Skate Board – A Hobby Turn Serious
By: Alan Ross
Skateboard shed its transport equipment image of the late 40s and 50s to become what it is today, the recreational tool. The early skateboard championships were ‘soap box derbies’ held in cities during that era of crude skateboards, which sometimes used to double up as surf boards too.
Skateboards as Sports Gear
With mass production becoming a reality in the 1960s skateboards underwent a lot of transformation for better; from solid wood or metals to plywood for decks, flat no shape to concavity, clay composite steel wheels to polyurethane made ones and finally single action trucks (axles) to aluminum constructed two part trucks. There is so much more in the safety, comfort and durability departments that you need to look into when buying skateboards.
Well, how do these things help? At first, the question may strike an irrelevant chord, but not so when you see the difference. Just taste this for samples: Without that innovative concavity would it have been possible for those champion skateboarders to takeoff from flat ground? Forget that for a minute, speeding along the streets wouldn’t have been a reality but for the grip tapes now you find on the decks, which prevent you from slipping even as you takeoff.
Did you know, what helped easy turning at such high speeds? Of course you do your skillful ‘foot work’ but the rubber cushion in between the two part truck flexes when you turn by front foot while pressing by the back foot. It is this flexibility that gives you additional turn which was harder in older skateboards.
Skateboard Ramps
If you are not on the streets you are skateboarding on the ramps. Ramps are carpentry constructions made in plywood. As you are aware, there are just as many ramp plans as you like and the simplest one is the obvious bank plan (flat plan), half pipe, quarter pipe, pyramid plans etc, all of which are named after their shapes.
Then you have the ‘launcher’ ramp for the lion hearted guys and girls. Skateboarding over this launches you into the skies vertically. If you don’t want to fly, you still have an option that interests you. You can ride the walls with two identical ramps placed at a distance apart.
Skateboarding Championships
Championships have encouraged many aspirants to take-up the sport and excel there. Television coverage has catapulted skateboarding to top youth sport. The most famous competition are them all is the annual X-Game Skateboard Championships. Skateboarders from all around the world take part this is event to gain recognition and fame, not to mention lucrative sponsorships and turn this one time hobby to a serious career path.
About the Author:
Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites SkateBoard, Online Games and Research Hub
Ripstik
Ripstik
By Tom Cruz
If you are someone who has got bored with their skateboard and is looking for something that is going to give you a few more thrills. Then why not consider purchasing a Ripstik Caster Board.
This board will certainly help to provide you with a more extreme sport than you ever thought imaginable when you’ve been riding your skateboard. It is not only unique in design but also comes with its own set of unique movements as well. Where as a normal skateboard which is solid framed this particular model comes with flexible panels and move separately from each other.
Using this particular board a skateboarder can carry out 360 degree turns on just 2 wheels plus it allows them to move uphill easily also. In fact riding one of these is very similar to the way a person would ride a snowboard.
The Ripstik is the latest item to hit the world of skateboarding and allows you to combine the way you ride a skateboard with the way you would ride a snowboard. Because of the inclined casters on the board and the way that the deck is able to pivot and allows you to carve your way through traffic just like you would on snow on a snowboard.
Plus you can accelerate and turn the whole board without needing to push as you do with a skateboard. Plus the 2 decks of the Ripstik Caster Board are concaved which means the person using it has more foot control than they would normally associate with a skateboard. However these particular kinds of boards should only be used by children over the age of 8 and adults.
Although you may consider using a caster board wrong because it comes with just 2 wheels rather than 4 it can make the whole ride actually seem much smoother. Plus the way you actually ride a Ripstik Caster Board is completely different from any other kind of skateboard you have tried and used before.
No longer do you need to push in order to get your momentum rather you need to twist your body in a particular way which you can learn about from the DVD that is provided with this particular board when you purchase one. In the beginning if you are someone who has not ridden a skateboard much before you may find getting use to learning the technique in order to manoeuvre the board a little bit difficult, but for the more experienced skateboarders learning this should come quite naturally and easily to them.
To find out more about the Ripstik caster board visit www.ripstikreview.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz
By Tom Cruz
If you are someone who has got bored with their skateboard and is looking for something that is going to give you a few more thrills. Then why not consider purchasing a Ripstik Caster Board.
This board will certainly help to provide you with a more extreme sport than you ever thought imaginable when you’ve been riding your skateboard. It is not only unique in design but also comes with its own set of unique movements as well. Where as a normal skateboard which is solid framed this particular model comes with flexible panels and move separately from each other.
