For skateboarders, there is nothing quite like getting away from it all and spending time on their skateboards. There are now skateboard vacation getaways available for avid skateboarders.
A Skateboarding travel getaway is all about skateboarding and of course, vacationing. This will involve places where skateboarding parks and other skaters loom. The great thing about these places is that you can learn a lot from other skateboarders and get some tips to improve your own skating skills.
There are numerous places that you can go and have some great skateboarding fun. You don't have to go too far, here in America; there are lots of places which can be considered as a Mecca for skateboarding, and if you live near these places, then you are quite fortunate.
With numerous choices, you may experience a hard time choosing where to go. If you are near California, you may want to check out the Simi Valley Skate Lab or the Diamond Bar Skate Park. Here you will find numerous challenging skate parks and fully practice and develop your skills. There are also a lot of pro and semi pro skaters which hang around these areas so you will certainly see some great skating.
Notable parks include Lakeland Adair Skate Park. The park doesn't only offer great fun for skateboarding enthusiasts, but there are also different amenities which other people can enjoy. For indoor skateboarding, The Tampa Skate Park would be your destination of choice.
Go to Melbourne and go directly to the Riverslide Skate Park. When in New South Wales, you may also want to check out the Cardiff Skate park.
Not only will you be able to experience fantastic skateboarding fun on this type of holiday getaway, but you will also be able to relax and suck in a new atmosphere.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Skateboarding Alternatives
Skateboarding alternatives is the things you can do with your skateboard when it is wet, raining, cold, and snowing. So you have to switch to another sport.
First, a skateboard should not be kept in your house until spring or until the weather permits. There are lots of activities you can do with your skateboard aside from going out and hitting the sidewalks and parks.
Indoor skateboarding Do not ride your skateboard and chase your cats, dogs, and brothers around the house. What I mean is you can practice your tricks inside your house, in your room or on the carpet of your living room. You can practice your balance, kickflips, kickturns, ollies, and other freestyle tricks without going out of your house. You don't want to annoy your mom and dad with broken glasses, and windows.
Garage skateboard If your house is not good enough, you still have your garage. Transform your garage into your personal skate park. Construct a mini ramp and short rails. Skating in your garage is the best way to beat the rain, snow, and cold.
Indoor skate parks If you are doing all your skateboarding on the street and parking lots, then you may have forgotten all about indoor skate parks near you. Here, you can improve your skateboarding techniques regardless of the weather. It might cost you some money, but if you can afford to buy wheels and trucks, you can definitely afford to pay for the use of the park. When spring comes, go back to your favorite skate sport.
Snowboarding It's winter and the snow is falling. You can't roll but you can definitely slide. So, grab your snowboard and head to ski parks. If you don't have the money, your neighborhood is all yours.
Skateboarding alternatives is the things you can do with your skateboard when it is wet, raining, cold, and snowing. So you have to switch to another sport.
First, a skateboard should not be kept in your house until spring or until the weather permits. There are lots of activities you can do with your skateboard aside from going out and hitting the sidewalks and parks.
Indoor skateboarding Do not ride your skateboard and chase your cats, dogs, and brothers around the house. What I mean is you can practice your tricks inside your house, in your room or on the carpet of your living room. You can practice your balance, kickflips, kickturns, ollies, and other freestyle tricks without going out of your house. You don't want to annoy your mom and dad with broken glasses, and windows.
Garage skateboard If your house is not good enough, you still have your garage. Transform your garage into your personal skate park. Construct a mini ramp and short rails. Skating in your garage is the best way to beat the rain, snow, and cold.
Indoor skate parks If you are doing all your skateboarding on the street and parking lots, then you may have forgotten all about indoor skate parks near you. Here, you can improve your skateboarding techniques regardless of the weather. It might cost you some money, but if you can afford to buy wheels and trucks, you can definitely afford to pay for the use of the park. When spring comes, go back to your favorite skate sport.
Snowboarding It's winter and the snow is falling. You can't roll but you can definitely slide. So, grab your snowboard and head to ski parks. If you don't have the money, your neighborhood is all yours.
How to Overcome the Fear of Getting Hurt?
It is normal to get hurt while skateboarding. It might not be too pleasant to know that a lot of people get injured when skateboarding. But it is part of learning and practice. However, your fear of getting hurt is yours to solve and you cannot blame the sport or other people if you happen to get cuts, bruises or broken bones while skateboarding. Getting enough confidence will overcome your fear. Wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and gloves. You can also wear padded shorts if you want to. Don't worry if you look a bit ridiculous with these gears. You reduce the risk of getting hurt and you'll gain confidence as long as you are protected.
