Admit it. Ever since you saw Dogtown and Z-Boys, you’ve been wanting to try skateboarding, but you’re worried you’ll (a) look like a midlife crisis waiting to happen, (b) get laughed at by teenagers, or (c) hurt yourself really badly. It’s not too late to learn, though, and the right equipment will help mitigate most of those concerns. KCDC Skateshop (90 N. 11th St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-387-9006) builds a perfect beginner’s board. It starts with a tough deck from 5Boro, atop some large and forgiving Pig cruiser wheels mounted on nimble Tracker RT-S trucks (the axles), and you’re mobile for $125.99. Click ahead for a helmet, pads, and some sound advice from the skate shop.
24-Hour Wardrobe
“The Parental Advisory hoodie is great for the streets or the club after you’re done skating,” says manager Alex Dymond ($104 at Supreme, 274 Lafayette St., nr. Prince St.; 212-966-7799).
No Helmet Required
“This new DVD highlights good skating, choice spots, and sweet music—all based on the East Coast,” says owner Dave Mims (Traffic, $12 at Autumn Skateboard Shop, 436 E. 9th St., nr. Ave. A; 212-677-6220).
The Wheels Go Here
“Independent’s trucks are well made, turn excellently, and really last,” says Mims ($40 for two at Autumn Skateboard Shop).
Iconic Footwear
“I like the shoe because of Steve Caballero, the rider the shoe was made for, and how rad he skated,” says owner Dave Ortiz (Vans half-cab sneakers, $75 at Dave’s Quality Meat, 7 E. 3rd St., nr. Bowery; 212-505-7551).
The Right Pants
“The pockets won’t let stuff fall out, plus there are no buttons to dig in to you on falls,” says co-owner Amy Gunther (Domestics lightweight pants, $50 at KCDC, 90 N. 11th St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-387-9006).
Local Talent
“The new board from Zoo York’s Artist Series III shows graffiti by Skuf at the base of the Williamsburg Bridge,” says co-owner Vinny Ponte (AKA-Skuf board, $50 at Rival, 225 Hudson St., nr. Canal St.; 212-929-7222).
Start With These
“Spitfire wheels are made from very consistent-quality urethane. They are classic skateboard wheels,” says Mims ($30 at Autumn Skateboard).
For Function, Not Fashion
“Skaters commonly rip their shoelaces mastering kick-flips, but Starks laces are sturdier,” says manager Morgan Dupont (Reed Space Starks laces, $8 at Reed Space, 151 Orchard St., nr. Allen St.; 212-253-0588).
For Beginners…
Because Concrete Hurts
“This is a multi-impact helmet, so it won’t break or shatter if you fall on it,” says manager T. J. Johnson (Blades Board & Skate Triple Eight helmet, $40 at Blades Board & Skate, 659 Broadway, nr. Bond St.; 212-477-7350).
Obligatory for All
“These are super-lightweight, but give good protection,” says manager T.J. Johnson (Triple Eight knee pads, $20, and wrist guards, $20, both at Blades Board & Skate).
Watch and Learn
If you just want to be dazzled, watch the action at the Brooklyn Banks, a legendary spot under the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side, or, on Staten Island, the schoolyard of School 11.
For Minor Scrapes
Band-Aid’s new superstrong adhesive strips stay on up to two times longer than regular ones (Tough Strips, $4.49 at Rite Aid, 56 Seventh Ave., nr. 14th St.; 212-675-1697).
Fall in Private
KCDC offers private lessons at its in-store ramp ($60 an hour for private lessons, $30 an hour for group lessons).
Make Your Own Video
Oregon Scientific’s video camera attaches to your helmet (ATC2K Waterproof Action camera, $129.95 at Sharper Image, 10 W. 57th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-265-2550).