Bakwuds Skateboards is a 100% skater owned and operated skateboard builder

SKATE Knowledge

Here you will find an ever evolving and growing knowledge base for everything Skateboards. You can find out anything from why skateboard shape matters, why the deck width is important, trick tips,  and even how to deal with injuries (because sometimes skateboarding doesn't love you back.) 
Working on gaining our knowledge....
THOSE WHO ARE UNAWARE THAT THEY ARE WALKING IN DARKNESS WILL NEVER SEE THE LIGHT -BRUCE LEE

Identifying Parts of A Skateboard

What Size Do I Choose?

When you're looking for a skateboard it can be quite challenging figuring out the sizes and what the numbers mean. Well for starters almost all skateboards are the same length at around 31-33 inches. This difference in length does not matter as much unless it affects the wheelbase (which is a different  topic of great importance).

The width of the board is the real bread and butter of a  skateboards feel. Too skinny and your toes will be hanging off of the board and not on it giving you control. Too wide and it will make control and rotations quite a bit more challenging. For every skateboarder exists a different preference  on width as well as trends  and style. In the 80's were big wide boards with a wide kicktail for popping tricks and enough weight to destroy even the strongest shins. In the 90's came the popsicle shape we all recognize today. Skinny boards were the new hot thing . These were on average around 7.5 inches wide  and would go up to  8.75 inches wide. Not  much has changed since then and you can still get boards ranging in width  from 7.5 inches to 9 even 10 inches. 

So the next time you are looking at some boards at the local shop and they have some sizes  (8.3,7.63,8.44) written on them, you can feel good knowing what it  all means.​

How the hell do I know what size I need?

When you are first starting out and learning to skateboard the size you first pick can be what ever you want. Try a few different ones out ,slap them on the ground and put your weight on them  for a while and see what feels good. Don't worry you will find one, if you are still not sure just ask them what they ride. Beware if they don't have a quick answer or start looking shifty then they are probably working for the man. Get out and seek out Bakwuds.

What is The Wheelbase?

It is essential to creating your perfect set-up and can make all the difference in how you feel while skating. The wheelbase of a skateboard is one of the most important measurements when it comes to street or vert skateboarding. It refers to the distance from the inner front truck holes to the inner rear truck holes and dictates how stable, maneuverable, and responsive your board will be. These measurements can be anywhere from 14″ to 15 inches!

Most companies will give the measurements from between the center truck holes on the skateboard, but the actual wheelbase would be from the center of your front wheels to your rear wheels. A shorter wheelbase will result in quicker turning, while a longer wheelbase adds stability.
​Finding the best wheelbase for your riding style and environment is essential. Generally, street skaters prefer a shorter wheelbase of 14″ while vert skaters may opt for a longer one between 15″ and 15.5″.

Finding the correct wheelbase can make all the difference in how your skateboard performs and how comfortable you feel. So ensure you get the accurate measurements for your next set-up to fit your skateboarding style! By taking into account your riding style, the environment in which you skate, and the correct wheelbase measurements, you can achieve a smooth ride with optimal performance. A lot of research has gone into ensuring that the skateboard is tailored to its rider’s needs, and finding the perfect wheelbase is an integral part of this process. Experiment with different measurements and see what works best for you!
​
In conclusion, the wheelbase of a skateboard is an important measurement that can make or break your ride. It’s worth taking the time to research different wheelbase measurements and find the one that works best for you. The correct wheelbase will help ensure optimal performance and comfort while skateboarding, so don’t underestimate the importance of finding the correct measurement!

What about Trucks?

Good trucks put you in control, make things stable, and help you roll around like a boss. So get your skate key, my friends… We’re about to get into some nitty-gritty.

First things first

measure your skateboard deck. We have to get that measured before we jump into the world of truck sizes. So grab that tape measure, and find the widest point on your deck. It’s near the front truck area, especially for your old-school deck or shaped deck fans. But if you’re still scratching your head, measure the distance across where the truck holes are. Take your time and be accurate. This is key to unlocking the perfect truck size.

Choosing the Right Truck Size Okay, you got your deck width. Now it’s time to play matchmaker. Skateboard trucks come in all shapes and sizes, each designed to fit with a particular deck. So it would be best to compare your deck width to the available truck sizes. If your deck is 8 inches wide, a truck 8 inches wide would be okay. Considerations when picking truck size trucks come in all sizes and shapes! Most popular trucks range in these sizes 8.0, 8.25, 8.5, 8.75, 9, 9.25, 9.5, and 10 inches, for them larger old-school shapes! Every size is crafted to match specific deck widths.
But here’s the kicker. And I still don’t understand this. But skateboard truck manufacturers might have slightly different measurements. That isn’t very pleasant.

So keep those eyes looking for the specific measurements the manufacturer gives to double-check that everything fits right. double-checking the truck size rules are made to be broken. Maybe you want oversized trucks or something? So there are a few things to consider when picking your truck size. You’ve got your riding style, personal taste, and the kind of tricks you plan on nailing. Don’t forget about the width of your wheels.
You don’t want them sticking out like a sore thumb or hiding under your deck. You’re looking for that sweet spot where everything comes together in a perfect balance of style and function.

Almost there, but hold your bearings! Double-check that truck size before you hand over the cash. Not all decks and trucks are created equal, and there can be slight differences. Check and double-check that the fit is just right before you commit. You don’t want nasty surprises when you’re ready to hit the pavement! Don’t sweat if you’re feeling lost or have questions coming out of your ears. Head to your local skate shop and chew the fat with the guys there. They know their stuff, and they can give you some solid advice.

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What makes us different?

When you buy a Bakwuds skateboard, you are buying a one of a kind hand made graphic. We don’t use the traditional heat or screen printing methods for transferring graphics to decks. Board graphics are created by hand and everyone unique in its own way. When you choose Bakwuds, you are supporting a small town skateboarder and making it possible for others to keep skating.
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What kind of wood do we use?

All our decks come from 100% Canadian maple stock. We do not cut corners with our decks. NO CHEAP WOOD OR GLUE IS ALLOWED!  All decks are traditional 7ply, cross grained layouts. We also offer composite skateboards utilizing the strength of carbon fiber.​

What shapes / sizes do we offer?

We have 4 different concave styles for any type of terrain you ride and setup you need. All concave types can be ordered also in any size from 7.00 inches to 10.00 inches.    
Mellow - This deck is for those who like a flatter board with not to much concave. This deck has a center flat spot the creates a very convenient place to place your feet. This is a traditional concave that is available  as the only option for most skateboard providers. The concave is around 8.75mm.
Steep - This deck offers a little more concave as the mellow and a steeper nose. This allows for you to not have to flick as much and  also have  the ability to pop higher nollie tricks. There is no flat spots on this type. The concave is around 12.25mm.
 Super Steep - This deck is by far the steepest we have seen. It has maximum concave, and the nose/tail is identical to the medium. With this deck you can more easily do flip in/flip out tricks. If you enjoy riding steep boards this is for you.
Twin Mellow - A new offering from Bakwuds. this board features a symmetrical shape from nose to tail. The concave is a cross between the traditional  Bakwuds Mellow Shape and Bakwuds Steep Shape giving you a good combination of comfort and responsiveness. ​
Twin Steep - This board features a symmetrical shape from nose to tail. The concave is a cross between the traditional Bakwuds Steep and Bakwuds Super Steep Shape giving you a more aggressive responsiveness to inputs and stiffer board overall.

Nelson County-

The Big Ramp and SK8 Nelson

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