- 1If you're a huge skater, you got this one down perfectly. If not, see below:
- 2Try and seem interested in what he loves. Smile and say 'awesome' or 'cool' when he does something really impressive. He is not doing these to impress you though, so don't overdo it. Try it casual--Be friendly and flirty. But not too flirty...most skaters don't like clingy and super flirty girls.
- 3Ask questions, it will show him that you're interested and really care about his passions. He should always feel like you support what he does. Maybe he will learn to do the same for you.
- 4Be brave, guys like confidence! Ask him to show you how to stand on a skate board or how to go. Remind him you're a beginner and don't want to do any advanced things. Skateboarding is a really creative hobby, and he will be proud when you get good! (Make him hold you while you're trying to stand, guys like that.)
- 5Make sure the guy you like is really worth it. You should like him for his personality, not just the way he skates. Get to know the guy behind the board, outside of the skate park. Ask him about himself, and not just his skating. Otherwise he may think you're not as interested.
- 6If he hasn't seemed to notice you, you should maybe try complimenting him on the way he skateboards or watching him quite often and smiling whenever he does a cool trick. Laugh and be approachable, he'll come to you.
- 7If you know how to skateboard, do some tricks in front of him. This might get him interested in you. If you're really good, impress him, but be modest about it.
- 8Try getting to know some of his friends, that way they can introduce you to him. Show your interest in skateboarding, and one of his friends is bound to notice.
- 9Don't lie about your skater skills, EVER. If you say you can, and you really can't, he'll think you're a poser. Be yourself, and not a sk8r wannabe.
- 10If he still hasn't noticed you, he probably just isn't interested. You can't catch the attention of every guy.
- source : http://www.wikihow.com
How to Attract a Skater
The Beginner's Guide to Skateboarding
By Steve Cave, About.com Guide
Step 1 - Beginner Skateboard Gear
So you've bought or borrowed your first skateboard, and you are wondering what to do with it. You've seen skaters at the park or on TV, and you know what skating's supposed to look like, but how do you get started? What sort of beginner skateboard gear do you need?
Well, the first thing you should do is get a pair of skate shoes (check out the Best Skateboard Shoes List). You can skate in regular shoes, but it will be a lot harder and even sometimes dangerous. Skate shoes are built with a large flat bottom, to better grip the board, and often with other features like reinforcement in areas where you'll likely wear the shoe down.
You should also get a helmet (check out the Best Skateboard Helmets list). You might see skaters not wearing helmets, and worry that wearing one will make you look weak or stupid, but don't worry about it. It's common now for skateparks to require helmets, and it's just plain smart, especially when you first start out.
Wearing other protective pads can be good too, but what you need totally depends on what you are doing (see the Best Skateboard Pads list). If you are trying to do tricks in your driveway, elbow pads might be a good idea, but you really only need knee pads if you are skating on a ramp, or trying some pretty crazy tricks. Wrist braces can be nice, but be careful not to get too used to using your hands to catch yourself when you fall.
Step 2 - Standing on a Skateboard
Now you should be ready to start learning to skate. First, before you try anything crazy, you need to get comfortable standing on your skateboard. If you borrowed it, or if you went to a shop and bought a complete skateboard already built, there's a chance that there may be some things about it that you might find uncomfortable. Set the board either in some grass, or on the carpet in your living room, and try standing on it, jumping on it, whatever you want. Try balancing only on the front or back wheels. Standing on the board, move your feet into different positions. Get used to the feel and size of your board, and get used to standing on it.
Step 3 - Skateboard Stance: Goofy vs. Regular
Next you need to figure out your skateboard stance, whether you are goofy or regular footed. This means whether you should skate with your right foot forward, or your left. If one feels more comfortable than the other, then simply go with that!
The two different ways to stand are called stances - Goofy (skating with your right foot forward) and Regular (skating with your left foot forward).
Here are three tricky ways to figure out how you will most likely feel most comfortable standing on your board:
ext, we'll learn to push your skateboard. Take the skateboard out to some pavement or concrete somewhere. I recommend a parking lot, after the business that uses the lot is closed. That way there are no cars around, or people.
Get comfortable just like above, but this time on a surface where your board can roll.
