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Getting out and carving up the skate park is a fun hobby that gets your heart rate up and challenges your skills and hand-eye coordination – not to mention it’s also super fun to do.
How to Buy A Skateboard
There are a few things to consider when buying a skateboard as not all skateboards are made the same, with some being used for cruising and others for tricks. Depending on the type of skating you want to do, will depend on the make and design of the skateboard. Firstly, there are two different types of skateboards, including full and mid:
Full skateboards: Full skateboards are usually 19cm or wider and are geared towards people who are 160cm or taller, aged 13 or older and those with size 9 shoes or bigger.
Mid skateboards: Mid skateboards can come between 18.5 – 18.7cm and geared towards those who are 130 – 160cm, 9 – 12 years old and who have a shoe size between 6-8.
Once you know what size of skateboard to go with, the next step is deciding what kind of skateboard you’re after – whether that’s a skateboard for tricks or cruising.
1. Cruiser Skateboards
Cruiser skateboards are great for beginner skaters and those who want a smooth and easy ride. These skateboards can be used as a mode of transportation and help you make tight turns thanks to the shorter deck length. These skateboards are not a good option for those wanting to learn tricks or carve at the skate park or bowls but work well for flat streets.
2. Carver Skateboards
Carver skateboards or ‘Surfskates’ feature a surf style design engineered for a unique road surfing experience. Usually made from wood or plastic, these boards have become pretty popular over the years and are great for cruising on flat roads and streets. Carver skateboards offer skaters a surf-like feel while skating and with the inclusion of thicker wheels, you can really feel the road with each turn thanks to its superb responsiveness.
3. Ramp (Double Kick) Skateboards
Double kick or ramp skateboards are your traditional style of skateboards. Perfect for those who want to grind it up at a skate park, practice tricks or cruise, the ramp is for you. The ‘double kick’ means that both sides of the board can be used for all kinds of different tricks and flips and is perfect for all skating levels, however, more intermediate skaters will find these boards useful for advanced tricks.
How to Buy A Scooter
Alternative to Skateboards, scooters are a great option because they allow a lot more support and stability when riding and performing tricks. As with skateboards, there are a few different types of scooters for different types of skaters, depending upon skill level and intended use:
1. Two-Wheeled Scooters
Two-wheeled scooters are your regular kind of scooters. Designed with a T-bar that can be adjusted to suit any height, 2 wheeled scooters suit a huge range of skill levels and needs – whether that’s just casual skating or trying to do tricks for the first time. These scooters also work well for skate parks and bowls however, they are better suited to flat or hilled surfaces.
2. Park & Trick Scooters
Park scooters a definitely geared toward those who want to learn how to do tricks. They are different from regular two-wheeled scooters as they are a lot more durable and sturdy, necessary for performing jumps and fast tricks at the skate park. Most tricks require the users to put their weight heavily on the handlebars, so a solid T-bar is essential for bearing the impact.
3. Travel Scooter
A travel scooter is designed for longer, cruisy rides and can be used as a mode of transport. It is categorised by the larger wheels compared to most scooter types, and some are designed to be electric, so can be used on main roads and bike paths. The larger wheels are great for off-road adventures as well, making the Travel scooter a very versatile option for long commutes or adventures.
How to Buy Inline Skates
For those who are interested in old-school skating, then inline skates are a great and fun option for recreational activity. Inline skates usually come in two forms, rollerblades and roller skates, both of which can be used by all skill levels. Depending upon intended use will determine which style you choose.
1. Inline Skates
Inline skates , also known as roller blades, are categorised by the placement of the wheels in a straight line under the boot. These skates are great for any skill level and are perfect for those who want to skate recreationally and use skating for fitness or racing.
For those who want to skate recreationally, look for skates with a smaller wheel, meaning you can skate without gaining too much speed too quickly. For racers or those wanting to go fast, opt for a bigger wheel size, around 90-110mm, as this will allow you to gain some serious speed.
2. Roller Skates
In contrast to inline skates, rollerblades or quad skates are great for recreational use, as the wheels are placed in a compact position. When looking for a pair of roller skates, determining use and frequency is important, as it will decide what kinds of wheels you get. Soft wheels are great for more shock absorption and grip while in use, however, they have a shorter lifespan. Harder wheels have a longer lifespan but don’t have as much grip or shock absorption.
In the same way, you can choose between a hard or soft boot for your skates. A hard boot is great for longer rides or if you want to use your skates for fitness, as it will give a better energy transfer and help you skate longer. A softer boot is better for more recreational use, like disco or shorter rides that are more casual.
What Protective Gear and Accessories Do You Need?
Whether you’re new to skating or are a complete pro, staying protected and safe is essential to having a good ride and nailing that trick. At rebel, we stock a huge selection of skate protective gear and accessories so you can skate safely and prevent injuries.
- Helmets: Our Tahwahli helmets are perfect for both adults and kids who love to ride and skate frequently. Designed in a trendy ovals shape, keep your head safe and protected from accidental falls thanks to the hard outer shell.
- Protective pads: Our range of protective pads come in a range of sizes and colours to suit all ages and style preferences. Our protective 3-piece safety packs come with everything you need, including 2x knee pads, 2x elbow pads and 2x wrist guards. No matter if you fall, you’ll stay protected
- Skate ramps: Scooter and skate ramps are great for skate beginners who want to get into tricks without having to skate at the skate park. Designed to be used by scooters and inline skates, check out skate ramps to level up your skills.
For all your skating and protective gear needs, shop the range from rebel now.