Using this particular board a skateboarder can carry out 360 degree turns on just 2 wheels plus it allows them to move uphill easily also. In fact riding one of these is very similar to the way a person would ride a snowboard.
The Ripstik is the latest item to hit the world of skateboarding and allows you to combine the way you ride a skateboard with the way you would ride a snowboard. Because of the inclined casters on the board and the way that the deck is able to pivot and allows you to carve your way through traffic just like you would on snow on a snowboard.
Plus you can accelerate and turn the whole board without needing to push as you do with a skateboard. Plus the 2 decks of the Ripstik Caster Board are concaved which means the person using it has more foot control than they would normally associate with a skateboard. However these particular kinds of boards should only be used by children over the age of 8 and adults.
Although you may consider using a caster board wrong because it comes with just 2 wheels rather than 4 it can make the whole ride actually seem much smoother. Plus the way you actually ride a Ripstik Caster Board is completely different from any other kind of skateboard you have tried and used before.
No longer do you need to push in order to get your momentum rather you need to twist your body in a particular way which you can learn about from the DVD that is provided with this particular board when you purchase one. In the beginning if you are someone who has not ridden a skateboard much before you may find getting use to learning the technique in order to manoeuvre the board a little bit difficult, but for the more experienced skateboarders learning this should come quite naturally and easily to them.
To find out more about the Ripstik caster board visit www.ripstikreview.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz
Online Skateboard Gear Shop Started By Eleven Year Old
By Dianne Anderson
The son of a skateboarder, Spencer Semien was on a skateboard himself by the time he was three years old.
“All of a sudden, skateboarding became his passion,” says his mother, Marla Sneed.
As any parent knows, a child’s passion can be quite expensive and Spencer needed a part-time job to support his skateboarding activities. He already had an interest in computers and, in fact, had built a personal web site, so building one devoted to skateboarding was the logical next step. With the help of his mother and a Denver-area skateboard shop, the 11-year old got his site up and running. The official launch date was Oct. 21 of last year.
First and foremost, the site markets skateboarding equipment to intermediate-level skaters and higher. Skaters can purchase pre-built complete decks (that’s a fully assembled skateboard) as well as individual parts and accessories, everything from wheels, to grip tape, (intended to give the skater a surer foothold on the board), to skateboard repair tools, to the latest in safety equipment.
And those that switch from skateboarding in the warm weather to snowboarding in the winter haven’t been neglected; the site also provides a snowboarding section with a selection of snowboards and protective gear.
In addition to serving as an equipment supply headquarters, the site provides a full range of skateboarding services. Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
For today’s skaters, the site makes use of video technology. Video clips allowing aspiring skaters to study tricks performed by people Spencer has chosen as “worthy of being sponsored” by his website are represented. After many days of viewing “sponsor me” videos, a select few were chosen to receive recognition and free merchandise from this site.
The site also caters to visitors who aren’t skaters, such as parents of skaters or those who want to become more knowledgeable about a friend’s favorite pastime. A history section details the evolution of skateboarding, from the early 1900s to the present day, with the focus being on the evolution of the actual skateboard and skateboarding competitions, but also taking care to address the issues that have plagued the sport through the years, specifically, issues dealing with safety.
As hard as it might be for today’s corps of skaters to believe, there was a time when no one thought about putting on a helmet and protective padding before getting on a skateboard. And in the late ‘70s, many public skateboard parks were shut down because of liability issues. Rather than whitewash all these issues, the site points them out.
By perhaps clearing up some misconceptions about skateboarding, this site seems to be working to increase its bottom line, while embarking on enhancing the growth of the sport.
For this reason alone, the site is something Spencer Semien and his mother should be very proud of.
Visit http://www.allproskate.com for all of your skateboarding needs! With over 9000 products to choose from, Allproskate offers 100% secure online ordering as well as discounts and specials on brand name products such as Element, Girl, Flip, Habitat, Hookups, Independent, Mystery, Spit Fire, Zero, Zoo York and more. If you purchase $150.00 or more shipping is free! There are also many youth and adult skateboarding clothes available as well as discounted yearly subscriptions to the latest and most popular skateboard magazines like Thrasher and Slap.
Allproskate has its own Blog located at http://allproskate.blogspot.com/ offering information on the latest skateboard contests, news and events. Here you can post and view skateboard contests from around the world. While your there you can visit Allprokate's Daily Skateboarding News page located at http://www.allproskate.com/site/955556/page/479225 keeping you up to date on current skateboarding news. Allproskate cares about its customers and offers exceptional customer service. Check out Allproskate today!
