Start Skateboarding at Revert 95
Are you going for a complete skateboard or do you prefer to put your own set together?
Skateboard completes are a smart and cheap option for the beginning skateboarder. A skateboard consists of several parts, like the deck (board), wheels, trucks and bearings. With a complete skateboard, you buy everything at once, and it's a lot cheaper than buying all the parts separately. Complete skateboards consist of professional quality parts, aimed at the average skateboarder. For beginners, we've got a big collection of complete skateboards from brands like Birdhouse and element that are already assembled so you can start rolling right away!
SKATEBOARD DECK (which size do you take?)
Once you know which of the two options you are going for, you need to decide which size skateboard suits you best. This is where many beginner skaters get lost. But don't worry. As a beginner, it's almost impossible to determine the right size and shape, because you simply don't know what you want yet. Of course there are some general guidelines that you can stick to. For example, there are special miniboards for children, but kids from 12 years old can already ride an 'adult' skateboard. Not only your body plays an important role in choosing a skateboard deck, but also the skateboard style you have in mind. Street skaters with a lot of technical flip tricks often choose a narrower deck (7.5" to 8"). If you want to skate pools and ramps, you better choose the stability of a wider deck. Skaters who mainly want to cruise or want to go back to the old school era, can choose an even wider deck (above 8.25") or one of our many cruisers.
TRUCKS:
The trucks are the connection between your skateboard and your wheels, and are important when grinding, where you slide over your truck(s). That's why solidity and reliability are the most important factors when buying trucks. Just like choosing a deck or wheels, it's also a matter of personal preference. Trucks also influence the steering characteristics and weight of your board.
CROSS BEARINGS
Skateboard bearings make sure your wheels turn smoothly and fast, so you can roll freely. We sell skateboard bearings from all the big brands, like Jart, Bones and Independent. The difference with cheaper bearings is in the finishing and the hardness of the steel used. A better finish can be seen in a higher Abec value. The better the finish, the better they can resist dirt and moisture, and the longer they will last. The hardness of the steel is also important for the life and speed of your bearings. All ball bearings that we sell meet our strict quality requirements.
WHEELS
Because no two skaters are the same, there is no such thing as the ideal skateboard wheel. When choosing wheels, you should always look at what you like. Regular' skaters often go for smaller wheels, because big wheels make flip tricks and high ollies a lot harder. Speed and control are equally important for both 'types' of skateboarders.
SELECT YOUR SET UP ACCORDING TO THE STYLE OF SKATING YOU INTEND TO DO
Do you see yourself rolling through the streets? Here you can skate everything from curbs to rails... it all comes down to how you can imagine the street and how you see the environment as one big skate park. Everything can be skated. Flashy griptape can be very appropriate. You should always have wax with you when you skate curbs and rails.
DECKSStreet skateboards are generally narrower boards. With a narrower board it is easier to do tricks, because the deck is less heavy. Wide boards can also be used for street skating, but it is always advisable to start with a smaller one.
TRUCKS: In terms of trucks, the best option is 'low and mid trucks'. There are also light trucks and variations with hollow kingpins or axles and short bolts. This will make your set up lighter and it will take less power to do tricks.
Good brands for your trucks are, for example: Independent, Thunder, Polster or Theeve.
WHEELS: Hard wheels with a durometer of 100A or higher are the best option for street skating. They are the easiest to get off the ground and are optimal for doing tricks with.
50 mm - 53 mm, ≥100A
SCREAMING: short (7/8″ - 1″)
LAGERS: Abec 5 or 7. Good brands include: Birdhouse, Hardluck, Sushi or Pig.
TRUCKS: Mid or High. Here you can also decide whether you want normal or hollow trucks.
Good brands for your trucks are, for example: Independent, Thunder, Polster or Theeve.
WHEELS: 52 mm - 56 mm, ≥ 98A
Bearings: Abec 5 or 7. Good brands include: Birdhouse, Hardluck, Sushi or Pig
SHOCK PADS: optional
SHOCKS: short (7/8″ - 1″ | longer if you use shock pads
PROTECTION: recommended
-> Check out the Revert 95 Skate Team in Skatepark NOORD
If you think you'll be skating in bowls and see yourself popping airs on the halfpipe or ramps and learning lip tricks, we recommend a wider board... they give you a bit more room to stand which can be a plus at high speeds and while doing airs. Furthermore, transition skaters often use bigger wheels so you can maintain your speed better. Sometimes slightly softer wheels are also used so that you have more grip. Because of the large wheels, you should use Mid or High trucks to avoid wheelbites. Riser pads and rails (plastic rails placed at the bottom of the deck to provide stability during board and lip slides) are often used in this style of skating. Anyone who ramp skates should never skimp on protection.
DECK: Wider than in a normal park or on the street. It is easier to keep your balance on a wider board.
TRUCKS: Mid or High. Here you can also decide whether you want normal or hollow trucks.
Good brands for your trucks are, for example: Independent, Thunder, Polster or Theeve.
WHEELS: 53 mm - 56 mm, ≥ 98A
Bearings: Abec 5, 7 and 9. Good brands include: Birdhouse, Hardluck, Sushi or Pig
SHOCK PADS: longer (1″ - 1 1/4″ depending on the thickness of your pads)
PROTECTION: recommended, you make a lot of speed and can take a big hit.
SHOCK PADS: recommended, this softens your landing and allows you to skate more smoothly.
PROTECTION AND HELMETS
Whatever skateboard you ultimately choose, you will have to take into account that sooner or later it will break down. Skateboarding is just not good for skateboards. And sometimes skateboarding isn't good for your body either 😉 If you're just starting with skateboarding, think about protection like a helmet or wrist or elbow pads. An accident can happen at any time!
The main purpose of protection is to prevent injuries or worse injuries. But protection can also give you the confidence to go just that little bit higher, further or faster, thus speeding up your progress. Top-to-toe protection naturally begins with a good helmet.
SKATE LESSONS AT SKATEPARK HAARLEM
Yes! The time has come, you have put together your deck! Now you can register for the first skateboard lessons that are organised by Skatepark Haarlem. On the site of SPH you can find more information about the lessons. The teachers of SPH will teach for the first time this year in the indoor skatepark. For this you need your own skateboard and we recommend beginners to wear a good helmet and protection.
Good luck!