Anatomy of a Skateboard
By Duke McCallister
Upon a first or quick glance, a skateboard looks pretty simple and innocuous. In layman's terms, a skateboard deck is just a piece of wood with some wheels attached to its bottom. However, as with just about anything in life, upon closer inspection, you'll quickly discover that there's much more to a skateboard than meets the eye. Skateboards are, in fact, at the same time, complicated and delicate - which allows skateboarders the freedom to move about in any environment with precision, speed, toughness, and, when required, the ability to defy gravity and grind down rails. At the same time, expert riders and enthusiasts are also capable of performing incredible leaps, jumps and other mind-boggling tricks.
That's pretty impressive for something which, at its core, is just a piece of wood with wheels affixed to its underside. So, what makes a skateboard a skateboard? What goes into its construction and development which allows professional and high-level skateboarders the ability to propel, jump, turn, twist and do all those other super-cool things? And while a skateboard would be pretty much useless without someone activating and using it, the design of the actual deck, from its trucks to its grip tape and everything in between, also has something to do with it too.
With that being said, there are certain elements and aspects which are nothing but absolutely critical to a skateboard. Without these components, a skateboard would literally be - as has been mentioned previously - just a piece of wood with wheels stuck to it. However, certain modifications and additions transform that ordinary wheeled piece of wood into a rolling, flying, grinding machine that has caught on in popularity like wildfire. So, when trying to distinguish a world-class skateboard from a simple piece of wood with wheels, try to keep an eye out for some of these vital pieces:
Deck
This is the piece of wood that's more than a piece of wood. Skateboard decks usually are rectangular or oval in shape, and feature raised back-ends (sometimes called kick tails) and sloped front ends. And while yes, sometimes skateboard decks are made of wood, they can also be made from other materials such as plastic, fiberglass and even kevlar.
Grip Tape
Applied to the top surface of the skateboard deck like a sticker, grip tape is what keeps a skateboarder's feet from slipping and sliding all over the place while they're using the board. Grip tape has a tough, grinding feel to it, much like sandpaper does. While commonly seen in black, grip tape does indeed come in many different colors and styles.
Trucks
Skateboard trucks are attached directly to the underside of the skateboard deck. Somewhat shaped like a capital letter T, the wheels of the skateboard are connected to either end of the truck. There are two trucks per skateboard, and each truck holds two wheels, thus giving the skateboard four wheels in total. When thinking of a skateboard truck, try to picture the axles of an automobile.
Wheels
Without wheels, it would be very tricky, and very well near impossible, to actually move about on your skateboard deck. While skateboard wheels are commonly made from polyurethane, the actual size and diameter of the wheels can vary as well. There is no standard guidelines as to how big skateboard wheels can be, however, wheel sizes does depend on how you intend on using your skateboard.
Wheel Bearings
Without wheel bearings, the wheels which are attached to the board wouldn't turn much, if at all. Bearings for a skateboard usually are manufactured in the standard 608 bearing size and are usually made from steel. However, that being said, other compounds, like silicon nitrade, can also be found in skateboard wheel bearings.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to Blind skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, Baker skateboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
Three of the Greatest Skateboarders in History
Three of the Greatest Skateboarders in History
By Duke McCallister
Just as hockey, Hollywood and traditional mainstream sports has its heroes and legends, so does skateboarding. Over many years, skateboarding has moved from a fringe activity into an accepted corner of mainstream life and culture. The reason for this amazing transition is because of the dedicated and talented boarders who have mastered and performed brilliant tricks and dazzling displays throughout time. However, there are a few skateboarders who have literally transcended skateboarding and are just as popular, well-known and as respected in the half-pipe as they are in the boardroom or on the red carpet.
