Street Skateboard Decks
Street-style skateboard: a guide to the double kick tail board
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The street skateboard is all about tricks, speed, and creative movement through the urban environment.
It thrives in cities filled with rails, stairs, curbs, and ledges ready to be transformed into obstacles.
Skaters use public architecture to land tricks and express personal style through motion.
At the core of street skating is one specific design: the double kick tail skateboard.
This board features an upward curve on both ends, making it ideal for tricks.
With a double kick tail, skaters can perform tricks from either side with equal precision.
It’s built for flips, grinds, manuals, and fast directional changes—not just smooth cruising.
This skateboard isn't just for transportation. It’s a tool for technical expression, movement, and creativity.
Street skaters rely on their boards to react quickly and perform under tough urban conditions.
The anatomy of a double kick tail board
A street-style skateboard consists of several key parts that each play a vital role:
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Deck: This is the flat wooden surface where skaters stand.
Most decks are made from seven layers of Canadian maple wood.
The wood is durable, flexible, and responsive to pressure during tricks.
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Grip tape: A sandpaper-like layer on top of the deck.
It helps skaters keep their feet planted while riding or performing tricks.
Without grip tape, balance and control would be extremely difficult.
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Trucks: These are T-shaped metal parts attached beneath the deck.
They hold the wheels and allow the board to turn.
Good trucks absorb shock and help with grinding on rails and ledges.
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Wheels: Usually made of hard urethane and built for speed.
Smaller, harder wheels are better for street skating and offer control on rough pavement.
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Bearings: Small circular components that fit inside the wheels.
They help the wheels spin freely and affect the board’s speed.
High-quality bearings make a huge difference in ride smoothness.
Double kick tail boards are also slightly concave. This inward curve gives riders better foot placement and control. The concave shape improves balance, flip tricks, and stability during landings.
The history of street skateboarding
Skateboarding began in the 1950s, created by surfers seeking something to ride on land. These early boards were handmade, with metal wheels attached to wooden planks.
In the 1970s, skating moved to empty swimming pools. This era gave rise to vert skating—riding vertical walls and launching into the air.
Riders like Tony Alva helped pioneer the vert style and laid groundwork for modern skating. By the 1980s, urban skating emerged.
Skaters started using stairs, curbs, and railings to create a new form of skating—street skating. This change was led by visionaries like Mark Gonzales and Rodney Mullen.
Rodney Mullen invented many essential tricks still used today. He created the kickflip, heelflip, and the most important trick of all—the ollie.
The ollie allows skaters to jump with their board and is the gateway to all advanced tricks.
As tricks evolved, so did skateboard design. The double kick tail became the standard for street skating. Its symmetry and versatility allowed for more complex and consistent performance.
Street skateboarding culture
Street skating is more than a sport—it’s a culture and lifestyle. It mixes style, fashion, music, rebellion, and individual creativity. Skaters often film their tricks, turning each session into a short video project.
Skateboarding has its own fashion trends, inspired by streetwear and DIY aesthetics. Brands like Powell Peralta, Element, Zero, and Santa Cruz shaped skate culture.
Skate videos helped spread street skating worldwide. They showcased new tricks, unique spots, and local skate crews. Skaters from different cities connected through videos and online communities.
While skateparks are popular, many skaters prefer real street terrain. There's a thrill in conquering a ledge, rail, or stair set in a public space. It challenges skaters to adapt, innovate, and push their limits.
Street skating teaches persistence, problem-solving, and creativity. It encourages you to see the world differently—where others see stairs, skaters see opportunity.
Conclusion
The double kick tail skateboard is the foundation of modern street skating. Its design supports technical moves, fast transitions, and creative lines.
Street skateboarding has evolved from surf-inspired beginnings to a full-blown cultural movement. Today, it’s a global community bonded by a shared love for skating and self-expression.
Whether you're just starting or refining your style, the right board makes a huge difference. Start with the double kick tail—it’s versatile, reliable, and built for progression.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your board, learn the ollie, and take that first push. The street is your skatepark. Let the journey begin.
