Skateboarding Headlines
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!
 I look at that headline, and I think, really? An entire month dedicated to brain injury awareness? Wow. But, it DOES give me the perfect opportunity to bring up helmets!
Most of the skaters I see at my skatepark wear helmets, and even skaters who are riding around town, but I live in Oregon, where skateboarding is mostly accepted, and you do it at your own risk (no suing the city because you're an idiot and bit a curb after skating through a construction zone - it happens). So if you don't wear a helmet, and you end up donating your brains to the pavement, well ... good for you? So most kids here wear helmets.
I would like to encourage you to do the same. This is a pulpit I'm happy to preach from. If you aren't wearing a helmet because you don't want to mess up your hair, or because they're uncomfortable, then grow up! Most likely your hair looks FAR nastier than you think it does, and no one will care how nice you hair looks if you end up a vegetable. And it's VERY easy to scramble your brain - shockingly easy, in fact. Our brains are soft and vulnerable, and rumor has it they're important! Read Do I Need to Wear a Helmet? for more.
You can also read other skater's stories and post your own in how Has a Helmet Saved Your Life? Once you're convinced, check out the Top 10 Skateboard Helmets list and pick one out.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month! originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 15:36:38. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 9 March 2010 | 10:36 am
Skateboarding, Like Life, Requires Balance...
 Jenni wrote in and asked, "I'm just learning how to longboard and I'm finding that when I remove my back foot to push I lose balance and sometimes will fall forward a bit or to either side..." Bummer! Having poor balance makes skateboarding very tough. I think I have pretty great balance, but when I got onto my friend's Nintendo Wii balance board, it made fun of me, asking me if I have a hard time walking. Jerk machine! So how to we get better balance?
Practice!
That's the key. Like everything else in skateboarding, you just need more time doing it. But, there ARE things you can do to improve your balance.
- Cruise around more - this is the easiest, most natural fix. Ride your skateboard or longboard around, and you WILL improve your balance.
- Home balance training - things like standing on one foot with your eyes closed, for as long as you can (it's actually pretty tough!). Things like this will help improve your sense of balance, and will strengthen the little muscles that help it all happen.
- Use a balance board - the best one of these I've ever used is the Indo Board, but there are several out there. Practice on one of these while watching TV, talking on the phone, anything at all! They work wonders.
I hope this helps! If you have any ideas of your own, share them below! Skateboarding, Like Life, Requires Balance... originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 19:37:25. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 6 March 2010 | 2:37 pm
The Legend of Wildredo Gomez
 HBO made a short video in their "How to Make It in America" series about legendary NYC skateboarder Wilfredo Gomez. If you haven't heard of him, Wilfredo is a possibly insane, mysterious, bigfoot-esqu, overwhelmingly talented skateboarder who haunts New York City.
The video features guys like Eric Koston, Gino Iannucci, Guy Mariano, Mark Gonzales, Andrew Reynolds, Heath Kirchart and many more. Here's a quote from the video from Attiba Jefferson, professional skater photographer:
"We get to the spot and Wilfredo's there and you can tell he looked a little rough from the night before... he throws up and he goes to try the trick, and on that try he makes it, and on his way back he looks at me and says: It's that easy. And from then on I knew he was the man."
The video features mature content, so you will be asked to register before viewing it. And if you are a little kid, well, ask your parents. Then leave a comment below about what you think about Wilfredo! It's funny how these guys all talk about how incredible he is, but how seriously unlikable he is ... What do you think? Have you known anyone like Wilfredo? Do you think he's even real?
The Legend of Wildredo Gomez originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 14:39:29. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 3 March 2010 | 9:39 am
Skateboard 101: Part Two - Skateboard Style
 On Skateboard 101: Part One, we talked about Skateboard Slang. Now we're trying to tackle an even harder topic - Skateboard Style. Skateboard style is a strange thing to talk about. No matter how much I think that people should just wear what they want to, we all know that skateboarding has its own "style".
