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Getting started: Skateboarding

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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
I am really interested in skateboarding. Everyone does it and I always have kind of ignored it. Recently a few of my friends started picking it up and I really would like to start but first I need your help guys.

Since NS is a large skate community you guys are perfect to ask these questions

What size deck do I need?

Whats a good starting set up that is nice and affordable?

AND, should I make a custom set up or buy a complete?

Thanks NS, you never disappoint

Jul 10 2013 3:46AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
Gotcha. Since the only place I know about where I live is zumiez, where should I buy from?
Jul 21 2013 1:25AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
I would maybe have sex with you if you gave me some suggestions on what to buy. So far I'm looking at reds for bearings as I've heard they're the best, mob grip tape, and bones wheels(not sure what kind to get though). As far as trucks, decks, and types of wheels go I'm torn.
Jul 21 2013 1:41AM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Trucks, people always swear by independent as they have been around the longest, but plently of companies make quality product. Royal, Thunder, Tensor, to mention a few others. Also try to get a mid rise truck to start. Some will disagree as higher rise gives more pop, and higher ollies, while low trucks give the board a more centralized wieght, meaning kickflips should flip smoother... fuck my wording, I just cant think of a better way to say it.
Decks, same situation, people will swear by some companies, while others say they are shit, but for the most part everything is quite similar. Most people recommend to get an 8" wide deck to start. A blank is usually just a blank color and typically(from my experience) has the local shops logo/name and will run about $25-30.
Wheels, I always go spitfire. 52mm is pretty standard I think. Again people all prefer different shit.

As you ride more you will find you like some brands and sizes more.

TLDR; just go read Jake's post, I forgot his was there and put too much time into this post to just say fuck it now
Jul 21 2013 2:16AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
THANKS!
Jul 21 2013 9:41AM
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Dingo69
Posts: 1330 - Karma: -171
You must have a huge penis
Jul 21 2013 1:43PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Obvi
Jul 23 2013 2:30AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
Week #3:

I SUCK.

However I am wondering if there are any videos/techniques that has helped you guys learn to skate in the past. I was looking at some of Aaron Kyro's videos on Youtube. Anything else is much appreciated!
Aug 11 2013 9:58PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Do you know how to ollie yet? If you don't know how to yet just keep on working on it. Make sure to lift you legs up. It sucks to learn but keep sticking to it. Street skateboarding has to be the hardest sports out there to learn.
Aug 11 2013 11:30PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Skating is so much fun. I started getting into it like a year and a half ago and once got the basics down and starting having a lot of fun with it I shattered my elbow. After I healed up I got back into it and within a month I rebroke my arm.

I just want to skate dammit. Fuck me right?
Aug 12 2013 12:13AM
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Spitfire6532
Posts: 163 - Karma: 473
Just want to say that you should really not get mob griptape.... you will have holes through your shoes in a days time if you ride that shit, its too much.
Aug 12 2013 12:18AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
I don't know how to Ollie yet, well, not really. I feel like when I do it stationary I get my back wheel off the ground a little bit. I can't do it moving though. I actually can do a pop shuvit better than I can ollie.



@spitfire6532 Been there done that, my Janoskis don't look so nice anymore.
Aug 12 2013 10:34AM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
I think most tricks are easier when you're moving, especially if you're trying to learn ollies or kickflips or something. And when I grip boards I usually take the scraps and sand down the tape where my front foot usually is.
Aug 12 2013 10:43AM
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Algebra
Posts: 5215 - Karma: 1,677
Jump. That's my friends problem. He literally just doesn't jump so it barely gets off the ground if at all. Like jump as high as u can
Aug 12 2013 10:49AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
Thanks guys^

It seems like when I do it moving, I will fly forward off the board rather then up. I'm really trying to jump too. However, I'm out right now trying them and I'm getting them moving a lot better.
Aug 12 2013 11:20AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
OH HELL YEAH JUST LEARNED THE OLLIE.
Aug 12 2013 12:35PM
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Peachbutt
Posts: 623 - Karma: 601
Shit on me, but everyone in this thread is wrong. Start with a complete, and change what needs to be changed, figure out what you like and don't like. Don't take recommendations from other people, everyone likes something different. Only thing everyone likes are bones wheels and reds bearings. At first, it doesn't even matter if you have a shitty board. I learned to ride on a board from Walmart, and learned to ollie on a board from Dick's.
Aug 12 2013 3:36PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
I'm re-learning to skate. I took a 12 year hiatus. Too much fun.

As far as the complete thing goes. Depending on where you go, find out what "complete" really means. I worked in a board shop (didn't spend much at the skate counter, but enough time) and our "complete" meant you were just buying everything and typically you paid full price for trucks/bearings/wheels/hardware and the deck ended up being free or about $10. People would come in buying a deck, wheels, and bearings... being all "I already have trucks" and I'd be like... sweet, but it will actually be $10 less if I put it in the system as a complete and you can go pick out some trucks.

But if it's the sort of complete where it's prepackaged... meh, may or may not work for you.

I'm on a "complete" right now... but because it was free and actually a lovely set up since it's the go to Hoopla set up for their "pro" team.


