Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard, as well as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation.

Origin

United States

Type

Outdoor, Extreme sport

Venue

Skate parks, Urban areas, Streets

Supreme Authority

International Skateboarding Federation

Summary

Key Types of Skateboarding

Competitions

References

Summary

Skateboarding is a popular extreme sport that involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard. It's often seen as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation. There are two main types of skateboarding: street and vert, which are differentiated by the type of terrain and the tricks performed.

Skateboarding demands agility, balance, and technique, making it a highly competitive and physically challenging sport.

Key Types of Skateboarding

Street Skateboarding

Urban Terrain: Performed on streets, sidewalks, parks or any terrain with obstacles such as stairs, ledges, rails, and benches. Tricks are usually flip-based and involve manipulating the board in mid-air or grinding on edges.

Vert Skateboarding

Ramp Performance: Takes place on large ramps or half-pipes. It involves aerial tricks and maneuvers that require skaters to launch themselves into the air and land back on the ramp.

Freestyle Skateboarding

Technical Precision: Involves performing tricks on a flat surface with a focus on footwork and board control. It's known for its creativity and complexity of tricks.

Downhill Skateboarding

Speed and Control: Skaters race down hills at high speeds, maneuvering around corners and obstacles. It tests both speed and skill in handling the skateboard at high velocities.

Longboarding

Distance and Stability: A variation of skateboarding involving riding a longer board, often used for cruising, downhill racing, or transportation. It's known for its stability over longer distances and faster speeds.

Competitions

Skateboarding was included in the Olympic Games for the first time in 2020, with events in both street and park disciplines.
There are also world championships organized by the World Skate for various disciplines.

References

Wikipedia: Skateboarding - An overview of skateboarding, its history, and various styles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboarding

World Skate: Skateboarding - Information on the governing body for skateboarding and its competitions http://www.worldskate.org/skateboarding

Sports