# Skateboard > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Skateboard > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Skateboard.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard > Source revision: 1350538424 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Wheeled wooden board used for skateboarding For other uses, see [Skateboard (disambiguation)](/source/Skateboard_(disambiguation)). This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Skateboard" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Riding a skateboard A **skateboard** is a type of [sports equipment](/source/Sports_equipment) used for [skateboarding](/source/Skateboarding). It is usually made of a specially designed 7–8-ply [maple](/source/Maple) [plywood](/source/Plywood) deck and has [polyurethane](/source/Polyurethane) wheels attached to the underside by a pair of skateboarding trucks. The skateboard moves by pushing with one foot while the other foot remains balanced on the board, or by [pumping](/source/Pump_(skateboarding)) one's legs in structures such as a bowl or [half pipe](/source/Half_pipe). A skateboard can also be used by standing on the deck while on a downward slope and allowing gravity to propel the board and the rider. If the rider's leading foot is their left foot, they are said to ride "regular". Conversely, they are said to ride "goofy" if their leading foot is their right foot.[1] The two main types of skateboards are the longboard and shortboard. The shape of the board is also important: the skateboard must be concaved to perform tricks.[2] ## History Main article: [Skateboarding](/source/Skateboarding) Skateboarding, as it exists today, was likely born sometime in the late 1940s, or early 1950s,[3][4] when [surfers](/source/Surfers) in [California](/source/California) wanted something to do when the waves were flat. The first skateboards were likely made from wheels from [roller skates](/source/Roller_skates) attached to a wooden plank.[5] Skateboarding was initially called "sidewalk surfing," and gained in popularity and spread via surf culture.[6] The first skateboards were handmade from wooden boxes and planks by individuals. Companies started manufacturing skateboards in 1959, as the sport became more popular.[7] Skateboarding is a very individual activity, and it continues to evolve. Since 1987, due to attention in mainstream films, media and products like skateboarding video games, children's skateboards and commercialization, skateboarding has been pulled into the mainstream. As more interest and money has been invested into skateboarding, more [skate parks](/source/Skatepark), and better skateboards have become available. In addition, the continuing interest has motivated skateboarding companies to keep innovating and inventing new things. Skateboarding appeared for the first time in the [2020 Summer Olympics](/source/2020_Summer_Olympics).[8] ## Parts Main article: [Original equipment manufacturer § Skateboards](/source/Original_equipment_manufacturer#Skateboards) ### Deck ["Long"](/source/Longboard_(skateboard)) boards are usually over 36 inches (91 cm) long. Plastic ["penny"](/source/Penny_board) boards are typically about 22 inches (56 cm) long.[9] Some larger penny boards over 27 inches (69 cm) long are called "nickel" boards.[10] The longboard, a common variant of the skateboard, is used for higher speed and rough surface boarding, and they are much more expensive. "Old school" boards (those made in the 1970s–80s or modern boards that mimic their shape) are generally wider and often have only one kicktail. Variants of the 1970s often have little or no concavity.[11] ### Wheels Skateboard Wheel The wheels allow for movement on the skateboard and helps determine the speed while riding.[12] There are typically four wheels on a skateboard that are attached to the trucks. Ranging in size from around 48mm to around 60mm, smaller wheels are lighter in weight and are used for shorter distances and tricks.[13] The wheels are typically made of [polyurethane](/source/Polyurethane) (PU) and come in different grades of PU. Higher-grade PU is more durable and provides a smoother ride, while lower-grade PU is more affordable but wears out faster.[14] Larger wheels are heavier in weight, which are better for maintaining speed and longer distances. Wheels that are larger than 60mm are typically used for longboards.[15] ### Trucks The metal parts known as skateboard trucks are what hold a skateboard's wheels to the deck. They are made up of a hanger that holds the axle and [wheels](/source/Wheel) and a baseplate that is mounted to the board. The hanger and baseplate are joined by a kingpin, allowing the truck to swivel and turn.[16] Trucks for skateboards come in a variety of forms and sizes and can be modified to the rider's preferences. The truck's height can have an impact on the board's stability and turning ability. Many skateboarders choose trucks with width approximately equal to the width of the deck though wider trucks are sometimes chosen for more landing stability for those who perform vert or big air tricks. To manage the looseness or tightness of the trucks, the kingpin's tightness can also be changed. This is a matter of taste and has an impact on the board's stability and ability to turn.[17] An [Independent](/source/Independent_Truck_Company) brand skateboard truck ### Bearings Each skateboard wheel is mounted on its axle via two [ball bearings](/source/Ball_bearing). With few exceptions, the bearings are the industrial standard "608" size, with a bore of 8 or 10 mm (0.315 or 0.394 inches) depending on the axle, an outer diameter of 22 mm (0.866 inches), and a width of 7 mm (0.276 inches). These are usually made of steel, though [silicon nitride](/source/Silicon_nitride), a high-tech ceramic, is sometimes used. Many skateboard bearings are graded according to the [ABEC scale](/source/ABEC_scale). The starts with ABEC 1 with the least precise manufacturing tolerance, followed by 3, 5, 7, and ABEC 9 with the strictest tolerance. Bearing performance is determined by how well maintained the bearings are. Maintenance on bearings includes periodically cleaning and lubricating them.