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

Traditionally, sports events change little. Most of the successful formulas are already locked in and rarely evolve.

However, the KASSO Fest Skate & Sound is daring to reshape what a skateboarding event can look like.

It does not follow the usual contest format. There are no judges scoring tricks or long debates about style.

Instead, it borrows from game shows and builds something new around speed, obstacles, and real-time pressure.

KASSO began in Japan in 2024 as a television program created by Tokyo Broadcasting System Television.

The company is known for producing physical challenge shows like "Ninja Warrior" and "Takeshi's Castle." That background is easy to recognize in KASSO's design.

The concept is simple but different.

Skateboarders are placed inside a timed obstacle course. Each run is about getting through the course, not impressing judges. Miss an obstacle or take too long, and the run is over.

The format mixes racing, elimination rounds, and survival-style pressure.

It turns skateboarding into something closer to a live-action game show than a traditional contest. And it's super fun to watch.

It actually also reminds us a bit of Europe's "Jeux Sans Frontières."

The Long Beach debut

KASSO reached a wider audience with its United States debut on March 21, 2026, in Long Beach, California.

The event was built as a two-day festival, not just a competition. It included a full KASSO challenge course, live music performances, a live DJ set, and community-focused skate activities.

The event also featured a global livestream on YouTube on March 22, reflecting how the format is designed for both live crowds and online viewers.

A course instead of a contest

At the center of KASSO is its four-stage course system. Each stage increases in difficulty and demands a different type of skating.

The courses in Long Beach were:

• Mount Fuji: A downhill opening stage focused on speed and control;
• RailCoaster Big Boy Foy Rail: A rail-heavy section designed by Jamie Foy;
• The Grasshopper: A new course testing adaptability and creative lines;
• Million Jump: A final stage built with large jumps and complex features;

Twenty-eight skaters from around the world competed, including Jamie Foy, Cordano Russell, Jiro Platt, CJ Collins, Torey Pudwill, and Gavin Bottger.

Each skater ran the course individually.

The goal was to complete each section cleanly and quickly. The slowest time or a failed obstacle meant elimination. Only those who survived all stages reached the final round.

The structure shifts the focus. Instead of building a perfect trick, skaters must think on the move, adjust instantly, and stay consistent under pressure.

"You're just competing against the course"

For many skaters, KASSO feels unfamiliar at first. Jamie Foy explained how the format changes the mindset.

"My first impression when I heard about and saw KASSO was just like, 'Damn, this is sick.' It's something that I think skating is really good for, because it's not about the tricks. It's more like successfully completing a course on your skateboard," underlined Foy.

"So it's about board control and a full different aspect of skating that people don't really think about, rather than just like technical tricks. And I think that's what just makes it really fun, because it's pretty much anyone's game."

"It's like, how long have you ridden on your skateboard? Or how comfortable are you riding on your skateboard? That's really what it comes down to. And it kind of just reminds me of an American Ninja Warrior-style competition, which people love, and even Wipe Out, because then you get people falling in the water."

That comparison captures the shift. The challenge is about survival, control, and timing, and not exactly style points.

Thrasher's 2017 and 2024 Skater of the Year also pointed to the cultural mix behind the format.

"KASSO is super cool. I think it falls in par with the Japanese culture, like, they have a really big game show culture. And then it comes to skating with us, how we love to skate, and skate anything we can. So this is a perfect mesh of two great cultures that like skating, which obviously is growing crazy in Japan. So I think it's a beautiful blend."

And perhaps the clearest summary of the format comes from how he describes the competition itself.

"KASSO is super different because it's not like your average contest. You're not competing against the person next to you. You're just competing against the course and yourself because there could be multiple winners."

"It's whoever finishes all the courses together. So it doesn't really matter who does it the best or the fastest or anything. It's just something that is different, and something that people are really excited to see."

A new direction for sports entertainment

KASSO fits into a larger shift happening in entertainment. Traditional game shows built around quizzes and prizes are being replaced by physical challenges and real-world performance.

Obstacle-based shows like Wipeout and Ultimate Beastmaster have already shown that audiences enjoy watching people face unpredictable, high-risk environments.

KASSO applies that same idea to skateboarding. The sport is a natural match for this format.

