Yellowood Fingerboards - The Pinnacle of Craftsmanship and Performance

An Introduction to Fingerboarding and Yellowoods

Fingerboarding has exploded in popularity over the last decade, captivating skaters and hobbyists alike. At the center of this underground phenomenon is yellowoods, one of the most renowned fingerboard brands pushing the sport forward.

But what exactly is fingerboarding? In short, it involves performing skateboarding tricks and stunts using a miniature skateboard controlled by your fingers. The fingerboard is generally propelled by flicking the front of the board (the nose) downwards to gain momentum.

The Origins of Fingerboarding

Fingerboarding draws its origins from skateboarding in the 1960s and 1970s, when kids would try imitating tricks using homemade devices. The first manufactured fingerboards emerged in the 1980s, made of plastic and roughly the size of a tech deck.

The 90s saw fingerboarding gain mainstream attention, with brands marketing boards, obstacles, and ramps. However, the craze died down by the early 2000s as interest waned.

The Fingerboard Renaissance

Fingerboarding experienced a resurgence around 2006, coinciding with the rise of YouTube. Skaters began uploading clips of intricate fingerboard tricks, racking up millions of views.

Seeing this demand, small independent brands started crafting professional-grade fingerboards. This shifted away from the cheap, mass-produced boards of the 90s toward precision-made boards modeled after real skateboards.

Introducing Yellowood

One of the breakout fingerboard brands from this renaissance period was Yellowood. Founded in Berlin in 2010, Yellowood focused on creating high-performance boards constructed from quality maple plywood.

Coated with polyurethane, Yellowood boards featured double-stacked maple veneers that provided more "pop" for ollies and flips. This quickly made them a favorite among fingerboarders for their durability and responsiveness.

Yellowood's Growth and Reputation

In the years since, Yellowood has cemented itself as one of the premier fingerboard companies. It has expanded into an extensive range of licensed ramps, obstacles, and accessories to meet growing demand.

Yellowood is renowned for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and community engagement. Their parts are precision-made in Germany with attention to detail and performance. The brand also sponsors several professional fingerboarders from around the world.

Why Fingerboarders Love Yellowood

So what makes Yellowood boards so beloved among fingerboarders? Here are some of the key reasons they have such a loyal following:

• Premium construction - Yellowood only uses the highest-grade maple plywood, cut and pressed with precision for maximum pop and durability.
• Ideal shape - Their boards feature a medium concave and defined nose/tail, allowing for controlled flicks and tricks.
• Ideal width - At around 32mm, Yellowood boards provide a stable base without excess bulk, optimal for performing technical flip tricks.
• Grip coating - The top is covered with grip tape, providing the right amount of roughness to hold your fingers in place.
• Truck design - Yellowood trucks allow the board to turn smoothly without wheel bite.

Simply put, Yellowood has nailed the combination of craftsmanship, shape, and functionality that fingerboarders look for. Small tweaks and refinements over the years have only made their boards better suited for stunts.

The Yellowood Lineup

Today, Yellowood offers a comprehensive lineup catering to different skill levels and styles:

• Y33 - Their classic all-round board, ideal for street tricks.
• Y34 - A slightly narrower board for advanced flip tricks.
• MINI - A miniature board for younger fingers or travel.
• RLX - A wider cruiser shape for relaxed riding.
• 2S - Their premium pro model with a concave nose and tail.

Complementing the decks are Yellowood trucks, wheels, tuning, and obstacles all built to the same exacting standards.

The Future of Fingerboarding

With brands like Yellowood continuing to innovate and putting out high-performance gear, fingerboarding's popularity keeps expanding. Social media is exposing the sport to new audiences, evidenced by the rise of hashtag #fingerboarding.

More competitions and events are being organized to showcase fingerboarders’ skills.savs And advances in miniaturization could push the limits of tricks through new tech like nano-ceramic bearings and 3D printed obstacles.

For a niche pastime once relegated to DIY tech decks, the future looks bright for fingerboarding. Yellowood will certainly be at the forefront, driving progress with its uncompromising approach. One thing is clear - fingerboarding is no mere fad, but an exciting underground movement gaining momentum worldwide.

The Bottom Line

In the fingerboard scene, yellowoods stands out from the pack. Their high-performance boards set the standard that others aspire to. Founded on quality craftsmanship and passion for the sport, Yellowood will continue leading the charge as fingerboarding gains more followers.

FAQs

What is fingerboarding?

Fingerboarding involves performing skateboarding tricks using a miniature skateboard controlled by your fingers. The board is flicked to gain momentum for jumps and stunts.

When did fingerboarding become popular?

Fingerboarding first emerged in the 1980s but had mainstream success in the 1990s. After fading in the early 2000s, it experienced a revival around 2006 thanks to YouTube and high-quality boards from brands like Yellowood.

Why are Yellowood boards so popular?

Yellowood boards are renowned for their premium construction from top-grade maple plywood. Their shape and dimensions are optimized for control and performing advanced flip tricks.

What are some key Yellowood fingerboard models?

Popular Yellowood boards include the Y33, Y34, MINI, RLX, and 2S. Each model is designed for different skill levels and riding styles.

Is fingerboarding growing in popularity?

Yes, fingerboarding's popularity is expanding rapidly. Social media is exposing it to new audiences. More events and competitions are being organized. And new technologies will allow for greater innovation and progress.