Did You Know - Skateboarding

If you have ever watched someone land a trick at a skatepark and thought, “I wish I could do that,” you are not alone. Skateboarding is a fun and creative sport that challenges riders to build confidence, develop new skills, and express themselves on four wheels.

Originally inspired by surfers in California who attached roller skates to wooden boards, skateboarding has grown into a global sport enjoyed by people of all ages.

Here's what makes skateboarding stand out:

• Creative and Individual: No two skateboarders are exactly alike. Riders can develop their own style while learning new tricks and techniques.
• Builds Confidence: Learning a new trick takes patience and practice. Every success helps build confidence both on and off the board.
• Active and Accessible: Skateboarding is a great way to stay active while spending time outdoors with friends and family.
• Endless Progression: From your first push to advanced tricks, there is always something new to learn or work towards.
• Olympic Sport: Skateboarding made its Olympic debut in 2021, introducing the sport to an even larger audience around the world.

How Skateboarding Works

A skateboard may look simple, but each part plays an important role in helping riders move, turn, and perform tricks.

The wooden board is called the deck. Four wheels are attached underneath using metal parts called trucks. Riders can stand on the deck and use their feet to push themselves forward, steer, and perform tricks. Some skateboarders enjoy cruising on sidewalks and pathways, while others ride at skateparks where they can jump, spin, grind on rails, and practice tricks on obstacles.

Why Try Skateboarding?

Skateboarding is more than just learning tricks. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, and self-expression. Whether you are cruising through your neighbourhood, learning your first ollie, or spending the afternoon at the skatepark, skateboarding offers a unique way to challenge yourself while having fun.

Popular Skateboarding Tricks

• Ollie: The foundation of many skateboarding tricks. Riders jump into the air while bringing the board with them.
• Kickflip: A rider jumps while flipping the board beneath their feet before landing back on it.
• Pop Shuv-it: The board spins beneath the rider while they jump and land back on the deck.

Skateboarding in Lethbridge

Places to Skate:

• Legacy Park
• Wade Galloway Skate Park
• Watermark Skate Park

Local Resources:

• Visit Boarderline Skate Shop for skateboards, equipment, advice, and information about the local skateboarding community.

Grab your board, find a skatepark, and see where four wheels can take you!