The Basics of Skateboarding
Author: BenSheffer Total views: 17 Word Count: 476
The very first skateboards were invented in the late 1940s. Back then many kids ran around on scooters, but these were expensive and although popular not all kids could afford them. Some of those kids who could not afford scooters simply destroyed their rollerskates and nailed the wheels onto pieces of wood. They also nailed a piece of wood to the front of this which was used as a handle. I guess most of these kids were not excellent carpenters and these handles probably fell off pretty quickly, thus many kids end up riding around on just the wood and wheels.
Soon after, some surfers began to ride on skateboards. The first true skateboards, with clay wheels, were commercially made and sold in the 1950s.
Skateboarding is now one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Competitions are held on a regular basis in almost all countries, and attract hundreds of both amateur and professional competitors. These competitions are generally held in custom-built skate parks which can now be found in most major towns and cities. As a result of this increase in popularity special shoes and clothing have been made solely for skateboarders.
There are basically two different types of skating, street skating and ramp skating. Street skating, obviously is carried out on the streets, but can also be carried out pretty much anywhere where the surface is flat and smooth, such as car parks and schools.
Skate parks are custom-made for all these kinds of skating. They have excellent smooth surfaces, and often include a obstacles such as curbs, ramps, and fun boxes. There is also an extreme form of street skating called skateboard racing.
An extreme form of street skating is called skateboard racing. This involves riders racing each other down winding and often extremely steep roads. This can be extremely dangerous at speeds of over 65 km an hour have been reached.
The two most popular forms of ramp skating, are on vert ramps, or mini ramps. There are also quarter pipes and other shaped ramps. Vert ramps are generally about three to 4 m high and have a section of vertical transition at either end. Only experienced skaters should attempt to ride one of these. Mini ramps are obviously much smaller and are easier to ride on, and this is where many skaters learn to ride before moving on.
Skateboarding can be a dangerous sport, however if you follow these simple rules you will keep yourself and others safe: 1) always learn your basic moves on flat and safe ground 2) keep in control of a skateboard at all times 3) always wear a helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads 4) never skate alone in case of accidents 5) keep all your skateboarding gear well maintained
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Do you want to learn how to skate like a pro? Well then there is only one thing you need to know. Check out this site now to find out what I'm talking about. Learn Skatebaord Tricks
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