| at’s so good about skateboarding? Not only is it | | | | that was dedicated to the sport. |
| fun, but it’s great for your physical balance and | | | | Reinventing the Skateboard Wheel |
| coordination too. Find out more about skateboarding | | | | In the 1970s, a man by the name of Frank Nasworthy |
| and why learning new tricks can boost your | | | | invented a polyurethane skateboard wheel. The fatter |
| confidence and self-esteem. | | | | and softer wheels provided better traction and a |
| In case you didn’t notice, skateboarding is on | | | | smoother ride, which made the sport more |
| the fast track to becoming one of the words hottest | | | | beginner-friendly. Skateboarding experienced a surge in |
| sports. Not only is skateboarding lots of fun, it’s | | | | popularity. As skateboarders across the country |
| a great way to stay fit without having to endure boring | | | | experimented in empty swimming pools, tricks such as |
| gym workouts. Propelling your weight on a skateboard | | | | the kicktail, the invert and the ollie were developed. |
| will help enhance aerobic endurance. Add hills, and | | | | Skateboarding Comes to ESPN |
| you’ll be working even harder. If you decide to | | | | In 1995, skateboarding gained a new form of respect |
| learn some skateboarding tricks, you’ll be | | | | when it was featured on ESPN’s Extreme |
| reaping the benefits of plyometric exercise, as well as | | | | Games, which took place in Rhode Island. In 1997, it |
| getting a great leg and core workout. As if that was | | | | was included as a Cross- Over event in the Winter X |
| not enough, skateboarding improves your balance, | | | | Games. It’s interesting to know that the gradual |
| coordination and agility, especially if you practice | | | | respect for the sport seemed to develop within the |
| performing tricks. | | | | same timeline as snowboarding, which was also |
| A Brief History of Skateboarding | | | | regarded as a “rebel” sport. However, |
| When you think about it, it seems quite logical that | | | | as the “older generation” comes to |
| skateboarding began in California. When the waves | | | | realize that outdoor activity is the perfect antidote to |
| were flat, California surfers needed an alternate hobby | | | | drug use, they are finally respecting these activities as |
| to feed the habit. The first skateboards displayed the | | | | legitimate sports. |
| utmost creativity. Roller skate wheels were attached | | | | Skateboarding Tricks |
| to wooden boxes or boards. Then, in the 1960s, an LA | | | | Today, skateboarding is a popular social activity |
| surf shop owner arranged a deal with the Chicago | | | | amongst teenagers and young adults. In some cases, |
| Roller Skate Company. They would supply the wheels, | | | | it’s also a form of friendly competition. The |
| and the surf store would attach them to wooden | | | | ability to perform skateboard tricks is a great way for |
| boards. Thus, the first commercial skateboard was | | | | teenagers to earn bragging rights amongst their peers. |
| born. It wasn’t long before surfboard | | | | That said, it goes beyond bragging rights. The |
| manufacturers caught on to this trend. Makaha was | | | | enhanced balance and coordination that comes from |
| the first surfboard company to create a skateboard. | | | | performing skateboard tricks can enhance |
| By 1965, the sport had its own championships, as well | | | | self-confidence and self esteem. Feeling confident is |
| as a Skateboarder magazine, which was a publication | | | | great for the ego. Go for it! |