Skateboarding already includes risk, creativity, and improvisation. By placing it inside a structured course, KASSO turns those elements into a clear narrative that viewers can follow.

Each run tells a story.

A skater drops in, faces obstacles, reacts in real time, and either advances or gets eliminated. There is no need for judging explanations. The outcome is immediate and easy to understand.

Collaboration inside competition

Even with elimination rounds, the atmosphere among skaters stays different from most contests.

Riders are not focused on beating each other with better tricks. They are focused on making it through the course.

That shared challenge creates a more collaborative feeling. Skaters push each other, react together to obstacles, and often treat the course as a group test rather than a rivalry.

It's an approach that aligns with how many skateboarders already see the sport. Sessions are often about trying things together, not competing for scores.

KASSO brings that mindset into a structured event.

A format that can grow

KASSO shows how skateboarding can move beyond its traditional contest model. It keeps the core of the sport but changes how it is presented.

The mix of obstacle racing, elimination rounds, and live entertainment creates a format that works both in person and on screen.

It is easy to follow, visually engaging, and built around real performance instead of scripted drama.

It does not replace traditional skate contests, but it offers a different lane. One where the course becomes the opponent, and every run feels like a live game show.

In a time when more sports look for new ways to connect with audiences, KASSO is a clear example of how competition can evolve.

Dropping in on a skate ramp or bowl requires more confidence and commitment than any advanced technique. We'll help you get it done.

Ramps and bowls can be a bit intimidating, right?

The steepness and the abyss prevent any human being from naturally throwing themselves off the ledge of any structure.

But as with many things, it's only a matter of training the brain to do it the right way and with no harmful consequences.

Dropping in is mostly a commitment attitude.

The trick is try the move on a small bank or mellow quarter pipe first to build confidence and tell yourself you'll be OK and safe.

Let's do it, shall we?

Gear and safety first

In theory, helmets are mandatory. So, especially if you're learning, wear a helmet that fits well. Add knee pads and elbow pads, too, when you are in the first stages. Wrist guards also help a lot when you fall forward.

The idea is to have safety gear lower the chance of a bad crash and let you focus on technique.

Then, pick a skateboard that feels stable, making sure the trucks are not too loose. Test your board on flat ground. If it feels wobbly, tighten the trucks a little.

Learn the motion on flat ground

Now that the initial preparations are set, it's time to take care of your body movements.

So, before the coping, try this on flat ground:

1. Put your back foot on the tail;
2. Put your front foot over the front bolts:
3. Shift your weight from the tail to the front foot in one quick motion:
4. Practice until the push of the weight forward feels natural. The motion is the same as the drop in, but without the height;

Positioning at the top of the ramp

After practicing the previous step until you're comfortable, it's time to move to level two.

1. Stand so the tail sits on the coping;
2. Put your back foot firmly on the tail with toes near the edge;
3. Keep your front foot parallel to the back and rest it over the front bolts;
4. Bend your knees and hold your arms out so you can balance. This position keeps the board ready to roll and gives control when the front wheels hit the ramp;

The essential move: commit and lean forward

Now, the third and last stage. Remember that a drop in is mostly about one clean motion.

1. Shift your weight forward and lean toward the ramp;
2. Press down on your front foot. The front wheels must reach the transition smoothly;

If you hesitate and lean back, you will likely fall backward. If you lean too far forward, you will nose-dive.

Aim to move forward aggressively, but keep your body centered over the board once the wheels touch.

If you're still not confident, practice small ramps first to feel this balance.

Practice progressions

Sometimes, practicing on smaller and less steep ledges helps build confidence. Here's what we suggest.

Start on a bank or a small mini ramp. Banks are flatter and give less speed.

Repeat the flat drill, then try the bank from the lower middle of the ramp, then move to the coping as you gain confidence.

Gradually step up to a steeper transition. We suggest practicing on smaller pieces of transition before moving to big bowls.

If you feel scared, try a supported practice. Squat on the board while holding the coping and drop your hands along the ramp as you lean in.

It will lower the risk and train the motion. A coach or a friend can also hold your hands and guide your shoulders as you commit.

How to drop in step by step

Shall we recap to create muscle memory?

