Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a fun sport and a way to get around. You stand on a flat board with four wheels. You push with one foot to go. Kids and adults ride skateboards at parks, on sidewalks, and in special skate parks. Some people just cruise, and others learn cool tricks. Skateboarding started in the 1950s in California. Surfers wanted to surf on land when the waves were flat. Today, skateboarding is loved all over the world.

Parts of a Skateboard

A skateboard has a few main parts. The flat top is called the deck. It is made of thin layers of wood glued together. On top of the deck is grip tape. It feels like sandpaper and helps your feet stick. Under the deck are two metal parts called trucks. The trucks hold the wheels. Most boards have four wheels made of hard plastic. Small metal balls called bearings help the wheels spin fast and smooth.

Tricks and Safety

Skaters love to do tricks. The most famous trick is the ollie. That is when you jump with the board stuck to your feet. Other tricks are the kickflip, the grind, and the 50-50. It takes lots of practice to land them. Safety is very important. Skaters should wear a helmet to protect their head. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards help too. Falling is part of learning, so pads can save you from big scrapes.

Fun Facts

• Skateboarding became an Olympic sport for the first time in 2021.
• The first skateboards were made from wooden boxes or planks with roller skate wheels nailed on.
• Tony Hawk was the first person to land a 900, which is two and a half spins in the air.

Did You Know?

The longest ollie ever jumped was over 16 feet long. That is about as long as a small car!