Skates and parks
Wednesday 24 June 2009
n2k was at the Chaz Sands Invitational. Watch the video! Plus, find out about skate parks around the UK.
Types of skating
There are loads of different ways to skate. Roller skating on four wheels is one of the most popular, and inline skating, where the wheels are arranged in a single line, is common too.
Skateboarding is quite tricky to learn. It's not just about keeping your balance. A skateboarder has to get a board that is just the right shape so that they can pull off cool tricks.
Other types of skating include-
- Artistic roller skating: performing dance routines on skates
- Slalom skating: completing tricks around a straight line of cones
Skatepark tour
Liverpool
Rampworx, the biggest indoor skatepark in the UK, has got loads of different and challenging ramps, from a kink flat bank to a pyramid box. It’s so popular that some of the resident skaters have featured in Hollyoaks – read the rampworx blog to find out more.
This year, Rampworx played host to the Chaz Sands Invitational which brought together some of the best amateur and pro skaters from around the world.
Pro skater and organiser of the event, Chaz Sands, explains, “This contest is different from others because it is world championships qualifiers...there are only four contests in Europe that do this, and this is the only one in the UK.”
At the event each skater performed differently. Whilst some planned their entire routine, others just did what felt natural at the time. Pro skater Stefan Horngacher states, “My technique? No technique.”
These contestants see skating as more than a sport. Skating keeps them active, fit, and off the streets. Pro skater Stephen Swain adds, “It’s a way of expressing what we want to do.”
London
Playstation skatepark is ideal for beginners and pros, and its got loads of obstacles - from half pipes, trapezium boxes and rails. Plus, it’s a cool place to spot some pro skaters.
Sheffield
The House is filled with challenging courses including a 16ft mini ramp which connects to a hip flat bank. The park has also been decorated with amazing graffiti.
Leeds
The Works is split into four sections, each with different obstacles. Big Street has a 16ft handrail and a wall ride, while Easy Street is perfect for skating, inline and BMX.
Newquay
Newquay skatepark is the biggest indoor park in the south west. With loads of halfpipes, walls, fun-boxes and ramps, it’s a good place to skate, inline and even carveboard.
Rolling on
Sometimes skating can be perceived negatively by the public. n2k spoke to Paola Desiderio, Director and Producer of award winning skating short-documentary, Rolling On, who wanted to get rid of some of those preconceived ideas about skaters. “I wanted to inspire teenagers into skateboarding and dispel the prejudice there is around skaters.”
“A skatepark isn't a place you go to get into trouble. Most teenagers go to skate parks to learn new tricks, watch others or see friends,” she adds, “It provides a lot of young people with positive role models.”
The most popular role model is Tony Hawke, who is featured in the documentary and has openly admitted that he was bullied as a teenager. It was skating that gave him the confidence he needed to overcome his problems. “Anyone that says skating is a bad influence just haven’t looked deep enough into skating,” he explains.
Where do I start?
“Check out online shops and your nearest skate park,” advises Chaz.
Many parks offer workshops for beginners and welcomes anyone who wants some space to practice in their own time.
Or if you’re up for something different why not try street surfing? This sport involves riding on an inline skateboard that gives you the feeling of surfing waves. Surf Anywhere is running events throughout the UK for anyone who wants to have a go. Find out more.
You can also win a limited edition street surfboard through n2k!
