Danny León has done it again. But can you imagine skateboarding merging with football?

The Spanish Olympic skateboarder has pushed the limits of his sport by becoming the first person to grind the crossbar of a professional football goal, turning the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, home of Atlético de Madrid, into the setting for an extraordinary skateboarding world first.

The challenge sounds almost impossible when reduced to numbers: a regulation football goal is 7.32 meters (24 feet) wide, while its crossbar sits 2.44 meters (8 feet) above the ground.

León had to jump onto that crossbar, lock into a 50-50 grind and travel from one post to the other without losing his balance or getting his wheels caught in the net.

The result was a trick that lasted only a few seconds but required months of preparation, engineering and mental conditioning.

A rail that moves

A football goal is not designed to be a skateboard rail.

That was one of the biggest problems León had to solve.

The crossbar has a degree of flexibility and rebound. Once a skateboarder is standing on it more than two meters above the ground, even a small movement can become much larger.

"The hardest part was managing the instability of the crossbar," León said.

"It has a small rebound and, when you're more than two meters above the ground, every movement is amplified. That's why mental preparation and balance were so important. In a challenge like this, you can't leave anything to chance."

There was another complication: the net.

If the skateboard wheels caught the net during the grind, the trick could quickly turn into a fall. That made the 50-50 grind more than a stylistic choice.

"It is the only way to keep the wheels from getting caught in the net," León explained.

The objective was simple: reach the crossbar, maintain control and grind more than seven meters without losing balance.

But first, León had to find a way to get there.

Speed and precision

The height of the crossbar meant León needed considerable speed to complete the grind.

The original plan involved using a ramp to generate enough momentum. It wasn't enough.

The solution was a winch cable, which allowed León to reach the speed required to hit the crossbar with enough momentum to travel its entire length.

But the winch couldn't do the trick for him.

Speed had to be perfectly synchronized with the jump, the entry angle, and the precise moment when the skateboard made contact with the crossbar.

A few centimeters could mean the difference between grinding the entire goal and falling short.

"The most important things to achieve this challenge were precision, speed and balance to stay up there, because the goal was moving all the time and was extremely unstable," León said.

Months of preparation

The world first began long before León arrived at the Metropolitano.

For months, he trained at the Municipal Stadium of L'Hospitalet in Barcelona, where structures were built to replicate the height and conditions of the challenge.

The training started with the crossbar at ground level. Then came height. And with the height came protective mats.

"Physically, I trained strength and balance. At first, we started training at half a meter above the ground so I could get used to that instability," León said.

"Mentally, I had to believe in myself and think that I could do it."

The height was gradually increased as León became more comfortable with the moving surface.

Eventually, the protective measures were reduced, and the setup increasingly resembled the real challenge.

Then came the moment to face the regulation goal at the Metropolitano.

The engineering behind the trick

Making the trick possible was an engineering challenge in its own right.

SB RAMPS developed a completely custom infrastructure designed to deliver León to the crossbar with the correct speed, angle and trajectory.

Every radius, angle and measurement had to be calculated with extreme precision so that León would arrive perfectly aligned with the crossbar.

The football goal itself also required additional work to reduce its movement. Straps and sandbags were used to increase stability and minimize unwanted motion.

"The ramps were designed with a single objective: to make the impossible possible," SB RAMPS said.

"Every measurement, radius and angle was calculated to the millimeter, so Danny would arrive perfectly aligned with the crossbar."

The crossbar's natural rebound added another variable.

"Any minimal deviation made the trick impossible," the company explained.

Even apparently minor details mattered.

The grip tape on León's skateboard, for example, needed to be as fresh as possible. During the jump and the grind, he needed his feet to remain firmly connected to the board.

On a challenge like this, there were no insignificant details.

Two experts watching

León wasn't the only athlete involved in the project.

Marc Pubill, an Atlético de Madrid player and recent world champion with the Spanish national team, watched the challenge from the Metropolitano's field.

"Being part of this challenge has been incredible," Pubill said.

"Danny is a machine. I've had a great time, and hopefully we can repeat the experience."

But he wasn't ready to trade football for skateboarding.

"That said, I wouldn't swap football for skateboarding," he added.

Professional BMX rider Courage Adams also followed the process closely.

His experience with balance offered another perspective on one of the central difficulties of the challenge: getting onto the crossbar was only half the battle.

León had to stay there while the surface beneath him moved. And then there was the final obstacle: the mental one.

The moment of truth

After months of training, testing, and adjustments, everything came down to a few seconds.

León positioned himself on the ramp. The skateboard was ready. The winch cable was tightened.

Courage Adams began the countdown.

The cable pulled. León jumped. The skateboard reached the crossbar and locked into the 50-50. He stayed balanced as the metal moved beneath him.

One meter. Two. Three. Seven. Then the landing.

The trick was over almost as quickly as it had begun. But getting there had taken months.

"It was very exciting," León said.

"I've been working on this for many months and finally achieved it."

The logistics of carrying out the stunt inside a professional football stadium presented another challenge.

"It was a real team effort with Atlético de Madrid, Red Bull, the camera crew and everyone involved," he said.

"And to carry out this process with a regulation 11-a-side football goal measuring 7.32 meters by 2.44 meters, which is pretty scary, is incredible."

When a football goal becomes a rail

For León, the project was about more than simply setting a skateboarding world first.

He grew up playing football and skateboarding, two passions that have followed him throughout his life.

"This project is very special to me because it combines two of my great passions: football and skateboarding," León said.

"When I was little, I used to go to football training on my skateboard, wearing my football cleats. So being able to grind a goal in a stadium like the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is a dream come true."

That connection may be the most fitting part of the entire project.

Skateboarding has always had a talent for changing the way we see ordinary spaces.

A bench becomes an obstacle, a curb becomes a rail, a handrail becomes a line, and, this time, a professional football goal became a seven-meter-long skateboard rail.

Danny León found a new place to skate and saw a rail where everyone else saw a goal.

A skateboard can have a great deck and fast wheels, but the experience still comes down to what happens underneath your feet.

That is where the trucks live - they connect the deck to the wheels.

They let the board turn, absorb pressure from your feet, and provide the surface you grind against.

The hanger carries the axle, while the bushings and pivot cup control how that hanger moves; the kingpin holds the system together and lets the rider change its response.

For a surfer, the easiest comparison is probably the one you already know.

A surfboard can have a good outline and a good set of fins, but the wrong fin setup can change the entire way it behaves.

Skateboard trucks work in a similar way. They are not passive hardware but a part of the board's steering system.

Choosing them well requires more than finding a pair that looks strong.

Width, height, geometry, materials, bushings, axle construction, and manufacturing quality all affect how a board behaves.

Let's help you choose the best, high-quality pair of trucks for your riding setup.

Why skateboard trucks matter so much

Every time a skater leans into a turn, the trucks respond. Every time a skater lands an ollie, the trucks take a load.

During a grind, the hanger becomes the contact surface between the skateboard and whatever is being ground.

The trucks also determine where the wheels sit in relation to the deck. Their width therefore affects the board's balance and feel.

A truck that is too narrow can make a board less stable, while an excessively wide truck can bring the wheels too far toward the outside of the deck and create problems such as shoe contact with the wheels.

The trucks also influence turning speed and radius.

Bushings compress as the skater leans, allowing the hanger to move around the pivot point.

Tightening the kingpin changes how much resistance the bushings provide. Harder bushings create a stiffer setup, while softer bushings make the truck easier to turn.

That means a truck is doing several jobs at once.

It has to carry the wheels, steer the board, survive impacts, and provide a surface that can be ground repeatedly.

A cheap truck may perform all of those jobs when it is new. The question is what happens after hundreds of landings and grinds.

Start with the width

The first measurement to get right is truck width.

The axle width should be close to the width of the deck.

Skateboard retailers and truck guides commonly recommend matching the two as closely as possible.

A difference of about one eighth of an inch is generally considered fine, while a difference of about one quarter of an inch can still work but is less desirable.

There is an important detail here: truck measurements are not presented in one universal system.

Some manufacturers emphasize hanger width, while others use axle width or their own numerical sizing system.

For that reason, checking the actual axle measurement is often more useful than relying on a truck's model number.

Imagine an eight-inch deck.

A truck with an axle width close to eight inches will keep the wheels and the truck ends close to the edges of the board.

A much narrower truck changes the stance of the setup and can reduce stability; a much wider truck changes the leverage and can make the wheels extend too far outward.

There is no performance advantage in deliberately choosing the wrong width.

Height changes the character of the board

Once width is sorted, truck height becomes important.

Low trucks place the board closer to the ground.

They are commonly used for technical street skating because the lower setup can provide stability and works well with smaller wheels.

High trucks provide more space between the deck and axle, which makes them better suited to larger wheels and gives them a larger turning radius.

Mid trucks sit between those two approaches and are widely used as an all-around option.

Wheel size is part of this decision.

A large wheel mounted on a low truck has less space between the wheel and deck.

When the skater leans into a turn, the wheel can contact the deck. The wheel bite can stop a wheel abruptly while the board is moving.

Truck height is therefore not a matter of choosing the highest or lowest model available. It has to work with the wheel diameter and the way the trucks are adjusted.

It's important to note that wheel size recommendations are guidelines and that riding trucks loose increases the risk of wheel bite.

A skater who spends most of the day doing technical tricks may value the lower ride height of a low truck. Someone who wants to carve around town or ride larger wheels may prefer more clearance.

