My Skateboard Tricks

posted by My Skateboard Tricks on Dec 30

Skateboarding Asia

It probably took the rest of the world some 20 or so years to embrace the concept of skateboarding. Of course, there might be a few here and there, and mainly as an after-school activity. But there has been a lot of excitement, especially during big competitions in Asia alone and have been producing some of the best talents when it comes to vert and street skateboarding categories.

Thailand has been a home for the Asian X-Games, where a gathering of some of the best action players in different categories that also include vert and street skateboarding. Looking into the trend, some of the top contenders are mainly China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia.

China, especially in major cities like in Shanghai, are no strangers when it comes to skateboarding. Some of the best Asian skateboarders have been competing in the Asian X-Games as well as the World Skateboard Cup usually held in Europe. Annual events have been set up on Shanghai, inviting both local and foreign skateboarders to compete for the cash prize that may reach up to $5,000.

In Japan, there are a few skateboarders, yet sometimes it tends to be outlawed, especially in crowded cities such as Tokyo. Although there is no such ban for skateboarding, there have been a few designated skateparks within and at the outskirts of the city itself. These skateparks were once used mostly by in-line skaters, once a rage in the country and would often compete in the X-Games in the US.

Although the fad has yet to die down, a good number of skateboarders can be found almost all over the place, as long as no local authorities are around to stop them.

Skateboarders in the Philippines are usually in small numbers, yet small competitions, usually held within communities, have encouraged a lot of these skateboarders to win the crowd with their tricks and street performances. Often as a past time, they never seem to take it too seriously and often popular with family members as well for those who want to spend a bit of quality time with their children.

Australia happens to be a big fan of skateboarding, followed by other action sports that they often hold skateboarding tournaments no more than ten times in a year. Usually held in major cities, and with the follow-up to qualify for the Asian X-Games in Thailand, it’s often a very competitive sport for the Land Down Under.

posted by My Skateboard Tricks on Dec 28

Skateboarding for Dummies

There have been a few stories where an adult pushing 40 skateboards with his kids, thus promoting a sense of parental bonding between parent and child, and probably perform a few tricks of his own. Of course it doesn’t mean he’d go professional, otherwise Tony Hawk would still be competing.

There are a lot of things to know about when anyone wants to skateboard for fun or health reasons. Considering the fun factor involved, it takes a great deal of determination and a few scratches and bumps along the way.

The basic gear needed when it comes to skateboarding are a few things, mainly the skateboard itself, whether bought or borrowed, and some protective gear such as helmets and pads. It wouldn’t help a person’s self-esteem to see a couple of teenagers without such protection, but nowadays, skateboard parks require that every skater must have a helmet and protection. A good pair of shoes would be good, but better if skate shoes are purchased since it offers more grip on the skateboard.

The basics when using a skateboard for the first time is getting to know the skateboard. The best place to practice is where there’s minimal risk to injury, such as on a carpet or lawn. Standing on the skateboard and getting the feel of it, and try a few maneuvers like jumping on it. This sort of preparation is vital to know about the skateboard being used.

There are only a few people that can be ambidextrous, but knowing which foot goes on the board and the other for kicking would be vital. One way of knowing is to imagine kicking a ball and see which foot goes. It’s like finding the dominant foot to begin with. There are two types of stances when it comes to skateboarding, which are regular, where the left foot is used, and goofy, which is the right foot. Knowing where the dominant foot is would help with some of the skateboarding basics.

Once the basics have been mastered, it wouldn’t be embarrassing to fall off the skateboard a few times, so much like falling off a bike or getting a fresh scratch from a car. When it comes to that and want to stop, there are a few ways to do it, and the usual ones for beginners is to jump off while in motion if a collision is imminent. Turning requires the use of toeside or heelside, to move the weight of the body as they want to turn to a different direction.

Practice makes perfect.

posted by My Skateboard Tricks on Dec 26

Virtual Skateboard

Nowadays, skateboarding has been more than just a past time for most Americans, though not replacing baseball entirely, skateboarding is almost an expression in itself as teens and young adults would glide their way to feed their need to get aggressive. Of course it’s the same way when it comes to video games.

Some of the earliest known video games that include skateboarding would be California Games for the Nintendo Entertainment System, where it features all sorts of events, including half-pipe skateboarding. Then comes the 90s and today.

One of the most prolific skateboarding games since started with Tony Hawk Pro Skater for the PlayStation One, which offers a more simplified control system that still offers some decent 3D graphics. About 4 sequels have been made until other versions have appeared. Tony Hawk Underground removes itself from its predecessor and into a more realistic setting where players start off as amateur skateboarders and earn their way up with bigger funds and sponsors as they grind their way to success.

It features a much larger (in PS1 standards) world that would allow exploration of the virtual city the playable character is living in. It spawned 2 sequels.

The current games from Tony Hawk are still uncontested, especially his American Wasteland series and the upcoming Proving Grounds, where players make their way with a whole new role-playing scenario, better graphics and controls that challenges players to actually control how the skateboarder should go.

While some of the contenders for virtual skateboarding are still in the market (or sold on eBay), there have been a few notables to go for. One such Example is EA Skate, from Electronic Arts. Meant for the next generation consoles, reviews for EA Skate have been positive by far, yet some would complain for its very difficult control system that would often let the character stumble and fall more often than needed.

But considering the graphics that delivers with the new game, this may be the only shoe-in to dominate the skateboarding video game that has been left unchallenged since Tony Hawk.