Now try cruising around the parking lot. Take your front foot, and put it so your toes are right over the front truck, or a little behind it, on top of the board. Use your back foot to push off with so that the skateboard starts rolling, and put your back foot back on the skateboard once you are rolling the speed you want to (read is it ok to push with my front foot? if you are more comfortable that way). When you slow down, push off some more with your back foot. To turn, if you are going downhill, you can lean in the direction you want to turn, but this will turn you slowly. A better way to turn is to balance for a split moment on your back wheels, and swing your front wheels the direction you want to go. This might take some practice.
Get comfortable with riding around like this. You should spend some time practicing -- don't get too anxious to do tricks. After you feel pretty good with riding like this, try going down an easy hill, so long as you're careful that there won't be traffic. Spend some time learning to skate. You can try skating at your local skate park, if you have one. At first you might try to go at a time when there won't be very many people around.
Step 1 - Beginner Skateboard Gear
So you've bought or borrowed your first skateboard, and you are wondering what to do with it. You've seen skaters at the park or on TV, and you know what skating's supposed to look like, but how do you get started? What sort of beginner skateboard gear do you need?
Well, the first thing you should do is get a pair of skate shoes (check out the Best Skateboard Shoes List). You can skate in regular shoes, but it will be a lot harder and even sometimes dangerous. Skate shoes are built with a large flat bottom, to better grip the board, and often with other features like reinforcement in areas where you'll likely wear the shoe down.
You should also get a helmet (check out the Best Skateboard Helmets list). You might see skaters not wearing helmets, and worry that wearing one will make you look weak or stupid, but don't worry about it. It's common now for skateparks to require helmets, and it's just plain smart, especially when you first start out.
Wearing other protective pads can be good too, but what you need totally depends on what you are doing (see the Best Skateboard Pads list). If you are trying to do tricks in your driveway, elbow pads might be a good idea, but you really only need knee pads if you are skating on a ramp, or trying some pretty crazy tricks. Wrist braces can be nice, but be careful not to get too used to using your hands to catch yourself when you fall.
Step 2 - Standing on a Skateboard
Now you should be ready to start learning to skate. First, before you try anything crazy, you need to get comfortable standing on your skateboard. If you borrowed it, or if you went to a shop and bought a complete skateboard already built, there's a chance that there may be some things about it that you might find uncomfortable. Set the board either in some grass, or on the carpet in your living room, and try standing on it, jumping on it, whatever you want. Try balancing only on the front or back wheels. Standing on the board, move your feet into different positions. Get used to the feel and size of your board, and get used to standing on it.
Step 3 - Skateboard Stance: Goofy vs. Regular
Next you need to figure out your skateboard stance, whether you are goofy or regular footed. This means whether you should skate with your right foot forward, or your left. If one feels more comfortable than the other, then simply go with that!
The two different ways to stand are called stances - Goofy (skating with your right foot forward) and Regular (skating with your left foot forward).
Here are three tricky ways to figure out how you will most likely feel most comfortable standing on your board:
ONE
- go get a ball or something like that, and sit it on the ground in front of you. Now kick it. Whichever foot you kicked it with will likely be your back foot. You want the balancing foot in the front, and the kicking foot in the back.TWO
- go to a staircase, and walk up it. What foot did you use to step up the FIRST step? That's likely your back foot.THREE
- this one's hard, because once you read it you'll know the trick. So just read this first spot and then stop when I tell you to stop. Go find someone, stand with both your feet close together, and ask them to shove you from behind. Go do this now -- STOP READING! Ok, so hopefully you didn't just fall over. You should have caught yourself with one foot. The foot you used to catch yourself is likely the foot you'd put in back. Just like most people are right handed, most people are regular footed. That's why it's called regular. Just remember that there's no RIGHT way to do it. If all of these tricks tell you that you are regular, but you just like riding goofy, then ride goofy!
Step 4 - Skateboard Pushing
ext, we'll learn to push your skateboard. Take the skateboard out to some pavement or concrete somewhere. I recommend a parking lot, after the business that uses the lot is closed. That way there are no cars around, or people.
Get comfortable just like above, but this time on a surface where your board can roll.