1. Get into drop position. Tail on coping. Back foot on tail. Front foot on bolts. Knees bent. Arms ready:
2. Take a breath and pick a count. Think one fluid motion;
3. Push down with the front foot and lean forward. Keep the front foot planted until the last moment, then straighten the front leg to let the wheels touch the ramp;
4. When the front wheels hit, shift the weight a bit back to control speed.
5. Keep knees bent and eyes looking down the transition;
   Roll away.

Perfectly doable, right?

Common problems and fixes

Are you struggling with your skateboard drop-in? That's part of the game. No worries. Here are a few common issues and how to get over them.

Problem: You fall backward.
Fix: Put more weight on the front foot and lean forward earlier. Do the flat drill more.

Problem: You nosedive and trip over the front.
Fix: After the wheels touch, keep weight slightly toward the back to roll out smoothly. Keep your knees bent to absorb the motion.

Problem: The skateboard slides out.
Fix: Check wheel grip and truck tightness. Practice on a smaller bank until your stance is steady.

How to bail when things go wrong

Bailing is also a very common thing when learning to drop in on a bowl or half-pipe. If that happens, know that there's a way to fall safely.

So, if you feel off balance and you cannot recover, step off with your back foot toward the inside of the ramp.

Aim to land on your feet and roll to absorb energy. Wrist guards and pads will reduce injuries if you hit the ramp.

Practicing falling on flat ground helps you learn to absorb impacts. It's actually easier than you think.

Mental tricks that help

The mind controls the body.

So, if you feel uneasy, picture the motion before you start. Then, count to three and go. Small, repeated successes make fear shrink fast.

Many instructors say commitment plus repetition is the key to making the move feel normal.

Try it for yourself. We know you can do it.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

The Professional Skateboarding League (PS) is a new team-based skateboarding competition created by veteran skateboarder Mike Mo Capaldi.

The league brings together some of the world's best street skateboarders to compete in weekly matches using a fresh format that relies on no traditional judges.

The idea is to make contests easier to understand and more exciting for both skate fans and newcomers alike.

PSL emphasizes team competition and head-to-head matchups through a simple scoring system.

That differs from most other pro skate contests that use panels of judges and subjective scoring systems.

PSL matches are structured around team battles. Skaters are divided into teams, and those teams face off directly against each other.

There are no judges comparing trick difficulty in the traditional sense. Instead, teams score points based on their ability to match tricks.

Trick-for-trick format

Matches are played in a trick-for-trick style.

One team starts by setting a trick - that means a skater attempts a trick on a chosen obstacle (often stairs or rails).

The opposing team then has the opportunity to match that trick. If neither skater on the defending team can land it, the offensive team earns a point.

Each offensive turn continues until the team fails three times, then the roles switch. Matches are typically played in multiple rounds to determine a winner.

By now, you've probably noticed that the format is similar to the game of S.K.A.T.E., but adapted for teams and with clear point scoring for each attempt.

Teams and skaters

In the 2026 PSL season, six teams are competing. Each team has a roster of high-profile pros. These are the skaters, organized by team:

Lithium

• Alex Midler
• Maurio McCoy
• Braden Hoban
• Dashawn Jordan
• Robert Neal
• Zach Saraceno

Los Santos

• Ryan Decenzo
• Ginwoo Onodera
• Kyle Walker
• Miles Silvas
• Vincent Milou
• Felipe Gustavo

SHS

• Angelo Caro
• Jonny Hernandez
• Julian Christianson
• Julian Jeang-Agliardi
• Manny Santiago
• Paul Rodriguez

Soldiers

• Art Cordova
• Evon Martinez
• Micky Papa
• Sinner
• Gustavo Ribeiro
• Nyjah Huston

Tropics

• Christian Dufrene
• John Dilorenzo
• Alec Majerus
• Ishod Wair
• Jamie Foy
• Trevor Colden

Wolverines

• Chris Colbourn
• Kristion Jordan
• Roman Hager
• Taylor McClung
• Chris Joslin
• Tj Rogers

These teams were assembled through a draft process led by captains, including Nyjah Huston, Paul Rodriguez, and others.

Schedule and format for 2026

The 2026 PSL season officially begins on February 7 and spans into March. Matches take place every Saturday throughout the season.