There are other skateboarding games to mention, but most would be from obscure games, and some meant for kids (like a few Disney games). But if any person who wish to aspire becoming a skateboarder without having to go outside, the Tony Hawk series would be the best way to skate freestyle, without insult nor injury.

posted by My Skateboard Tricks on Dec 24

Skateparks vs Street Skating

Considering the popularity of skateboarding in California, as well as the controversy involved, there are over 2000 registered skateparks available throughout some of the major cities and towns across the country.

One of the most interesting debates when it comes to skateparks and just the common streets anywhere is usually the space involved. Though skateparks may come in various sizes, there has been some speculation even with skateboarders themselves on the construction and design. Even the residential homeowners would often felt that skateparks are a big waste of money and park space at first. Ever since the advancement when it comes to techniques and tricks, it seemed necessary for most communities and cities to have a skatepark or two in the area.

One of the best so far is the Vans Skatepark located at Orange, California. This park has just about everything that is considered as a skateboarder’s paradise, with the right combination on both indoor, outdoor as well as a beginner’s area for those who want to try out skateparks and vert skateboarding. And as an added bonus, the skatepark also features a fully stocked arcade area with the latest games available.

Another place to hang out is the 28th And B Skatepark in Sacramento California, where the structure resembles a large warehouse. Resident pro skater Matt Rodriguez is also there to teach the basics of skateboarding for minors.

Mission Valley Ymca Krause Family Skatepark is also a perfect place for skateboarders when it comes to the ease and size of the outdoor park. Complete with both concrete as well as vert skateboarding, there would be enough space to explore the area as well as a street areas and beginner’s areas and costs about $10 for a 3 hour session.

Even Florida has its fair share of skateparks that have attracted quite a following, considering that skateboarding was also big in Florida even back in the 70s. Among such parks is the Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville, Florida, where a mix of both street area, verts as well as the concrete park itself. Rates and fees are reasonable enough, while members pay a dollar on Sundays.

These are among the few skateparks located in both ends of the country. There are many more to go, depending on the State as well as the city. Though a few low-income neighborhoods may have a skatepark thanks to Tony Hawk’s foundation, it seems that skateparks have become a necessary thing in American life and skateboarders all around.

posted by My Skateboard Tricks on Dec 22

Caring for a Skateboard

When any person decides to take out the old skateboard out of the garage to give it a spin, he would remember to see if the skateboard is functioning properly. Not that it just rolls on the road, but there are more things than just the deck and wheels to just leave it to collect dust when bored.

Like any vehicle with wheels, skateboards require proper maintenance to ensure safety and care for both rider and skateboard. It may not be much, just a few minutes before taking the skateboard for a few tricks, but it beats having to be sent to the hospital because the wheel just got loose and end up falling face first to a ravine.

Decks can last as long as the multiple ply can hold, since it’s glued and laminated together to create a more rigid body. Cracks on the deck itself are not uncommon, and would mean a new deck has to be replaced. There are no easy fixes or gimmicks for decks, as it can be as fragile once a small crack is already visible, especially if the crack itself was covered by the grip tape so it would be best to have it replaced. At least there is an excuse to get a new deck with new graphics to drool over.

The wheels are susceptible to wear and irregularities so much like riding a car on its rims only. They have a tendency to get bent out of shape, even in the smallest miniscule that would cause frequent crashes. Better to replace the wheels as often when it does wear.

Trucks and the nuts and bolts that holds it in place can be a major hazard if overlooked. Like anything that requires screw tightening, they fall prey from vibrations, bumps, grinds and anything that would shake the truck in pieces. Best handled by tightening the bolts and adding some lubrication in the bearings for better operation.

As for the grip tape, since the stuff can be as tough as duct tape, it would be almost impossible to remove unless it takes the first layer with it, ending the deck’s life. Brushing the grip tape would work best with some soap and water would help to return some of the grip on the tape.

These simple tasks may seem menial for a lot of amateur skateboarders, but it would be better than getting a cast on any part of the body.

posted by My Skateboard Tricks on Dec 20

Building Skateboard Ramps

There was a time when skateboarding is more of a past time for a lot of kids and teenagers, and most of them would learn a trick or two just to impress their friends or the ladies. Among those is having a makeshift ramp set up near the garage using some materials and a strong enough plywood.

And it’s still being practiced even today.

Most skateboarders would want to start practicing on ramps before hitting the skatepark or the vertical half-pipe just for the sake of avoiding an embarrassing fall. Just to remind novice skateboarders is that ramps can be just as dangerous despite of the starting level they would work with.

To begin construction, the builder has to determine the size and a place for storage. Anything too big might not fit inside the garage. The design may vary, depending on how high the jump may be and depending on the slope as well. A street with a steep climb and a big enough ramp would cause a jump that may be too much to handle. Creating a sketch is a good way to start off things.

A few 2×4 pieces of wood would be good enough for the framework, followed by some pieces of plywood for the curve. It may take as many as 2 layers of plywood to create a decent ramp, but the initial design would be all about simplicity. There should be 3 panels of plywood to create the necessary curve and from there they start nailing it in place. Best if they use screws for better grip and since the screws wouldn’t jut at the end of the wood in case of accidents that would snag the skateboarder. Once the plywood is already in place, another later of plywood can be layered to complete it. Better to use thin plywood since it can bend enough for the ramp.

There are practically hundreds of ramps that are made with varying shapes and sizes, and most of them would be within the skateboarder’s skill level. Of course, a skateboarding beginner would want to wait until they are comfortable enough to ride a skateboard to learn a trick or two, but in any case, having a ramp would definitely increase the thrill factor, as well as honing landing skills when it comes to skateboarding.

It would definitely erase the sense of fear when it comes to skateparks or when performing street tricks such as the ollie.