Skateboarding can be a sport, or an art, or a method of transportation. Some say skateboarding began in the 1950s. It’s roots originate from surfing and the early boards looks much different than today… they looked more like surfboards. The popularity of surfing has grown from the United States even to European villages.
I read a lot about learning tricks on your skateboard. I watch the kids doing their thing at the skate park.It is considered an acceptable recreational activity…although many parents don’t agree.Skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports due to the exercise and the fact that many children are fighting the bulge! Skateboarding is one of the most physically challenging sports.
Transworld Skateboarding magazine states that in a 1998 retail survey the following items took market share of: Shoes 26.5%, Decks 26%, Apparel 16%, Trucks 11.5%, Wheels 11%, and Accessories 9%!! And that was more than 10 years ago.Today a pro can earn $1,000-$10,000 Per Month!
Ari Gold of San Diego, California owns a grip tape company named ParadoxGrip.com. He also runs a nonprofit charity called The Doogood Conservatory. The Conservatory provides free skateboards for underprivileged children throughout the world. Both of these organizations stem from Ari’s enthusiasm with skateboarding as a young person. He continues to include skateboarding in his life on a daily basis.
Reading a lot about learning tricks on skateboards and watching kids doing their thing at the skate parks..one thing you could come away with is the fact that skateboarding is not an easy sport. Balance is so important as well as guts…you cannot be afraid of falling. If you are afraid, you WILL fall! As a mother, it upsets me to watch my son at his favorite sport because I just know there is going to be a trip to the hospital!!!
The internet offers lots of books about this sport, but one article I just read says the truth. You really need a friend to help you learn the tricks because reading and doing are totally different! This is another reason to get your young person involved in skateboarding because it gives them another outlet to encourage their enthusiasm for personal reading!