Tips for Beginners: How to Break in a New Skateboard Deck

Getting a new skateboard is an exciting moment in any skater’s journey. Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading to a new deck, the thrill of a fresh board is undeniable. Before you can perform tricks or even go for a smooth ride, there’s an important process you need to go through breaking in your new skateboard deck. This crucial step helps you familiarize yourself with the feel of your board, ensure its performance is optimized, and extend its longevity.

For beginners, breaking in a new skateboard deck may seem like an afterthought, but it’s actually vital to ensuring that your deck performs at its best and feels comfortable underfoot. We’ll walk you through practical tips and steps on how to break in a new skateboard deck, along with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that beginners often have. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to get your new deck ready for action.

Why Do You Need to Break in a New Skateboard Deck?

Before diving into the “how-to” of breaking in a new skateboard deck, it’s essential to understand why this step is important. When you get a brand new deck, it may feel stiff and less responsive. This is because skateboard decks are typically made from layers of wood (usually maple), which need to loosen up and become more flexible after some use. The process of breaking in the deck allows the wood to settle into its optimal performance state, making it easier for you to execute tricks and providing better control over the board.

Additionally, the breaking-in process helps you:

Increase the deck’s flexibility: This makes it easier to maneuver and perform tricks.
Adjust to the grip tape: New grip tape can feel harsh on your shoes at first, but breaking it in makes it less abrasive while maintaining its grip.
Improve pop: A deck needs time to reach its full “pop” potential, which is crucial for executing high jumps, flips, and other stunts.
Enhance comfort and control: As the deck softens, you’ll find that your ride becomes more fluid, and your control improves.

Now that we understand why breaking in a new skateboard deck is necessary, let’s explore some actionable tips to do it effectively.

1. Start Slow with Basic Riding

When you first get your skateboard, avoid jumping straight into aggressive tricks or high-speed rides. Instead, begin by riding your deck casually to give it a chance to loosen up gradually. Start with simple riding around on flat ground in a comfortable environment. This allows the deck to start breaking in naturally as you gradually put weight on different parts of the board.

By riding around for about 30 minutes at a slow pace, you’ll begin to notice that the deck’s stiffness will start to give way, and it will feel more responsive beneath your feet. This process is essential because it ensures that the board adapts to your riding style without overwhelming you with sudden movements or instability.

2. Perform Some Light Carving

Carving is a great way to start breaking in your skateboard deck. It involves making wide, smooth turns, and it helps the deck flex and adjust to your weight distribution. As you carve from side to side, the pressure you apply to different sections of the deck will help soften it, making the board more responsive over time.

To do this:

Begin by carving back and forth in a smooth motion.
Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Focus on controlling your turns and weight distribution on the board.

Carving will help flex the deck and speed up the breaking-in process without having to jump straight into technical tricks.

3. Gradually Introduce More Intense Riding

Once you’ve spent some time getting used to the board and performing light carving, it’s time to increase the intensity of your riding. Go for longer rides on various types of terrain, such as smooth pavement, lightly textured paths, and small curbs. This variety will put different types of stress on the deck, helping it break in faster.

You can also try:

Riding over obstacles: This will help get the deck used to absorbing impact, improving its responsiveness when you go over ramps, curbs, or rougher ground.
Flicking the board: Start doing small flicking motions as you get comfortable with your deck. This helps loosen the tail and enhances its pop.

Keep in mind, it’s important to let your board adjust gradually. Avoid attempting tricks or going too hard on your deck too soon. Giving the deck time to adjust to different stress levels will help it perform at its best when you’re ready to take on more challenging maneuvers.

4. Walk on the Grip Tape

This might sound strange, but walking on the grip tape is an effective way to break it in. The grip tape on a new skateboard deck is often rough and harsh on your shoes. Walking on it can help soften the grip tape, making it less abrasive while still providing a strong hold for your feet.

To break in the grip tape:

Simply walk on your skateboard while it’s stationary.
Move your feet across the grip tape in a back-and-forth motion to soften the rough edges.
If you feel any discomfort, take breaks and avoid applying too much pressure.

By walking on the grip tape for a few minutes at a time, you’ll notice a more comfortable feel and a smoother ride.

5. Test Your Pop with Small Ollies

Once your deck feels a little more broken in, you can begin testing its pop by practicing small ollies (the foundational jump in skateboarding). Ollies help break in the deck’s responsiveness and allow you to see how well the deck flexes under pressure.

To do this:

Perform a few ollies on flat ground, focusing on lifting the board with your back foot while applying a light amount of force.
Pay attention to how the board responds you should feel more control and the ability to get some decent air as you pop the board off the ground.

As you continue to practice ollies, your deck will become more flexible and responsive, making it easier to execute more complex tricks later on.

6. Apply Pressure to the Tail and Nose

One effective method to break in the board’s flexibility is to apply direct pressure to the tail and nose. This action helps flex the deck and accelerates the break-in process. Apply pressure gradually and evenly on both ends of the deck, especially focusing on the tail (where you’ll need the most pop for tricks).

To break in the deck this way:

Apply consistent pressure on the tail and nose by pressing down with your foot or hands.
Perform gentle but steady movements to ensure the board adjusts over time.

The more you do this, the more your deck will respond to your movements, making it easier to pop, ollie, and perform other tricks.

7. Be Patient and Give it Time

One of the most important tips for beginners is to be patient. Breaking in a skateboard deck takes time, and it can’t be rushed. Some decks will take longer than others to break in depending on the wood quality, the grip tape, and your skating style. It’s crucial not to rush through the process or expect instant results.

Give your deck time to naturally settle into its optimal performance. Over time, the deck will loosen up, providing better control, more pop, and a more comfortable ride.

7 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to break in a new skateboard deck?

The time it takes to break in a new skateboard deck varies, but typically it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how much you ride. Regular, consistent riding will speed up the process.

2. How do I know when my skateboard deck is fully broken in?

You’ll know your deck is broken in when it feels more flexible, responsive, and comfortable. The grip tape will feel smoother, and you’ll notice improved pop and control when performing tricks like ollies.

3. Can I speed up the breaking-in process?

Yes, you can speed up the process by riding your deck regularly, carving, applying pressure to the tail and nose, and practicing small tricks like ollies. However, it’s important not to overdo it too soon.

4. Is it necessary to break in a skateboard deck before using it for tricks?

Yes, it’s a good idea to break in your deck before attempting complex tricks. A broken-in deck will be more responsive and comfortable, helping you perform better and reducing the risk of injury.

5. Should I replace my skateboard deck after it’s broken in?

No, there’s no need to replace your skateboard deck just because it’s broken in. A well-maintained deck will last a long time, and once it’s broken in, it will offer better performance than when it was brand new.

6. Can I break in a deck with grip tape already applied?

Yes, you can still break in a deck with grip tape on it. In fact, walking on the grip tape can help soften it, making it more comfortable. Just be sure to break in the board gradually to avoid damaging it.

7. What if my skateboard deck feels too stiff even after breaking it in?

If your deck still feels too stiff after consistent riding, it could be a sign that the deck is of a harder material or has been made with less flexible wood. In this case, you might want to consider switching to a deck with a more flexible construction or consulting an expert for tips.

Conclusion

Breaking in a new skateboard deck is an essential process that helps you get the most out of your ride. By following these tips, you can ensure that your deck becomes more flexible, responsive, and comfortable. Remember to be patient and allow your board to settle in naturally. With time, your new skateboard deck will be ready for you to execute tricks and stunts with confidence and control.

Happy skating!

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