Anyway. YAY! Good work with the ollie! I can only do them when I'm moving. I used to only be able to do them stationary. So weird. I blame my years of snowboarding. :)
Aug 12 2013 5:32PM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
Thanks everyone for helping me out!^
Aug 12 2013 6:12PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Sorry to not update, I can board handle greatly now, Ollie and 180 pop shoves. Just simple shit. Thanks guys
Aug 13 2013 3:57AM
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Spitfire6532
Posts: 163 - Karma: 473
are you saying you can do 180s and popshuvs....or 180 pop shuvs?
Aug 13 2013 11:27AM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
180 pop shuvs
Aug 13 2013 11:35AM
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PizzaKid
Posts: 297 - Karma: 309
I just started skateboarding a few months ago as well and I am able to ollie and do frontside 180's fine but when trying shuvits/pop shuvits my board just always kinda flies away making it hard to catch it, any advice?
Aug 13 2013 12:21PM
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jcc03skis
Posts: 1002 - Karma: 1,020
Make sure you JUMP, and stay above the board. I can't tell you how many people do half ass attempts when trying a new trick. Just jump and do your best to stay above your board. Also, you will most likely have to jump a bit ahead of the board after you shuv it.
Aug 13 2013 12:26PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Thats called a Big Spin, haha
Aug 13 2013 1:50PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
That's me but with front sides being the hard one
Aug 13 2013 2:12PM
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EasyEast
Posts: 1983 - Karma: 118
actually home boy a big spin is a 360 pop shuv it with a 180
Aug 13 2013 2:34PM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
I'm working on frontside 180's as well now. Well, pretty much trying to get better at my ollies. Also when I try to pop shuvit the board goes a little in front of me so I have to work on that.

Quick question: Is it easier for anyone to shuvit while they are standing unnatural? I'm goofy, but since I'm right footed I do shuvits better when standing regular.
Aug 13 2013 4:57PM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
Skate everywhere. Thats the best way to get better. Youll be forced to ollie up curbs and over stuff, so youll get better, and youll be pushing and cruising so youll actually look good skating, not like one of those kids trying to do triple kickflips while rolling at .025 mph.
Aug 13 2013 4:59PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Fuck! I just broke my back up. I've snapped two boards in the past three days.

Anyone have an extra laying around?
Aug 13 2013 6:14PM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
That's hardcore.
Aug 13 2013 10:52PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Im out of control
Aug 13 2013 11:24PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
How? I live 20 minutes away from where zoo york makes their american decks and they don't cost more than $20 for a blank zoo york deck.
Aug 13 2013 11:47PM
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dunesquirrel
Posts: 464 - Karma: 70
Im regular and do them regular. but try leaning into them a little just before you pop. Used to have the same problem as you but when you lean in, your body ends up drifting naturally toward/over the board. Good luck!
Aug 13 2013 11:56PM
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squibble
Posts: 4569 - Karma: 104
only thing I'd add is that you should not go and buy an 8 because he says so. Go and stand on a bunch of sizes and pick what feels best. Then get any cheap trucks. medium-soft wheels, and some mini logo bearings. If you're rich get mini logos and donate 10$ to a charity. Hobos count.
Aug 13 2013 11:57PM
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bigbromskier
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 330
don't think like a kickflip where you (I) throw it straight in front of me. I just started getting almost good at shuvits and rolled my ankle pretty good landing on the nose the other day...anyway, I kind of throw it to where I'm jumping towards, like I'm goofy and throwing it to the front and a little bit forward, where I'm going to land.

trying to get more confident with kickflips and working on heelflips, which are such a bitch.
Aug 14 2013 1:06AM
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000000000000
Posts: 843 - Karma: 1,552
BMX is skateboarding's rogue cousin. At least OP doesn't fruit boot yet.
Aug 14 2013 2:24AM
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PizzaKid
Posts: 297 - Karma: 309
Thanks! I'm gonna give that a shot!
Aug 14 2013 9:49AM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Eh, I've been riding like a 7.75 and I like it more
Aug 14 2013 5:01PM
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snowmosexual
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 10,020
Watch out for warped decks, A few years back I bought a deck from a local shop that was in there for a few years. It turned out to be warped and they wouldn't let me return it because I rode it. Just always check to see if its warped
Aug 14 2013 7:02PM
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*DUMBCAN*
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 5,628
This thread has inspired me to buy a new board, after about eight years of not owning one...
Aug 14 2013 7:19PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
How can you tell
Aug 14 2013 8:33PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
This has probably been said, but before you start to ollie and get into flip tricks make sure you can ride the board with comfort. Be able to turn from both leaning and lifting the nose of the board. Be able to stop from putting the tail on the ground.

Also, for someone who said their back wheels slide out when they ollie stationary, try it on grass. Your pop will be minimal, but the board won't go out from under you and if you fall grass isn't going to hurt one bit.

No idea how the fuck you can break a board let alone two, whn you are just starting? What decks are you riding. Are you landing your ollie/shuv its with both feet on the very middle of the deck. Try to land with your feet on the bolts. Landing bolts=stomped 90% of the time
Aug 14 2013 8:33PM
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rsvp
Posts: 1516 - Karma: 2,611
threadz
Aug 14 2013 9:48PM
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snowmosexual
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 10,020
Put them on a flat surface and look to see its warped
Aug 14 2013 11:47PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Like bent?
Aug 15 2013 1:12AM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
Should I be practicing ollies regular? I'm really grasping them goofy but regular is extremely hard for me.
Aug 16 2013 2:25PM
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Peachbutt
Posts: 623 - Karma: 601
It's up to you. If you wanna be just as good switch as you are regular, then yeah focus on getting them regular and goofy. Most people don't care about being as good switch, and would rather just not skate switch as often.
Aug 16 2013 6:33PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Ive been riding for about 3 weeks what is some stuff that is commonly mastered after this time?
Aug 16 2013 7:45PM
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madvillain
Posts: 196 - Karma: 292
Meeeeeeeeeee;))))?
Aug 16 2013 8:02PM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
I've been moving a lot while doing things. Also I think I'm just gonna get good goofy for now and work on my regular stance later.
Aug 16 2013 11:19PM
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