6. May 2010 by ZachPlay.

Skateboarding videos run the gamut from instructional tutorials, to a showcase of who’s hot in the skateboarding world, to an actual film that just happens to feature skateboarders. You may find that you like all three of these different types of movies or that one appeals to you more than the others. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the latest and greatest selections to add to your collection. At the end of the day, you’ll learn a lot about how to skateboard, while also reveling in what’s possible.

The most popular type of skateboarding videos out there feature professional skateboarders busting seemingly impossible tricks or planning great technical runs down city streets, set to a killer soundtrack. “Baker” videos offer songs by The Pixies, The Ramones, NY Dolls, 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G. and feature skateboard footage of Mike Maldono, Andrew Reynolds, Elissa Steamer and Erik Ellington. In “Birdhouse” videos, you’ll see skating by Steve Berra, Tony Hawk and Andrew Reynolds, to the songs of Rob Zombie, Portishead, The Beastie Boys, Propellerheads and Moby. “Emerica” will show you Heath Kirchart, Ed Templeton and Kevin Spanky Long skating to an eclectic mix of Danzig, Motorhead, Devo, The Cure and Jimi Hendrix.

If it’s a plot that you’re after, then don’t miss one of the first narrative skateboarding videos ever made — “The Search For Animal Chin,” a 1987 classic featuring the Bones Brigade (Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain and Tommy Guerrero) on a quest to find the great skateboarding master of the world. You can also catch members of the San Francisco Scene (Jim Thiebaud, Jesse Martinez, Bryce Kanights, Doug Smith), the Bakersfield Scene (Chris Borst, Bobby Reeves, Charlie Dubois, Ray Underhill, Adrian Demain, Donny Griffins, Kevin Lambert) and the Rad Party Scene (Mike Vallely, Rodney Mullen, Per Welinder, Natas Kaupas, Arron Murray, Kevin Harris). As a bonus, your DVD extras will include all skate videos from the legendary Stacy Peralta.

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6. May 2010 by ZachPlay.

When walking past a skateboard shop, the first thing you may notice are the graphic tees, the hoodies, the hats, belts and the sneakers. While most skate shops at the mall or around town do focus on apparel, you can also find stores that cater more to selling complete skateboards, wheels, bearings, decks, helmets and pads. You may also find skateboarding videos, music CDs with great skating compilations and information about a local skateboard camp if you’re lucky. Ideally, your local skate shop will be a place where you can hang out, meet friendly store clerks with similar interests and purchase items that will facilitate your growth as a skater.

Safety gear is available at a sporting goods store or a specialty skateboard shop. According to the Academy of American Pediatrics, skateboarding accidents account for more than 50,000 emergency room visits and 1,500 hospitalizations each year. Of these accidents, 60% involve children under the age 15. These children are generally inexperienced, do not wear the proper safety skateboarding gear, skate near traffic and try risky stunts. The most common injuries are bruises, abrasions, strains, sprains, fractures and dislocations of the arms, legs, neck and torso. Facial injuries like broken noses and broken jaws, as well as severe head injuries like concussions, blunt head trauma and closed head injuries are also prevalent. To minimize their risk, both professional and amateur skateboarders buy skateboard helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, ankle braces and gloves.

In addition to safety equipment, you’ll find that skateboard shops have various goods for your skater lifestyle. There’s apparel with skateboarding logos such as Element, Zero, Plan B, Baker, Blind, Independent, Darkstar, Birdhouse, Etnies, Zoo York, Volcom and DC. You can buy shirts, pants, hats, belts, sunglasses, socks, underwear, bathing suits, swim trunks and wallets that showcase your favorite brands and let other skaters know how you spend most of your free time. Often times, surf logo brands like Roxy, Quicksilver and Ron Jon will also appear in skate shops since the cultures are so similar. The one downside of purchasing skate apparel is that you wind up paying a lot more for these items. It’s not uncommon to pay $20 for a t-shirt or $40 for a pair of pants and they really don’t last any longer than other clothes. Sometimes though, you’ll find shirts that are good at wicking away moisture or pants that offer more range of motion, which could be helpful to your hobby.