But not all skaters dress alike - not at all! I like my clothes baggy and sloppy, while some guys wear pants that are so tight, I don't think they'll be able to have children. But still, between these two extremes, you can still tell most skaters on sight, can't you?
Again, just like with Part One, I'm not trying to tell you how to pretend to be a skater. In fact, I'm not trying to tell you how to dress at all! But, I get a good amount of e-mail from new skaters who really want to blend in with the skater crowd, and who don't know what to do. For some of us, fasion just doesn't come naturaly! So, for skaters like this, I have As a Skater, How Should I Dress? Read it, and see what you think. And if you have anything to add to the conversation about skateboard style and fasion, write a comment below!
Skateboard 101: Part Two - Skateboard Style originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 17:07:58. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 1 March 2010 | 12:07 pm
Get Into the Vans Warped Tour for Free!
 Want to go to the Vans Warped Tour for FREE? Volunteer at the Concrete Wave booth at the Vans 2010 Warped Tour, and get in to the Tour for free! Michael from Concrete Wave gave this to me, to pass on to you!
"We need 2 volunteers per day x 40 days. That's 80 volunteers. You get a free pass to the show. You'll work at the booth helping give out passports, prizes and coordinate traffic. YES! You'll see bands and you'll meet some very cool people. But the best thing: you'll be helping out not-for-profit organizations.
"We'll even throw in some goodies.
"BUT...you need to tell me WHY you would make the best volunteer! Email me about 200 words by April 30th at mbrooke@interlog.com."
Visit warpedtour.com to find out when the tour is coming to your town, or look through the Skateboarding Events Calendar!
Get Into the Vans Warped Tour for Free! originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 00:40:40. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 25 February 2010 | 7:40 pm
LongTreks Trailer: Peru y Bolivia Trailer
 Adam shared this story with me:
"In January 2009 Adam Colton set off with Paul Kent and Aaron Enevoldsen to conquer the Andes with only longboards and backpacks. Mike Hager supplied $4000 of video equipment to document themselves skating over 1500 miles through some of the toughest terrain on the planet. This is their first release showing amazing scenery, character, native Peruvians, and downhilling with 30lb backpacks! Watch the video on YouTube.
"The three encountered major food issues, 3rd world conditions forced them to make packaged cookies a staple of their diet! The high-altitude posed the threat of altitude sickness and exhaustion. Along the way Adam's board broke and was modified into a whole new creation. Money was such a tight issue for Paul and Aaron who started the trip with no plane tickets home and $1200 USD between them! The three uploaded their location via spot tracker every single night, and photos and blogs between major towns. This trip was the beginnings of a new and spectacular form of documentary travel: Long Distance Skate Touring." LongTreks Trailer: Peru y Bolivia Trailer originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 21:42:35. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 24 February 2010 | 4:42 pm
Skateboard 101: Part One - Skateboard Slang
 I'm starting a new series here that I'm calling "Skateboard 101", to help brand new skaters get a handle on the massive and often confusing world of skateboarding.
Part One covers skateboard slang. This can be good for new skaters, or for the parents of skaters who just want to understand what their skater kid is talking about! Take a look and read Skateboard Slang. It covers slang words for skateboards, skaters, and slang words that skaters use. This article isn't meant for you to read to be able to ACT like a skater, it's meant for people to understand skaters more, and for new skaters to understand their friends. After you've read it, read Skateboard 101: Part Two - Skateboard Style
Got any words that you think should be added? Post them below! If you post an especially sick one, I'll add it to the list!
Skateboard 101: Part One - Skateboard Slang originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 19:41:36. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 22 February 2010 | 2:41 pm
Shaun White, The Olympics and Skateboarding
 So Shaun White's still got it! As I write this, America has 6 gold medals in the Winter Olympics, and one of those belongs to pro-boarder Shaun White. He's insanely talented ... to be a pro snowboarder AND skateboarder ... wow. I hope you saw his run (if you didn't you can watch Shaun White's run here) - he had already clenched the gold by his last run, so it was just for fun. And of course, it was still awesome. So far, no one has mastered the art of boarding in the way that Shaun has.
