INQUIRER Sports

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines - Sure, skateboarding sounds like a lot of fun but those who want to get into it should know that like any other sport, it pays to invest in the proper gear.

“Skateboarding is not a contest. It is about having fun,” said Freddy Gonzalez, who owns the Five-O skate shop, located at The Fort.

He advises beginners should not spend so much at first so they don’t regret as much in the end.

“For a beginner, we recommend that you buy a complete set. If you start skating, and you get better, you can upgrade into better products. If you find out that it’s not your cup of tea, at least you didn’t spend that much,” Gonzalez said.

The cheapest yet complete skateboard set costs between P3,000 to P4,000 but the average price range is around P5,000.

Gonzalez shares a few pointers in choosing the right board.

- Know what size fits you. For those with smaller foot size, choose a smaller board that measures about 7.5 inches.

According to him, a narrow board is a good choice if the one is more into mastering flips and technical tricks. For riding rails and ramps, a wider board is more ideal.

- Check whether the board is concave enough. It is easier to flip if the board is concave enough.

- Check whether the “pop” of the board is stiff enough. A good pop would depend if the board is stiff enough. The stiffer a board is, the better it is to do ollies and flips. To check, try giving the tail end of the board a good downward kick.

According to Gonzalez, board manufacturers commonly used Canadian maple in crafting the board because of its stiffness and flexibility. But others tried using bamboo for the board because it is easier to source.

“The professionals don’t have a say on the art. Currently, companies released designs by series,” said Gonzalez.

Professional skaters, meanwhile, may opt for a board made from carbon-composite materials, which can withstand a lot of abuse.

Professional skaters who would want their board assembled spend no less than P10,000, Gonzalez said.