SK8

Andrew Baaki

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word shredding as,

“the action of tearing or cutting something into shreds”

However, shredding means something very different to the vibrant characters around SUNY Poly who pride themselves in skateboarding. The culture of skateboarding has had a sudden rise on campus, and I think that point is truly justified whenever you can hear wheels rolling in the distance. While skateboarding may be more popular at SUNY Poly compared to recent years, one might look on and feel some anxiety toward starting out, and that could be for all sorts of reasons. Nevertheless, skateboarding is never something to worry about, in fact with a few key pointers anyone could begin skateboarding tomorrow.

The first step in anyone’s skateboarding journey is often a big decision: what kind of board do I get? While that may be the first question for some people, others might not even know that there are different kinds of skateboards. In case you did not know, yes there are, and each one is equipped for the different wants and needs of the rider.

Out of the large variety of boards, there are two that stand out the most here on campus. The first board is often the most common, and it is called a skateboard. While all the boards I will mention are technically skateboards, it’s the same principle that all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. The generic skateboard we are talking about has comparatively thin wheels, and a deck (aka where you stand on the board) that curves up on both ends. The reason that skateboards are designed the way they are is so that they remain lightweight and easy to maneuver. These boards are used for tricks and are what you would bring with you if you went to a skatepark.

The first step in anyone’s skateboarding journey is often a big decision: what kind of board do I get? While that may be the first question for some people, others might not even know that there are different kinds of skateboards. In case you did not know, yes there are, and each one is equipped for the different wants and needs of the rider.

Out of the large variety of boards, there are two that stand out the most here on campus. The first board is often the most common, and it is called a skateboard. While all the boards I will mention are technically skateboards, it’s the same principle that all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. The generic skateboard we are talking about has comparatively thin wheels, and a deck (aka where you stand on the board) that curves up on both ends. The reason that skateboards are designed the way they are is so that they remain lightweight and easy to maneuver. These boards are used for tricks and are what you would bring with you if you went to a skatepark.

Despite the flexibility a skateboard can offer, it is lacking in two very important qualities for skating at SUNY Poly. Our campus is abundant in hills and rough pavement, and the common skateboard is not well versed in maintaining speed and overcoming rough terrain. The problem lies in the skateboards’ small frame, and thinner wheels. While these attributes help them perform tricks, they are not as suitable to ride around our campus as some other boards.

The board I tend to see the most around campus is called a longboard. As the name suggests, these boards are a lot longer than your standard one and are what I would recommend for commuting through the sidewalks of SUNY Poly. With a usually flat longer deck and thicker wheels, longboards offer a much smoother ride while being able to handle higher speeds. Aside from skateboards and longboards, there are lots of different options, each with their own specific purposes, however, as a beginner skateboarder at SUNY Poly I would just focus on the two I mentioned for simplicity’s sake.

After deciding what board to get, the next thing to identify is appropriate attire. What you wear when skateboarding matters, and I don’t mean for fashion purposes. It is highly important, especially as a beginner, to wear proper protection. Helmets and kneepads might seem childish and lame, but after falling onto hard concrete even once, you will have wished you wore them. Aside from staying safe, it’s essential to feel comfortable on your skateboard. Wear clothes you feel flexible in, and shoes that help give you a good grip on your deck (Vans are a popular choice). Skateboarding is a way to express culture and uniqueness, but it’s not always about looking runway ready, so please dress ready to face any challenge.

Once your board is picked out and you are dressed for the occasion, the world of skating is up to you. Try to first get comfortable on your board, find some YouTube videos and tutorials, and slowly develop a relationship with your board and other skaters around you. A common misconception is that more experienced skaters look down on beginners, but that is just fear speaking. Never be afraid to fail, fall, open a new pack of band aids, or even watch your board roll down the hill without you, as long as you keep sticking with it.

Skateboarding is hard. No matter how talented you are, it takes time and patience to feel comfortable cruising. There are times you might feel like quitting, but never let that discourage you from trying. The satisfaction you’ll feel when you learn a new trick or get down that steep hill you had to bail on so many times is such an amazing feeling, but it’s a feeling earned through perseverance. Once your courage has been gathered, get that board you have been eyeing, find some friends who skate or even make some new ones, and get out there and enjoy all that skating has to offer.