Now try cruising around the parking lot. Take your front foot, and put it so your toes are right over the front truck, or a little behind it, on top of the board. Use your back foot to push off with so that the skateboard starts rolling, and put your back foot back on the skateboard once you are rolling the speed you want to (read is it ok to push with my front foot? if you are more comfortable that way). When you slow down, push off some more with your back foot. To turn, if you are going downhill, you can lean in the direction you want to turn, but this will turn you slowly. A better way to turn is to balance for a split moment on your back wheels, and swing your front wheels the direction you want to go. This might take some practice.
Get comfortable with riding around like this. You should spend some time practicing -- don't get too anxious to do tricks. After you feel pretty good with riding like this, try going down an easy hill, so long as you're careful that there won't be traffic. Spend some time learning to skate. You can try skating at your local skate park, if you have one. At first you might try to go at a time when there won't be very many people around.
Step 5 - How to Stop on a Skateboard
Now that you know how to get going, you may want to know a little more
about how to stop on a skateboard! There are several ways to stop your
skateboard.
Footbreaking - The easiest way is to take off your back foot and
drag it on the ground. It takes some practice, and you should really
spend some time focusing on it now, before you need it, so that you can stop when you need to! Read How to Footbreak for instructions and help.
Heel Drag - This takes some practice, but it's a common way to stop with people who have been skating a while. Basically, you put the heel of your back foot so that it is sticking off of the back of your skateboard, and lean back so that the front of your board comes up into the air. Step down on your heel, but make sure that the front half of your foot is still on the board. Your heel should drag a short ways, and you should stop. This will take practice - you may fall on your back a few times, and launch the board out in front of you a few times while you learn.
Power Slide - Powerslides are popular in the Tony Hawk video games, but they are actually fairly advanced. I mention them because I'm guessing you've played the game and want to do it - it does look pretty cool! Well, hold off on that for a while - you haven't even gotten to kickturns yet!
Bail! - When all else fails, just jump off of your board! If your knees are bent while you ride, this shouldn't be to hard. And if you jump forward, your skateboard will usually stop. Just remember - buying a new skateboard is much cheaper and easier than getting a broken arm, or a new face!
Heel Drag - This takes some practice, but it's a common way to stop with people who have been skating a while. Basically, you put the heel of your back foot so that it is sticking off of the back of your skateboard, and lean back so that the front of your board comes up into the air. Step down on your heel, but make sure that the front half of your foot is still on the board. Your heel should drag a short ways, and you should stop. This will take practice - you may fall on your back a few times, and launch the board out in front of you a few times while you learn.
Power Slide - Powerslides are popular in the Tony Hawk video games, but they are actually fairly advanced. I mention them because I'm guessing you've played the game and want to do it - it does look pretty cool! Well, hold off on that for a while - you haven't even gotten to kickturns yet!
Bail! - When all else fails, just jump off of your board! If your knees are bent while you ride, this shouldn't be to hard. And if you jump forward, your skateboard will usually stop. Just remember - buying a new skateboard is much cheaper and easier than getting a broken arm, or a new face!
When Reading About Conquering Skateboarding Fear Does Nothing For You...
By Steve Cave,
I just got an email from a reader who is having a hard time with chickenfoot. He said that he read Chickenfoot Help, and How to Conquer Fear in Skateboarding, and is still having problems. Nothing helps.
This can be a BIG problem!! My advice is to do something else for a bit. Don't stop skating, but do other stuff. Cruise around. Practice kickturns. Get good at stopping, and going fast. Get more comfortable on that board. Try manuals. Maybe skate some flow at a skatepark. Get more comfortable skating. Spend a LOT of time on that board...
Do that for a while, like days. Maybe longer. And your fear should slowly melt away. Once you feel truly confident on your board, you should be ok with ollying, or whatever else is giving you trouble.
And another thing - don't feel bad for being scared. You should be!!! Getting hurt sucks! But if you're wearing a helmet, you WILL heal! If you want to read more, check out What to do if I'm still afraid, and it might help. I tell a fun story about getting hurt! If you've dealt with this yourself, leave a comment below and give Tom and other skaters some advice - how did YOU deal with this?!
Skateboarding: A Sport? A Lifestyle? Or the Birth of a Trend?
