Two-wheeled skate: what is it called, how to choose and how to ride it?

In cities, skateboarding enthusiasts are not uncommon. But the article will focus on a two-wheeled model, which has just begun to gain popularity in our country, although the idea to change the usual skate appeared back in the 90s of the XX century among students Meklod-Smiesch and Fischer from Johannesburg.

Skate on two wheels cannot be called a board - it combines the technical features of different sports. In its design, you can find elements of surfing, rollers, skateboards. This became the reason for the emergence of different names for the 2-platform vehicle, in addition, each company has a different name for the shell:

• rollersurf;
• skate surf;
• ripstick;
• snakeboard;
• waveboard;
• streetboard;
• skateboard;
• casterboard.

Structurally, such a skate is divided into 2 types: 2-platform and in the form of a solid board, narrowed in the center. The first type of construction is more popular. It consists of two independent moving parts held by a special joint. Each platform is equipped with a roller that can rotate 360 ​​degrees, which helps the parts of the skate to rotate independently of each other. This structure significantly affects the maneuverability of the sports equipment. Despite the seeming fragility of the models, many of them can withstand loads of up to 100 kg.

The speed that is developed on a two-wheeled skateboard is low, only 20 km per hour. But this has its advantages: driving is 4 times faster than walking, which means that you can get to the place of study or work in time, while still having time to consider the surroundings.

By purpose, 2-wheel skateboards are divided into 3 groups:

• children;
• for beginners and amateurs;
• semi-professional.

Let's take a closer look at each group to understand the difference between them.

Models of small size and weight, made of lightweight but durable plastic. The platforms, connected by a soft spring, have rubber pads and allow you to stand firmly on your feet while maintaining balance. Skateboards for little ones are as maneuverable as adult models. They can be distinguished by their size and bright appearance.

They are intended for both adults and children from 8 years old. The super-strong plastic they are made of will remain intact even if run over by a car. The length of such skateboards is 83-87 cm. The vehicle has a rubber shell, which is an excellent protection for the torsion spring. To ride more comfortably, you should choose models with slightly concave platforms.

To increase strength, products are made of metal, but the weight also increases. The designs have racing bearings and range in length from 73 to 80 cm. A variety of shapes and colors make it possible to choose a skate for every taste. They can be for high speed driving or stunts. These skateboards are more rigid.

Two-wheeled skateboards are divided into conventional and electric. The latter are made of steel, aluminum, sometimes wood is involved in the design, for example, Canadian maple. The wheels are fitted with a polyurethane coating.

The skate provides movement, and movement guarantees health, this is the biggest plus of the sports equipment. The advantages are marked by the following factors:

• a surge of positive emotions while riding;
• during the trip, the body is trained, especially the lower part, which is experiencing strong tension - legs, hips, buttocks;
• skateboarding is equated to a type of aerobic exercise that helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system, regulate breathing and weight;
• eyesight trains - to do a trick, you need to see everything around you, do not miss the details;
• will is brought up when tricks are practiced to perfection;
• attention is concentrated.

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them:

• it is impossible to stand on the ripstick at rest, two movable boards allow you to maintain balance only while riding;
• negligence and lack of skills can lead to injuries while riding;
• electric skateboards are fast and don't strain muscles, but they are expensive and difficult to find;
• penny boards are endowed with a small length (up to 60 cm), it is difficult for a person with a large shoe size to resist them.

Two-wheeled skateboards hit the domestic markets relatively recently, but their variety is already surprising and pleasing. Models differ not only in shape, price and quality, they are also structurally diverse. We propose to consider the most popular of the sports equipment in this area.

This type of skate was developed by the Razor company back in 2000. The absence of a spring is imperceptible, since its role is played by the deck, and the connection is fixed with a piece of plastic. This lightens the structure and increases the speed, but at the same time, the wear of the sports equipment is faster.

