No matter where you go, there will be people with boards. Skateboards, surfboards, snowboards, you name it. Everywhere you look, there’s someone on a board flying by.
So what’s the big deal with skating?
The truth is, skating has been around since approximately 1950 when surfers wanted to find a way to transfer surfing on water to surfing on land. Currently, over 1 million people surf at least once a year in the United States alone. When you add in the amount of people who surf and skate regularly, you’ve got an overwhelming portion of the population that participates in board sports.
So there are other types of board sports?
Yes! There are all kinds of board sports out there. The most common are surfing, skating, and snowboarding, but sports like sandboarding are popular as well. Whether on land, in the sea, or even in the sand, board sports are everywhere. In 2014, the number of people who went skiing or snowboarding in the previous year amounted to over 11 million. That’s a lot of people shredding in the snow.
What if I want to start boarding?
That’s great! But there are a few things you need to figure out before you can start. First of all, you should decide what kind of boarding you want to do. Are you more of a snow person? Do you love the water? Are you a trick junkie or just looking for a better way to get from A to B? Let’s say you want to skateboard. For someone who wants to learn more tricks, they would be better off with your standard skateboard. If you’re a beginner and want something light and easy to maneuver, a cruiser is probably better for you. No matter what kind of board you choose, make sure you’re going to a reputable retailer to buy it! Over 70% of skateboarders prefer to work with small stores and specialty brands to ensure quality of equipment. And speaking of equipment, don’t forget to buy protective gear! Protecting your body is always important, but even more so when you’re first learning.
Beyond knowing the kind of board you want, or what kind of boarding you want to do, it’s important to go out there and try it! The number of people participating in board sports is increasing every year, and why shouldn’t it? It’s exciting to be out on the waves or streets. So what are you waiting for?