Look closely at the hanger

The hanger is the large metal part of the truck. It contains the axle and provides the surface used for grinding. It also sits inside the pivot cup and moves when the skater turns.

Therefore, the hanger is one of the most heavily abused parts of the skateboard.

A good hanger needs to retain its structural integrity while being subjected to impacts and repeated grinding. It also needs accurate geometry because its shape and position influence how the truck turns.

We're at a point where construction quality starts to matter.

Aluminum is widely used for skateboard truck hangers and baseplates.

But saying that a truck is made from aluminum does not tell you everything about it. The alloy, manufacturing method, and heat treatment can all differ.

For example, current high-end truck specifications include heat-treated aluminum hangers and baseplates, while some designs use forged aluminum components.

Other manufacturers use carefully controlled casting processes and heat treatment.

The lesson is simple. Do not treat the word "aluminum" as a complete quality specification.

Forged does not automatically mean better

Forging is often presented as a premium feature, and it can be useful.

A forged component can be designed to remove material while maintaining the required strength.

Current lightweight truck designs use forged aluminum baseplates alongside hollow axles or kingpins to reduce weight.

But casting is not automatically a sign of an inferior truck.

Modern casting processes can produce strong and precise components.

One current truck specification, for example, uses a proprietary casting process, a specified aluminum alloy, and T6 heat treatment for both the hanger and baseplate.

It also specifies machined hanger ends for accurate bearing contact.

For a buyer, the important question is therefore not simply whether a truck is forged or cast.

The better question is whether the manufacturer has controlled the material, manufacturing process, and final dimensions well enough to produce a truck that remains reliable under use.

The axle deserves serious attention

The axle carries the wheels and bearings. It also takes punishment when the board lands badly or when the truck hits a hard surface.

One failure mode is axle slip.

You could describe this as the axle moving sideways inside the hanger, which can leave one wheel with less axle available while the other side has more.

It can eventually become a reason to replace the truck.

The threads at the end of the axle matter too. The axle nut has to hold the wheel securely, and damaged threads can make wheel removal or installation difficult.

Better trucks can use stronger steel alloys, hollow axles, or titanium axles.

Hollow construction removes material to reduce weight, while titanium can provide further weight savings. Current premium truck specifications show all three approaches.

That does not mean a solid steel axle is a poor choice. A truck does not need titanium to be durable.

What matters is whether the axle stays straight, remains securely positioned in the hanger, maintains usable threads, and provides a good fit for the bearings.

The kingpin holds the system together

The kingpin passes through the baseplate, bushings, and hanger.

Its adjustment changes how tightly the bushings are compressed and therefore changes the way the truck turns.

A strong kingpin is important because it is exposed to repeated loads while the skater turns and lands.

Some lightweight trucks use hollow kingpins, reducing weight without requiring the entire truck to be made from exotic materials.

Current truck designs use both standard and hollow kingpins, sometimes together with forged baseplates and hollow axles.

An inverted kingpin is another design choice.

It changes where the kingpin hardware sits and can provide more clearance around the grinding surface. It is a design feature rather than a simple measure of quality.

The important thing is that the kingpin remains strong, properly seated, and easy to adjust without damaging its threads.

Bushings can transform a good truck

A truck's metal parts get most of the attention, but the bushings have a major influence on how the board feels.

The bushings are urethane rings positioned around the kingpin. The hanger moves against them as the skater turns.

Their hardness affects how much force is required to turn the board.

Harder bushings produce more resistance and stability; softer bushings allow easier movement and quicker response.

And that's why two identical trucks can feel very different when fitted with different bushings.

It also means that a mediocre-feeling truck is not necessarily a bad truck. Its stock bushings may simply be wrong for the rider.

A heavier skater will compress a given bushing differently from a lighter skater. A rider who wants a stable board at speed may also prefer a different setup from someone who wants quick, loose turns.

The useful thing about bushings is that they can be replaced.

A truck with good basic geometry and replaceable components can therefore be tuned as the rider's preferences change.

Do not forget the pivot cup

Inside the baseplate is a small component called the pivot cup.

It supports the hanger at its pivot point and allows it to move when the skater turns.

It is easy to ignore because it is hidden inside the truck. And that can be a mistake.

A worn pivot cup can cause the hanger to move unevenly. Your local skate shop will surely specifically note that heavy use can wear the cup and that replacing it can restore proper movement.

And that is one reason replacement parts are valuable. A truck does not necessarily need to be discarded because one small part has worn out.

A durable truck should be designed as a system that can be maintained.

Precision is hiding in the details

Some of the most important qualities in a truck cannot be judged by looking at it on a shop shelf.

The axle needs to fit the bearings properly, the hanger needs to sit correctly in the pivot cup, the kingpin needs to line up with the rest of the assembly, and the mounting holes need to be accurately positioned.

Small errors can become noticeable when the truck is under load.

One current truck specification, for example, calls out machine-faced hanger ends for precise bearing contact and oversized axles intended to reduce bearing wobble.

These details are easy to overlook because they do not make for dramatic advertising photographs.

They are also exactly the sort of details that can separate a well-made truck from a cheap one.

Weight is useful, but strength comes first

Modern truck design has become very good at removing unnecessary material.

Hollow axles, hollow kingpins, and forged components can reduce weight while maintaining the required strength. Some premium designs also use titanium axles for further weight reduction.

A lighter truck can make a skateboard feel lighter during tricks. But weight should not become the main measure of quality.

There is little value in saving a small amount of weight if the truck bends, the axle slips, or the pivot becomes loose.

For most skaters, a reliable truck with good geometry is a better investment than the lightest possible truck.

What happens with an average or poor truck?

The problems usually do not arrive as one dramatic failure. Instead, they can appear gradually.

A worn pivot cup can make the hanger move unevenly, a damaged axle can make wheel installation difficult, an axle can slip after repeated abuse, bushings can lose their intended feel, and general wear can loosen components and change the board's turning and feel.

As you can see, there's plenty of room for flaws and malfunction, and the result is a skateboard that becomes less predictable.

A truck that once returned smoothly after a turn may start to feel different, and a board may become harder to control during a trick.

Also, the wheels may sit differently, bearing fit can become less precise, and a worn hanger can eventually lose enough material through grinding that it needs replacing.

None of this means an inexpensive truck will automatically fail. In other words, price and quality are not the same thing.

The real warning sign is a truck whose construction, tolerances, and replacement parts are poor enough that normal use quickly changes its performance.

Build the truck around the way you skate

There is no single truck specification that makes sense for every skateboard. It's the same with surfboards.

A street skater may want a lower truck and smaller wheels, and a transition skater may value a larger turning radius and additional wheel clearance.

Then, a person who mainly cruises may prefer the turning characteristics of a higher truck, and mid trucks can provide a compromise for general street and park use.

The deck matters too. So, a good starting point is to match the truck axle width closely to the deck width.

After that, wheel diameter and riding style help determine the appropriate truck height. Bushings then allow the rider to tune the resistance and response.

That is why buying the most expensive truck available is not a shortcut to a better skateboard.

A high-performance truck is one that works correctly with the rest of the setup.

What to look for when buying

When examining a truck, pay attention to the specifications rather than the appearance.

Look for a clearly stated axle width that matches the deck.

Check the truck height against the intended wheel size.

Look for information about the material and construction of the hanger and baseplate.

Check how the axle and kingpin are made. See whether the manufacturer provides replacement bushings or pivot cups.

Then look at the less glamorous details.

Are the axle threads clean? Is the bearing contact area accurately made? Does the hanger sit properly in the pivot cup?

Is the construction designed to remove weight without compromising strength? Does the manufacturer provide enough technical information to explain how the truck was made?

A manufacturer that can answer those questions is giving the buyer something useful.

A truck covered in technical-sounding words without meaningful specifications is a different story.

The best skateboard truck does not need the longest list of features. It needs the right dimensions, sound construction, and predictable movement.

Once those fundamentals are right, the rider can tune the bushings and hardware to suit the way the board is actually ridden.

That is when the truck stops being a piece of metal under the deck and starts doing what it was designed to do.

SurferToday's hierarchy of importance

If we were scoring trucks for a serious buying guide, we wouldn't give every specification equal weight.

We'd rank them roughly like this:

Tier 1: Critical

1. Correct truck width: If the width is wrong, the rest doesn't matter much;
2. Geometry: It determines how the truck actually rides;
3. Structural integrity: Hanger, baseplate, axle, and kingpin need to survive the abuse;
4. Truck height/wheel compatibility: It determines wheel bite, board height, and part of the riding feel;

Tier 2: Very important

5. Bushings: They have an enormous effect on how the truck feels;
6. Pivot cup: Critical for smooth, predictable movement;
7. Manufacturing precision: It separates genuinely good trucks from cheap ones;
8. Axle retention and bearing fit: Especially important for long-term reliability;

Tier 3: Performance refinements

9. Weight: Important, particularly for technical skateboarding, but not at the expense of strength;
10. Hollow components: A useful way to reduce weight;
11. Forged components: Potentially excellent for strength-to-weight optimization;
12. Titanium: Fantastic for premium weight reduction, but absolutely not essential;

Enjoy the ride.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

For a few seconds on August 12, 2026, Danny León appeared to float in front of a black Sun. Yes, you've read it right.

