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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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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
As I said before ollies take time. I know when I first started I couldn't get higher than 5 inches or so while moving for the longest time. Even now I am still improving. The more you practice the sharper your timing. It also never hurts to just work on your Ollie while stationary. The more comfortable you are the better they will be
Jan 30 2014 5:00PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,983
I love skateboarding. It makes summer so much less boring. And I really think it helps your balance for rails
Jan 30 2014 5:02PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Not sure if their is anyone who follows this thread that can help me, but heelflips are giving me a hard time. I keep landing too far over off the toe side
Jan 30 2014 5:20PM
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zamo1131
Posts: 8 - Karma: 29
bump
Feb 3 2014 6:37PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,962
I want to start skating after reading this thread, but the people who I know that skate are truly some of the worst, most white-trashy, as-sketchy-as-the-suburbs-get type of people I have come in contact with. At least I will know where to get adderall though. lol

But seriously though, anyone know of a legit south-denver shop? Is 720 Boardshop Legit? If I went in to a good shop to get a full setup including shoes, could I get out of there for under $150? Because I priced out a blank deck with all of the recommended hardware I found in here and it was just around $120 (no shoes)


Sorry if I sound like an idiot, I really don't know anything about skating other than whats in this thread
Feb 4 2014 12:34AM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
I wouldn't include shoes in your budget. $120 for a blank sounds expensive but then again I don't know what parts you had. I think you can get a decent board setup for $100. If you really want to stay cheap check craigslist or ask around to see if someone has an old setup they'll give you for cheap. Can't help you out with shops in your area. And for shoes some people just like to burn through ~$30 vans or something and other people love some models. I've been using Busenitz Vulcs. Go ahead shit on me for supporting Adidas I deserve it, but I can get them for 35 so I'm happy
Feb 4 2014 12:43AM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,962
I think it was

Skate warehouse blank
$15 for each truck
Cheapest bones bearings
Bones 100s wheels
2 dollar hardware
Feb 4 2014 12:47AM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
I guess that's probably right then. Red are probably like 20 and wheels 25. The deck was probably 30-35. And if you have tax it'd take you to the 120 mark so I guess that's about right. Check CL if you really want to stay cheap. There's usually loads of new stuff that's cheap.

And used is fine. Make sure your deck still has pop. Otherwise everything is probably fine. Make sure all wheels(bearings) spin freely, wheels aren't worn to nothing, truck are solid, etc.
Feb 4 2014 1:48AM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Woah, I must have accidentally deleted the thread watch. Uh well I will update on my progress. I have NOT skated since summer. I wasn't super dedicated but I went out for more than an our 3-4 times a week. I got a 8.5 size deck(I think) Some nice wheels, and bearings. But when i put the new wheels and bearing on the make a really annoying sound while cruising the street. Someone please help me out with this. I have size 54 jaws wheels and some abec 7 bearings.

And I can Ollie a decent height consistently but not very well while moving. I also can get the occasional 180 pop shove down.
Feb 4 2014 2:53AM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Are the bearings in all the way? Shops usually have a device used to make sure both bearings are completely flush with the inside of the wheel, so I'd take them there and ask them for some help. Also, you should have gotten Reds, anything else is a waste unless you go for some other Swiss's.

Also fuck this school, why does no one skate? I've literally seen two other people ride a real skateboard. One I've never seen again and the other is a weird emo chick. I hardly ever ride at the moment unfortunately and if I do it's usually just to the other end of campus to meet up with a friend.
Feb 4 2014 3:25AM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
I think, thanks though dog. Ill check a shop
Feb 16 2014 7:37PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Everybody quit skateboarding, apparently it's not cool anymore or something? I better quit soon...

If somebody is saying their wheels rattle, those speed rings and bearing spacers actually serve a purpose. If the bearings are spacered and the rings are on the axel, you can tighten the bolt all the way so the wheel has no slop. If you've been skating for a while without this, you might find lipslides slide a bit better, same with powerslides and other wheel based slides.
Feb 17 2014 9:52AM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Looking into getting a new setup to have at school/home since my fucking board never fits with my backpack in the overhead of the plane. Anyone have experience with Real or Antihero deck? Only two options the shop has and I've never ridden either in my life. Leaning towards the real since I like the graphic more and have nothing else to go on.

