/truck base, and good soft wheels. Easy to handle, and will get you anywhere. If you don't want to break the bank, you usually could do fine with a shop blank (try an 8-8.25" wide one), some independent or thunder trucks, wheels...something in the 87a durometer (soft/hardness), 54mm is good, without being too big and bouncy, bearings...can't go wrong with bones reds, but there are better things (all depends on budget). You could also buy a complete, that's all done up already, and save a bit of money usually.

Two good online shops...http://www.skatewarehouse.com/ & www.tactics.com

[UglyCasanova]

Honestly, I would go against the long board route. More money for a decent one, and not easy to learn on, IMO. They're bulky, weigh a ton, and are harder to control, especially when starting out.

Hmmmm. I'd say a "normal" skateboard is much harder. They're more wobbly, there's less room for error as far as balance and weight distribution for turning goes. Also, the weight of a longboard is exactly the reason why they're great for beginners. There's a reason why everyone and their grandmother rolls around on one. I'm with you on the price though. Get one used.

[KaosCill8r]

Longboards maybe? They're more stable. Tighten the trucks fairly well, get some nice bearings (crucial) and some big soft wheels. So much fun.

Don't know about brands though.

Have been thinking of getting a longboard myself. There are lots of mountain roads near me that would be a lot of fun on a longboard. Only problem with that plan is I haven't been on a board of any kind in about 20 + years though. Would probably end up killing myself or worse.

[Jero]

Honestly, I would go against the long board route. More money for a decent one, and not easy to learn on, IMO. They're bulky, weigh a ton, and are harder to control, especially when starting out.

Hmmmm. I'd say a "normal" skateboard is much harder. They're more wobbly, there's less room for error as far as balance and weight distribution for turning goes. Also, the weight of a longboard is exactly the reason why they're great for beginners. There's a reason why everyone and their grandmother rolls around on one. I'm with you on the price though. Get one used.

Hmm, I wonder why I only ever see people, and their grandmas, walking with them then?
Lead foot goes on the board, back foot goes to push, then they don't have enough ankle strength the keep the board straight (or turn slightly for corrections), it makes a b-line to your backside and then you can't keep it under you...IDK. I been skating for a long time, and am quite comfortable on them (more so than on foot) and I think longboarding is hard. I can do it fine, but it just doesn't seem like a good think to start out with. The only way to know is try though. Everyone is different
(Btw, I ride bigger boards (8.75/32") with weird shapes usually. Get the best of both worlds so to speak)

[D.o.S.]

Skateboards are like anything else -- there's stuff you shouldn't ride:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcETNEuIV8k[/youtube]