Sustainability Meets Performance: Are Bamboo Skateboards Suitable For Professional Use?
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Have you ever wondered if bamboo skateboards are suitable for professional use? Perhaps you are a professional skateboarder looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly option for your board. The answer is yes! Bamboo skateboards are an excellent choice for professional skaters and provide a great balance of sustainability and performance. It features a strong and lightweight construction; bamboo skateboards are a popular choice for both casual riders and professional skateboarders alike.
But if you still have doubts about purchasing a bamboo skateboard, let’s take an in-depth look at bamboo boards’ features, advantages, and disadvantages.
The Power of Skateboarding: How This Sport Can Change Lives
Skateboarding is one of the most exciting and thrilling activities you can do alone or with friends. There’s no denying the rush of adrenaline that comes from mastering a new trick or cruising down a steep hill. But skateboarding is more than just a fun pastime; it can benefit individuals who practice it.
∎Overcoming Fear:
Skateboarding involves taking risks and embracing the fear of getting hurt, whether from a fall or injury. It means that skateboarders are better at handling fear and stress than non-skaters. The act of falling and getting back up again after a failed attempt helps to build resilience, persistence, and confidence. The “push and try again” mantra of skateboarding encourages individuals to confront their fears and challenge themselves to overcome them.
∎Fostering Creativity:
Skateboarding is an art form that requires creativity, experimentation, and uniqueness. Every skater has their style and approach to tricks, and the skateboard is a canvas that allows endless possibilities. Skaters can use ramps, rails, and obstacles to create dynamic movements and visuals that reflect their personalities and tastes. This creative outlet can be a therapeutic tool for individuals looking to express themselves or break away from the monotony of everyday life.
∎Developing Problem-solving Skills:
Skateboarding is also an excellent way to practice problem-solving skills. Skaters must analyze the terrain, anticipate obstacles, and plan their approach accordingly. They must adapt quickly to changing situations and think on their feet. These skills can translate into other areas of life, such as academics or careers, where quick thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential.
∎Enhancing Balance and Coordination Abilities:
Skateboarding involves balance and coordination, both of which can improve with practice. Skaters must develop their core strength, leg power, and sense of balance to perform tricks and maneuvers on their boards. These skills can transfer to other sports and activities, such as surfing, snowboarding, and martial arts.
∎Creating a Sense of Community and Belonging:
Finally, skateboarding has a strong sense of community and belonging attached to it. Skaters often form tight-knit groups that support and encourage one another. These groups promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect for others, making skateboarding a welcoming and supportive community. Skateboarding can also be a tool for social change, with many organizations using it to connect with at-risk youth or promote positive community engagement.
Whether you want to take up a new hobby, push your limits, or connect with others, skateboarding has something to offer.
The Different Types of Skateboards
Many different types of skateboards are available, and each type has its unique features and benefits.
➡Short Boards
Shortboards are best suited for doing tricks and navigating through bustling streets. Compact and lightweight, these boards offer increased maneuverability, making them a favorite amongst skaters who frequent skate parks or engage in street skating. Their unique design, featuring a curved nose and tail, allows riders to perform ollies, flip tricks, and other complex maneuvers relatively easily.
➡Old School Boards
Old school boards, or bamboo skateboards cruiser boards, are characterized by flat noses and cocktails. They are typically wider with a unique asymmetrical shape, often featuring a pointed nose and a tapered tail. These boards were around during the early days of skateboarding, hence the name ‘old school.’ Designed for carving and cruising, they are perfect for riding on flat and downhill surfaces and are less ideal for tricks due to their larger size and shape.
➡Street Boards
Street boards, as their name suggests, are built for the streets. They are versatile and designed to handle a variety of terrains, from smooth pavement to rocky paths. Characterized by their symmetrical shape with a nose and tail of equal size, street boards are great for doing tricks, flips, slides, and grinds on curbs, rails, and urban obstacles. They have harder wheels for better grip on smooth surfaces and are generally more durable to withstand the rough nature of street skating.
➡Long Boards
Longboards are larger than regular skateboards and feature a wider, symmetrical shape with a tapered nose and tail. They are designed to be ridden at higher speeds, perfect for downhill racing, freeriding, and carving long curves while cruising along the coastline. Built with larger wheels that provide better traction and stability on rough surfaces, longboards are perfect for those looking to explore or cruise around town.