You can also check out the Shaun White photo gallery for pics of him skateboarding and snowboarding.
Thinking about this brings up the question, what about skateboarding in the Olympics? I have a blog post that talks about it - Skateboarding in the 2012 Olympics, and it has EXPLODED with comments! Check it out and see what you think. There are a lot of people passionate on both sides of this thing. So, to help see where people are, I made a new poll:
Shaun White, The Olympics and Skateboarding originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 20:37:54. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 19 February 2010 | 3:37 pm
Skateboard Comany Logos
 Looking for some big high resolution skateboard logos? We've got 'em! Take a look at the Skateboard Logo Gallery - you can use 'em for your desktop, school projects, making stencils, and all kinds of other stuff. Have fun!
Skateboard Comany Logos originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 02:37:32. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 16 February 2010 | 9:37 pm
Upcoming Skate Contests
We have three big skate contests on the horizon for the second half of February (and two of them are in Florida!):
- The Vans Bowl-A-Rama is set for Feb 20th, 2010 at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. This will features a Men's Pro and Master's (40yrs and older) level contest.
- Grind For Life holds a series of 3 contests throughout the year - the first one on February 27th 2010 at Eastwood Skate Park in Rockledge, Florida. Grind for Life raises money for cancer patients.
- The Ian Tillman Foundation skate contest is set for Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at Stirling Skate Park in Dunedin, Florida. The Ian Tillman Foundation works to raise helmet awareness.
Get more info on the February page of the Skateboarding Calendar. If you have anything to add to the calendar, post it under the comments below!
Upcoming Skate Contests originally appeared on About.com Skateboarding on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 19:22:06. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Posted on 15 February 2010 | 2:22 pm
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Whats Hot in Skateboarding
Arbor Pocket Rocket Review
The Arbor Pocket Rocket has all of the features of an Arbor longboard, but is built to regular skateboard scale. The result is crazy little skate that rides super smooth, carves like no other, and makes hardly any sound. Tricks on the Arbor Pocket Rocket are a little difficult, but can be done. In short, the Arbor Pocket Rocket is a great hybrid mix between a longboard and a short skateboard. Read the review for more details.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Andrew Reynolds Frontside 180 Flip
Andrew Reynolds Photo Gallery - Pro Skater Andrew Reynolds skateboarding pictures and images, featuring Andrew Reynolds in various street skateboarding competitions.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Arbor Fish Longboard Review
The Arbor Fish Longboard is the shortest in Arbor's "carver" series. Tester Ray Thomason talks about the board, what it felt like to ride the Arbor Fish longboard, and how it pulled him back to his early days of skateboarding. Read all about the Arbor Fish longboard carver in this review, and see what you think.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
The Coleman Slide Instructions
Learn the Coleman slide on your skateboard or longboard. The Coleman slide is a 180 degree heelside slide. This slide technique was developed by the legendary Cliff Coleman in the 1970’s out of his determination to safely ride and bomb the hills in and around Berkeley, California. Learn how to Coleman slide on a skateboard through this easy step by step tutorial!
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Fallen Revolver Skate Shoes
The Fallen Revolver skateboarding shoe - It doesn't push the envelope in any area, or do anything really new, but it's a great skateboarding shoe. The style is simple and comfortable, but still strong, the shoe is tough in all the right places, and still comfortable and padded. Plus, the Fallen Revolver does have Billy Marks' name on it, which is pretty cool! Read this review for more details, and the actual specs of the Fallen Revolver skateboarding shoes.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Bam and Melissa Margera
Bam Margera Photo Gallery - Pictures of Pro Skater Bam Margera, of Viva la Bam and Jackass on MTV. Bam Margera is one of the most famous pro skaters there is - check out these pictures and photos of Bam in this Bam Margera Photo Gallery.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Skating as a girl- what to do?
Skateboarding can be an intimidating place for girls. It can feel like a boy's club, and that women aren't allowed. If you are a female skater, you might feel uncomfortable skating in public, or out on the street with the guys. And a lot of women feel nervous about going to skateparks. What should you do?
