Skateboarding

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Inlines Skating

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BMX-ing

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Tuesday 26 July 2011

Choosing the ultimate Professional skateboarding Boots and shoes for any Brilliant along with Unharmed Skate board Excursion.

When professional skateboarding is very fun and exciting, it's not necessarily without threats every objective involving small wheels. Unique safeguards need to be created any time using the actual skate board and something of the biggest things you can do is always to wear a proper couple of skate boarding shoes or boots.Sneakers for the rest of usSkate boarding appears to be a very simple activity because almost 1 simply needs a skateboard and a paved surface to carry out the item. With regard to safety, skateboarders are required to use head wear, knee safeguards, and knee pads. That is not basically sufficient for the reason that one has to defend a key portion of the entire body found in skate boarding - the toes. This is how skate boarding shoes or boots enter the picture.Generally, folks might imagine that any activity boots and shoes would complete pertaining to skate boarding. Nevertheless, this is not true. When standard trainers may look to your workplace, they may not be able to supply the suitable safeguard in addition to ability to move of which skateboarding shoes and boots offers. Which is not enough to only find the subsequent list of skate boarding boots and shoes the truth is from the rack. You have to be careful regarding buying brand new professional skateboarding footwear.When selecting skateboarding shoes you have to take a look at four significant things: the ability of the shoes to provide safety, this shoe laces, comfort, as well as grip.Safety Features ( blank ) Essentially the most critical role connected with professional skateboarding boots and shoes can be guarding this skate boarder. Getting defensive, these shoes simply have to possibly be tough and flexible ample to face up to the actual affrication connected with professional skateboarding. Very good skateboarding shoes and boots should have Ollie protection permitting a participant to perform those people back breaking steps. Also a very good two of skateboarding shoes and boots really should have terrific coverage associated with Ollie safeguard, if at all possible the a sizable majority of the bottom spot, or even the entire place altogether surely nothing much less.Shoelaces skate boarding shoes will need specific laces that won't quickly fall apart specifically when put through force. Usual shoe laces would certainly conveniently scam soon after just a couple of working hours involving skate boarding, particularly for superior skateboarders. As a result professional skateboarding boots and shoes needs to have laces made of tougher elements when compared with other kinds connected with shoes or boots. Furthermore, it is usually greater in case the professional skateboarding boots and shoes include shoelaces which have been fixed interior in order to avoid any kind of pet stumbling because of lose laces.Comfort and ease ( space ) each and every sort of sneakers, professional skateboarding boots and shoes really should be relaxed for the consumer, in any other case, will probably be challenging be wearing these individuals for long time periods. Unpleasant boots and shoes could potentially cause blisters or sores while used for the duration of skateboarding for upwards of 2 hours. Uncomfortable shoes can also cause it to difficult, in any other case impossible to do a number of steps in the course of skate boarding.Grip : continue, although not the last, skateboarding shoes or boots should be able to possess strong traction on top in the skate board. Footwear that do not adequate grasping electrical power may cause your riders to slip away from the table inadvertently. The particular soles must be created from materials along with very good gripping potential. Experts advocate skate boarding shoes along with soles which can be created from bubble gum.Skate boarding shoes are crucial throughout professional skateboarding. They give safety, protection, ease and comfort and grip in the complicated voyages. You have to shell out considerably particular attention when buying skateboarding boots and shoes to acquire the correct one.

Sunday 24 July 2011

Finding the Right Snowboard Sales in the Market

Snowboard sales are everywhere. If you are thinking of buying one, it's good to keep in mind that getting it through installment is not a good idea. If you are an enthusiast in this area of sport, owning snowboard equipment is a must if you be a beginner, intermediate or a professional. This is because owning one enables you to have something to use whenever needed. And since snowboarding requires a lot of practice, owning one is very important.The first thing you must keep in mind is to look for the right snowboard that suits your preference. Snowboards can be quite expensive, that is why it is a big help to look for any snowboard sales. Shopping for the right snow gear might not be very easy especially when you are on a limited budget, that's why snowboard sales can come to the rescue. You can find snowboard sales in many different ways. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started.During off peak seasons, you can buy snowboards at almost half the price of its original value. This is something that snowboard enthusiasts should wait for during snow seasons since stores do not hold sales all the time. Here you can find the best of snowboards that comes in different colors, styles and features. Manufacturers are on changing these trends every season to suit the changing need of the consumers. This means that older styles will be sold at a much lower price than the new ones. The best thing about buying during off peak season is you are assured to get the best deals at lower prices!You can also find great deals of snowboards from clearance events. Quality snowboard sets are available at a very affordable price such as booths, clothing, gear and other items.Aside from that, you can also find snowboard sales online! Online stores are offering buyers big discounts so also try to keep track of them online when you are planning to buy one. Surf the net for the best deals and look around from time to time and do not just settle on buying the equipment that first got your attention.When a snowboard is higher than your nose from the floor, it is not ideal for you. When buying one, you need to get the desired length first by measuring your own body. To do this, you need to place one end of the board on the floor and the other end up the length of your body. The board must be able to hit between your nose and chin.You do not have to buy for a particular brand as it is more expensive. A good rule of the thumb is always choose the one that fits your style and which meets your allocated budget. It does not need to be the latest in fashion, it just needs to be the right equipment that matches your weight, height, experience and level of expertise. So be on a lookout for snowboard sales near your place!

Everything About Snowboarding for Beginners

Snowboarding became an Olympic sport in 1998. The promotion of enjoyment and safe snowboarding is the major goal of all snowboarding organizations. However, this goal is only realized when each and every snowboarder has developed the skill sets and control necessary to prevent injuries or others. To ensure safety, snowboard lessons are highly encouraged. Besides safety for beginners, lessons are also helpful for more accomplished snowboarders enhance their expertise.Most newbies generally invest their first day on the beginner slopes. They make use of the base area lifts. Every snowboard location provides special teaching concepts targeted specifically towards the first timer. By the second day, beginners are capable of boarding down the many low intermediate runs at each location. After the second day, broader differences in learning rates can be seen as individual athletic capabilities, control, and aggressiveness dominate in them. Generally, almost everyone has a certain level of disappointment during their first day. But as they go on, they will begin to really enjoy snowboarding especially once they are able to control themselves more and maneuver around the hill. That's why snow sports are very popular to people who seek challenge and enjoyment even if at a low ability level.You most likely have made the decision which you want to try first. For rookies, the very first hour or two is generally a bit more difficult with snowboarding and usually takes extra energy, but after that, the learning curve goes up considerably and you could possibly graduate in the beginner slopes earlier than other boarders. Beginners normally have better control through the entire learning process. They can get on and off the chairlifts much easier, and move around the hill easier. This snow sport is basically pretty different and has its own unique attractions. So many people are dying to learn it.Regardless of its reputation, snowboarding produce very few injuries, specifically serious ones. Almost all individuals who are cautious learn the basics and remain in control in order to not get injured, or for the most part, they experience sore muscles or perhaps a couple of bruises. Nearly one-fourth of all of the accidental injuries happened when the snowboarder proceeded to go over a mogul, over a jump, or hit a bump.Since snowboarding mechanics are different with that of skiing, there's an approximate 120 degree 'blind spot' on the boarders back side. This results in lots of complications on the slope, like when the snowboarder tries to turn and look. Needless to say, for those who have great neck motion, you can move your head to this blind spot much easier. The snowboarder really must be watchful. However, during the actual ride down the slope at top speed, that does not always happen. Therefore, if you are passing, or if you know that you are on the same trail with another boarder and both of you are in the 'blind' area, be aware that they may not see you. Call out and warn them if it looks like they are too close.

Consider Snowboarding Vacations

Do you wish that you and your family were more active during the cold winter months, but find that you have trouble breaking your loved ones out of their annual hibernation? Perhaps you're just tired of feeling like you're snowbound?A winter sports vacation might be just the thing to get you out of the house and into the great outdoors. Winter sports are not just great exercise, they're great fun that the entire family can enjoy.Alpine Skiing
When people think of winter sports, they most often think of skiing, and it's no wonder why. Skiing is the classic winter sport, and there are so many different ways to ski that there's bound to be something for everyone. Most people are familiar with alpine skiing, also called downhill skiing, in which you coast down the slope of a mountain or hillside trail. Alpine skiing is the most popular form of the sport, and you can find recreational and competitive varieties at most ski resorts around the world.Snowboarding
Snowboarding is an increasingly popular winter sport. An exciting mix of surfing, skateboarding, and skiing, this activity can be found anywhere downhill skiing is offered. Much like alpine skiing, snowboarders are propelled downhill by gravity, controlling their direction and speed by maintaining balance of their upper body.Cross-Country Skiing
If you're a hiker, cross-country skiing might be for you. The oldest form of the sport, it originated over 4,000 years ago in Scandinavia as a means of moving across the broad snowy plains quickly. This ageless activity makes for amazing exercise, because cross-country skiiers push themselves over flat and inclined terrain using their arms, aided by ski poles, as well as their legs. Cross-country skiing allows you and your family to take in beautiful, winter wonderland sights at your own pace.Planning Your Vacation
Skiing and snowboarding are available throughout the northern United States and Canada. Europe also offers beautiful snowbound destinations in countries like France, Austria, and Greece. If you're just starting out, you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars buying your own sports gear. Ski resorts usually offer skis, helmets, boots, boards, and other equipment for rent. Many also offer ski pass, rental, and lesson packages that can save you even more. Trails are graded by how challenging they are and most resorts have options that cater to a wide range of difficulty levels in order to meet your needs.

