You might think wearing a helmet will make you look like a poser, but the reality is skaters don’t really care if you have one. Honestly, there is no reason to be self-aware about this. Get the skateboard helmet from Triple Eight, which is best for oval heads ($60 at Amazon, $70 at Triple Eight). For round heads like mine, try a Pro-Tec or S1 helmet. Be sure to wear it when you go out to meetings, have fun, and avoid possible traumatic brain injury. For a small additional fee, you can get an ASTM 1492 certified model, which ANSI specifies specifically for skateboard safety.
raise
If you’re a new skater, you’ll fall…if you’re an experienced skater, you’ll fall. Like a helmet, a set of pads can help you avoid emergency care. If your day job involves using your hands (or even a keyboard jockey), it’s a good idea to wear elbow pads, or even more importantly, wrist pads. Knee pads are also key. It feels great to pull myself off the ground and walk away without a throbbing in my hands or joints after trying (or five) failed trick attempts. 187 Killer Pads are a great set of pads. Get the 187 Killer Pads for $59 or Amazon for $73. Pro-Tec’s $43 option isn’t bad either, and it’s a little cheaper for kids.
Beginners may also want to wear a set of padded shorts ($50 and up) under their pants; they’ll literally save your bum.
Quarter Pipe Kit
A quarter tube (even a small one, not a full quarter) is a lot of fun for all skaters. My advice is to dig up some plans, ask for wood chips well at the building site, and start building. However, if you want to make sure you have a high-quality setup, you might opt for a ramp kit that provides CNC cut, pre-drilled plywood and wood, metal top caps, sill plates and all the necessary fasteners – You just need a driver to pop them all.
OC Ramps offers a lot of kit options; I have their 3ft quarter pipe ramp ($389) and my own DIY miniature quarter ramp hooked up with some masonite in my garage, made A funky, mismatched mini ramp that’s great fun skating in the rain. Keen Ramps is another manufacturer of quality ramp kits worth considering.
park observation
The Tony Hawk Foundation’s Skatepark Project app (iPhone only, Android users can use a similarly functional Smap app) provides a nearly complete list of parks, including user photos, 3D aerial maps, and park-specific icons. Don’t see a favorite place on the app? The database is user generated, so you can add it yourself. In fact, I just did it in a park near my house.
If cruising street spots is more your thing, the ShredSpots app covers the stairs, curbs, ditches, and ledges that many skaters consider to be natural terrain for skateboarding.
all maggots
You might just throw your skateboard and helmet in the trunk of your car when you go to different places to skate. Add your pads and stuff and it’s nice to have a bag to carry everything. I use a big blue IKEA bag for my gear—it’s big, has hand and shoulder straps, and it’s only 99 cents. No need to think, just throw stuff in.
When I do something fancier, I use a $60 OID Skateboard Tote. I can use it as a backpack, sling or carry it like a duffel bag. There are some cheaper versions on Amazon, but the ones I’ve tried tend to be undersized and prone to jamming. However, in reality, you don’t see many skaters using these.
Vacation/Business Travel Tip: Most airlines will actually let you carry your boarding pass with you and store it in an overhead compartment. I find it more convenient to store mine as checked luggage in my oversized suitcase. The board fits diagonally (I wrap it in an old towel, or use that OID bag to prevent entrapment from fraying my slacks); my helmet and skate shoes are right next to me, and there’s still plenty of room for my everyday clothes . Use your skate park app to find some attractions near your destination and plan for early morning or early evening activities. It’s neater — and cooler — than carrying golf clubs around.
