SKATEBOARDING
Imagine zooming down a road, the wind rushing through your hair as you pull off a trick you just mastered. Skateboarding is all about pure joy—as it offers you a chance to chart your own path, literally! Plus, the new friends that you make at the skate park are an added bonus. But that’s not all—skateboarding is exercise in disguise! It is actually a full-body workout that strengthens your core muscles, upper body and legs without you even realising it. And, every time you land a tricky move you have been practising, you get an amazing sense of accomplishment—like you can conquer the world!
Balancing gracefully while adjusting your speed and weight gives you a huge boost of confidence. And, there is an important life lesson to learn too—it is okay to stumble and fall as long as you get up and keep going. Skateboarding is also a social activity—it is way more fun when you race your friends on a skateboard, right? So, what are you waiting for? Find a skate park near you and get rolling!
What is skateboarding?A skateboard is a small, flat board (81 cm long and 23 cm wide) with wheels attached to the bottom. The back end of a modern skateboard curves upward—this part is called the kicktail. A skateboarder stands on the board as it rolls, staying balanced by shifting the feet and body.
There are two main styles of skateboarding: vertical (or vert) and street style. Vert skaters perform tricks in the air by launching off ramps or riding in U-shaped structures called half-pipes. Street skaters use urban landscapes as their playground—riding over steps, railings and ledges to perform cool tricks.
Science behind the Sport: Skateboarding isn’t just fun, it is science in action. Every time you skate, you are using science to stay in control.
● Motion and Inertia – When you push off, your board keeps moving until friction slows it down.
● Gravity – It pulls you down after a jump, helping you to land smoothly.
● Friction – The friction between the wheels and the ground offers a firm grip, helping you to manoeuvre the turns and stop.
● Balance – To stay on the board, you must keep your weight centred. If you lean forward or backward too much, you will tip over.
So whether you’re dreaming of mastering complex tricks or just cruising down the street, skateboarding offers something for everyone. It’s not just about the cool moves—it’s about building confidence, making friends, and discovering the thrill of rolling on four wheels. Remember to wear your safety gear, start slow, and most importantly, have fun! The skateboarding world is waiting for you—grab your board and join the ride!
Famous Indian Skateboarders
● Atita Verghese is India’s first professional female skateboarder. She founded Girl Skate India, inspiring and empowering young girls to take up the sport.
● At just eight years old, Zarah Ann Gladys of Kochi, Kerala, became the youngest competitor at the World Skateboarding Tour 2024 in Dubai. She won titles at UAE’s Aljada Skate Jam and Circuit X.
● Shivam Balhara was just ten when he represented India at the 2018 Park World Championships Nanjing (China).
● Mumbai skateboarder Sagar Waghela is one of the early enthusiasts who focuses on building skate communities in India.
Words to Know
Ollie: A jump where the skater pops the board into the air using the back foot.
Kickflip: A trick where the skater kicks the edge of the skateboard with the front foot to make the board spin horizontally.
Pop Shove-it: A trick where the board spins 180 degrees without flipping.
Manual: Balancing on just the front or back wheels while riding.
Grind: Sliding along an edge or rail using the trucks (metal parts under the board).
Slide: Sliding along a surface using the board’s deck (instead of the trucks).