With that in mind, below is a list of skateboarders who are more than just skateboarders. It could have been for their pursuits on their decks, or perhaps they had the foresight to view skateboarding as a platform to bigger and better things. But, for one reason or another, the people featured in this article have moved beyond the skateboarding world and are immensely respected outside of it, while maintaining their credibility within it as well.
i - Tony Hawk
First of all, is there not a better name for a skateboarder than Tony Hawk? Probably the most popular skateboarder to ever grace a deck, Tony Hawk is a rare combination of athlete, businessman and showman. As a pure skateboarder, he was the first person to ever complete a 900 degree rotation while in mid-air - often considered the holy grail of skateboarding tricks. As a performer, his stunts, tricks and displays have wowed crowds both young and old from all corners of the globe. And as an captain of industry, his name and image can be found on skateboarding products, video games, films and much more. A true multi-media mogul who got his start on a skateboard, Tony Hawk was - and still is - a talented visionary who broke skateboarding into mainstream culture.
ii - Rodney Mullen
Nicknamed "the Mutt", Rodney Mullen is often considered one of the forefathers of street skateboarding, in which an urban environment serves as both an artistic canvas and a physical challenge too. If you've ever heard of a skateboarding move called "the Ollie", it was Rodney Mullen who is credited with its invention. An old-school skater from the 1970s, Rodney Mullen is still going strong today, performing and developing new skateboarding decks and equipment. When talking about Rodney Mullen, it is often said that he's forgotten more tricks than he's invented - which is high praise considering he's created over 20 skateboarding tricks on his own.
iii - Robert "Bob" Burnquist
Born in Brazil, Bob Burnquist began skateboarding when he was eleven years old and became a professional skateboarder at the unreal age of fifteen. Perhaps Bob's greatest achievement came at the 2001 X-Games. He was sitting in second place, and he needed to perform a flawless skateboard run in order to have any chance of winning. Not only did he execute perfectly, but he amazed the crowd in attendance with an array of new and innovative tricks. These moves were so extraordinary that they didn't even have names attached to them. As a result, he scored the highest marks ever in the X-Games, thus winning the competition.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, longboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
By Duke McCallister
Just as hockey, Hollywood and traditional mainstream sports has its heroes and legends, so does skateboarding. Over many years, skateboarding has moved from a fringe activity into an accepted corner of mainstream life and culture. The reason for this amazing transition is because of the dedicated and talented boarders who have mastered and performed brilliant tricks and dazzling displays throughout time. However, there are a few skateboarders who have literally transcended skateboarding and are just as popular, well-known and as respected in the half-pipe as they are in the boardroom or on the red carpet.
With that in mind, below is a list of skateboarders who are more than just skateboarders. It could have been for their pursuits on their decks, or perhaps they had the foresight to view skateboarding as a platform to bigger and better things. But, for one reason or another, the people featured in this article have moved beyond the skateboarding world and are immensely respected outside of it, while maintaining their credibility within it as well.
i - Tony Hawk
First of all, is there not a better name for a skateboarder than Tony Hawk? Probably the most popular skateboarder to ever grace a deck, Tony Hawk is a rare combination of athlete, businessman and showman. As a pure skateboarder, he was the first person to ever complete a 900 degree rotation while in mid-air - often considered the holy grail of skateboarding tricks. As a performer, his stunts, tricks and displays have wowed crowds both young and old from all corners of the globe. And as an captain of industry, his name and image can be found on skateboarding products, video games, films and much more. A true multi-media mogul who got his start on a skateboard, Tony Hawk was - and still is - a talented visionary who broke skateboarding into mainstream culture.
ii - Rodney Mullen
Nicknamed "the Mutt", Rodney Mullen is often considered one of the forefathers of street skateboarding, in which an urban environment serves as both an artistic canvas and a physical challenge too. If you've ever heard of a skateboarding move called "the Ollie", it was Rodney Mullen who is credited with its invention. An old-school skater from the 1970s, Rodney Mullen is still going strong today, performing and developing new skateboarding decks and equipment. When talking about Rodney Mullen, it is often said that he's forgotten more tricks than he's invented - which is high praise considering he's created over 20 skateboarding tricks on his own.
