Skate facts & stats

Question 1

On a skateboard, what are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck called?

Accepted Answer

Trucks. Trucks are the metal assemblies holding the axles; they pivot so the board can turn.

Question 2

What is a U-shaped ramp used in skateboarding called?

Accepted Answer

Halfpipe. A halfpipe has two curved walls facing each other, letting riders go back and forth.

Question 3

Modern skateboard wheels are usually made of which material?

Accepted Answer

Polyurethane. Polyurethane wheels, adopted in the 1970s, grip and roll far better than earlier steel or clay wheels.

Question 4

At which Olympic Games did skateboarding make its debut?

Accepted Answer

Tokyo 2020. Skateboarding first appeared at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021.

Question 5

Skateboard decks are traditionally made from thin layers of which wood?

Accepted Answer

Maple. Most decks are made from about seven thin plies of hard maple glued and pressed into shape.

Question 6

Of the six main competition jumps in figure skating, which takes off forward?

Accepted Answer

Axel. The Axel, named after Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen, is the only standard jump with a forward takeoff.

Question 7

How many revolutions are in a single Axel jump?

Accepted Answer

1.5. A single Axel has one and a half revolutions, and that extra half turn makes it harder than other single jumps.

The basics