These weekly contests are set in a custom-built arena located inside the Girl Skateboards warehouse.

Over the duration of the season, teams face off in a schedule that builds toward more important matchups and ultimately determines league standings.

The exact playoff or championship structure may vary, but the fundamental idea is a series of head-to-head competitions.

Rules and scoring

Here's how PSL rules guide the action.

There are no traditional judges. Instead of panels awarding style or difficulty points, trick success is binary: either the defending team lands the trick, or they don't.

Teams also rotate offense and defense. A team stays on offense until their skaters bail a set number of tricks. Then the other team gets a turn on offense.

The points system is clear. Each time a team fails to match a trick that was set, the offensive team earns a point.

The team with the highest score after scheduled match rounds wins.

The goal is to simplify skateboarding contests and make them easy to follow for casual viewers while retaining the high level of skateboarding.

Watching PSL

Matches are streamed live and later published on the PSL YouTube channel. The league also offers tickets for in-person attendance at select events inside the Girl Skateboards warehouse.

The PSL YouTube channel hosts past matches, highlights, and statistics, helping fans follow their favorite skaters and teams.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Nyjah Huston began 2026 in a hospital bed.

The 31-year-old American star revealed on January 5 that he suffered a fractured skull and a fractured eye socket after a hard slam while skating in Arizona.

Sharing the update with his 5.2 million Instagram followers, Huston did not sugarcoat the moment.

"A harsh reminder of how death-defying skating on massive rails can be," he wrote.

"Fractured skull, fractured eye socket."

Photos posted alongside the message showed medics checking on him on a sidewalk in Tempe, lying on the ground as people helped him, and later resting in a hospital bed.

Other images showed him wrapped in a blanket, wearing bright yellow hospital socks, and riding in a wheelchair outside a medical facility.

A mirror selfie revealed heavy bruising and swelling around his left eye, with blood visible on the ground in some of the earlier shots.

"Taking it one day at a time," Huston added.

"I hope y'all had a better New Year's than me. We live to fight another day."

Support Messages from the Skateboarding World

Support poured in quickly from across the skateboarding community.

Tony Hawk, the most famous skater of all time, kept it short and real. "Heavy. Stay strong; we know you'll be back," he wrote.

Brazilian Olympic skater Leticia Bufoni added, "Get well soon, buddy." Ryan Sheckler commented, "Man.. prayers for healing brother!"

One comment calling for more safety also gained attention online, with thousands liking the line, "Time to make helmets cool."

No timeline has been set for Huston's return to competition. He had been expected to appear in contests throughout 2026.

One of the Most Decorated Skaters Ever

Huston's injury hit hard because of who he is in the sport.

He is a two-time Olympian who represented the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Games and again at the Paris 2024 Games.

In Paris, he won the bronze medal in men's street skateboarding. After that final, he admitted the result was tough to swallow.

He wrote on Instagram that it was "tough" having "a good shot at the win and not pulling through."

Even so, his resume is stacked.

Huston is a seven-time world champion and has won 15 X Games gold medals. Few skaters in history have landed more tricks under pressure.

He most recently finished 30th at the World Skateboarding Tour World Cup stop in Kitakyushu in November 2025.

Falling is Part of the Job

Huston has always been open about the risks that come with street skating.

In a 2024 interview on CBS Mornings, he talked about the tough path that shaped him, including family struggles and being pushed hard to train as a kid.

"I think the fact that I was able to get through all those rough moments as a kid and still come out with that much love for it is the perfect example of, like, how fun skateboarding is," he said.

"It's really just an addiction. There's just, there's nothin' else like it."

He also explained the reality behind highlight clips and contest runs.

"When we put out these video parts that people watch on YouTube or whatever, or they see us skate these contests and land most of our tricks first try, they don't realize that skateboarding is really 90% falling," Huston added.

"I hope you guys show some of the falls in this, because I have taken quite a beating throughout my lifetime."

This is not the first time fans have worried about him. In March last year, Huston shared another hospital visit after slamming into a rail.

Looking Ahead to Los Angeles

Despite the latest scare, Huston has not backed away from future goals. He has said he plans to try for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"I'm stoked for the L.A. Olympics. I'm definitely going to try my best to be there. I plan to be there," Huston told Reuters in August 2025.