Also I realize this is different for everyone, but after heelflips what usually comes next in a riders progression?
Mar 13 2014 4:39PM
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shitpoop
Posts: 667 - Karma: 1,479
Skating a REAL right now and loving it.

After heelflips: varial heel, frontside heel, backside heel, fakie heel, half cab heels, inward heel...


theres a lot of heelflip variations, and after learning kickflip and heelflip, that is when you can start branching out into variations because these two are the foundation for the variations.
Mar 13 2014 5:35PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
I imagine it's easier to start with kick flip variations right? And thanks I think I'll end up picking up the new deck in a bit then
Mar 13 2014 5:41PM
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shitpoop
Posts: 667 - Karma: 1,479
The variations depend on which one you prefer.

I also forgot to include:

spin variations (full cab, swicth 180, frontside 360's)

shuv-it variations (360 shuvit, fakie bigspin, frontside bigspin)


after kickflips and heelflips the world of tricks opens up
Mar 13 2014 7:25PM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
Does any one have some experiences with habitat hemp decks?
Mar 13 2014 7:38PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Landed a couple of varial kicklfips. Pretty happy with myself. The first one I landed will probably cleaner than any other one I ever land
Mar 13 2014 8:05PM
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Yaraelpoof.png
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 6,418
threads
Mar 14 2014 9:17AM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
I got a 8.25. It's perfect
Mar 14 2014 4:37PM
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JakeAssBeatClap
Posts: 6673 - Karma: 2,537
hahahaha he must have little baby feet
Mar 14 2014 4:41PM
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Nate.Dog
Posts: 1672 - Karma: 2,098
Threads, I'm gonna start skating as soon as track is over, my coach won't let me during the season.
Mar 14 2014 5:03PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
I have small feet, and I switched from 7.8 to 8.25. Best decision I've made in a while. It's so much easier to do, like, pretty much everything ever. I noticed no downside at all. I used to ride 7.5s, and I can't imagine skating one anymore, it's like trying to land on a toothpick.
Mar 14 2014 5:07PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Not that anyone should care, but I landed my first couple of inward kicklfips. They were dirty but progress is progress.
Mar 14 2014 9:05PM
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PizzaKid
Posts: 297 - Karma: 309
Bump, since I need some advice, my, relatively soft, bushings have completely worn out, and I'm also thinking about getting some new wheels. I currently have some soft, I believe they are 90a 53mm wheels, but mostly ride street, what would be a good wheel hardness and what would be the best hardness as for the bushings?
Mar 17 2014 5:12PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
I really like my spitfire soft d's. 56mm 92a. They absorb a bunch of vibration when you are skating on streets compared to 100a wheels but you can flat spot them if you are doing slides a bunch.
Mar 17 2014 7:59PM
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Nate.Dog
Posts: 1672 - Karma: 2,098
I'm 165 lbs, size 10.5 feet, how big of a board should I get?
Mar 17 2014 8:25PM
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DeRizzo
Posts: 3827 - Karma: 3,485
You should probably start with 8 but overall it's personal preference. I am 5'8" and have a size 10 shoe and skate an 8.25 so it really doesn't matter a whole ton.
Mar 17 2014 8:38PM
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shitpoop
Posts: 667 - Karma: 1,479
for street...

get HARD wheels, and smaller wheels too.
size 49-53 mm, and just buy "street" wheels (usually above 100a)
I recommend spitfire formula fours, or bones