The son of a skateboarder, Spencer Semien was on a skateboard himself by the time he was three years old.
“All of a sudden, skateboarding became his passion,” says his mother, Marla Sneed.
As any parent knows, a child’s passion can be quite expensive and Spencer needed a part-time job to support his skateboarding activities. He already had an interest in computers and, in fact, had built a personal web site, so building one devoted to skateboarding was the logical next step. With the help of his mother and a Denver-area skateboard shop, the 11-year old got his site up and running. The official launch date was Oct. 21 of last year.
First and foremost, the site markets skateboarding equipment to intermediate-level skaters and higher. Skaters can purchase pre-built complete decks (that’s a fully assembled skateboard) as well as individual parts and accessories, everything from wheels, to grip tape, (intended to give the skater a surer foothold on the board), to skateboard repair tools, to the latest in safety equipment.
And those that switch from skateboarding in the warm weather to snowboarding in the winter haven’t been neglected; the site also provides a snowboarding section with a selection of snowboards and protective gear.
In addition to serving as an equipment supply headquarters, the site provides a full range of skateboarding services. Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
Site visitors can access a technical support page, which provides information on which skateboard might best serve their needs, or study (and purchase) plans for building a skateboarding ramp of their own.
For today’s skaters, the site makes use of video technology. Video clips allowing aspiring skaters to study tricks performed by people Spencer has chosen as “worthy of being sponsored” by his website are represented. After many days of viewing “sponsor me” videos, a select few were chosen to receive recognition and free merchandise from this site.
The site also caters to visitors who aren’t skaters, such as parents of skaters or those who want to become more knowledgeable about a friend’s favorite pastime. A history section details the evolution of skateboarding, from the early 1900s to the present day, with the focus being on the evolution of the actual skateboard and skateboarding competitions, but also taking care to address the issues that have plagued the sport through the years, specifically, issues dealing with safety.
As hard as it might be for today’s corps of skaters to believe, there was a time when no one thought about putting on a helmet and protective padding before getting on a skateboard. And in the late ‘70s, many public skateboard parks were shut down because of liability issues. Rather than whitewash all these issues, the site points them out.
By perhaps clearing up some misconceptions about skateboarding, this site seems to be working to increase its bottom line, while embarking on enhancing the growth of the sport.
For this reason alone, the site is something Spencer Semien and his mother should be very proud of.
Visit http://www.allproskate.com for all of your skateboarding needs! With over 9000 products to choose from, Allproskate offers 100% secure online ordering as well as discounts and specials on brand name products such as Element, Girl, Flip, Habitat, Hookups, Independent, Mystery, Spit Fire, Zero, Zoo York and more. If you purchase $150.00 or more shipping is free! There are also many youth and adult skateboarding clothes available as well as discounted yearly subscriptions to the latest and most popular skateboard magazines like Thrasher and Slap.
Allproskate has its own Blog located at http://allproskate.blogspot.com/ offering information on the latest skateboard contests, news and events. Here you can post and view skateboard contests from around the world. While your there you can visit Allprokate's Daily Skateboarding News page located at http://www.allproskate.com/site/955556/page/479225 keeping you up to date on current skateboarding news. Allproskate cares about its customers and offers exceptional customer service. Check out Allproskate today!
How Skateboards Are Made - Custom Wooden Boards
By L. Winslow
Most skateboards are made of wood and there are certain woods that are preferred by skateboard manufacturers. One of the common types of woods used comes from maple trees. The wood is cut into very thin slices or veneers, which will be laminated together during the manufacturing process using glue very similar to how plywood is made.
The glue or adhesive is sandwiched between each thin-flat strip of wood and pressed together and allowed to dry. If the skateboards are to have kick-tails on them, the wood will be pressed into that particular shape with a bend in them. Next the skateboard will be cut out from the wood and holes drilled where the trucks will be mounted underneath.
Once this process is completed it is time to for the boards to be sanded and finished. Then various finishes will be applied and custom graphics. Then the coatings, graphics, silk screens will go through a drying process, generally in a big rack and for a specific time period. Last nose guards or other incidental extra features will be attached and then boxed and shipped to the retailer.
Many higher skill level skateboarders prefer wood boards to other types of skateboards. Of course generally a good wooden board will cost you quite a bit more. Composite boards offer riders some advantages too. Plastic Boards have an advantage due to their low cost and are favored for parents buying skateboards for children. What ever skateboard you buy, look for quality and look close, you can tell the difference.