A skateboard shop is also a great place to pick up a skateboarding magazine. Thrasher is one of the all-time biggest and best skate mags you could possibly find on the stands. It features full-color photography, interviews with skaters and information on music and other lifestyle elements. Transworld Skateboarding Magazine is another popular monthly selection that features top-notch photography, trick tip tutorials, travel stories from around the world, skateboard reviews, interviews and event lists. Slap is a newer magazine with a decent following who love the contests, merchandise and artistic photos. Beginners love Concrete Wave, which is 100% skateboarding, focusing obsessively on strict technique. With all these excellent items to buy, it’s a wonder skateboarders don’t come out of these shops with holes in their pockets.

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6. May 2010 by ZachPlay.

Sometimes hobbies or recreational activities can change culture in ways that are not immediately apparent. Skateboarders are prime examples of this cross over. The history of skateboarding is very unique and fascinating. It has managed to influence music, clothing and even haircuts. That is saying quite a lot. If you are not familiar with this sport then it is time you get in touch with your skateboard roots. This article can help answer any questions you may have about this dynamic hobby and recreational activity. Who knows? Maybe by the end you will be ready to grab a board and head out to your local skateboard park.

What is skateboarding?

Skateboarding is a very popular sport and recreational activity in which people ride skateboards. It has morphed from people simply using a skateboard to get to a certain location into a worldwide pastime and profession. It is extremely popular with most kids and if the person is good enough at mastering the tricks and trades of the sport, it can lead to endorsements and turn into a profession.

Who are some of the earliest skateboarders known today?

Prior to the 1970’s there really were not any names that stood out in the skateboarding field. But that changed when skaters began to invent tricks using the skateboard. This drew attention and more people began to take up the hobby. Some of the earliest inventors of skating tricks and moves were Bruce Logan, Ty Page, Bobby Piercy and Kevin Reed. You also cannot forget the Z-boys in the list. Most of these early pioneers would practice in empty swimming pools because the walls allowed them to try vertical tricks.

How have skateboarding influenced culture, clothing and even music?

In the early days of skateboarding the culture was really surfer based. It did come about as a need by surfers so that image stuck for a decade or so. But then times changed and the people skating changed with it. No longer were skaters just surfers who had downtime. It became a culture all its own. Music, movies, hair styles and even clothing began to reflect this counter-culture movement. The first skaters were always portrayed as edgy and rebellious. They had haircuts that were partially shaved on the sides but long on top. It was not until filmmakers began to create movies that the skater image began to become accepted. Music choices changed from obscure punk bands to popular music. Clothing and slang often used by skaters was picked up from movies such as Grind and Lords of Dogtown. Those two movies helped show the world that skaters, for the most part, were actually good citizens not out to wreck the world and helped get rid of the negative stereotype that had haunted the culture.

What are some well known skateboarding movies?

One of the most controversial movies to portray skateboarding is Video Days. It was released in 1991 and is a short film that gives off a definite misrepresentation of the skater culture. In the film skaters are portrayed as being rebels with no respect for other people. That changed through with Grind and Lords of Dogtown. Those two movies helped young skaters immensely. The movies were very popular and actually showed skaters as being fun-loving and respectful. It also helped launch skateboarding into a true sport that thrived with healthy competition and a true testament to skill. Another well known movie is Gleaming the Cube from 1989. It is a movie that stars Christian Slater and really marks the beginning of a brand new era for skateboarders. It also happened to feature some of the best skaters in the business such as the world famous Tony Hawk.

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6. May 2010 by ZachPlay.

For the serious skateboarding enthusiast, there is nothing like pulling a few tricks on skateboard ramps. Before there were skate-parks in almost every town, kids were forced to be creative and make their own structures. They’d rip down street signs and lay them on the ground to railslide down. They’d find old picnic tables and place them in the street to hop onto. They’d use palettes from the grocery store to hop onto. They’d buy pieces of plywood or giant pipes from the hardware store and fashion them into something they could do tricks on. Today there are actually kits that kids can buy to build their own or even pre-assembled ramps for purchase. So what types should you buy and where can you get them?

