Skateboarding is a sport that started in California in the late 1950s. It has been around for so long and yet, it still remains one of America’s most popular sports. In fact, skateboarding continues to grow as more people are getting involved with it each year.
Skateboarders have always been creative by pushing the limits of what they can do on their boards. That creativity has given us some of the best tricks ever invented! There are many benefits to being part of this culture including fun activities, meeting new people who share your passion, and making friends with other skaters from all over the world!
This article will explore reasons why skateboarding is such an awesome hobby!
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Benefits of Skateboarding as a Hobby
Everyone knows skateboarding is tons of fun, but did you know that it also has many benefits? Skateboarding can help improve your balance and coordination. It helps build muscles in your legs, arms, and core. It’s a great way to express yourself creatively by coming up with new tricks…and landing them! When it comes to skateboarding as a hobby… the more you practice, the better you get!
Skateboarders are always pushing each other to do things they didn’t think were possible before. With all the regular competitions for amateur skaters out there, there’s no limit on what heights (literally) one can reach when participating in this sport.
Every skater has its own style and flair! No two skaters look exactly alike and it’s a lot of fun to experiment with all sorts of different tricks and styles. This sport is about customization and individuality, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Skateboarding can help build self-confidence by encouraging you to push yourself and try new things. And when you get good at something, it feels awesome! Skateboarding also helps you develop discipline, determination, and patience that will help you achieve the goals you set for yourself in life.
This sport can be played alone or with friends; either way, skateboarders are always having fun. It doesn’t matter what shape your deck is in since there are so many replacements available today that are inexpensive yet made just as well as the originals. So if your board gets scratched up or you accidentally snap it in half, don’t worry! You can always go out and buy a new one without breaking the bank.
Skateboarding is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve your overall health. When skating for leisure, it’s easy to cover a lot of ground quickly and see your city from a different perspective. It’s also great cardio!
Skateboarding is an affordable hobby when compared to other sports. All you really need is a skateboard and some safety gear. And unlike other sports, there are no expensive registration fees or club memberships required to participate in skateboarding competitions or events.
Skateboarding brings people together from all over the world. There are so many different types of skateboarders out there and no one is judged for their skills or abilities. Skaters come in all shapes, sizes, and ages – it’s truly a sport for everyone!
How to Get Started with Skateboarding
Choosing Your First Skateboard
Choosing your first skateboard can be as thrilling as riding it. I mean, the options! From street skateboards, cruisers, to longboards, each type of board comes with its own unique benefits and feel.
But, how do you decide which one’s right for you? If you’re just starting out, a traditional popsicle-shaped street skateboard is probably the best option. They’re versatile, great for learning the basics, and ideal if you plan on dabbling in tricks down the line.
When it comes to size, something around 7.5″ to 8″ in width should do the trick. This range offers a good balance of control and stability. Remember, the wider the board, the more stable it is. But a wider board also means it’s harder to perform tricks. So, a mid-sized board is a good compromise for beginners.
Essential Gear You’ll Need
Safety first, folks! It might seem cool to go all out Tony Hawk style right from the get-go, but remember, even Tony Hawk wears protective gear.
A helmet is a must. I can’t stress this enough. Find one that fits well and is designed specifically for skateboarding. Next, grab a set of elbow and knee pads. They might seem cumbersome, but trust me, they’ll save you from a world of pain if you take a tumble. And, for good measure, wrist guards can be a real wrist-saver (pun intended).
Taking Your First Steps…err, Rolls
Alright, time to actually get on the board! Find a smooth, flat surface to start off with – empty parking lots or quiet streets are perfect.
Start by simply standing on your board to get a feel for the balance. Try shifting your weight from side to side, and from your toes to your heels. It’s gonna feel weird and wobbly at first, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it!
Once you’ve found your balance, try pushing off with one foot while the other remains on the board. Gradually, you’ll learn to glide longer distances. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Mastering Basic Tricks
Now that you’ve learned to balance and push, it’s time to level up. The “Ollie” is usually the first trick skateboarders learn. It involves popping the tail of the skateboard down while jumping, which causes the board to bounce into the air. Sounds tricky? Yeah, it’s going to take some time. But once you nail it, you’ll be on cloud nine.
Next, learn how to manual, which is like a skateboard version of a wheelie. It involves balancing on the back wheels while still moving. Trust me, it looks super cool when you get it right!
Exploring Skateboarding Culture
Skateboarding isn’t just about the tricks and the rides, it’s a whole culture! Engage with the community. Go to local skate parks and events, watch skateboarding videos, learn about its history and ethos. You’ll find it’s not just about a sport or a hobby, but a way of life for many.
In conclusion, skateboarding can be a thrilling, fulfilling journey. Remember, every pro skateboarder started from where you are right now. So, pick up that board, gear up, and start rolling. You’ve got this!
Essential Gear for Skateboarding
Alright, before we hit the asphalt and start living our skateboarding dreams, we need to talk about gear. No, not just the fancy stuff – we’re talking essentials. No skateboarder, whether beginner or pro, should be without these basics.
Skateboard
First and foremost, you’ll need a skateboard (duh!). If you’re just starting, a classic street skateboard is your best bet. These boards are versatile and ideal for learning the basics. They’re also great if you want to try some tricks as you progress. As for the size, aim for something around 7.5″ to 8″ in width. This offers a good balance of control and stability for beginners.
Helmet
Safety first, guys! A helmet is absolutely crucial. It could literally be a lifesaver if you take a nasty fall. Make sure you get a good quality one that’s specifically designed for skateboarding. It should fit you well, not too tight, but not wobbling around either. And no, your bike helmet won’t cut it – skateboarding helmets are designed differently to offer maximum protection during falls.
Pads
Next up on our list are knee and elbow pads. Scrapes and bruises might make for good battle scars, but trust me, you want to avoid them when you can. Pads cushion your joints and protect them during falls. They might feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll get used to them in no time.
Wrist Guards
Broken wrists are one of the most common skateboarding injuries. That’s where wrist guards come in. They help stabilize your wrists and protect them from high impact falls. If you’re a beginner, I would definitely recommend investing in a pair. Your wrists will thank you!
Proper Shoes
Finally, let’s talk about footwear. A good pair of skate shoes is super important. They have flat soles for better board grip and are made of durable materials to withstand the sport’s wear and tear. Plus, they usually have reinforced areas to protect your feet when performing tricks. And of course, they look pretty cool!