Gripping Your Skateboard Deck: By Josh Perez AKA Freaky Styley

It is truly amazing the percentage of skaters out there that do not know how to grip a board. I'm not sure if it's a lack confidence, convenience, or the cost one would incur by FUBARing the job thingy. If you follow the steps below even you SHOULD be able to handle the task.  Now for the young'uns out there who's moms don't want you messing with sharp objects - Listen to you mother! and Don't Mess with sharp objects !  Instead: Let your friend that your dad flippantly calls "The Big Kid You Skate With" do it for ya...or use the always helpful skateshop professional.

Step One: Tools for the Task

Now there are many views on this...Like "all you need is a file with a fine and medium side"  and you know what?  Works for me! Lesson over! Just kidding. Let's just go with the pic: Retractable Box cutter and the handy dandy pick file (fine grade) and yes if you don't have a pick file you can use a screwdriver... Shit, you can even use your trucks if ya want to. In the illustration you can see a nice flat working surface and a plank wrapped in felt. The board is laid on the felt so not of spoil that gorgeous graphic that you probably bought the board for in the first place. Yeah that was rude. sorry. hmm.  


 
Demonstration by: Torsten Klinge from Funbox Skateshop - Heinsberg, Germany. 

Step Two: The Peel and Apply Maneuver

Now some would say start out by peeling just a little of the backing off, about 4 or 5 inches. Place it carefully at one end of the board with like an inch of tape hanging all around. And if that's the way you want to go, then by all means...it works.

 


 

 


 

But if you have a nice flat working surface and your deck is laid straight, then no problem peeling it all at once and putting it down. Yes, start at one end and take your time.  Smooth out the grip tape as you go.  Apply firm pressure evenly with your palm so that there will be no air pockets.

Step Three: Making the Outline

Now that your air bubble free you can break out the file. File along the edge of your deck.  The filing breaks the grip line down and a white outline appears. That your cutline.

 

Step Four: Shaving the Tape

Now it's time to start cutting: Take your box cutters and cut in until you intercept your white outline. Now start shaving the board by turning the blade and following the outline until you have a clean shaven piece of stuntwood.



 


 




Step Five: Final Touch

Last but not least, take your pick file and poke through for your hardware. Make sure you poke from the graphic side while holding firmly on the other side as illustrated. Be careful not to push too hard. Don't want to poke a hole in your finger!  

 

~ Josh Perez