iii - Robert "Bob" Burnquist
Born in Brazil, Bob Burnquist began skateboarding when he was eleven years old and became a professional skateboarder at the unreal age of fifteen. Perhaps Bob's greatest achievement came at the 2001 X-Games. He was sitting in second place, and he needed to perform a flawless skateboard run in order to have any chance of winning. Not only did he execute perfectly, but he amazed the crowd in attendance with an array of new and innovative tricks. These moves were so extraordinary that they didn't even have names attached to them. As a result, he scored the highest marks ever in the X-Games, thus winning the competition.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, longboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
Four Popular Phrases That Skateboarders Use
Four Popular Phrases That Skateboarders Use
By Duke McCallister
If you've ever had a strong conversation with a skateboarder about skateboarding, it may sometimes feel as if they're speaking another language altogether. That's because skateboard enthusiasts - over the many years in which its been a big part of mainstream popular culture - have developed terms, phrases and words that make absolutely no sense whatsoever to the untrained or unexperienced ear. However, just like any tight-knit community, skateboarding has its own nomenclature which helps to communicate the various tricks, moves and components of decks, accessories, gear and other important things which are related to skateboarding in general.
How these phrases came to be is anyone's guess, really. One one hand, some of the words and lingo that boarders may use make absolutely perfect sense when it comes to term and definition. On the other hand, some popular skateboarding words may be named after whoever first coined the phrase - or whomever first pulled off a particular trick. And yet, there are other sentences and phrases which have no defined origin, but are now commonplace and commonly used within the skateboarding world. But, no matter what these words are or how they came to be, one thing is for certain: a glossary of skateboarding terms is full of color.
And if you don't believe me when I say that skateboarding terms and definitions are unique and colorful, listed below are some examples of commonly used terms and phrases that people who are actively involved within the skateboarding world would immediately and instantly understand:
OLLIE: Probably the most commonly basic skateboarding move, an "ollie" involves bumping the back of the skateboard on the ground while in motion in order to perform a jump. Of course, you would never be able to match the word "ollie" with a jump if you weren't familiar with skateboarding to begin with.
FAKIE: What do you think a "fakie" involves? If you said riding on a skateboard with your hands instead of your feet, then you are incorrect. A "fakie" is done when someone is standing on a skateboard as they normally would, but is moving backwards rather than in a forward-motion.
GOOFY FOOT: I'm not certain what the genesis is for a "goofy foot", but skateboarders all over the world know what it means, and I guess that's all that matters. When riding on a board, if you happen to have your right foot forward and your left foot behind, then you are riding "goofy foot." I don't get it either.
AIR: Riding along on your skateboard with all four wheels. Really, it can't get much simpler than that.
These are just some of the terms that - over the course of many years - have evolved from underground language to mainstream phrasing. Of course, if you want to become even more familiar with skateboarding words and definitions, then there's one surefire way to do so: and that's to take up skateboarding yourself! Not only is skateboarding fun, easy, affordable and a great way to get into shape, but skateboarding is also an easy and unique way to, well, learn a whole new language too!
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to Birdhouse Skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, skateboard wheels, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
By Duke McCallister
If you've ever had a strong conversation with a skateboarder about skateboarding, it may sometimes feel as if they're speaking another language altogether. That's because skateboard enthusiasts - over the many years in which its been a big part of mainstream popular culture - have developed terms, phrases and words that make absolutely no sense whatsoever to the untrained or unexperienced ear. However, just like any tight-knit community, skateboarding has its own nomenclature which helps to communicate the various tricks, moves and components of decks, accessories, gear and other important things which are related to skateboarding in general.
How these phrases came to be is anyone's guess, really. One one hand, some of the words and lingo that boarders may use make absolutely perfect sense when it comes to term and definition. On the other hand, some popular skateboarding words may be named after whoever first coined the phrase - or whomever first pulled off a particular trick. And yet, there are other sentences and phrases which have no defined origin, but are now commonplace and commonly used within the skateboarding world. But, no matter what these words are or how they came to be, one thing is for certain: a glossary of skateboarding terms is full of color.
And if you don't believe me when I say that skateboarding terms and definitions are unique and colorful, listed below are some examples of commonly used terms and phrases that people who are actively involved within the skateboarding world would immediately and instantly understand:
OLLIE: Probably the most commonly basic skateboarding move, an "ollie" involves bumping the back of the skateboard on the ground while in motion in order to perform a jump. Of course, you would never be able to match the word "ollie" with a jump if you weren't familiar with skateboarding to begin with.
FAKIE: What do you think a "fakie" involves? If you said riding on a skateboard with your hands instead of your feet, then you are incorrect. A "fakie" is done when someone is standing on a skateboard as they normally would, but is moving backwards rather than in a forward-motion.