We all have seen crazy teens gliding on the streets, in front of marble paved Banks. They skate "in packs".
It's interesting how the number of skateboarders nowadays has tremendously increased. And this is not necessary a bad thing. In just 50 years skateboarding has become a worldwide known and practiced sport, and I dare to add a trend, and a lifestyle.
Although no one knows who invented skateboarding, it developed rapidly. At first, who wanted to skate had to make his own skateboard.
A very rudimentary form (planks with wheels under them), and skateboarding did not represent anything else than just gliding down the road. However, after only 13 years after skateboarding was invented, in 1963 this sport began to gain popularity, even though it was in a primitive state.
To shorten the story, skateboarding had its ups and downs. In the '70s skateboarding popularity decreased, then went back up in the 80' with the invention of new tricks. Allan "Ollie" Gelfand invented the 'ollie'.
However, skateboarding was disregarded again in the late '80s and the starting of the '90s. These last years were troublesome for pro-skaters like: Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill.
It is interesting that skateboarding did not die, but in exchange it covered more ground. Skateboarding developed in the streets. Passionate skateboarders decided to create their own skateboard production system. New and improved skateboards appeared. This helped skateboarders do more daring and new stunts, which attracted the youth.
In the late '90 and starting with the year 2000, a new kind of musing appeared, and a new generation of skateboarders: "the punkers". While skating is about being free, just you and the board, having the possibility of doing endless tricks, and riding in any way you want, punk music expressed this desire of being free and independent and it shouted out loud the needs of a generation. Therefore, the loud rock music merged almost perfectly with this sport.
An interesting thing is that anyone can try to skateboard and skateboarding is for everyone. In a skate park you can find "punkers", nerds, normal teens, Goths, and what is more interestingly is that they get along. They socialize, and they express themselves freely. You find there pro-skaters that give tips to guys that just bought their first skateboard. And this is one thing skateboard is about.
Teens and not only teens start to love this sport. Things like, skate shoes, special decks and boards, performance wheels, video stunts, contests, video games, bring skateboarding in the mainstream.
Nevertheless, skateboarding is not about, looking cool, or doing tricks on a board, but more often hanging with your friends, having a good time while ridding the skateboard, and evolving at your own pace. Moreover, progressing in skateboarding can hurt, and it usually does. Skateboarding implies with no doubt a great dose of adrenaline!
The feeling you get when you jump 10 feet in the air is incredible, although you don't land on your feet every time! Skateboarding is about danger and facing it, fulfilling your pride, going beyond your own limits.
The development of skateboarding included the development of a few other things: boards, decks producers, shoe ware, clothing, etc. All these brought together different types of people, of characters under a single name: Skater.
For all those who want to be skateboarders, it's easy because you can find anything you want at an acceptable price. Specialized shops sprang out of nowhere, shops in which you can find everything a skateboarder needs-from decks to wheels and shoes, and all kinds of accessories.
Here are just a few world known brands: Alien Workshop, Blind, Cape Fear, Aesthetics, Origin, Outlook, Firm, DNA, Zero, and the list could go on. Shoe brands: Ethnics, DC, Osiris, etc. Wheels: Bones, Powell, Spitfire. And all kinds of accessories, from stickers and colored boards to t-shirts markings, and backpacks with a special place for the skateboard.
It is no wonder that skateboarding is more and more popular, and more accessible to everyone.
Trend is defined as a popular tendency at a given time. In its short and adventures history, skateboarding has become more than a trend. It has become a lifestyle.
It's interesting how the number of skateboarders nowadays has tremendously increased. And this is not necessary a bad thing. In just 50 years skateboarding has become a worldwide known and practiced sport, and I dare to add a trend, and a lifestyle.
Although no one knows who invented skateboarding, it developed rapidly. At first, who wanted to skate had to make his own skateboard.
A very rudimentary form (planks with wheels under them), and skateboarding did not represent anything else than just gliding down the road. However, after only 13 years after skateboarding was invented, in 1963 this sport began to gain popularity, even though it was in a primitive state.
To shorten the story, skateboarding had its ups and downs. In the '70s skateboarding popularity decreased, then went back up in the 80' with the invention of new tricks. Allan "Ollie" Gelfand invented the 'ollie'.