Friday 22 July 2011

Inline Skates - Great Tips For Their Use And Care

OK, so you've got your skates and, hopefully, full protective gear. Now, how 'bout some tips for their use and care?First off, newer contemporary blades have much better components than old ones. However, if you tried your new skates out in the sports store, chances are you skated on a carpet which compressed and slowed you down. ERGO, when you get out into the real world, you'll find that your skates go much smoother and MUCH FASTER because you're now skating on pavement's hard surface.So, now that your skates GO much more easily, the first thing you'll want to do to stay safe and under control is practice how to STOP. A quiet street or the back of a mall or supermarket parking lot is a great place to practice undisturbed. Once you've mastered stopping and speed-control, you're good to go.But, keep in mind that gravity always wins. So, any significant downgrade can make you pick up more velocity than you might find comfortable. In this connection, there are multiple ways to slow down and stop. A number of skate schools offer excellent training, and availing yourself of them will help you discover which techniques you're most comfortable using.Finally, a few short tips on maintenance. As you skate, your wheels wear down, but they don't wear evenly. In fact, it's just the opposite: Most skaters will find that their lead wheels wear fastest, although it does depend on your skating style.Looking at your wheels, they're round from two perspectives: around the periphery as you look from the side, and also in profile as viewed from the front of the skate. As you use your wheels, the front profile will begin to become asymmetric, sporting a somewhat chisel-shape from accelerated wear on one side.When this becomes apparent, you'll want to do what car owners do to maximize their car tire life... they rotate their tires. And so, you'll want to rotate your wheels as well.If you imagine your wheels numbered one to four from front to back, here's what you do. On both skates, swap wheels in position 1 with those in position 3, and also swap wheels in position 2 with those in position 4. At the same time you change your wheels' positions, also turn each wheel 180-degrees so it rotates in the opposite direction. If you do this periodically, you'll get the longest life from your wheels.Note that after any service work involving removing and re-installing your wheels, you should tighten the axle hardware enough so that the wheels won't spin freely. Then, back off them enough so that they do. First excursion out after service, you may want to bring your blade tool and recheck that everything's secure after you've skated a mile or so. If you feel uncomfortable performing this service yourself, most skate shops will take care of what you need for a modest fee.Bearings - These are the little metal thingies in the inside hub of each wheel which are responsible for you getting a great glide with each stride. They're said to be "sealed", but seals have limited strength. Thus, if you use your skates on dirt or grass, or say at the beach where there's blowing sand or sand kicking up as you skate, some of that contamination will eventually penetrate the seal and WHOA, all of a sudden your skates don't glide the way you remember.And, heed this: There's an immutable chemical reaction that says IRON + WATER = RUST. So, even though it leaves cool-looking tracks in the pavement, DON'T skate through puddles, or when it's raining, or after it rains and the pavement is still wet.If you've ever driven your car down a wet highway after the rain stopped, you know that getting too close to the car in front of you means you'll get a spray of mist on your windshield. Likewise, skating on a wet surface will result in each wheel spraying the one behind it, much to their detriment.So, there you have some recipes for safe, fun in-line skating along with tips to get you the best use of your blades. Now, go out there and skate up a storm!

Inline Skate Wheels -- Before You Buy

Inline skate wheels have the greatest impact on your skating performance. They come in different sizes, shapes, and composition, and are made to suit different styles of skating. Therefore, selecting the right wheels based on the way you skate is of prime importance.You should buy inline skate wheels based on your:
Body weight
Blading ability
Skating style
Speed comfort zone
Furthermore, before you head to your local sporting goods store for replacement wheels, it's best to learn something about the physical properties that are used to describe the typical, inline skate wheel.Learning about the Physical Properties
The four properties are hardness, size, core, and profile. You need to understand these properties so you're in the know when it comes time to purchase a new set of wheels.Hardness
The durometer reading is a measure of the hardness of the material that makes up the wheel's tire. The higher the hardness is, the harder the wheel. In addition, the harder the wheel, the longer it lasts, but the less it absorbs shock and vibration when skating.Most wheels on the market range from 74A (softest) to 88A (hardest), where the letter A denotes the durometer scale. However, recreational skaters are normally interested in the narrower range from 78A to 82A. This hardness range provides good control, grip, and a smooth roll for most trail skaters.A harder wheel with a higher, durometer reading, such as 82A, exhibits the following characteristics:
Good for skating fast on smoother surfaces
Lasts longer and is more durable
Generally used by heavier people
Better wear properties
More vibration on rougher surfaces
On the other hand, a softer wheel with a lower durometer reading, such as 78A, provides the following benefits:
Better traction
Greater shock absorption
More cornering grip
Enhanced rebound
Less vibration on rougher surfaces
Good for rougher surfaces
Size
The size of the wheel is the outside diameter measured in millimeters (mm). The larger the wheel, the faster the skate due to reduced rolling resistance. Wheels in the 72-mm to 80-mm range are just right for recreational and fitness skating. They provide good maneuverability and speed for skating longer distances on trails.However, wheels in the 84-mm to 90-mm range and up are faster wheels that provide the best performance at higher speeds. However, larger wheels are less stable and consequently require more skating ability. Racers and marathoners typically use wheels in this size range.Check your owner's manual or with the manufacturer to find out what size range your skates can accommodate. For example, the frames of K2 Exotech skates can hold up to an 82-mm wheel in the larger sizes and down to a 76-mm wheel in the smaller sizes. It's important that you find out the size range supported by the wheelbase of your skates, especially if you are planning to move up or down in size versus the original wheels that came with your skates.Core
The core consists of the hub and spokes. The inner hub houses the bearings and spacer, which is where the axle resides. The outer hub and spokes bond to the tire material itself, which is the polyurethane.The core design and material of construction gives a wheel its stability. A wheel undergoes stress from many different directions. The design and material determine the strength of the wheel. Cores range from a solid construction in aggressive wheels to lightly-spoked in racing wheels. The standard hub is called a 608 hub, which means it houses a 608-type bearing.Profile
The profile is the cross-section of the wheel where it meets the ground, when viewed head on. The profile or curve determines how much of the wheel is in contact with the surface at any given time.As an industry standard, all wheels are 24-mm thick, but it's the variation in a wheel's footprint that provides different functionality. The larger the footprint, the better the traction and stability.Selecting new Wheels
The hardness and size have the biggest impact on your skating, so base your choice on these properties. Cores and profiles have significant, but less subtle consequences. Compare cores and profiles after you've decided on the correct hardness and diameter for your weight, ability, style, and speed.Choosing a Hardness
As mentioned previously, the harder the wheel, the longer it lasts, but the lower the grip, and the less it absorbs shock and vibration on the trail. Recreational skaters normally look for wheels in the range of 78A to 82A. This hardness range affords good control and a smooth roll on most trails.However, that being said, you're not required to use the same hardness on all your wheels. Some skaters use mixed durometers to achieve a better balance of grip, shock absorption, and durability than is possible with a single hardness.Wear Patterns: Before you rotate your wheels during your monthly maintenance check, note the wear pattern on your wheels from the front to the back. Do any of your wheels tend to wear a lot more than the others? If so, you might want to put harder wheels in those positions.Some skaters tend to wear the inside edges of their two front wheels much quicker due to the aggressive way they push off when striding, as well as from the number of rolls they skate during the summer months. If you're in this category, you may want to experiment and try an 84A in the #1 positions, and a 78A in the #2, #3, and #4 positions on each skate.Durability and Shock Absorption: You may find your wheels wear down faster then you'd like when you skate on rough surfaces, which can happen on some stretches on certain trails. You could opt to buy all harder wheels, such as an 82A across the board, but you might experience a rougher ride. One alternative is to replace only half of your wheels with a harder durometer. Half of your wheels could be 78As and the other half 82As.The following are two, recommended orders from the #1 position to the #4 position as you move from left to right:78A-82A-78A-82A
82A-78A-78A-82AThis wheel mix gives you the shock absorption of a 78A wheel and the durability of an 82A wheel, or the best of both worlds!Picking a Size
Inline skate wheels in the 72-mm to 80-mm diameter range are about right for most recreational and fitness skaters. At the low end, skates with 72-mm wheels are appropriate for the lighter, female, recreational skater.At the higher end, skates with 80-mm wheels are best for the heavier, male, fitness skater. For the mid-weight, male or female, inline skater, a good compromise is to use 76-mm wheels.Some recreational skaters, who want to achieve an even better workout while trail skating via longer distances, higher speeds, or short sprints, opt for the largest diameter wheel they can fit on their skates. If your skating ability and style warrant the larger diameter, and you're comfortable skating at higher speeds, you may want to consider moving up to an 84-mm diameter.The larger diameter means more speed and the wheels last longer than shorter wheels of the same hardness. However, check with your owner's manual or the skate manufacturer to find out if your frame or wheelbase can accommodate wheels in this size range.Summing Up
I hope the above guidelines come in handy the next time you need to buy wheels for your skates. Remember that hardness and size are the most important properties, especially if you're a recreational skater who plans on doing a lot of trail skating this summer. Check your skates to see if you have a noticeable wear pattern on the front or rear wheels. If so, you may want to refit your skates with harder wheels in these positions.

