April 12, 2019

5 Skateboarding Tricks All-Skateboarders Should Know

At Dickies, we’ve been supporting skaters since the beginning. Our skater pants and gear have allowed skaters to accomplish all types of tricks without getting in the way.

What kind of tricks?

Here are the core tricks that every skater knows, loves, and needs.

 

1. Ollie and Nollie

The ollie and nollie are key to mastering the next four tricks we’re going to talk about. This essential skateboarding trick is a simple jump that requires most of the work from the back foot. To ollie, push down on the back tail of your board with your back foot until the front tail comes off the floor. Right before the back tail hits the ground, let up the pressure on your back foot and swing your body in an upward motion, as if you were jumping. This will cause the back wheels to come off the ground and meet the front wheels that are already up.

A nollie is the same concept as the ollie but rather than leading with the back foot, we lead with the front. So, apply force down on the front tail then snap it up to create a front jump instead. Because we mostly lead with our back foot for tricks, the nollie usually leads into a turn that positions the body back in place for the back foot to be in place for grinds, tricks, or slides.

 

2. Kickflip

The kickflip is another skate essential. It’s a variation of the ollie—but rather than just jumping straight up and coming down, there’s a twist. Not a metaphorical twist, a literal one. Right when the board comes off the ground, you use both your front and back foot to send the board into a twist. Typically, you use your front foot to push the side of board down to lead the sprial. Before you land, the board spins completely around and secures itself back to your feet as you come down.

 

3. Frontside and Backside Pop-Shove It

Similar to the kickflip, both the frontside and backside pop-shove its are a variation of the ollie with a twist. Rather than a spiraling twist, the pop-shove it sends the board into a rotation, switching the front and back sides.

Starting with the ollie, when you get into the air, you’ll use your front and back feet to kick each tail in the same direction, causing the front tail to end up under the back foot.

 

The frontside pop-shove it moves in a clockwise rotation, while the backside moves counterclockwise.

 

 

 

4. Grind

Griding is another classic skate move, but it involves another surface. This could be a curb, rail, or stair. As you’re skating towards the curb, you’ll ollie with just enough force to gain the same height as it. Then, you’ll hook the front tail of your board onto it and slide. To end the tick, you use a combination of force from the back and front feet to pop off and continue riding on the flat ground again.

 

5. Railslide

Similar to a grind, the railslide and tailslide involve a rail of some kind. This could be a staircase handle, an isolated curb, or something along those lines. Rather than using only the tail of your board to slide, you’ll use the space on the bottom of your board between the two trucks.

 

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March 18, 2019

Workwear To Help You Get The Job Done

Workwear is something that no one really thinks about until something is broken or ruined. Boots are worn into the ground, the same jacket has been put through hell and back for decades, and pants have faded into a shade that is unrecognizable.

Sound familiar? Of course, it does.

When you find the right workwear, you never want to get rid of it. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the market to replace something you’ve loved for years, or you’re looking to make an upgrade. We’ve got your back.

Here are some of the best pieces of workwear that will help you get the job done safely, without distraction, and comfortably.

 

A Sturdy Pair of Work Boots

A sturdy pair of work boots are essential for your work wardrobe, and a quality pair can last you for years on end. Our ever-popular Stryker Work Boot is the perfect addition to your daily work wear. Crafted from full grain leather and a protective rubber toe bumper, there’s nothing these boots can’t get you through.

The padded collar and tongue give a bit of extra comfort to the already plush inside with lightweight padded insoles to provide you with the day-long comfort your feet crave. One of the most important features of this boot is the shock absorbing heel strike zone. This is designed to keep your feet safe and protected from anything and everything that the day can throw your way.

In these ankle-high boots, you’ll get the comfort you crave without compromising protection.