The Spanish skateboarder had launched from a ramp in Novales, Huesca, just as the Moon covered the Sun during the total solar eclipse. His board, body, and the dark solar disk lined up almost perfectly in the frame.

The image looked like a lucky accident. Yet, it was anything but. The project had been in the works for more than a year.

León worked with photographer José Ángel Izquierdo (@jaicano on Instagram), audiovisual producer Gonzalo González de Vega (@gochiestrella), and other members of a seven-person crew to turn a rare astronomical event into a carefully timed skateboarding shot.

The result became one of the most widely shared images of the eclipse.

Within 24 hours, the video had reached 120 million views, according to AS Acción. Earlier reports had put the figure at more than 80 million and then more than 100 million as the clip spread across social media.

The stunt cast a shade - pun intended - on the day pro surfer Italo Ferreira was caught inside a solar eclipse.

The idea started with the Sun and the Moon

The eclipse project began with a series of photographs.

Izquierdo had previously contacted León about making images with the Sun in the background. They later did the same with the Moon. Both projects attracted attention online.

León, José and Gonzalo then started thinking about the total solar eclipse more than a year before it arrived.

The idea was simple enough: put a skateboarder in the air at the exact moment the Moon completely covered the Sun.

Making it happen was a different matter.

The August 12 eclipse was the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain since 1905.

That gave the team one very specific opportunity. There would be no second chance the next day if the timing was wrong.

José Izquierdo used an application to work out where the Sun would appear and searched for a place where the light, landscape and position of the eclipse would work with a skateboard ramp.

He eventually found a private property in Novales, in Huesca, Aragón. The owner gave the crew permission to use the land.

The team then contacted SB Ramps to build a ramp for the shoot.

A custom ramp and a very long day

The ramp was installed on Tuesday, August 11, one day before the eclipse.

The crew tested the setup during the evening and adjusted the position before the main event.

For León, the following day started early.

He trained from 7 am to 10 am, then stopped for breakfast. At around 5 pm, he returned to the site. He trained for another hour, took a break, and started the final sequence at about 7 pm.

The operation continued until around 9:30 pm. The hard deadline was much shorter.

At the chosen location, totality lasted about 30 seconds.

That was the window in which León had to perform the tricks while the cameras tried to capture the eclipse and the skateboarder in the same frame.

Three tricks in 30 seconds

As the Moon moved across the Sun, León began making jumps and testing the timing.

He managed three tricks during totality. One of them produced the alignment the team had been waiting for.

In the successful frame, León's airborne silhouette sits directly against the completely covered Sun.

The other attempts were not perfectly timed with totality.

There was little room for error. León had to concentrate on the ramp and his landing while the photographers and filmmakers dealt with a moving astronomical target.

Then the light changed.

Totality brought darkness to the scene, and the wind suddenly picked up. León said he was effectively skating almost blind. The eclipse was to his right, but he had to keep looking toward the ramp.

Two spotlights had been placed at the site, but looking toward them made his vision even worse.

So León focused on the ground and the ramp. He did not even get to watch the eclipse.

He missed the eclipse he had spent a year preparing for

This may be the strangest part of the story.

While millions of people across Spain were looking at the sky, León was looking at the ramp.

He did not wear eclipse glasses during the trick because he needed to concentrate on the skateboarding.

Other members of the crew wore protective glasses, and the cameras were fitted with filters to protect them while filming the Sun.

Only after the critical 30 seconds had passed could León finally look up.

By then, the important part was already over. The crew was celebrating - the shot had worked.

The image travels around the world

León posted the video with the title "El truco de mi vida: Eclipse mode", or "The trick of my life: Eclipse mode."

The clip quickly moved far beyond the skateboarding community.

Heraldo reported more than 80 million Instagram views. HuffPost later reported more than 100 million views and 10 million likes. AS Acción then reported 120 million views after 24 hours.

The numbers changed quickly as the video continued to spread, but the 120 million figure is the latest figure reported by those outlets in the immediate aftermath of the eclipse.

The image also attracted a different kind of attention.

Some people online wondered whether such a perfect composition could have been made with artificial intelligence or digital manipulation.

Wider footage and other versions of the stunt showed that León really was performing the jump at the location while the eclipse was taking place.

The perfect-looking image came from perspective, timing and preparation.

León was already used to Olympic pressure

León, born in Móstoles in 1994, was already a well-known name in Spanish skateboarding before the eclipse.

Danny represented Spain in park skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. At Tokyo, he finished ninth, just outside the eight-skater final. At Paris, he finished 20th.

The eclipse project presented a different kind of challenge.

There were no judges and no competition score. The trick itself was not necessarily the most technically demanding maneuver León could perform.

The difficult part was getting the movement, location, camera, and astronomical timing to work together.

And there was one thing an Olympic skateboarder usually has that León did not have in Huesca.

Another run.

At the Olympics, a missed trick can sometimes be followed by another attempt. At Novales, the Moon was going to cover the Sun for about 30 seconds, and then the moment would be gone.

León had to make those seconds count.

The trick was only part of the job

The viral frame makes the project look simple: León jumps, the eclipse sits behind him, and the camera captures the moment.

But the image depended on several pieces falling into place.

Most importantly, the team needed a suitable location.

Izquierdo had to calculate where the Sun would be, the private property had to be available, SB Ramps had to build and deliver the ramp, and the crew had to position the equipment.

León also had to train the movement, the cameras needed protection, and everything had to happen during a roughly 30-second period of totality.

The seven-person crew also had to work around conditions that could not be controlled.

The darkness arrived exactly as expected; the wind did not.

For León, the sudden change made the ride harder. For the camera crew, it added another variable to an operation that already depended on precise timing.

Yet the successful attempt happened.

The skateboarder left the ramp, the Moon completely covered the Sun, and León's silhouette crossed the frame at the right instant.

Ultimately, for León himself, the price of getting the shot was missing the eclipse.

But it was probably worth it.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Skateboarding has always been difficult to define because it sits somewhere between a sport, an art form, and a way of looking at the world.

Ask ten skateboarders what skating means, and you'll probably hear ten different answers.

The purists will say it's a way of life, and never a sport, let alone an Olympic event.

Even so, the culture has a handful of ideas that have stayed with it since the first surfers put roller skate wheels on wooden boards in California during endless flat spells.

Freedom to do things your own way

The biggest of those "ideas" is freedom.

Skateboarding has always given people room to make their own choices. 
The truth is there is no single path to becoming a better skater and no universal definition of success.

It's what a skater makes of it, a bit like with surfing. Having fun is the measurement unit.

So, one person might spend months learning technical flip tricks on flat ground. Another might prefer riding bowls, cruising through the neighborhood, or grinding handrails.

All of those approaches are part of skateboarding. None is above or below another.

That freedom also shapes personal style. Every skater develops a different way of pushing, turning, pulling off, and landing.

Two people can perform the same trick, yet it will look completely different. In skateboarding, style has always mattered as much as the trick itself.

Style is a statement skaters are proud of.

Creativity

Also, skaters rarely see a city the same way everyone else does.

A staircase becomes a challenge, a concrete ledge becomes a place to grind, and a sloped driveway becomes something to carve. Streets are filled with opportunities that most pedestrians simply walk past.

It's a creative mindset that reaches far beyond making those four wheels roll.

You can tell it by looking at board graphics, photography, filmmaking, graphic design, and even the way skaters build lines by linking tricks together.

If surfers draw surf lines across the water, skaters paint skate lines on the concrete.

Therefore, creativity is one of the reasons skateboarding has influenced so many other forms of art and culture.

The city as a playground

Street skating changed the way people looked at urban spaces.

Instead of seeing benches, curbs, banks, and handrails as ordinary pieces of architecture, skateboarders turned them into obstacles or "features."

Many of the world's most famous skate spots were never built for skateboarding. They became legendary because skaters discovered new ways to use them.

In some ways, these urban places gained additional aura thanks to the thousands of sidewalk surfers who rode them for decades.

The Southbank (London, England), Embarcadero Plaza (San Francisco, California), El Toro High School (Lake Forest, California), Love Park (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), etc.

The search for interesting terrain remains one of the most exciting parts of street skating. Again, just like the search for an uncharted surf break.

Learning through failure

Every skateboarder falls. It is simply part of learning, progressing, and shining.

Landing a new trick often takes dozens of attempts, and sometimes hundreds. Progress usually comes in small steps that only the skater notices.

A cleaner kickflip or a more confident grind can feel like a huge achievement because of the work required to get there.

Over time, this process teaches patience, determination, and the ability to keep trying after failure.

A strong sense of community

Although skateboarding is often seen as an individual activity, it is also deeply social.

Skateparks and street spots naturally bring people together. Friends encourage each other, celebrate landed tricks, and share advice during every session.

There's actually less envy, jealousy, and competition than at a surfing lineup.

Respect usually comes from dedication rather than trophies. Let's not forget that style matters.

A beginner working hard to learn an ollie often receives as much support as an experienced skater attempting difficult lines.

People appreciate commitment because everyone remembers how challenging those first tricks were.

That's unique to the skate culture, and something the community should nurture and cherish.

The DIY spirit

In the early years, skateparks were rare. So, instead of waiting for someone else to build them, skateboarders often created their own places to skate.

Volunteers poured concrete, built ramps, and transformed abandoned spaces into community skateparks.

You can still see that taking place in America or Uganda.

These do-it-yourself projects became an important part of skateboarding's identity and showed how resourceful local scenes could be.

