1. Be Hardcore
Wheelchair skateboarding, appropriately called "Hardcore Sitting" among it's athletes, is considered an extreme wheelchair sport. Hardcore sitters use their wheelchairs like skateboards or bikes. Conquer challenging skate parks with spectacular jumps, amazing leaps and impressive, high-speed rides down skate ramps. Use a modified wheelchair that has suspension to soften the ride and diminish the impact of landing. One example is the Boing model, available from wheelchair specialty stores such as Colours In Motion. The chair needs a grind bar to protect its shocks when you grind. Wear special, protective padding while you ride, including a helmet, elbow pads and gloves. Use a full-face helmet for greater protection against head and facial injuries. Remember that wheelchair skateboarding poses a serious risk of injury.
2. Turn It Around
Show off your skills and perform wheelchair skateboarding tricks. Watch other skateboarders and BMX bikers for stunt and trick ideas. One stunt some wheelchair skateboarders attempt is the mid-air 180-degree turn. Go down one side of the ramp to build momentum and get the wheelchair up the other side of the ramp. Get the wheelchair airborne and launch off the opposite side of the ramp. Turn the wheelchair a complete half-circle while in the air and land facing the opposite direction from where you started.
3. Skate With Flair
Perform the Backflip Somersault. Also called the "Flair," this stunt is the ultimate mark of a master wheelchair skateboarder and should be attempted only by elite skaters. Begin the Flair on top of one side of the ramp. Descend the ramp and build momentum to get the wheelchair up the other side. As you go off the top of the other side of the ramp, flip the wheelchair for one complete, backward rotation while in mid-air. Land this stunt facing in the same direction that you started. Take extra safety precautions while you practice the Flair. Pad the top of the ramp with soft cushions to reduce the impact of any falls. Attempt the Backflip Somersault without cushions only when you feel that you have mastered the trick.
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