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Sheckler Fire Hydrant Flip
Ryan Sheckler Gallery - see pictures, photos and images of Ryan Sheckler, Professional Skateboarder from various X Games street and park competitions, and the AST Dew Tour. Ryan Sheckler is one of the most popular younger professional skateboarders out there. Theis photo gallery of Ryan Sheckler is packed with pictures and photos from the last several X Games competitions and the AST Dew Tour.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
The Truth about Bearings
The ABEC specification has been trashed by many overseas manufacturers. Don't trust it. Ron Foster is a bearing application engineer with 22 years of experience in bearings. "Out of dozens I've measured and tested, few met the advertised ABEC specification," said Foster. Read this article to find out more about the lies and fraud about ABEC ratings, uncovered by Foster.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
Grip Tape
What is grip tape? Grip tape is the gritty, sand papery layer that's applied to the top of a skateboard deck, so that your shoes can grip the board. Grip tape has a sticky side and a grippy side to the grip tape - once applied, grip tape helps grip the skateboard so that skateboarders can do tricks. To find out more about grip tape, click here and see the skateboarding dictionary / glossary, keyword grip tape.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 5:12 am
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Most Popular Skateboard News
Top 10 Skate Shoes
Top 10 picks for skate shoes! Read about the best shoes for skateboarding on the market, and check out some hot reviews as well. This list of the top 10 skateboarding shoes should help you with your skate shoe shopping, to make sure that you get high quality skateboarding shoes. Find out the best skateboarding shoes in this top 10 skateboarding shoes list.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
Ryan Sheckler Skating Street at X Games 13
X Games 13 Photo Gallery - see images and pictures from X Games 13 skateboarding competitions, from vert ramps skateboarding to street course skateboarding to the big air competitions and best tricks, including mens and womens skateboarding competitions at X Games 13.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
Bearings - Bones Super Swiss 6
Bones Super Swiss 6 are "fundamentally different" from regular Bones Swiss bearings. Bones Swiss have been the bearings to have for a good long while, but the one thing that skaters wanted improved on them the most was more strength, and of course more speed. And so Bones made the Super Swiss Six, which has 6 larger balls instead of the regular 7. This makes the bearings stronger against impact, and it raises the bearing's top speed by lessening the amount the balls must turn per rotation.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
DC Shoes Logo
Skateboard Logos - a gallery of logos of popular skateboard brands, good for reference, websites, MySpace backgrounds, collages, desktops, or whatever you'd like! You can see large skateboard brand logos from banners, stickers and decals.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
Element Skateboard Logo
Skateboard Logos - a gallery of logos of popular skateboard brands, good for reference, websites, MySpace backgrounds, collages, desktops, or whatever you'd like!
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
Setting Up a Slide Deck
Sliding can be one of the most enjoyable facets of downhill skateboarding. Few things simulate the feeling of slashing a wave or throwing an edge into deep powder like sliding can. Besides the fun, there’s utility: a well-placed slide in a moment of danger can save your life. One of the best things about sliding is that so much can be done with a simple deck, some hard wheels and bearings that can take a beating. Read how in these Setting Up a Slide Deck instructions!
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
Skateboarding in Ireland
Skateboarding Around World skateboarders talk about skateboarding worldwide. Skateboarding has taken off all over the world, and in each country it looks a little different (or sometimes a LOT different!). I've interviewed skaters from several different countries - click on the country you want to read about! I'd like to see this list grow - if you want to share your own experiences, I'm looking to interview pro skaters and regular skaters from all over the planet.
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
Top 5 Free Skateboarding Games
Check out the top 5 free online skateboarding games on the internet! These are the best online flash video games featuring skateboarding that are out there. Try them out - they're free!
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
How to Ollie Off Curbs
How to Ollie Off Curbs - Learn to ollie off curbs on your skateboard. Once you know how to ollie, you are probably going to want to ollie off and onto all kinds of things. That's great! The skills you'll learn here for ollying off of curbs can be used to ollie off of all kinds of things. Read these instructions on how to ollie off of curbs!
Posted on 11 March 2010 | 6:03 am
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