However, skateboarding was disregarded again in the late '80s and the starting of the '90s. These last years were troublesome for pro-skaters like: Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill.
It is interesting that skateboarding did not die, but in exchange it covered more ground. Skateboarding developed in the streets. Passionate skateboarders decided to create their own skateboard production system. New and improved skateboards appeared. This helped skateboarders do more daring and new stunts, which attracted the youth.
In the late '90 and starting with the year 2000, a new kind of musing appeared, and a new generation of skateboarders: "the punkers". While skating is about being free, just you and the board, having the possibility of doing endless tricks, and riding in any way you want, punk music expressed this desire of being free and independent and it shouted out loud the needs of a generation. Therefore, the loud rock music merged almost perfectly with this sport.
An interesting thing is that anyone can try to skateboard and skateboarding is for everyone. In a skate park you can find "punkers", nerds, normal teens, Goths, and what is more interestingly is that they get along. They socialize, and they express themselves freely. You find there pro-skaters that give tips to guys that just bought their first skateboard. And this is one thing skateboard is about.
Teens and not only teens start to love this sport. Things like, skate shoes, special decks and boards, performance wheels, video stunts, contests, video games, bring skateboarding in the mainstream.
Nevertheless, skateboarding is not about, looking cool, or doing tricks on a board, but more often hanging with your friends, having a good time while ridding the skateboard, and evolving at your own pace. Moreover, progressing in skateboarding can hurt, and it usually does. Skateboarding implies with no doubt a great dose of adrenaline!
The feeling you get when you jump 10 feet in the air is incredible, although you don't land on your feet every time! Skateboarding is about danger and facing it, fulfilling your pride, going beyond your own limits.
The development of skateboarding included the development of a few other things: boards, decks producers, shoe ware, clothing, etc. All these brought together different types of people, of characters under a single name: Skater.
For all those who want to be skateboarders, it's easy because you can find anything you want at an acceptable price. Specialized shops sprang out of nowhere, shops in which you can find everything a skateboarder needs-from decks to wheels and shoes, and all kinds of accessories.
Here are just a few world known brands: Alien Workshop, Blind, Cape Fear, Aesthetics, Origin, Outlook, Firm, DNA, Zero, and the list could go on. Shoe brands: Ethnics, DC, Osiris, etc. Wheels: Bones, Powell, Spitfire. And all kinds of accessories, from stickers and colored boards to t-shirts markings, and backpacks with a special place for the skateboard.
It is no wonder that skateboarding is more and more popular, and more accessible to everyone.
Trend is defined as a popular tendency at a given time. In its short and adventures history, skateboarding has become more than a trend. It has become a lifestyle.
Skate Punk
- Style your hair. It is popular to have your hair black if you want to be punk. You can spruce it up by adding a few streaks of color or wearing your hair in an extreme fashion. You could try a mohawk or liberty spikes, but a buzz cut or really short hair works, too.
- Learn how to skate, if you don't already know. This is a very important step in being a skate punk. If you don't know how to skate, you may end up looking like a poser. Make sure you suck up to the local skaters who think they are better than you so they don't hassle you when you screw up on a trick.
- Wear skate clothes. Wear skate shirts, studded belts, and the like. Of course, to avoid being like everyone else, you could make your own clothing, or just stick to band shirts.Wear cool pants grey,dark grey,black,dark blue just makes sure you dont look to punk or to skater
- Get skateboarding shoes. Shoes are very important, as they can make or break your image. Some examples are:
- Talk about your favorite bands. Listen to what the others are listening to, and never keep up with MTV's standard artists.Also dont listen to everything other people listen to beacuse then it will seem you cant pick out your own bands.
TIPS
- Studded belts are not mandatory but believe it they look cool.
- Hats are cool, so next time you're out, find a nice one to wear.
- Ripped clothing is certainly acceptable from time to time, but don't rip your jeans on purpose, at least with people watching. you will be called a poser.
- Wear wristbands. These are so you don't get sweat on your wrists, and everyone knows how hard it is to skate with sweat on your wrists.
- Messenger bags are great things to carry around when you're not carrying your skateboard.
- Element makes decent boards, so load up on them. Beware though, some people hate them on the half pipe.