"It helps having the extra motivation that it's in Southern California, where I've lived for so long and where skateboarding really thrives. It's SoCal living."

For now, the focus stays on healing, patience, and getting through each day, just as Huston said himself.

S.K.A.T.E. is a simple skateboard game, often also played with BMX or inline skating, where players challenge each other with tricks.

The Game of S.K.A.T.E. was inspired by the basketball game H.O.R.S.E., where players match shots and earn letters for missed ones.

Sidewalk surfers adapted this idea to tricks on a skateboard.

The earliest versions started being played in the 1970s by vertical (ramp) skateboarders like Lance Mountain, Neil Blender, and John Lucero.

The development into a formal game took place in the early 1980s.

Skate City Skatepark in Whittier, California - a hub for vert skating - became a place where these players refined the trick-matching game.

Over time, it transformed from informal trick sequencing games (like one called "Add On") into the structured S.K.A.T.E. with rules about earning letters for missed tricks.

It became popular because no setup is needed, it scales to any skill level, encourages creativity and progression, and it is highly social and competitive without being overly serious.

Basic Game Rules

1. Players

The Game of S.K.A.T.E. usually involves two or more players. The playing order can be decided by rock-paper-scissors.

2. Set a Trick

To kick things off, the first player - the setter - performs any trick they want.

The tricks must be landed cleanly with both feet on, before rolling away. They can be flatground or on obstacles, whatever everyone agrees is allowed.

3. Match the Trick

Once the first trick has been performed, the next player must try the exact same trick.

If they land it, they're safe; if they miss, they get a letter: S.

4. Letters

So, as we've seen in the previous step, each miss adds one letter in order:

S > K > A > T > E

Once a player spells S.K.A.T.E., they're out.

5. Keep Going

If everyone lands the trick, the same setter goes again with a new trick. If someone misses, the setter stays the same.

When the setter misses their own trick, the next player becomes the setter.

Don't S.K.A.T.E. and Win

The last player who hasn't spelled S.K.A.T.E. wins.

Common House Rules (Optional)

The following rules vary a lot, so players usually agree beforehand:

• No Repeats: you can't set the same trick twice;
• No Crazy Tricks: everyone must be reasonably doable for everyone;
• Defense Allowed: slight variation in style counts;
• Redo: if a rock or crack messes up the attempt, you can retry it;
• Style: must catch flip tricks, no toe drag, etc.;

Evolution Over Time

As skateboarding culture shifted in the 1980s toward street skating, for instance, using curbs, rails, and urban environments, S.K.A.T.E. also transitioned from vertical ramps to flat ground and street surfaces. 

In 2003, professional skateboarder Eric Koston helped bring S.K.A.T.E. into organized competition with the original éS Game of SKATE at an Action Sports Retailer trade show.

The event formalized competition and helped boost the game's profile, eventually expanding into national and international amateur events.

The challenge became especially popular in skateboarding media.

For example, The Berrics - founded in 2008 - made S.K.A.T.E. a central part of its Battle at the Berrics series, with match videos drawing huge online audiences.

Consequently, interest spread well beyond local skateparks. 

Unlike judged skate contests or video game competitions, S.K.A.T.E. focuses on creativity and technical skill with minimal equipment - just the skater and the board.

It's widely played informally in parks and streets globally, fostering community and progression among skaters of all levels.

Keep the legacy alive. Invite your skater friends and challenge yourselves.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

The death toll involving skateboarders is getting too serious to be ignored.

The number of skaters dying in street and road accidents in 2025 is higher than the number of surfers losing their lives in the water in the 21st century.

Data trends speak for themselves, and we can no longer pretend it isn't happening.

According to a study published in the Journal of Transport & Health, at least 147 skateboarders died between 2011 and 2015 in vehicle collisions and road accidents.

That's almost 30 deaths per year within the skateboarding community.

The shocking figure shows that sidewalk surfers experience a similar fatality rate as pedestrians and cyclists.

Also, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2023, 221,313 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after being injured while skateboarding, with 60,376 of those injuries occurring in people ages 15 to 24.

