Skateboard

The deck is the main board of the skateboard, typically made from layers of maple wood or composite materials. It comes in various shapes and sizes, catering to different styles of skateboarding. The top surface of the deck is covered with grip tape, a rough, sandpaper-like material, to provide traction for the rider's shoes. Trucks are metal components mounted underneath the deck that connect the wheels to the board. They consist of a hanger, axle, kingpin, and bushings, allowing for turning and stability. The tightness of the kingpin and the choice of bushings affect the board's responsiveness. Skateboard wheels are typically made of polyurethane and come in various sizes and hardness levels. Smaller, harder wheels are suitable for street skating and tricks, while larger, softer wheels provide a smoother ride and better grip for cruising and downhill riding. Bearings are small metal or ceramic rings that fit inside the wheels, enabling them to spin smoothly. They are rated using the ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineers' Committee) scale, with higher ABEC numbers indicating greater precision. Grip tape is a rough, adhesive surface applied to the top of the skateboard deck. It provides traction for the rider's shoes, allowing better control and grip while performing tricks. Risers are optional plastic or rubber pads placed between the deck and the trucks. They increase the distance between the deck and the wheels, preventing wheel bite (when the wheels touch the deck during sharp turns).