bushings? i would buy bones bushings, in the medium hardness
Mar 17 2014 8:52PM
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Nate.Dog
Posts: 1672 - Karma: 2,098
what's a good price for a good deck? I have no idea what is a rip off or not in this sport hahaha
Mar 17 2014 9:13PM
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PizzaKid
Posts: 297 - Karma: 309
Thanks! +k to you
Mar 17 2014 9:39PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
I dropped 50 and now I feel like an idiot... I explained my situation about how I want to get into skateboarding and the bastard took advantage of me.
Mar 17 2014 10:52PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Meh that's not too bad unless you got a blank. I paid 45 for a Real and feel it was fair
Mar 17 2014 11:16PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
I got a nice Element team deck(classic 12 year old) But I am starting to feel like its more of a collector deck
Mar 18 2014 2:45AM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
Would you guys say buying a custom complete online from skate warehouse is alright or would a local shop still be better? e.g krux red bearing, ace trucks, bones wheels etc.? Also what's the main difference between low and high trucks?
Apr 27 2014 11:13PM
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cheener12
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 5,884
snorkyWould you guys say buying a custom complete online from skate warehouse is alright or would a local shop still be better? e.g krux red bearing, ace trucks, bones wheels etc.? Also what's the main difference between low and high trucks?


definitely go to your shop and pick out a legit setup with the help of the employees rather than a complete. its a few more bucks put worth it for the quality difference
Apr 27 2014 11:30PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
snorkyWould you guys say buying a custom complete online from skate warehouse is alright or would a local shop still be better? e.g krux red bearing, ace trucks, bones wheels etc.? Also what's the main difference between low and high trucks?


Buy from your shop. The difference between trucks is the height your board is from the ground. People usually say high gets more pop and low keeps the weight if the board more central when flipping. And I thought krux only made trucks? I could be wrong
Apr 27 2014 11:55PM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
dgravesdefinitely go to your shop and pick out a legit setup with the help of the employees rather than a complete. its a few more bucks put worth it for the quality difference


Fun_dipBuy from your shop. The difference between trucks is the height your board is from the ground. People usually say high gets more pop and low keeps the weight if the board more central when flipping. And I thought krux only made trucks? I could be wrong


Sounds like i'll help out my local shop thanks guys. Fun_dip I think you're right I meant bones red bearings.
Apr 28 2014 12:22AM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
Double post but grizzly or mob tape?
Apr 28 2014 1:42AM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
snorkyDouble post but grizzly or mob tape?


Grizzly makes you look like a kid who can't skate with a really shitty setup, but grizzly on top to make himself look good. I personally dont like any print on top
Apr 28 2014 2:19AM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
snorkyDouble post but grizzly or mob tape?


Whatever is cheaper
Apr 28 2014 3:41AM
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450out.
Posts: 596 - Karma: 517
snorkyDouble post but grizzly or mob tape?


For the love of god, please choose mob.
Apr 28 2014 10:33AM
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shitpoop
Posts: 667 - Karma: 1,479
please. MOB GRIP


also, check out slapmagizine fourms. its like NS for skaters
Apr 28 2014 2:45PM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
Well shit I didn't check the thread early enough and was hesitant to get grizzly because I didn't want the logo on top. That and my friend said mob griptape kills your shoes. Is that true or does he just have shitty shoes haha? I'll just end up spray painting it the griptape black
Apr 28 2014 6:16PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
Just use the scraps from gripping it to sand down under your foot if you're concerned about your shoes, but, shoes get destroyed. That's how skateboarding works.
Apr 28 2014 6:23PM
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shitpoop
Posts: 667 - Karma: 1,479
DrZoidbergJust use the scraps from gripping it to sand down under your foot if you're concerned about your shoes, but, shoes get destroyed. That's how skateboarding works.


mob is just extra grippy, but unless all your tricks are kickflip oriented, your fine.


just sand it down if concerned, grizzly is for little kids and posers
Apr 28 2014 6:31PM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
DrZoidbergJust use the scraps from gripping it to sand down under your foot if you're concerned about your shoes, but, shoes get destroyed. That's how skateboarding works.


Yeah they're just shoes I get that. The thing is I bought a deck from skate warehouse and chose the grizzly griptape which was stupid to do before seeing any replies. Would you still suggest taking off the grip and putting on some mob tape instead?
Apr 28 2014 6:31PM
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Al.Capone
Posts: 661 - Karma: 2,779
Yeah I now realize that was stupid logic shoes are shoes. Should I just stick with the grizzly tape or peel it off and put some blank mob grip tape on top instead? Seems like a stupid question so it probably is haha
Apr 29 2014 2:54AM
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