Inline Skate Bearings and the ABEC Scale

If you think you need new bearings for your inline skates, it's best to check your bearings for wear using the tests provided in this article. Your bearings are at the core of your wheels and reduce friction so you can skate smoothly and efficiently. Hence, they need to be maintained properly from season to season.Checking for WearThe following are indications of major, bearing wear from a no-load, finger-flick, spin test:
One or more of your wheels stick(s) periodically
One or more of your wheels (is) are seized
One or more or your wheels require(s) a lot of force to spin
One or more of your wheels spin(s) freely for only a second or two
In addition, the following are signs of major, bearing wear from a spin test with the skater as the load:
While out skating you hear a loud, grinding noise from your bearings
It takes a lot of effort to pick up and maintain speed when you skate
Your bearings are hot to the touch after a roll
You may also want to replace your inline skate bearings if you decide to switch to a different type of bearing. You may want to change from shielded bearings to sealed or racing bearings.Learning the ABEC ScaleBearings are rated on the Annular Bearing Engineering Council (ABEC) scale. Ratings are numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 on the ABEC scale. The higher the number is, the greater the manufactured precision of the bearing.However, there are no required materials to meet the ABEC specifications. The bearings only have to be made to a certain precision. That's all!Servicing your BearingsInline skate bearings usually come in sets of four to eight. Before you head out to your favorite sporting goods store, write down the information that's shown on the outer shields of your bearings. Don't forget to flip the bearing over and include the text that's inscribed on the other side.If you're happy with the original bearings that came with your skates or the last set  you installed, by all means buy the same bearings. If you have serviceable bearings like TwinCams or YAKs and you don't mind doing your own cleaning and lubrication than you may want to stick with the double-shielded type, especially if they are the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that your skate manufacturer recommends.On the other hand, if you have non-serviceable or sealed bearings and are squeamish about doing your own cleaning and lubrication, even periodically, you may want to stick with this type of bearing and just replace them when they need to be changed.In addition, if you have shielded bearings with pop-out caps, like Powell Swiss or Black Hole brands, and like them for their ease of maintenance, it's probably best to go with this kind of bearing again.Buying new BearingsMy K2 skates have 8-mm, TwinCam, ABEC-1, double-shielded bearings with the following inscribed on the casings:TwinCamABEC-1608 ZZNormally, the manufacturer or brand doesn't make a lot of difference within the three categories of shielded, serviceable bearings, shielded, serviceable bearings with pop-up caps, and sealed, non-serviceable bearings. A bearing size of 8 mm and
the 608 designation are fine for recreational, inline skaters. The ABEC rating is another story!ABEC-1, 3, and 5 are the most common bearings that come with inline skates, as well as the newer ABEC-7s, which are gaining in popularity. Whether a skater can go faster with ABEC-5 bearings versus ABEC-1 bearings has never been proven, scientifically or otherwise.Furthermore, the higher precision may not make a significant difference for the recreational skater who travels in the 10 to 20 mph range. The average skater doesn't require a higher-rated bearing because the difference in performance is so minimal that it would only become apparent at speeds an inline skater never attains.In addition, the higher precision eventually deteriorates down to ABEC-3 or 1 due to dust, dirt, and regular wear and tear. To increase your skating speed, you'd be better off to improve your technique and learn how to cut down on wind resistance. These are proven ways to make you a faster and more efficient skater.So, get the most affordable ABEC-1 or ABEC-3 inline skate bearings you can find, clean and lube them with oil or grease on an annual basis, and you'll be just fine.Summing UpWhen it comes time to purchase new bearings for your inline skates, make sure you write down the information that's inscribed on the outer casing of your bearings before you head to your local, skating shop. In addition, beware that an ABEC rating is nothing more than a bearing precision. If you find a set of bearings at the right price that are suited for your skates, but they have a lower ABEC rating, go for it anyway! You'll probably never notice the difference.

How to Save Money on BMX Bikes and Bike Parts

If you are an avid BMX biker, you are probably well aware of how expensive this sport can be. Between buying the bikes themselves coupled with the ongoing cost of parts and accessories--whether replacement or aftermarket--and it's no wonder why BMX is such an expensive sport. Luckily, there are ways of getting good prices on bikes or bike parts without sacrificing quality in the process.With the popularity of BMX constantly on the rise, more and more stores and websites are starting to sell parts and accessories, giving you tons of options to choose from. One great way to save money on BMX bikes and accessories is to shop around at as many places as possible and compare all the prices and selections. This can easily be done by shopping online and you will likely find a better selection and cheaper prices using this method anyway. There are literally dozens of stores online and by visiting them all and comparing them you increase your chances of getting the best deal possible. Make sure you check stores that specialize in selling BMX bikes and parts as well as other department-type stores such as Amazon, and always be on the look-out for free shipping deals if you want to save the most money.Another great option that many choose to take advantage of is buying used BMX bikes and parts. By doing this you can give your wallet a huge break while at the same time doing someone else a favor. You can find used bikes and accessories fairly easy by visiting local cycle shops, pawn shops and even skate shops. Dick's Sporting Goods also buys and sells used items sometimes so if you have one near you be sure to check them out.The internet also offers a great selection of used BMX bikes and used parts with websites like eBay and Craigslist being a couple of the best resources. All in all, BMX doesn't have to be such an expensive sport, you just have to know how to be a smart shopper, and with these tips in mind you should find great success.

How to Do 360's and Other BMX Tricks

To tire Trap(it is best to learn this on a mini ramp until you can do it on the ground). Get average speed going up the ramp. Hit the lip and do a fly out and 180 by kicking the rear end around as you're about to land. Lean back slightly and lock back brakes. (David the Jesus)360know what foot you go to the ramp into) If you go with your right foot, spin to the right and vice versa. When you get to about one foot before the end of the ramp, jerk your front tire to right and follow through with your body. Master this motion and soon you will get a 360. (Matt)Curtain CallGo as fast as you can and hit the ramp. Once you are five feet in the air, put your left foot on left front peg and hold on with just your left hand. Take your right leg and arm off the bike while holding on with just you left arm and leg.Flatland Bar SpinStart with your left foot on the left back peg. Keep right foot on pedal. Slow down to a walking pace Put your left or right hand on the front of the seat. Pedal quickly with the right foot and pull up with your hand that is on the seat.Try balancing with your front tire up and spin your handlebars around. Grab the handlebars and put everything back on. (Once you get good at this, you will be able to do 3, 4, or 5 bar spins).SupermanGet a lot of air, and keep on trying. It'll take a little (okay, A LOT) of pain to get it right, but it's well worth it.Turndown 360sThe key to doing a 360 is to turn your head and upper body in the direction you plan to spin throughout the rotation; where the head leads, the body will follow ... hopefully.Double tail whipsTo do a tail whip, swing your right foot over the frame, and when at a fast walking pace, jam it in between the front forks and the tire. With your left foot still on the pedal, push the frame around in a counterclockwise direction.Keep your left foot in the air and use it for balance. Make sure to hold the front brakes. When the frame gets all of the way around, use your left foot to stop it, by placing it on the seat post.Take your right foot off of the tire and put it onto the right pedal, then swing the left foot over the frame and onto the left pedal, then pedal away. You've done it!720sBigger spins take more windup with the upper body (throwing your body into it), and more time to come around. Entering a spin slightly on edge can help get the bike turning, but wait until you've left the ground to really start the rotation (spinning too early may cause you to catch an edge).Turn your head and upper body in the direction of the spin as you leave the lip of the jump. Continue to look that way-over your lead shoulder-until you spot the landing. Fixing your sights on the landing and extending your body will stop the rotation, allowing you to set 'er down real nice.

How to Protect Yourself When Inline Skating

When you start out in any sport, you may think the most important thing to learn is how not to fall. In reality, there is a skill even more important than that...learning how to fall.  Learning the proper way to take a spill can mean the difference between getting up and brushing yourself off and being taken away in an ambulance. One of the sports in which this is the case is inline skating. While it is of course important to learn how to stay on your feet and avoiding falling at all, by learning what to do when you do fall, and wearing the proper protective gear, you can ensure that a fall is just a minor blip in your day.First off, you should have the correct gear. This gear includes wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. The first three are strong suggestions, the helmet, on the other hand, is a necessity. When you are inline skating, you will be traveling at extremely high speeds. No matter how experienced a skater you may, you may still encounter a surface that you are unfamiliar with and unprepared for, or some sort of object in the road. Not wearing a helmet can spell devastation if you ever take a bad fall. Concrete is incredibly unforgiving when you hit it at a high speed. You may feel silly wearing a helmet, but the alternative is just not worth it.Next, keep your options open as to where you can fall. This may sound silly, however, if you are traveling along a hard surface, try to stay somewhere near a softer one in case you need to wipe out. Grass or sand will be a lot more forgiving than concrete. If you are in a skate park, try to aim for softer areas as opposed to sharp angles.If you are traveling along and falling is inevitable, it is time to make a conscious choice of how you will fall. The most important aspect of the fall is to keep your body loose. If you tense up at the last minute, you are more likely to break something. Have some faith in your safety gear and relax into the fall. While it is usually a better idea to fall forward, try not to brace yourself with your hands as the impact will damage your wrists. Try to slide into the fall if possible instead of hitting the ground straight on. If you do fall backwards, try to fall in a curve, don't land directly on your butt so you protect your tailbone. Roll into your fall and then stop yourself from hitting your head by putting your arms out to the sides to stop you. You may have a couple of scrapes and bruises, but hopefully you will be mostly unscathed.Knowing how and where to fall will keep you safe as you inline skate your way to fun!