There are several different types of ramps to consider. Half-pipes and quarter-pipes are some of the most common. Half-pipes were originally made out of half sections of enormous pipelines placed together. Today, they are similar but are designed with a flat section between the two edges to allow for more speed. Quarter-pipes are much smaller — like one side of the half-pipe — and are best for practice maneuvers at skate parks. Mini-ramps are a type of half-pipe that are generally 2 to 6 feet tall. (To see minis in action, check out skate videos like “Cheese and Crackers,” where Daewon Song and Chris Haslam skate almost exclusively on these ramps and odd pieces of junk). Minis are good for practicing lip tricks and are favored for being smaller and more portable. Vert ramps, on the other hand, are needed for practicing the big aerial tricks. Like the mini ramp, the vert is another type of half-pipe, but this one ranges from 10 to 14 feet tall. At the top there is anywhere from six inches to three feet of vertical space, which is where tricks can be performed.

At a typical skate-park, there are many other smaller skateboard ramps and obstacles you’ll encounter. For instance, a pyramid is a structure built low to the ground, with four ramps meeting at a center deck. A spine ramp is two small quarter-pipes put together, usually with a rail or mini-lip in between. A bank ramp is about 8 feet wide by about 3-6 feet tall and 7-9 feet long, with a 30° slope. Launch ramps look very similar, but with a taller height and a steeper slope. A grind box is low to the ground (less than 4 feet high) and offers a long table-like space where a skateboarder can slide along a rail or along his board and try a bunch of tricks. Similarly, a fun box combines this tabletop feature along with some gradual incline ramp space. Sometimes poles or ledges are mounted for more versatility.

Given the cost of skateboard ramps, it’s no surprise that many skaters choose the D.I.Y. route. However, you’ll quickly find it often costs just as much (if not more) to assemble the materials for yourself. For instance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 (for a launch ramp) and $86 (for a grind box) to $235 (for a fun box) and $450 (for a mini ramp). At www.xtremeskater.com, you’ll find free plans for building your own mini half-pipes, 4 foot quarter-pipes, custom mini ramps, grind boxes, fun boxes, launch ramps and vert half-pipes. Each page covers the materials required (along with estimated prices), pictures, descriptions and videos. Another excellent site is www.diyskate.com, which offers free instructions, diagrams and cost estimates for skateboarding ramp building as well. You’ll find plans for wall ramps, kicker ramps, fun boxes with ledges, Jersey barriers, Chicago barriers, bank ramps, 3-foot quarters, micro spines, stair ledges, picnic ledges, grind boxes, grind rails and more.

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6. May 2010 by ZachPlay.

The most important factor in learning how to skateboard like a pro is to have drive. Professionals didn’t get sponsored by their couches or from Tony Hawk video game scores. Truly passionate skaters are out there on a daily basis, no exceptions. They’re not just comfortable with the standard ollies and popshuvits; they’re always pushing the boundaries to learn new tricks and try more impressive feats. Usually they bring a friend, who is willing to take turns filming, so they can learn more. Not everyone can become sponsored, but having that winning spirit is the first step for anyone serious about skateboarding.

Naturally, if you want to skateboard like a professional, you’ll need to learn all the basic skills and tricks. There are a number of website resources out there to help you with skateboard trick tips. The most reliable places to find professional information is in a well-established and trusted skateboarding magazine like Transworld Skateboarding (www.skateboarding.transworld.net), Thrasher (www.thrashermagazine.com) or Skateboarder Magazine (www.skateboardermag.com). On these awesome sites, you’ll be able to read skateboarding articles, check out amazing skateboarding photos and tutorials, not to mention watch instructional skateboarding videos. Transworld has a particularly helpful “How To” section, which shows you step-by-step pictures of professionals doing nollie backside nosegrind reverts, fakie bigspins, 360 flip noseslides, varial heels, frontside smith grinds, switch ollies and more.