- Make sure you know how to skate, or there is just no point to this.
- Listen to a lot of underground punk bands, since that's where the action is. Along with them, listen dead kennedys,faction,black flag,gorilla biscuits,anti-flag this are some good bands but remember you dont have to listen to these bands listen to what yout think is good
- In reference to "punk bands", one should always remember that the 'Sex pistols' and "the ramones" were the first, and are a 'have to have' if your even going to try and listen to anything punk.
- You can watch MTV sometimes, to check out videos, but don't listen to them when they tell you about how "punk" somebody is.
WARNING
- Stay away from pop music.Dont try to sastify other people by listening to what they listen. Listen to skate punk bands. Some good examples are JFA, NOFX, and The Faction. Black Flag could work too.
- Your new hair might be labeled as 'emo' if you're not careful, so make sure you style it correctly.Emo hair is basiclly a big bang over your eye
- Wear a helmet when boarding; you might be made fun of, but they won't be laughing when you crack your skull open.
- Punk is also about attitude, think what you want to think(dont be cocky though) and dont let any one tell you otherwise.
- Also, don't be too soft, be aggressive.
How to Dress Like a Skater
Learning to skate on a skateboard can be fun. It can also be a challenge, a painful one at that. Watching someone skateboarding makes it look easy. It is not, and takes a great deal of hard work, time, and most likely pain.. After you learn, the next step is dressing to look like a skater.
Steps
- 1Research skateboarding brands on the internet and of some skaters, as it can lead you to discovering companies whom you've never heard of, but have some sick products.Skateboarding is about being yourself, and doing what you love, not a stereotype.
Grindhouse Skateshop
Aggressive Inline Skates, apparel & accessories from all known brands!
www.grindhouse.eu - 2Buy yourself some skate shoes. Most skaters wear them, as they are specifically manufactured for skateboarding (Some have extra stitching.), and do not go for whichever looks the coolest; if you're a true skater, they'll be ripped in no time. Some good brands are ES', DVS, Supra,Vans, Circa , DC, Globe, and Adio. It is up to you.
- 3Keep your hair long or short. Whatever is comfortable for you works. Long shaggy hair isn't a sign for a skater, what some people think. Andrew Reynolds is a real skater and he doesn't have long hair and not all skaters do. You can make your hair spiky, messy, or versatile -- whatever you want.
- 4Choose comfortable clothing. Wear any type of shirt, depending on your comfort level and your taste. Select either short sleeved or long sleeved, and buy pants that enable you flexibility while skateboarding. Look for comfort first, and style next. Once you've found a style look at your local skate-shop for brand tees. You can also wear New Era caps for a skater style. DC, Etnies, and Vans. skater hats are recommended. If you want you can also wear baseball team caps. Flat brim 59Fifty hats are recommended.
- 5Don't wear skating brand shirts all the time. Wear casual clothing as well. Striped shirts, plain t shirts , hoodies, brands shirts all that is skateboarder clothes. Sweet band shirts are good for skater style.
- 6Don't wear "Phat Farm," or "Southpole" at all unless you want the gangster look, which is not skater.
- 7Try to take some examples from video games like "Tony Hawk" but DON'T COPY just take examples only to any one who says that skateboarders should wear skulls shirts or leather jackets that's totally not a skater.
- 8Don't let anyone tell you what you NEED to have for skater style. It is YOUR style, you make it you,r choice. You're hopefully reading this just for ideas
Buying Inline Skate Wheels
Buying Inline Skate Wheels
By Jim Safianuk, Publisher
April 12th, 2005
Copyright 2005, by JKS Publishing
All Rights Reserved
April 12th, 2005
Copyright 2005, by JKS Publishing
All Rights Reserved
Inline skate wheels have the greatest impact on your skating performance. They come in different sizes, shapes, and composition, and are made to suit different styles of skating. Therefore, selecting the right wheel for the way you skate is of prime importance.
You should buy wheels based on your:
- Body weight
- Skating ability
- Skating style
- Speed comfort zone
Before you head to your local sporting goods store for replacement wheels, it’s best to learn something about the physical properties of a typical, inline skate wheel.
