Skateboarding: Culture, Craft & How to Build Your Own Board

Skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle, a creative outlet, and a global culture. From street skating to vert ramps, from beginners learning their first ollie to pros filming video parts, skateboarding continues to evolve while staying rooted in individuality and freedom.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The basics of skateboarding culture The best skateboarding brands (with direct links) A step-by-step guide on how to build your own custom skateboard

Why Skateboarding Is More Popular Than Ever

Skateboarding has exploded in popularity thanks to:

Its inclusion in the Olympic Games Social media exposure from pro skaters Growing skate parks worldwide The rise of DIY and custom setups

Skateboarding offers fitness, creativity, and community—all with minimal equipment.

The Best Skateboarding Brands (Trusted Worldwide)

These brands are known for quality, durability, and credibility in the skate community.

🛹 Decks (Boards)

Element Skateboards

Sustainable decks with excellent pop and durability.

https://www.elementbrand.comhttps://www.elementbrand.com

Santa Cruz Skateboards

One of the most iconic brands in skate history.

👉 https://www.santacruzskateboards.com

Baker Skateboards

Street-focused decks used by many pro skaters.

👉 https://www.bakerskateboards.com

Zero Skateboards

Hard-hitting designs and solid construction.

👉 https://zeroskateboards.comhttps://www.elementbrand.com

🔩 Trucks

Independent Trucks

The industry standard for strength and turning response.

👉 https://www.independenttrucks.com

Thunder Trucks

Lightweight trucks with fast, responsive turning.

👉 https://www.thundertrucks.com

Venture Trucks

Great balance between stability and agility.

👉 https://www.venturetrucks.net

⚙️ Wheels

Spitfire Wheels

Top-tier urethane for speed, grip, and durability.

👉 https://www.spitfirewheels.com

Bones Wheels

Known for long-lasting formulas and smooth rolls.

👉 https://bones.com

⚙️ Bearings

Bones Bearings

The gold standard for speed and reliability.

👉 https://bonesbearings.com

🧷 Grip Tape & Hardware

Mob Grip – Industry favorite grip tape

👉 https://mobgrip.com

Shake Junt – Hardware, grip, and accessories

👉 https://shakejunt.com

👟 Shoes & Apparel

Vans Skateboarding

Classic skate shoes with board feel and durability.

👉 https://www.vans.com/skate

Nike SB

High-performance skate shoes and apparel.

👉 https://www.nikesb.com

Thrasher Magazine

Iconic skate culture brand.

👉 https://www.thrashermagazine.com

How to Build Your Own Skateboard (Step-by-Step)

Building your own skateboard allows you to customize feel, performance, and style.

1️⃣ Choose Your Deck

Pick a size based on your skating style:

7.75”–8.0” → Technical street skating 8.0”–8.5” → All-around skating 8.5”+ → Transition, bowls, and ramps

🔗 Buy decks from:

Element – https://www.elementbrand.com Baker – https://www.bakerskateboards.com Santa Cruz – https://www.santacruzskateboards.com

2️⃣ Select Your Trucks

Match truck width to your deck size.

Example: 8.0” deck → 139mm trucks

🔗 Trusted truck brands:

Independent – https://www.independenttrucks.com Thunder – https://www.thundertrucks.com

3️⃣ Pick Your Wheels

Choose wheels based on terrain:

99A–101A hardness → Street & skate parks 78A–90A hardness → Rough pavement & cruising

🔗 Wheel brands:

Spitfire – https://www.spitfirewheels.com Bones – https://bones.com

4️⃣ Add Bearings

Bearings determine your speed and smoothness.

🔗 Bones Bearings – https://bonesbearings.com

5️⃣ Apply Grip Tape

Grip tape provides foot control for tricks.

🔗 Mob Grip – https://mobgrip.com

6️⃣ Get Hardware & Tools

You’ll need bolts, nuts, and a skate tool.

🔗 Shake Junt – https://shakejunt.com

🛠 Assembly Order

Apply grip tape to your deck Screw in trucks with hardware Insert bearings into wheels Mount wheels onto trucks Tighten everything and you’re ready to ride

Beginner Tips for Your First Setup

Don’t overtighten trucks—start loose and adjust Use medium-hard wheels (99A) for versatility Always wear a helmet when learning Practice basics before tricks: pushing, stopping, turning

Final Thoughts

Skateboarding is about expression, progression, and community. Whether you’re cruising your neighborhood or perfecting kickflips at the park, having the right setup makes all the difference.

By using trusted brands like Element, Baker, Independent, Bones, and Spitfire, you ensure your board performs well and lasts longer. Building your own skateboard not only saves money—it connects you to the craft of skating itself.

Why Multivitamins Are Booming in 2025–2026

The multivitamin category continues to be the backbone of the dietary‐supplement market. According to recent market data, multivitamins make up roughly 41–46% of the overall vitamin market in North America.  Growth is being fueled by a mix of factors: heightened health awareness, economic uncertainty pushing consumers toward “all-in-one” solutions, and rising interest in prevention rather than treatment.  Also important: newer supplement formats beyond pills — such as gummies, chewables, liquids — are becoming more mainstream. These formats appeal especially to people who dislike swallowing pills and prefer more palatable or convenient delivery. 

