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how to grip a skateboard

In this Enuff academy Cam will teach you how to apply grip tape to your skateboard deck.

We'd like to say a big thank you to Butters Skate Shop for letting us film in their shop and Cam from Rubicon for his time and expertise.

how to grip a skateboard deck

what you'll need

  • Deck

  • Grip tape

  • File (could be anything from an actual file, screwdriver or even your truck!)

  • Skate tool

  • Allen key

  • Knife (if you are unsure always have a parent or guardian around when you are using sharp objects)

step 1

Pierce the film on top of the deck and throw it away.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - pierce film.jpg

step 2

Remove paper from the back of the grip tape sheet and save the paper for later.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - remove grip tape backing.jpg

step 3

Position the grip tape sheet over the deck, making sure it is flat and lower it onto the deck, this ensures there is no air bubbles. The deck should be centred under the grip tape, so the grip tape over hangs on all edges.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - position grip tape.jpg

step 4

Take the paper from before and place it straight over the top of the grip tape. Nice and firmly, run your hands over the paper, making sure to push on all areas of the deck to ensure the grip tape is stuck to the deck. By running your hands towards the edges of the board you can also make sure if there are any air bubbles you are pushing them out, making the grip tape as flat as possible.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - flatten grip tape.jpg

step 5

Using the file, score the grip tape around the edge of the deck, this will give you the exact outline of where you will be cutting.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - score grip tape.jpg

step 6

Insert the knife into the grip tape and run it around the deck following the score mark. Remove and keep the excess grip tape.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - Cut grip tape.jpg

step 7

Using the excess grip tape, sand down the edges around the deck to ensure the grip tape is nice and smooth.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - Sand grip tape.jpg

step 8

Flip the deck revealing the underside, take the allen key and place it in a mount hole. Using the skate tool hit the top of the allen key pushing it through the other side of the grip tape. Repeat this for all 8 holes.

Enuff academy - How to grip a skateboard deck - Open mount holes.jpg

That's that! Your deck is gripped, all ready for your trucks.

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