And then, sometimes, stars like Tony Hawk step forward with a helping hand and a few thousand dollars.

Independence

Skateboarding has never fit neatly into traditional sports.

Because many famous spots were not intended for skating, skateboarders often had to deal with security guards, "No Skateboarding" signs, and other obstacles.

It's a narrative that helped shape an independent mindset that is quite unique and opposite of what surfing has become.

Skaters learned to adapt, search for new locations, and make the most of the spaces available to them.

Style

Style has always carried special importance in skateboarding, and we cannot stress that enough.

Because landing a trick is one thing, making it look smooth, controlled, and effortless is something else entirely.

Speed, confidence, body position, and flow all influence how a trick is judged by other skaters.

That is why two identical tricks leave completely different impressions.

Skate videos

Videos have helped define skate culture for decades.

Long before social media, skateboarders passed around VHS tapes featuring new tricks, creative filming, unusual shooting angles, and memorable personalities.

Today, videos still inspire people to skate, introduce new talent, and document the evolution of the sport.

A great video part can become part of skateboarding history.

And the more retro and old school it looks, sometimes the truer to the essence of skateboarding it feels.

Music

Music has always been closely linked with skateboarding, even though there has never been one official soundtrack.

Punk rock, hip hop, alternative rock, jazz, electronic music, and many other genres have all found a place in skate videos.

And that is something very special and rare within sports culture.

Each generation and each local scene brings its own musical taste, giving skateboarding one of the broadest soundtracks in sports.

Fashion

Skate fashion developed because it worked. And made sense.

Shoes needed good grip and durability; clothes had to allow plenty of movement and survive frequent falls.

Loose T-shirts, hoodies, jeans, shorts, caps, and skate shoes became common because they were practical.

Over time, many of these styles spread far beyond skateboarding and became part of mainstream fashion.

And that also reveals the cultural power skateboarding has in life out there.

Art and graphics

It's impossible not to mention the fact that skateboard decks have long served as moving canvases.

Their graphics have featured cartoons, photography, abstract art, political messages, humor, and work by famous artists.

Like the "Screaming Hand" by Jim Phillips, for instance.

Today, for many skaters, choosing a deck is still about more than size and shape. The artwork becomes part of the board's personality and often reflects the skater's own tastes.

Photography and filmmaking

Skateboarding has inspired its own visual language.

Photographers developed dramatic angles and perfectly timed action shots that captured the speed and difficulty of tricks.

Filmmakers created distinctive camera movements and editing styles that made skate videos feel different from traditional sports coverage.

You could almost say the fisheye lens shooting style is "owned" by skateboarding.

And ultimately, all these images and films have become an essential part of skate culture and have inspired generations of riders.

Authenticity

Perhaps skateboarding's most enduring value of all is authenticity.

Within skate culture, people tend to value those who genuinely enjoy skateboarding over those seeking attention, fame, or commercial success.

In other words, the indie side of sidewalk surfing generally prevails over the commercial and uber popular side of it.

You could translate authenticity into skating consistently, supporting local scenes, respecting fellow skaters, contributing to the community in any way, and remaining true to your own style.

As we've seen, style is the beginning and end of every ride and, probably, it should stay like that forever.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Buying a first skateboard looks simple until you stand in front of a wall full of decks. They all seem similar - we've been there, too.

They all seem to have different sizes, shapes, and graphics. Then there are trucks, wheels, bearings, and technical concept words that sound like a different language.

The good news is that your first skateboard does not have to be perfect. It only has to be good enough to help you learn.

A quality setup will make pushing, turning, and balancing easier; a poor one will fight you at every step.

That is why experienced skaters often give the same advice before talking about deck sizes or wheel hardness.

Buy your first skateboard from a local skate shop whenever possible. A good skate shop does more than sell equipment.

The staff usually skate themselves, can answer questions, help you stand on different board sizes, recommend the right parts for your height and goals, assemble the board correctly, and often apply grip tape for you.

It is also the easiest way to become part of your local skateboarding community, which can make learning much more enjoyable.

The skateboard itself matters, but the advice that comes with it is often just as valuable. Think about that before making your purchasing decision.

Start with a standard skateboard

Let's start it off by keeping it simple. Many different kinds of skateboards exist, but they are not designed for the same purpose.

If your goal is to learn skateboarding, whether that means riding around the neighborhood, learning ollies, or eventually skating at a park, the safest choice is a standard skateboard with the familiar double kick, or "popsicle," shape.

It's the design used by most skateboarders because it works well almost everywhere.

Cruisers, longboards, and plastic mini cruisers each have their place, but they serve different needs.

A cruiser is comfortable for transportation. A longboard is built for longer rides and stability at speed. Small plastic boards are easy to carry but leave very little room for your feet, and are less forgiving while learning basic skills.

Several beginner guides recommend avoiding plastic boards if your goal is to learn skateboarding properly.

A complete skateboard is usually the smartest first purchase

Beginners often wonder whether they should build a custom skateboard or buy one that is already assembled.

For most people, a complete skateboard is the better starting point.

A complete arrives ready to ride, with the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, and hardware already installed.

It also costs less than buying every component separately.

Once you gain experience, replacing individual parts becomes much easier because you will know what you like and what you want to change.

The important distinction is quality. Avoid the cheapest boards sold in supermarkets, toy stores, or discount shops. They often use plastic decks, plastic trucks, hard plastic wheels, or trucks that barely turn.

All these shortcuts make learning harder and can shorten the board's lifespan.

A proper beginner skateboard should use a wooden deck, metal trucks with polyurethane bushings, and polyurethane wheels.

Deck size matters more than deck graphics

The first thing many people notice is the artwork underneath the board. It is also the least important part of the purchase.

The width of the deck has a much bigger impact on how the skateboard feels.

Modern skateboards are commonly available between about 7.5 and 9 inches wide, although most beginners will end up somewhere in the middle of that range.

A standard street skateboard is usually about 32 inches long, and the length changes far less than the width.

Smaller decks are lighter, rotate more quickly during flip tricks, and require less effort to move through the air.

The tradeoff is a smaller platform beneath your feet.

Wider decks provide more standing room, feel more stable, and give slightly more margin for error when landing. They also weigh more and take a little more effort to flip.

Many new skaters hear that deck width should match shoe size.

Shoe size can be useful later - SurferToday.com has a really nice guide on skate shoes, too - but several beginner guides place greater emphasis on height and overall body size when choosing a first board.

Taller or heavier riders generally benefit from slightly wider decks, while younger and smaller skaters often feel more comfortable on narrower ones.

For many teenagers and adults learning to skate, an 8-inch or 8.25-inch deck has become a common starting point because it balances stability with maneuverability.

Younger children often use narrower decks that better match their height and proportions.

The deck should be made from maple

A quality skateboard deck is usually made from seven layers of maple veneer pressed together. It's almost like an informal rule of thumb.

The construction has become the standard because it combines strength, flexibility, and durability.

Some decks use alternative materials such as bamboo or fiberglass, but seven-ply maple remains the benchmark for learning.

Eventually, the deck will wear out. Every skateboard does. That makes the graphic underneath even less important.

So, choose a design you like, but never let it outweigh the board's size or quality.

Trucks quietly determine how the board feels

The trucks are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the deck. They are responsible for turning, balancing, and absorbing much of the force generated while skating.

The most important rule is simple: the truck axle should closely match the width of the deck.

Trucks that are much wider or narrower than the board change how it rides and responds.

Because manufacturers use different sizing systems, this is another reason local skate shops are so useful. They know which truck sizes match each deck width.

Many trucks also come in different heights.

Lower trucks usually pair well with smaller wheels. Taller trucks create extra clearance for larger wheels and help reduce wheel bite, which happens when the wheel touches the deck during a sharp turn.

Inside every truck are polyurethane bushings that control how easily the board turns.

Most complete skateboards include medium to hard bushings, which work well for beginners, although lighter skaters sometimes prefer softer bushings later on.

It's a matter of personal choice.

Wheel size changes how the board behaves

Skateboard wheels are described by diameter and hardness.

Diameter is measured in millimeters.

Smaller wheels, typically around 49 to 52 millimeters, accelerate quickly, stay closer to the ground, and are commonly used for street skating and technical tricks.

Larger wheels, roughly 54 to 60 millimeters, roll faster, maintain speed more easily, and perform better on ramps, bowls, and rougher ground.

Hardness is measured with the durometer scale.

Harder wheels, generally between 99A and 101A, are fast on smooth concrete and skateparks but transmit more vibration on rough pavement.

Softer wheels grip the ground better and provide a smoother ride on cracked sidewalks and uneven streets.

Many beginner guides suggest polyurethane wheels in the 90A to 100A range because they provide a practical balance between grip, durability, and versatility while learning.

Believe it or not, you'll notice a huge difference between different hardness wheels.

Bearings matter, but not as much as beginners think

Bearings sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin.

New skaters often assume the fastest bearings are the best option. In reality, speed is not the priority during the first months of skating.

Several experienced guides recommend choosing standard, reliable bearings instead of expensive performance models.

Quality entry-level bearings are durable, easier on the wallet, and can always be upgraded later if needed.

Grip tape deserves a quick look

Grip tape is the rough surface on top of the deck that keeps your shoes from slipping.

Most complete skateboards already include grip tape. If you buy only a deck, it still needs to be applied before the board can be assembled.

