Skateboarding garnered significant popularity in the 1960s after the invention of the urethane wheel. After experiencing a brief lull in the 1980s, skateboarding soon found its way back into the mainstream culture. As of 2011, the skateboard and longboard are used for various purposes. The longboard refers to a modified version of the conventional skateboard that features a longer board and larger wheels.
Street Skating
The standard skateboard features a compact design that measures around 30 inches in length. The width of the skateboard varies between 7 and 8 inches. This lightweight construction enables you to jump the skateboard over various obstacles. Street skating remains a prominent pastime in the skateboarding community. Utilize man-made objects, including painted curbs and ledges to execute street skating maneuvers. According to Thrasher Magazine, professional street skaters commonly jump down gaps as well as grind large handrails.
Vert Skating
Vert skating dominated the skateboard scene throughout the late 1980s and early 90s. Vert skaters utilize large manmade ramps that feature steeply inclined walls. Ramp skating pioneers, including Tony Hawk and Danny Way, helped to bring vert skating into the mainstream. Vert skaters reach high altitudes above the ramp while holding the skateboard to the bottom of their feet. As of 2011, vert skaters now participate in a dangerous event known as mega ramp skating. According to ESPN, the mega ramp can launch skaters more than 15 feet in the air.
Downhill
Downhill longboarders can reach speeds more than 30 mph. The longboard has been designed to offer stability during high speed maneuvers. The shorter skateboard will begin to wobble as it reaches top speeds. This phenomena, known as speed wobbles, will cause you to lose control of the board. The wooden component of the longboard, known as the deck, commonly measures 3 to 6 feet in length. Maintain a crouched riding stance as you navigate your longboard along the downhill course.
Transportation
One of the more conventional uses of the longboard deals with transportation. Many surfers across the globe utilize the longboard as a low impact form of transportation. Simply hold on to your surfboard while cruising down the block to the nearest beach. College students have also been known to use the longboard as a way to quickly navigate across campus. Watch out for pedestrians and oncoming traffic as the longboard does not feature a braking mechanism.
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