Skateboarding
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[edit] Skateboarding
A skateboard is a very portable and hitchhike compatible way to extend your travel energy as long as you have a good road or sidewalk. Every downhill becomes a free ride and flat areas just take an occasional kick. Most people will need to limit their pack size and weight as it interferes with the body motions required to get the most out of a board. You can build your own remembering that quality parts will last longer. Your board also gives you something to do when killing time although it seems that just having a skateboard somehow attracts cops and mall security types.
[edit] Transport vs Recreation
If you are using your skateboard solely as transportation, use a 33-42 inch deck with 58 mm wheels and bigger. If you plan on using your skateboard recreationally use a 32-33 inch deck and 52-58 mm wheels.
[edit] Ollie
To use your skateboard as effective transportation you are going to need to learn how to ollie. There are many great instructional videos on the internet such as: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/768109/ollie_trick_tip/
Just as a summary, the basics of an ollie are:
- Crouch your legs and put your weight on the tail
- Slam the tail down, propelling the board into the air, and jump at the same time
- As you jump into the air drag your front up while bringing you back foot up even with your front foot
- Your board should level out under your feet
- Land with your weight centered
[edit] Skater Culture
After you learn how to ollie you can either use your board exclusively as transportation or skate as a hobby. If you choose to pursue skateboarding and be a part of the skateboarding culture here are some suggestions:
- If you go to the skatepark or a heavily frequented spot where there are lots of skaters, do not "snake" anyone, or cut in front of them. Especially if you are not very good, snaking skaters is a great way to become "that fucking guy" that no one likes
- Become friends with the local skate shop owner and/or team. DO NOT STEAL FROM A SKATESHOP. Most owners are hard workers and make little money doing what they do. Plus, many skaters don't call the cops so chances are if you get caught shoplifting it will be settled in the alley and not downtown.
- Try not to have anything illegal on you when you skate in areas where it is illegal to skate, because if the cops stop to give you a ticket or even trespass you, chances are they will search you
- Try not to get heavy into shop or crew drama. Skate with who you want to, regardless of what shop they represent or ride for, or who they hang with
[edit] Protection
A skateboard can be an effective offensive and defensive weapon. It can be used to knock a weapon out of someone's hand and is a great blunt weapon. If you want to cause maximum damage use the trucks to hit your assailant. Defensively you can use it to block punches to your body. The grip tape (the black sandpaper on the part where you put your feet) makes an excellent weapon, as you can swing down and hit your adversary in the face, scratching it pretty good. The trucks (the piece of metal connecting the wheels to the skateboard) can easily break some asshole's nose trying to fuck with you if you swing it hard enough. Try to get the axle of the truck to hit the bridge of the nose. The motherfucker will be out for a while.
