skateboard

A skateboard is a narrow board mounted on trucks with four polyurethane wheels, ridden while standing. The rider uses one foot to push off the ground and the other to balance, steering by shifting weight. Tricks and ramps are performed at skateparks, streets, or bowls.

Most decks are laminated maple or composite and around 28 to 32 inches long. Trucks attach the wheels to the deck and enable turning. Wheels are polyurethane and vary in hardness. Bearings reduce friction, and grip tape provides traction on the deck’s surface.

Skateboard designs vary: the classic popsicle-shaped deck is common for street skating; longer boards are used for cruising and downhill riding. Longboards and cruisers form a broader family designed for stability and speed.

Originating in California in the 1940s and 1950s, skateboarding began when enthusiasts attached wheels to wooden planks. Polyurethane wheels in the 1970s improved ride quality. The sport grew globally in the late 20th century, with street and vert skating shaping its culture and brands such as Powell-Peralta and Santa Cruz.

Riders wear helmets, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards to reduce injury risk. Maintenance includes cleaning bearings, replacing worn wheels, and checking hardware and the deck for cracks.