Many skate shops will install it for free or for a small fee, which is worth considering if you have never done it before.

How much should your first skateboard cost?

A quality beginner skateboard costs more than the cheapest toy store option, but it does not have to be expensive.

A well-built, complete skateboard from a skate shop typically sits in the middle of the market and gives beginners everything they need to learn safely and confidently.

Spending a little more at the beginning often means getting better components, smoother turning, stronger materials, and a board that lasts longer.

The cheapest boards often look similar on a shelf, but lower-quality materials and poor construction become obvious as soon as you start riding.

So, a first skateboard would be worth an investment of around $120. That is the sweet spot for an entry-level complete.

Also, avoid non-trusted, out-of-the-industry manufacturers. Go with the most prestigious skateboard brands for your first-ever skateboarding vehicle.

Do not forget the equipment that protects you

The skateboard is only part of the purchase.

A properly fitted helmet should be considered essential, especially while learning.

Wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads can also reduce the chance of injury, particularly during the first weeks when falls happen often.

Flat-soled skate shoes are another worthwhile investment because they provide better grip, better board feel, and more predictable foot placement than running shoes.

Learning to skateboard is challenging enough.

A well-chosen first board removes unnecessary obstacles and lets you focus on the part that matters most: stepping on, pushing away, and discovering that each ride gets a little easier than the last.

We hope our tips and suggestions will help you embrace a smooth entry into the thrilling world of skateboarding.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

In 2026, besides and exacerbated "damn," everyone seems to spew when watching any news program, the word sitting on the lips of most folks is the word "space."

How to occupy, use, or remove it. And for skateboarding, it's no different.

The spot, shop, and park are all locations drawing the community together.

And through channels like Ted Barrow's "This Old Ledge" and the Dern Brothers' YouTube, skaters are now more aware of a setting's history and importance.

A cornerstone, of course, is the skate shop, where skaters of all ages can learn and grow safely within their community.

But currently in 2026, there are far more doors boarded than open.

Sidewalks remain vacant as businesses call it quits, done struggling to keep bodies coming through the doors.

Neighborhood hangouts crumble beneath the weight of mounting bills, even with regulars still taking up stools.

Theaters, shops, groceries, nothing is safe from the financial s**t-show that is the current state of things.

And this goes double, triple, even for skate shops.

Whether it's the cost of goods or the ever-looming presence of rising rent, operating a skate shop is still seen as a dice roll in a world where inflation and unemployment are running rampant.

Places like Crushed Skate Shop in Washington, D.C., Tri-Star Skateboarding in Cleveland, Ohio, and Conservation Skate Shop of Missouri all suffered the fate of permanently closing over the last few years.

Even across the pond in Bristol, longtime skate haven Fifty Fifty had to cease operations in November 2025 after 28 years serving its community.

Frog Skateboards' shop in Los Angeles: going out with a bang

So when Frog Skateboards announced their physical space, sitting fittingly at the edge of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Frogtown, was closing after a little over two years, it struck the community hard.

But to soften the sharp hit to their many fans and friends, they decided to go out with a bang on April 26, 2026.

Beneath the million-dollar hilltop houses, smashed between the local theaters, crowds packed the Frog shop and sidewalk to the point where it was damn near impossible to maneuver.

Six-packs sat along the curbs as folks drank and chatted, placing down their beers to either reach for another or pick up a fingerboard and hit the setup situated outside the shop's doors.

"What do I do if I have to pee?" One woman asked a friend outside the crowded store. He took a sip of his drink, shrugged his shoulder, and smiled before answering simply, "Dude, I don't know."

Ramps and rails could be found off to the side, practically impeding on those theater attendees, who were both annoyed and relieved this crowd wasn't in line for their show.

One producer from next door's show even came outside, filmer in tow, hoping to redirect the crowd's desire to attend their performance.

But she was met with justified judgmental stares and subtle giggles, with no one wanting to feed the woman's self-promotional social media clip.

Inside wasn't dissimilar, with people shoulder to shoulder to take in the space one last time.

In one corner, a tattoo artist was set up, ready to provide more permanent souvenirs, via flash sheet, compared to those grabbing merchandise at the back counter, lightening the load for the moving crew.

"There's such an aroma of smells in here," one person muttered as they pushed through the dense crowd.

For as crammed as it was, when the bands began, people continued to shove their way inside.

Talks began of climbing up onto lighting fixtures and furniture to get a good view or start a proper ruckus.

Some sought out a safe space, others a bathroom and beer.

Faces pressed against the windows, feet tipped forward onto toes, all to be one with the bands Faint, Kan Kan, and Creakbed from beneath the bass-rattled exterior of the building.

"We should just burn the place down," a sickly-looking mustached young man mentioned between drags of a bummed cig, offering an alternative to watching his favorite space become another victim of the times.

But there were also plenty of discussions of good times.

Voices meshed together to create a collage of events and happenings that took place in and outside the storefront.

An audio yearbook parting gift for all those who attended that evening.

Pop-ups for the digital age?

So, with a community clearly present, what was the last splinter to split?

Frog Skateboards clearly had gained a good group of supporters with their physical store, based on the crowds that gathered there that night, proving that the need for physical space isn't obsolete, but entirely necessary in this increasingly hollow digital age.

This begs the question about rising costs of goods across the skateboarding landscape as well.

Struggling to sell hard goods alongside the circling conversation about there being too many board brands for any one company to get a good slice of the pie.

With Frog unable to comment directly on this article, we can only speculate that it must be the rising Los Angeles rent costs.

They did, however, mention on Instagram that though they have no plans to reopen anytime soon, they hope to do pop-ups and other events in the future for those looking for camaraderie outside the digital realm.

And the community, I'm sure, will hop to building new memories in whatever space they can.

Words by Chuck Harp | Writer

They look like a blend between a skateboard and a pair of inline skates. They are called freeskates, and the sport of freeskating is evolving fast.

When you look at them, it's basically two small metal plates carrying two inline wheels mounted underneath at an angle.

There are no straps. No bindings. No axle connecting the feet.

A rider stands sideways, one foot on each plate, and somehow begins moving forward in smooth S-shaped curves without ever pushing off the ground.

For years, videos of freeline skating spread online, but the sport never became mainstream. It never found a place beside skateboarding in the X Games era.

Yet more than 20 years after its invention, freeskating remains one of the strangest and most addictive forms of street riding ever created.

And it's growing. SurferToday.com dug more and found an evolving niche with loads of potential.

A downhill experiment in San Francisco

The story starts in San Francisco in 2002.

Ryan Farrelly, a local inventor and downhill rider, was experimenting with ways to improve downhill skating. His early prototype placed four wheels underneath a narrow wooden platform.

During testing, he realized something unexpected.

The board itself was almost unnecessary, as he could stand directly over each wheel assembly instead. 

That realization became the foundation of Freeline skates.

Farrelly filed a patent with Jason Galoob in 2003 and later launched the company Freeline Sports. Commercial sales began around 2005. 

The idea was radical for its time.

Skateboarding already had street skating, downhill, longboarding, and carving. Inline skating had speed and aggressive skating.

Freeline skates occupied a strange space between all of them.

Riders generated movement not by pushing, but by carving their hips and legs in rhythm. The motion resembled slalom skiing or pumping a surfboard down the line of a wave.

The company described the experience as a mix of skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding.

Riders agreed with that description, though many admitted the learning curve felt closer to learning how to walk again.

The anatomy of a pair of freeskates

A modern pair of freeskates is deceptively simple.

The top section is the deck, usually made from aluminum or wood and covered in grip tape. Beneath the deck sits a steel truck assembly that holds two inline-style polyurethane wheels.

The wheels are mounted in a straight line, one behind the other, but angled slightly to allow carving and self-propulsion.

Bearings inside the wheels reduce friction and help maintain speed. Some models include shock pads between the truck and deck to soften road vibration.

The original Freeline models became known for their heavy metal construction. Customers noted they were designed to survive extreme abuse, even the weight of a car driving over them. 

How about that?

But the truth is, most riders today still prefer solid metal skates because rigidity improves precision during carving and tricks.

How freeskates actually move

The first thing beginners notice is that freeskates do not tolerate stillness. 

What do we mean? Well, on a skateboard, you can stand in place and coast - freeskates demand constant movement.

The rider generates speed through a motion called pumping, just like in skateboarding or surfing.

The feet carve in alternating curves while the hips rotate slightly from side to side. The angled wheel setup converts that side motion into forward momentum. 

Once the rhythm clicks, the skates begin to feel less like separate objects and more like extensions of the rider's balance.

Experienced riders can maintain speed on flat ground indefinitely. Skilled riders can even climb mild hills using a strong pumping technique.

That uphill capability became one of the most surprising features of the sport.

Early riders realized the skates could generate enough forward force to move uphill without touching the ground with their feet.

Watching someone climb a hill on two loose metal plates still looks slightly impossible.

Why the learning curve is so demanding

Freeline skating developed a reputation for humiliating beginners.

The problem is not balance alone. The skates move independently under each foot, which forces the brain to coordinate two separate rolling platforms at once.

New riders often experience the same sequence of failures: the skates split apart, the rider rotates unexpectedly, one foot outruns the other, or both skates shoot away in opposite directions.

Unlike skateboarding, there is no beginner mode where a rider simply rolls in a straight line and slowly improves later. Freeskating requires active control from the first second.

Most riders learn by practicing mounting first.

