Discover the particular world of Fingerskate

Skateboarding is one of those sports that always attracts attention for being a slightly different sport. Some of its most notable characteristics is that it is urban, fun and carefree. However, it also requires a lot of skill, discipline and patience. Although many do not know it, there is a particular way of practicing skateboarding: The Fingerskate or Fingerboard.

It is likely that you have seen a small board in the shape of a skate hanging from some keys or in different places such as skate shops, surf shops and even toy stores. But these small boards are far from being toys, in fact, they are used to do practically the same things as with a normal skateboard.

The Fingerskate, is the modality of skating, which, as its name indicates, is done with the fingers. The fact that this activity has the fingers as the only element to move the board, whose measurements range between 90 and 100 mm long and between 30 and 34 mm long, makes many wonder if the Fingerboard is really is serious.

A bit of history

When did it start? Who invented it? It is normal that, if you are attracted to the world of skateboarding, and more specifically, Fingerskate, questions of this type resonate in your head.

The United States, specifically California, is the main setting of this story. In the 70s and with torrential rains and a total lack of waves, surfers and skaters on this coast began to build mini skates with cardboard boxes and wires as a way to pass the time and kill boredom.

However, it was not until 1998, in Europe, when this practice really achieved real popularity thanks to the German Martin Ehrenberger, who would later found Black River, the first company dedicated to marketing this product, and which is currently the one with the highest turnover in the world.

Some years later

In Spain, the situation evolves differently, since it took 10 years for the Fingerskate to arrive in the country and stay. From 2008 to 2012 the fame of these small boards reached unexpected heights, and despite stagnating in 2016, this product picked up again, gaining many followers.

If you live in Spain and are interested in this activity, you should know that there is only one store specializing in this product: FreeDay owned by Ramiro Aguirre, who after attending a Fingerskate exhibition in Munich and seeing the great reception that it had, especially at the Black River stand, decided to bring it to our country.

A particular world

The truth is that the Fingerskate is a whole world in itself, and it is established with the objective that skating with the fingers of the hands is similar to doing it with the legs, despite that obviously very different sensations are experienced.

To start with, the first thing you should keep in mind is that the mini board is made in the same way as the skateboard, but on a scale of 1:8.

The materials used for its manufacture are of the highest quality, since the tables are made of several layers of wood. The axles are made of metal, the wheels have bearings that facilitate movement and instead of sandpaper, they have a neoprene foam, called tape, which is used in order to offer greater comfort to the fingers of the player. which manages the table.

When we say that this is not a question dedicated only to children, we mean it very seriously, since despite the measures that we have already mentioned, with the Fingerboard you will be able to do the same tricks and maneuvers as with skateboarding . In addition, it offers the possibility of buying mini boards of different brands, shapes and designs as it happens with the skateboarding market.

Miniature parks

You can practice this sport anywhere, since its small size makes it possible due to its easy transport, however, if you are looking for something more specialized, you can go to the fingerparks, whose function is the same than that of the skateparks but in a size adapted to minitables. In these parks you will be able to find ramps, railings, bricks and an endless number of obstacles to do all the maneuvers you want.

Game of S.kTOyouE

The competitions that are usually carried out in the Fingerboard world are 1 against 1 or the also called Game of S.kTOyouAND Where the first one does some tricks and the second one must repeat them and if he doesn't succeed, he adds a letter of the word, until he forms the word and is defeated.

Some Fingerboard tricks

Although it is true that skateboarding is more difficult to carry than the mini board, the truth is that this can also present difficulties, especially if you still haven't had much practice with it. For this reason, there are some tricks that perhaps you should practice if you are in the beginner phase, since they are easier and the base of many more difficult ones that will come later.

These are some of the tricks that we recommend to get you started in this sport in the easiest and most fun way possible:

• Shuvit /Pop Shuvit: It is the easiest trick of all and the most recommended to learn, since in addition to serving you to avoid obstacles.

• Ollie: Another of the essential tricks, it consists of the board and fingers jumping in the air without ever losing contact. It is essential, because once passed, you will be able to 'grind' and make slides.

• Klickflip: It is widely used by professionals in this world to make slide transitions, it is also the basis for 360 flips and Varial Kickflips, which are undoubtedly much more difficult to perform, and for those who are you need a more special domain of the table.

The world of Fingerboard or Fingerskate, more than being a hobby, is undoubtedly a world full of surprises and hiding places that go beyond handling a small board with your fingers. It is considered a sport that, although it no longer has the same popularity as a few years ago, still maintains a very loyal audience, mostly children who want to have fun, but also adults who know how to get the most out of this particular activity. . And you, do you dare to discover it?

Frequently asked questions about the Fingerskate

What is Fingerskate?

The Fingerskate, Fingerboard or mini-table is a miniature skateboard that, instead of being operated with the feet, is directed with the fingers to perform different tricks.

When and where was the Fingerskate created?

In the 1970s, due to bad weather conditions, surfers and skateboarders in California began to create small boards out of cardboard and wire to pass the time, but it wasn't until 1998 that this would really gain popularity out of hand. by German Martin Ehrenberger.

How much does a Fingerskate cost?

A Fingerskate or mini board can cost between 10 euros, in its economic range, and up to 150 euros, in the high range. There are very good tables, intermediate range, which range between 27 and 50 euros.

What are the most frequently performed tricks on the Fingerskate?

In the Fingerskate you can practice various tricks just like in skateboarding. However, if you are a beginner, it is best to start with simpler tricks. The best thing is that if you do not have much practice, start with tricks like the Ollie, Shuvit / Pop Shuvit or the Kickflip.