Hey all, first post, longboard for bad ankles? Sidewinders?

[Sk8rGirl]

Hey all, this is my firstpost, but I've been lurking a bit and this is a great site.

I used to skateboard when I was younger, all shortboard. But, when I grew up the bones in my ankles started to fuse. I lost a lot of my ability to balance and i couldn't really turn any more when skateboarding. So, I had to quit. I really want to get back into it tho. I'm thinking of purchasing a longboard, I've always wanted one. I'm thinking a longboard will be easier on my ankles and easier for me to turn. My left ankle doesnt move to the side at all, and my right is semi-impaired. I just wanted to ask any experienced skateboarders what kind of longboard I should look for? I dont have a local place I can go to look at them, I will most likely order off line. And I am trying to stay at about 150 dollars, I'm a broke college student trying to skate again! I'd really appreciate any advice on which longboard will help me most with my ankle problems!

Someone who I was talking with earlier reccomended Gullwing sidewinder trucks, to make turning easier. After looking into them it sees like a good idea. As far as I know only Sector 9 makes completes with the Gullwing Sidewinders. Meaning most likely if I dont go with them I wll end up putting them on another deck. It's been a while since I mucked around with a skateboard, usually my uncle helped me with my shortboard and my little Hobie cruiser, sigh, this were the days. So since, I never really got technical I have some questions.

1. What are the limits of what I can put on a deck sidewinder wise? Meaning, how do I know what deck will work with the sidewinders best? I mean right now I am trying to keep everything price friendly, so I need to know what is compatable.

2. What's a good set of stock wheels for a sidewinder setup? I'm looking for something that will let me cruise, this will primarily be a campus comute board, and let me turn well.

3. Also will the deck absolutely need wedgesto prevent wheel bite with the sidewinders? If I use a riser I know I can negotiate this, but I'm tring to make sure everything fits together.

4. Also can anyone reccomend a great resource to read on building a longboard? I just want to learn the basics of putting together the correct wheels, trucks, deck, bearings, and bushings as well as what tools I'll need to make this happen.

I know that was a lot, thanks for listening guys!

[Big Dev]

if you're ankles are crippled, sidewinders are not the way to go. You'll probably want something thats low to the ground to minimize ankle pain, and sidewinders are taller than most trucks.

I'd go with independents. They are very twitchy and turny (in my opinion, as turny as sidewinders, more so with the correct bushing setup) and are one of the lowest trucks available.

In your situation, it'd be nice to have a drop-through deck (as that would lower your deck further). With such a low budget, however, that might be difficult. I'd suggest an Earthwing Superglider. You can buy a complete here so you don't have to assemble it yourself: LongboardSkater.com: Earthwing Superglider Black - 38" - Complete

Its a little above your price range, but for the price its (IMO) the best setup you can buy.

If you want to get a cheaper setup, you can order the parts seperately from here
Indys: http://www.milehighskates.com/catalo...roducts_id=596
Inexpensive yet quality Gravity wheels: http://www.milehighskates.com/catalo...oducts_id=2100
Deck: http://longboardskater.com/mm5/merch...tegory_Code=E9

Those wheels come with bearings and spacers, so you don't need to worry about those, and all you'd need to buy other than that is some hardware (screws). I'm sure if you ask nice/pay 5 more dollars longboardskater.com would be willing to grip your deck for you. The price for ordering all those parts separately would be approximately 157 dollars.

[andyroo2000]

I think that's a pretty solid recommendation.

I have a pair of sidewinders, and I can tell you that having your board up that high isn't going to do your ankles any favors.

I'd say some Paris trucks or something would be turny enough for you and actually more stable than the Sidewinders, so you wouldn't be exerting your ankles as much, trying to keep the trucks going straight.

The Superglider would be a great way to go for you. But if you have to go even cheaper, this would not be bad: Sector 9 California Grown Complete Longboard Skateboard - Black

You could get it with Randall's or Paris's and the Dano's 78a wheels (which are soft - meaning a less bumpy ride for your ankles) for $129 shipped.

But if you can swing it, the Superglider might be a better board for you and is a little wider. Either way, I would try and go for soft wheels to minimize vibrations (78a or softer).

[jsweriduk]

Big Sticks

Kahuna big stick. You should get this, because pushing may be hard on your ankles. I would not recommend a drop through board because at low speeds, turning will kill your ankles.

Although sidewinders turn nicely, they have a HUGE amount of lean (the board will tilt maybe 35˚), so this would be a bad option for you.

If you are comfortable giving more information about your injury, like what are your limitations in terms of movement, and stuff like that, that would be helpful.
Longboarding should strengthen up those ankles, and you might want to look into a long-distance pumper also.

[Sk8rGirl]

Wow guys! Thanks for all the responses...although it everyone is saying something different so its a little hard to interpret, but you guys are definately saying sidewinders are not the way to go.

