The trucks are the T-shaped connectors between the deck and the wheels. These again come in lots of different shapes and sizes.

For carving and cruising around town, you’ll want trucks with 50 degree baseplates, whereas if you’re going to be racing downhill, a more restrictive truck with 42 degree baseplates will reduce speed wobbles.

Again, you can customise your trucks and bushings (the attachments) to your heart’s desire, but if you’re buying your first board then you’re better off getting the person in the skate shop to set you up with what they believe will suit you best.

There are lots of really useful websites that will explain everything you need to know about trucks and bushings if you’re ready to move on to something you’ll be more advanced.

* This link muirskate.com/longboard-guide/ has a complete guide on what set-up to buy for the type of longboarding you plan to do. Research is key! You don’t want to walk out of a shop with an empty purse and a board that you’re not happy with.