These are the different skateboard styles, each with its own unique set of features and benefits.
Are Bamboo Skateboards Suitable for Professional Use?
So, are bamboo skateboards suitable for professional use? Yes, most definitely! But like any other materials used for skateboarding, there are some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to bamboo skateboards.
✅Strength and Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of bamboo skateboards is their amazing strength and flexibility. The natural fibers of bamboo make it incredibly resilient. This flexibility allows skaters to perform tricks and maneuvers that require a high degree of board bend.
✅Lightweight
Though strong, bamboo is significantly lighter than traditional skateboard materials like maple wood. This lightness can give skaters an edge in speed and maneuverability, making it easier to execute tricks and stunts.
✅Eco-friendly
Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource that grows quickly, making bamboo skateboards an eco-friendly choice. It is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying your favorite sport.
✅Durability
Bamboo skateboards are known to be highly durable. They can withstand heavy usage and harsh weather conditions, ensuring they last longer and perform better.
✅Smooth Riding Experience
A bamboo skateboard provides a smooth ride because of its natural shock absorption properties. It can lead to a more comfortable and enjoyable skating experience.
Cons of Using a Bamboo Skateboard for Professional Use
Besides the advantages of using bamboo skateboards, there are also some disadvantages that you should consider.
❎Limited Design Options
While bamboo skateboards are eco-friendly and high-performing, they might offer a narrow range of designs and aesthetics than traditional skateboards provide.
❎Slightly Expensive
The process involved in making bamboo skateboards can be slightly more expensive than traditional boards.
❎Maintenance
Bamboo boards require more maintenance to prevent warping and prolong their lifespan, which can be a downside for some skaters.
❎Less Widely Available
While growing in popularity, bamboo skateboards may not be as widely available as their traditional counterparts, limiting skaters’ choices.
❎Adaptation Required
Adjusting to the extra flexibility of a bamboo skateboard can take time for skaters used to rigid boards. This might temporarily affect performance until the skater gets accustomed to the new board.
As you can see, the advantages of using a bamboo skateboard outweigh any potential downsides. Bamboo skateboards are an excellent choice for beginner and professional skaters looking for a sustainable and high-performing board.
Durability & Performance Comparison to Other Types of Skateboards
Let’s move on to performance; Bamboo skateboards perform better than plastic or cheaply made skateboards. Bamboo skateboards provide better grip, control, and speed than plastic skateboards. The bamboo skateboard deck provides a more stable platform, making it easy to balance and perform tricks. Additionally, bamboo wood is less likely to chip or break, which is crucial if you want to perform more technical tricks. Overall, if you want to take your skateboarding skills to the next level, a high-quality bamboo skateboard can help you achieve that.
Bamboo skateboards may take a little bit of getting used to if you’re coming from a maple or plastic skateboard. They may feel different due to the style and thickness of the bamboo skateboard decks. However, with a little practice, you’ll notice the advantages of using a bamboo skateboard.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bamboo Skateboard for You
Many would agree that bamboo skateboards are durable, lightweight, eco-friendly, and flexible. However, choosing the perfect one for you could be challenging, considering the variety of options available in the market. That’s why I’ve researched, talked to experts and experienced skaters, and gathered your most helpful tips.
👉Know Your Level and Style
The first tip I want to give you is to know your level and style of skateboarding. It will help you determine which bamboo skateboard decks’ shape, size, and type of wheels are right for you. For example, if you’re a beginner, start with a wider board that offers stability and balance. On the other hand, if you’re an advanced rider and want to do tricks and flips, consider a narrower, symmetrical board that is lightweight and flexible.
👉Check the Deck Material
When looking for a bamboo skateboard, pay attention to the quality and type of bamboo used to make the bamboo skateboard decks. Some bamboo skateboards are made from lower-quality bamboo, which is less durable and can break easier. So, check the quality and type of bamboo used in the deck and go for a board with thicker and more durable bamboo.
👉Look for a Comfortable Grip
Grip tape plays an essential role in the performance and comfort of the skateboarder. Therefore, look for a board with a comfortable and slip-resistant grip tape that gives you a firm grip, provides extra support to your feet, and cushions impacts. You can customize the grip tape design to match your style and personality.
