How to Make a Tramp Board

Whether you're a vert skater or a snow boarder looking to huck something new, a tramp board is a safe way to feel out a trick before trying it on a less forgiving surface. It's easy to make if you have the tools, and using it will offer you a little more confidence once you get in the park. Plus, the tramp board is fun to play on even if you aren't using it for practice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A skateboard deck
• 8 1/2 inch bolts and nuts
• An electric drill
• 8 1/4 inch X 1-1/4 inch washers
• A metal saw
• An old pair of shoes
• A trampoline
• Duct-tape
• Strong adhesive

1. Remove the laces and the soles from the shoes so that the entire inside of the shoe is accessible with the electric drill.
2. Apply a strong adhesive to the bottom of each shoe and place it on the skateboard deck in the stance you intend to use when riding. Then allow the adhesive to dry for at least two hours.
3. Drill 8 holes total through the rubber of the shoes and through the skateboard deck. Separate the 4 holes in each shoe evenly to secure the shoe to the board.
4. Turn the board over and with a slightly larger drill bit, drill a hole over each existing hole, halfway through the board. The purpose of this is to counter-sink the nut in the wood to avoid friction with the trampoline, so be careful not to drill all the way through the board with the larger bit.
5. Flip the board back over and place each bolt and washer through the holes you've created in the shoes.
6. Tighten the nuts over each bolt until the nut sits flush with the bottom of the board.
7. Use a hack-saw to cut off the exposed end of each bolt and apply duct tape over each nut to smooth out the bottom of the board.
8. Put the soles and the laces back in the shoes and it's ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• 4 bolts in each shoe is a generous amount, and is only recommended for premium security. A tramp board can be made with only two bolts in each shoe; one in the toe and one in the heel.
• Since the thickness of soles and skateboard decks varies, it's difficult to say the exact size bolt anyone should use. An easy way to determine this is to place the shoe on the board and measure. If you can find an exact fit, you may not need to cut the bolt after the board is completed.
• If the washer or the bolt head irritate your feet through the soles, add a few layers of duct-tape over each bolt or any other padding you can find.
• Jumping on a trampoline while attached to a tramp board is dangerous. Always exercise caution and use a spotter.
• Keep in mind that jumping on a trampoline with a board is not the equivalent of trying the trick on a ramp or in the snow. The tramp board is only designed to help you get a feel for the trick.