How to Enjoy Inline Skates and Skateboards Safely

It was a typical case of "anything you can do, I can do better." Mona had been a very good ice skater as a girl, and she had even played on a few ice hockey teams.She was athletic and tough as nails. When the teenage boy next door jokingly challenged her to a rollerblade race, the competitor in her quickly accepted the dare. Mona, Super Mother and Editor of the Local Newspaper, laced on a pair of borrowed skates, took a quick practice run, and rolled to the starting line.Ten yards into the contest, she hit a rough piece of pavement, and she skidded to a stop on bare hands and knees, breaking her wrist in the process. Her accident didn't make the front page of her paper, and Mona felt lucky it didn't make the obituary page, either.More than 15 million people participate in rollerblading, or inline skating. And that includes many adults. About 25,000 skaters are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year.Dress For FailureFractures to the wrist and lower arm account for nearly half of all injuries to skaters. Lacerations, abrasions, head injuries, and concussions are also a danger. The proper equipment can cut down on the danger when the inevitable spill occurs. Equipment includes:- a helmet with a hard plastic shell and padding underneath. It should have a chin strap, and it should not block your vision or hearing. Be sure to purchase helmets that meet the recommended safety standards set by ANSI or Snell. An approved bicycle helmet will do.- elbow and knee pads designed for skating. They should have a hard shell cover and fit snugly so they don't slide out of place.- wrist guards. They should have a hard plastic splint on the top and bottom. Wrist guards and elbow pads help reduce the risk to these areas of the body by more than 80 percent.- a good pair of gloves.- Purchase the proper skates (or boot), based on your skating experience and exercise goals. For best results, an inline skate boot should fit snugly but allow for a little extra toe room in the front. Go to a store with knowledgeable sales people.- Wear a thin liner of silk or polypropylene under a medium-weight athletic sock. Thick, all-cotton socks do not keep the feet dry and contribute to blisters and other foot problems.Don't Skate Around The Basics- Before you start take a lesson, including how to fall safely, from a qualified instructor. Contact a local retailer, or search for safety tips on the Internet. The National Safety Council Fact Sheet Library is one source.- Achieve a basic skating level before taking to the road.- Observe all traffic regulations.- Skate on smooth, paved surfaces away from heavy traffic and crowds of people.- Do not skate on surfaces that have water, dirt, sand, or gravel on them. You'll lose traction and control of your skates.- Avoid intersections at the bottom of hills.- Do not skate at night. It is difficult to see obstacles in your path, or to be seen by others.- Skate on the right side of paths, trails, and sidewalks.- Warn pedestrians when you are approaching from the rear.- Inspect your boots each time you skate.- Rotate the wheels when they begin to wear unevenly.- Skate defensively, especially on streets. Skaters are more invisible and vulnerable than bicyclists.- Check out a new route by bicycle or car before skating it.Skateboard WarningsOver 100,000 skateboarders require emergency room treatment each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Skateboarders with less than a week of experience have the most injuries, usually due to falls.- Learn how to fall safely.- Do not ride a skateboard in the street. And never hitch a ride on the bumper of a moving vehicle.- Check out the area for holes, bumps, rocks, and debris before you ride. Seek out parks and areas designated for skateboards.- Never skate in the rain.- Always skate with friends. If you are injured, you will need help.- Wear closed, slip-resistant shoes, a helmet, wrist braces, gloves, and special padding for knees, elbows and hips.- Before using a board, check it for hazards. Serious defects should be repaired by a professional.

How to Clean Inline Skate Bearings

Clean bearings roll smoother, are faster and will last longer than dirty bearings. Grit and sand can cause small pits in the balls and create an uneven rotation. Below are instructions on  how to clean a bearing with a removable shield. If the shield on your bearings are stationary, ignore the steps which are directed to removing shields.If you clean and lubricate your bearing often they should last you a long time. Always avoid getting your bearings wet, and keep them free of sand! Clean and lubricate skate bearings immediately if they become wet.Tools You Will Need:Small bowl or metal panStraight pinBearing cleanerSmall cleaning brush such as a toothbrush. Soft or medium, nothing too hard!Clean towelsPaper Towels1. For removable shields: Insert the end of the straight pin into the end of the C-ring which holds the shield onto the bearing body. Very gently pry the C-ring up and towards the center of the bearing, working your way around the circle. Remove the shield slowly, always taking care not to damage it.2. Place bearing in container or bowl and flush with bearing cleaner to remove contaminants. Citrus cleaners work well. Use the small brush or toothbrush and remove larger pieces of dirt and grime. If your bearings are particularly dirty, you may have to repeat this step. Be sure to change your solvent with each rinsing.3. After you have cleaned the bearing, pat it gently dry with a clean, lint free towel. Place on a paper towel and allow it to air dry. Make sure that all water has evaporated and dries out completely before proceeding to the next step.4. After the bearing has completely dried, apply 1 to 2 drops of quality lubricant to the inside of the bearing. A little lubricant goes a long way. Rotate the bearing slowly to work the lubricant in to all of the moving parts. Make sure the balls are completely covered in oil/grease.5.  Replace the shield by placing it on top of bearing and slipping the C-ring into the groove next to the shield. Then work remaining length of C-ring slowly and gently around the fitted groove until it snaps back into place.6. Put your freshly cleaned bearings back on your skates and spin them to insure oil/greases is evenly distributed and wheels are spinning smoothly.Warning: Always use extreme caution whenever working with any cleaning solvent. Bearing Cleaner is a toxic chemical and should be washed off skin immediately.

How to Choose the Right Roller Blade Wheels for Your Rollerblades

Roller blading has officially taken over the traditional sport of roller skating as the new way to step out on wheels. Rollerblading and inline skating is excellent fun and can also be great exercize for anyone seeking a different option to standard skating, or one thing besides running, biking, or walking. Rollerblading fundamentally takes a skate and puts the wheels in sequence, typically four wheels in a straight line. But this straightforward layout gives a skater additional speed, agility, and control on the pavement.Roller blading allows the skater to make sharp turns and cuts, which has developed an entire new sport of roller hockey - hockey on roller blades or inline skates. Roller blading also makes it possible for a skater to climb up hills, and descend them as well, much like a skiier would, which makes it great exercise for people who need to get outdoors. All of this fast action on skates does have a single consequence, and that is the wear within the roller blade wheels. Rollerblade wheels naturally wear out as time passes and should be replaced.Roller blade wheels will wear out very first on the insides of the wheel, and generally the front and back wheels will wear out very first. Thus before replacing rollerblade wheels, they may be rotated a number of times to even wear. Rotating generally just implies switching them from a single skate to a different and reversing the wear side, and also usually moving the outer wheels to inside. You can make your inline skate wheels last another 80-100% of life as a result of rotation.Ultimately you will have to replace your roller blade wheels. At this point, discovering replacements isn't tough, but acquiring the right wheels does take a number of decision making. You will find a number of considerations, the very first being dimension of the wheel. The dimension of roller blade wheels is measured in milimeters, and typically comes in 72mm to 80mm sizes (you will discover considerably 1 for unique purposes). Several roller blades can accomodate any dimension, but other won't hold the larger sizes so assess your handbook. In general, the greater dimension wheels will likely be quicker, and will last longer. The smaller wheels will provide you with far more control and stability. Something within the low end (72-74 mm) is advised for the beginning roller blader.The subsequent thing to consider is hardness in the wheel. Hardness is measured by the durometer scale, which uses numbers and letters to indicate hardness in the wheel. In general, the harder the wheel, the lengthier it'll last. However softer wheels give a skater much more command and effectiveness. With the common skater, once more something moderate is encouraged. See the recommendation that came with your guide, or search for something between 78A and 82A.Finally, you want your wheels to appear great right? Let's not kid our selves, most guys don't want pink wheels, and a number of people don't want loud colors. A lot of will consider the color and style of the wheel and how it matches their skates into consideration. Do not be shy in doing so. Obviously cost is a concern, and these days it is possible to acquire wheels from all types of sources, both in stores and on the net.So if you will be looking for replacement inline skate wheels, retain these basic considrations in mind: dimensions, hardness, and style.

Loaded Longboarding

There's a lot of buzz and development in Longboarding technology. Decks have become utterly indestructible based on the abuse being deliberately done to them to prove point. Videos where someone will just do a body flip and land on the board just to test the flex and reliability has been a common show. The construction of these boards from mixing maple wood, bamboo and fiberglass has strengthened the amount of reliability for these decks. This also means additional costs, but it's definitely becoming an investment in the long run.Then there's the trucks for longboards such as Paris, Randals, and the infamous Original Longboard trucks. All special in their own offerings.  There has never been a time where you have different wheels for each riding style. Wider, softer wheels is best for high speed rides and drifting. Softer wheels provide more traction and support.Here's a brief review on a few selection from Loaded Longboards. Their boards are well known for their bamboo composite decks and crushed glass deck top which is an alternative to grip tape. The Vanguard. I could say that it will be one of those all around boards for carving, commuting and pumping due to its symmetrical shape and stance. However, not meant for high speeds due to its flex nature, this is one board that will surely put a smile on any rider just for the overall graphic of this beauty.The Ceviche. This is the answer to the rider who wants to get a piece of the traditional skateboard tricks. Best used for riding in banks and bowls, pumping, carving and commuting this board is meant for the old school tricks master. Definitely shows that Longboarding is for everyone. Aside from the overall design, the graphics is one sweet eye candy.The Pintail. if you just want to have the best time pumping and carving hills, then this is the board to get. Due to it's light and fluid nature and adding the *torsional stiffness this board promises higher energy return. *Torsional : noun: the action of twisting or the state of being twisted, esp. of one end of an object relative to the other.In conclusion, it does not matter what Longboard you're using. It's if you're going to use it at all in the first place and have a good time under the sun. It also takes guts to try longboarding due to all the hazards that come with the sport.

Loaded Dervish Longboard Review !

