Skateboarding can be a thrilling and fun-filled activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The sport has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with its growth, there are numerous technical terms to learn. For instance, do you know what the bottom of a skateboard is called? If you are starting in the skateboard world, you may come across many skateboarding terms that you are not familiar with, which can be quite overwhelming. But no need to worry, with this article, you’ll soon be a pro! So, what is the bottom of a skateboard called? The bottom of a skateboard is one of the critical features that distinguish a skateboarder’s deck. Even the most seasoned skateboarders will agree that being familiar with the different parts of a skateboard is essential to perform tricks with finesse and precision. The bottom of a skateboard is called a graphic, the design on the bottom of the deck. Alongside its style, a graphic often reflects a skateboarder’s personality, favorite brands, and other aspects of a skateboarder’s interests. As you progress with your skateboarding, it’s vital to understand the different components to help you choose the right equipment for your style of skating. Knowing what the bottom of a skateboard is called is just the beginning. Read on for more details on how to choose the perfect graphics for your deck, or get creative and design your graphic to personalize your skateboard completely! Anatomy of a Skateboard A skateboard is a small, narrow board with four wheels attached to the bottom. It is primarily used for skateboarding, a popular sport among youth and adults. Understanding the different parts of a skateboard is important in determining the right board for your needs, as well as in maintaining and repairing your board when necessary. Deck: The deck is the flat, wooden board that you stand on while skateboarding. It is typically made from seven layers of compressed maple wood. Grip Tape: Grip tape is a sandpaper-like material that covers the top of the deck, providing traction for your feet. Trucks: The trucks are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the deck. They allow for turns and control while skateboarding. Wheels: The wheels are made from polyurethane and come in various sizes and hardness levels. They enable the board to move. Bearings: Bearings are small metal balls that fit inside the wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly. When purchasing a skateboard, it is important to consider the size and shape of the deck, as well as the size and hardness of the wheels. You should choose a board that fits your desired style of skateboarding. Additionally, proper maintenance can extend the life of your skateboard. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the bearings can help to minimize wear and prolong their lifespan. In the market for a skateboard? Check out the anatomy of a skateboard to ensure that you’re buying one that fits your needs. The top of a skateboard: grip tape When talking about the top of a skateboard, it’s impossible not to discuss its most prominent feature: grip tape. Grip tape is the textured sandpaper-like material that covers the top surface of a skateboard deck. It’s an essential component that gives skateboarders the necessary traction and grip to stay on their board while performing tricks and maneuvers. Grip tape is made of a layer of gritty, abrasive material that provides the necessary traction for skateboarders. It’s typically made of silicon carbide or a similar synthetic material. Skateboarders often customize their grip tape by cutting it into different shapes and designs or adding stickers and logos. This allows them to express their individuality and style while also enhancing their board’s grip. Cleaning and maintaining grip tape is crucial to its longevity and performance. Skateboarders can use a grip tape gum eraser or a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface. They can also replace their grip tape when it starts to wear down and lose its grip. Overall, grip tape is a vital part of any skateboard setup. While it may seem insignificant, having a reliable and effective grip tape can make all the difference for skateboarders, helping them to stay firmly planted on their board and execute their tricks with precision and style. Looking for some quality grip tape for your skateboard? Check out some popular brands like Mob, Jessup, and Grizzly Griptape, and find the perfect option to enhance your skating experience. Brand Price Features Mob $7.99 – High-strength, waterproof backing- Enhanced grip and durability Jessup $5.99 – Silicon carbide grit formula- Tear-resistant backing Grizzly Griptape $10.99 – High-strength adhesive- Laser-cut grip tape designs Choose the right grip tape for your skating style and preferences, and get ready to take your skills to the next level. Skateboard trucks: what they are and how they work Skateboard trucks are the metal T-shaped component that attaches the wheels to the deck of a skateboard. They consist of several parts including a baseplate, hanger, kingpin, bushings, and axle. The baseplate is the flat piece that mounts to the deck, while the hanger is the T-shaped piece that holds the wheels. The kingpin is the large bolt that runs through the center of the truck and allows for adjusting the tightness of the trucks. Bushings are the small, rubbery cylinders that sit between the hanger and baseplate and help control the turning of the board. The axle is the metal rod that runs through the wheel and hanger. The way the skateboard truck works is by pivoting around the kingpin. As a rider leans to one side, the kingpin compresses the bushing on that side, allowing the hanger to turn and the board to steer in that direction. The tightness of the trucks can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the kingpin, and different levels of tightness can affect the skateboard’s turning radius and stability. Choosing the right skateboard trucks can make a big difference in the way the board rides. Lighter trucks are better for flip tricks and street skating, while heavier trucks are better for stability and carving. Additionally, wider trucks are better for wider boards, and narrower trucks are better for smaller boards. Truck Width Deck Width 129mm 7.4” – 7.6” 139mm 7.6” – 8” 149mm 8” – 8.25” 159mm 8.25” – 8.5” 169mm 8.5”+ Overall, skateboard trucks are a crucial component of a skateboard that allow for turning and control of the board. Understanding how they work and choosing the right ones for your riding style and deck size can greatly improve your skateboarding experience. Wheels: choosing the right size and hardness When it comes to skateboarding, choosing the right wheel size and hardness is crucial for a smooth ride and optimal performance. Here are some important factors to consider: Size: Wheel size is measured in millimeters (mm). The standard range for skateboard wheels is between 50-60mm. Smaller wheels typically provide a faster ride and better maneuverability, while larger wheels offer a more stable and comfortable ride. Choose the size that fits your preferred skating style and terrain. Hardness: Wheel hardness is measured on the durometer A scale, which ranges from 1-100. