Skateboarding

Skateboarding is riding and doing tricks on a skateboard, a short board with four wheels. Skaters push along with one foot, balance, turn by leaning and use ramps, rails and kerbs to jump, grind and spin. It grew out of surfing in California, when surfers wanted to ride waves on dry land, and it made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

The deck is the board itself, usually made from thin layers of maple wood, with a kicktail curving up at each end.

Grip tape is the rough, sandpaper-like top layer that stops your feet slipping.

The trucks are the metal axles underneath. They let the board turn when you lean.

The wheels are made from polyurethane. Softer wheels feel smoother on rough ground, and harder ones suit ramps and skateparks.

Bearings sit inside the wheels and help them spin smoothly.

Street skating uses everyday obstacles like steps, benches and rails. Park skating happens in skateparks, on bowls, mini ramps and halfpipes, and vert means riding a tall ramp with walls that go straight up at the top. Cruising and longboarding are about smooth riding and carving along, often on longer, more stable boards.

First comes the safety kit: a helmet, plus knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. Then your Activity Leader helps you find your stance. Regular means your left foot goes at the front, and goofy means your right foot does. You'll practise standing on the board, pushing off, rolling, turning and stopping, and learn how to fall safely. As your confidence grows you might try a kick turn, or even drop in on a small ramp.

Yes. Skateboarding builds balance, coordination and persistence, because every trick takes plenty of tries before it clicks. Children learn to fall, get up and go again, and skaters have a lovely habit of cheering each other on, whatever the level. It's a real confidence builder, and just as much fun for grown-ups brave enough to join in.

Trainers with flat, grippy soles are best, as they help your feet stay put on the board. Wear comfortable clothes you can bend and move in, ideally long trousers or leggings for a little extra protection alongside the pads.

You might also like Mountainboarding, Parkour and Trampolining.

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