Given those dynamics, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for multivitamins — especially for brands and products that combine convenience, targeted formulations (e.g., by age, gender, lifestyle), and evidence of quality.

What Trends Are Shaping Multivitamin Popularity

Personalized & Targeted Nutrition — More consumers now look for multivitamins tailored to their gender, age, life stage (e.g., prenatal, 50+, active adult) or specific health goals (e.g., bone health, energy, immune support). This segmentation helps multivitamins stay relevant amid growing interest in individualized health.  Clean-label, Whole-food & “Natural” Ingredients — There’s rising demand for vitamins derived from whole-food sources, with non-GMO, organic, or plant-based credentials. This appeals especially to people wary of synthetic nutrients.  Easier-to-take Formats — Gummies, chewables, and liquid multivitamins are increasingly popular because of convenience and user experience. These forms help reduce “pill fatigue” and broaden appeal beyond traditional supplement users.  Focus on Key Vitamins & Minerals — Among single-nutrient supplements, demand for certain minerals and vitamins — like magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin D, B vitamins — has surged. 

Leading Multivitamin Products & Brands in 2025–2026

While many products compete in the multivitamin space, a handful consistently stand out in terms of sales, consumer reviews, and marketing presence. Here are some of the most-popular, widely advertised, and best-selling ones today:

Centrum – Especially its “Silver” and adult-targeted lines. Centrum remains among the top multivitamin sellers in the U.S., with products commonly formulated for age or gender-specific needs (e.g., adults 50+, men’s or women’s health).  Nature Made – Known for affordability and broad availability, Nature Made offers multivitamins and single-vitamin supplements. It’s often mentioned among top brands consumers trust for basic nutrient support.  Garden of Life – A top pick for those seeking whole-food–based, non-GMO, and cleaner-label multivitamins. Their gender- and lifestyle-specific formulas cater especially to health-conscious and/or vegetarian/vegan users.  Vitafusion – A leader in the gummy / chewable multivitamin category. Appeals to consumers who prefer more palatable, candy-like supplements instead of pills.  Pure Encapsulations – Favored among users who need hypoallergenic or allergen-free supplements, or who prefer minimalist formulations — often chosen by people with sensitivities or strict dietary preferences. 

In addition to individual brands, there’s a rising segment of specialty and personalized-nutrition players offering custom multivitamin packs based on lifestyle, diet, or even genetic testing. This reflects a broader shift in the supplement industry toward personalization and transparency. 

What to Watch in 2026 — What’s Likely to Rise (or Fall) in Popularity

Expect a stronger push toward subscription-based vitamin services, especially ones delivering tailored vitamin blends depending on age, gender, activity level, or health goals. Personalized nutrition is increasingly mainstream.  Gummies, liquids, chewables — not pills — will continue gaining market share. As supplement users expand beyond traditional “health-nuts,” palatability and convenience become key.  Demand for clean-label, plant-based, non-GMO supplements will keep rising, especially among younger, health-conscious demographics.  We’ll likely see more blends that combine vitamins/minerals with other wellness ingredients (e.g., probiotics, herbal extracts, antioxidant complexes) — especially as consumers look for “everything-in-one” convenience.  That said: as scrutiny increases on supplement quality and marketing claims, products that don’t deliver on transparency or quality may fall out of favor. Clean ingredient sourcing, third-party testing, clear labeling — these will likely become non-negotiable for many buyers. 

A Word of Caution

While multivitamins are popular and sometimes heavily advertised — and while the idea of “covering all your nutritional bases” with one pill or gummy is appealing — the reality is more nuanced:

Not everyone needs a full-spectrum multivitamin. The benefit depends heavily on diet, lifestyle, and specific nutritional gaps. Over-supplementation can also be a concern. Some vitamins or minerals — especially fat-soluble ones or minerals taken in high doses — can accumulate and cause adverse effects over time. Quality matters. The difference between a cheap mass-market vitamin and a high-quality, transparently sourced product can be substantial (in ingredient purity, bioavailability, absence of fillers/contaminants).

It’s always wise to consult a medical professional or a registered dietitian before starting any long-term supplement regimen, especially if you have health conditions or dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

As we head into 2026, the multivitamin space remains strong — and likely to get even more diverse. Whether you prefer classic pills, easy-to-swallow gummies, clean-label whole-food formulas, or fully personalized vitamin packs, there’s more choice than ever.

Quality Assurance Testing: Ensuring Excellence in Software Development

In the fast-paced world of software development, where innovation and efficiency are key, the importance of Quality Assurance (QA) testing cannot be overstated. QA testing plays a crucial role in ensuring that software meets the highest standards of functionality, reliability, and performance. In this article, we will delve into the significance of QA testing, its key principles, and its impact on the overall success of software development projects.

The Essence of QA Testing

At its core, QA testing is the process of systematically evaluating a software product to identify and eliminate any defects or inconsistencies. The primary goal is to deliver a flawless product that not only meets but exceeds user expectations. QA testing encompasses a wide range of activities, including functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and usability testing.

