Unveiling the World of Skateboarding: Theory and Practice

Objectives

1. Identify skateboarding as a sport.

2. Learn about the main skateboarding competitions.

3. Understand the different types of skateboarding and their characteristics.

4. Encourage interest in skateboarding as a physical activity.

5. Develop teamwork skills through practical activities.

Contextualization

Skateboarding is a sport that has gained increasing popularity and recognition worldwide. Originating on the streets of California in the 1960s, skateboarding has evolved from simple fun to a professional sport with international competitions and even an Olympic event. Skateboarding not only promotes physical skills like balance and coordination, but also strengthens the resilience and creativity of its practitioners. For example, professional skateboarders participate in competitions such as the X Games and the Olympics, demonstrating complex and innovative tricks.

Relevance of the Theme

In the current context, skateboarding plays a significant role in both the sports arena and the job market. In addition to being a physical activity that promotes health and well-being, skateboarding offers career opportunities in areas such as product design, sports photography, event organization, and park engineering. The recognition of skateboarding as an Olympic sport also elevates its status and expands professional and amateur involvement possibilities.

History and Evolution of Skateboarding

Skateboarding originated on the streets of California in the 1960s as an alternative for surfers when the sea was calm. Since then, it has evolved into a professional sport with worldwide recognition and various disciplines. The inclusion of skateboarding in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics marked a high point in the sport's history, increasing its visibility and global acceptance.

• Origin in California in the 1960s

• Evolution into a professional sport

• Inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Skateboarding Disciplines

Skateboarding has several disciplines, each with its specific characteristics. The main ones are street, park, vert, and downhill. Each discipline requires different skills and techniques, from tricks on stairs and handrails to high-speed descents on long hills.

• Street: Tricks in urban environments with stairs and handrails

• Park: Tricks on courses with bowls and ramps

• Vert: Tricks on half-pipes and vertical ramps

• Downhill: High-speed descents on hills and mountains

Skateboarding Competitions

Skateboarding competitions are events where skateboarders showcase their skills and compete for prizes and recognition. Among the most important are the X Games and the Olympics. These events not only highlight the talents of skateboarders but also promote the sport to a broader audience.

• X Games: Annual event featuring various extreme sports disciplines, including skateboarding

• Olympics: Skateboarding was included for the first time in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

• Street League Skateboarding: Professional competition bringing together the best skateboarders in the world

Practical Applications

• Product Design: Companies hire specialized designers to create innovative skateboards and accessories.
• Sports Photography: Photographers capture moments of tricks and competitions, helping to promote the sport.
• Park Engineering: Engineers and architects design and build skateboarding parks for competitions.

Key Terms

• Skateboard: Sports equipment consisting of a wooden board, trucks, and wheels.

• Disciplines: Different types of skateboarding, such as street, park, vert, and downhill.

• Half-Pipe: Structure in the shape of a half-tube used for vertical tricks.

Questions

• How can the practice of skateboarding influence other areas of your life, such as creativity and resilience?

• What skills learned from building the mini half-pipe can be applied to other school or professional activities?

• How can the recognition of skateboarding as an Olympic sport impact the perception and acceptance of skateboarding in society?

Conclusion

To Reflect

Skateboarding is not just a sport, but a form of expression and a means to develop valuable life skills. The practice of skateboarding requires creativity, resilience, and teamwork, skills that are transferable to various professional and personal areas. Reflecting on the disciplines, competitions, and building a mini half-pipe helps us understand the complexity and beauty of this sport. The recognition of skateboarding as an Olympic discipline elevates its status and opens doors to various career opportunities, from product design and sports photography to park engineering. By dedicating ourselves to skateboarding, we are not only improving our physical skills but also cultivating values and competencies that will help us face future challenges.

Mini Challenge - Half-Pipe Challenge at Home

To consolidate your understanding of building skate parks, you will be challenged to build a mini half-pipe using recyclable materials.

• Gather recyclable materials such as cardboard, scissors, glue, tape, and markers.
• Plan the design of your mini half-pipe, considering the basic structures we learned in class.
• Build the mini half-pipe following the planned design.
• Take photos or make a short video showing the construction process and the final result.
• Share your photos or videos with the class and write a brief report on the challenges faced and the solutions found.