Learning about the properties
The four properties are hardness, size, core, and profile. You need to understand these properties so you’re in the know when it comes time to purchase a new set of wheels.
Hardness
The durometer reading is a measure of the hardness of the material that makes up the wheel’s tire. The higher the hardness, the harder the wheel. In addition, the harder the wheel, the longer it lasts, but the less it absorbs shock and vibration when skating.
Most wheels on the market range from 74A (softest) to 88A (hardest), where the letter A denotes the durometer scale. However, recreational skaters are normally interested in a narrower range from 78A to 82A. This hardness range provides good control and a smooth roll for trail skating.
A harder wheel with a durometer reading, such as 82A, exhibits the following characteristics:
- Good for skating fast on smoother surface
- Lasts longer and is more durable
- Generally used by heavier people
- Better wear properties
- More vibration on rougher surfaces
On the other hand, a softer wheel with a lower durometer reading, such as 78A, provides the following benefits:
- Better traction
- Greater shock absorption
- More cornering grip
- Enhanced rebound
- Less vibration on rougher surfaces
- Good for rougher surfaces
Size
The size of the wheel is the outside diameter measured in millimeters (mm). The larger the wheel, the faster the skate due to reduced rolling resistance.
Wheels in the 72-mm to 78-mm range are just right for recreational and fitness skating. They provide good maneuverability and speed for skating longer distances.
On the other hand, wheels in the 80-mm to 84-mm range are faster wheels, and provide the best performance at higher speeds. However, larger wheels are less stable and consequently require more skating ability. Speed skaters and racers typically wheels in this size range.
Check your owner’s manual or with the manufacturer to find out what size range your skates can accommodate. For example, the frames of K2 Exotech skates can hold up to an 82-mm wheel in the larger sizes and down to a 76-mm wheel in the smaller sizes. It’s important that you find out the size range supported by your skates, especially if you are planning to move up or down in size versus the original wheels that came with your skates.
Core
The core consists of the hub and spokes. The inner hub houses the bearings and spacer, which is where the axle resides. The outer hub and spokes bond to the tire material itself, which is the polyurethane.
The core design and material of construction gives a wheel its stability. A wheel undergoes stress from many different directions. The design and material determine the strength of the wheel. Cores range from solid in aggressive wheels to lightly-spoked in racing wheels. The standard hub is called a 608 hub, which means it holds a 608-type bearing.
Profile
The profile is the cross-section of the wheel where it meets the ground, when viewed head on. The profile or curve determines how much of the wheel is in contact with the surface at any given time.
As an industry standard, all wheels are 24-mm thick, but it’s the variation in a wheel’s footprint that provides different functionality. The larger the footprint, the better the traction and stability.
Selecting new wheels
The hardness and size have the biggest impact on your skating, so base your choice on these properties. Cores and profiles have significant, but less subtle consequences. Compare cores and profiles after you’ve decided on the correct hardness and diameter for your weight, ability, style, and speed.
Choosing a hardness
As mentioned previously, the harder the wheel, the longer it lasts, but the lower the grip, and the less it absorbs shock and vibration on the trail. Recreational skaters normally look for wheels in the range of 78A to 82A. This hardness range affords good control and a smooth roll on most trails.
However, you’re not required to use the same hardness on all your wheels. Some skaters use mixed durometers to achieve a better balance of grip, shock absorption, and durability than is possible with a single hardness.
Wear Patterns: Before you rotate your wheels during your monthly maintenance check, note the wear pattern on your wheels from the front to the back. Do any of your wheels tend to wear a lot more than the others? If so, you might want to put harder wheels in those positions.
Some skaters tend to wear the inside edges of their two front wheels much quicker due to the aggressive way they push off when striding, as well as from the number of rolls they skate during the summer months. If you're in this category, you may want to experiment and try an 84A in both of the #1 positions, and a 78A in the #2, #3, and #4 positions on each skate.
Durability and Shock Absorption: You may find your wheels wear down faster then you’d like when you skate on rough surfaces, which can happen on some stretches on certain trails. You could opt to buy all harder wheels, such as an 82A across the board, but you might experience a rougher ride. One alternative is to replace only half of your wheels with a harder durometer. Half of your wheels could be 78As and the other half 82As.
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