The Skateboarding Basics
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Skateboarding first started back in the 1940s. Many kids had scooters then but these were expensive, those kids who could not afford scooters took the wheels from their rollerskates and nailed them to pieces of wood. They also nailed a handle to the board so they could use it as a makeshift scooter. Pretty soon the handle was removed and the kids would ride just on the wooden board and wheels.
Surfers took up skating when there were no waves to surf on, and as a result of this commercially made skateboards became available in the 1950s.
Skateboarding is now one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Competitions are held on a regular basis in almost all countries, and attract hundreds of both amateur and professional competitors. These competitions are generally held in custom-built skate parks which can now be found in most major towns and cities. As a result of this increase in popularity special shoes and clothing have been made solely for skateboarders.
There are basically two different types of skating, street skating and ramp skating. Street skating, obviously is carried out on the streets, but can also be carried out pretty much anywhere where the surface is flat and smooth, such as car parks and schools.
Skate parks are custom-built for all the different types of skating. The services are all smoothed, generally made from concrete or wood. They are filled with various types of obstacles that the skaters can use tricks, grinds, and flips.
Skateboard racing involves riders pushing off from a starting position, then racing one another down a winding and sloping piece of roadway. They stand or kneel on the fast-moving skateboard, and can reach speeds of over 65 km an hour.
There are two types of skateboard ramps, vert ramps and mini ramps. Vert (short for vertical) skateboarding ramps are huge U-shaped structures between 3.5 and 4.5 m high. At the top of each transition is a short piece of vertical ramp which gives it its name. Mini ramps are much smaller and generally do not have any vertical transition. They are easier to learn new tricks on and are generally better for beginners.
Skateboarding can be dangerous. Skateboarders should follow the following basic rules to keep themselves and others safe and injury free: 1) choose flat, safe ground on which to learn the basic skills 2) skate in control at all times 3) wear protective gear, including helmets, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads 4) skate with friends, in case of accidents 5) keep your board and protective gear in good working order
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