👉Choose the Right Wheels
The type and size of wheels you choose determines how smooth and fast your ride will be. For example, if you plan to ride on rough terrains or downhill, wider wheels with a larger diameter are more suitable as they provide more speed and stability. Conversely, if you want to do tricks or cruising, smaller and softer wheels with a smaller diameter are more flexible, lighter, and perform better in tight spaces.
👉Consider the Brand
Last but not least, consider the bamboo skateboard brands that you’re buying from. Choose the one known for its quality, reliability, and durability. Research the brand and read reviews to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.
Choosing the right bamboo skateboard is an investment in your joy and passion for skateboarding. Remember to consider your level and style, check the deck material, look for a comfortable grip, choose the right wheels, and consider the brand.
Care Tips for Bamboo Skateboards
Once you get your perfect bamboo skateboard, take proper care of it to maintain its performance and durability. Here’s how:
☑Keep It Clean:
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your bamboo skateboard in top shape is to keep it clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the deck after each use to remove dirt or grime. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents that can damage the natural bamboo fibers. If there are any stubborn stains, gently rub them with a soft-bristled brush dipped in mild soap and water.
☑Avoid Excess Moisture:
Bamboo is a plant-based material and is susceptible to moisture damage. Avoid leaving your bamboo skateboard out in the rain or snow. If your board gets wet, wipe it dry with a cloth and let it air dry. Avoid putting your board near direct heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, as this may cause the bamboo to warp and crack.
☑Storage Matters:
Store your bamboo skateboard in a cool, dry place when not in use. Ideally, you should keep it in a skateboard rack or a bag with enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. If you’re storing your board for a long time, loosen the trucks to relieve pressure on the deck.
☑Protect the Edges:
The edges of a skateboard deck are one of the most vulnerable parts of the board. Protect them with nose and tail guards that prevent chips and scratches caused by curbs and rails. These guards also add a layer of cushioning to soften the impact of your tricks. If your board doesn’t have guards, you can add them using epoxy or rubber adhesive.
☑Check for Damage:
Regularly inspecting your bamboo skateboard can help you identify potential damage or wear. Check the deck, trucks, and wheels for cracks, dents, or loose components. Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the board.
As a skateboarder, your board is more than just a piece of equipment- it’s a part of your identity. Treat it with care, and it will reward you with countless hours of shredding fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bamboo skateboards perform similarly to traditional maple skateboards at a professional level?
Yes, they do. Many professional skateboarders have attributed their success to bamboo skateboards, citing better control, flexibility, and pop. The material’s lightness and responsiveness make it suitable for performing advanced tricks, resulting in a dynamic and impressive skateboarding style. Therefore, choosing bamboo skateboards does not compromise performance at a professional level.
Do bamboo skateboards provide better pop and responsiveness for advanced tricks?
Yes, they do. Bamboo is a highly resilient material that stores energy, making it ideal for pops and tricks. Bamboo skateboards rebound faster and higher than traditional maple boards, providing enhanced acceleration and faster spin. Therefore, if you are an avid skateboarder seeking an edge in your performance while executing advanced tricks, you should consider switching to bamboo skateboards.
What types of professional skateboarding disciplines are bamboo skateboards suitable for?
Bamboo skateboards suit various skateboarding disciplines, including street, vert, bowl, and longboarding. The material’s flexibility and responsiveness make it efficient in performing skate tricks and gaining speed. Additionally, the bamboo skateboard’s lightness is ideal for longboarding, providing a comfortable and smooth ride essential for cruising.
How do bamboo skateboards hold up in extreme conditions, such as competitions or high-impact environments?
Bamboo skateboards are durable and can hold up in extreme conditions. The material is shock-absorbent, which is ideal for high-impact competitions and skateparks. Additionally, bamboo skateboards’ flexibility prevents them from cracking or snapping under pressure, making them long-lasting. However, like traditional maple boards, proper maintenance and preventive measures such as wax and padding are essential to ensure longevity.
Final Words
After exploring the question, “Are Bamboo Skateboards Suitable for Professional Use,” I have come to a personal realization. Bamboo skateboards have exceeded my expectations as someone who loves to skate and has been doing so for years. Not only do they have a unique and stylish look, but they also offer a level of durability and responsiveness that makes them ideal for professional use.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or just getting started, a bamboo skateboard can take your skating to the next level. So, if you are looking for a board that can keep up with your skills and takes your performance to new heights, I highly recommend giving a bamboo skateboard a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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