Acquiring free skateboards and longboards is a popular objective for hobbyists, amateur skaters, and seasoned professionals alike. While purchasing new equipment can be costly, various methods exist to obtain gear without payment, ranging from official brand promotions to community-based exchanges. The provided sources outline several strategies for securing free skateboarding equipment and accessories. These include participating in social media giveaways, entering competitions, exploring second-hand marketplaces, and leveraging local community networks. This article examines these methods in detail, focusing on practical steps and considerations for UK-based consumers.
Methods for Obtaining Free Skateboards and Longboards
Brand Giveaways and Social Media Promotions
One of the most direct methods for acquiring new equipment is through brand-hosted giveaways. A notable example identified in the source material is Yocaher, a California-based skate shop that sells skateboards, longboards, wheels, grip tape, hardware, and apparel. According to the sources, Yocaher conducts regular giveaways on its Instagram account. To participate, individuals are advised to follow the Yocaher Instagram page and monitor its story highlights for announcements. The sources indicate that Yocaher’s giveaways occur frequently, with some references suggesting they happen on an almost monthly basis. If a giveaway is not won, the sources note that Yocaher also offers seasonal sales and ‘Buy one, get one’ promotions, which can provide significant discounts on gear.
Beyond specific brands, the sources recommend following favourite skate brands on social media, particularly Instagram, as they often use the platform to promote new merchandise through giveaways. The sources suggest that brands with strong visual appeal, such as DC or Element, are more likely to host such promotions. To increase chances of winning, it is advised to follow these brands across all their social media accounts, though Instagram is highlighted as the most important platform for these types of contests.
Competitions and Contests
Entering skateboarding competitions is another viable pathway to free equipment. The sources note that supply stores and brands frequently use competitions to promote new gear, and winners often receive free boards or accessories as prizes. While specific competition details are not provided in the source material, the general strategy involves actively seeking out and participating in as many competitions as possible. This approach not only offers the chance to win free gear but also helps skaters improve their skills and gain visibility, which could lead to future sponsorship opportunities.
Second-Hand and Community-Based Sources
For those open to used gear, several community-focused methods are available. The sources mention Freecycle, an online platform where users can list items they wish to give away for free. To use Freecycle, individuals must enter their location to find an active local group, then sign up or log in to browse listings. The sources caution that while Freecycle is a good place to hunt for free items like skateboards, availability depends on the activity level of local groups.
Other community sources include garage sales and backyard sales in one’s neighbourhood. Although the sources state that free skateboards are not commonly found at these sales, they acknowledge a high probability of finding items at a bargain price. Additionally, the sources recommend asking friends and relatives for handover stuff, which could include barely used or brand-new skateboarding apparel and equipment. This method is described as one of the easiest ways to obtain free gear quickly.
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are also listed as places to look for free or heavily discounted used skateboards. The sources emphasise that second-hand gear can still be an upgrade from current equipment and is worth monitoring for potential finds.
Subscription Services and Magazine Contests
Subscribing to skateboard magazines is another suggested method, though the sources note that contests hosted by these magazines are infrequent. The sources list several magazines for potential subscription, including Thrasher Magazine, Jenkem Magazine, Transworld SKATEboarding, Juice Magazine, CCS Blog, and Confusion Magazine. Following these magazines on their social media accounts is also recommended to stay informed about any giveaways or contests.
Other Programmes and Resources
The sources mention several other programmes that offer free samples or rewards, though these are not specific to skateboards. For instance, PinchMe is described as a service that provides a giant box of free samples from popular brands, shipped directly to the consumer. Daily Goodie Box offers a similar service, with the potential to receive two giant boxes of free stuff by joining Try Products. P&G Rewards is another programme mentioned, offering over £100 in coupons for everyday items, plus entry into weekly gift box and gift card draws. While these programmes are not skateboard-specific, they represent broader opportunities for free samples and promotional offers.
Additionally, the sources reference FreeCorner, an online community devoted to finding and listing freebies, free offers, free coupons, and other free stuff on the web. FreeCorner geographically sorts offers by region based on a user’s postcode to find local offers. The platform is built by a community of users and allows browsing by state or region, with options to enter a postcode for localised results.
Important Considerations and Limitations
When pursuing free skateboards and gear, several factors should be considered. The sources indicate that many of the methods described, particularly giveaways and competitions, are primarily US-based. For example, Yocaher is a California-based shop, and Freecycle groups may have limited activity in certain UK areas. Therefore, UK consumers should verify the geographic eligibility of any promotion or programme before investing time in participation.
Furthermore, the sources do not provide specific terms and conditions, such as age requirements, purchase necessities, or shipping policies for the listed giveaways or programmes. For instance, while Yocaher’s Instagram giveaways are mentioned, the sources do not specify whether a purchase is required to enter or if there are any geographical restrictions. Similarly, the details of Freecycle’s sign-up process or any associated costs are not elaborated upon. Consumers are advised to seek out official terms and conditions directly from the relevant brand or platform before participating.
The sources also highlight that free gear obtained through second-hand channels may not be new. Items from Freecycle, garage sales, or friends and relatives are typically used, though they may be in good condition. This is an important consideration for those who require specific performance standards from their equipment.
Conclusion
In summary, the pursuit of free longboards and skateboard gear involves a combination of proactive engagement with brands, participation in competitions, exploration of second-hand community resources, and subscription to relevant publications. Key methods include monitoring Instagram giveaways from brands like Yocaher, entering skateboarding competitions, checking Freecycle and online marketplaces for used items, and asking friends or relatives for handover gear. While these strategies offer potential pathways to free equipment, success depends on factors such as geographic location, the frequency of promotions, and individual luck. UK consumers should carefully evaluate the eligibility and terms of any offer and consider the condition of second-hand items. The provided sources offer a foundational overview of these methods, though further research into specific UK-based opportunities would be necessary for a comprehensive guide.