Key Principles of QA Testing

  1. Early Integration of QA in the Development Lifecycle:
  • Successful QA testing starts early in the software development lifecycle. By integrating QA from the initial stages, issues can be identified and resolved before they escalate, saving both time and resources.
  1. Comprehensive Test Planning:
  • A well-thought-out test plan is the foundation of effective QA testing. It outlines the testing approach, objectives, resources, and schedules, ensuring a systematic and organized testing process.
  1. Test Automation:
  • Automation has become a cornerstone of modern QA testing. Automated testing tools not only expedite the testing process but also enhance accuracy and repeatability, especially for repetitive and time-consuming test scenarios.
  1. Realistic Test Environments:
  • QA testing should be conducted in environments that closely mimic real-world conditions. This ensures that the software performs reliably in different scenarios, providing a more accurate representation of its actual behavior.
  1. Continuous Testing:
  • In the era of agile development, continuous testing is essential. It involves ongoing testing throughout the development process, allowing for immediate detection and resolution of issues as they arise.
  1. Collaboration and Communication:
  • Effective communication between development and QA teams is paramount. Collaboration ensures that both teams have a clear understanding of project requirements and objectives, leading to more efficient testing and bug resolution.

Types of QA Testing

  1. Functional Testing:
  • This type of testing focuses on verifying that the software functions as intended. It involves testing individual functions and features to ensure they meet the specified requirements.
  1. Performance Testing:
  • Performance testing evaluates how well a system performs under various conditions, including load testing to assess its response to high user volumes and stress testing to determine its limits.
  1. Security Testing:
  • Security testing identifies vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the software to prevent potential security breaches. It includes testing for data integrity, authentication, authorization, and protection against external threats.
  1. Usability Testing:
  • Usability testing assesses the user-friendliness of the software. It involves evaluating the interface, navigation, and overall user experience to ensure that the software is intuitive and easy to use.

Impact of QA Testing on Software Development

  1. Enhanced Product Quality:
  • QA testing is the linchpin of delivering high-quality software. By identifying and rectifying defects early in the development process, the end product is more likely to meet user expectations and function reliably.
  1. Cost Savings:
  • Detecting and fixing defects during the early stages of development is significantly more cost-effective than addressing issues post-release. QA testing helps minimize the risk of costly bug fixes and reputation damage.
  1. Customer Satisfaction:
  • A reliable and bug-free software product enhances customer satisfaction. QA testing ensures that the software performs as expected, providing users with a positive experience and fostering loyalty.
  1. Faster Time-to-Market:
  • Continuous testing and early defect detection contribute to a faster development cycle. By resolving issues promptly, software development teams can adhere to project timelines and bring products to market more quickly.

Challenges in QA Testing

Despite its numerous benefits, QA testing comes with its set of challenges. Some common challenges include evolving technology, tight deadlines, and the need for skilled QA professionals. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach, ongoing training, and the adoption of innovative testing methodologies.

Conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of software development, QA testing stands as a pillar of assurance, guaranteeing that the end product aligns with the highest standards of quality. By adhering to key principles, embracing various testing methodologies, and recognizing its broader impact, QA testing ensures that software not only meets but exceeds the expectations of users. As technology continues to advance, the role of QA testing remains indispensable, guiding the path toward excellence in software development.

FUTURE OF DEVOPS

THE EARLY MAJORITY
MOVES TO THE CLOUD

of business:

60% + 80%
DevOps world have raised the bar on collaboration, cross-organizational visibility,
of businesses are adopting or expanding DevOps culture and processes
of businesses are now operating in the cloud

DEVOPS AND THE CLOUD— A NATURAL PAIR
Let’s start with DevOps.
Forrester Research dubbed 2018 the year of DevOps. And it’s no wonder, with over half of enterprises implementing or expanding existing DevOps practices. So why are they doing that? Here are a few good reasons to consider it:
DEVOPS OFFERS YOUR ORGANIZATION:
• Greater productivity and faster delivery of products
• Greater visibility and collaboration across projects,
departments, and individuals
• Less siloing
So, DevOps removes friction; and as a practical environment for DevOps, the cloud just makes sense.
HOW THE CLOUD ENHANCES YOUR DEVOPS ORGANIZATION

• Rapid deployment of new environments
• Reduced IT costs through subscription and SaaS (pay as you go) payment structures
• Moving from CapEx expenditures for hardware to OpEx expenses for SaaS
• Fast, agile scalability
So why the urgency to make these innovations? The truth is, they’re not really innovative anymore. it’s already happened.
The bar has been raised and you need a new edge.

GAUGE YOUR DEVOPS PROGRESS
Institute Agile practices that focuses on communication, collaboration, customer feedback, and small and rapid releases. Agile operations remove rigidity from your processes and allow for greater innovation, while keeping accountability and increasing goal focus
Deploy a multi-cloud strategy with Kubernetes or other intermediary layer for cloud-agnostic and resilient infrastructure
Build cloud-native systems for core products, with lift-and-shift for systems that don’t require much scalability
Create microservices in containers over monolithic apps to increase your agility and your ability to innovate with less downtime