L. Winslow is a Technology Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.calling-plans.com/ - all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow
Skateboarding - One of the Most Exciting and Skilled Board Sports
by: Ben Ruhland
If you’re looking to get into a board sport why not try out skateboarding? Let me guess you and your friends go out on weekends looking for something to do but you’re bored stiff. Well I can guarantee you skateboarding is a sport you’ll never be able to give up on once you get into it. It’s a board sport that can have a steep learning curve depending on the person but most people can pretty much master the basics within a couple of months.
Skateboarding has developed quite a bit in recent years. For decades when skateboarding was in its infancy, it was seen as an activity performed by youngsters, mainly rebel kids. In these earlier years skateboarders were perceived as outcasts who went around vandalizing other people’s property by skating on it. It is becoming more understood these days but it still has a long way to go before people will fully understand the skill and dedication that goes into this sport.
The basics of skateboarding like pushing yourself along the street are easy to learn but once you get into the tricks and manoeuvres such as the most basic trick, the ollie, it takes quite a bit more practice to master. You need to learn the ollie as it’s a fundamental move that is combined into the majority of tricks where the board leaves the ground. The ollie is what could be considered a “jump” where the skateboard and the rider leave the ground with the board under their feet. To really master this basic move it can take a natural skater up to a year to really get it down.
When learning to skateboard some protective gear can go a long way to ensuring your safety as you can expect to take many falls when first starting out. A decent helmet, some elbow pads and knee pads will give you the safety you’re looking for and a little extra confidence knowing you won’t get too hurt when you fall. You can buy this protective gear fairly cheap from most skate shops and even some general purpose stores.
It’s easy to get nervous when first starting out on a skateboard because your balance will most likely be very out of tune. But don’t worry, every single skater you see out there on the skate park doing all those big moves, grinding rails, doing big grabs on the half pipe, they were all just like you when they started out. It’s a sport that takes a lot of dedication, and it relies on practice. If you put in the hours you’ll be popping kick flips in a matter of months. So go out there and get practicing, it’ll keep you busy for many years to come.
About The Author
Ben Ruhland : If you’re looking for more informative articles checkout: http://www.choozle.com
If you’re looking to get into a board sport why not try out skateboarding? Let me guess you and your friends go out on weekends looking for something to do but you’re bored stiff. Well I can guarantee you skateboarding is a sport you’ll never be able to give up on once you get into it. It’s a board sport that can have a steep learning curve depending on the person but most people can pretty much master the basics within a couple of months.
Skateboarding has developed quite a bit in recent years. For decades when skateboarding was in its infancy, it was seen as an activity performed by youngsters, mainly rebel kids. In these earlier years skateboarders were perceived as outcasts who went around vandalizing other people’s property by skating on it. It is becoming more understood these days but it still has a long way to go before people will fully understand the skill and dedication that goes into this sport.
The basics of skateboarding like pushing yourself along the street are easy to learn but once you get into the tricks and manoeuvres such as the most basic trick, the ollie, it takes quite a bit more practice to master. You need to learn the ollie as it’s a fundamental move that is combined into the majority of tricks where the board leaves the ground. The ollie is what could be considered a “jump” where the skateboard and the rider leave the ground with the board under their feet. To really master this basic move it can take a natural skater up to a year to really get it down.
When learning to skateboard some protective gear can go a long way to ensuring your safety as you can expect to take many falls when first starting out. A decent helmet, some elbow pads and knee pads will give you the safety you’re looking for and a little extra confidence knowing you won’t get too hurt when you fall. You can buy this protective gear fairly cheap from most skate shops and even some general purpose stores.
It’s easy to get nervous when first starting out on a skateboard because your balance will most likely be very out of tune. But don’t worry, every single skater you see out there on the skate park doing all those big moves, grinding rails, doing big grabs on the half pipe, they were all just like you when they started out. It’s a sport that takes a lot of dedication, and it relies on practice. If you put in the hours you’ll be popping kick flips in a matter of months. So go out there and get practicing, it’ll keep you busy for many years to come.
About The Author
Ben Ruhland : If you’re looking for more informative articles checkout: http://www.choozle.com
Good Health Habits For Skateboarders
by: Dana Bradley
Many skateboarders take advantage of their good health. They feel that they don’t need to become ‘caught up’ in the health kick that so many sportsmen and women are involved with. For many, their idea of a wholesome breakfast is a candy bar and a diet soda. Some do not eat breakfast at all.