The Loaded Dervish is a longboard made of flexible bamboo wood. Loaded Dervish longboards are similar to skateboards but are generally longer and larger and often used for transportation, or longboarding which may include cruising, downhill racing, slalom racing and tricks. Longboarding has many parallels with surfing and in fact has often been described as surfing on concrete.A Loaded Dervish Longboard is manufactured by Loaded Carving Systems, the loaded dervish is a carved board measuring about one hundred and five centimeters long (about forty-two inches) and twenty one and a half centimeters wide (eight and a half inches). It has a wheel base of about eighty-four centimeters (thirty-three inches) and weighs about eight pounds when the trucks and wheels are attached. The board is decorated with Persian-Islamic flourishes and designs said to be inspired by the "whirling dervishes", an order of Muslims who are best known for their practice of whirling as a means of worship and remembrance of the their god.It is also what is called a drop-through deck which means that the board has holes in it allowing the base of the truck mounting hardware to be placed on top of the board. This allows for a lower ride height resulting in greater stability without loss of responsiveness to turning.When looked at from the side, the dervish board is convex in shape and is designed to flex when the rider mounts the board or shifts his or her weight around to execute maneuvers or tricks. This flexibility is meant to allow the rider more control over the board and allow for tighter turns when travelling at slower speeds. It is also meant to make maneuvers such as slides easier to execute. While a stiffer board is more ideal for faster speeds, Loaded maintains that the board can be used in speeds of up to fifty kilometers per hour. The dervish is available in two "flex" settings. The stiffer board (called Flex 1) is meant to accommodate people weighing one hundred seventy to two hundred thirty pounds. Lighter users may also use the stiffer boards should they want more stability at higher speeds. The Flex 2 board is meant to be used by people weighing one hundred to one hundred eighty pounds.Because of its flexibility, low ride height and ability to make tight turns, the dervish is ideal for negotiating curved roads and avoiding obstacles when using it as a means of transport within the city and for longboarding events such as hills carving, dancing and sliding.

Learning How To Longboard Vs Learning How To Skateboard

While skateboarding is largely more popular than longboarding, they each have their own merits. If you don't know how to do either, you should know that both are a lot of fun, but it's slightly easier to learn how to ride a longboard. While longboarding has not become so popular that it has become a full-blown sport like skateboarding, there are people who make a living by longboarding and getting sponsored. At its essence, the longboard is really just a variation of the skateboard, but it's different in the sense that just about anyone can learn how to longboard much faster than they could learn how to skateboard. The bad news is that it can take quite a while before you are longboarding at the same level as the pros, but this is the same as most pursuits. It will require hard work, but here are some great tips to get you started.It takes time to figure out which foot goes in front and which foot goes in back. First of all, it really makes no difference if you're right-handed or left-handed. You'll have to know which leg is your dominant leg, but that should be easy to figure out. The best way to do this is to think about the way you approach things. Which leg do you always use to kick something like a ball? With which foot do you usually start walking up a staircase? If you begin to lose your balance, which leg do you use to save your balance with? The side you always use in those situations is the side that goes to the back of the longboard. It really has to do with your dominant leg and nothing to do with the direction you want to face.Start with an inexpensive but very durable longboard. High quality, beautiful longboards can be outrageously expensive. They're so expensive you'll probably just want to hang it on a wall and look at it! This is why you need to start with a beginner's board. They have strong wheels and are thicker. These boards will be able to take the pounding and abuse the beginner longboarder will give it. Ask your local skate shop to point out the more newbie friendly longboards.Next, you should know that stopping the board is a bit more involved than starting is. To practice, it's probably easiest to drag one foot to slow down and eventually stop. You can also try taking small steps to lose speed, kind of like the opposite of the push-off. This is a lot like stepping in the reverse direction of your travel.This isn't great for your feet, but it should do the trick. When you get better at this, you can stop yourself quite smoothly by dragging the tail-end of the board, but you do want to avoid tail-grinding if you're going a bit fast. With practice, you'll begin to take note of differences in the stances of other longboarders. You'll just need to practice and in time you'll discover what you like best. It's important to make an effort to work on the basics. You'll make excellent progress before you know it, and then you may realize just how comfortable you really are on a longboard.

Introduction to Longboards and Longboarding

Getting into Longboarding? Are you a sports activities fanatic? In that case think about going into longboarding. This particular exercise is usually generally known as skate boarding on concrete due to the similarity to that particular sport. This calls for the usage of surf-board like gear known as the longboard.Exactly what are longboards?The longboard is known as a surf board having added wheels. Longboards can be used for smooth sailing, slalom sporting, down hill racing along with other boarding tricks. Also, they are used for simple transportations. This kind of boarding gear may differ when it comes to form with respect to the designed action as well as tricks which the riders approach. Besides the form, the longboards furthermore differ in dimensions. One of the well-liked shapes may be the pintail. This particular deck looks like a teardrop. It can be smooth and therefore well suited for novice. Additionally there is the Drop-through deck. With this one, the center of the deck is positioned less than in which the trucks tend to be installed. Additionally, there are hybrid boards. These types of types consist of wheel cutouts that permit the wheel to turn at razor-sharp angles as well as simultaneously staying away from wheelbite. These types of boards are often thirty to forty in. long. This enables the rider to become innovative on his / her tricks. This kind of board also offers disadvantages. One of them is actually that it's open to shoe bite. Once the shoe rubs on the wheel it decelerates or perhaps halts the rider.Purchasing Longboards?There are numerous factors to think about whenever your buy these boards. One is the length. The length carries a large effect on the overall performance of the rider. The board having forty inches and more offers much better balance to the riders when compared with scaled-down boards. These types of boards additionally provide the rider control even at high-speed. You have to additionally think about the kind of skate board truck for use in your board. The kind of bearings to make use of is one additional element to take into consideration. Your decision should also rely on your budget as well as on your own riding style.Longboarding is definitely an interesting activity. In order to make this particular sport more enjoyable, you need to select your equipment nicely. And you can make use of the information and also the ideas mentioned previously so that you can pick the ideal board to suit your needs. This particular equipment could be bought through numerous sports supply stores. In addition to that, you may also have it from online stores. Buying online is the most efficient method to shop for a longboard because it removes the requirement to leave the conveniences of your house to purchase a board.

Info on Longboard Skateboards

What makes longboard skateboards such a fun past time? Some think its the speed that gets people hooked. Other people believe that hopping on a longboard is just a relaxing thing, and there is nothing like heading down to the city and riding your longboard around the city streets.So many people love longboarding because there are so many different types of longboard skateboards. Since there are many different types, there is a big following behind the sport. People have created specialized longboard skateboards for riding downhill, special board for cruising, and also special boards for carving the streets up like they're waves.


If you enjoy riding the hills in your neighborhood, you will probably search for longboard skateboards with a wider deck and also a wider set of trucks. You will want a longboard with these characteristics because they are what will help you maintain control over the board when you start to pick up some real speed and momentum. If you were to try and ride a hill with a longboard that was made for cruising, you might end up falling off and getting hurt.Another board people ride is the cruiser board. These longboard skateboards are much different from the other ones. First, they're shorter than a downhill board, but usually not as short as the carving board. The cruiser can look like your typical longboard deck, or can be shorter - that kind of cruiser is best for transportation. A lot of skaters will take a portable cruiser with them when they go to college because it makes a great deck for getting from class to class.The last category of longboards is the carving board. These types of longboard skateboards are usually shorter and fatter than the other two, and are made for carving up the road like you would with a surfboard on a wave. The reason this type of deck allows you to carve is thanks to the special truck, designed by carver skateboards. This truck fits on the front of your deck and sways back and forth, allowing you to carve your way around town. These boards are great for flatlands or for hills. Whatever you're comfortable with, really.You can now safely head to your local longboard shop in search of longboard skateboards. You know pretty much everything that you need to know to get started in this fun sport. Don't forget your safety equipment on your first ride!The writer loves longboarding and everything about it. He's been a hardcore longboarder for a very long time now, and likes to think that he is fairly knowledgeable on the subject. If you are looking for a place to purchase longboard skateboards after reading this, feel free to check out  http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

How to Slide Your Longboard

If you are planning on learning to slide, the first thing you should do is throw on a helmet and some protective gear. There is a high probability you will be spending some time on the asphalt during this process. So slide at your own risk. Even if you don't know how to slide yet, don't be afraid to invest in some gloves. I have found that most common long boarding injuries can be avoided, if you know there are large plastic pucks on your palms, making them impervious to pavement.Once you've got your pads and board all prepped and ready to go. Head out to a parking lot or somewhere relatively flat to practice speed checking. A speed check is a very small slide, where (for starters) your back two wheels let go of the pavement and do a very small slide. It's called a speed check because this move is sometimes used to burn speed (but mostly it just looks sick). Learning to speed check can be somewhat awkward. So here's a list of the basic motions you will be performing.1. Start on a flat area and give the board 2 or 3 good pushes2. Lean forward, putting most of your weight over your front foot3. Open your shoulders, between a 45 and 90 degree angle from the board. The wider you open your shoulders the larger your speed check, or drift will be. Also keep in mind that the longer you leave your shoulders open, the longer the slide will continue.4. Use your back foot and leg to swiftly force the back end of the board outward. Heel side is generally the most comfortable way to learn to slide. But it's all about whatever feels best.5. Close your shoulders and even your weight back outKeep in mind that part 3, and 4 should be happening simultaneously. (Or very close to at the same time) Your first few speed checks should be pretty minimal, really focus on taking a lot of weight off your back foot, until the slide has begun. The less weight on the back of your board, the easier it will be to force the back two wheels out.If you have never slid on the wheels you are currently riding, your slides will be fairly choppy for a while. Speed checking is also a great way to break in wheels. Once you have rounded edges on your wheels, you know your wheels are broken in. And it may be time to do a quick rotation.Once you've got the speed check on lock. Start incorporating it into carves for style points if you'd like. Now, you're ready for the full slideAt this point in your longboarding career, gloves are a must if you plan on learning to use drifts and slides down hill. Slides are a great way to control your speed, and widen the range of hills you're able to ride as you progress.To start sliding using your hands, you will need a small hill, and it helps if your wheels somewhat broken in. Treat your slide a lot like your speed check. Put almost all of your weight over your front foot, some riders even lay their back foot down sideways. Doing this not only looks stylish, but really forces you to keep weight off the foot and only use it to help push and guide the board around. Most people generally start with their back hand grabbing the middle of the deck and their front hand down on the pavement. This is a great first slide to learn. All it takes is commitment. Once you can turn your shoulders the full 180 degrees, your board will follow.Don't be afraid to put some weight on your sliding hand. The more weight on your board the more the slide will slow you down. Causing more friction between the wheels the concrete, making the slide more difficult. Two handed slides are generally easier once you get a feel for them. Because more weight is on your hands. And because with both hands on the ground, your shoulders are committed no matter what. But whatever slide you choose to learn first, practice is the key.Some wheels slide a lot smoother and easier than others. Some decks are a lot more prone to sliding and free riding. But keep in mind that all boards can slide. It is true that some setups are more difficult to learn on than others. But with some motivation and dedication, any board can slide. Good luck!

