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Skateboard riders like to be radical and portray themselves as intensely into their sport. They may appear to have no dress sense or pride in their appearance, but everything about them is carefully planned and tailored to convey the fact that skating is their form of expression. From the scruffy hair down to the rolling wheels and everything in between tells us who they are and how seriously they take themselves.

It is essential to differentiate between the factions before thinking of a gift. Is your skateboarder a park/ramp skater or a street skater? The differences can be subtle, but it's advisable you don't confuse the two. Every skater has a favorite skating shop. You must be aware of this establishment before embarking a on any buying spree. Shopping at a department store or "non-skating" store will probably result in the gift lying in the bottom of a cupboard or under a bed gathering dust.

For the ramp or bowl skater protective gear is a must and the modern skater is conscientious of this. Helmets, knee and elbow pads should be first on your shopping list. This gift should be accompanied with the latest video game or T-shirt, just to show that safety is not your sole concern. Jeans are also a very important part of the skater's attire and make an excellent gift; you can even be a little off in sizing, because they barely make it up to the skater's waist and usually loiter down around the top of the thigh!

For the street skater, they will devour any DVD or magazine that displays what their "brothers" are doing in other parts of the world. New tricks or cool skating areas really get their wheels turning. There is not so much emphasis on protective gear for the street skater as they are the free spirit of the sport and relish performing maneuvers just about anywhere there are steps, rails or any structure remotely resembling that. Clothes are also important to this individual and shoes make a great gift. Again, stick to the skating store and you won't go wrong.

It may not be apparent by the manner in which they treat it, but all skaters love their board. If purchasing an entire new skateboard is outside the budget, look at certain elements. The deck is very important and your skater's eyes will light up when he sees it under the Christmas tree. Do some research on this or else your well intentioned gift could end up in the corner of the garage for years to come. Be prepared for that glossy new paint job to disappear, it all means the gift is being put to use in exactly the way you intended. There are also wheels, bearings, and trucks, the perfect accessory package should contain these items as the skateboarder churns through them like a candle burns wax.
If Christmas shopping distresses you and you'd rather knock it all over in one day at a department store, look at an MP-3 player. Having his or her favorite tunes flowing through his head is a bonus for any skater and will be a much appreciated addition to the skating outfit.
If you know your skater well enough, you'll have realized how much they adore this activity. The more you can understand the subtleties and share in their way of life will be a gift they may not acknowledge to their friends, but they will think you're cool!

Learn more about this author, Peter Robertson.
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