Wednesday, March 30, 2011

All About Skateboarding

All About Skateboarding

Skateboarding is one heck of a craze, especially for the young ones. A recent study estimated that over twelve million people all over the world is involved in skateboarding, and more than one-third of all skateboarders are 18 years old or younger.

Skateboarding is technically defined as an activity wherein one interacts with a skateboard. A skateboard is a platform with wheels which was originally conceptualized during the 1950s where skateboarding became a pastime for surfers when the waves in the seas were too low.

During those days, surfers disassembled roller skates and took the wheels and attached them into wooden planks. This idea evolved from the use of what they called the crate scooters, which was basically a transportation and a pastime equipment made from a wooden crate that is attached to some kind of handle bars.

In the 1960s, skateboarding started to become a craze. Manufacturers sold millions of skateboards which literally resembled surfboards. They marketed skateboards back then as an alternative to surfing. In the 1970s, skateboarding took a more serious turn as the materials for the skateboards were upgraded from wood to more durable and flexible materials. Today, the skateboard is far better than ever before, as millions of dollars flow into researching the best materials and designs to be used in producing them.

Skateboarding is such an enjoyable and a challenging activity at the same time. Some people use skateboards as a means of transportation. It is a relatively practical way of getting around town because skateboards are so cheap and small as compared to bikes and scooters. One can buy a skateboard at a ridiculously low price, even a kid can buy one from his allowance savings.

Some people see skateboarding as a serious sport which entails lots of skills and talent. Several international competitions such as the X Games provide venues wherein the best skateboarders in the world can show their stuff. Skateboarding can be easy, but when it comes to executing tricks and stunts, it’s a whole different world all together. One needs the proper training and experience to be able to pull some tricks off.

If we look deeper into the world of skateboarding, it is definitely more than just a pastime or a sport, there is a culture that seemingly comes along skateboarding. Back in the olden days, skateboarding was primarily associated with the “rebel” culture. Skateboarders were often given the image of being dregs and rebels. However, as time passes by, skateboarding has been considered as a serious activity rather than a manifestation of rebellious angst.

Learning how to skateboard is usually done in the streets. Most of the successful skateboarders that we have today began their careers spending countless hours of practice on the streets. It’s not that they want to get good at skateboarding, it’s just they enjoy being doing their thing.

If you, or someone whom you know is interested in skateboarding, there’s really nothing wrong with trying it out. However, there are some serous precautions that need to be taken before engaging in the activity. Having the right protection such as helmets, elbow and knee pads are a must when skateboarding. They may look a little bit bulky, but they will prevent one from having serious injuries in skateboarding. The dangers of the activity are real and should not be taken for granted.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Why Play Sports?

Why Play Sports?

For children everywhere, it is easy to become stimulated by the various technology and other things that are around them.  For some, it may seem like a struggle to tear your child away from the technology that is so available and ready for them.  If you want to make sure that your child is receiving a well-rounded childhood, then there are options that you can consider in order to make sure that they benefit from being young.

With all of the abilities for youth to stay indoors, it is best to begin to show them that being outdoors can be just as beneficial.  Playing sports will not only help them to get the activities that there body needs, but will help them to keep the ideal of staying shape in mind when they are older.  It is becoming more common for children and youth to grow up overweight or obese, even from the age of five.  The problem is becoming so prevalent, that several children are having problems such as type two diabetes and asthma.

No matter what age your child is, they should be getting some type of physical activity every day.  It doesn't need to be anything vigorous, but should be something to get them moving and away from the easier stimulation in front of the television or Internet.  If your child is moving for at least thirty minutes a day, it will prevent the problems that children are growing up to have with their health.  By having something where the child is being encouraged to move around and is doing it with their peers, it will be easier to build a foundation for good physical health through activity.

If you are interested in your child staying healthy, then making sure that they play sports will give you the ability to become substantial in what they need for their physical health.  It will first prevent complications in their current health, beginning with obesity, and going into more severe problems.  Making sure that they stay physically healthy will also stay with them for the rest of their lives, making sure that they understand the importance of moving throughout the day.