As a skateboarder, you understand how important it is to keep your board secure and safe when you are not skating on it. Skateboards are a fun way to move around town, but they can also be a target for thieves.
Have you ever wondered how to lock up a skateboard? We all have our way of doing things, but there are some common mistakes that all skateboarders make. These mistakes become major problems when skateboards are locked up in skate parks or street corners.
Locking a skateboard is not as difficult as you may think. Knowing how to do this correctly is important to ensure that your skateboard is secure from theft. So in this article, we will discuss how to lock up a skateboard and provide tips on how to do it the right way to ensure that it is not stolen.
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10 Methods to Lock Up a Skateboard
The following are some helpful methods for maintaining your skate safe from theft.
1. Lock up With Pole
Skaters typically bring skateboards or longboards in skate parks or areas with few poles available. Using a pole to lock up our skateboard is an effective means of preventing it from being stolen. Find a pole in the skate park or any other open area, and get your board close to that pole.
Most skaters try to attach their skateboard wheels to the pole’s bottom for this purpose. You can also choose an empty rack nearby the place you are skating. You should choose a section away from the crowd, so no one can take it away with them while you are playing in the park.
2. Carry in Backpack
We prefer carrying the longboard in our backpack rather than holding it by hand. It is much more convenient to carry your lightweight skateboard in your backpack when you’re not skating. Plus, it is less risky for a thief or someone taking it away from you if it’s on your back. You can strap it onto your back, and no one will be able to know that you’re carrying a skateboard around.
The only problem with this is that if someone spots you with a backpack on, they may believe there’s something valuable in it and try to theft it from you. So, always lock your backpack so that people don’t get to try to steal your skateboard.
3. Secure Lockers
The lockers are convenient for storing your skateboard or longboard when you’re not skating. Most skate parks provide a locker for visitors to use, which is a great place to store your board. All you need is a padlock to secure your skateboard in the locker. So, if you’re not skating and don’t have a place to put your skateboard, use the locker.
4.Use U-lock
U-locks are one of the most popular locking devices because they are reliable and secure. Always carry your U-lock with you because it doesn’t take much space in your pocket or backpack. You can also use a U-lock to lock up your skateboard if you don’t have any poles around you or elsewhere. These locks are perfect for both your board and wheels. Depending on your preference, you can lock them to the same place or two separate places. It is necessary to lock the wheels so no one can take the board away.
5.Use Cable Lock
Cable locks are perfect for securing your skateboard to something that doesn’t have space for you to use a U-lock. Even though they’re not as reliable as U-locks, they provide good security for your longboard. You can keep your wheels with a cable lock. It is a great way to keep your skateboard safe when you’re not using it, and it’s also very affordable.
6.Foldable Skateboard
Foldable skateboards are more challenging to steal because they can be locked up in a small place. When you’re not using your foldable skateboard, fold it and put it in your backpack. In this way, you can prevent someone from stealing your skateboard, and you don’t have to worry about carrying it around with you. You can also keep them in lockers without any problem.
7.Use Security Alarm
If you’re worried about someone trying to steal your skateboard, you can use a security alarm to prevent that from happening. These alarms are very loud and will scare away any thief trying to take your board. You can attach these alarms to your skateboard, backpack, or wrist. The only downside of using a security alarm is that it might scare away people around you, and it’s also very loud. But, if you’re worried about someone stealing your skateboard, this is the best way to go.
8. Use Your Vehicle
Many people go to skating parks by car or bike, so locking up your skateboard is also a good option. If you are using a car, you can just put your skateboard in the trunk or backseat. If you’re using a bike, you can lock your skateboard to the bike by using a lock strap or Up-locks. It is a great way to ensure that your skateboard is safe when you’re not using it, and it’s also very convenient.
9. Use Bike Rack
Bike Racks are another great way to lock your skateboard in schools or colleges. If you are a student, you can find bike racks at your college or academic institution. Don’t forget to lock up your skateboard as well. It is an important way to secure your board because these bike riders are usually at the skate park since they provide security.
10. Use Parking Service
Skateboard parks often have their parking service, so you can use that to store your skateboard. You just need to pay a little for that service, and you don’t have to worry about anything. Security cameras typically monitor parking areas so that you can feel completely safe. It is advisable to use locks to prevent anyone from riding your skateboard.
3 Common Mistakes in Locking up a Skateboard
Some people make common mistakes when locking up their skateboards, which can be costly if you don’t pay attention. So, here we cover some mistakes we found in different skate parks or by talking with skateboarders.
- Many people use very thin lock wires that are easy to break. Thieves can break them easily and take your board, so don’t use them at all! Using these thin wires is like putting a paper clip around your skateboard.
- Another mistake that people make is not locking their skateboards at all. It is a huge mistake because it leaves your board open to anyone who wants to take it. So, always lock up your skateboard when you’re not using it!
- The last mistake that people make is locking their skateboards in the wrong place. You must ensure that you’re locking your skateboard where no one can see it. Place it in a hidden area so that no one can steal it.
How to lock up a skateboard Video Guide
Final Summary
We hope you enjoyed all these tips for locking up your skateboard. If you are using any of these methods, you can feel safe knowing that your skateboard is secure. There are various ways to protect your skateboard when you aren’t using it, but they depend on your personal preference. Just make sure you use one method to keep your board safe from thieves. We already mentioned some common mistakes, so make sure you don’t do that. Just take your time and enjoy the skate park.