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Close up of a skateboard tail with heavy razor tail wear, showing chipped wood from repeated tail slides and dragging on concrete.

Tail Slide Tips: Minimizing Tail Wear During Tricks

Skateboarders can prevent razor tail by riding on smooth surfaces, braking with their feet, and using careful technique while practicing tricks that require pop. Careful prevention will slow down the development of razor tail, but boards will eventually need to be replaced.
Close-up of a skateboard deck reading Made in the United States of America, with Gear Talk and Skate 101 text overlay.

Skateboard Brands Demystified: Navigating the Sea of Options

So you’re ready to grab a new deck—or maybe your first one ever—and suddenly you’re staring at a wall of logos, names, and graphics wondering, “What’s actually good?” We get it. The skateboard scene is stacked with brands, and everyone’s got their favorites. But behind all the hype and custom art is one simple question: …
Black and white photo of a graffiti-covered indoor skate spot, with text reading How To and Skate 101.

DIY Skate Spot Maintenance: Keeping Your Local Spots Skateable

If you’re interested in learning more about DIY spot maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the steps necessary to repair a skate spot. Today, we’ll focus on using body filler and hardener to turn a problematic crack or hole and transform it back into an incredible skating opportunity. 
Hand holding a skateboard wheel with tools and parts on the ground, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

Skateboard Maintenance 101: Keeping Your Setup in Top Shape

You can keep your skateboard in good shape through regular cleaning, wheel maintenance, truck and bushing care, deck inspection, and safety checks. Proper maintenance enhances your skateboard’s performance and extends its lifespan, thus ensuring a long-lasting and enjoyable skateboarding experience.
Close-up of blue skateboard grip tape on a deck, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

Grip Tape Revival: Cleaning and Restoring Grip for Optimal Performance

What makes some grip tape brands different or better than others? What else should you be aware of and know before you jump into cleaning, restoring, or replacing your grip tape? Let’s go over in depth what to look for when it comes to all things grip tape, and how to best maintain a healthy layer of it on your board.
Skateboarder in yellow shoes standing on a deck at the skatepark, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

Skateboard Maintenance 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Your Board in Top Shape

How should a beginner adjust their skateboard and its wheels when they are just first starting to use it? What else do they need to know about proper board care, cleaning, and maintenance before they dive into casual riding? Let’s go over in depth what to know and remember when it comes to skateboard maintenance!
Close-up of a skateboard truck with large yellow wheel on a wooden surface.

Skateboard Trucks 101: A Deep Dive into Size, Bushings, and Adjustments

Skateboard trucks are a T-shaped skateboard component located on the underside of your deck. It ensures that the force and movement you impart to the board result in the reaction you’re looking for.
Young skateboarders in helmets and pads practicing at a skatepark, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

Gear Up: Essential Skateboarding Equipment for Beginners

The most important equipment when learning to skateboard (besides the board!) are safety items like a helmet, and elbow, knee, and wrist protection. Wearing proper clothing will also make learning to skate easier and safer.
Close-up of a skateboard deck with grip tape and green wheels, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

From Griptape to Bearings: Understanding the Basics of Skateboard Components

A skateboard has three main parts, the deck, trucks, and wheels. The trucks have the most small parts, and the deck is the easiest part to customize. If designing a personalized board, it is critical to make sure that all 15 components are prepared to make assembly simple and easy.
Close-up of a skateboard truck and wheel, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

Choosing The Right Skateboard Wheels For You: The Ultimate Guide

In this article, we’ll be exploring how the diameter, shape, and durometer (that’s how hard or soft your wheels are) affect your board’s performance, and what you should take into consideration when choosing the wheels that are best for the custom performance you’re looking for.
Close-up of a skateboard deck with worn edges and trucks, with text reading Gear Talk and Skate 101.

Preventing Razor Tail: Tips for Minimizing Wear and Tear on Your Deck

Skateboarders can prevent razor tail by riding on smooth surfaces, braking with their feet, and using careful technique while practicing tricks that require pop. Careful prevention will slow down the development of razor tail, but boards will eventually need to be replaced.
Skater balancing on board at park

Ramp it Up: A Beginner’s Guide to Skatepark Basics and Transition Riding

Whether you’re going to the skatepark to learn the basics of skateboarding or nail new tricks, learning the basics of skateparks and transition riding is essential. By the end of this article, you’ll have a much better idea of how everything works.