[18][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*] An animation of the working principle for a [ball bearing](/source/Ball_bearing). While an 8-balled bearing is shown here, skateboard bearings are typically 7-balled. ## Optional components ### Risers/wedges Wedges can be used to change the [turning](/source/Steering) characteristics of a truck.[19] ### Skateboard multi-tool While not part of a skateboard, an all-in-one skateboard tool capable of mounting and removing trucks & wheels and adjusting truck kingpins are commonly sold by [skate shops](/source/Skate_shop).[20] ### Deck rails Deck rails are thin, plastic strips usually screwed into the bottom section of a skateboard to decrease friction while performing slide tricks and protecting the board's graphic from damage.[21] ## Standard Dimensions Popsicle skateboard decks are commonly sold with widths ranging from 7.5" – 9". The most commonly used size is probably 8.25" width by 32.475" length.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The wheelbase is 14.25" from the center with the nose at 7.25" longer than the tail, 6.875". ## See also - [Caster board](/source/Caster_board) - [Electric skateboard](/source/Electric_skateboard) - [Hoverboard](/source/Hoverboard) - [Self-balancing scooter](/source/Self-balancing_scooter) - Slalomboard - [Snowboard](/source/Snowboard) - [Surfboard](/source/Surfboard) - [Wakeboard](/source/Wakeboard) - [Fingerboard](/source/Fingerboard_(skateboard)) ## References Look up ***[skateboard](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/skateboard)*** in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Wikimedia Commons has media related to [skateboards](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Skateboards). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["StedSkater".](https://www.stedskater.com/) *stedskater.com*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Skateboards: Fit & Types"](http://www.livestrong.com/article/339215-skateboards-fit-types/). LiveStrong. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121014011932/http://www.livestrong.com/article/339215-skateboards-fit-types/) from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Skateboarding: From Wooden Box Boards to Commercial Mainstream"](https://www.thoughtco.com/brief-history-of-skateboarding-3002042). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180414144506/https://www.thoughtco.com/brief-history-of-skateboarding-3002042) from the original on April 14, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["THE PREHISTORIC SKATEBOARD?"](https://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2015/02/11/the-prehistoric-skateboard/). *Jenkem Magazine*. February 11, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Scholastic News: Skateboarding"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180403111056/http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/Skateboarding/articles/index.asp?article=history&topic=0). *teacher.scholastic.com*. Archived from [the original](http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/Skateboarding/articles/index.asp?article=history&topic=0) on April 3, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Skateboarding: History, Culture, Tricks, & Facts"](https://www.britannica.com/sports/skateboarding). *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)*. Retrieved November 29, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Chivers_2010_7-0)** Chivers Yochim, Emily (2010). ""The mix of sunshine and rebellion is really intoxicating": American Mythologies, Rebellious Boys, and the Multiple Appeals of Skateboarding's Corresponding Culture, 1950–2006". *Skate Life: Re-Imagining White Masculinity*. University of Michigan Press. pp. 27–77. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/j.ctv65sw5s.5](https://doi.org/10.2307%2Fj.ctv65sw5s.5). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780472900459](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780472900459). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [j.ctv65sw5s.5](https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv65sw5s.5). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Skateboarding Will be in the 2021 Olympics"](https://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/08/03/skateboarding-olympics-2020-tokyo-games/). August 3, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2018.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*] 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["From Skateboard and Longboard to Penny Board"](https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/historpedia/home/arts-new-ideas/from-skateboard-and-longboard-to-penny-board-fall-2102). Historipedia. February 2, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160423012101/https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/historpedia/home/arts-new-ideas/from-skateboard-and-longboard-to-penny-board-fall-2102) from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2015.) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Top 10 Best Skateboard Brands"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151213020301/http://rideasf.com/lifestyle/penny-nickel-skateboard-review/). Ride as F*ck. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2015. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Skateboards"](http://skatesradar.com/skateboard/). June 15, 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170830010205/http://skatesradar.com/skateboard/) from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["How to Choose the Right Skateboard Wheels"](https://www.warehouseskateboards.com/help/Skateboard-Wheels-Buying-Guide). *Warehouse Skateboards*. Retrieved November 29, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Best Skateboard Wheels (Purchased and Tested!)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230412144524/https://skateboardrater.com/best-skateboard-wheels/). *Skateboardrater*. April 11, 2023. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Best Skateboard Wheels"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230412144524/https://skateboardrater.com/best-skateboard-wheels/). *Skateboardrater*. April 11, 2023. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** jess (May 30, 2013). ["Understanding Skateboard Wheels"](https://www.the-house.com/learn/understanding-skateboard-wheels/). *The House*. Retrieved December 1, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Bibek, Casey (April 11, 2023). ["Buying Your First Skateboard"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230412144527/https://skateboardrater.com/buying-your-first-skateboard-guide/). *Skateboardrater*. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Difference between longboard trucks and skateboard trucks \[Shocking\]"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201226051743/https://skateboardidea.com/difference-between-longboard-trucks-and-skateboard-trucks/). Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Lubrication"](http://bonesbearings.com/support/maintenance/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120529023018/http://bonesbearings.com/support/maintenance) from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** A guide describing skateboard turning characteristics of different Riser/Wedge types ["7 Best Skateboard Wheels for Cruising 2021 \[Ultimate Guide\]"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210201053953/https://skateboardidea.com/best-skateboard-wheels-for-cruising/). Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Skate Board Rater"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230408131944/https://skateboardrater.com/). Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Guide To Skate Accessories: SKATEBOARD DECK RAILS"](https://www.tactics.com/info/guide-to-skate-accessories). *Tactics*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210118035035/https://www.tactics.com/info/guide-to-skate-accessories) from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022. v t e Skateboarding Skateboarding styles Freestyle skateboarding Street skateboarding Vert skateboarding Slalom skateboarding Skateboarding tricks 900 1080 1260 Aerials Benihana Casper Flip tricks Freestyle tricks Grabs Grinds Heelflip Kickflip Lip tricks Ollie No comply Pole jam Shove-it Slides Wallride Hill bomb Skateboard variations Brakeboard Caster board Electric Fingerboard Flowboard Freeboard Longboard Penny Snakeboard Street luge Snowboard Ski Culture Skate punk Skate shoes Skateboarders Skatepark Skate video Organizations Sponsorship Terminology Skateboarding brands Skateboarding companies Skateboarding magazines Skatestopper Skate shop Skate spot Skate contest In multi-sport competitions Asian Games Summer Olympics World Skate Games X Games Video games Skateparks List of skateparks v t e Human-powered transport Land Pedal power 29er Bicycle (outline) Bicycle trailer BMX bike Boneshaker Cargo bike City bicycle Cold-weather biking (ice cycle) Cruiser bicycle Cycle rickshaw Cyclo-cross bicycle Downhill bike Enduro Fatbike Flat bar road bike Folding bicycle Go-kart Glossary of cycling Hybrid bicycle Motorized bicycle Mountain bike Mountain biking 27.5 Downhill Singletrack Party bike Penny-farthing Porteur bicycle Prone bicycle Quadracycle Recumbent bicycle Road bicycle Roadster Safety bicycle Sociable Small-wheel bicycle Tandem bicycle Touring bicycle Track bicycle Trailer bike Tricycle Unicycle Utility bicycle Velocar Velocipede Velomobile Wheelie bike Electric motor assist Electric bicycle Pedelec Motorized bicycle E-scooter Treadle power Treadle bicycle Other foot power Balance bike Dandy horse Kick scooter Kickbike Kicksled Brakeboard Freeboard Freeskates Longboard Skateboard Hand power Handcar Handcycle Hobcart Invalid carriage Wheelchair Row action Rowing cycle Pushed/pulled Baby transport Stroller Baggage cart Bath chair Cart Flatbed trolley Hand truck Pulled rickshaw Shopping cart Shopping caddy Stairclimber Stretcher Toy wagon Wheelbarrow Sled Carried Baby sling Babywearing Litter/sedan chair Scoop stretcher Weight shifting Trikke Pogo stick Caster board Snakeboard Gravity Gravity racer Billy cart Street luge Snowboard Toboggan Summer toboggan Gravity biking Water Hand power Canoe Kayak Paddleboarding Rowing (fixed seat) Punt Standup paddleboarding Hand and foot power Rowing (sliding seat) Rowing (sliding rigger) Foot power Hydrocycle Hydrofoil Pedalo Amphibious Amphibious cycle Air Aircraft list Helicopter Ornithopter Non-vehicular transport Foot power Inline skating skates Roller skating skates Running Stair climbing Walking Stair climbing Snow and ice Crampons Ice skates Ski Alpine touring skis Cross-country skis Telemark skis Snowshoes Related Animal-powered transport Cycling (outline) Bicycle- and human-powered vehicle museums Human power Zero-emissions vehicle Authority control databases International GND FAST National United States France BnF data Japan Spain Israel Other Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Skateboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard?action=history)). 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