In 2025, we can barely find a month where tragic headlines don't pop up:

"Trenton man riding a skateboard was struck and killed by motorist in Hamilton"

"Fatal Car Accident Involving 18-Year Old Skateboarder This Morning"

"Dundalk skateboarder killed after being struck by truck"

"Skateboarder Killed in Highland Park LAPD Car Accident"

"NJ community shaken after deadly electric skateboard accident claims 36-year-old"

"Man dies after crashing on electric skateboard in Oakton"

"9-year-old girl on skateboard hit and killed by truck in Spruce Grove"

"Teen killed in hit-and-run on South College Road"

"Skateboard rider killed in collision with car in Coburg, Melbourne"

"Teen girl killed after being hit by car while on skateboard in San Antonio"

"Man on skateboard killed by Tesla in Las Vegas hit-and-run"

"Skateboarding teen struck by vehicle in northwest Calgary has died"

These are just a few examples of how this has become a public safety issue that must be addressed multidimensionally.

So, why are so many skaters dying on the streets and roads? And what can be done to dramatically lower the death toll?

The first thing we need to address is the legal framework applying to skateboarders.

In most US states, the law treats skaters as pedestrians using a means of transportation: the skateboard.

However, on average, they travel at three times the speed of pedestrians and only slightly slower than cyclists.

And we're not yet addressing electric skateboards, which must follow the rules that apply to vehicles.

And, like other non-motorized users, skateboarders are vulnerable to cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles.

How Can Skaters Minimize Risks

So, if a skater is allowed on the asphalt, which is never the best of all options, they should minimize the risks as much as possible.

Wearing proper safety protection equipment is mandatory, including:

• A safety standard-approved helmet;
• Knee pads;
• Elbow pads;
• Wrist guards;
• Thick clothing;

If there are laws in place that prohibit skateboarding in public thoroughfares, they should be strictly respected and followed.

Adults are responsible for their children and should ensure they do not hit the city streets at all, under any circumstances.

The use of headphones while riding is highly dangerous; traffic lights and semaphores should be respected without exception.

Hitching rides from cars, buses, or any other vehicles could put a skater's life in jeopardy.

What Can the Authorities Do?

It's virtually impossible to monitor, control, and prevent the wrongful use of skateboards in public thoroughfares.

Nevertheless, there are a few things local, regional, and national authorities may do to mitigate fatal accidents involving sidewalk surfers.

One of them is to improve signaling, especially in areas prone to skateboard riding, such as near schools, skateparks, and popular skate spots.

The implementation of CCTV surveillance in critical areas can also dissuade skaters from hitting heavy traffic and dangerous urban areas.

Also, having strategic police patrols in critical zones during times when most accidents occur might help reduce the number of skaters on the asphalt.

Educational campaigns targeted at the local skateboarding community, with information on the dangers of sharing urban thoroughfares with motorized vehicles, are never too much.

The Danger Posed by Electric Skateboards

The rise of the electric skateboard from 2010 onward coincided with an increase in deadly incidents involving four-wheeled riders.

These motorized versions of the longboard skateboard can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour) or more.

A skater riding this fast can easily lose control of their equipment and crash into another moving vehicle, a wall, a building, or an urban landmark.

In most cases, users are not experienced with riding at these speeds.

Furthermore, small cracks, pebbles, or other ground defects can suddenly cause an accident. And they're everywhere, really.

You cannot apply breaks or stop an electric skateboard suddenly. And if you do, your body will likely be projected forward.

So, e-skateboards are not exactly meant to be ridden on roadways alongside cars and other motor-powered vehicles.

Individual, tragic incidents involving skateboarders being fatally struck by vehicles on public roads are consistently reported yearly across the United States.

For the carnage to stop, everyone should be involved, from skaters to local authorities, health and safety governmental organizations, and law enforcement entities.

It's just unacceptable to lose dozens of teenagers and young adults every year riding skateboards.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Choosing a bearing in a skate shop could be confusing. Skateboarders are often led by an acronym - and price - to make the final decision.

The acronym in question is ABEC. It stands for the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee.

It was developed by industrial engineers to rate the manufacturing precision of a bearing's components.

It's a measure of tolerance and tells us how close the bearing rings and balls are to a mathematically perfect size and shape.