GOOFY FOOT: I'm not certain what the genesis is for a "goofy foot", but skateboarders all over the world know what it means, and I guess that's all that matters. When riding on a board, if you happen to have your right foot forward and your left foot behind, then you are riding "goofy foot." I don't get it either.
AIR: Riding along on your skateboard with all four wheels. Really, it can't get much simpler than that.
These are just some of the terms that - over the course of many years - have evolved from underground language to mainstream phrasing. Of course, if you want to become even more familiar with skateboarding words and definitions, then there's one surefire way to do so: and that's to take up skateboarding yourself! Not only is skateboarding fun, easy, affordable and a great way to get into shape, but skateboarding is also an easy and unique way to, well, learn a whole new language too!
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to Birdhouse Skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, skateboard wheels, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
Interesting Skateboard Facts
Interesting Skateboard Facts
By Duke McCallister
Here are seven interesting and unusual skateboarding facts that you can use to astound and impress your friends.
1. Of all active skateboarders in the United States of America, more than half live in the state of California.
2. Consider all the sports which are played and which are popular in many different countries all over the world. Now, consider this interesting fact: skateboarding is the sixth more popular sport on the planet in terms of total participants.
3. Approximately 100,000 people every year require some sort of medical treatment for skateboard-related injuries. A majority of these injuries are a result of people not wearing or not using proper safety equipment like helmets and pads. Ouch!
4. Speaking of injuries, can you guess which body part is injured more than any other during skateboarding? If you answered the wrist, give yourselves a big round of applause.
5. When skateboarding first began, it was referred to as sidewalk surfing. This is a direct reference to surfing, which is considered the founding activity of skateboarding.
6. You could never tell by the naked eye, but most common or popular skateboard decks are actually made from seven separate pieces of plywood maple.
7. Between 1978 and 1989, skateboards were banned in Norway. The reason for the prohibition of skateboards was as a result of the high number of injuries that Norwegian skateboarders suffered.
If you ever find yourself on a quiz show, and one of the topics happens to be facts about skateboarding, then you'll be armed and ready with the knowledge needed to answer just about any skateboarding question that's thrown your way.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, longboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
By Duke McCallister
Here are seven interesting and unusual skateboarding facts that you can use to astound and impress your friends.
1. Of all active skateboarders in the United States of America, more than half live in the state of California.
2. Consider all the sports which are played and which are popular in many different countries all over the world. Now, consider this interesting fact: skateboarding is the sixth more popular sport on the planet in terms of total participants.
3. Approximately 100,000 people every year require some sort of medical treatment for skateboard-related injuries. A majority of these injuries are a result of people not wearing or not using proper safety equipment like helmets and pads. Ouch!
4. Speaking of injuries, can you guess which body part is injured more than any other during skateboarding? If you answered the wrist, give yourselves a big round of applause.
5. When skateboarding first began, it was referred to as sidewalk surfing. This is a direct reference to surfing, which is considered the founding activity of skateboarding.
6. You could never tell by the naked eye, but most common or popular skateboard decks are actually made from seven separate pieces of plywood maple.
7. Between 1978 and 1989, skateboards were banned in Norway. The reason for the prohibition of skateboards was as a result of the high number of injuries that Norwegian skateboarders suffered.
If you ever find yourself on a quiz show, and one of the topics happens to be facts about skateboarding, then you'll be armed and ready with the knowledge needed to answer just about any skateboarding question that's thrown your way.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, longboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
How Skateboarding Has Grown in Popularity
How Skateboarding Has Grown in Popularity
By Duke McCallister
Over the past fifty to sixty years, there hasn't been a sporting or cultural revolution that's had the impact or success that skateboarding has had. From modest beginnings in California as an alternative to surfing to a counterculture all onto itself to a mainstream activity, skateboarding has exploded unlike anything before or since its inception. And when you actually take a moment to sit and think about it, the massive popularity that skateboards enjoy - and will continue to enjoy - really isn't that surprising at all.