As for my ankle injury. I was born with a lot of problems with me feet. When I hit about 13 years old the bones in my feet started to fuse together, its called a tarsul-talus coalition. It mean I can move my feet up and down but not side to side. he left one is really bad, the right one is ok. When I went and got it checked out i turns out I was also born with no cartiledge in several joints in my feet, so because of this and other factors I have some chronic pain and juvenile arthritus. Last but not least, I was also born with no arch in my foot, so I wear custom orthodics, the only real consequence to this is that I get foot cramps, but I can live with that. So yeah... I have poor balance. I can still push, its just when I lean to turn my ankles dont shift.

But, I really miss skateboarding, I have had to give up a lot of sports and activities...but I really want to skate again, its been 6 years or so since I really skated. The only sport I'm still involved with is roller hockey, thank god!

As far as your suggestions...

I really dont want to use a Kahuna Big Stick. They are a neat idea, but I'm just not that into them. I think I'm ok pushing, and besides I think it would do well to strengthen the muscles in my legs.

The superglider looks great, but I just dont have 189 to spend. I have like 160 max.

The Sector 9 looks more in my range. Which are better trucks for me the randals or the paris? Also what is a shock pad?

Again thanks so much guys! Hope yo are all having a great day!

[ChefGeoff]

randals and paris trucks are very similar but the paris' have a much nicer bushing seat. if i were you i would go with indy's though, you'll get more turn with less effort (easier on the ankles) and like Big Dev said they are low making the board easy to push.

shock pads are soft risers that will absorb some road vibration, but soft wheels will make a more noticable difference.

The superglider looks great, but I just dont have 189 to spend. I have like 160 max.

The price for ordering all those parts separately would be approximately 157 dollars.

the silverfish classifieds are also a great place to look for a board, you can get a reeeeally nice setup for a good deal.

hope that helps, good luck!!

[jsweriduk]

Wow, and I thought I had bad foot problems... (I have the same feet as my brother; his feet caused him to break both his tibia and fibula from just running, so we both have to wear orthodics).

If your up-down motion is limited, I would recommend holey trucks. They have one of the highest baseplate angles of any reverse kingpin. You need to tilt the board less than you would on randalls or paris's to get the same amount of turn.

The kahuna big stick, believe it or not, if used properly, will strengthen your legs. If you are trying to push a big block with your arms, you probably think you are doing all of the work with your arms. However, your legs have to counteract the force of your arms pushing, so they end up getting a good workout. If you have seen people row crew, although they are pushing the oars with their arms, all the power comes from their legs (this might be a good activity for you). Same principle for the big stick. Plus you can replace your ab workout with the stick 8). The kahuna big stick is not for everyone though.

If you get a superglider deck with holey trucks and order some decent wheels from LongboardSkater.com, this shouldn't run you that much over 160. 84(superglider deck) + 60(holey trucks) + 34 (sector 9 race formula 70mm, i don't know of a cheaper decent wheel) = 178. Now, apply the 5% silverfish discount (I think LBS does it), and you are at 169 dollars total, and free shipping. You could get paris for 10 bucks cheaper, which I would do if your ankles aren't restricted as far as up/down motion.

[andyroo2000]

The Randall's or the Paris's are really going to be about the same for your purposes. They are both the highest quality and there isn't a huge difference in how they ride.

The only reason I'd vote for Paris trucks is that I think their stock bushings are way better - and replacement bushings will run you a little over $10 for a set.

[andyroo2000]

If you get a superglider deck with holey trucks and order some decent wheels from LongboardSkater.com, this shouldn't run you that much over 160. 84(superglider deck) + 60(holey trucks) + 34 (sector 9 race formula 70mm, i don't know of a cheaper decent wheel) = 178. Now, apply the 5% silverfish discount (I think LBS does it), and you are at 169 dollars total, and free shipping. You could get paris for 10 bucks cheaper, which I would do if your ankles aren't restricted as far as up/down motion.

I agree on the Sector 9 race formula wheels. They are great and cheap.

I haven't skated on Holey trucks before, but it sounds like they would be a great option too. If you can come up with the little bit of extra money, I would go with the Superglider.

I just thought I'd give the Sector 9 as an acceptable ultra-budget option in case a $20 or $30 is the difference between getting a board and not being able to get a board.

[Big Dev]

The superglider looks great, but I just dont have 189 to spend. I have like 160 max.

Thats why I posted that other option thats 157...
I'm telling you from experience; if you go with the Superglider you will not be disappointed. It'll be easy on your ankles and extremely versatile, and every component I listed for that board is 100% quality. All you have to do is assemble the board, and if you suck with tools you could probably get a friend to help.

Randals and Paris are quality trucks, but I mentioned the independents specifically because they are low and would be easy on your ankles. Randals and Paris are tall trucks; more distance for your foot to travel = more discomfort on your ankles.

Kahuna Big Sticks bust my balls. A cool novelty item, but ultimately not as efficient as pushing and somewhat silly looking.