The scale runs in odd numbers:

• 1 (high tolerance, low precision);
• 3;
• 5;
• 7;
• 9 (low tolerance, high precision);

Here's an example: a bearing rated ABEC 9 is, strictly speaking, manufactured with tighter tolerances than an ABEC 5.

In an industrial context, where a machine tool might spin a bearing at 20,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) or more in a clean, controlled environment, this precision is critical to prevent catastrophic failure.

Speed Is Not Always Critical

But here is the breaking point: a skateboard is not a factory robot.

When you're doing an ollie or dropping a ten-stair, your wheels are spinning at a realistic maximum of around 4,700 RPM, and often far less.

At these speeds, the microscopic difference in precision between an ABEC 5 and an ABEC 9 becomes effectively irrelevant.

Usually, when you're at a skate shop and trying to figure out which small metal cylinder is going to give you the fastest roll, finding the ABEC could be the easiest decision-making factor.

"If 5 is good, 7 must be better, and 9 must be rocket-ship fast, right?" one could ask.

Well, not exactly.

For decades, the higher ABEC number has been the gold standard for marketing, promising skaters pure, unadulterated speed.

But if we get pragmatic, it turns out that ABEC, while a legitimate engineering measure, is the least important factor in wheel bearing performance on the street or in the park.

The Defining Bearing Factor: Axial Load

The biggest reason the ABEC rating falls apart in skateboard wheel bearings is what it doesn't measure: the impact of axial loads.

In industrial applications, bearings are designed to handle radial loads, which are the straight downward forces perpendicular to the axle, like the weight of a heavy object.

In other words, it is a basic, clean motion. A skateboard is a completely different thing.

Every time you carve, turn, powerslide, or land a trick, you hit the bearings with a massive axial load, which is a sideways, off-center force parallel to the axle.

An ABEC 7 or 9 bearing, manufactured to be perfectly precise, can be more brittle and susceptible to deformation when hit with a heavy axial load.

The tight tolerances that make it great for a high-speed motor also make it sensitive to the grit, dirt, and violent impacts that define a skateboarding session, be it on the streets, park, vert, or bowl.

Therefore, that perfect and romantic precision is often ruined the moment you ride through a patch of dust or land a sloppy kickflip.

Factors That Matter More Than the Number

If ABEC is just a marketing distraction, what should you really be looking for?

The brands that focus on performance - the ones that use proprietary terms like "Skate Rated" instead of ABEC - prioritize the following critical design elements:

1. Material Quality

A bearing made of high-quality steel or a durable ceramic ball is exponentially better than a cheap ABEC 9 made with soft, low-grade metal. High-quality materials resist impacts and wear far better than pure precision.

2. Seals and Shields

The quality of the rubber seals (the colored rings on the side) is what keeps grime, dust, and moisture out of the bearing. No matter how precise your components are, if they are full of dirt, they will be slow and loud.

3. Lubricant

The type of oil or grease determines the bearing's feel. A thick, heavier grease offers great durability for long-term cruising but is slower. A light, high-performance skate oil provides maximum speed but requires frequent maintenance.

4. Internal Design

Features like deeper, less shallow raceways (the grooves the balls roll in) are better at handling the intense axial loads of street skating and carving, preventing the balls from slamming into the shields.

The bottom line for any skater is simple.

Don't ignore the ABEC rating entirely, as it gives a rough idea of the bearing's initial manufacturing quality.

But stop viewing it as a speed meter.

The true measure of a great bearing lies in its durability, material composition, and resistance to the most hardcore skate tricks.

Having your bearings clean will also help.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

RampNerd is a browser-based mini ramp and halfpipe designer built for skaters, BMX riders, and anyone who loves do-it-yourself projects.

Not everyone has a carpenter or DIY spirit. And some, even if they have the will, don't have the skills.

Yes, you can put up a mini ramp by yourself. However, oftentimes, the result is an expensive, unusable backyard ramp.

But those times might be over.

With RampNerd.com, you don't need to install anything - just open it in your browser and start shaping your ramp in real time.

The online platform lets you dial in height, radius, length, and platform width with a live 3D view that updates as you tweak your specs.

Whether you're working with a cramped garage or a backyard barn, RampNerd helps you fit a ramp perfectly to your space and your style.

