Skateboarding

Skateboarding is both a sport and recreational activity. It involves doing tricks and maneuvers on a skateboard. The sport is popular among young people in big cities on the east and west coasts. There are also two different types of skateboarding: vert and street style.

Table of Contents

• History
• Playing Surface
• Equipment
• Gameplay
• Positions and Roles
• Rules and Regulations
• Lingo and Terminology
• Coaching
• Skills and Techniques
• Strategy
• Drills
• Olympic Skateboarding
• Skateboarding Brands
• Skateboarding Youth Organizations
• Skateboarding Coaches
• Skateboarders/Skaters
• Skateboarding Leagues
• Skateboarding Teams
• Skateboarding Events
• Skateboarding Books
• Skateboarding Websites
• FAQ
• What is Skateboarding?
• What is the point of skateboarding?
• Is skateboarding an olympic sport?
• How long does it take to learn skateboarding?
• What is the best skateboard for beginners?

History

The exact year that skateboarding was invented is unknown. However, it was probably invented in the late 1940s. California surfers invented it as an alternative when the ocean waves were too flat. Skateboarders were known as "asphalt surfers," and they used empty swimming pools as their playing surface. In 1959, the first commercial skateboards were released to the public.

Playing Surface

Skateboarding is unique in that it can be performed on any concrete surface. Many skateboarders use empty swimming pools as their playing surface. Ramps, rails, and walls can also be used to skateboard on. In big cities, there are many skateboarders who use the streets and sidewalks as their playing surface as well.

Equipment

All that is needed to start skateboarding is a skateboard, which is a flat deck with 4 wheels. Many skateboarders choose to wear a helmet, wrist guards and knee pads in order to protect themselves from big, dangerous falls. Also, a good pair of sneakers is essential as skateboarding wears out the soles of shoes quickly.

Gameplay

Skateboarding is unique in that a skateboarder can choose any kind of trick or move that they want to show off. In larger competitions, skateboarders are judged on many different factors. These factors can be things like speed, style, difficulty, tricks and originality. A skateboarder usually has a set block of time to show off his or her skills before being scored.

Positions and Roles

There are only two positions during a skateboarding competition: the skateboarder and the judges. The skateboarder performs his or her tricks and after their time is up, a panel of five judges scores the athlete on the performance.

Rules and Regulations

Skateboarding is one of the only sports that there really are no rules or regulations. Skateboarders are free to perform any tricks they would like and have the freedom to move anywhere they want within the skatepark or terrain they are skating on. In competition, the only strict rule that skaters need to follow is making sure they do not go over their allotted time slot.

Lingo and Terminology

An essential part of skateboard culture is the lingo and slang used by skaters. This terminology is often used to define different tricks. In skateboarding, a skater is allowed to name a trick that he or she invents. As a result, new terminology is added all the time. Here is a list of a few of the slang terms used in the sport.

Coaching

Many skateboarders are self-taught, and rely on friends and other resources to learn the sport. It is not a common practice for skateboarders to have coaches. Skateboarding coaches can help skaters sharpen their skills and gain confidence. This is especially helpful for skaters just starting out.

Skills and Techniques

There are some essential skateboarding skills that are useful for all levels. These skills include the ollie, tic-taking, and the kickflip. Once a skater has these skills down, more complicated tricks become easier to attempt. Skaters can also improve their balance and core strength, which is important to the sport.

Strategy

There is not much strategy to skateboarding. In competition, skaters learn as many tricks as they would like and perform them in front of judges. The most important strategy to competitive skateboarders is knowing the terrain and what tricks are possible on different surfaces and structures.

Drills

There are some simple drills that skaters of all levels do to help their performance. Many of these drills focus on balance and core-strength. By working on these aspects, skaters are able to jump higher, go faster, and stay safer when riding in competitions. Drills vary from squats to leg raises, all exercises that help with balance and strength.

Olympic Skateboarding

Skateboarding will be added to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and will continue in 2024. It will be split up into two different sections: park and street style. In order to qualify for the Olympics, skaters, both men and women, must be highly ranked according to the Olympic World Skateboarding Rankings or Season World Skate World Skateboarding Championship event. Skaters will come from across the globe, and compete for gold.

Skateboarding Brands

There are hundreds of skateboarding brands. These brands sell skateboards along with t-shirts and shoes. Many skaters have a preference on what brands they like to use. Many of these brands are based out of the west and east coasts as these areas are known for skateboarding. Here are some of the most popular skateboarding brands.

Skateboarding Youth Organizations

Anyone can skateboard and it is not uncommon for kids and teens to participate in competitions. There are skateboarding youth organizations that help expand access to skateboarding and skateparks across the country. Many of these organizations were started by former professional skateboarders.

Skateboarding Coaches

While most professional skateboarders are self-taught. At the competitive and Olympic level, many coaches help improve on the skills and techniques of professional skaters. Coaches are often mentors and former skaters who are very knowledgeable and have a lot of experience skating.

Skateboarders/Skaters

There are many professional skateboarders across the globe, but only some of them are known for being pioneers of the sport. These skaters are known for their ability to perform many of the world's most difficult skate tricks. They are also known for their versatility and speed. Here are some well known male and female skaters.

Skateboarding Leagues

In skateboarding, there are not very many leagues as the sport often depends on national and regional competitions. There are some leagues that specialize in the different types of skateboarding and help organize competitions.

Skateboarding Teams

Skateboarding is unique in that there are no traditional teams as the sport is mostly individual. Besides the Olympics, teams are often made up of individuals who are sponsored by the same brand. These are the most prominent brand teams in the United States.

Skateboarding Events

Skateboarding events are essential to the sport. They allow skateboarders to come together and showcase their skills. There are not many youth tournaments in the sport because many kids and teenagers participate in international championships every year! Here are some popular skateboarding events and championships:

Skateboarding Books

There are many different types of skateboarding books. There are nonfiction books that tell the history of the skateboard and memoirs of famous skaters who write about their experiences. Some books can also help new skaters sharpen their skills. Below find a list of popular skateboarding books for all ages:

Skateboarding Websites

There are skateboarding websites for many different purposes. Some share some of the world's best skating highlights while others allow skaters to buy gear and apparel. There are even skateboarding magazines that have skating videos, photos and gear.

FAQ