They place one skate on the ground, step onto it, then carefully place the second foot while already moving. Beginners usually practice on smooth pavement next to a railing or wall.

After mounting, the first real skill is learning the pumping rhythm.

New riders tend to oversteer; experienced riders keep their knees bent and movements compact.

Small, controlled S curves create far more speed than exaggerated twisting.

In the end, you'll certainly need over 10 hours of committed practice to start moving. But it is worth it.

The best places to ride

Freeskates are highly sensitive to terrain. So, the best riding surfaces are smooth, flat, hard, and clean.

Riders consistently prefer polished concrete, smooth asphalt, basketball courts, parking garages, and open plazas with long uninterrupted lines. 

Rough asphalt creates heavy vibration and slows momentum dramatically. Gravel and cracks can stop the wheels instantly.

Riders online often compare rough pavement to riding over sandpaper.

Japan became famous inside the freeskating world partly because of its smooth urban pavement and open public plazas.

Videos from Tokyo helped define the modern style of the sport. Riders there emphasized flowing movement, tight carving, and dance-like transitions.

It's beautiful - and relaxing - to just watch.

The rise of the freeskating culture

Freeskating grew through the internet rather than traditional sports media. YouTube became the sport's natural habitat.

Short clips of riders carving uphill or spinning through crowded plazas spread rapidly in the late 2000s.

The sport developed strongest in Japan, China, and parts of Europe. Japanese riders in particular pushed the technical side of freeskating into new territory. 

Their style emphasized smoothness over aggression.

Spins, transitions, backward riding, and one-foot carving became central to modern freeskating culture.

The community stayed small but deeply committed. Riders traded tutorials online, filmed street sessions, and organized local meetups. 

Many came from skateboarding or snowboarding backgrounds, though the sport also attracted people who had never touched a skateboard before.

The collapse of Freeline Sports

Despite its cult popularity, Freeline Sports struggled financially.

By the mid-2010s, the original company had effectively collapsed after legal and investor problems. But riders were also mentioning the decline of product quality towards the end.

For a while, the sport appeared close to disappearing.

Then, former members of the original Freeline community launched a new company called JMKRIDE in 2015. The goal was not only to improve the equipment, but also to revive the culture around the sport.

JMKRIDE redesigned several aspects of the skates, including wheel geometry and deck construction.

The company also pushed the broader term "freeskating" instead of "Freeline skating," partly because Freeline had originally been a brand name rather than the name of the sport itself.

How to start freeskating

The easiest way to begin is on smooth, empty pavement with gentle space to roll.

Basketball courts and quiet parking garages are popular learning spots because they combine smooth concrete with predictable terrain.

Most beginners place the dominant foot on the rear skate first.

The second foot steps onto the front skate while the rider immediately begins carving lightly from side to side.

Looking forward helps maintain balance better than staring down at the feet.

Short practice sessions work better than marathon attempts. Freeskating demands intense coordination at first, and fatigue causes sloppy movement quickly.

Protective gear matters.

Wrist guards are especially important because most beginners instinctively catch themselves with their hands during falls.

A skate helmet and knee pads are common among new riders.

Learning self-propulsion

Self-propulsion begins with timing rather than force.

The rider shifts weight between the skates while tracing narrow S-shaped lines across the pavement.

The rear skate often drives the motion while the front skate stabilizes direction. As the hips rotate gently, the skates convert that side motion into forward acceleration.

Beginners often try to muscle the movement. Skilled riders stay loose and relaxed. Efficient pumping feels smooth rather than powerful.

The sensation resembles carving on a snowboard at low speed.

Momentum builds gradually until the rider realizes they are accelerating without pushing.

Riding uphill

Going uphill is one of freeskating's signature skills. It only works on mild inclines, though.

The rider increases pumping frequency while keeping the carving lines tight.

Remember that wider turns waste energy. Strong uphill riders generate momentum through rapid rhythm and careful weight transfer.

Steeper hills demand more precision because any loss of timing kills forward speed instantly.

Most beginners spend months learning flat ground before attempting uphill riding consistently.

Simple tricks that define the sport

The basic trick vocabulary of freeskating revolves around rotation and flow.

The 180 is usually the first real trick riders learn. The rider rotates both skates and continues riding backward. The 360 extends that movement into a full spin.

One foot riding removes one skate entirely and forces the rider to balance on a single platform while carving.

Crossovers involve weaving one skate around the other during the pumping motion. Advanced riders combine crossovers with spins and backward riding in long, flowing sequences.

Drift slides emerged later as downhill riders experimented with higher speed carving.

Unlike skateboarding, freeskating tricks are often connected continuously rather than separated into isolated movements.

Choosing the right gear

Most modern riders choose metal deck skates because they provide a stronger response and durability.

Wooden decks exist, and some riders prefer them because they soften vibration on rough pavement.

Wheel choice changes the ride dramatically.

Softer wheels absorb cracks and rough asphalt better, while harder wheels roll faster on smooth surfaces. Larger wheels maintain momentum more easily over imperfect pavement. 

Good bearings matter less than surface quality. Even premium setups struggle on rough pavement.

The most important equipment decision is usually the riding surface itself. Smooth ground turns freeskating into flowing motion. Bad pavement turns it into survival training.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

In 1987, an unusual skateboard movie permanently altered skate culture without fully realizing what it was doing.

It was called "The Search for Animal Chin," and on paper the premise sounded ridiculous: the Bones Brigade - Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Mike McGill, Tommy Guerrero, Lance Mountain, and others - travel around searching for the mythical "first skateboarder," a mysterious old master named Won Ton "Animal" Chin.

But somewhere between the awkward acting, the surreal jokes, the impossible ramps, the synchronized airs, and the endlessly quotable dialogue, the film became something much bigger than a skate video.

Decades later, skaters still talk about it.

The movie that changed skate videos forever

Before "...Animal Chin," skate videos were mostly simple compilations: contest footage, demo clips, and montages of tricks set to music.

Then, skater and filmmaker Stacy Peralta decided to turn a skate tape into a bizarre, mythological road movie.

Instead of just showing tricks, the film had characters, recurring jokes, fake philosophy, cinematic editing, narrative structure, mysterious clues, emotional arcs, and an actual quest.

In other words, anything you'd imagine in a surrealist flick.

At the time, many skaters didn't even know how to process it. Former Powell rider Eric Ricks later said he thought it was "an actual Hollywood production with skateboarders in it."

The movie effectively created the DNA for the modern skate video.

Nearly every later skate film that mixed skating with comedy, storytelling, skits, weird interludes, or personality-driven editing owes something to "The Search for Animal Chin."

Years later, mainstream media publications even argued that the movie "changed skateboarding three times": by reinventing the skate video itself, by changing how skate teams marketed themselves, and eventually by reminding skateboarding how to have fun again.

The accidental creation of "...Animal Chin"

Even the title sounds half mythical, half absurd.

According to one famous story, an earlier draft of the script used the name "Animal Chang."

But ranch dressing somehow got spilled on the page, Stacy Peralta misread "Chang" as "Chin," and decided it sounded better.

That accidental typo became one of the most famous names in skateboarding history.

The movie's central mystery - "Have you seen him?" - turned into a cultural obsession among skaters. Kids out on the streets repeated the line endlessly.

And the film slowly developed its own strange language:

"Wake up and smell the concrete."
"Yapple dapple."
"Maps to the skaters, Holmes."
"Bunson over the Junson."

All these sayings and shoutouts, none of them really made sense. And that was precisely part of the magic.

The dialogue was also awkward, surreal, sincere, goofy, and completely unselfconscious.

Tommy Guerrero later admitted the skaters never really wanted to act and even suspected the scripted scenes might be "a bad idea."

Instead, the awkwardness became the charm.

The Brigade members essentially played exaggerated versions of themselves:

Lance Mountain as the class clown, Tommy Guerrero as the young kid, Steve Caballero as the quiet cool one, Mike McGill as the approachable everyman, Tony Hawk as the prodigy, and Rodney Mullen as the technical genius.

That was that.

The film never fully resolves the mystery of "...Animal Chin." In the end, the Brigade realizes the search itself - and the joy of skating together - was the real point all along.

That sounds cheesy written down, but in the movie, somehow, it works.

The Chin Ramp: one of the most legendary ramps ever built

And then came the famous Chin Ramp.

The final ramp in the movie looked less like a normal skate obstacle and more like a hallucination built out of plywood.

It featured opposing vert ramps, a vert spine, tunnels, elevated sections, a mini-ramp built directly on top of the deck, strange transitions, and impossible-looking lines.

How about that, hum?

Steve Caballero later said nobody had even imagined a vert spine before that; Stacy Peralta described the entire design philosophy as "ramp on ramp."

Today, that sounds normal, but in 1987, it looked insane.

The structure became so influential that people later compared it to Danny Way's Mega Ramp decades afterward.

But the craziest part was this: the entire thing was built illegally.

The production had no permission to build the ramp on the land in Oceanside, California.

Stacy Peralta later admitted that the lumber company delivered all the wood without ever checking whether they were authorized to do so.

They weren't.

Ramp builder Tim Payne later said the crew basically lied to everyone while constructing it.

The ramp existed for only about three weeks before being demolished.

The filmmakers had roughly four days to shoot the entire climactic sequence. That temporary existence became part of the mythology.

Sadly, almost nobody outside the Bones Brigade ever got to skate it.

