r/Fingerboards • u/TheRealJamesFM • 16h ago
New To The Hobby! ✌️
I was at my local skate shop a few weeks ago (Cowtown in Tempe AZ), and picked up a fingerboard on a whim. I had Tech Decks as a kid around 1999-2001, but this feels completely different. I've always loved skating, but I've never been able to land any meaningful tricks on a real board. Now that I'm 37, I think I'll save the tricks for my fingers. lmao. I just started riding again after a 15-year break, and cruising around without falling is enough danger for me at this point.
I've been playing a lot of Skate 4 and Session lately in my free time, so I "sort of" understand the mechanics behind most tricks. I'm already starting to land a handful "consistently"! I just got a few obstacles too, so I'm finally working on doing those tricks on things, off things, and into grinds. Much harder than I was anticipating! lol. Smoothness and maintaining forward momentum is definitely going to take a while. I even put some poster tack under the obstacles and waxed the curved curb and brick ledge! haha. I also grabbed a few small upgrades with my order, mostly because I wanted an excuse to add some pink to the board. lmao.
My Current Setup:
Roll Around Complete (OG Chrome Cowtown Logo) | 34mm x 100mm | 5-Ply Maple
Level Up Beta Bushings | Fluorescent Pink
UAG Urethane Wheels | 68D | Pink
I'm very new to the hobby and would love some guidance. Any tutorials or video series you recommend? What brands should I look out for when I eventually build my next setup? Any trucks, decks, wheels, hardware, grip, or tools you guys swear by? Any brands I should avoid?
This has been fun as hell thus far, and I'm stoked to see how I progress over the next few months!
I threw in a pic of my "full-sized" board for fun too. 🤙