A Work Jacket For Any Season

Canadian winters are unlike any other. Not just any jacket will do. You need something that's not only going to keep you alive in freezing temperatures, but that will also allow you to move. Our Insulated Eisenhower Jacket has been a consistent favourite for those two reasons. This jacket is crafted to keep up with today's toughest work situations. It's classic look combined with the rugged durability makes it a perfect piece of workwear for the modern day man. The shell is made with a 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend that shields you from Canada’s harsh weather. The lining is crafted from soft nylon taffeta and quilted into polyurethane foam that is specifically designed for a lightweight fit, comfort, and warmth.

 

Work Pants That Hold Up

Your work pants see the most wear on a day to day basis. You're bending, squatting, and moving all day long; you need a pair of pants that are going to hold up to your constant movement.

For decades, our 874 Work Pant has been a staple in the working man's wardrobe. Flat front, the permanent crease that never needs ironing, tunnel belt loops, non-roll waistband, ScotchgardTM stain release finish—they are designed to be the ultimate work pant.
Not only are they built to last, but they come in just about every color and size. These pants are a true workwear essential.

Work Shirts That Stay Crisp

No matter what type of job you work, you always need to look your best. We all know that if you can skip taking out the iron every morning, you'd be one happy man. Well thankfully, the Short Short Sleeve Work Shirt is your perfect solution.

As you might have guessed, this is one of our most popular work shirts for men. Why? Our poly-cotton twill fabric blend shirt is made with both stain release and wrinkle resistant properties. That means your shirt stays looking fresh longer, which is a blessing on any job site.
Because of the high demand we've had for this shirt, we've created it in just about any colour you can think of. Grab one, two, or three shirts and never have to worry about your appearance at work again

 

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January 11, 2019

Men's Winter Essentials

A lumberjack’s winter is a different experience than an athlete’s winter, or a writer’s winter — depending on your lifestyle your winter jackets need to be durable or comfortable, flexible or rigid, streamlined or storage-optimized. Layering with water-repellant or waterproof outerwear that can withstand the elements is a necessity for the frigid Canada winters, and you need to know what men’s work jackets or casual jackets can stand up to the bitter cold. Here’s a quick breakdown on what sets our winter jackets for men apart from one another, and from the competition.

Duck Sherpa Lined Hooded Jacket

Are you always cool to the touch once the snow falls? Stay warm in rougher weather with the Duck Sherpa Lined Hooded Jacket designed to keep you warm and comfortable. The soft sherpa lining, hand warming pockets, and three-piece hood work together to provide a well-insulated jacket that retains body heat effectively. This men’s sherpa jacket is great for ice skating or for a quick roof patch-up to insulate the attic before the next big snow. Add it to any winter outfit as a snug top layer.

Rigid Duck Hooded Jacket

Invest in men’s work jackets that are built to last — our Rigid Duck Hooded Jacket is constructed from extra tough, rigid duck fabric that does not stretch. It’s a sturdy, dependable work jacket for days when you need to get your hands dirty. Water repellant, Cold air-blocking, and comfortable, the Rigid Duck Hooded Jacket features a quilted nylon lining for warmth and hand warmer pockets for convenience. It makes the optimal final layer of your rugged outdoorsman uniform.

FLEX Sanded Duck Mobility Coat

Colder temperatures don’t mean you need to sacrifice mobility. Remain quick on your feet with the impressive flex mechanical fabric of our FLEX Sanded Duck Mobility Coat, which provides the coat with a terrific blend of longevity and durability. Reinforced cuffs and water-repelling technology ensure that the rain and snow stay outside where they belong. The FLEX Sanded Duck Mobility Coat is a smart option for city slickers and outdoorsmen alike who appreciate versatility and all-weather dependability in a winter jacket for men.

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November 2, 2018

Cold Weather Favourites

The leaves have changed, fallen, and gone into hibernation—winter is here and it’s doing more than just hiding the greenery around you. Winter is here to change up your daily life. Gone are the days of waking up five minutes before you have to leave. We now have to add more time to shovel the snow away and defrost our windows. Gone are the days of leaving the house in shorts, tees, and a pair of flip-flops. We’re now bundled up so tight that we can barely move.

