A very popular outdoor game all over the globe, hockey is a favorite sport that draws millions of fans and avid players.
Despite the seemingly endless selection provided by your nearby skateboard shop, purchasing your first skateboard can be quite tough.
You may be purchasing an item for another person, or perhaps you’ve tried the board of a friend and caught the attraction. Whatever the case, you’re looking for some helpful tips to help you navigate the purchase of a skateboard that could end up being an item that you will cherish for a long time.
We’ve put together the Beginners Guide about Hockey Skateboards 101 with the main objective of helping you comprehend the game more thoroughly.
If you are a fan of hockey, this guide will be perfect for you! Read on as we provide an in-depth look at hockey skateboarding, the rules, and the best way to play like a professional!
What Exactly is a Hockey Skateboard?
A hockey skateboard is a special skateboard made to help players in hockey practice on the ice.
Skateboards of this kind typically have wheels and a deck that is smaller that are designed to replicate the feeling of skating on ice.
They can aid players in developing stability, agility, and balance, as well as other skills important for the game of ice hockey.
How Does It Differ From a Regular Skateboard?
A “hockey skateboard” or a specialized skateboard designed for hockey training may differ from a regular skateboard in several ways, such as:
Size
A hockey skateboard 101 will typically be smaller than a normal skateboard. Its smaller size allows more control and maneuverability when doing hockey-specific moves.
The majority of hockey skateboards come with a deck that is between 30 and 31 inches, whereas regular skateboards may vary from 31 to 32 inches or even.
Wheels
Hockey Skateboards 101 has different wheels than regular skateboards. Hockey skateboard 101 wheels are usually smaller in diameter (between 52mm and 60mm) and harder in durometer (around 90A to 97A). This allows for a smoother and faster roll, simulating the feel of skating on ice.
Design
While regular skateboards can have a wide variety of graphics and designs, hockey skateboards 101 often have graphics that are specific to hockey.
This can include team logos, hockey-themed artwork, or colors that match a player’s team or equipment.
Purpose
The main purpose of hockey skateboard 101 is to help hockey players improve their off-ice skating skills. They are used to simulate the movements and balance required for skating on ice, allowing players to develop their edge control, balance, and agility.
Regular skateboards, on the other hand, are designed for transportation or performing tricks and stunts.
Deck Shape
Hockey Skateboards 101 may have a slightly different deck shape than regular skateboards. The decks of hockey skateboards are often designed to be more symmetrical, with a flatter nose and tail.
This allows for greater stability and control while performing hockey-specific movements, such as quick turns or sudden stops.
Choosing the Right Hockey Skateboard
Deck Size
Deck size is a crucial factor when choosing the right hockey skateboard, as it could influence your balance, stability as well as overall efficiency.
The dimensions of decks typically vary between 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches, but they can be different depending on the rider’s height, weight, and skill level.
For instance, a smaller deck size might be better suited for smaller or younger riders, whereas a bigger deck size could provide greater safety and security for heavier or taller riders.
Deck Shape
Hockey Skateboard decks are available in many designs, including traditional, popsicle, and cruiser. Traditional decks have a straight, sharp tail and nose as opposed to popsicle decks, which have more symmetrical shapes with a slight curvature of the head and tail.
The cruiser decks have a larger form and a curvier shape, making them ideal for carving and cruising. Select the design that is most suitable to your style of skating and personal preferences.
Deck Material
Another factor when choosing the right Hockey Skateboard is the material. The skateboard decks are built out of a variety of different materials, such as bamboo, wood, or composite material. Wood decks are most commonly used and are generally made of birch, maple, or bamboo.
Bamboo decks are less heavy and more flexible, whereas composite materials provide greater toughness and resistance to damage and wear.
Be aware of how strong, heavy, and flexible the material you choose for the right hockey skateboard deck is.
Trucks
Hockey Skateboard trucks are the metallic components that connect skateboard wheels to the deck. When picking a truck, think about the height and width and also the strength of the bushings.
The size of the trucks should be in line with that of the decks, and the height should be adequate for the dimensions of the wheels.
The more rigid bushings offer greater stabilization and steering, whereas the soft bushings allow for greater flexibility and turnability.
Wheels
Hockey skateboard wheels come in different sizes and levels of hardness. The larger and harder wheels offer more stability and speed, whereas smaller and less pliable wheels provide greater control and maneuverability.
Think about the kind of terrain you’ll be skating on as well as the personal preferences you have for control and speed when choosing the wheels.
Bearings
When choosing the right hockey skateboard, the last thing you should consider is Skateboard bearings. The bearings are small metal balls that permit the wheels to turn. You should evaluate bearings based on the ABEC score, which is a reference to the accuracy of the production process.
Higher ABEC ratings indicate a greater degree of precision. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate into improved skating performance.
Consider the durability and performance of your bearings and any other elements like spacers or shields.
