As of 2010, professional skateboarding includes two prominent genres known as ramp and street. In the late 1980s and early 90s, ramp skating dominated the sport of professional skateboarding. Professional ramp, or vert, skaters commonly participate in televised contests that take place on large half pipe ramps. Street skateboarders prefer an urban riding terrain. Professional street skaters film full length video parts that feature high speed tricks. According to Thrasher Skateboard Magazine, professional street skateboarders perform tricks on manmade obstacles including handrails and ledges.
Ramp Skating
Step 1
Carry the skateboard to the top of your local half pipe ramp. Connect the safety straps of the skateboard helmet under your chin. Walk to the edge of the half pipe ramp, known as the coping.
Step 2
Place the tail of your skateboard onto the metal coping. Hold the skateboard over the edge of the half pipe with your back foot. Align your front foot over the board close to the middle.
Step 3
Lean forward to drop in to the half pipe. Press down on the tail as you reach the apex of the half pipe. Grab the middle of the skateboard with your dominant hand as your wheels ascend above the ramp.
Step 4
Hold the skateboard to your feet to perform a pro trick known as the frontside grab. Release your hand from the board as you begin to descend. Bend your knees as the wheels touch down onto the half pipe.
Street Skating
Step 1
Skate around a large city to find an appropriate street obstacle. Locate a handrail that runs down the middle of a staircase. Choose a small rail with a square shape if you have never skated a handrail.
Step 2
Push your skateboard toward the downward angled rail until you reach a comfortable speed. Apply pressure to the tail while jumping onto the top of the handrail. Slide your front foot forward to ensure the bottom of your skateboard remains parallel with the rail.
Step 3
Align the metallic trucks of your skateboard over the top of the square handrail. Bend your knees to stabilize your stance as you land on top of the handrail. Allow your trucks to slide down the handrail to perform a professional trick known as the 50-50 grind.
Step 4
Lift up the front of the board as you grind down the length of the rail. Bend your knees to absorb the impact of the trick. Roll away from the rail to complete this dangerous street skateboarding trick.
Things You'll Need
- Skateboard helmet
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