Beginner Question - This is Bugging Me!

[nolimit]

I just started skateboarding for the first time in my entire life last night. i wore a helmet and wrist guards. so far, i haven't fallen at all! but i know i will sometime. anyway, the problem is whenever i skateboard on the deck, i CAN'T remain in a straight line, it automatically goes into circles! how can i prevent this and be able to skate straight? after the first 4 or 5 seconds, the board starts going to the left or right when i'm riding, and doesn't stay in a straight line. please help.

[ChristianRocker]

It probably has something to do with the trucks..... or if its a walmart board, it probably does it cuz it was ten bucks. you can try adjusting the trucks until it goes straight. Just my two cents, good luck

[nolimit]

i spend 107 bucks on this. it's an Enjoi board, with enjoi wheels; it is a complete deck that i bought at sport chalet. so since it isn't a wal-mart kind, what could be the problem? i have no idea on how to adjust anything, so please let me know how i can fix this problem. anyone else know anything? has anyone ever experienced this circular problem when they first started skating?

[ChristianRocker]

my trucks used to do that but not go in circles, just drift to the side a bit, they don't do it now, i guess cuz i ride it a lot. just loosen the main bolt on the bottom of the trucks, that will loosen them and you can control them more.

[jcsethi]

u just started skating and you bought a 107 dollar board?? i had 2 wal-mart boards before my 40 dollar store deck and my friends old ventures.

[Mindcrime]

u just started skating and you bought a 107 dollar board?? i had 2 wal-mart boards before my 40 dollar store deck and my friends old ventures.

its actually better to start out with a board that doesnt have sponge bob on the bottom. walmart boards are more dangerous because they're cheaply made and poor quality.

anyway, about the trucks. I suggest just leaning front and back while standing on the board. The bushings might be stiff if they are still new. just try and break those suckers in.

[nolimit]

someone told me i should try adjusting the bolts, how would i do that? i'm a total novice here. how do i 'adjust' my skateboard, with what tools. or would you say forget adjusting and let the new board eat some cement for a while, as this could make it go straight eventually?

[Pinto]

To loosen your trucks, get a box wrench that fits the big bolt on your trucks. I think the box wrench size is 9/16.

[Wood Pusher]

no board can go perfectly straight, you just have to adapt to it.

[bmmetcalf]

To loosen your trucks, get a box wrench that fits the big bolt on your trucks. I think the box wrench size is 9/16.
He wants them tightened. You have 3 nut sizes on your board. Smallest nuts is the hardware that connects the deck to the trucks. Make sure those are tight but not too tight. Too tight can cause pressure cracks. Too loose can cause it to wobble and fall off.

Next is the nut that isnt the biggest or the smallest. That is the nut that keeps your wheels on the axle. Tighten that nut far enough where there is still a little tiny space between the bearing and the nut. Too tight can cause your board not to move. Too loose can cause it to wobble and wheel may fall off.

Then you have your biggest nut. This nut controls how you turn and keeps the trucks together. Tighten the nut to tighten the bushing. That causes your turns to nut turn as much and your deck wont wobble as much. If you want more turning then loosen the nut to loosen the bushing and you will carve through the streets.

Check all these on your deck and try it out.

[Ramp]