In order to be a good skateboarder and to stand out above the rest, you have to take good care of your body. For many professional skateboarders, skateboarding is their only means of income. Many worry about getting hurt so they invest in special padded clothing so if they fall, it won’t be as painful. Many spend a lot of time practicing how to avoid a serious fall. Rarely does a skateboarder invest in their health. Avoiding falls, bumps, bruises and broken limbs is essential but you also have to take care of your inner health. Skateboarders should practice twists and turns but not when it comes to good health.
The first step to maintaining good health is to ditch the bad eating habits. Ditch the eating junk food for breakfast or not eating breakfast at all. If you are not a breakfast eater, have a wholesome bowl of cereal…it takes less than 10 minutes to eat a healthy bowel of cereal or grab a healthy breakfast bar containing vitamins.
Throughout the day, try avoiding drinking a lot of sugar cured juices such as soda and artificially flavored fruit juices. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water per day. If drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water seems impossible, split it up. Drink 2 glasses of water during breakfast along with your vitamins. Drink 2 glasses of water during the early part of the morning, 2 glasses of water during lunch and 2 glasses of water during dinner.
The first step in learning the sport is of course, getting a reliable board. One can purchase from the nearest sports shop, rent, or even borrow one from a friend. Having some background on the different types of skateboard setups will help one choose the right board. As a beginner, one way to familiarize one’s self is by riding to a friend’s house, or at a local park, or at a mall parking lot. But before actually hopping on the board, one should be equipped not only with the proper gear, but with the knowledge of essential safety measures as well. As they say, “safety comes first”.
Everyone should take a multivitamin everyday. After eating your breakfast or meal for the day, it is important to take a vitamin. This will ultimately give you an extra boost of energy daily. Make sure that you consult your physician before using supplements. Your doctor can recommend what brand of vitamins. Basketball and football players are not the only sportsmen who prepare for a game. Skateboarders are now learning the important steps in maintaining good health.
About The Author
Dana Bradley writes about http://www.buyskateboardgear.com, and http://www.SportsTeamFanHeaven.com.
Many skateboarders take advantage of their good health. They feel that they don’t need to become ‘caught up’ in the health kick that so many sportsmen and women are involved with. For many, their idea of a wholesome breakfast is a candy bar and a diet soda. Some do not eat breakfast at all.
In order to be a good skateboarder and to stand out above the rest, you have to take good care of your body. For many professional skateboarders, skateboarding is their only means of income. Many worry about getting hurt so they invest in special padded clothing so if they fall, it won’t be as painful. Many spend a lot of time practicing how to avoid a serious fall. Rarely does a skateboarder invest in their health. Avoiding falls, bumps, bruises and broken limbs is essential but you also have to take care of your inner health. Skateboarders should practice twists and turns but not when it comes to good health.
The first step to maintaining good health is to ditch the bad eating habits. Ditch the eating junk food for breakfast or not eating breakfast at all. If you are not a breakfast eater, have a wholesome bowl of cereal…it takes less than 10 minutes to eat a healthy bowel of cereal or grab a healthy breakfast bar containing vitamins.
Throughout the day, try avoiding drinking a lot of sugar cured juices such as soda and artificially flavored fruit juices. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water per day. If drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water seems impossible, split it up. Drink 2 glasses of water during breakfast along with your vitamins. Drink 2 glasses of water during the early part of the morning, 2 glasses of water during lunch and 2 glasses of water during dinner.
The first step in learning the sport is of course, getting a reliable board. One can purchase from the nearest sports shop, rent, or even borrow one from a friend. Having some background on the different types of skateboard setups will help one choose the right board. As a beginner, one way to familiarize one’s self is by riding to a friend’s house, or at a local park, or at a mall parking lot. But before actually hopping on the board, one should be equipped not only with the proper gear, but with the knowledge of essential safety measures as well. As they say, “safety comes first”.
Everyone should take a multivitamin everyday. After eating your breakfast or meal for the day, it is important to take a vitamin. This will ultimately give you an extra boost of energy daily. Make sure that you consult your physician before using supplements. Your doctor can recommend what brand of vitamins. Basketball and football players are not the only sportsmen who prepare for a game. Skateboarders are now learning the important steps in maintaining good health.
About The Author
Dana Bradley writes about http://www.buyskateboardgear.com, and http://www.SportsTeamFanHeaven.com.
