There are lots of different skateboard ramps available, but they fall into two main categories. Ramps you buy and ramps you build.
Building Skateboard Ramps
One of the best way to get cheap skateboard ramps is to build them yourself. Basic straight ramps are easy to build. They require no special equipment beyond a table saw and a hammer and the plans are available for free online. To build this type of ramp you will need to start with a frame built at a 45 degree angle and then add a piece of plywood to the top. You will want to make sure your frame is sturdy to withstand jumps and use.
If you decide to go with a more complicated design like a quarter pipe or halfpipe that has curves you will want to buy a good set of skateboard ramp plans. These ramps are more complicated to build, but allow you to do amazing tricks, and can be well worth the investment of time.
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4' Skateboard & Inline Halfpipe - Plans, Manual & DVD Video (Half Pipe Blueprints) List Price: $29.95 Sale Price: $19.75 Average Rating:   |
Overall building your skateboard ramps will save you a lot of money over buying them and it is a fun project besides.
Buy Skateboard Ramps
The second kind of skateboarding ramps that you can get are ones that you can buy. Buying ramps is generally more expensive than building them, but they are usually more durable because they are made of hard plastic.
You can buy just about any type of ramps, from portable skateboard ramps all the way up to full blown skateparks. What you get depends on your level of skill and your budget. A beginner skater should always start with a smaller ramp and work their way up. I really like punk rail and ramp combos for starting out. They are inexpensive and a great way to learn tricks.
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Razor Punk Park Ramp And Rail Combo Set List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $32.99 Average Rating:  |
If you want to get a bigger ramp set up you can either buy your ramps one at a time or you can buy them as a set. If you decide to buy them one at a time make sure you know what your end plan will look like, that way your are getting what you need.
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Landwave 4-Sided Pyramid Skateboard Kit with 4 Ramps and 1-Deck List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $199.99 Average Rating:  |
However you decide to get your skateboard ramps, be sure to enjoy them. Have fun skating!
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When you are talking about skateboarding equipment you are usually including many things. From skateboard ramps to decks and trucks to protective gear, the term skateboarding equipment covers it all.
When you start out you will need a skateboard and a ramp and some protective gear. You can either buy a premade skateboard or build your own. Buying a complete board is easier, but since skating is all about self expression building your own can be rewarding and you will get a product that completely reflects who you are.
Choosing Skateboard Decks
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Toy Machine American Monster Skateboard Deck - 7.875 x 31.75 List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $49.95 |
The length of your skateboard deck should be determined by how tall you are. This will give you the right amount of control over your skateboard. Here is a chart that can serve as a guide.
Under 4’ = 29” or smaller
4’ to 4’10” = 29” to 30” long
4’10” to 5’3” = 30.5” to 31.5” long
5’3” to 5”8” = 31.5” to 32” long
5”8” to 6’1” = 32” to 32.5” long
Over 6’1” = 32.4” and up
The width of your deck should be determined by your foot size and what you want to do while skating. If you like to ride ramps or spend most of your skating time at skate parks then a wider board is better. For street skating you will want a narrower board.
Also, when choosing your deck make sure that you (or the person you are buying it for) likes the graphics and brand. If you are a parent buying a board for a child or teen then you will especially want to get there input on this - otherwise they may not enjoy their skateboard.
Choosing Skateboard Wheels
Getting the right skateboard wheels is actually fairly simple. Choose a wheel that is between 52mm to 54mm, with a hardness of 99a and get a graphic that you like and you should be good to go.
Choosing Wheel Bearings
The bearing go inside your wheels and make them spin smoothly. You want bearings that are smooth enough AND are durable. There is a rating system called ABEC that is used for bearings, but doesn't work very well for skate bearings (so I won't bore you with the details).
When you are buying bearings the most important thing to look at is the customer ratings. For a medium priced bearing I like
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Bones Reds Precision Skate Bearings List Price: $16.99 Sale Price: $11.99 Average Rating: |
For a higher end bearing I like
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Bones Super Swiss 6 Competition Skate Bearings List Price: $46.99 Sale Price: $39.99 Average Rating:  |
These are both customer top rated at Amazon.com and are very good quality. Until you are a very good skater stick with the medium grade bearings, because it is likely you will go through them quickly.
Choosing the Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks come in a variety of heights and widths. You will want to match the width of your truck to the skateboard. The following chart should be helpful.
4.75 for up to 7.5" wide decks
5.0 for up to 7.75" wide decks
5.25 for up to 8.125" wide decks
For 8.25" and up, you can use 5.25 trucks, or use super wide trucks (like the Independent 169mm)
Most beginning to intermediate skateboarders will be happy with medium height skateboard trucks and firm bushings for more control. More experienced skateboarders will want medium bushings in their trucks. The bushings are little rubber donuts that act like shocks.
This is the basic skateboarding equipment that you will need to put together your board.
When you are purchasing your pieces also be sure to pick up some grip tape, risers, and the parts to put it all together. For instructions on assembling your skateboard click here, and don't forget to check out this article about skate ramps and rails
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