5 best gifts for skateboarders
Skateboarders see the world as a set of ledges and rails. They're at the skatepark whenever it's dry, filming tricks on their phone and wearing out shoes at speed. Some cruise to school or work, others go for big tricks. These gifts for skateboarders keep their boards rolling fast and their heads protected.
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The Penny board is the little plastic cruiser that's perfect for rolling around town. It's light enough to carry under an arm, with a grippy waffle deck, aluminium trucks and soft 59mm wheels that smooth out rough pavements.
New bearings make an old board feel fast again. Bones Reds are the best-selling skate bearings, pre-lubricated with Speed Cream and fitted with removable shields so they're easy to clean. A set of eight does a full board.
Swapping bearings without the right tool usually means bent shields and sore thumbs. This little Bones tool presses bearings in and pulls them out cleanly, pushing on the inner ring so the bearing isn't damaged. It's small enough to live on a keyring.
Skaters will skip a helmet if it's uncomfortable, so a good one matters. Triple Eight's Sweatsaver is certified for skating and cycling, with two sets of soft liners to fine-tune the fit and fabric that soaks up sweat. It comes in plenty of colours.
Every skater falls, and knees, elbows and wrists take the hits. Triple Eight's Saver Series set has knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards with padding that absorbs impact and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
Skateboarders are picky about decks and shoes, so stick to parts and protection everyone uses. The best gifts for skateboarders are bearings, tools, helmets and a fun cruiser. Check whether they skate tricks or cruise before buying a board. Bearings suit any skater.
We picked each product for what skateboarders enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
Gifts for surfers who check the forecast before breakfast and drop everything when the swell's up.
Gifts for skiers and snowboarders who check the snow report all autumn and count down to their trip.
Gifts for motorcyclists who check the weather for riding days and clean the bike more than the car.