Don’t Skateboard Without Doing This First.

So you're new to skateboarding and you're excited to get out there and start shredding. But before you hit the streets or the skatepark, there's one important step you need to take: applying griptape to your skateboard.

Griptape, also known as skateboard grip tape, is a rough, abrasive material that is applied to the top of a skateboard deck. It is used to provide traction and grip for your feet, allowing you to stay in control of your skateboard as you ride.

Without griptape, it can be difficult to stay on your skateboard, especially when you're first learning to skate. The smooth, slippery surface of a bare skateboard deck can make it tough to keep your feet planted and maintain balance, which can lead to falls and injuries. Griptape helps to provide the necessary grip and traction to help you stay in control of your skateboard and ride safely.

Why You Need Griptape on Your Skateboard
Griptape serves several important purposes, and applying it to your skateboard is an essential step in getting ready to ride.

● Traction: The most obvious reason to use griptape is for traction. The rough, abrasive surface of the griptape helps to keep your feet in place on the skateboard, which is especially important when you're riding at high speeds or performing tricks. Without griptape, you might find it difficult to stay balanced on your skateboard, which can lead to falls and injuries.

● Control: In addition to providing traction, griptape also helps to give you better control over your skateboard. By providing a textured surface for your feet to grip, griptape can help you to steer, turn, and stop more effectively, which is especially important when you're first learning to skateboard.

● Customization: Griptape comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose a design that matches your style or personal preferences. Some skateboarders even use griptape as a canvas for creating their own designs.

What to Look for When Purchasing Skateboard Griptape
The best griptape for skateboarding will depend on your personal preferences and needs. But it is helpful to consider these three factors when choosing the right griptape for your skateboard. 

1. Coarseness: Griptape comes in different levels of coarseness, with some being more rough and abrasive than others. In general, the coarser the griptape, the more traction it will provide. If you're just starting out skateboarding, you might want to choose a griptape that is on the rougher side to help you stay in place on your skateboard. As you become more experienced, you can experiment with griptape that is less coarse to see what works best for you.

2. Size: Griptape also comes in different sizes to fit different skateboard decks. Be sure to choose griptape that is the right size for your deck, as griptape that is too small or too large will not fit properly and could affect your skateboarding performance.

3. Quality: It's also important to choose high-quality griptape that is made with durable materials and is resistant to peeling or tearing. Poor quality griptape may not provide the necessary traction or durability, which could affect your skateboarding experience.

Applying Griptape is Simple
Applying griptape to your skateboard is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Step 1: Gather your materials. You'll need a griptape, a blade or razor, a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool, and a ruler or straight edge.

Step 2: Clean the deck. Before applying the griptape, make sure that the deck is clean and free of debris. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust, and make sure that the deck is dry before proceeding.

Step 3: Cut the griptape to size. Lay the griptape on top of the deck, making sure that it covers the entire top surface. Use a ruler or straight edge to mark the edges of the deck onto the griptape, and then use a blade or razor to cut the griptape along the marked lines. Be sure to cut the griptape slightly smaller than the deck to allow for a smooth, seamless finish.

Step 4: Peel off the backing. Once the griptape is cut to size, carefully peel off the backing paper to reveal the adhesive side of the griptape.

Step 5: Align the griptape. Hold the griptape in place on the deck and use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Make sure that the griptape is centered on the deck and that the edges are aligned with the edges of the deck.

Step 6: Apply pressure. Use the flathead screwdriver or similar tool to apply firm pressure to the griptape, working from the center outwards. This will help to ensure that the griptape sticks securely to the deck.

Step 7: Trim the excess. Once the griptape is in place, use the blade or razor to trim off any excess material around the edges of the deck.

Step 8: Sand the edges. After trimming the excess griptape, use a fine-grit sandpaper or sanding block to smooth out the edges and remove any rough or jagged areas. This will help to prevent the griptape from catching on clothing or skin and will give the deck a finished, professional look.

Step 9: Test the griptape. Once the griptape is in place and the edges are sanded smooth, it's time to test it out. Place your feet on the griptape and try riding around to get a feel for the traction. If you notice any areas where the griptape is not sticking well or is lifting up, use the flathead screwdriver or similar tool to apply additional pressure to these areas.

Step 10: Enjoy your new skateboard! With the griptape applied and the deck ready to ride, it's time to hit the streets and start enjoying your new skateboard. Remember to always wear proper protective gear and skate within your abilities to stay safe and have fun.

By following these steps, you can easily apply griptape to your skateboard and get ready to ride.

Shop High Quality Skateboard Griptape
Jessup Manufacturing has been outfitting skateboards since the 1970’s with high quality skateboard griptape. Used by professional skateboarders around the globe and available in a wide variety of colors, designs, and sizes it makes the perfect griptape. 

Shop the entire line at JessupMFG.com.