Santa Cruz has been making skateboards since 1973. That’s not a marketing line — that’s longer than most skateboard companies have existed at all. The Screaming Hand graphic by Jim Phillips is one of the most recognizable images in all of skating. But legacy doesn’t automatically mean a brand is …
There are two completely different skateboard products bearing Tony Hawk’s name. Most people buying one have no idea the other exists. That’s why this question is so tricky to answer, and why most of the advice out there is either too vague or flat-out wrong. So let’s sort it out …
What if I told you the most important part of your skateboard costs less than a cup of coffee? It’s not your deck, wheels, or bearings. It’s your bushings. These two small and colorful rings in your trucks are the secret to everything. They control how you turn, how stable …
I still remember the first time my son stood on a skateboard. He was just a little older than four, and watching him take those first little pushes was amazing. Over the past weeks, I’ve tested a bunch of boards with him, and I can say the right board makes …
Learning how to jump on a skateboard is one of the most exciting milestones for new skaters. The jump, also called the ollie, is the foundation for almost every other trick in skateboarding. Once you master it, you can move on to flips, grinds, and even ramps. But before you …
Standing on a skateboard for the first time can feel tricky. The board wobbles, your balance feels off, and it’s easy to think you’re doing it wrong. But the truth is, everyone feels like that in the beginning. With the right steps, you’ll learn how to stand on a skateboard …
Getting into skateboarding shouldn’t break the bank, but you still need a deck that won’t hold you back. Finding the best skateboard decks that balance price and quality can be tough. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you. These are the boards we’d recommend to a friend—solid, reliable, …
Every great ride starts with a solid setup, and at the heart of your board’s performance are your trucks. They’re more than just metal axles; they define how your board turns, feels, and responds to your every command. Whether you’re assembling a brand-new custom ride or breathing new life into …
Nothing kills your skate flow like crunchy bearings. One day your wheels spin forever; the next, they feel like they’re stuffed with gravel. If your board’s slowing down, here’s how to clean your skateboard bearings fast: Pop them out of the wheels, soak them in rubbing alcohol or bearing cleaner, …
Imagine you’re cruising down the street, wind brushing your face and you see a turn coming up. How do you steer your skateboard without wiping out? It’s pretty simple. Bend your knees, lean your whole body where you want to go and press into your toes or your heels. That’s …