How to Go About Picking Your First Longboard

Longboarding: a sport that demands finesse, patience and dedication. A sport unparalleled; where intensity and adrenaline flows hand-in-hand with serenity. Where speedy reflexes hold importance tantamount to careful movements, a strange contrast.Longboarding opens one to a world of thrilling experiences, of calm cruising down winding mountains and exhilarating rides down steep hilltops. But like (a somewhat mismatched comparison here) Alexander the Great loved and conquered with Bucephalus, his trustworthy stallion, a budding longboarder must find a longboard he will love and enjoy; this is quintessential in ensuring one's first experience with longboarding is a relatively enjoyable one.Yes, you will fall, at least once, on your first time longboarding. Like everything else in life, remembering that cliched quote about 'picking yourself back up after falling' is a necessary application - but in the case of longboarding, and many other board sports - this especially holds true. You will fall, over and over again, but every time you pick yourself up, your muscle memory, utilizing pain, will create a mental note - and you learn for the better.There is something else to this, though. I'd like to bring up one important point: with the right longboard, you will fall less, but learn more. This is a given, and this is why picking a longboard is extremely important, and is arguably the most important first step to longboarding. A good longboard makes all the difference in the world - depending on how a good fit your longboard is for you, your first longboard will define your opinion of longboarding.  So, what, you might ask, would be the best solution - the best way of knowing which longboard to pick?Well, research is key. I now regret my first longboard purchase; it was one that could have been saved if only I had made an informed decision. I bought a relatively expensive longboard, that was sub-par in performance. Worst of all, I had planned on trying out hillbombing on my shiny new longboard, but I had no clue it wasn't meant for that at all. So, lacking the proper knowledge, I attempted a ride down a steep tall hill in my neighborhood, with disastrous results. Beyond physical pain from a rough tumble, I also experienced regret from not doing my research. I learnt a very important lesson that day - to do some homework before attempting a dangerous ride down a hill.The best way to save yourself from making a horrible purchase is to read longboard reviews - from reliable sources, of course. A cursory search on Google can quickly lead you to sites rich in content regarding longboarding. Some sites offer longboard reviews - often by longboarding experts and enthusiasts. Longboard reviews no doubt offer lots of valuable insight and can help you make a much more informed decision.These are the main reasons why you, as a budding longboarder, should dive deep into longboarding sources before picking a longboard:
Learn the terminology! You should familiarize yourself with different terms in longboarding so as to avoid confusion.
Longboards come in different shapes and sizes and are equipped with different components - this is because some longboards are made with a certain longboarding discipline in mind. If you want a longboard for speedriding, find one built and optimized for that purpose. Consider everything else a bonus.
Longboards are also in different sizes built to be suited for different age groups. Make sure you find out a longboard's dimensions, and how it suits you, before choosing to buy it. Longboards in different flexes are individually suited for each weight category.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reading longboard reviews. Of course, as with any other product decision, you, as the consumer, a stranger to the products, should do some research - this has importance tenfold when it comes to longboarding - because this product decision can lead to a full-fledged passion.

Thursday 21 July 2011

Facts about Inline Skates You Must Know

It is an interesting journey how roller skate came into being. From its first appearance at a London stage show in 1743, the race began to develop a stable set of skates. It was not until 1876 that the first patent of a near-modern day skate was completed, and only the 1880s when commercial production of the roller skates began. What began as a mere source of entertainment very fast became a worldwide sport.  The Rollerblade Company was the first to come out with the inline skates used today. Their design was much more popular than the traditional quads, and soon became the standard design for all skates in the inline variety.Inline Skates of Today Also known as rollerblades, these skates differ from the quad ones in the arrangement of wheels. They have three, four, or five wheels all arranged in a single file. Most do not have a braking system and require what is known as a 'heel' stop; however, those made for recreational purposes do provide one. These skates first came into existence as a custom design made for a Russian ice skater, and later the Rollerblade Inc. famously trademarked them into a brand in itself. The various parts of this skate are:1 Boot- the boot design is made to enable skaters with a good ankle support and also helps them control the skate. A high boot or a low boot is used depending on the purpose. For those into speed skating, a special carbon filter boot with low cut allows them more flexibility in movement. Other features are the use of a hard boot or soft boot, mainly used by speed skaters.2 Frame- skates made for recreational purposes and kids skates are more commonly made of plastic. For speed skates, special carbon fibre frames or even those made of aluminium ensure a smooth ride for the skater. Carbon fibre frames offer flexibility to the ankles. 3 Ball bearings- these allow the wheels of the skate to move freely in a smooth motion. 4 Wheels- all wheels are made from special plastic called polyurethane. The wheel size differs for different skating style a does the thickness of the wheel.5 Brakes- available in the more recreational skates manufactured, these come attached to the heel of the skate. Inline skating is categorized as an extreme sport and it is important for anyone venturing in this sport, for recreation or as a professional sportsperson, they invest in a good pair of skates. There are many brands available in the market to choose from. Also, there are many skater accessories to choose from like wrist guards, elbow pads and knee caps to make skating a pleasurable experience for all.

Determining The Right Inline Skate Wheels For Your Rollerblades

You could read through the classified ads in your local newspaper to see if anyone is selling a second-hand pair of rollerblades, which you could pick up cheaply and then remove the inline skate wheels and fit them to your own rollerblades. You could buy a new pair of inline skates - costly, but if your needs have changed and you are now using your inline skates for a different purpose to the one you had originally in mind, buying new ones may be the best.However, if your rollerblades have become comfortable over time and you cannot face adjusting to a different pair, there are specialists who deal in replacing your inline skate wheels. Inline wheels come in different sizes and you should determine what you expect your best rollerblade wheel to do: do you need speed because you want to race your rollerblades in competition with others or do you want to join an inline hockey team?If speed is what you care about, your rollerblades will need bigger replacement inline wheels. Sizes for inline skate wheels vary in measurement from 45 millimetres all the way up to 125 millimetres. If you are comfortable with the size of wheels that came fitted to your original purchase of rollerblades, then you are advised to buy a replacement with the same measurement of inline wheel.If your needs have changed and you'd like a different set of inline wheels, you will first need to check the instruction manual that came with your original purchase. The manufacturer of your rollerblades will recommend, what the minimum and the maximum sizes for your inline skate wheels are that your rollerblades are capable of handling safely. If you are allowed to change the size for your replacement inline skate wheels, bear in mind that bigger wheels are tougher to skate with. If you prefer to gain greater speed, slimmer inline skate wheels will work more effectively for you.Using a specialist has the advantage that you can get expert advice on which inline wheels are best for you right now, but they will also advise you of your replacement inline skate wheels' capability for future use.You might only want them for general riding now, but once you feel more comfortable to take on the next challenge, you might want to use your rollerblades for sport activities, in which case a specialist in replacement inline wheels will advise you how best to compromise with the budget you have available.Buying your replacement rollerblade wheels from a specialist may seem more expensive at first, than buying a second hand set from somebody who's no longer interested in using their rollerblades, but using a specialist will pay off in the long run. You will not only save money by buying the most appropriate inline wheels for your needs, you will also buy a set of rollerblade wheels catering for the future.

How to assemble a longboard

Buying your first longboard can be a daunting task - especially if you have never stepped foot on a longboard before. If you really have an interest in the sport, keep reading. This guide will help you get started by teaching you what makes a good longboard.You will want to think about the type of longboarding you're going to be doing before you just go out and buy a longboard. If you want to go downhill as fast as possible, you'll need a high tech board, like something from sector nine or loaded longboards. If you just want to cruise the streets and do things at low speeds, then most any other board will work just fine.You may just want to go out and buy a longboard that's already setup for you. This is called a complete longboard. The best advice that this guide can give you if you take the route of buying a complete longboard is this: don't waste your money on a cheap board. Your experience will be infinitely better if you spend a good chunk of money on a good longboard. If you'd rather put a deck together, you will need to buy all the parts. We'll explain wheels first.The first thing you'll need to buy if you're putting a longboard together is a good pair of wheels. Longboard wheels are usually soft. A regular skateboarder would use hard wheels, but longboarders want to feel as little of the road as possible. Soft wheels absorb a lot of the road and give the rider a nice smooth ride. Soft wheels also help the longboarder brake when they're sliding - hard wheels will just slide, while soft wheels grip the road and slow the board down.You will also need a longboard deck. The only company that really makes these is loaded longboards. Fortunately, loaded longboards are great decks. You can also buy a loaded complete, but some people like to put their own together. Be sure to read about the different types of flex that loaded longboards offer, as it will affect your riding experience.The last thing to pick is a good set of trucks. There are different sets of trucks out there and the best way to find out which ones work well for you is to try them. Most stores should have the trucks you're looking at setup on another board and should be happy to let you try them out. If you can't test them, though, just make sure that you buy yourself some wide trucks. They can always be replaced later.That's about it for putting together a longboard. You'll find as you go through everything that the best way to piece a skateboard together is to go to a shop and look at all the components. Find parts that suit you and your riding style, then put everything together. You shouldn't be too disappointed if you've taken the time to find quality parts.

