The art of skateboarding

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Skateboarding is more than just a sport. While it is a form of physical activity that engages the entire body, it’s also a major creative outlet. Most sports have a predetermined way to participate, with preset gear created for it, but with skateboarding you have complete freedom. From your clothes to your board, you can create and customize everything. Not one person shares the same style as someone else, from how you ride, to the style and shape of your board, to the shoes you wear. Skateboarding has gained popularity over the years with famous icons like Tony Hawk, and is now recognized as an Olympic sport. Let us take a look at the health and social benefits of skateboarding, as well as some of the major events that surround this exciting activity.

Skateboarding is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is an excellent cardio workout that helps build endurance and increase stamina. According to a study located in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, skateboarding can burn up to 500 calories an hour. Additionally, skateboarding strengthens the muscles in the legs, core, and upper body. This strength training can lead to improved posture and reduced risk of injury from other activities you may participate in.

Another health benefit of skateboarding is the improvement of balance and coordination. Balance is essential for everyday activities like walking, running, and climbing stairs. Skateboarding helps to improve balance by requiring the rider to constantly shift their weight and adjust their body position. Coordination is also improved through skateboarding, as it requires the rider to synchronize their movements with the skateboard and the environment. Both of these benefits are essential for everyday life.

But skateboarding does not just provide physical benefits; skateboarding is a social activity that brings people together from all places of life. There is a sense of community and camaraderie among skateboarders, who often share tips and tricks with each other. Skateboarding also provides an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Skateboarding also teaches important life skills, such as perseverance, determination, and creativity. Skateboarding is not easy, and it takes time and effort to master. Skateboarding also encourages creativity, as riders can express themselves through their individual style and approach to the sport.

Skateboarding is an exciting and dynamic activity that is supported by a variety of events and competitions. One of the biggest skateboarding events is the X Games, which showcases the best skateboarders from around the world. The X Games feature a variety of skateboarding techniques, including street (more freestyle focused), vert (more focused on air time and half pipes), and park (mainly focused around tricks). Another major skateboarding event is the Vans Park Series, which is a global competition that focuses on skateparks and park skaters.

Skateboarding events also provide an opportunity for skateboarders to showcase their skills and inspire others. These events are often attended by thousands of spectators and are broadcast around the world. Events also provide an opportunity for skateboarders to connect with other riders and build a sense of community. 

But while it may have many benefits, what drives people to start skating, and what makes them enjoy it so much? Irvington High School Sophomore, Bruce Tupac, says that, “growing up with my childhood friends and playing Skate 2 led us to start skating when we were around eight years old.” 

He proceeds to state that skating, “is more of a way to express yourself while also pushing yourself to your limit which then makes you tougher in a way and less scared but open to new things.”

Avery Walston, a senior here at Washington High says, “I started skating in August of 2022. My bike had broken down and I was kind of getting sick of walking all the way to school. My brother had bought a skateboard but didn’t touch it, so I decided to dust it off and use it as a faster transportation method.”

He goes on to say that he enjoys skating because it is difficult. “Skateboarding is one of those disciplines where you really have to work to achieve, there is rarely a moment where you pick up the board and you can hit a trick first try, and even starting it takes you a couple of days before you can even ride around without falling off constantly,” he says.  “But because it is so hard it also means that when you finally land a trick, it becomes extremely rewarding. It’s this weird dilemma where the more challenging something is, the more fun it is. I also think my enjoyment has to do with the fact that it ends up being an adrenaline rush, riding bowls [a type of riding area seen at skateparks that is in the shape of a bowl] can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster.”

Whether you are a seasoned skateboarder or just starting out, skateboarding is an activity that offers something for everyone.