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A skateboard is a four wheeled platform, of which the wood base is called a deck, used for the activity of skateboarding. Decks are covered with grip tape, to prevent slippage while riding. Wheels used on skateboards today are made out of an oil-based plastic, while in the 1960's, they were made out of clay. A Skateboard is propelled by pushing with one foot while the other remains on the board, or by pumping in structures such as a half-pipe or bowl (types of ramps) . A skateboard can also be used by simply standing on the deck while on a downward slope and allowing gravity to propel the board and rider. That being said, the skateboard is not easily defined. Unlike most other sports, there is no governing body which declares any regulations on what constitutes a skateboard or the parts from which it is assembled, thereby skateboarding to some is more like an art than a proper sport. For example, longboards are a type of skateboard with a longer wheelbase, and are typically composed of larger and softer wheels. Thus, the definition of a skateboard can vary in both appearance and performance as well as size. Skateboards today, as well as "old-school" boards of the 1980's, are made from various layers of laminated woods.

Optional components

Rails
Narrow strips of plastic that are fastened under the deck lengthwise along the edges. They are used for additional grip for grabs, and to enhance sliding while protecting the deck's graphics at the same time. These are seldom used in modern skateboarding.

Lappers
A lapper is a plastic cover that is fastened to the rear truck and serves to protect the kingpin when grinding. It also prevents hang-ups by providing a smoother transition for the truck when it hits an obstacle or a metal pipe or bar used to grind.These are non existent in modern skateboarding.

Nose guard
A plastic bumper used to protect the tip of a skateboard. These are rare in modern skateboarding.

Tail guard
A tail guard is a plastic skid plate used to prevent wearing of the tail; they can also be used as a means to stop the board. The tail guard is not commonly used in skateboards today.

Risers
Riser or riser pads are made of plastic or rubber and go between the truck and the board to provide additional clearance for the wheels to prevent wheel-bite (when the truck turns to a degree where the wheel will contact with the deck and stop spinning). They usually range in height from 1/8" to 1/2". Shock pads are a variation of risers that are usually made of rubber or neoprene. They absorb impact and reduce vibration, which in turn helps prevent hardware from loosening and they can also prevent pressure cracks from forming.