Start with the simplest trick. The ollie can be a good choice. You will get confidence by learning a trick or two. A lot of newbie skaters give up skateboarding because they either get hurt or never learned a trick. You also have to ride with your friends. Riding alone in full battle gear will make you look like the mascot. I did not tell you not to gear up properly. Skateboarding should be fun. And although you cannot invite someone to ride with you on your skateboard, you can ride along with friends who don't ridicule you if you don't know how to do a single trick.
It might not break any bone when you fall, because you are padded up and but you will get hurt a little. You gain confidence and overcome fear.
Accept this: skateboarding is a painful sport. Even pro skaters break a bone or two once in awhile. You will get hurt but if you ride with care, you can skate another day and improve your skills.
Start with the simplest trick. The ollie can be a good choice. You will get confidence by learning a trick or two. A lot of newbie skaters give up skateboarding because they either get hurt or never learned a trick. You also have to ride with your friends. Riding alone in full battle gear will make you look like the mascot. I did not tell you not to gear up properly. Skateboarding should be fun. And although you cannot invite someone to ride with you on your skateboard, you can ride along with friends who don't ridicule you if you don't know how to do a single trick.
It might not break any bone when you fall, because you are padded up and but you will get hurt a little. You gain confidence and overcome fear.
Accept this: skateboarding is a painful sport. Even pro skaters break a bone or two once in awhile. You will get hurt but if you ride with care, you can skate another day and improve your skills.
Tips to Prevent Serious Injuries to Avoid Long and Painful Hospital Stays
Whether you like or not, skateboarding is a risky and painful sport to learn. You will eventually fall many times when you are learning and you will also get hurt a lot. Although wearing helmets and pads can help reduce the damage, you will still feel pain and get some bruises and scrapes from hitting the pavement.
The single most important thing that you should remember is that when you fall never catch yourself with your hands. Catching yourself with your hands whenever you experience falls is a great way to break your wrists. So, in case your skateboard goes flying off and you are falling, try to use your shoulder and your body to absorb the impact. These body parts can take a lot more punishment than your wrists and it will also minimize the risk of serious injuries.
When you fall, roll with the blow as much as you can. You may get some bruises on your body but you have to remember that bruises are much better than having a broken wrist. Even if you use wrist guards when you go skateboarding, it is important to teach yourself to not use them to catch yourself during falls. At some time in the near future, you will be skating with no wrist guards.
When you fall, it really hurts. Broken bones are very common in skateboarding. If you think that you have serius injury from fall while skateboarding, it is important for you to let doctor to check up your injury. A lot of people who try out skateboarding get discouraged easily when they fall. If you love the sport of skateboarding, then you should expect to get hurt, especially if you are a beginner.
The single most important thing that you should remember is that when you fall never catch yourself with your hands. Catching yourself with your hands whenever you experience falls is a great way to break your wrists. So, in case your skateboard goes flying off and you are falling, try to use your shoulder and your body to absorb the impact. These body parts can take a lot more punishment than your wrists and it will also minimize the risk of serious injuries.
When you fall, roll with the blow as much as you can. You may get some bruises on your body but you have to remember that bruises are much better than having a broken wrist. Even if you use wrist guards when you go skateboarding, it is important to teach yourself to not use them to catch yourself during falls. At some time in the near future, you will be skating with no wrist guards.
When you fall, it really hurts. Broken bones are very common in skateboarding. If you think that you have serius injury from fall while skateboarding, it is important for you to let doctor to check up your injury. A lot of people who try out skateboarding get discouraged easily when they fall. If you love the sport of skateboarding, then you should expect to get hurt, especially if you are a beginner.
Mistakes that Should be Avoided that can Kill Your Skateboard
When used improperly, the deck can snap in half, wheels can wear fast, and mechanical parts can break. Here are the things that can definitely put an end to your skateboard's life.
Braking
Powerslides. Powersliding is cool especially if you are the only one in the group who can perform it. As the wheels grind against the ground especially on rough terrains, it loses its grip and shape.
Heel brake. When doing the heel break, you wear down the soles of your shoes or the tail of your board, or both. Excessive heel braking causes the kicktail to get thinner and eventually break, requiring you to buy a new deck. If you want to stop using the heel brake, at least put a guard underneath the kicktail which will take the grinding off the deck. A plastic cap will do although it will limit your ability to do some tricks successfully.