What Are the Best Hockey Skateboards
Tony Hawk 31″ Skateboard
Brand | Voyager |
Color | Cars |
Material | Maple Wood |
Deck length | 31 Inches |
Deck width | 7.75 Inches |
Load Capacity | 175 Pounds |
Wheel Material | PVC |
The Tony Hawk 31″ Skateboard is best for hockey. It provides the ultimate skateboard deck, complete with professional trucks and wheels that are perfect for those who are aspiring skaters!
With its neon wheels and glossy finish, our kids ‘ skateboard is the ideal gift for teenagers. This is a complete hockey skateboard kit for kids who love outdoor activities. The hockey skateboards provide everything you require to get to the skatepark without fear!
Tony Hawk hockey skateboard decks will ensure your child’s skateboard is able to take some abuse on the skate ramp. Additionally, the modern design and sleek style are more adaptable than the standard skateboards for cruisers.
If you’re looking for an excellent girls’ and boys’ hockey skateboard for beginners or an amazing new skateboard for an experienced skater, this skateboard will meet your needs!
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Uses maple wood which adds the skateboard strength
- Perfect choice for anyone who wants to ease into longboarding
Cons
- For beginners only.
Element Section Complete Skateboard
Brand | Element |
Color | Section |
Material | Wood |
Deck length | 31.75 Inches |
Deck width | 8 Inches |
Package Weight | 4.15 Pounds |
Wheel Material | Polyurethane |
This hockey skateboard is an excellent choice for value, and skateboarders are raving about Element completes generally. This skateboard has a pretty sturdy construction, and it is a comfortable ride.
The concave is mellow, which allows you to maintain your balance. Beginners will appreciate the more supple 95A wheels, which provide more control and stability.
This means that the wheels may get in contact with your board when you lean to the left or right, but the solution is easy. Simply tighten the kingpin nuts, and you’ll be fine.
It’s a high-quality deck that will last as you begin to pop ollies. It’s likely to wear out faster when you start grinding and performing flips, but that’s the case with all skateboards.
If you’re seeking a way to learn tricks or enjoy a relaxing ride, this one can be a great choice.
Pros
- Ideal for hockey skateboarding
- 95A has soft wheels for a smooth ride.
- Great pop and is very durable
- Offering stability at higher speeds
Cons
- The weight limit for this board’s rider is 100 kg.
How Do I Assemble and Set Up My Hockey Skateboard?
Attach the grip tape to the deck’s top. Make sure that you press the tape until it’s flat on the entire deck.
Make holes in your tape. Flip your board upside down using the bolts of the hardware kit to make holes into the tape.
Make sure the truck is secured. Set them on your board, with the kingpins facing each other. Then, secure them to the board using bolts.
Set up your wheels’ bearings. Every wheel requires two bearings in order to spin properly. Place a bearing on one side of the wheel until you feel it snap into position. Place a spacer for bearings on the inside of the wheel that doesn’t have a bearing. Then place a bearing on the side that is open. Repeat this process for each of the four wheels.
Install your wheels. Utilizing the hardware that comes to your vehicles, put washers on the axle, then a wheel, and finally a washer. Attach it with the nuts. For all four wheels, repeat this procedure.
What Are Some Basic Skateboarding Techniques?
Ollie
Ollie can be described as a skateboarding technique which is a means of cutting the bottom end of the board from the surface and then lifting the board up. The ollie serves as the basis for almost all tricks on the street and the majority of ramp tricks.
Kickflip
A kickflip is a popular skateboard technique that propels the skater in the air and uses their feet to give the board 360 degrees.
Manual
The technique manual describes the riding variant of a wheelie. It requires riding on the rear end of the board while the opposite side is lifted up.
Rock to Fakie
A rock-to-fakie can be an intermediate technique to practice as you get prepared to shred the ledge or ramp. For you to master this trick on skateboards, you’ll need to be moving at a reasonable speed up the edge of a ramp or bowl.
When you reach the top, allow your front trucks to go over the lip to ensure you’re over the top. You can then return to the bottom and switch to riding instead of your normal feet.
Drop-Ins
This isn’t quite as effective as an act like an ollie. But it’s one of the things that you should learn to master in order to skate on bowls or ramps.
For a drop-in, you just need to balance the skateboard’s tail on the edge of a bowl or ramp, then “drop in,” letting your board move with the energy.
It’s not easy initially. But this trick can help you build up confidence so that you are able to do more sophisticated tricks as you gain experience.
Hockey-Specific Skills
The essential hockey skill can be the control of the ball when running. This skill is commonly referred to as dribbling. To develop this ability, one is advised to begin by hitting the ball several feet at a stretch as one walks.
As the person becomes adept at controlling the ball when they walk around, they can consider jogging while they dribble the ball. In the end, they should improve until they can sprint as quickly as possible while throwing the ball.
Another crucial skill to master that is required in the field of hockey is the ability to pass. To master these skills, two players should be positioned approximately 10 feet from one another.
They should then hit the ball in a back-and-forth motion with their sticks to stop every pass. As they become more adept at passing 10 feet away, they will be able to move further away from one another.
What Safety Gear Should I Wear While Using a Hockey Skateboard?