For all the skill, balance and physical dexterity that's required to reach the level of skateboarding that professionals such as Tony Hawk enjoy, skateboarding as a recreation or as a hobby isn't that expensive or challenging to take up. All you really need is to purchase a skateboard, which, in terms of cost, is relatively inexpensive when held up against other activities. Additionally, you'll also need to purchase helmet and elbow pads. But, besides that, there really isn't anything else that's required to initially try skateboarding. Just a hearty attitude, patience and a willingness to get back up after you fall over and over again.
And while many people won't look at skateboarding in this way, riding on a skateboard is, in fact, a great way to get exercise and to stay in shape. That's because of all the balancing and shifting of body weight and position that's required to safely and properly operate and get around on a skateboard. While at first, you may not see the physical and health benefits of riding a skateboard, over a prolonged period of time as your boarding skills improve and grow, you'll quickly be able to see just how balanced and coordinated you and your body have actually become.
A great way to stand out and declare your independence, skateboarding - and skateboarders for that matter, seem to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Being on a skateboard gives you access to locations and areas throughout any urban landscape which would otherwise be unreachable with other methods of transportation. And, if you practice and hone your skills to reach the highest levels of control and confidence, then you simply won't believe the places you'll go or the tricks that you can perform while riding on your skateboard.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, longboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
By Duke McCallister
Over the past fifty to sixty years, there hasn't been a sporting or cultural revolution that's had the impact or success that skateboarding has had. From modest beginnings in California as an alternative to surfing to a counterculture all onto itself to a mainstream activity, skateboarding has exploded unlike anything before or since its inception. And when you actually take a moment to sit and think about it, the massive popularity that skateboards enjoy - and will continue to enjoy - really isn't that surprising at all.
For all the skill, balance and physical dexterity that's required to reach the level of skateboarding that professionals such as Tony Hawk enjoy, skateboarding as a recreation or as a hobby isn't that expensive or challenging to take up. All you really need is to purchase a skateboard, which, in terms of cost, is relatively inexpensive when held up against other activities. Additionally, you'll also need to purchase helmet and elbow pads. But, besides that, there really isn't anything else that's required to initially try skateboarding. Just a hearty attitude, patience and a willingness to get back up after you fall over and over again.
And while many people won't look at skateboarding in this way, riding on a skateboard is, in fact, a great way to get exercise and to stay in shape. That's because of all the balancing and shifting of body weight and position that's required to safely and properly operate and get around on a skateboard. While at first, you may not see the physical and health benefits of riding a skateboard, over a prolonged period of time as your boarding skills improve and grow, you'll quickly be able to see just how balanced and coordinated you and your body have actually become.
A great way to stand out and declare your independence, skateboarding - and skateboarders for that matter, seem to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Being on a skateboard gives you access to locations and areas throughout any urban landscape which would otherwise be unreachable with other methods of transportation. And, if you practice and hone your skills to reach the highest levels of control and confidence, then you simply won't believe the places you'll go or the tricks that you can perform while riding on your skateboard.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, longboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
Why Skateboarding is Fun
Why Skateboarding is Fun
By Duke McCallister
One of the most enjoyable, fun and entertaining activities that anyone can participate in is skateboarding. Now, for the uninformed or uninitiated, skateboarding may, on the surface, appear to be a complicated and difficult hobby to master. And while it's true that, for professional or high-end skateboarders, their skills and abilities are as a result of many years of practice and patience, that does not prohibit anyone from taking up and getting in on the skateboarding revolution. As a matter of fact, skateboarding is more popular and more accessible today than it has ever been during any point in its history.
There are many reasons why people take up skateboarding, and there are many reasons as to why skateboarding is fun. For starters, skateboarding supplies a sense of thrill and excitement that other sports or activities simply can't provide. There's nothing quite like the feeling of standing on a narrow wooden board as you're racing down an urban landscape or grabbing some air in a skate park. Now, that doesn't mean that when you first step onto a skateboard deck that you should immediately try to attempt to complete a 1080 rotation. What it does mean that, over time, as you begin to feel more comfortable on your skateboard, you'll also begin to realize just why people turn to skateboarding for intense physical action and excitement.