Landing
Landing with your feet in the middle of the deck is an effective way to break the deck in half. Let the trucks absorb your weight by stepping above them when landing.
Freestyling
Truckstand spin, truckstand hops, pogo spin, and pogo hops can definitely ruin your tail. Grinds can scratch the bottom of the deck. Some tricks can bend your deck undesirably. Well, skateboarding should be fun and skateboarders live to experiment on new tricks. If you can afford to buy a new skateboard, feel free to do these tricks.
Maintenance
You have to clean bearings and wheels periodically to extent their life and spare you from buying a new set. Maintenance is very important to keep your wheels rolling smoothly. This will enhance the riding experience. You can either put a sorry end to your skateboard or extend its life and sparing yourself from buying a whole new set. Tricks can and will definitely wear out your skateboard but if done correctly, the wear will slow down.
Braking
Powerslides. Powersliding is cool especially if you are the only one in the group who can perform it. As the wheels grind against the ground especially on rough terrains, it loses its grip and shape.
Heel brake. When doing the heel break, you wear down the soles of your shoes or the tail of your board, or both. Excessive heel braking causes the kicktail to get thinner and eventually break, requiring you to buy a new deck. If you want to stop using the heel brake, at least put a guard underneath the kicktail which will take the grinding off the deck. A plastic cap will do although it will limit your ability to do some tricks successfully.
Landing
Landing with your feet in the middle of the deck is an effective way to break the deck in half. Let the trucks absorb your weight by stepping above them when landing.
Freestyling
Truckstand spin, truckstand hops, pogo spin, and pogo hops can definitely ruin your tail. Grinds can scratch the bottom of the deck. Some tricks can bend your deck undesirably. Well, skateboarding should be fun and skateboarders live to experiment on new tricks. If you can afford to buy a new skateboard, feel free to do these tricks.
Maintenance
You have to clean bearings and wheels periodically to extent their life and spare you from buying a new set. Maintenance is very important to keep your wheels rolling smoothly. This will enhance the riding experience. You can either put a sorry end to your skateboard or extend its life and sparing yourself from buying a whole new set. Tricks can and will definitely wear out your skateboard but if done correctly, the wear will slow down.
How to Clean Your Skateboard Bearings and Wheels
If you notice that your wheels are not gliding the way they should be or creating a distinct squeaking sound, then it is time to do some maintenance cleaning.
1. Using a +" socket wrench or a skate tool, remove the wheels from the trucks.
2. Then, remove the bearings from the wheels. To do this, barely hook the wheel back to the axle (the bearing should be hooked to the tip of the axle) and slowly pry the wheel, pooping the bearing out. This requires extreme care as you might damage the bearing in the process.
3. Once you have separated the bearing from the wheels, you can now clean them separately.
4. To clean the wheels, use water or mild soap and water solution. Brush the dirt off the wheels or simply wipe them with rag or towel. Check and remove dirt embedded in and around the wheel. Dry the wheels with cloth or towel.
5. Now, clean the bearings. Take one bearing and spray every edge with a generous amount of Tri-flow Superior Lubricant. Do this on both sides of the bearings. Repeat the same procedure to the rest of the bearings.
6. Once you are done with all the bearings, you can attach them one by one back to the wheels immediately or let them leak dan dry first.
7. Reattach the wheel and bearings assembly back to the truck.
If you do not have the time to do all these, you can clean the bearings while still inside the wheel. To do this, remove the wheel from the truck and spray Tri-flow Superior Lubricant directly to the bearings. Pat down the wheel assembly to remove the lubricant inside. Then, reattach the wheels back to the trucks. While this cleans the bearings, you may want to periodically remove the bearings off its wheel for thorough maintenance.
Cleaning your skateboard bearings and wheels not only will improve your skateboarding experience, it also will extend your bearings' and wheels' lifespan.
1. Using a +" socket wrench or a skate tool, remove the wheels from the trucks.
2. Then, remove the bearings from the wheels. To do this, barely hook the wheel back to the axle (the bearing should be hooked to the tip of the axle) and slowly pry the wheel, pooping the bearing out. This requires extreme care as you might damage the bearing in the process.
