10 Biggest Scams in Skateboarding: Wicked Rip-Offs Exposed!

Catch the lowdown on the 10 biggest scams in skateboarding. Get savvy, dodge scams, and shred smarter.

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Have you ever wondered what the biggest scams in the skateboarding world might look like? There’s no need to bust a trick just to find out; we’ve got you covered. This post is about sharing information that could save some serious dough and help you avoid the pitfalls of bogus skateboarding products and popular misconceptions. You’ll definitely gain a new perspective on the skateboarding scene after this. Consider this your skateboarding scam survival guide—a rundown that really shreds the facades and exposes the truth.

Why should you be aware of skateboarding scams?

Skateboarding scams are those ploys and products in the skateboarding industry that misguide skaters, particularly newbies, into spending their money unnecessarily. They range from bizarre digital assets like NFTs and overhyped products from influential skaters to overpriced and redundant skate gear.

It matters to all skaters because falling prey to these scams hurts the wallet and takes the fun out of the ride. Awareness is key to avoiding these traps and getting the most out of your skateboarding experience. Skate enthusiasts must keep their guard up against the following:

  • Unnecessary accessories endorsed by celebrities
  • High-end camera gear that adds nothing to their ride
  • Overrated skateboarding sneakers
  • Overpriced clothing brands are specifically targeted at skaters.
  • Influencer collab skateboard decks
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What are the ten biggest scams in skateboarding?

When we drop in to shred a rail or launch from a half-pipe, it’s all for the love of the skateboarding game. But with so much rip-off going on in the industry, how do we avoid falling victim to these scams? Here are the top ten biggest scams we need to watch out for.

1. NFTs promoted by pro skaters

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a major scam in skateboarding that certain pro skaters are sadly perpetuating. NFTs are unique digital assets traded in a speculative bubble within the crypto market. Unfortunately, the mainstream popularity of NFTs has spilled into the skateboarding scene, with some pro skateboarders pushing these NFTs to their fanbase. Yikes!

The major problem? These tokens risk causing severe financial distress if the bubble pops. These skaters aren’t financial advisors, so the ethics behind promoting something with potential adverse impacts on their fans are more than sketchy.

2. Misleading approaches of pro skateboarders and influencers

This next one might seem like a tail-grab. Pro skateboarders and influencers hyping up products or concepts for profit sounds wicked, but it’s a common scam we need to call out. The reality is that skateboarding culture has been commercialized, and the biggest names often have the most to gain.

As skaters, we should always question whether skateboarding influencers genuinely believe in the products they endorse or just do it to fill their pockets. Let’s remember the truth about many of these influencers’ habits and make informed decisions.

3. Skate trainers not living up to the hype

Skate trainers seem like a solid choice to help beginners master trick techniques without facing nasty spills, right? They might be sold this way, but the reality is different. Instead of helping skaters, these scam products are reinforcing bad habits.

The ideal way to learn any skateboarding trick is while in motion—just like how you’d execute them in reality. Stationary tricks can lead to bad habits, which makes skate trainers more harmful than helpful. So, next time, skip on that “trainer” purchase and hit a grassy patch or find a sidewalk crack—free and more effective.

4. The myth of APEC-rated skateboard bearings

APEC-rated skateboard bearings may sound like a must-have. They’re sold as precision-rated, offering smoother, faster rides—sounds like a dream, right? Sadly, this dream is more of a nightmare in disguise. The fact is, these APEC ratings serve more as a placebo effect than actually enhancing your ride quality.

As skaters, we deserve more than to fall prey to marketing gimmicks. Skip the APEC and find bearings that are worth your hard-earned bucks.

5. Hideously overpriced skateboarding wax

Lastly, take up your guard against overpriced skate wax. It might seem minor, but skate wax targeted at skateboarders is the most overpriced type you can find. You grapple with overpricing and underdelivery—a poor combo. Next time you need skate wax, skip the skate-shop options and find affordable, suitably slick alternatives. Use candles or beeswax—equally effective ways to achieve that sleek grind or slide.

So, there you have it—the five biggest scams in skateboarding. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skater, always be aware, informed, and skate-happy! Hop over here for some comic relief with the greatest skateboarding fails in history after this intense scam-busting session.

6. Overrated skateboarding sneakers

Overpriced, overhyped sneakers can definitely be a misstep in your skate journey. Sure, who doesn’t want awesome kicks? But some skateboard sneaker prices are through the roof, promising unparalleled performance that ordinary sneakers can deliver with minor modifications. Before you splurge on those high-end sneakers, consider whether an ordinary pair of sneakers with grip tape would do just as well.

