Skateboarding is a relatively inexpensive hobby when compared to other sports that require heavy use of equipment. However, the price of high-end skate gear like skateboard tires and wheels might be a bit out of reach for some of you, especially if you’re still in high school. On the other hand, you also know that to get the best performance from your skateboard, then, you have to invest in more than just ‘decent’ gear.

So can you afford your skate gear? Of course, there are many ways to do this, but we will share some of our recommendations with you in the list below.

1. Get a part-time job. The only way to spend more is to earn more. And if you’re not currently making any money right now, then it’s about time you did, that is, if you really want to get yourself some great skate gear. It doesn’t have to be a really serious job, or it should be well paid. Also, you cannot expect any high paying job unless you are working full time and have a college degree. So, find some odds jobs in your neighborhood just to earn extra money to buy that pretty board at your local skate shop.

2. Sell some of your stuff. If you have other extras lying around, sell them. They may be worth nothing to you, but other people might be so interested that they would pay good money for your stuff. Sites like eBay have made it much easier for you to sell and earn some money. It could be skate gear, magazines, or other things that you no longer use. Then sell them. Even if they don’t add up to a lot of money individually, they might be worth a new pair of wheels once you add them up. What’s even better is that you didn’t have to dip into your pocketbook or savings to do that.

3. Save early. Things break with your skateboard over time, especially in the case of your skateboard wheels. Several tons of dollars can be heavy on your pocket if you are buying a set of wheels in one go. However, if you save in advance and put a fund for the eventual replacement of your wheels, then buying a new set will be easier for you. Let’s say a set of wheels costs $ 50 and you estimate that it will need a replacement in 6 months. Just save a little over $ 10 per month and you can buy a new set once your wheels have worn out. The best thing is that you won’t notice the price at all because you already have a fund set up for it.

4. Update gradually. Unless you have a lot of money, we recommend that you upgrade your equipment gradually. Let’s say you start with a great rig and decent trucks and wheels. Then eventually upgrade your wheels while keeping your rig and trucks. Finally, upgrade your trucks. It is much easier to update that way than to do it all at once.

So, keep in mind the tips we’ve just shared with you on how you can afford to upgrade your skate gear. It is very easy when you think about it.