Entertain Yourself with a Skateboard

If you're looking for a new hobby, you should check out skateboarding. If you already have a skateboard, then it's time to learn some fun things you can do with it. Read on and you will soon know more.      Before I continue, you should know that skateboarding is inherently dangerous. When you skateboard, you are taking a risk. There's a very good chance that you'll fall off your skateboard sooner or later.  


  Also, before trying any of these fun things, wear your skateboarding equipment. Get a proper helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, at the very least. Safety should be your number one priority as a skateboarder. Without keeping yourself safe, you're risking your ability to skate.      One reason many people like skateboarding is because you can do it anywhere. It's possible to skate downhill, uphill, on flat ground, outdoors, and even outdoors. Skateboarding is quite liberating.      Skateboard ramps are plenty of fun. They can be made without much effort - a classic ramp is just a board stacked up on some objects. A safer alternative is to construct a ramp entirely from wood. Cut a two by four piece of wood diagonally, and nail a piece of plywood to the pieces. Instant ramp!      If you want something even easier, and you live in suburbia or any other residential area, use the curbs in front of your house. These are lots of fun to skate on. If you're good, you can skate them like mini concrete waves.      The curbs are great fun because they're like a mini skateboard park. You can practice your tricks on them, and jump off them for some big air. You can even jump onto them from the street, like a little gap.      When I was a boy, my group of friends thought it was a good idea to jump over each other with our home built ramp. It's very dangerous, and I don't recommend that you try it at home. A better idea would be to stack random objects, and try to jump over those instead.      Speaking of gaps, we used to play a game where you stack up your skateboard and then your friends ollie over it. If someone doesn't make it, then they add their board to the pile. This keeps going until there's only one person left, and this person is the winner.      If you don't have any friends to go skateboarding with, you should head over to the skatepark nearest you. The skatepark is a great place to meet other friendly skaters, who will probably enjoy playing skateboarding games with you.      You can have fun with your skateboard in plenty of different ways. Don't feel like you are limited by what I've written above. Instead, use this guide as a way to think up new ideas. Always remember to wear your safety gear!

Downhill longboarding for beginners

Introduction One of the coolest things you can do with a longboard is the longboard discipline. There are also longboard downhill races you can participate in to test your skills against other longboarders. Great prizes can be won here. The only disadvantage of downhill longboarding is the steep learning curve. It will take some time to fully master this discipline. However if you mastered the downhill longboarding, your overall skillset as longboarder will greatly improve. Other disciplines like slalom or cruising will automatically become easier for you. The purpose of this article therefore is to give you an introduction to downhill longboarding.First step: Selecting the right boardThe first thing you must do is buying a specialized longboard for downhill races. You can also try to go downhill with a regular board, but you have more chance of falling and the speeds you attain will be less. Mainly because specialized longboards are firmer and designed to gain great speeds.ProtectionDon’t skimp on protection measures. You will need this. You will get serious injury if you go down great slopes without some sort of protection. You will need the following:• Gloves• Knee pads• HelmetThese items are crucial. You will fall a lot in the begin.LaunchGet the board positioned at the top of the hill. Be sure the hill is safe. Always scout the area first for obstacles that could make you fall hard. Also be sure that there is no form of traffic in the area you want to go downhill. StancePut one foot in front of the other, about two feet apart on the longboard. Best is If both your feet are pointing forwards. Squat a bit and keep your arms on your back. Avoid crashing.Learning to slideThe most crucial skill to learn before you hit the big slopes is sliding. You cannot just simply jump off your board if you have speeds of 40 km/hour. This will be a very dangerous endeavor. Therefore be sure to have learned the skill of sliding before you hit too tight slopes. You can also use your foot to slow down, but I would not recommend this for the following reason: Your soles of your shoe will get severe damage. Also you have the risk of falling. This is all you will need to properly learn the skill of longboarding. I wish you much success in practice!

Choosing a BMX Stem

Upgrading your bike with a new BMX stem will customize your ride to your comfort level. With an aftermarket BMX stem you determine your reach distance and how high or low you want your BMX handlebars to set. You can give your bike a completely new image by purchasing BMX pegs to match the stem and other coordinating accessories as well.You will find many styles of BMX stems available-enough to match every personality. Beyond just color and texture decisions, you must choose between quill-type stems and threadless. When you install the stem, the threadless type will clamp onto the steerer. The older quill style, however, attaches to the inside of the tube by compression.These stems are also rated according to the angle. When looking to upgrade a bike, test out a couple styles or at least get a close idea of what angle you need so that you buy a product in keeping with your needs. You do not want to have to adapt to an awkward bike (and a backache) if you purchased the wrong stem.Each day seems to bring a new style or development to bike stems. Aluminum alloy stems provide a cost savings most of the time except for the high-grade alloys which cost much more than the carbon stems. Carbon fiber stems add strength, less weight, and help absorb a lot more road vibrations, although they cost a slight bit more than most aluminum stems. On some bikes a titanium stem adds a special touch, reduces weight, and costs a bit more than most aluminum or carbon types. When shopping, you may go for the more functional stems from companies like Black Ops or Thompson. North Shore Billet and Chromag offer direct mount stems for certain bike types. Others may choose from the many designs by Shadow Conspiracy, Sputnik, Animal, and Kore, to name a few.When you shop for the stem, know the size of your handlebars and the steerer tube. Once these details are known, you can decide on length and drop. In particular, stem length controls the response of the front wheel-longer stems delay response where shorter ones turn more quickly. Depending on your past scar record, you may also want to consider a more streamlined or rounded stem to avoid sharp edges that may injure.With a well chosen BMX stem, you can relax as your bike stands out from the rest.

Checklist for a BMX Beginner

If you are interested in starting BMX riding but are not sure about the preparation that goes in for a beginner, here is a quick checklist about some of the equipments that you ill need to get started.Bike:The type of riding you will be doing will decide the type of bikes you need to buy. Several specialty BMX bikes are manufactured for bicycle motocross, dirt jumping and freestyle. A basic BMX bike should be checked for all essential parts, such as kickstand, chain guards, fenders, etc for a complete and safe ride.BMX Pads and Protective GearsHelmet: A helmet is must-have equipment for BMX riders regardless of the type of riding you choose for yourself. Basically, the BMX helmets are divided into two categories, open face helmets and full face helmets. Prices vary for $30 for a basic helmet to as much as $150 for an advanced one.Knee pads: An important BMX pad, knee pads are important to protect injury prone knees. Having a pair of good quality, durable and comfortable knee pads that are specifically designed for BMX rides are must. Usually, their price vary from $20- $35.Elbow pads: Another must have BMX pads, elbow pads take care of your elbows in case the bike skids and you fall straight on your hands. Elbows are most likely to get injured in such cases and therefore wearing elbow pads gives you the confidence to ride freely. A basic pair of elbow pads usually cost $18.Gloves: Gloves are one of the most overlooked protective gears. Although they are not mandatory for any ride, but having them is a good idea. They help keep your hands warm in case of extreme weather as well as give you a strong grip with your bike. It is important to check that your gloves fit well to ensure good movement of hands and fingers while riding the bike.Shoes: Extra gripping biking shoes are ideal for BMX riding. However, in absence of them a pair of tennis shoes can also be used. The types of shoes you wear are based on your own comfort level.All the items mentioned above are mere essential that are must while you begin your venture for BMX riding. In addition to them other apparels like shin guards, mouth guards, tailbone protectors, chest pads, padded shorts, and many other protective accessories are also available. Although, it is almost impossible to gather all of them, being a beginner having at least the minimum is must for your safety. Good luck and have a safe ride!

BMX Kids Bike Reviews

The term BMX stands for bicycle moto cross. Originally, these bikes are descended from the motorcycles that were used for short track racing. BMX racing is popular with adults all over the world; however, there are many children who are getting into the sport for themselves. Due to their simple and durable construction and a one size fits all design, a parent will not have to worry about their child outgrowing this bicycle quickly. Each bike is not constructed the same. To find the perfect BMX kids bike for their child, a parent should look at the following companies.Diamondback Kids' Mini Viper BMX Bike - This bike allows a child to experience the thrill of BMX racing without breaking the bank. It is created from the same design that the company uses for their world renown adult bicycles; however, its compact frame is design for kids who are just learning to ride. Its distinguishing features include a Hi-Ten steel frame and fork, 28 spoke aluminum wheels, a padded seat, and mini BMX grips. It includes training wheels if they are needed, and the bike's starting price point begins at $124.99.
Mongoose Radical Boy's BMX Bike (18-Inch Wheels) - This bike has become the unofficial standard of choice for junior freestyle riders. Its oversized tubes ensure the bike's durability. For the utmost in stopping power, the bikes relies upon front and rear alloy caliper brakes, and the cable detangler supports 360 degree bar spins. The wheel set has a reinforced 48 spoke design, and four freestyle pegs allows a kid to easily advance to more advanced stunts and tricks. A comfortable freestyle saddle completes the image of the ideal bike. Pricing begins at approximately $99.99.
Razor DSX BMX Bike - Silver (16") - This particular bike is designed with safety in mind when it comes to teaching a young one how to ride BMX style. In addition to dual suspension, the bike also offers an oversized front wheel flange and an enclosed chain. A sturdy four bolt system provides security and durability for the bike's frame, and the bike's alloy quick release seat pin allows the seat to be quickly and easily adjusted. The starting price point for this bike begins at $104.95. Training wheels are included in the initial purchase, but can be quickly removed as needed.One of the most trusted and popular brands of bicyles for children, the kid in your life will be sure to have a fun and safe time on their new bike!