7. Influencer collab skateboard decks

Influencer collaboration skateboard decks are more of a statement than a functional choice. Often, they come with a hefty price tag but lack quality. These boards are priced high due to the influencer name attached, but often underperform compared to less hyped yet quality alternatives. Go for performance rather than popularity.

8. Pricey skateboarding clothing brands

Next up, we have expensive skateboarding clothing brands. Like skateboard sneakers, clothing from particular brands is sold at high prices. Skaters can easily find cheaper alternatives that are comfortable, stylish, and just as good for skating!

9. Celebrity-endorsed skateboarding accessories

From wristbands to helmets, celebrity-endorsed accessories are more about the name than the need. These often overpriced products are great at making money for celebrities but are not always useful or necessary for skaters.

10. High-end camera gear for recording skating

Finally, we have high-end camera gear for recording your rides. Many amateur skaters are led to believe that they need professional-level filming equipment to document their skate sessions. Well, that’s far from true! Your smartphone camera or an affordable GoPro is enough to film killer skate videos.

Image of three female skaters sitting near a van.
Image of three female skaters sitting near a van.

Additional tips to avoid skateboarding scams

Shred your way to smarter skating with these handy tips:

  • Always read reviews before purchasing any skateboarding product
  • Follow reputable skateboarding forums and communities for unbiased product recommendations
  • Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals and discounts
  • Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t
  • Majority endorsements don’t equate to quality or necessity

My experience navigating skateboarding scams

As an avid skater, I’ve often felt the pinch of falling for a hyped-up, purely cosmetic product that is low on performance or completely unnecessary. My experience isn’t expert advice, but a casual skater’s humble opinion.

One such instance was when I bought a pair of exceptionally overpriced skater sneakers. Ultimately, they offered no performance advantage over my trusty old kicks. The experience didn’t hinder my ride, but it did take away my chance to invest in upgrading my gear for the better.

“Skateboarding is about the thrills, not the frills!In the end, it doesn’t matter how overpriced your trainers were or what brand your skate wax is. What matters is how well you ride, how much fun you’re having, and how you’re growing as a skater.”

Remember, skateboarding is about the thrills, not the frills! Hop over to learn about people you didn’t know who shredded the skate scene as passionately as they rocked their respective fields.

If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Surfing through skateboarding scams can be a daunting task. Here are some FAQs that could help you steer clear:

How do I identify a scam within the skateboarding world?

Most scams in the skateboarding realm revolve around hyped products that fail to deliver on their promises or fall short of their lofty price tags. Do thorough research, read reviews, and always second-guess before falling for any overpromising deal.

Why doesn’t buying a product endorsed by my favorite skater assure quality?

Endorsements are often a marketing tactic to boost sales but are not always a testament to quality. Just because a pro-skater endorses it doesn’t mean the product provides excellent performance or value. So, it’s always best not to let the fan in you override your judgment. If you’re interested in various celebrities who skate, you can check out this list of unexpected famous people who skate.

Are there any reliable brands for purchasing skateboarding gear?

Yes, several reputable brands out there produce quality skateboarding gear. While we can’t endorse any specific brands, some research in your skateboarding community should point you in the right direction.

Why are APEC-rated skateboard bearings considered a scam?

APEC ratings measure the precision tolerance of bearings, which is crucial in industries like aerospace components. However, they don’t mean much for skateboard bearings. Many manufacturers falsely claim their products have these ratings while their performance remains mediocre.

Final thoughts

Skateboarding scams can be confusing at first, tricking you into unnecessary purchases or providing misleading information. But being informed and understanding the implications can help safeguard your skateboarding experience, saving you hard-earned money and your passion for the sport.

What’s been your most surprising discovery about skateboarding scams? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on surviving the skateboarding world. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!

Key takeaways

This article covered the biggest scams you might encounter in the world of skateboarding. Here are some key takeaways:

  • NFTs promoted by pro skaters could lead to financial disasters.
  • Influencer endorsements don’t always mean quality and should be scrutinized.
  • Skate trainers can reinforce bad habits, making their purpose counterproductive.
  • APEC bearings are more of a marketing gimmick than anything, offering no real benefit to the skater.
  • Skate wax marketed to skaters is overpriced and easily replaced with cheaper alternatives.
  • Overrated skate sneakers, influencer collaboration decks, high-end camera gear, and celebrity-endorsed accessories incur unnecessary expenses while adding little value to your skateboarding experience.

Helpful resources

Image of jedain.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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