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There really wasn't a lot of cement on the farm where I grew up. I had a skateboard, but it was by far the lamest thing I could have owned while living on a soybean farm. It doesn't work well on gravel. That's all I'm saying. Anyways, when I see these young whippersnappers playing on their skateboards, it looks to me like they are just falling down a lot so I feel I didn't miss anything.
But what you should not miss out on is proper skateboard care. Taking care of your skateboard will ensure its longevity, its safety and its usefulness. You'll also reduce the demand for virgin materials and the size of your local landfill.
How to Take Care of a Skateboard
- Keep your deck clean. Remove all dirt and grime from the deck and from everything. That's standard caring-for-things procedure. Brush dirt off the grip tape.
- Keep your deck dry. Riding around on a wet deck can cause it to fracture, even break. If your deck gets wet, towel it off and refrain from riding it until it is dry.
- Inspect the deck for any signs of cracks. Small cracks aren't a problem. But large cracks can destroy your board. You can fix smaller cracks.
- Make sure to use a proper-sized deck.
- Store skateboard in a dry, cool place.
- Wheels with large chunks missing should be replaced for safety's sake and replace problematic ball bearings as well.
- Inspect your trucks. Make sure that they aren't loose. They should be tight. If they aren't tight, it will cause your board to crack.
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