Another reason why skateboarding is fun is because, compared to other hobbies or recreational activities, skateboarding is relatively inexpensive to enter and pursue. Sports such as ice hockey require a tremendous amount of time, effort and dedication in order to truly excel at it. And while the same can be said and applied to skateboarding, you can really participate in it at your own pace. Additionally, with something like ice hockey, you also can only enjoy ice hockey inside an ice hockey arena - which may or may not exist in your community. With skateboarding, there really isn't any limitation as to where or when you can hop on your board or deck and go for a ride.
Furthermore, skateboarding is a way to sort of "go against the grain" when it comes to the established culture. Even though skateboard decks have gained a strong foothold in mainstream life, there is still a certain counterculture or rebellious attitude when it comes to being a skateboarder. It's actually a funny dichotomy: all across the country, skateboard parks and half-pipes are being built in public locations such as parks, thus providing a testament to its popularity. At the same time, these popular and public locations are being visited by people who are considered "rebels". A third aspect is that, more and more people are deciding that skateboarding is a fun and exciting activity to get into.
A great way to get around town, build confidence and get or stay in shape, there are many fun aspects towards skateboarding. Children - and adults of all ages - are now discovering what skateboarders have known for many years: being a skateboarder comes with many different external benefits which may not be so noticeable at first, but which are fairly obvious and logical at the same time.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, complete skateboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
By Duke McCallister
One of the most enjoyable, fun and entertaining activities that anyone can participate in is skateboarding. Now, for the uninformed or uninitiated, skateboarding may, on the surface, appear to be a complicated and difficult hobby to master. And while it's true that, for professional or high-end skateboarders, their skills and abilities are as a result of many years of practice and patience, that does not prohibit anyone from taking up and getting in on the skateboarding revolution. As a matter of fact, skateboarding is more popular and more accessible today than it has ever been during any point in its history.
There are many reasons why people take up skateboarding, and there are many reasons as to why skateboarding is fun. For starters, skateboarding supplies a sense of thrill and excitement that other sports or activities simply can't provide. There's nothing quite like the feeling of standing on a narrow wooden board as you're racing down an urban landscape or grabbing some air in a skate park. Now, that doesn't mean that when you first step onto a skateboard deck that you should immediately try to attempt to complete a 1080 rotation. What it does mean that, over time, as you begin to feel more comfortable on your skateboard, you'll also begin to realize just why people turn to skateboarding for intense physical action and excitement.
Another reason why skateboarding is fun is because, compared to other hobbies or recreational activities, skateboarding is relatively inexpensive to enter and pursue. Sports such as ice hockey require a tremendous amount of time, effort and dedication in order to truly excel at it. And while the same can be said and applied to skateboarding, you can really participate in it at your own pace. Additionally, with something like ice hockey, you also can only enjoy ice hockey inside an ice hockey arena - which may or may not exist in your community. With skateboarding, there really isn't any limitation as to where or when you can hop on your board or deck and go for a ride.
Furthermore, skateboarding is a way to sort of "go against the grain" when it comes to the established culture. Even though skateboard decks have gained a strong foothold in mainstream life, there is still a certain counterculture or rebellious attitude when it comes to being a skateboarder. It's actually a funny dichotomy: all across the country, skateboard parks and half-pipes are being built in public locations such as parks, thus providing a testament to its popularity. At the same time, these popular and public locations are being visited by people who are considered "rebels". A third aspect is that, more and more people are deciding that skateboarding is a fun and exciting activity to get into.
A great way to get around town, build confidence and get or stay in shape, there are many fun aspects towards skateboarding. Children - and adults of all ages - are now discovering what skateboarders have known for many years: being a skateboarder comes with many different external benefits which may not be so noticeable at first, but which are fairly obvious and logical at the same time.
Duke McCallister has one philosophy when it comes to skateboards: and that's to go skate or go home! A skateboarding fan, Duke wants to share his experiences and passion for skateboards with expert boarders and those new to skateboarding. In addition to writing about skateboards, he also visits GoSkateorGoHome.com for all his boarding needs.
Whether talking about skateboard decks, trucks, complete skateboards, grip tape or anything else about skateboarding, Duke is more than happy to talk about it, write about it and share stories about it!
And remember, if you want to check out a fantastic online destination for all your skateboarding needs, just roll on over to one of Duke's favorite sites at GoSkateorGoHome.com!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duke_McCallister
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