Where Have All The Boarder Gone?


by Tom Lenton - Date: 2008-07-30 - Word Count: 779 Share This!

The 70's and 80's American phenomenon of skateboarding subsequently became the fashion all over the world in the 90's, yet it seems boarding may no longer be the 'in-thing' for over eighteens.

Out of the reported 18.5 million skateboarders in the world, 85% of these are under the age of eighteen. The question is; why are so many people giving up boarding? This may be explained by the fact most boarders at eighteen reach the age where they qualify to drive and no longer need their board as a method of transport, or because when adulthood rolls closer, the new alternatives to the traditional skateboard become more appealing.

Streetboard

The Streetboard having evolved from the snakeboard is the alternative most similar to the traditional skateboard, but the streetboard differs in some fundamental respects.

Namely, the streetboard has two points of flex at the nose and the tail of the board where it can pivot. The board also has the opportunity to take advantage of the 'binding' it offers. For the more confident boarder, the streetboard comes equipped with straps to fasten around your feet, which allow for the potential of a greater array of tricks and skills to be possible.

While this may sound like snowboarding on roads, yet streetboarder's when asked say that "it is not skateboarding, not snowboarding, not surfing, not snakeboarding, not anything. Streetboarding is Streetboarding, plain and simple."

If this attitude is simple enough to take your fancy then streetboards are available from around £60.

Flowboard

The Flowboarder motto is, "surf without waves, ride without snow". The flowboard is the first board made which truly transcends surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. This board is ideal for both surfers and snowboarders during the off-season, whilst also being suitable for the skateboarder looking for a new riding experience.

The flowboard is made with two groups of seven wheels at the toe and heel of the board which are formed in an arch to allow for deeper carves than anything else on the market. The seven wheel arch allows for a smoother riding experience which enables the boarder to roll from heal edge to toe edge and from left to right.

The board undoubtedly provides a distinguishable alternative to the skateboard, but may not be to the liking of all loyal skateboarders. Then again, loyal skateboarders will probably never pick up a flowboard in the first place.

Freeline Skates

Freeline Skates offer a new way of riding for lovers of board-sports. The skates are dual independent skates that combine elements of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding.

Freeline Skates offer a new experience for people from different disciplines and provide the perfect opportunity for skateboarders to transfer their skills. The skates require riders to utilise their existing abilities and transfer them to a new manner of riding. These provide an innovative way to carve big turns and invent new tricks, with the added challenge of getting used to your feet being on different skates.

Freeline Skates are ridden in a similar manner to that of a skateboard, with riders shifting their weight from heel to toe to change direction allowing them to carve smooth 's' turns while riding downhill.

The skates are independent, but unlike skates and blades they are not strapped to the rider's feet, this offers an added bonus to riders by allowing them to achieve high levels of traction on the flats and uphill providing a wide range of locations that are suitable for skates.

Freeline Skates cost £85 a pair and spare wheels are priced at £25.

The Wave

The Wave provides a fascinating two wheel alternative to the skateboard. Whilst being similar, the Wave board rides on two independently pivoting platforms, each with a one wheel caster.

Thus each wheel has the potential to rotate 360 degrees. The two platforms above the wheel are connected by a torsion bar which allows them to pivot around the axis.

As a result of the dynamics of the Wave board wheels, the rider is able to consistently aim to improve their technique and create new tricks which it would be impossible to perform using the traditional skateboard. Riders can perform 360's, 'Ollies', carve downhill and even ride uphill.

The Wave board requires intense physical effort to keep the two wheel system moving, so is excellent for cardio vascular exercise, in addition to core stability and muscle conditioning training. However, the constant moving required to ride the Wave board whilst fun and unique, can often be quite tiring.

So, if you have the energy and the enthusiasm the Wave board is ideal, but is only available on order from the U.S. However, if you'd prefer to relax and enjoy the ride, maybe the skateboard shouldn't be abandoned just yet.

Related Tags: snowboarding, surfing, surf, outdoor sports, skating, wakeboarding, extreme sport, freeline skates, winter sport, sporting goods, skateboard, skateboarding, skate, kite boarding, summer sports, kite surfing

Tom Lenton manages www.freeline-sport.co.uk the sole UK distributor for Freeline Skates. Outdoor sports, winter sports, summer sports lovers will love Freeline Skates, designed to provide the same thrills and excitement experienced by snowboarders, surfers on dry land as well as giving skateboarders a new skating sensation. For more information visit or email info@freeline-sport.co.uk

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