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Want to skate like the Birdman himself? At kizworld, we're diving into the iconic tony hawk skateboard setup, breaking down the components and showing you how to build your own. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, understanding the magic behind Tony Hawk's setup can inspire your own skating journey.
Component | Tony's Choice | Your Options |
|---|---|---|
Deck | Birdhouse 8.25" | 8.0" - 8.5" (adjust to your size and style) |
Trucks | Independent Stage 11 | Independent, Thunder, Venture |
Wheels | Bones Spitfire | 52mm-56mm, durable and smooth-rolling |
Bearings | Bones Swiss | Bones Reds, Zealous, Bronson |
Deconstructing Tony Hawk's Skateboard Setup
Ever wonder how Tony Hawk makes skateboarding look so effortless? A big part of it is his dialed-in skateboard setup. We're not talking about some magical, one-of-a-kind board, though. Tony's setup is all about choosing the right parts that work together to create a ride that's responsive, stable, and perfect for his style. Think of it like building a super-fast go-kart – every part needs to be just right to win the race!
Deck
Tony's go-to deck is a Birdhouse, usually around 8.25" wide. Why that size? Well, Tony's known for his vert skating – that's riding ramps and doing tricks in the air. A wider deck gives him more stability for landing those huge airs. Plus, he's been skating for ages, so he's comfortable handling a slightly bigger board. For beginners, starting with a narrower deck might be a good idea, something like those featured on our skate websites page. It's all about finding what feels right for you!
Trucks
Holding the wheels to the deck and letting you steer are the trucks. Tony rides Independent Stage 11 trucks. These trucks are super durable – important when you're landing hard tricks! – and they offer a good balance of turning and stability. Think of them like the steering wheel and suspension of your skateboard. Other popular truck brands include Thunder and Venture. Each brand has a slightly different feel, so it's worth trying out a few to see what you like best!
Component | What it Does |
|---|---|
Deck | The wooden board you stand on. |
Trucks | Attach the wheels to the deck and allow for turning. |
Wheels | Determine your speed and how smoothly you roll. |
Bearings | Small, round parts inside the wheels that allow them to spin. |
Deconstructing Tony Hawk's Skateboard Setup
So, you're ready to build a skateboard setup worthy of Tony Hawk? Awesome! It all comes down to choosing parts that match your skating style and skill level. Just like Tony's setup, you'll want a deck that feels comfortable. If you're just starting out, you might prefer a narrower deck, around 8" wide. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with different sizes – check out the skateboard for skill level guide for more tips. Remember, it's all about finding the sweet spot that lets you shred with confidence!
Putting your Tony Hawk-inspired skateboard setup together is like building a model but way more fun! You'll need a few tools like a skate tool (it's like a Swiss Army knife for your board!), some grip tape, and maybe a friend to help out. First, you'll attach the trucks to the deck – that's what connects the wheels. Then, slap on the grip tape – it's what keeps your feet from flying off! Next, pop in those bearings (tiny metal rings that help your wheels spin smoothly) and slide the wheels onto the axles. Tighten everything up, and boom – you've got yourself a skateboard ready to shred. Want to learn some sweet tricks? Check out our guide on how to do a 180!
Now that you've built your Tony Hawk-inspired setup, it's time to ride it like you stole it! But hold on, champ! Before you start landing 900s (that's two and a half spins – whoa!), get comfortable with the basics. Practice pushing, turning, and coming to a stop. Once you've got those down, hit the skatepark and try some ramps. Remember, like Tony always says, "Do it because you love it, not because you're trying to impress somebody." So go out there, have fun, maybe wear a helmet (safety first!), and who knows, maybe you'll be the next skateboarding legend! It's also a good idea to check out some skateboarding for beginners tips to make sure you are starting off on the right foot.
Final Thought
Recreating Tony Hawk's skateboard setup is more than just assembling parts; it's about capturing the essence of his legendary style and pushing your own limits. So grab your gear, hit the streets or the park, and let your own skateboarding journey begin!