by Wes Garner, Charger Staff
Since the 1950s, skateboarding has been considered mostly as a recreation. During this period of time, the appearance of the skateboarder has changed from the young neighborhood teenager to the streetwise kid, then to the surfing bum on wheels, and finally to what they are thought as today.
Also in this period of time, skateboarding has found its way into the mainstream sports world, becoming known as one of the extreme sports. These extreme sports have been evermore popular since the mid 1990s; they are still gaining more and more recognition.
Skateboarding has definitely moved to the surface of the sporting world, but what is there to skateboarding anyway? I questioned a few skateboarders from our school about their pasttime.
It takes a good amount of balance, coordination, and concentration to perform the moves, and even more to perform them well. Everything about skateboarding is obvious, but that doesn't change the fact that it is an incredibly hard sort to learn; I know, I have tried. The best moves that I could do were the easiest for some of the younger skaters.
Probably the most important skill a skater needs to have is patience. Along with that, he cannot fear injury. It takes a long time to get a trick down, and getting hurt is unavoidable.
After learning a trick, performing them gives a great feeling of accomplishment. Unfortunately, places to skate and enhance your tricks in Cookeville are few.
The best spot to 'board is at Tennessee Tech; and skaters are not high on the Tech police's list. Despite the lack of skating spots, most skateboarders still have a good time. The group of skaters in Cookeville is pretty tight since the group is small.
It may not be like the Cheers group where "...everybody knows your name," but no one will turn you down if you want to join them, as long as you're not just trying to pose.
A downside always presented to a skater is the stereotype. Older people usually look at skaters as troublemakers, nuisances, pot heads, etc....
Surprisingly (at least to me), there is not a big problem with judging from peers. Although it is not unlikely to find a troublesome skater, most skaters are good people. The people I have talked with, though, have never had any real problems with people, except for Tech police.
I don't really consider skateboarding a sport. There is not much tremendous physical strain. I consider it more of a competition, with people showing off their skills in a less violent environment.
Even though skateboarding is friendlier than other sports like football or hockey, it presents just as many (if not more) dangers as the other sports.
The audience is also a little less frenzied. Skateboarding is like a performance; think of it as a ballet, but with safety gear. Though we see competitions on television, most skaters do it for themselves. They are just kind enough to let everyone else in on the fun.
Skaters deserve some definite respect and attention for having a hobby that takes so much skill and sometimes, bravery.
Web page prepared by: Phillip Swystun