Tech Decks were introduced in 1998 by Steven Asher, then 12 years old. He was inside on a rainy day, and since he could not go outside to use his skateboard, he developed the idea for a mini-skateboard to do tricks with his fingers. He made this model using cardboard. His dad, a toy industry veteran, liked the idea so much that he realized there may actually be a market for these mini-boards. Boy, was he right!
There are now more than 4,000 different real pro-designed Tech Decks on the market today. They come in single packages all the way up to six to a pack. The idea is to first put the Tech Deck together by adding designer wheels and stickers (that come in the package) to work just like a regulation sized skateboard. Once your board is ready, you are able to practice and perform tricks. There are constantly new models and, if you are lucky, you can find some that are not sold anymore.
Tech Decks make a great hobby for collectors. With so many styles available, it makes collecting fun. Kids trade Tech Decks, play games with Tech Decks, and have contests between each other to compete for Tech Decks. Don't forget to print out this 28-page checklist of Tech Deck styles available, and ones soon to go off the retail market.
Some of tricks that kids are performing are:
- Ollie
- Nollie
- Kickflip
- Heelflips
- 360 Flip
- 50-50 Grind
- Nosegrind
- Frontside/Backside
- Crooked/Smith Grind
- Ramp Tricks
You can find videos of how to perform these tricks at the official Tech Deck website. They also have printable tips on this same web page. Skateboard jargon is also hot on the lips of tweens today. You can find out what all these terms mean, so you can try to keep up with the times.
If you have a kid who is really into Tech Decks, let them know about this awesome site where they can go to play online games. This site was recommended by the official Tech Deck website, but you may want to check it out before letting your tween go there.
Tech Deck has also made its way to the videogame arena. You can purchase Tech Deck for the Gameboy system. You can also purchase accessories like a Megaramp set or a skate park.
Why kids like Tech Decks:
- "It's a challenge and it is just fun to learn new tricks" ~ Danny (age 13)
- "I like the cool tricks you can do." ~ Dennis (age 10)
- "It's fun to learn using your fingers. It is also good exercise for your fingers." ~ Derrick (age 9)