Once you’ve done your reading, it’s up to you to skateboard like a pro by adhering to a grueling schedule. If you were to ask any sponsored skater out there what they do in their spare time, they’ll tell you that their skateboard deck never leaves their side. You may have to give up some of your other hobbies and invest more time outdoors, but the more you practice, the better you’ll become. It’s important that you find a mentor or two who are better than you and will encourage your competitive spirit. This will help you push yourself, learn quicker and find new places to skate. Don’t be content with a roll around the neighborhood: seek new terrain, new parks, new rails, new territory. The more you watch, the more new people you ride with and the more you’re exposed to, the more you will learn.

Once you learn to skateboard like a pro, you’ll need to get noticed to pick up a sponsorship. Some kids make videos to send out as demos to all their favorite skate companies. Using another approach, other kids may try entering as many skate competitions as they can to turn heads. “Just go out there and have fun and do what you normally do and someone will notice you,” advises pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler. “I guarantee they will notice you and recognize what kind of skills you have. If you go out there and your main purpose is to get a sponsor, then it’s not gonna work. Just go out there and have fun. That’s how I got sponsored.”

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6. May 2010 by ZachPlay.

“The most important part of a board is the shape and the dimensions. If the shape looks good, and the wheelbase and tail are right, the board will be sweet no matter what the concave is like,” says pro skater Brian Lotti. When choosing skateboard decks, you’ll need to look at a few technical considerations — like length and width to make sure your board is right for your stature and your desired use. You’ll also need to test it out by feel to see if the wood of the skateboard’s deck feels sturdy and the concave is the proper responsiveness. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure it’s a deck you like aesthetically; one that speaks something about your character and personal taste.

Length is one of the most basic considerations in choosing skateboard decks. This will depend entirely on your height, your use and your comfort level. Generally, there are two length classifications: traditional/street boards, which are under 33 inches and longboard skateboards, which are over 35 inches. Usually people ride versatile traditional decks that measure 28 - 32 inches for general transit, ramp riding and basic tricks. Longboards are popular in California with riders who prefer a surfy/snowboard type feel. Generally speaking, if you are a short rider, you’ll naturally want a shorter board for better control and tall riders may want a little more length to match their stance.

Professional skateboarding legends will tell you that they care most about their deck’s shape and concave. Most decks, besides longboards, have a slightly raised nose, tail and sides, which dramatically affects the response of the skateboard. Generally, the deeper the concave, the more aggressive tricks a skater can pull off. The shallower the concave, the easier it is for new skaters to learn. “The nose and tail got to have good pop,” adds Skateboarder Magazine star Adam Dyet, “and it’s gotta be a light board.” For pro skater Eric Koston, “The board has to have mellow concave. I hate steep noses and tails. They make me feel like I have to work harder to do tricks.” Pro Jeremy Wray is riding his new “Featherlight” Element skateboard that was designed with a thinner board with a steeper concave and a mellow tail. “I don’t really like flat boards,” Steve Berra tells Transworld Skateboarding Magazine. “I like a good nose and a good tail — not too steep, but not flat.” Brian Anderson agrees that a mellow concave is the way to go. “I can’t ride a super steep concave,” he says. “A lot of the stuff that’s out right now — you can’t flip your board right.” On the other hand, old-school rider Ed Templeton still prefers a relatively flat board. “I don’t know what this whole concave fad is all about,” he explains. “The board is much better just mellow and not concave.”

Appearance tends to be what attracts many people to certain skateboard decks over others. As the years progress, skateboard designs seem to be getting more and more elaborate. The Zero skateboarding team loves these boards for their gritty images of skulls and bones. Skaters like Jamie Thomas, Elissa Steamer and Chris Cole love these rides. On the flip side, Habitat and Element boards have more earthy, eco-friendly designs. The latest Habitat boards ridden by Kerry Getz and Danny Garcia feature some iconic pop-art style designs, while the newer Elements ridden by Bucky Lasek and Bam Marguera have more colorful cartoons. Plan B decks feature wild patterns with a lot of geometric shapes and entice an all-star lineup of Danny Way, Colin McKay, Ryan Sheckler and Jereme Rogers. Other popular brands to consider include: Powell, Birdhouse, Blind, Baker, Girl, Toy Machine, Alien Workshop and Mentality skateboards.

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