Holey trucks, in this case, are unnecessary and too expensive. Independents will more than satisfy a beginner's needs with a 20 dollar cheaper price tag. RFs are epic, but not quite as cheap as the free bearing bargain that milehighskates.com offers.

The Sector 9 would be a good option, but I honestly don't see a need to buy one when such a superior setup is available at around the same price.

Keep in mind I looked at your specific situation and suggested a setup that would suit your needs; I didn't just rail out a cheap complete.

[Understanding In a Crash]

My question to the original poster is "do you ride switch or regular?" and "what type of riding are you planning on doing"

[Absu]

If money is a problem get a kracked skulls: KrackedSkulls.com
Good setups for around $130 and you can use the money you save to buy some soft bushings so you can turn easily. Also if you do buy one you should be able to find a discount code pretty easily just do a search on here.

[Sk8rGirl]

My question to the original poster is "do you ride switch or regular?" and "what type of riding are you planning on doing"

I'm pretty sure I'm regular, its been a while tho. And I plan on riding just to cruise, I'm gonna use it as a commuter, nothing extreme...

The wealth of info here is overwhelming!

[Sk8rGirl]

Oh also both the superglider complete and the deck are Sold Out.

Anyone wanna sell me a superglider?

[Understanding In a Crash]

I'm pretty sure I'm regular, its been a while tho. And I plan on riding just to cruise, I'm gonna use it as a commuter, nothing extreme...

The wealth of info here is overwhelming!

I second the Kracked Skulls recommendation. It's pretty easy to push, pump, carve, and even bomb hills. It really turns on a dime and for just cruising it's very stable, low to the ground and fairly easy to push on. I hope you're ready for some flex though.

My only complaint about the board is the difficulty to pull off some tricks.

[Flexible Sloth]

I second the Kracked Skulls recommendation. It's pretty easy to push, pump, carve, and even bomb hills. It really turns on a dime and for just cruising it's very stable, low to the ground and fairly easy to push on. I hope you're ready for some flex though.

My only complaint about the board is the difficulty to pull off some tricks.

I don't think she'd be pulling off tricks if she has this ankle condition.

I could be wrong though; you never know.

[Understanding In a Crash]

I don't think she'd be pulling off tricks if she has this ankle condition.

I could be wrong though; you never know.

Yeah I know but I was just pointing out the board isn't perfect but very good for everything else.

[andyroo2000]

The wealth of info here is overwhelming!

Ha, that's how I felt when I first started reading this forum. It took a week or two of reading posts before I got a feel for what components were liked and for what reasons etc.

The things everyone seems to agree on for you is that you shouldn't get Sidewinders and you should get soft wheels. Beyond that, it's a matter of what appeals to you and your wallet. I think all of the boards suggested have their merits and you'd probably be happy with any of them. - There's really no wrong answer out of these boards.

Since you're new to the forum, I'll give you the Silverfish Cliff's Notes on the boards people are suggesting:

Sector 9 board that I linked to: Sector 9 makes some pretty good boards, but most experienced longboarders feel that the boards are designed based on looks more than for high performance and you will not get cool street cred if you skate one of these. Also, they are a big company now, and they are "the man".

Kracked Skulls: Generally considered to be decent quality for a great price. This is considered by many to be a great bargain board - and it's definitely the cheapest drop-through option (which will get the board lower to the ground and be easier on the ankles?) Street cred seems neutral to good. This board says I'm on a budget, but I value performance over looks and I ordered it off the internet instead of just buying whatever was at the mall.

Superglider - This is kind of the hot board right now. It seems like everyone either has one or wants one and while it's slightly more than the S9 or the Kracked Skulls, the quality is exceptional and it has serious street cred. When you roll up on one of these, people may tell you that you have a nice board. I think it might be against the law to say anything bad about this board.

Good luck and have fun!

[Flexible Sloth]

Yeah, I'd recommend to go with one of the bigger brands such as Sector 9 for now. They're decent and low priced, so it's great for a first longboard. My first was a Vision Pintail, which is similar to a S9, but I feel a bit better quality; although they're both in the same league I'd say.

I would personally keep your hands off of more expensive boards such as Loadeds, and definitely do not go for something very very expensive, such as an Insect, Deelite Rayne Board, RPP or really any board with carbon fiber. You won't need anything much better than a S9 for now. My second board was a Loaded Vanguard and I feel that it was a bad idea. Within the first two months of owning it, the board slipped from under my feet, making a huge vertical crack along the length of the board. Guess which board I never use now?

Trust me, if you get a pricey board for your first, you'll regret it. S9s are sturdy for the most part, so they'll be able to handle most of the hits that it'll take when you're trying new tricks (riding switch, cross-stepping, dancing, sliding.)

All the boards posted here are great- don't have fear in buying any of them!

[Sk8rGirl]

Yeah, thanks everyone. I'm really looking into a superglider, I think ill be able to pull it off, but every little discount counts. Does anyone know where coupons.codes would help me out, and free shipping?