Summary Tradisional | Skate

Contextualization

Skateboarding kicked off in California, USA, back in the 1950s. Surfers looking for something to do when the waves were flat came up with the idea. Over the years, it transformed from just a fun way to pass the time into a globally recognised sport. The fact that it was included in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics made it even more significant, showing just how far it has come on the world stage.

But skateboarding is not just about the tricks; it’s also a cultural movement. It has a big impact on fashion, music, and street art, creating a unique lifestyle that draws millions of fans from around the globe. In Brazil, for instance, skateboarding is a huge deal, producing top athletes like Bob Burnquist and young Rayssa Leal, who clinched a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics at just 13. This sport promotes physical fitness and serves as a canvas for personal expression and creativity.

To Remember!

History of Skateboarding

Skateboarding came about in California in the 1950s when surfers wanted to ride when the surf was down. They modified wooden planks with roller skate wheels to 'ride' on tar macadam. Over the years, it grew from a casual hobby into a serious sport with international recognition.

The 1970s saw a boom in popularity, largely due to the establishment of skate parks and the first competitions. The 1980s and 1990s brought further legitimacy as pro skateboarders emerged alongside reputable brands for gear and apparel. Its debut in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics was a high point, cementing its relevance in the sports world.

Beyond physical activity, skateboarding is a major cultural force, influencing fashion trends, music scenes, and urban art, while attracting millions of enthusiasts worldwide.

• Originated in California in the 1950s.

• Transitioned from a simple hobby to a recognised sport.

• Made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021.

Skateboarding Disciplines

Skateboarding features multiple disciplines, each with distinct techniques, settings, and trick styles. The main ones are Street, Park, Vert, and Freestyle.

Street is performed in urban areas or parks designed with street-like obstacles such as stairs, rails, and benches. Skaters get creative with their tricks, which require impressive skill and technique. Park skating happens in areas featuring bowls and smooth transitions, allowing skaters to flow from one trick to another.

Vert focuses on high-flying tricks in half-pipes or vertical ramps, demanding great courage and skill to pull off the jumps. Lastly, Freestyle places emphasis on technical tricks that are executed on flat ground, often considered the original form of skateboarding.

• Street: tricks on urban obstacles.

• Park: parks with bowls and smooth transitions.

• Vert: aerial tricks in half-pipes.

• Freestyle: technical tricks on the ground.

Skateboarding Competitions

Competitions are crucial events that gather the best skateboarders globally across different disciplines. Notable competitions include the X Games, the Street League Skateboarding (SLS), and, of course, the Olympics.

The X Games is a multi-sport event that showcases various skateboarding disciplines such as Street, Park, and Vert. Renowned for its prestige, it captures the attention of skateboarders and fans alike, being broadcast globally. The Street League Skateboarding (SLS) is a pro league that runs events around the world, primarily showcasing Street skating. It’s famous for its generous cash prizes and features top skateboarders.

When skateboarding made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021, it followed a set format featuring Street and Park events. Competitors are judged based on their tricks' difficulty, creativity, and execution. These contests boost skateboarding's popularity while encouraging the emergence of new talent.

• X Games: a major multi-sport event.

• Street League Skateboarding (SLS): a professional street-focused league.

• Olympics: included skateboarding for the first time in 2021.

Equipment and Safety

Safety in skateboarding is critical, which means using the right gear to protect yourself. Skateboards mainly consist of the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. The deck is where skaters stand, while the trucks connect the wheels to the deck. The wheels and bearings allow for smooth movement.

Aside from the board, it’s essential to wear safety gear including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, all of which help prevent serious injuries during falls. Helmets protect the head, while the pads safeguard the joints.

Prioritising safety is key for a healthy approach to skateboarding. Beginners, especially, should understand the importance of wearing safety equipment from the get-go to avoid accidents that could lead to serious injuries.

• Key components: deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings.

• Necessary gear: helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.

• Importance of maintaining safe practices.

Key Terms

• Skate: A sport that involves riding a board with wheels.

• Street: Discipline focused on obstacles found in city environments.

• Park: Discipline involving parks designed for smooth transitions.

• Vert: Discipline characterised by aerial tricks in half-pipes.

• Freestyle: Discipline centred around technical tricks on flat ground.

• X Games: A multi-sport event showcasing various skate disciplines.

• Street League Skateboarding (SLS): Professional league for street skaters.

• Olympics: Major global sporting event that featured skateboarding from 2021.

• Deck: The board of the skateboard.

• Trucks: Axles that connect the skateboard wheels to the board.

• Wheels: The components that enable the skateboard's movement.

• Bearings: Internal parts of the wheels ensuring smooth rotation.

• Helmet: A safety item used to protect the head.

• Knee pads: Protective gear for the knees.

• Elbow pads: Protective gear for the elbows.

Important Conclusions

In our lesson about skateboarding, we covered its origins and development, demonstrating its journey from a simple pastime to a globally acknowledged sport. We also explored the key disciplines such as Street, Park, Vert, and Freestyle, each offering unique challenges and characteristics. Furthermore, we looked into the prominent competitions like the X Games, Street League Skateboarding (SLS), and the Olympics, acknowledging their role in popularising the sport and setting evaluation standards.

The discussion highlighted the importance of proper equipment and safety gear to encourage responsible skateboarding practices. Wearing helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads is vital for preventing injuries, especially for those just starting out. Lastly, we acknowledged the role of skateboarding in urban culture, noting its influence on fashion, music, and art, with figures like Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, and Rayssa Leal leading the charge.

The insights gained into skateboarding extend beyond just sport; they illuminate its cultural implications. I urge students to delve deeper into skateboarding, whether through practice, following competitions, or discovering more about its rich history and culture. This exploration can enhance their understanding of skateboarding's significance worldwide and inspire a new wave of enthusiasts.

Study Tips

• Watch videos of skate competitions such as the X Games and Street League Skateboarding to grasp the tricks and evaluation methods.

• Explore biographies and documentaries on legendary skateboarders like Tony Hawk and Bob Burnquist to understand their impact on the sport.

• Practice skateboarding in safe settings while always wearing safety gear. Try out different disciplines to see what you enjoy and improve your skills.