These small but important parts sit between your skateboard’s deck and trucks, and though they’re easy to overlook, they can make a noticeable difference to how your board feels and performs.
At Ocean Sports Board Riders we’ve put together a selection of quality shock pads and riser pads suited to different styles of skateboarding and rider needs. Whether you’re adjusting your setup for larger wheels, aiming to protect your deck on rough surfaces, or just want a smoother ride, this range helps you tailor your board so it feels right for you.
Shock pads and risers look similar at a glance, but they serve subtly different purposes. Shock pads are usually made from softer materials like rubber or dense foam. They absorb the vibrations and shock transfers that happen when you’re rolling over cracks, curbs or rough ground, taking some strain off your board and feet. Risers are typically made of harder plastic and are designed to raise the distance between your deck and trucks, which increases wheel clearance and helps prevent “wheel bite” — that abrupt stop that can happen when wheels strike the deck during tight turns or aggressive carving.
Choosing the right pad can change how your board feels underfoot. For someone who rides regularly on uneven city streets or likes to drop into parks with confidence, softer shock pads introduce that cushioning effect that eases impacts and helps keep vibrations from travelling up through your trucks. These can make longer sessions more comfortable and help protect your deck where trucks meet the wood.
There are versatile choices like the Independent 1/8" Riser Shock Pads (2 Pack), which blend qualities of both shock absorption and riser height, ideal if you want a bit of everything in one simple upgrade. For setups that call for something specialised, angled risers adjust not just height but steering feel as well.
Though not essential for every setup, adding shock pads or riser pads becomes especially useful if you’re skating with bigger wheels, riding rough surfaces often, or just want a setup that better matches how you ride. They help smooth out your ride, protect against pressure cracks under the deck, and give you a bit of extra clearance when you lean into turns.
At Ocean Sports Board Riders we understand how personal a skateboard feels — even the smallest component can change the way you connect with your board. With these pads, you’re not just adjusting parts, you’re tuning the feel of every push, carve and landing.
