Skateboards aren’t cheap and the ones that are aren’t quality enough to learn on. Especially the decks because they come from chopped down trees. Some common problems with the degradation of a skateboard deck is razor nose or razer tail, this is when chipping occurs, griptape loses grip and pressure cracks which decrease the “pop” a board has. The most important thing to keep in mind is its not just a skateboard.
This is your favorite toy/tool of all time and especially not a weapon. Don’t get mad at the skateboard for something you may not be capable of doing yet. Don’t throw it around, or kick it into shit. This is how you’ll avoid unnecessary accelerated degradation. Also keep your manuals balanced without scraping to avoid razor tail/nose. Don’t let your board get away from you and hit walls. This is what causes chipping. Pressure cracks can be alleviated somewhat with riser pads. Wheel bite can occur with lose trucks when the wheel rubs against the deck. Riser pads will also reduce this.
Your wheels also take a hit with every powerslide that creates flat spots on your wheels and makes a sound like your skateboard has a combustion engine attached to it and try to keep your board from getting wet or getting dirt or mud on the grip tape. Remember, when your spending ~$50 per deck and more than $100 for a complete that you should really take better care of your skateboard. The more skateboarders adopt this mind set, the less trees need to get chopped down to make your decks that you treat like shit.