skateboarding

Is a misunderstood artform/sport that is often critisized by the mainstream who do not grasp the concept. This is mainly due to the fact that there are no uniforms, rules, times etc. to clearly define the activity. Most people do not even understand how skaters 'ollie' their decks, and true to human nature they criticise what they cannot comprehend. It is without a doubt far more skillful, creative and extreme than any team sport i can think of - and can only be compared to a select few of other sports/artforms such as surfing, snowboarding, even BMX. Anyone can perform the most basic requirement of football - ie. kicking a stupid ball (or catching one).Yet only a small minority of people will ever manage to perform the most basic requirement of skateboarding. ie. the 'ollie'. (Tip: its all about physics)Due to the sports misconception, the real riders are mostly those who feel ill-at-ease with our conservative society, and feel the need to express themselves accordingly. This can admittedly result in the use of public property that is different to its intended purpose.. However, the greedy corporate fat cats have realised that there is potential cash in bottling this so-called teen-angst. As a result we have a whole pop-culture full of posers, companies, music groups and even shredders whose prime interest is gaining publicity, money and mainstream approval.The soul riders are those individuals you will see milling around street corners, in dark crevices of the cityscape, wary of beefed-up security, all battle-scarred and torn, yet somewhat proud of our victimised counter-culture.....Skateboarding is NOT: Tony Hawk games; World Industry clothing; Avril Laviegne; drug-using space-cadets....Skateboarding is: the underground; the artform; the family; the expression; the knocks and falls; the persistence; the reward...