Like most things in life, skateboarding has it’s ups and downs.
Whether you’re cruising on a longboard, or at the skate park with your complete skateboard, you can’t expect things to go perfectly, every time. There are going to be moments when you’re on top of the world, grinding that rail and busting out tricks like a champ. But as they say, what goes up must come down. In the world of skateboarding, you’re going to have moments when you fall hard, and quite honestly, pretty often. It comes with the territory!
Much like life, you have to take the good with the bad, the embarrassing and painful falls, with the perfectly executed 360 hardflips. One of the keys to nursing your bruised body, and bruised ego, is to learn to laugh at yourself and others. Thankfully, there’s YouTube to help out with that.
Here are a few things we’re to classify as “Things Not to Do With Your Complete Skateboard”. Enjoy!
Grip tape is essential for skateboard decks. Unless you plan on just sitting on it and coasting down the driveway, much like my 5 year old sister, there’s really not much you can do without it. If you’re a beginner, you should know how to apply grip tape yourself the right way. It’s not hard to do at all and it’s a must when you’re building your own boards. Here’s a little guide:
First, get some tools:
-Razor blade
-Screwdriver
-A skateboard bolt
1) If you’ve already bought some grip tape (from goskateorgohome.com, of course), then you’re ready to unpeel it’s backing.
2) Place the grip tape directly over the deck, but don’t smooth it down yet. Just kind of hover the piece over the deck and line up the edges with using your keen eye.
3) When you’re sure that you’ve got it lined up properly, slowly rest it on the deck.
4)Press down the grip tape outwards, towards the nose and tail. Really make sure the edges are smoothed down, and the grip tape is flat to the deck in the little valleys before the nose and tail.
5)Using the screwdriver, trace and outline of your deck, rubbing it firmly so there’s a pretty decent mark.
6)Take the razor blade and cut away the excess grip.