If you’re in mourning over the sunny days behind us, don’t worry, you’re not alone. To help cheer us up, we’ve taken a positive spin on this chilly situation. We’ve compiled a list of our cold weather favorites.

 

1. Sledding

Try going down a hill feet-first on a plastic toboggan without smiling—it’s impossible. One of our favorite parts of winter is enjoying the sleet and snow around us. Grab a sled, grab some friends, and hit the sloped for a day of fun in the frost.

2. Skiing and Snowboarding

Yeah, yeah, yeah—we know. This is the most basic and most obvious cold weather favorite, so of course it made our list. Can you blame us? Hauling ass down a mountain strapped into a board—there’s nothing like it. Winter in Canada is made for the extremists of the world. Slip into a pair of winter-approved coveralls and slide down the gnarliest mountains, we guarantee you’ll hit the slopes at least one time this winter. .

3. Take a Date Ice Skating

Who says summer is the only time for love? Bring your summertime crush into the winter season like a champ by taking her ice skating. Guide her around the loop like the pro that you are and show her that you’re the perfect man for her. Treat her to a hot cocoa and reminisce about your summertime adventures while bundled up together. .

4. Switching Up Your Wardrobe

Don’t think of the cold weather as an inconvenience to your wardrobe. Think of all the amazing possibilities it brings to your daily look. Men’s winter clothes give your ratty tee’s a break and lets you look a bit more polished. Leather and suede winter boots take your look from casual to classy and give you that extra edge. If you’re a blue collar man, don’t let the cold weather get you down. Swap your light puffer for a beefy insulated jacket to stay a boss on the job site.

Winter isn’t that bad. Embrace the cold weather, frosty winds, and snow covered everything—it won’t hurt. Slap some snow chains on your car and get out there and enjoy the cool temps before they’re gone..

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October 26, 2018

Four Things Construction Workers Need This Winter

Rain or shine, as a construction worker, you’re always on call. Work doesn’t stop for the seasons, and in Canada, this can be quite a challenge. Canadian winters are unusually frigid. If you’re struggling to stay warm in the below zero temperatures, we’ve got your back...and your front. Here are four things that every construction worker needs to have on hand this winter.

 

1. Track the Weather

See that weather app on your phone? It’s going to become your best friend this winter. Every morning, track the forecast. This will help you prepare for unexpected weather changes or inevitable downtime when a storm makes conditions unbearable.

2. Stock Up On Winter Workwear

During the winter, dressing in layers is critical. Before the winter hits, stock up on some workwear essentials. Get a new pair of insulated pants, like the Duck Logger Pant that provides extra protection and warmth. You can never go wrong with a new pair of work boots either. Our Blaster Boot is a winter favorite. With a higher ankle, reinforced toe, and leather finish, these industrial boots stand up in even the harshest conditions. You can also benefit from a new jacket or some layering pieces, like our ever-popular fleece jackets.

We have an entire collection of winter workwear designed especially for construction workers, so you don’t have to spend hours trying to find the right clothing.

3. Know How to Handle the Cold

Knowledge is power. In some cases, the winter gets extreme. It can lead to something called cold stress that can wreak havoc on your health. Before the winter season, conduct a comprehensive cold weather training session with your construction crew. No matter if you’re a manager or not, knowing the different types of cold stress and health risks associated with winter conditions is key to getting through a brutal season.

4. Prep Your Machinery for the Winter

Your equipment is everything on the job. When it’s not working, you’re not working. During the winter, your machinery can be subject to damage. Before the season starts, check for cracks, cuts, or signs of wear. Repairing damaged spots will help keep them from getting worse or potentially damaging the machine further.

During the season, clear out any snow, debris, or ice from the hydraulic arms, tires, and undercarriage. Also, make sure your windows are free of dirt. Dirt can cause an excess of ice build up and damage the integrity of your windshields and windows.

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