Skateboarding in the Eighties to the Present
By Kadence Buchanan
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-eighties to the present when major skateboard manufacturers propelled it to new heights. First, they started with half-pipe and vert ramp skateboarding. The manufacturers upgraded the boards to make their decks very wide and to equip them with larger and wider wheels.
As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating's pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.
Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.
Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.
These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Women, and Nursing
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-eighties to the present when major skateboard manufacturers propelled it to new heights. First, they started with half-pipe and vert ramp skateboarding. The manufacturers upgraded the boards to make their decks very wide and to equip them with larger and wider wheels.
As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating's pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.
Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.
Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.
These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Women, and Nursing
Skateboarding in the Sixties and Seventies
By Kadence Buchanan
One of the biggest crazes to ever hit children and teenagers of our generation has been skateboarding. But how many of you know that it actually started as early as the 1950s and its popularity coincided with the surfing mania in California at that time? That's true. In those early days, skateboards were all homemade and made of wooden planks that were attached to roller-skate trucks and wheels. It wasn't even known as skateboarding yet, rather as "sidewalk surfing." It's best practitioners were guys who simply imitated the styles and moves of the top surfers of the time. Some people say skateboards merely evolved from "crate scooters" which looked exactly like a skateboard except that it had handlebars like a regular scooter.
When the sixties came around, skateboarding began to really take off. There were now skateboard manufacturers such as Hobie and Makaha which were actually top surfing manufacturers. Their early products looked much like the surfboards of the time. Skateboarding became so popular that a magazine dedicated to it was produced regularly. There was even an international skateboarding championship in 1965 that was telecast on national television. In terms of sales, records show that Makaha's skateboard sales figures reached the $4 million mark from 1963 to 1965, which was truly a lot in those days. However, by 1965, the skateboard fad was over. Sales dropped significantly and the skateboarding magazine closed shop.
The second generation of skateboarders made their presence felt in the early seventies. It started when Frank Nasworthy was able to invent a skateboard wheel made out of polyurethane, which gave skateboarders improved traction and performance. The new product was such a big hit that skateboarding became in vogue among children and teens once again as well as many young adults. More companies tried to invent their own skateboarding innovations, including special axles that were designed specifically for skateboarding. And as the skateboards became more maneuverable and controllable, the decks began getting wider -- as wide as 10 inches and sometimes over. There was a lot of experimentation in skateboards at the time, including the use of aluminum and fiberglass to replace the standard material for skateboards, maple plywood. Soon enough, the new craze was all about who could pull off the best tricks. And the best was yet to come.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Home Improvement, and Investing
One of the biggest crazes to ever hit children and teenagers of our generation has been skateboarding. But how many of you know that it actually started as early as the 1950s and its popularity coincided with the surfing mania in California at that time? That's true. In those early days, skateboards were all homemade and made of wooden planks that were attached to roller-skate trucks and wheels. It wasn't even known as skateboarding yet, rather as "sidewalk surfing." It's best practitioners were guys who simply imitated the styles and moves of the top surfers of the time. Some people say skateboards merely evolved from "crate scooters" which looked exactly like a skateboard except that it had handlebars like a regular scooter.
When the sixties came around, skateboarding began to really take off. There were now skateboard manufacturers such as Hobie and Makaha which were actually top surfing manufacturers. Their early products looked much like the surfboards of the time. Skateboarding became so popular that a magazine dedicated to it was produced regularly. There was even an international skateboarding championship in 1965 that was telecast on national television. In terms of sales, records show that Makaha's skateboard sales figures reached the $4 million mark from 1963 to 1965, which was truly a lot in those days. However, by 1965, the skateboard fad was over. Sales dropped significantly and the skateboarding magazine closed shop.
The second generation of skateboarders made their presence felt in the early seventies. It started when Frank Nasworthy was able to invent a skateboard wheel made out of polyurethane, which gave skateboarders improved traction and performance. The new product was such a big hit that skateboarding became in vogue among children and teens once again as well as many young adults. More companies tried to invent their own skateboarding innovations, including special axles that were designed specifically for skateboarding. And as the skateboards became more maneuverable and controllable, the decks began getting wider -- as wide as 10 inches and sometimes over. There was a lot of experimentation in skateboards at the time, including the use of aluminum and fiberglass to replace the standard material for skateboards, maple plywood. Soon enough, the new craze was all about who could pull off the best tricks. And the best was yet to come.