The hidden engineering lies

The Chin Ramp also carried one of skateboarding's great technical secrets.

For years, people assumed the ramp used ordinary vert transitions. It didn't.

Tim Payne later revealed that the production intentionally concealed the real dimensions. The transitions were elliptical, making the ramp smoother and easier to skate than standard vert ramps.

Payne eventually described the "Animal Chin Ramp" itself as partly a myth because nobody knew its real geometry.

The original ramp also used PVC coping instead of steel coping because production moved too fast to install proper metal.

And the famous tunnel section - one of the movie's most iconic visual elements - barely functioned as a practical obstacle at all. It mostly existed because it looked completely absurd on camera.

Chaos, collisions, and progression

The skateboarding itself became legendary partly because so much of it evolved spontaneously. Many of the doubles tricks and synchronized airs weren't planned in advance.

One skater would suggest something ridiculous, somebody else would try to top it, and suddenly the entire session escalated into a progression battle.

Backside airs became synchronized, inverts became synchronized, transfers started happening over the spine, and everything kept mutating in real time.

The famous four-person invert photo by J. Grant Brittain eventually became one of skateboarding's defining images and the promo shot for the iconic film.

Not everything went smoothly, though.

During filming, Steve Caballero accidentally collided with Tony Hawk in midair, hitting Hawk's legs while Hawk was airborne and violently flipping him.

People thought Hawk might be done filming entirely. But he rested for a day and came back.

That sort of reckless improvisation became central to the movie's feeling. The skating looked less like an organized performance and more like a group of friends continuously discovering what was possible.

Rodney Mullen, Mike Vallely, and the collision of skate eras

The film also accidentally captured a major transition point in skateboarding history.

Rodney Mullen appears during the movie's famous "Rad Party" scene, bringing freestyle skating into the same universe as vert skating.

A very young Mike Vallely also appears before becoming one of skateboarding's defining personalities.

Looking back, the movie documented multiple skate eras colliding at once: freestyle, vert, the beginnings of street skating, technical skating, theatrical skating, and personality-driven skating.

The truth is that, at the time, nobody fully realized they were filming a historical crossroads.

Johnny Rad and the weird soundtrack energy

The soundtrack added another layer to the movie's strange identity.

At a time when most skate videos simply borrowed songs, "The Search for Animal Chin" included music created specifically for the film.

The fictional band Johnny Rad - especially the "Blue Tile Lounge" performance - became permanently burned into skate culture memory.

The soundtrack helped establish what skateboarding could feel like audiovisually: part punk show, part cartoon, part dream sequence.

The movie became uncool - and then became immortal

What makes "...Animal Chin" even stranger is that skateboarding eventually turned against it.

By the early 1990s, many skaters viewed Powell Peralta and the Bones Brigade as too polished, too commercial, too cartoonish, too corporate.

That backlash helped fuel the rise of anti-corporate street-skating brands like Blind and Plan B.

For a while, "...Animal Chin" became the thing rebellious skaters rejected. And then something unexpected happened.

A later generation rediscovered it and realized the movie contained something skateboarding had lost - joy, creativity, friendship, weirdness, imagination, and pure fun.

A cocktail of skateboarding pleasure for the new kids on the block, right?

Suddenly, the movie no longer looked corny. Instead, it looked visionary.

Its influence started appearing everywhere, especially in later skate videos that mixed humor, narrative, and skating - particularly the Spike Jonze-era Girl Skateboards videos.

The emotional effect on isolated kids

Part of the movie's power came from timing.

In the 1980s, many skaters lived in isolated towns with terrible weather, rough pavement, no skateparks, and almost no local skate scene.

For those kids, Bones Brigade videos felt like transmissions from another universe.

People have described watching "The Search for Animal Chin" in snow-covered places like New Hampshire and feeling completely transported somewhere magical.

The movie made skateboarding feel less like a sport and more like a secret mythology.

It suggested skateboarding wasn't simply about tricks or contests, but also about searching for something impossible with your friends.

And that fits in the whole skateboarding universe of coolness.

The resurrection of the Chin Ramp

In 2016, nearly 30 years after the original film, the Chin Ramp was rebuilt at Woodward West.

The reconstruction instantly became sacred ground for skateboarders.

Tony Hawk jokingly described it as a new benchmark: "Oh, you did that trick? But did you do it on the Chin Ramp?"

The rebuilt version modernized parts of the design: a wider spine, steel coping, and slightly updated dimensions.

But it remained remarkably faithful to the original.

Unlike the 1987 version, the rebuilt ramp became permanent, meaning ordinary skaters could finally ride something that previously existed almost like a rumor.

The Bones Brigade also recreated the legendary four-person invert photograph.

What surprised many of them was realizing they were still inventing tricks and progressing decades later.

The mythology hadn't frozen in time. It was still very well alive.

Why the movie still feels impossible to categorize

Part of the reason "The Search for Animal Chin" remains so memorable is that nobody can fully explain what it is.

It's simultaneously a sports film, a comedy, a fantasy quest, a youth-culture manifesto, an art project, an advertisement, and a surreal documentary about friendship.

The movie eventually inspired T-shirts, catchphrases, band names, songs, and references across skateboard culture.

People still wear "Have You Seen Him?" shirts decades later. Some fans can still recite the movie almost entirely from memory.

And maybe that's because Animal Chin captured something larger than skateboarding itself. A bit like "Skaterdater" did two decades earlier.

It captured the feeling that youth culture occasionally produces something completely accidental - a weird little project nobody expected to matter that somehow becomes myth forever.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Skateboard wax is one of the most undervalued pieces of skateboarding equipment.

Nevertheless, if you walk past a skate spot on a warm afternoon, you might notice the edge of a concrete ledge looking darker, shinier, almost polished by hand.

That, dear reader, is skateboard wax at work.

Skateboard wax, often called curb wax or grind wax, is actually a very simple material, but with a very specific job.

It is applied to obstacles and surfaces like ledges, rails, and curbs to make them easier to slide on.

What usually happens - without it - is that when a skater locks into a trick such as a boardslide or a 50-50 grind, the board or trucks meet resistance.

Wax reduces that resistance, allowing the board to glide instead of sticking. Simple, right?

Without wax, many everyday street objects are almost impossible to skate. With it, those same objects become usable terrain.

In other words, a rough curb can turn into a smooth practice spot in a matter of minutes.

What skateboard wax is made of

At its core, skateboard wax is not complicated chemistry.

Most commercial waxes that you'll find in skate shops are built on a base of paraffin, sometimes blended with other materials like beeswax or additives that change hardness and durability. And sometimes smell, too.

Paraffin itself is a petroleum-derived substance made of long-chain hydrocarbons. It is solid at room temperature, melts at relatively low heat, and has a naturally slippery feel.

The combination in question makes it ideal for skating. It is easy to carry, easy to apply, and effective at reducing friction.

Some brands tweak the formula by adding harder or softer waxes, which changes how it behaves on different surfaces.

A bit like surfboard wax, you know.

Why skaters really feel the need to use wax

Skateboarding rides on a delicate balance between grip and slip.

On one hand, wheels need traction to roll and land; on the other hand, the deck and trucks need to slide when performing tricks.

Wax helps control that balance.

When applied to a surface, wax fills in tiny cracks and imperfections. It creates a smoother layer that the board can move across more easily.

The consequences and effects are quite easy to comprehend.

It makes tricks more consistent, reduces the effort needed to grind, and helps maintain speed through a slide. In practical terms, it can turn a failed attempt into a clean one.

You obviously need to be good enough to get your deck grinding the desired surface, but we're counting on that.

There is also a quieter benefit. By reducing friction, wax can lower wear on both the skateboard and the surface being used.

That said, you may be extending the lifetime of your dear board.

How skateboard wax works

The science behind skate wax is simple.

Friction happens when two surfaces catch on each other at a microscopic level. Concrete is rough. Metal rails can have scratches. Even painted ledges are not perfectly smooth.

Wax acts as a thin layer between those surfaces.

Instead of board against concrete, it becomes board against wax. Wax against wax slides much more easily than raw materials grinding together.

As skaters repeatedly use a waxed spot, the wax spreads and settles into the surface. Over time, the ledge or rail becomes smoother and faster, sometimes requiring less wax with continued use.

Yes, the obstacle doesn't look pretty in the eyes of a non-skater pedestrian, but it's for a good cause.

So, when that happens, skaters often say a spot is "broken in," with a layer of wax and wear that has built up over time.

Where the wax goes

Here's a fundamental lesson for the beginner or the sidewalk surfer who has never used skateboard wax: Hey, it does not go on the board, OK? It goes on the obstacle.

The most common places where it is needed are concrete ledges, metal rails, curbs, and sometimes the coping on ramps.

Basically, the points where trucks or the deck make contact during a grind or slide. That is where friction builds up, and that is where wax does its job.

A skater usually targets the exact line they plan to use.

If the trick involves sliding along the edge of a ledge, the wax is applied along that edge. If it is a rail, the top and sometimes the sides are coated lightly.

How to apply it

Using wax is straightforward, but here's a pro tip: there is a difference between doing it well and overdoing it.

Here's how.

Take a block of wax and rub it directly onto the surface. The motion is firm and repeated, almost like coloring with a crayon.

The goal is not to leave chunks behind but to create a thin, even layer.

On rough concrete, it may take a bit more effort. The wax needs to settle into the tiny pits and cracks. On smoother materials like painted ledges or metal rails, only a small amount is needed.

