Skateboarding

Skateboarding: A Multifaceted Action Sport

Skateboarding is an adrenaline-fuelled sport where various tricks are executed using a skateboard. Though the emphasis is mostly on mastering tricks, jumps, and grinds, skateboarding has also become a preferred mode of navigating urban environments.

There are three prominent styles of skateboarding: park, vert, and street. Park skateboarding is predominantly practised in skate Parks, equipped with specially constructed obstacles. Vert skateboarding entails vertical manoeuvres on ramps or vert bowls, demanding greater speed than the other styles. Street skateboarding incorporates everyday urban features like rails and stairs to perform tricks.

You can learn more about the diverse skateboarding styles in our guide Buying Skateboards for Intermediates.

The Benefits of Skateboarding

Skating offers numerous advantages. It enhances physical coordination because one must continuously adjust their body positioning to land tricks successfully. It also positively impacts balance and serves as an enjoyable full-body workout.

Skateboarding is a fantastic means to connect with others who have like-minded interests. Socialising at skate Parks is effortless since enthusiasts often exchange greetings and discuss favourite tricks and skateboard brands. Moreover, the sport boosts self-esteem, providing immense satisfaction when a trick is executed perfectly for the first time.

Skateboarding's Rich History

The evolution of contemporary skateboarding began in the 1940s on the US West Coast. During this era, surfers began attaching wheels to plates, planks, or anything they could fashion into decks when the surf was unavailable. Initially, skateboarding was dubbed “sidewalk surfing” due to surfing's considerable influence.

In subsequent decades, the sport continued to evolve. The 1960s saw the inception of the first shops retailing skateboards, while the 70s witnessed the transition from ceramic and metal wheels to polyurethane ones. The 1980s marked the onset of skateboarding’s golden era, as various skateboarder-operated companies were established. Throughout this period, numerous films depicting skateboarding culture were released, some regarded as cult classics today.

Presently, skateboarding ranks among the globe's most favoured action sports. It is deemed a competitive and serious sport, especially following its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.