Skateboarding needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular extreme sports, professionally played by thousands and casually practiced by the millions out there. Skateboarding is an excellent physical activity, which results in increase in attention span, boosts hand-eye coordination and lets you perform various tricks. Skateboards are seen all around the world but it is really famous in the United States. Apart from being a great sport, skateboarding also is a great cardio workout and tones the body.
In this article we will give you some of the cool facts about skateboarding. So, without any further ado, let’s get down to it…
Interesting Skateboarding Facts
- Although not very similar but skateboarding has been developed from surfing. The first skateboard was introduced in the year 1950 and at that time it was called sidewalk surfing.
- The main origin of skateboarding is California. The first skateboard did not look like modern skateboards that we see today. It had handles on it to control the movement and give more stability to the rider while performing maneuvers.
- California has the maximum number of skateboards.
- We all know skateboarders love the ramp. Before ramp, skateboarders used empty swimming pools and drain pipes and ditches to practice their skills. It was only in the year in 1970s that we started seeing the ramps which later took the shape of half pipes.
- The total number of skateboard parks in United States is around 500. This number is very low considering the number of skateboarding enthusiasts. It is said that skateboard parks are essential to give more boost to the sport.
- Professional skateboarders have participated in many golf, fundraising tournaments to help build more skateboard parks in the country.
- Do you think skateboarding is a man’s sport? Well think again – women has been taking active part in the sport since the very beginning. The first professional women skateboarder was Patti McGee.
- Skateboarding without tricks and maneuvers is useless. The first skateboard trick was invented by Allan Ollie Gilfand and is known as Ollie. It is still practiced and very important to learn for beginners.
- This is often overlooked by new skateboarders but your wrists are most prone to injury while skateboarding. So, while wearing other protective gear it is essential to use a wrist guard while skateboarding as well.
- Do you know more than 80,000 people are taken to doctors after facing an injury while skateboarding. This is a big number – so, just make sure that you use every protective gear while out there skateboarding.
- Only 40% of skateboarders wear protective gears.
- The average age of skateboarders is 12. The youngest to learn the tricks was 2 and the older person to learn skateboarding was 67 years old.
- Besides being a popular sport in the United States, many students use their skateboards to travel to and from college regularly. With rising gas prices, more people are expected to use skateboards for small commutes.
- We are unable to recognize it but skateboard deck is in fact made up of 7 pieces of wood.
Got more interesting facts? Feel free to share them in the comments section below!
