Unleash Your Style: The Ultimate Guide To Action Sports Skateboards

action sports skateboards have become more than just a mode of transportation; they represent a vibrant culture of creativity, skill, and adrenaline. Whether you're drawn to the smooth flow of street skating or the heart-stopping stunts of vert ramps, kizworld is here to guide you through the exciting world of action sports skateboarding.

Action Sports Skateboards: A History

From Sidewalks to Empty Pools

Imagine this: It's the 1950s, and surfers in California are looking for something to do when the waves are flat. That's how action sports skateboarding was born! They started attaching roller skate wheels to wooden boards, calling it "sidewalk surfing." It was all about mimicking the moves and feeling of surfing on land. As skateboarding grew, kids started experimenting with tricks, using whatever they could find – sidewalks, hills, even empty swimming pools!

Speaking of pools, have you ever seen skateboarders flying high in the air, doing crazy spins and grabs? That's called "vert" skateboarding, and it became huge in the 1970s. Think of it like skateboarding in a giant halfpipe! Around the same time, companies started making skateboards specifically for tricks, with stronger decks and smoother wheels. This made a big difference, letting skateboarders push the limits of what they could do.

The Rise of Street Skating

By the 1980s, action sports skateboarding wasn't just about empty pools anymore. It moved to the streets, where skateboarders turned everyday obstacles like stairs, railings, and benches into their own personal skateparks. This is what we call "street skating," and it's all about creativity and using your environment in new and exciting ways. Imagine grinding down a handrail or doing a flip over a set of stairs – that's the heart of street skating.

Choosing the Right Action Sports Skateboard

Picking the right action sports skateboard is like choosing a sidekick for your skateboarding adventures! First things first, think about what type of skateboarding you're into. If you're all about vert ramps and catching air, you'll want a wider deck for more stability. It's like the difference between a surfboard and a wakeboard – different boards for different rides! But if you're more of a street skater, navigating obstacles and pulling off tricks, a narrower deck might be your jam. Don't forget about the trucks – those metal things that connect the wheels to the deck. Looser trucks are awesome for turning and carving, while tighter trucks give you more stability for landing those big tricks.

And speaking of wheels, they come in different sizes and hardness levels. Imagine trying to ride a mountain bike with tiny wheels – not gonna be smooth! Smaller, harder wheels are great for street skating, giving you a fast and responsive ride. But if you're hitting the skatepark or rougher terrain, larger, softer wheels will absorb more shock and keep you rolling. It's all about finding the right setup that feels comfortable and lets you ride your best! Remember, the best skateboard is the one that makes you excited to get out there and shred!

Alright, imagine this: you've got your board, you're feeling confident, and you're ready to learn some tricks! The ollie is like the ABCs of skateboarding – it's the foundation for so many other awesome moves. It's all about using your feet to pop the board up in the air. Think of it like jumping with your skateboard stuck to your feet! You'll want to master balancing on the board and shifting your weight before you really start catching air. And don't get discouraged if it takes a while to get the hang of it – even the pros started with wobbly ollies! Once you've got that down, you can start learning other tricks like kickflips, heelflips, and even grinds. Trust me, it's super rewarding to see your progress and land those tricks you never thought you could do before! Check out our guide on how to get started with skateboarding to get started with the basics.

Safety Gear for Action Sports Skateboarding

Ok, so you're stoked about action sports skateboarding, and you should be! But hold your horses for a sec – safety first! Think of it like this: you wouldn't ride a bike without a helmet, right? Same goes for skateboarding, especially when you're trying out new tricks or hitting the skatepark. A helmet is your best friend, protecting your noggin from those unexpected spills. Make sure it fits snugly and covers your forehead – nobody wants a scraped-up face! And speaking of protection, knee pads and elbow pads are lifesavers, literally! They cushion the blow when you take a tumble, which, let's be real, happens to even the best of us. Trust me, your knees and elbows will thank you later!

Now, let's talk about shoes. You might be tempted to rock those cool-looking sneakers, but when it comes to skateboarding, you need shoes that grip the board like a gecko. Look for shoes with flat soles and good ankle support – they'll give you better control and help prevent those nasty ankle rolls. Remember, you're not just walking around the mall; you're dancing on a wooden plank with wheels! And one last thing – wrist guards! They might seem a bit dorky, but they're a lifesaver when you're learning to ollie or trying out new tricks. A sprained wrist can sideline you for weeks, so protect those wrists and keep on shredding!

Protect Yourself While Skateboarding

You can find more skateboarding tips in our guide to skateboarding for beginners.

Final Thought

Action sports skateboarding is an electrifying journey of skill, creativity, and pure adrenaline. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting, remember to prioritize safety, embrace the learning process, and most importantly, have fun carving your own path in the world of action sports skateboarding!