The most successful model of the ripstick type is the Air Pro skate, which is produced in different versions: for children, amateurs and professionals. The sports line comes with a metal body that increases durability and allows for a variety of tricks. The ripstick can withstand loads of up to 100 kg, but is sensitive to uneven rolling surfaces.

Another model from the same company with two platforms that can be combined into a familiar skate. The model allows you to ride separately on platforms with no jumpers. The projectile has a beautiful design, it is easy to control it, it is lightweight, with smooth sliding. Made to perform tricky stunts.

The budget version of the roller two-wheeled balancing skateboard belongs to the Chinese company Re: Action. Models with luminous wheels allow you to ride safely at night. The skate has a steel or aluminum frame, a deck made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane wheels with a diameter of 8 cm. Withstands a load of up to 85 kg.

A high-tech device on two wheels, equipped with a pair of motors and gyroscopic sensors, allowing you to control the vehicle. Withstands a load of up to 120 kg, develops a speed of 16 km per hour, is equipped with 9-inch wheels. It is controlled by the movement of the body in the desired direction. The disadvantages include high cost and insufficiently high speed.

American rollersurf is one of the most expensive professional skateboards. Made for the toughest stunts. The platforms are made of high-strength plastic or wood (Canadian maple). Polyurethane wheels resistant to wear and tear.

The model uses Switch suspensions, which allows each platform to be driven, providing bi-directional riding. With a slight movement of the foot, the angle of the board relative to the track changes, while turning up to 180 degrees. The disadvantages include the large weight of the structure.

It stands out among the mass of skateboards for its printing, with an abundance of symbols and bright colors. It has angular platforms of irregular geometry and a shortened torsion spring. In addition to the unusual appearance and abundance of colors, the advantages of waveboards include reinforced wheels and curved platforms that allow you to feel comfortable while riding.

Rounded platforms are endowed with multi-colored anti-slip rubber bands, connected by a torsion bar and plastic strips. The pluses of the power surfer include a limiter for the rotation of the roller along the axis, which leads to increased stability.

The best way to choose the right board is to stand on it and ride it. You can immediately understand whether it is suitable for weight, comfort, maneuverability and speed. But more often than not, such an opportunity is not provided, then a number of criteria must be taken into account when choosing a model.

• You need to know the rider's weight and check it with the instructions for what load the skate is designed for.
• Understand for yourself for what purpose a two-wheeled skateboard is purchased. For skating on a flat surface, traditional rollerseafs are suitable. For tricks, you should pay attention to the Air Pro ripsticks.
• Models with torsion springs are more durable, and they affect the riding style.
• Preferred brands should be preferred. A cheap skateboard is only suitable for beginner riders. For gambling and confident skateboarders, a strong, high-quality, agile and obedient sports equipment is needed.
• Last but not least, attention is paid to design and printing. If a skate is chosen for children, appearance matters to them.

Two platforms, held together by a torsion bar, look unusual when compared to a monolithic board. But learning to ride them is not difficult - some amateurs learn riding skills in just 2-3 hours. Only the lower body is involved in skateboarding. You should move as if you are riding a surf or snowboard: the feet are set perpendicular to the movement, and for the first push, you do not need to lower your foot to the surface of the asphalt.

The two platforms can move independently of each other, which gives more control possibilities than a traditional board. During the ride, the scooter controls the sketsurf with the heel and toe, changing the pressure on each of them as needed. From the side, such a ride looks like waves.

You can ride, leaving the front leg motionless, and all maneuvers are made with the limb located on the back platform, rotational movements are often performed. Another way to ride is by pressing the toe on the first platform, and the heel on the second. Those who don't like to strain can get an electric two-wheeled skate. To ride it, it is enough to maintain balance, and to make turns by tilting the body.

When buying a skate, you should immediately take care of the availability of sports equipment. A helmet, protective pads on the knees and elbows will prevent injury during training.

For information on how to learn how to ride a two-wheeled skateboard, see the next video.