Introduction
Tech Decks, or miniature fingerboards, have been captivating hobbyists and skating fans for years. These tiny skateboards allow enthusiasts to replicate skateboard tricks using only their fingers, requiring precision, skill, and creativity. Whether you’re a beginner just picking up your first Tech Deck or a seasoned fingerboarder, this guide covers everything you need to know to level up your skills.
What is a Tech Deck?
A Tech Deck is a small-scale replica of a skateboard, designed to be controlled with your fingers instead of your feet. It typically measures around 96mm in length and is crafted to resemble a skateboard’s essential components, such as trucks, wheels, grip tape, and a deck. Fingerboards have been around since the late 1970s but gained mainstream popularity when Tech Deck, a brand dedicated to fingerboarding, emerged in the 1990s.
The Rise of Fingerboarding Culture
The popularity of Tech Decks has created a vibrant community of fingerboarders. Today, there are tournaments, brands, and a plethora of gear specifically for fingerboarding enthusiasts. This community has made fingerboarding not just a toy hobby but a dedicated sport, filled with pros who can execute intricate tricks and challenging routines.
Getting Started: Choosing Your First Tech Deck
1. Selecting the Right Deck
Tech Decks come in various designs and graphics, often representing popular skateboard brands. When selecting your first Tech Deck, it’s crucial to consider:
- Size: Standard Tech Decks are 96mm, but you can find slightly wider or narrower models depending on your preference.
- Material: Plastic Tech Decks are more affordable and suitable for beginners, while advanced users might opt for wooden boards that provide more realistic grip and control.
- Graphics: Some enthusiasts choose decks based on brand loyalty or aesthetic appeal. Tech Decks offer designs from major skateboard brands, like Baker, Santa Cruz, and Element.
2. Understanding Components of a Tech Deck
Your Tech Deck consists of several main parts that work together to create a smooth experience:
- Deck: This is the board where you place your fingers.
- Grip Tape: Provides traction, allowing you to control the board.
- Trucks: Metal components that connect wheels to the deck.
- Wheels: Smooth wheels are best for indoor surfaces, while grippier wheels provide better control on textured surfaces.
3. Essential Accessories for Fingerboarding
Beyond the basic deck, there are numerous accessories that can enhance your fingerboarding experience:
- Ramps and Obstacles: Small ramps, rails, and boxes allow you to practice tricks and add variety to your routines.
- Fingerboard Tools: Specialized tools help you adjust your trucks and wheels to achieve the perfect setup.
- Extra Wheels and Trucks: Advanced fingerboarders often swap out wheels and trucks to tailor their boards to specific tricks.
Beginner Tricks to Master on Your Tech Deck
1. Ollie
The ollie is the foundational trick in fingerboarding and skateboarding alike. To perform an ollie, use your middle finger to press down on the tail of the board while sliding your index finger towards the nose. With practice, the board will lift off the surface and come back down smoothly.
2. Shuvit
The shuvit involves spinning the board 180 degrees without flipping it. Press down on the tail and move your fingers in a scooping motion, causing the board to rotate horizontally beneath your fingers.
3. Kickflip
One of the flashiest beginner tricks is the kickflip. This move requires flicking the board with your fingers so that it spins while airborne. This trick can take some time to master but is a satisfying addition to any fingerboarding routine.
4. Heelflip
The heelflip is the reverse of a kickflip. Instead of flicking the board inward, you’ll flick it outward with your index finger. This motion takes practice but adds variety to your trick repertoire.
5. Manual
A manual is similar to a wheelie on a bicycle. Balance the Tech Deck on either the front or back wheels while moving it across a surface. This trick tests balance and control and can be combined with other tricks for more complex routines.
Advanced Fingerboarding Techniques
1. 360 Flip (Tre Flip)
The 360 flip, also known as the Tre Flip, combines a shuvit and a kickflip into one fluid motion. This trick requires you to spin the board in a 360-degree motion while flipping it. It’s a crowd-pleaser that demands precision and timing.
2. Impossible
The impossible involves flipping the board in a vertical, spiral motion around one finger. This trick, while advanced, is achievable with dedicated practice and a high-quality board that responds to nuanced finger movements.
3. Darkslide
The darkslide involves flipping the board over and sliding along a surface while balancing on the grip tape side. It’s a challenging move that requires control and the right obstacle, such as a rail or ledge.
Maintaining Your Tech Deck
Like a full-sized skateboard, a Tech Deck requires regular maintenance to perform optimally. Here are some tips to keep your fingerboard in top condition:
- Tighten Trucks and Wheels: Loose trucks can affect stability, while loose wheels can lead to wobbling. Regularly check and adjust them.
- Replace Grip Tape: Over time, the grip tape can wear down, affecting your ability to control the board. Replacement grip tape is inexpensive and easy to apply.
- Clean the Wheels: Dust and grime can build up on the wheels, making them sluggish. Clean them with a damp cloth or replace them if they become damaged.
Choosing the Best Tech Deck Brand and Gear
Several companies specialize in fingerboards and accessories, each offering unique advantages. Here’s a look at some popular brands for Tech Deck enthusiasts:
1. Tech Deck
As the original brand, Tech Deck offers a wide variety of options for all skill levels. Their boards are affordable and feature iconic designs from top skateboarding brands, making them a top choice for beginners.
2. Blackriver
Blackriver is known for premium wooden fingerboards that offer realistic grip and control. Their boards are pricier but highly valued by experienced fingerboarders.
3. BerlinWood
BerlinWood produces some of the most advanced wooden decks on the market. They are favored by professionals for their durability and responsive design.
4. Fingerboard Obstacles
In addition to Tech Deck and other deck brands, you can purchase ramps and obstacles from companies like Blackriver Ramps and Flatface Fingerboards. These obstacles allow you to practice tricks in various environments, making your fingerboarding sessions more dynamic.
Tips for Improving Your Fingerboarding Skills
Improving as a fingerboarder requires patience, practice, and creativity. Here are some tips to help you grow:
- Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Even a few minutes each day will help you develop muscle memory.
- Break Down Tricks: If a trick is challenging, break it down into smaller movements to understand each part.
- Join the Community: Engage with other fingerboarders online or locally. Watching others perform tricks can inspire new ideas.
- Record Yourself: Recording your sessions allows you to review your form and spot areas for improvement.
Final Thoughts on the Tech Deck Phenomenon
Tech Decks have evolved from a casual toy into a full-fledged hobby and sport. With a blend of patience and practice, anyone can learn to perform impressive tricks, build custom setups, and explore the endless possibilities of fingerboarding.
Whether you’re looking to master new tricks, build a fingerboard collection, or become part of a passionate community, Tech Decks offer a creative outlet that appeals to skaters and non-skaters alike.
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