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Softer wheels (around 78a-87a) are better for cruising and street skating, as they absorb shock and provide a smoother ride. Harder wheels (around 99a-101a) are ideal for technical tricks and skatepark skating, as they offer more control and durability. Again, choose the hardness that matches your skating style and terrain. Profile: Wheel profile refers to the shape of the wheel’s surface. The most common profiles are flat (or conical) and rounded. Flat wheels provide more stability and grip, while rounded wheels offer a looser feel and more slide control. Choose the profile that complements your overall skating style. Remember to also consider the brand and quality of the wheels you choose, as well as your weight and skating ability. Investing in high-quality wheels can greatly improve your skating experience and save you money in the long run. Here is a table summarizing the different wheel sizes and hardness levels: Wheel Size (mm) Hardness (durometer A) Best For 50-54 78a-87a Cruising and street skating 54-59 87a-95a Cruising, street skating, and ramp skating 56-60+ 95a-101a Technical tricks and skatepark skating Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wheel sizes and hardness levels until you find the perfect fit for your skating style and preferences. Keep these factors in mind and you’ll be shredding the streets in no time. Bearings: What You Need to Know Skateboard bearings are a crucial part of the skateboard setup, as they directly affect how smoothly and efficiently the wheels rotate. The bottom of the skateboard, where bearings are located, can greatly impact the overall performance of the board. Here is what you need to know about bearings: Bearings are small metallic or ceramic balls that fit into the center of the skateboard wheels. The number of bearings needed per wheel is typically 2 – one for each side of the wheel. Bearing quality is measured using the ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating better precision and smoothness. While ABEC rating is a good indicator of bearing quality, it is not the only factor to consider when choosing bearings for your skateboard. Other factors that can affect performance include: Material: Steel bearings are the most common and affordable, but ceramic bearings offer better speed and durability. Cage design: The cage holds the balls in place within the bearing. Some designs offer better stability and speed than others. Lubrication: Bearings need to be lubricated regularly to prevent rust, corrosion, and friction. Some bearings come pre-lubricated, while others require additional lubrication. Bearings Maintenance Tips To keep your skateboard bearings in top condition, regular maintenance is necessary. Here are some tips to help you maintain your bearings: Clean your bearings regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris buildup. Use a cleaning solvent or lubricant to loosen dirt and grime. Remove the bearings from the wheels before cleaning to ensure a thorough job. Use a bearing tool or the truck axle to remove the bearings, being careful not to damage them. After cleaning, dry the bearings thoroughly and add lubricant before reinstalling them. Bearings Comparison Table Bearings ABEC Rating Material Cage Design Bones Super Reds ABEC 7 Steel Nylon Zealous Bearings ABEC 7 Steel Built-in spacers and speed rings Oust MOC9 ABEC 9 Ceramic Two-sided, low-friction Use this table as a guide to help you choose the best bearings for your skateboard setup. Remember, there are many factors to consider beyond ABEC rating, and personal preference also plays a role in choosing bearings. Different styles of skateboards: longboards, cruisers, and more When it comes to skateboarding, there are various styles that one can choose from, depending on their preference and purpose. Here are some of the most popular styles of skateboards: Longboards: As the name suggests, longboards are longer than regular skateboards, and are mostly used for cruising and transportation. They are more stable and easier to ride, making them a great option for beginners or those looking for a smooth ride. Longboards are often used for downhill riding as well, due to their speed and stability. Cruisers: Cruisers are similar to longboards in terms of shape and size, but are more compact and easier to carry around. They are great for riding around town and commuting, and are often used by college students to get around campus. Cruisers are ideal for those who want a mix of mobility and stability. Street skateboards: Street skateboards are the most popular type of skateboards, designed for tricks and performing stunts. They are usually narrower and shorter than longboards and cruisers, and have more concave for better grip and control. Street skateboards are used mostly in skateparks and on the streets, for performing flips, grinds, and other tricks. Penny boards: Penny boards are smaller than regular skateboards, with a plastic deck and soft wheels. