How To Skate Safely While You Pound It

Hey skaters, I was reading on the Nanaimo News Bulletin and it has lots of good ideas on how to stay safe while you are skating.  Here are safety tips on how to stay safe while you Pound It Like A Mallard:

“Wear a good-fitting helmet, elbow pads and kneepads when skateboarding.

Make sure that your weight is appropriate for your skateboard.

Check your skateboard for loose, broken, or cracked parts, as well as sharp edges on metal boards.

Know your surroundings and avoid slippery or wet areas.

Closely supervise children under the age of 10 when they are riding skateboards.

Children under five should not use skateboards.

When losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so your fall is short.

Try to land on the fleshy parts of your body.

Try to roll as you fall, which prevents your arms from absorbing all the force.

Try to relax, rather than remaining stiff when falling.”

For the full article, go  to http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/nanaimonewsbulletin/sports/52384732.html

Skating Heaven: Portland, Oregon

Skater in motion
Creative Commons License credit: Björn Söderqvist

I was reading this article in the Wall Street Journal about the popularity of skateboarding in Portland. Here is the opening paragraph and I thought it was very interesting:

“In Portland, skateboarding has been woven into parks and streets in the same manner as cycling or soccer. Skateboarding is illegal in downtowns across the country. Portland’s downtown is marked with “skate routes” featuring signs with a skateboarding stick figure. In most cities, skaters consider it a big victory when a skatepark is built. Portland is building a network of 19 skateparks scattered throughout the city. Skaters even have one of their own in City Hall: Tom Miller, chief of staff to Portland Mayor Sam Adams, rode into politics through skateboard advocacy and has continued pushing for skateparks from the inside.” – The Wall Street Journal

That’s amazing that there are “skate routes” marked with the skateboarding stick figures! I can’t believe that 19 skateparks will be built in one city! Portland must be a skater’s paradise!

Here is the link of you want to read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204119704574238073660408040.html