Skateboard Decks
When most people think of skate boarding the first thing that comes to mind is the actual board itself, which is known as a skate deck. Most decks are made from Canadian maple in either seven to nine ply layers, depending on the skaters preference. However some decks are made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, plastic, bamboo and even resin. Different boards have different weights with helps with strength and support allowing the user to perform different stunts and tricks. Decks also come in different sizes from 7 to 10.5 inches wide, this is also just for preference. Professional skaters each have their own preference for which size allows them to perform the best tricks. For every day skating the size depends solely on preference and most people purchase boards that are 8 inches wide because that is the size that is widely available.
On top of the deck, grip tape is used. It provides the skater the ability to "grip" the deck by creating friction. On one side of the grip tape is an adhesive, which attaches to the skate deck. On the other side is a sandpaper-like top. While the general feel and shape of a skateboard is quite common, the main difference in boards is located on the bottom of the deck. The underside of the skate deck can be printed with a design by the manufacturer, blank, or decorated by any other means. Many professional skate boarders have their own logos that manufactures place on the bottom of decks for representation. Equally many manufactures place the logo of their company on the bottom of the deck. Skate boarding has become a sport that is very advertizing of the many companies and teams within it, and also companies that support them. It is common to see clothing companies, energy drink companies, skate teams, and sporting companies represented on the bottom of decks in unique artwork.
The latest trend in skating is long boarding which is a larger version of a skateboard. The skate decks found on long boards are approximately double the size then that on a skate board. Long boards are used for transportation, mainly, which makes them quite different then their skate board counterparts. Long boards are so large tricks cannot easily be performed with them. Because the decks on long boards are designed without any kick tails for tricks they are more aerodynamic which makes them perfect for downhill skating as well as street skating.