baseplate Definition: The baseplate is the rectangular metal part of the skateboard's trucks that gets bolted onto the bottom of the
skateboard deck. The baseplate is usually held onto the deck using skateboard hardware (nuts and bolts, usually specific sizes and lengths). Sometimes, the baseplate will have a riser or shock pad sandwiched in between itself and the deck. The reason for shock pads is to keep the deck from developing stress cracks. A lot of skaters don't use shock pads though - especially since if you are a very aggressive skater, you will likely break your board long before stress cracks are a problem. However, if you are a more casual skater, then shock pads might be a great idea for you. Risers add a little height to the skateboard, which can be important if you are using larger wheels. Large wheels without risers can result in "wheel bite", where you go for a deep turn and the bottom of the deck touches the wheel, stopping that wheel instantly. This can end in some gnarly wrecks! But, if you have smaller wheels and your trucks aren't too loose, this shouldn't be a problem.
the deck
Definition: The actual board. The flat, long, oval/rectangular, usually wood part of the skateboard that you stand on. Skateboard decks are classically made from 7 plys of wood, usually maple, laminated together. Decks are often decorated with graphics from the company that makes them and stickers that show the board's owner's personality. Skateboard decks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, weights, strengths, and with a variety of concaves. As a skateboarder gets better as skateboarding, he or she will learn what type of deck he or she likes best - there is no right or wrong shape to a skateboard deck. Decks have evolved quite a bit over the years, from homemade planks of wood with rollerskate wheels nailed to the bottom, to longboards, to the fishtailed skateboards of the 80s to the smaller more symmetrical trick skateboards of today. People are always looking for ways to improve skateboard deck design using metals, kevlar, plastics and fiberglass. However, the most popular skateboard decks with pro skateboarders are still the wooden kind.
The wheels
The wheels are explicit that you should know where they are and what they do. Also far than skateboarding, the wheels are in fact very diverse. You can get wheels with designs on them or different colors. They come in different heights and widths, too. You must choose a wheel based on how you set up and where you drive. Choice of the wheel is also based on your level of experience. You may need to try different types of find what works best for you.
Bearings
The bearings are the wheels and that allow the wheels to rotate. Without bearings you are not going anywhere. It is one of the parties of a skateboard that you should get really know. Bearings wear in time and the need to replace. In fact, it is probably one of the more replaced by parts of a skateboard. There are four levels, because each wheel needs one. It is a good idea to buy a high quality with so you can get the most out of it and do not have to replace it too often.
The griptape
Grip tape is the gritty, sand papery layer that's applied to the top of a skateboard deck, so that your shoes can grip the board. Skaters often cut patterns into their grip tape before applying it, to make their boards unique, but also to help them easily tell between the nose and the tail of the board. Skateboarders can also spray paint patterns on the top of their grip tape for the same effect.