Freestyle skateboarding complete is a discipline of skateboarding that focuses on performing tricks and stunts on a flat surface. It is a creative and expressive form of skateboarding that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
A freestyle skateboard complete is a skateboard that comes pre-assembled with all of the necessary components, including the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape. This makes it a convenient and affordable option for people who are new to freestyle skateboarding or who are looking for a new board to ride.
Understanding Freestyle Skateboarding
What is Freestyle Skateboarding?
Freestyle skateboarding is a dynamic discipline that involves a mix of tricks, spins, flips, and creative maneuvers performed on flat ground. It’s all about fluidity, style, and showcasing your individuality through your moves.
Historical Context and Evolution
Freestyle skateboarding has a rich history, dating back to the early days of skateboarding. It has continuously evolved, influenced by skateboarding pioneers who introduced new tricks and styles.
Freestyle Skateboarding Styles and Techniques
From kickflips and heelflips to shove-its and no-complies, freestyle skateboarding offers a wide range of tricks and techniques to master, each requiring a different approach and setup.
Components of a Freestyle Skateboard Complete
Deck
The deck is the heart of your skateboard. Its shape, size, and material influence your performance. A wider deck provides more stability, while a narrower one offers greater control for technical tricks.
Trucks
Trucks are the metal parts that attach your wheels to the deck. The width and type of trucks affect your turning ability and overall stability. Consider the size of your deck when choosing trucks.
Wheels
Wheel size and durometer (hardness) are essential. Larger, softer wheels are ideal for smoother rides and tricks, while smaller, harder wheels are better for technical maneuvers.
Bearings
Bearings are responsible for your wheels’ spin. High-quality bearings reduce friction and improve speed.
Griptape
Griptape provides traction for your feet. The grip pattern and quality can impact your control and board feel.
Hardware
Hardware consists of nuts and bolts that hold your trucks to the deck. Make sure they are tightened properly to prevent accidents.
Choosing a freestyle skateboard complete
When choosing a freestyle skateboard complete, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Deck size and shape: Freestyle skateboard decks are typically smaller and narrower than street skateboard decks. This makes them easier to flip and control. Popular freestyle skateboard deck sizes range from 7.25 to 7.75 inches wide.
- Trucks and wheels: Freestyle skateboard trucks are typically looser than street skateboard trucks. This allows for more turning and maneuverability. Freestyle skateboard wheels are typically smaller and harder than street skateboard wheels. This makes them more durable and easier to slide.
- Bearings: Freestyle skateboard bearings should be high quality and durable. They should also be lubricated regularly to prevent rust and wear.
- Other factors to consider: Other factors to consider when choosing a freestyle skateboard complete include the price, the brand, and the style of the board.
Popular freestyle skateboard complete brands
Some popular freestyle skateboard complete brands include:
- Bixby
- Offset Skate Supply
- Decomposed Skateboards
- Waltz Skateboarding
- Modes Skateboards
Freestyle skateboard tricks
Freestyle skateboard tricks can be divided into three categories: basic, intermediate, and advanced.
- Basic tricks: Basic freestyle skateboard tricks include the ollie, the pop shove-it, and the kickflip. These tricks are relatively easy to learn and can be performed on any type of skateboard.
- Intermediate tricks: Intermediate freestyle skateboard tricks include the varial kickflip, the heelflip, and the 360 flip. These tricks are more difficult to learn than basic tricks and require more practice.
- Advanced tricks: Advanced freestyle skateboard tricks include the casper slide, the nose manual, and the windmill. These tricks are very difficult to learn and require years of practice.
Safety tips
It is important to wear protective gear when freestyle skateboarding, especially when learning new tricks. Protective gear should include a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
It is also important to avoid skating in areas with a lot of traffic or obstacles. It is best to skate in a designated skate park or on a smooth, flat surface.
Maintenance and Care
To keep your freestyle skateboard complete in top shape, regularly inspect and clean it. Replace worn-out components, and consider upgrades as you progress in your skateboarding journey.
Safety Considerations
Wearing protective gear like helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards is crucial for your safety. Respect skatepark rules and practice good skateboarding etiquette to ensure a positive skating environment.
Conclusion
Freestyle skateboarding is a fun and challenging way to get exercise and express yourself. If you are interested in learning how to freestyle skateboard, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are also many freestyle skateboard competitions that you can participate in once you have learned some basic tricks.
Tips for getting started with freestyle skateboarding
Here are a few tips for getting started with freestyle skateboarding:
- Find a good skate shop and talk to the staff about what kind of board and complete would be right for you.
- Take a lesson from a qualified instructor. This is the best way to learn the basics of freestyle skateboarding and avoid bad habits.
- Start with basic tricks and work your way up to more advanced tricks.
- Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t learn a trick right away. It takes practice to become a good freestyle skateboarder.
Resources for learning more about freestyle skateboarding
Here are a few resources for learning more about freestyle skateboarding:
- Freestyle Skateboarding Association (FISA): The FISA is the official governing body of freestyle skateboarding. They have a website with a wealth of information on freestyle skateboarding, including rules and regulations, competition information, and educational resources.
- TransWorld SKATEboarding: TransWorld SKATEboarding is a popular skateboarding magazine and website. They have a lot of great content on freestyle skateboarding, including tutorials, interviews, and videos.
- YouTube: There are many great YouTube channels that teach freestyle skateboarding tricks. Some of my favorites include Braille Skateboarding, The Berrics, and Birdhouse Skateboards.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions about freestyle skateboarding, please feel free to leave a comment below.