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Kids And Teens, Home Improvement, and Investing
X Games Skateboarding Party Games - Ideas For an Action-Packed Sports Party
By Gail Leino
Extreme sports fans will love having an X Game themed party. If your teenager is an avid skater, an action-packed X games skateboarding party, games and all, can be great way to celebrate their birthday. Here are a few ideas to get you rolling:
“Skateboard Tag” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This is a great X games skateboarding party game, but you’ll need a fairly large paved area to play it. All guests hop on their skateboards, and one person is declared “it”. All the other players have to ride away from “it”, and anyone who gets tagged must join “it” in trying to catch the other skaters. The game will continue until just one skater is left, with all the others trying to chase them. The last skater standing is the winner of this fun X games skateboarding party game.
“Skateboard Obstacle Course” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This fun race once again requires a decent-sized paved area, as well a stop-watch and household objects such as rope, buckets, pot-plants and the like to act as obstacles. Prior to the guests arriving set up the obstacle course. Make sure there are things to go around and jump over, to make it challenging. Skaters negotiate the obstacle course one at a time, with the fastest time being declared the winner.
If you’re planning an X games skateboarding party, games are an absolute must. With a bit of pre-planning you can make it an occasion that your teen will remember for a long time to come.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for X games party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including X games Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Extreme sports fans will love having an X Game themed party. If your teenager is an avid skater, an action-packed X games skateboarding party, games and all, can be great way to celebrate their birthday. Here are a few ideas to get you rolling:
“Skateboard Tag” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This is a great X games skateboarding party game, but you’ll need a fairly large paved area to play it. All guests hop on their skateboards, and one person is declared “it”. All the other players have to ride away from “it”, and anyone who gets tagged must join “it” in trying to catch the other skaters. The game will continue until just one skater is left, with all the others trying to chase them. The last skater standing is the winner of this fun X games skateboarding party game.
“Skateboard Obstacle Course” X Games Skateboarding Party Game
This fun race once again requires a decent-sized paved area, as well a stop-watch and household objects such as rope, buckets, pot-plants and the like to act as obstacles. Prior to the guests arriving set up the obstacle course. Make sure there are things to go around and jump over, to make it challenging. Skaters negotiate the obstacle course one at a time, with the fastest time being declared the winner.
If you’re planning an X games skateboarding party, games are an absolute must. With a bit of pre-planning you can make it an occasion that your teen will remember for a long time to come.
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for X games party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including X games Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino
Skateboarding Shoes
By Marcus Peterson
Skateboarding has evolved over the years and is now a serious sport. You can purchase special skateboarding shoes that help enhance your skater style and also help you maintain stability on your board. But there are so many different styles and brands. How do you choose?
First, determine what kind of shoe you truly need. Are you a serious skater or a beginner? Do you need something that will help you with complicated tricks or do you want a show that is purely for style? Or, do you need a shoe that will be both stylish and comfortable for some serious skateboarding? Asking yourself these questions can help you decide which model and company is best for you.
Before you choose your skateboarding shoes, you will also need to think about how much money you are willing to spend. Different styles and different companies have several shoes that span different price classes. Is your main concern money, or are you willing to spend a little more to make sure you are getting a shoe that is perfect for you?
You don't even need to be a skateboarder to own skateboarding shoes. Some people just like the way the shoes look and buy them purely for fashion.
So when choosing skateboarding shoes, you have many options. You can pick one based purely on fashion. You can buy shoes that achieve a specific purpose. You can look on the Internet or ask your friends which shoes are the latest style, or you can find people online who are serious about skateboarding and ask them what their favorite shoe is. A little research spent is worth it when you end up with skateboarding shoes you are happy with.
Skateboarding provides detailed information on Skateboarding, Skateboarding Shoes, Skateboarding Tricks, The History Of Skateboarding and more. Skateboarding is affiliated with Skateboard Ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
Skateboarding has evolved over the years and is now a serious sport. You can purchase special skateboarding shoes that help enhance your skater style and also help you maintain stability on your board. But there are so many different styles and brands. How do you choose?
First, determine what kind of shoe you truly need. Are you a serious skater or a beginner? Do you need something that will help you with complicated tricks or do you want a show that is purely for style? Or, do you need a shoe that will be both stylish and comfortable for some serious skateboarding? Asking yourself these questions can help you decide which model and company is best for you.
Before you choose your skateboarding shoes, you will also need to think about how much money you are willing to spend. Different styles and different companies have several shoes that span different price classes. Is your main concern money, or are you willing to spend a little more to make sure you are getting a shoe that is perfect for you?
