Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a sport which I have never been that great at. I am pretty good at BMX and downhill mountain bike riding, but the moment I get on a skateboard I seem to fall off. Skateboarding has to be one of the most popular sports amongst teenagers throughout the world, and there is actually really good money in it as a professional. Even a reasonable teenager can get sponsorship, which means events and lots of free things – new boards for skating and clothing etc.

Skateboarding involves a plywood deck which is about a meter long, and curved up on either side. Below this are the trucks (or axles) which the wheels are mounted on. Skateboarding bearings have to be good to enable minimal resistance and hence the ability to roll for long periods of time. Skateboarding is done in skate parks, on the street, old water parks and almost anything else which is smooth. Skating takes a lot of skill, and there are tricks that have been completed which will keep you busy for the rest of your life!

Skating can include air, board spins and tricks, grinding along the axles and combinations of these together. Points are awarded when skateboarding for pulling combinations or tricks one after another. Tony hawks is one of the world’s best skateboarders, and has been able to land a 900, which is two full spins and another half of a spin in the air, and then landing again. The most popular piece of equipment to skate in is a half pipe, which allows the skateboarder to go back and forth. Skating is similar to snowboarding and sandboarding, but also completely different in some ways.

When skateboarding, you can learn to ‘pump’ the board, which basically means pushing down at the right time. This increases your speed like you wouldn’t believe – bmx riders do this too. Unfortunately these days there are a lot of drugs and other problems which are around skateboarding, but it’s important to learn and stay away from this side of it. Like any sports, it has its problems but can also be a great hobby. A skateboard can be purchased for around 30 USD, and then upwards. A 200 USD skateboard will be pretty decent, and they last for a long time. General maintenance is needed, but they are great value for money.

I have always marveled at skateboarding, so if you get a chance to try it, give it a go. It might not be for you, and if that is the case, then maybe BMX riding is. Skating is a great way to pass time, get a good exercise and really enjoy yourself at the same time. Not to mention the looks on your mate’s faces when you land a new trick! Skateboarding is a great sport, and everyone should try it.