Compared to other popular sports, skateboarding has been around for a comparatively short period of time. It all started in the 1950s in California – back then it was known as sidewalk surfing – and was created by surfers looking for a fun alternative when waves were low. Scooters, on the other hand, came about in the late 1990’s. Since then, both skateboards and scooters have gone through periods of resurgence. Now, in 2017, they’re enjoying another popularity spike, especially with teenagers and young adults. If you’re a boarder or have a scooter, then you’ll know just how amazing this sport can be.
But if you’ve never tried it, here are some reasons why skateboards and scooters are awesome.
Adrenaline Inducing
Skateboards and scooters can be a dangerous sport, with users suffering from some nasty injuries – it’s all part of the fun! It’s also a difficult sport, taking months and years to master tricks. All of this adds a sense of danger and an element of excitement; they’re adrenaline inducing and provide s real sense of accomplishment. It’s also an exciting sport to watch. Just marvelling at someone flying through the air and performing tricks is enough to get anyone’s heart pounding!
Providing Regeneration
People on skateboards and scooters often get a bad name. There tends to be a bit of a stereotype and stigma around the sport, with people branded as rebellious and unlawful. However, this simply isn’t true. In fact, skaters have been known to boost city regeneration, making use of unforgotten and abandoned areas. This sport can also boost local economy and tourism. This is something you might have noticed, as more skate parks are continuing to pop up across cities in the UK – these are some of the best.
Friendship and Belonging
Everyone wants to feel like they belong, this is one of the biggest appeals of skateboards and scooters, especially for teenagers and young adults. It’s an inclusive sport, all about trying and having fun. It helps young people to find an identity, form friendships and instils and sense of belonging; you don’t have to be a certain type of person to be a skater. But you don’t have to be a teenager to give it a go.
Skateboarding has become increasingly popular with adults in recent years, proving it’s never too late to buy a board or scooter and give it a try.