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around, making them a great option for commuting and traveling. Penny boards are also popular for cruising around town, and are suitable for beginners as well. Electric skateboards: Electric skateboards are gaining popularity in recent years, as they offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional skateboards. They are powered by a motor and a battery, and can reach speeds of up to 25 mph. Electric skateboards are great for commuting, as they allow you to cover longer distances without getting tired. Off-road skateboards: Off-road skateboards, also known as all-terrain boards, are designed for riding on rough terrain and uneven surfaces. They have bigger wheels and a sturdier construction, making them more durable and resilient. Off-road skateboards are often used for downhill riding, off-road trails, and other extreme sports. The Bottom of a Skateboard: Deck, Grip Tape, and Trucks The bottom of a skateboard, also known as the deck, is the main part of the skateboard that provides the platform for riding and performing tricks. The deck is usually made of wood, although other materials such as plastic and carbon fiber are also used. The grip tape is the rough, sandpaper-like material that covers the top of the deck, providing traction and grip for your feet. Grip tape comes in various colors and designs, and can be customized to suit your style. The trucks are the metal components that attach the wheels to the deck, providing stability and control. They consist of a baseplate, hanger, kingpin, and bushings, and can be adjusted to suit your riding style and preference. Component Description Deck Provides the platform for riding and performing tricks. Grip Tape Covers the top of the deck and provides traction. Trucks Attach the wheels to the deck and provide stability. When it comes to choosing the right skateboard, it’s important to consider your riding style, skill level, and budget. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a skateboard out there that’s perfect for you. Just remember to have fun, stay safe, and always wear protective gear! Skateboarding Tricks: Learning the Basics and Beyond Skateboarding is an art that requires a lot of skill, practice, determination, and patience. It’s a game that has evolved over time, and skateboarders have come up with a lot of tricks that have made this sport even more thrilling. However, before getting into the nitty-gritty of skateboard trickery, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Here are some of the basic things a beginner needs to consider: Get a good board: A skateboard consists of three main elements: the deck, trucks, and wheels. Selecting the right skateboard will determine how easy it is to learn tricks. Wear protective gear: Skateboarding can be dangerous, especially for beginners. Always make sure to wear helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards for protection. Learn the basic stance: Most skateboarders prefer riding with their left foot in front while balancing the board with their right foot behind. However, depending on personal preference, one may choose the right foot to be in the front. Practice balancing: Start by standing on the board while on a flat surface to get comfortable with balancing. This will be the foundation for all skateboard tricks. Learn to push: Begin by pushing one foot in front and then stepping on the board to propel yourself forward with the other foot. This push and coast technique will build your confidence while riding on a skateboard. Start with simple tricks: After getting comfortable with riding and balancing on the skateboard, try doing some basic tricks like the Ollie, Kickflip and Heelflip. These tricks are the foundation of more complex tricks. The Bottom of a Skateboard: What is it called? The bottom of a skateboard is known as the deck, which is the flat board-shaped platform upon which the skater stands. The deck is the most crucial part of the skateboard and determines the rider’s stability, speed, and maneuverability. Skateboard decks come in various sizes but are generally made from seven layers of plywood, with a graphic design on the bottom. Furthermore, each skateboarder has their preferred deck shape. Some may prefer a concave shape, which makes the board curve inwards, while others prefer a convex curve, which is the opposite of a concave. A flat deck is also an option for beginner skateboarders since it provides more stability. Deck Size Width (in inches) Length (in inches) Mini 7.5 – 7.75 28 – 30 Mid-Size 7.75 – 8.0 30 – 32 Full-Size 8.0 – 8.25 32 – 33 Oversized 8.25 – 8.75 33 – 36 The table above shows the various sizes of skateboard decks available. However, it’s important to note that the size of the deck should also be proportional to the skater’s height and shoe size. A beginner skateboarder may opt for a mid-size deck to start with and transition to a full-size deck with time and practice. Skateboarding is fun and exciting, but mastery and skill take time and practice. Learning basic techniques and starting with simple tricks like the Ollie is a great way to start and build skills without getting discouraged. With determination, practice, and patience, anyone can become a pro skateboarder. Keep shredding! FAQs: What is the Bottom of a Skateboard Called? 1. What is the bottom of a skateboard called? The bottom of a skateboard is often referred to as the deck. 2. What is the deck of a skateboard? The deck is the top portion of the skateboard that is used for standing and often decorated with graphics or designs. 3. Is the bottom of a skateboard important? Yes, the bottom of a skateboard plays an important role in the overall appearance and style of the board. 4. Can the bottom of a skateboard be customized? Absolutely! Many skateboard companies offer customizable graphics and designs for the bottom of their decks. 5. What materials are used to make the bottom of a skateboard? Skateboard decks are typically made of wood or composite materials, and the bottom is usually covered with a layer of graphic paper or vinyl. 6. Are there any specific terms used to describe the bottom of a skateboard? Some skateboarders may refer to the bottom of a deck as the graphic, bottom graphic, or underside. 7. Does the design on the bottom of a skateboard affect performance? No, the design on the bottom of a skateboard does not affect its performance. However, it can affect the skater’s personal style and image. Closing Thoughts Thanks for reading about what the bottom of a skateboard is called! Whether you’re a seasoned skateboarder or new to the sport, understanding the basic components of your gear is essential. Don’t forget to check out our website for more skateboarding tips and tricks in the future!