Gear up for your skateboarding class: Must-have equipment

Are you planning to take up skateboarding or join a skateboarding class? We know how choosing the right gear can be challenging for a beginner. Here are some tips to help you find the essential skateboard equipment for your first skateboarding class. You will have a more fun, rewarding, and safe skateboarding experience if you equip yourself with the right skateboarding gear.

In the following section, we will discuss the various types of gear that are required for skateboarding. Understanding the purpose and use of each type of gear will help ensure a safe and successful skateboarding experience.

Skateboard

You can take the guidance of your skateboarding instructor or an experienced skateboarder to pick your first skateboard. Purchasing your first skateboard for practice or skateboard classes may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make a well-informed choice.

Here are a few key factors to consider when purchasing a skateboard:

• Size

Skateboards come in a range of sizes. First, consider the width of the skateboard deck. The deck is the flat wooden part that you step on. A good rule of thumb is to choose a deck that is roughly the same width or a little bit more than your shoes. For young children less than 5 years of age, you can find skateboards that are narrow than 6.75 inches. It can go beyond 8″ for tall adults with long feet.

• Shape

The skateboards are available in different shapes. They are designed for specific purposes including doing tricks, cruising long distances on urban roads, and carving or taking sharp turns. The more the bend of the deck at the nose and tail (front and rear end) the easier it is to perform tricks. As a beginner, you’ll want to choose a relatively flat deck. It can have a slightly bent nose, but it is perfectly alright for beginners. These flatter skateboards will provide a stable platform for learning the basics.

Go for a longer skateboard as a beginner. The more the spacing between the two pairs of wheels, the better you will be able to balance. However, if the board is too long, it could be inconvenient. While the shorter boards offer better maneuvering, the longer ones have better balance.

• Trucks

The height and width of the skateboard trucks are also essential factors to consider. The trucks are the metal pieces attached to the bottom of the deck to which you fix the wheels. For beginners, the trucks should not be too long or too short. Your wheels should not extend out of the board or stay very close to each other under the board.

Ensure the trucks are not too tall and keep the deck close to the ground. Again, this offers a better balance for beginners.

• Wheels

Wheels also come in different sizes and durometers (hardness levels), with softer wheels providing more grip and harder wheels providing more speed. The softer ones are preferred by those who primarily use skateboards for commuting. For doing tricks, skaters prefer the harder ones. Again, as a beginner, you will want to choose softer wheels. They offer better grip and control.

Protective Gear

Purchase and wear the essential safety gear if you intend to practice skateboarding, whether in a skateboarding class or on your own. Do not step on your board without gearing up.

The skateboard safety equipment typically comprises a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and a mouth guard. Find safety equipment that fits you snugly and satisfies all safety requirements.

You can take the help of your skateboard trainer for guidance in choosing and locating the appropriate equipment.

During your first few skateboarding classes, you are likely to fall. Be prepared and take it as a part of the learning process. Even experienced skateboarders often slip and fall, especially those who do tricks.

Your skateboarding instructor will teach you how to fall safely, but wearing protective gear can reduce the risk of injury.

Skateboard tool (or) T-Tool

You may consider purchasing a skateboard tool with the board and other equipment. The skateboard tool is a compact tool to help you repair and modify your skateboard. You can tighten the trucks or use the tool to replace the wheels or trucks.

While it is not essential for a skating lesson or a beginner, having a skateboard tool can come in handy if you ever need to repair or replace parts.

Skateboard shoes

Purchase a good pair of shoes for skateboarding. We advise you to have these shoes solely for skateboarding. Using your skateboarding shoes for other purposes can wear them out and pose the risk of slipping.

There are exclusive skateboarding shoes designed specifically for the sport. It has a flat sole but a good grip and a reinforced toe. You can skateboard in regular sneakers, but skateboarding shoes are better as they offer more support and protection for your feet.

If you are looking to join skateboarding classes in Dubai, look no further.

At PursueIt, we offer skateboarding classes for kids and adults led by experienced skating instructors. You can take both group or private skating lessons. Get in touch to learn more.