The project was created by Samir Boudia, a 3D developer and skater from Belgium.

"While building my own backyard mini ramp, I realized the tool I needed didn't exist. I was also tired of corporate/VC theater and wanted something practical for real builders," Boudia told SurferToday.com.

"It took me nine months full-time, solo, to launch the minimum viable product (MVP)."

All the Math, Done for You

One of the greatest things we found on RampNerd is that every slider you move updates the entire plan automatically.

Adjust the drop? The radius and coping reveal rebalance instantly. Change the deck width? The frame, flat-bottom, and materials all adjust to match.

RampNerd shows you live feedback on key build elements - radius, flat-bottom length, drop, and coping reveal - so the finished ramp rides right the first time.

No sketchy "eyeballing it," no back-of-the-envelope geometry.

Samir Boudia already used the platform to develop a functional ramp.

"Also, first builds are underway, mainly on the West Coast of the United States," adds the skater-programmer.

"The feedback has been very positive. It removes guesswork, speeds up planning, and the community has been supportive with practical feedback."

From Sketch to Build, Seamlessly

Once you're happy with the design, RampNerd generates everything needed to build:

• CNC-ready DXF files for side panels;
• Manual cut layouts for saw users;
• Cut lists for studs, coping, and sheets;
• Full bill of materials (BOM);
• Step-by-step build pages;

Every piece fits on standard 4×8 ft (1220×2440 mm) plywood sheets.

The app even nests your parts efficiently, splitting large sides only along stud lines for extra strength.

Both metric and imperial systems are supported-switch anytime, and the numbers convert exactly.

Real-Time Costs, Real-World Materials

RampNerd.com designs the ramps, but it helps you budget them.

Now, this part is actually pretty useful because it will save you money.

All you need to do is enter your local prices for plywood, 2×4s, screws, coping, and paint once, and your live cost total updates as you modify the design.

Thinking of painting or clear-coating?

Add a finish and watch your materials list expand automatically, with real coverage estimates and quantities added to your BOM.

Quick, Clear, and Custom

RampNerd's workflow is clearly built for speed and clarity:

In terms of design, you just set your space and tune drop, radius, platforms, and extensions.

As for the lumber, use presets that fit or swap in your own stock.

When it comes to choosing the coping, pick from RampNerd's presets or enter your own dimensions. Either way, the reveal lands perfectly.

Last but not least, for the finish, choose bare wood, clearcoat, or paint, and get visuals and material updates instantly.

Everything adapts live, so the plan stays accurate from design to build.

No Subscriptions, No Surprises

RampNerd runs on a simple pricing model.

The preview mode is free. It allows you to explore the 3D builder, test every feature, and see how it works (saving and exporting are disabled).

The start project costs 50 euros/dollars per ramp. You can save your design, add custom materials, and export all build files. Once purchased, the project is yours forever.

So, there's no subscription, no hidden extras, and no "gotcha" upgrades.

Each project is locked when finalized, so your DXFs and BOM always match exactly what you designed.

Smart Help for Builders, Not Just CNC Pros

RampNerd works for everyone.

If you've got access to a CNC, great - just load the DXFs. If not, the tool outputs clear, dimensioned guides for hand tools. Side panels, holes, and joints are shown plainly for saw cutting.

Need to build multiple ramps for friends? You can reuse your DXF files for unlimited personal builds. Just don't resell or repackage them.

With all these options, what were the most significant challenges while developing RampNerd?

"Making complex geometry and tolerances feel simple and intuitive for builders. And translating between metric and the chaos of the imperial system," revealed the Belgium entrepreneur.

Ride How You Want

RampNerd.com even helps you fine-tune the ride. It suggests radius ranges that feel balanced for your chosen height, but never locks you in.

Want a tight 5' radius for snappy transitions on a 3' mini? Go for it. Prefer a mellow 6' curve for longer carves? Easy.

You'll also see feedback for coping reveal and flat-bottom length so it rides smooth and pumps naturally - no dead spots or awkward lock-ins.

Is there a plan to develop new skate features/elements?

"Yes," Boudia tells SurferToday.com.

"Mini ramps and half-pipes are step one. Long-term goal is full skatepark design, including bowls, rolled out step by step."

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com