| The deck is an important component of a | | | | one known as the tail. To perform tricks and stunts, |
| skateboard. Simply put, the deck is a piece of wood | | | | skateboarders use the leverage from the kicked |
| or a wooden board the rider stands on. A skateboard | | | | ends. The deck usually has abrasive grip tape on top, |
| comprises four wheels attached to two axles. The | | | | providing traction that prevents the rider from slipping |
| axles are known as trucks, and are mounted to the | | | | off. |
| bottom of a wooden board called a deck. Usually, the | | | | For a rider, it is very important that he gets the right |
| decks are about 79 cm long and 20 cm wide. They | | | | deck size while choosing the board. It should neither |
| are made of seven layers of Canadian maple veneer, | | | | be too small nor too big. In case the deck is too |
| which are pressed and glued together. | | | | small, you will find it tough to maintain balance, as |
| Skateboard makers alternate the direction of the | | | | your feet and heels will hang over the edge. Again, if |
| wood grain of each layer so that the deck does not | | | | it is too big, you will face difficulties in turning and |
| split along the natural grain lines of the wood. Metallic | | | | lifting off the ground while trying tricks. If the deck is |
| decks or decks made of composite materials are | | | | more concave, the skateboarder can display his/her |
| rather rare. For downhill riding and street riding you | | | | tricks more aggressively. |
| should use longer skateboards, while the shorter ones | | | | There are many patterns and designs you can get on |
| are more suitable for tricks and maneuvers. | | | | your deck. So choose a deck you find beautiful, and |
| A main feature of a deck is that it rises at both ends. | | | | if you want to give it a personal touch add some |
| The one in the front is called the nose, while the rear | | | | stickers on it. |