Temperature matters.

In colder weather, wax is harder and may not transfer as easily. In warmer conditions, it softens and spreads faster, sometimes too fast.

Now, you automatically also learned the reason different wax formulas exist. Got it?

How much wax is enough

Now, for the experienced veteran tip.

Too little wax and the surface still feels sticky. Too much wax and the surface becomes dangerously slick. Over-waxing can cause a board to shoot out unexpectedly, which is a common cause of falls and broken bones.

Most skaters start with a light layer, test the surface with a slow hit, and add more if needed. It is a gradual process rather than a one-time application.

You can often see when a spot has the right amount. It has a slight sheen, not thick buildup. If you can scrape visible clumps with your fingernail, there is probably too much.

Test it out because it matters.

What happens when you skate a waxed surface

Once wax is applied, the change is immediate. The first few attempts may still feel slightly rough as the wax spreads under pressure.

After a handful of grinds or slides, the surface begins to "break in." The wax distributes more evenly, and the motion becomes smoother.

At that point, tricks require less force, and a skater can approach with more control instead of brute speed.

You should not underestimate how important this is for technical tricks where balance and timing matter more than momentum.

It really makes a difference.

Over time, repeated use can polish the surface itself. Concrete edges become rounded. Painted ledges wear down.

Wax plays a role in this process, but it is really the combination of wax and repeated contact that changes the spot.

A note on skate etiquette

Wax is useful and cool to use, but it can also cause problems.

Applying wax to public or private property can lead to complaints. Property owners often dislike the marks and residue it leaves behind.

Fair enough, don't you think?

Actually, in many places, excessive waxing has led to skate spots being blocked or removed by public authorities or property owners.

There is also a shared responsibility among skaters.

Why? Because over-waxing a popular ledge can make it unsafe for others. Many experienced skaters will scrape off excess wax or avoid adding more if a spot is already fast enough.

Used carefully, wax improves a session. Used carelessly, it can ruin a spot for everyone. And we can easily make it fun for everyone.

Store-bought skateboard wax

As we've learned above, most commercial skate wax is built around paraffin, but brands adjust the formula to change performance.

Some make harder wax that lasts longer on rough concrete; others make softer blends that go on easily and feel fast right away.

Companies like Sex Wax, Girl Skateboards, and Diamond Supply Co. all sell skate wax, often with slightly different textures and melting points. 

The differences are not always dramatic, but experienced skaters can feel them. Harder wax tends to stay in place longer, especially in warm weather; softer wax spreads faster but may wear off quicker.

Some brands also add scents or dyes, though those do not affect performance much.

Natural and blended waxes

Some wax blends include beeswax or other natural components.

Beeswax is slightly tackier than paraffin, which can give a different feel when applied lightly. In practice, these blends aim to strike a balance between durability and smoothness.

The idea is not new, though.

Wax mixtures have been experimented with for decades, especially by skaters who prefer a specific feel under their trucks. Still, paraffin remains the dominant base because it is cheap, consistent, and effective.

How to make your own skate wax

A lot of skaters eventually try making their own wax. Why? Because it's fun, easy, and maybe slightly cheaper.

The process is simple and widely documented.

Most DIY recipes start with paraffin, often sourced from household candles. Some people mix in small amounts of beeswax or even add oil to soften the final product.

So, the wax is melted slowly, often using a double-boiler setup to avoid burning it. Direct heat can overheat paraffin and create fumes, so a controlled melt is safer and more consistent.

Once melted, some people mix in beeswax to make the final block slightly firmer. Others add a small amount of oil to soften it.

The mixture is then poured into a mold - muffin trays, silicone molds, or even empty containers work fine.

After cooling, the wax hardens into a usable block. The final texture depends on the ratio of ingredients and the cooling process.

The results can work well, but consistency varies. Homemade wax may be softer, crumble more easily, or melt faster in the sun, depending on the mix.

There is no single "correct" recipe, but the underlying principle stays the same. You are creating a material that spreads easily and reduces friction.

Homemade skate wax has been part of skate culture for years. For many skaters, the appeal is cost and control over the formula.

Specialty waxes

There are also niche versions designed for specific conditions.

Some are made for cold climates, where standard wax becomes too hard to apply. Others are designed to be extra sticky so they stay on vertical surfaces longer before being broken in.

These are less common, but they show how small changes in composition can affect performance.

Why don't you try them out?

How the types really differ in use

In everyday skating, the differences between wax types come down to three things: how easily the wax applies, how long it lasts, and how fast it feels.

It's as simple as that.

A soft wax is easy to rub on but may need reapplying. A hard wax takes more effort to apply but holds up over longer sessions. Blended waxes try to sit somewhere in between.

For most skaters, the choice becomes personal rather than technical.

After enough sessions, you start to notice what feels right under your board and stick with it. No need to complicate what's simple.

How to remove skateboard wax

Wax does not last forever, and sometimes it needs to be removed. On skate spots, excess wax can build up into thick layers.

It is usually removed by scraping. A metal tool or even the edge of a skateboard can peel away the buildup. Once the bulk is gone, the remaining residue can be worn down through use.

For a more thorough clean, especially on smooth surfaces, heat can help. Warm water or mild heat softens the wax, making it easier to wipe away.

In some cases, cleaning products are used, but simple mechanical removal is often enough.

On clothing or shoes, wax can be removed by letting it harden and then scraping it off, followed by washing. The process is similar to removing candle wax.

No worries.

Does skateboard wax damage surfaces?

Time for a bit of a controversial topic with an answer that depends on what you mean by damage.

Let us put it this way.

Wax itself is not chemically aggressive. Paraffin and beeswax are relatively inert substances. They do not corrode concrete or metal.

In that sense, wax alone does not "damage" a surface. The real issue is how wax interacts with use.

By reducing friction, wax allows repeated grinding in the same spot. Over time, that repeated contact wears down edges, chips concrete, and removes paint.

The wax makes that wear possible, but it is the physical action of skating that changes the surface.

There is also a visual impact. Wax leaves marks and buildup that can look messy or neglected. Property owners often object to this, even if the structural damage is minimal.

So, to be honest, wax is part of the process, but not the sole cause of wear.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Skateboarding is back for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and the road to get there follows a familiar structure.

The system used for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 returns with a few refinements, keeping things competitive while opening the door to global talent.

Both Park and Street disciplines follow the same qualification path, split into two stages.

Each stage plays a specific role in narrowing down the world's best skateboarders.

Athletes must perform across multiple events, handle pressure in a smaller field, and stay within strict national limits.

One strong result is not enough. The system favors those who can deliver again and again.

It's still unclear whether Tony Hawk's lobbying to have Vert as an exhibition discipline will be successful.

But it would make all sense and would benefit the sport of skateboarding and the Olympic movement.

Let's see how skateboarders can qualify for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Phase 1: World Skateboarding Tour

Everything begins with the World Skateboarding Tour (WST). It's the main global competition circuit and the only way into the next phase.

The WST qualification window starts in June 2026 and runs until March 31, 2028.

Athletes collect results during this period, and rankings are based on their best performances over the previous 18 months.

Each event has a structured entry system:

• Every country can enter up to 3 athletes per event;
• Up to 6 additional athletes per country may qualify if they rank in the top 30 of the World Skateboarding Ranking (WSR);

The ranking acts as the backbone of the system. It determines who advances and who stays behind.

At the end of Phase 1, the top athletes move forward. But not everyone makes the cut.

Phase 2: The Olympic Qualification Series

Phase 2 raises the stakes.

Only the top 44 athletes per discipline and gender advance into this stage. These spots are decided using rankings, national quotas, and Olympic rules that ensure global representation.

At this point, the field becomes more controlled:

• Maximum of 6 athletes per country;
• A total of 176 athletes across all events;

Each skater begins Phase 2 with a set number of base points. They depend on their ranking position among the 44 athletes.

The idea is to keep competition fair and avoid large gaps before contests even begin.

Phase 2 runs from April 1 to June 11, 2028, with a separate contest series designed to decide the final Olympic lineup.

How the final Olympic spots are decided

Once Phase 2 ends, the field is cut in half.

Each discipline and gender will have 22 Olympic athletes. The selections are based on Phase 2 results and a set of Olympic rules that shape the final list.

The main selection criteria include:

• Maximum of 3 athletes per country;
• At least 1 athlete from each continent;
• Guaranteed host nation representation if not already qualified;
• One universality place for underrepresented countries;

All these rules ensure the competition includes both top-ranked athletes and a broad international mix.

Special qualification pathways and rules

Beyond rankings and contest results, a few additional pathways help shape the final Olympic field.

Universality places

A small number of spots are reserved for athletes from countries with limited Olympic representation.

To be eligible, athletes must meet performance standards:

• Ranked within the top 50 percent of the world rankings;
  or
• Ranked within the top 50 overall, depending on which is stricter;

Only one male and one female universality spot are available per event.

Host nation places

The United States, as host of LA 2028, is guaranteed representation if it does not qualify athletes through normal ranking.

To be eligible, host athletes must:

• Rank within the top 75 percent of the world rankings;
  or
• Rank within the top 75 positions;

The stricter of the two applies.

Points reset after qualification

An important detail: results from Phase 2 do not carry forward.

Once the Olympic field is finalized, all Phase 2 points are removed from the ranking system. They have no impact beyond qualification.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com