Helmets: While using a hockey skateboard, helmets are vital to ensure your head is protected. It is essential to purchase the right skateboard helmet that will fit your head.
2. Knee Pads: The knee pad was a bit tricky. Do I slip on my knees or my elbows more? It’s knees, and if you scrape your knee, it’s very difficult to skate on, and that’s the reason knee pads are here.
3. Pads for your elbow: It is possible that you could skate with an injured elbow, so yes.
4. Wrist guards: I did put them on more often, but it was because I was afraid of hurting my palms. If you don’t want your hands, wear these wrist guards.
5. Mouth guard: Another thing you think while using a hockey skateboard? You got it right, a mouthguard. If your hands don’t work and your knees stop moving, you might want to consider protecting your face.
How Do I Properly Maintain and Clean My Hockey Skateboard?
Maintain Your Hockey Skateboard
Brick is your most trusted friend. Just drag the hockey skateboard wheels diagonally and cross-cut bricks to scrape the gunk off and other waxy debris.
A hill can be bombed: When you skate quickly, your wheels warm up and shed any gunk. Find the right hill with gravel that’s not too steep to create the sandpaper effect. Take care!
Do not get caught in the dirt: Do you see a Puddle? Sandpits and oil grease? Take a leap off your board to help your wheels avoid some problems.
Check to see if there aren’t any flat areas that you’re experiencing. If it’s so, it’s likely that you’ll need to replace your wheels to prevent a rough ride.
Get your wheels moving! Like automobiles, boards will benefit from changing things up.
Clean Your Hockey Skateboard
Step 1: Secure Your WorkSpace
Cleaning any item can be messy and soiled, but for something like skateboards that spend the majority of their time in grimy cement, that’s particularly relevant.
Make sure your workspace is in the right place to avoid making an unneeded mess.
Step 2: Remove the Wheels and Bearings
The next step is the engineering aspect of cleaning your wheel. Take your skateboard, socket wrench, or skate tool and begin to remove your wheels. It’s done by removing each bolt from the axle of your truck.
When the bolt has been removed on a specific wheel, put the axle of the truck within the bearing’s mouth at an angle of 45 degrees to create a crowbar effect that will force the bearings out. Keep in mind that there are two bearings on each wheel, and put them in a safe place.
Now you clean your bearings also. In any case, remove each wheel and the bearings to make sure that your four wheels are prepared for cleaning.
Be sure to put them in a safe area or container so that you don’t risk getting them in the water at all times.
Step 3: Soak Your Wheels in Soapy Water
Most likely, your home has a sink or a bucket sink that will make it easier. If you don’t, you could put them under a hose or even a faucet, but keep in mind that it can be quite messy.
The act of soaking your wheels in a bucket or in a clogged sink with dishwashing soap in the morning while you strip them off and take off the bearings can help you get the wheels moving while you do your work.
The skateboard wheels should be soaked to the point that we are able to scrape off the gunk from the wheel track quickly.
Step 4: Wire Brush Away the Gunk
This essential procedure is as easy as it seems, with some attention to the smallest of details. Your wheels should be soaked in hot water to loosen the gunk from the track.
Next, you need to use the brush to remove any debris that has been embedded. If you leave your wheels submerged for a few minutes, the gunk will be able to come off with a bit less effort.
Step 5: Drying Your Skateboard Wheels
It is an important part of the process of cleaning. The wheels are porous, and when they are wet, they not only attract more grime and dirt but could also affect the ride’s smoothness.
It’s recommended to use a rag or collection of newspaper towels to dry your wheels and then let them dry under the sun for a few hours.
Step 6: Reassemble Your Wheels & Board
Congratulations! You’re almost done cleaning your skateboard wheels, but we’re still not out of the skatepark just yet.
Reassembling your skateboard is an opportunity to spin your wheels. Skaters who do lots of fakie or switch stances may find that their front wheels have started to slant or bend.
Are There Any Particular Etiquette Rules That I Should Follow While Using a Hockey Skateboard?
Assuming you are referring to a hockey inline or roller skate, there are several etiquette rules that you should follow while using them:
Wear the proper protective equipment: When using a hockey skateboard, always wear appropriate safety gear, which includes helmets, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, as well as a mouthguard.
Respect the rules: Be sure to observe and obey the rules, rules, and signs posted and regulations that are posted at the rink or skate park. For example, skates that are not in the right direction may cause injury and disruption.
Maintain it clean: Keep the skating rink or skate park clean by correctly disposing of garbage and not causing damage to machinery or personal property.
Be aware of your surroundings: The important etiquette is to remain conscious of your surroundings. You should also avoid distractions like playing with your phone when skating.
If you follow these rules of etiquette and guidelines, you will be able to have a safe and enjoyable experience skating on a hockey board.
Conclusion
We hope this beginner’s guide mentioned above has given you enough knowledge about hockey skateboarding for a lifetime.
Hockey is a fantastic sport for those who like to skate and play a quick game. As with all things, the best way to get better and more proficient is to practice. So, put on your skates and get on the skating rink with the best hockey skateboard!