Skateboards, decks and trucks

Decks, trucks, wheels: how a skateboard is made

The deck of a skateboard is most often made of seven thin layers of maple glued and pressed into a mould, which gives it its concave shape, the dip that secures the feet, and its two raised ends, the nose at the front and the tail at the back. The grip, a sandpaper glued on the top, prevents the feet from slipping during tricks. Underneath, two trucks made of aluminium hold the axles: by leaning the board, the skater compresses the rubber and turns the skateboard. Four polyurethane wheels, each mounted on two bearings, complete the set, secured to the deck by eight screws and an equal number of nuts.

The rest of the equipment

The rollers and skateboard also come in variations:

• Wheels.
• Spare parts, trucks, bearings, and screws.
• Protective gear.
• Shoes.
• Accessories.
• Rollers.
• Scooter.

Everything is gathered on the rollers and skateboard page.

What width deck based on shoe size and style

The width of the deck, expressed in inches, is the first criterion. Around seven and three-quarter inches to eight inches, a board remains lively for flips and street; beyond eight and a quarter inches, it gains stability for ramps, bowls, and larger shoe sizes. The Foundation decks, a Californian brand founded in 1989 by professional skater Tod Swank, and those from Heart Supply, with a pronounced concave, come in various widths. The trucks are then chosen according to the width of the deck, with the axle level with the edge: the Trigger Broad High, which is high-profile, allows for larger wheels without them hitting the board during sharp turns.

Wheels and bearings: hardness, diameter and maintenance

The hardness of the wheels is measured on the Shore A scale: between seventy-eight and eighty-seven A, a soft wheel absorbs gravel and is suitable for city cruising; around ninety-nine A and above, a hard wheel slides and remains fast on the smooth concrete of skateparks. The diameter, in millimeters, also plays a role: small wheels, around fifty-two, keep the board low and light for tricks, while larger wheels perform better on rough surfaces. Bearings last longer when puddles are avoided: water makes them rust and slows the board down. A quick wipe after each session and cleaning with solvent from time to time is enough to keep them in good shape.

Good deals

Great deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within the same timeframe. The major events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

What skateboard should I choose for a child who is just starting out?

A complete skateboard, shorter and narrower, like the Hydroponic for children, is light and easy to handle for small feet. Slightly soft wheels make it more stable on uneven surfaces and provide reassurance during the initial pushes.

Skateboard or longboard: what's the difference?

The skateboard, short and almost symmetrical with two raised ends, is used for tricks and skateparks. The longboard, longer and often fitted with large soft wheels, focuses on gliding, stability, and downhill: it is mainly used for getting around or racing down hills.

Should I buy a complete skateboard or build my own?

The complete skateboard, already assembled and adjusted, is the simplest option for beginners. Building your own board allows you to choose the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings separately according to your style, and then replace only the worn part, most often the deck.

How do you know if you're regular or goofy?

The regular stance has the left foot forward, while the goofy stance has the right foot forward. To find out, have someone gently push you from behind without warning: the foot that comes forward to regain balance is generally the one to place at the front of the board.

How do you apply grip tape to a new board?

Remove the film, apply the grip starting from the centre and push out the bubbles with your palm. Rub the edges with a screwdriver to mark the outline, cut around the line with a utility knife, and then drill the screw holes from underneath.