3. Once you have separated the bearing from the wheels, you can now clean them separately.
4. To clean the wheels, use water or mild soap and water solution. Brush the dirt off the wheels or simply wipe them with rag or towel. Check and remove dirt embedded in and around the wheel. Dry the wheels with cloth or towel.
5. Now, clean the bearings. Take one bearing and spray every edge with a generous amount of Tri-flow Superior Lubricant. Do this on both sides of the bearings. Repeat the same procedure to the rest of the bearings.
6. Once you are done with all the bearings, you can attach them one by one back to the wheels immediately or let them leak dan dry first.
7. Reattach the wheel and bearings assembly back to the truck.
If you do not have the time to do all these, you can clean the bearings while still inside the wheel. To do this, remove the wheel from the truck and spray Tri-flow Superior Lubricant directly to the bearings. Pat down the wheel assembly to remove the lubricant inside. Then, reattach the wheels back to the trucks. While this cleans the bearings, you may want to periodically remove the bearings off its wheel for thorough maintenance.
Cleaning your skateboard bearings and wheels not only will improve your skateboarding experience, it also will extend your bearings' and wheels' lifespan.
Skateboard Safety Tips
Fractures, sprains, abrasions, contusions, and even head injuries are frequent among skateboarders. These can be prevented with the following safety tips:
Wear a helmet
21 percent of the total reported skateboard-related injuries are head injuries. So it makes sense to wear a helmet. Make sure that the helmet you wear has a chin strap and fits around your head perfectly.
Wear protective gear
Elbow pads, knee pads, wrist pads, and gloves may not fully protect you from fractures but it can reduce the severity of bruises and cuts.
Do not ride in traffic
While modern skateboards are designed for maximum control, it is not advisable to ride when crossing the street. Also, never attempt to "skitch" (or riding while holding on to a moving vehicle) on motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, or cars.
Skate on the right place
Many skateboard-related injuries are caused by skating in the street or in places with human or vehicular traffic. Go to parks, empty parking spaces, or indoor skate parks. It is equally important to skate on the grounds with smooth surfaces as small bumps, sticks, holes, and stones on the riding surface can cause falls.
Don’t take chances
Never show off.
Never skate alone
Like swimming, do not attempt to skate alone.
Learn to fall from the skateboard properly
Most injuries happen because the skateboarder losses his balance. Learning how to fall will reduce the risk of injuries. The best way to fall is to crouch down as it reduces your height and amount of impact during the fall. Try to relax your body rather than go stiff. Roll rather than absorb the full impact of the fall. And try to fall on the fleshy part of your body rather than absorb the impact with your arms.
Choose the right skateboard
Boards vary differently. Some are designed for speed while others are designed for freestyle or slalom. Choose a specific board that fits your requirements. If you did some serious skateboarding before, you should know. If you are buying for the first time, seek advice.
Know what to do in case of emergency
Make sure that you remain calm and seek help immediately.
Wear a helmet
21 percent of the total reported skateboard-related injuries are head injuries. So it makes sense to wear a helmet. Make sure that the helmet you wear has a chin strap and fits around your head perfectly.
Wear protective gear
Elbow pads, knee pads, wrist pads, and gloves may not fully protect you from fractures but it can reduce the severity of bruises and cuts.
Do not ride in traffic
While modern skateboards are designed for maximum control, it is not advisable to ride when crossing the street. Also, never attempt to "skitch" (or riding while holding on to a moving vehicle) on motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, or cars.
Skate on the right place
Many skateboard-related injuries are caused by skating in the street or in places with human or vehicular traffic. Go to parks, empty parking spaces, or indoor skate parks. It is equally important to skate on the grounds with smooth surfaces as small bumps, sticks, holes, and stones on the riding surface can cause falls.
Don’t take chances
Never show off.
Never skate alone
Like swimming, do not attempt to skate alone.
Learn to fall from the skateboard properly
Most injuries happen because the skateboarder losses his balance. Learning how to fall will reduce the risk of injuries. The best way to fall is to crouch down as it reduces your height and amount of impact during the fall. Try to relax your body rather than go stiff. Roll rather than absorb the full impact of the fall. And try to fall on the fleshy part of your body rather than absorb the impact with your arms.
Choose the right skateboard
Boards vary differently. Some are designed for speed while others are designed for freestyle or slalom. Choose a specific board that fits your requirements. If you did some serious skateboarding before, you should know. If you are buying for the first time, seek advice.
Know what to do in case of emergency
Make sure that you remain calm and seek help immediately.
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