You don't even need to be a skateboarder to own skateboarding shoes. Some people just like the way the shoes look and buy them purely for fashion.
So when choosing skateboarding shoes, you have many options. You can pick one based purely on fashion. You can buy shoes that achieve a specific purpose. You can look on the Internet or ask your friends which shoes are the latest style, or you can find people online who are serious about skateboarding and ask them what their favorite shoe is. A little research spent is worth it when you end up with skateboarding shoes you are happy with.
Skateboarding provides detailed information on Skateboarding, Skateboarding Shoes, Skateboarding Tricks, The History Of Skateboarding and more. Skateboarding is affiliated with Skateboard Ramps.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
Skateboarding - The Vert Ramp
By Steve Batchelor
Step one
Hopefully you know how to skateboard already, if not you ain’t ready for the vert ramp. Make sure you know all the basics well. Practice on a mini ramp before you consider the vert. It’s a good step to take before you start mixing with the big boys. You need to be able to pull off some tricks on mini ramp with confidence, comfort and style. The better the skater you are the more you will enjoy your experience at the vert ramp, and the less likely you are to be ending the experience in hospital…
Step two
Check out a few vert ramps first so you can get used to the height of them before throwing yourself off. They are a lot higher at the top than they look at the bottom. Getting used to this will help you when on your first run. It’s a bit late to discover you have vertigo when you are on the edge with your board at your feet.
Step three
This is dangerous game so make sure you have some decent safety equipment. It’s highly likely that you go sprawling across the ramp at some point so prepare for it as best you can. Make sure you have a helmet and pads on all your knobbly bits.
Step four
Unless you are a crazy loon or a particularly confident skater you probably won’t want to just go leaping off the top, start off at the bottom and build up speed pumping each side of the ramp. This will acclimatise you to the vert ramp; keep going until to be comfortable enough to hit the top of the ramp a few times, and get down again in one piece…
Step five
OK its now or never, time for the first drop in. Build up the courage; check that the way is clear, make sure there isn’t a fellow skater flattened at the bottom. If you clip someone else on the way down you could create some carnage. It’s a good idea to try you first run in an empty or nearly empty ramp, not only to avoid maiming others but to save you own humiliation…
Step six
Go for it, take a deep breath and go with the adrenalin. Don’t panic and try to relax and be confident. If you do have a spill don’t give up, if you’re a decent skater you will soon pick it up and be performing killer tricks before you know it.
Steve Batchelor is an Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at www.extremesportguides.com where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends http://www.infogoldmine.info for more info on extreme sport and many other subjects.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Batchelor
Step one
Hopefully you know how to skateboard already, if not you ain’t ready for the vert ramp. Make sure you know all the basics well. Practice on a mini ramp before you consider the vert. It’s a good step to take before you start mixing with the big boys. You need to be able to pull off some tricks on mini ramp with confidence, comfort and style. The better the skater you are the more you will enjoy your experience at the vert ramp, and the less likely you are to be ending the experience in hospital…
Step two
Check out a few vert ramps first so you can get used to the height of them before throwing yourself off. They are a lot higher at the top than they look at the bottom. Getting used to this will help you when on your first run. It’s a bit late to discover you have vertigo when you are on the edge with your board at your feet.
Step three
This is dangerous game so make sure you have some decent safety equipment. It’s highly likely that you go sprawling across the ramp at some point so prepare for it as best you can. Make sure you have a helmet and pads on all your knobbly bits.
Step four
Unless you are a crazy loon or a particularly confident skater you probably won’t want to just go leaping off the top, start off at the bottom and build up speed pumping each side of the ramp. This will acclimatise you to the vert ramp; keep going until to be comfortable enough to hit the top of the ramp a few times, and get down again in one piece…
Step five
OK its now or never, time for the first drop in. Build up the courage; check that the way is clear, make sure there isn’t a fellow skater flattened at the bottom. If you clip someone else on the way down you could create some carnage. It’s a good idea to try you first run in an empty or nearly empty ramp, not only to avoid maiming others but to save you own humiliation…
Step six
Go for it, take a deep breath and go with the adrenalin. Don’t panic and try to relax and be confident. If you do have a spill don’t give up, if you’re a decent skater you will soon pick it up and be performing killer tricks before you know it.
Steve Batchelor is an Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at www.extremesportguides.com where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends http://www.infogoldmine.info for more info on extreme sport and many other subjects.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Batchelor
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