BMX Bikes - What Are the Different Styles

BMX riding breaks down into a few main styles. It can the speed and competition of racing to the thrill of big air when doing dirt jumps. Depending on the type of riding you want to do, you may benefit from a bike optimized to that type of riding.BMX Racing This is where all started. Super fast sprint races around a dirt track with jumps, berms and corner. BMX racing is growing in popularity again in Ontario including races at the indoor track in Orangeville and Track 2000 in Milton. Check your local cycling association or the local bike shops to find out where the BMX racing is in your area. Fast, fun and easy to get into, BMX racing is a great way to get into racing for kids.BMX race bikes are light and fast. Frames are usually aluminum or light cromoly steel with light parts. They stand up to the jumps on the race track but aren't designed for the abuse of dirt jumping or park riding.Flatland BMX As close as you get to bicycle ballet. Do a search of youtube for flatland bmx to see these artists in action. As the name indicates, you do flatland on a open level area like a parking lot. You only need the room to manouver your bike around without running into anything.Flatland BMX bikes are a lot like a park freestyle bike but aim to be lighter with a slightly different geometry. They will have pegs to stand on and usually lockable brakes so you can take you hands from the bar. Along with BMX racing, you can find Flatland Bikes made of aluminum to save weight.Dirt Jumping BMX This is one of the most DIY sports out there. All you need is some empty space and a shovel and you can make jumps. While it has now grown to the scale where dirt jump parks like bike park are popping up, dirt jumping started in empty lots and forest trails. In the beginning, just landing a jump was the goal but now tricks like back flips and 360s are seen even on a local level.Dirt jump BMX bikes are built tough, with more aggressive tires than you would use from street and park riding. Parts are beefy and they usually have a rear brake only and no pegs.Urban / Park / Vert BMX Halfpipes, bowls and rails.Just about everything is a possible stunt for this type of riding. Launch off a stair case and land on the handrail with your pegs to grind down X-games style. Ride up the halfpipe and do a bar spin. A combination of big air and style points are the hallmark of street and park riding. The bike equivalent of skateboarding, the whole urban landscape is a playground. Combine this with the skate parks around like in Cambridge and the world is your oyster.This type of riding is both aggressive and beautiful. When you watch a good rider attack the vert ramp or park course they perform moves that seem to defy physics while at the same time looking effortless. Street and park BMX bikes are built tough. While higher end ones are lighter, beefy is the name of the game. Cromoly steel three-piece cranks, 48 spoked wheels, rotors to spin your bars and smooth, high pressure tires are the most common setup.OverviewYou can do different styles of riding on any bike but if you want to specialize then you will need to get the right machine for the job. A good all round bike would be a dirt jumper as you can ride urban, park and even enter a few faces. A plus to BMX riding of all types is that no spandex is needed. You either kick it in baggy jeans or look moto.

BMX Bikes

BMX Bikes are a common feature in bicycle races. They have specially designed features that allow for excellent performance. These kind of bicycles come in various types and sizes.BMX Bikes are built using aluminum or aluminum alloys. This makes them strong and lightweight. They have a sealed bearing with flip flop alloy hubs which are comfortable to all users. They are also provided with rear brakes for safe and sudden stopping. Some of this type of bicycles come with accessories such as Funn Isis crank, Cassette sealed bearing hubs, Maximums tires and sun rims among many others.BMX bikes are of two major types. There is the type that is used in dirt and ramps and the freestyle type. The type used in dirt and ramps are usually light and less stronger. However they have a sturdy frame that can accommodate the heavy landings resulting from tricks and jumps that they may be used to perform. The freestyle type is much heavier and stronger. Both the the types are available in various frame sizes. You can make your choice according to the size and weight that suits you.These kind of bicycles offer the best quality. They can easily be assembled making them quite portable. They come in various sizes and prices. This ensures that you are able to find a type that will suit your pocket and preference. They are easily available in the market today. All you have to do is to decide which type you may want and look for it in the market.

Best BMX Bike For Better Performance

Starting out as a spin-off sport of motocross, BMX has really made its name big and wide in the good three decades or so of its existence. Tracing its humble beginnings with kids who want to play motocross back in the late 60s to early 70s but can't afford getting their own bikes, BMX was born in the dirt tracks, establishing itself as a competitive game of bike racing and maneuvering. This is why any regular bike is not for this sport. In fact, the best BMX bike is required if you really want to make a good name in the game.But why do you need to get the best BMX bike if the game started out with kids who can't afford real motorbikes? Well, if you'll think of it, with the things that has changed from the time that has passed from when this sport was born until today, regular bikes now cannot measure with the ones that was made a little less than half a century ago. Most bikes today, especially the cheap ones, are now made of less quality items so they can be sold for less and that they can be continuously produced in bulk. Add to this the fact that the technology today allows certain materials to be of much less quality for lower prices, and you really can stop expecting that how they made things years back is still the very same way they produce things right now.This is also a good reason why BMX bikes are set apart from mountain bikes and other types of bikes. BMX ones should be lighter but sturdier. They also need to be smaller, so they can be maneuvered easier and smoother.So, if you're looking into getting the best BMX bike, you would really need to work for it. To find them, you will need to decide whether you will assemble one scratch, building each of the parts one by one. Or, you will get a whole bike that can be found for sale at specialty shops. Reading reviews can also help largely, so you'll know which brands can be considered best buys.

All About Aggressive Inline Skating

A new popular activity and sport is aggressive inline skating. Also referred to as "rolling" or "blading", these terms refer to a specialized form of inline skating. Aggressive inline skating is often associated with skateboarding and "extreme" sports and aggressive inline skaters often perform dangerous stunts and tricks and hard to do maneuvers. This type of skating is certainly not for the faint of heart and for many, it takes years and years of practice to perfect their skills and tricks.There are also several different types of aggressive skating and a small underground community and culture that are associated with this elitist sport. Most want to keep it out of mainstream and in their own private community.The known types of aggressive inline skating include:- Vert skating- Park skating- Street skatingSome inline skaters may do all three where others stick to a particular style that they prefer. Vert skating or "vertical skating" usually refers to skating done in a halfpipe. Many skaters have their own skate parks with half pipes and other constructions to help them vert skate.Park skating is really similar to vertical skating but usually uses smaller ramps and sometimes has a mixture of park skating elements mixed in as well. Street skating typically refers to skating which is done on the street with what is available such as handrails, ledges, stairs, etc.The skates used for aggressive inline skating are usually a bit difference from regular skates. They usually have smaller wheels with a higher durometer and sole plates as well as freestyle frames. Aggressive inline skates have a harder shell to help protect the feet of the skater and provide more support. They have smaller wheels to help accelerate and decelerate faster and to help with tricks and speed.There are many different tricks and stunts done by aggressive inline skaters and they are creating new ones every day. These skaters are always looking for a new edge, a greater, bigger and better trick and new thrill. Many of the tricks done in aggressive inline skating are similar to those done by skateboarders.Aggressive inline skaters perform different types of grinds, rail slides, switch up's, grabs, aerials and many other types and variations of tricks. Aggressive inline skating is a very dangerous sport which is part of what makes it so exciting for those that take part in it.

Aggressive Inline Skating - Xtreme Fun

Aggressive inline skating, or commonly referred to as Rollerblading, is an extreme sport that has emerged into the mainstream over the last ten to fifteen years.  These skaters usually perform many different kinds of tricks on a variety of courses.  The skates used by aggressive inline skaters are usually smaller and softer than other inline skates.  This allows the skaters to accelerate or decelerate faster, and also have more control over the skates when performing tricks.  However these skates have a slower top speed, and are also usually less durable than normal inline skates, so these skaters have to replace their wheels more often than other skaters.The courses used by aggressive inline skaters are commonly referred to as Vert, Street, and Park.  Vert is when the skaters "drop-in" to a half pipe so that they can gain speed and do tricks when they shoot up and out of the half pipe.  Vert skaters usually perform the most amazing and dangerous tricks because they routinely fly more than ten feet or more above the half pipe.  Street skating is when skaters use the natural terrain on the streets to perform their tricks.  Some of the obstacles used to perform tricks on are handrails, curbs, ditches, and ledges.  Street skating is illegal in some areas, but many skaters do not always conform to the laws and skate there anyway.  Park skating is basically a combination of Vert and Street.  A Park course is usually constructed to have some of the attributes of what skaters can find on the street, but also have small half pipes and boxes that allow skaters to perform some of the higher flying tricks that are harder to perform on the street.With the increased success of the X games and extreme sports in general, aggressive inline skating has really thrust itself into the mainstream.  More and more kids are starting to play extreme sports which means that this sport will just continue to grow.  The professionals of the sport continue to strive to out-do one another so the sky is the limit to where tricks will go in the near future.