Skateboarding first appeared in California in the 1950s when many surfers attempted to make good the dream to surf on land. From there the sport has exploded worldwide. Today youth in far flung corners of the earth are flying through the air propelled by their skateboards and performing mind boggling tricks. As their imagination and skills grow it becomes more and more necessary to purchase ramps and rails to give birth to new ideas.
Skateboarding is all about creativity and athleticism. Success in this sport depends on one's ability to constantly dream up new tricks then take to the ramps and rails and make them a reality. Many skateboarders earn their reputations by using existing ramps and rails to perform progressively more difficult tricks.
But when preexisting obstacles are not enough to bring the moves that are in their heads to reality many skateboarders resort to buying ramps and rails, configuring them in unusual ways and performing some of the most amazing and innovative tricks ever seen. For these courageous skateboards finding sturdy, uniquely shaped ramps and rails they can use to try their tricks is vitally important for the evolution of the sport.
Building Ramps
As soon as skaters master the skill of standing on the board and skating they begin looking for ramps to jump off of and rails to grind on. This invariably leads skateboarders to build their own ramps or purchase reliable ones. Building a skate ramp cam be relatively simple. There are free plans available for making skate ramps available from many sources.
The ramps can be made from either wood or metal. It requires a few power tools and the ability to follow instructions. Once you decide the size ramp you want you have to get some pressure treated wood and plywood. Draw the outline of the three sides of the ramp and cut them. Nail it together. The plans you select will also show you how to reinforce the ramp for safety and durability.
Buying Ramps
Buying ramps is as simple as paying a visit to a skate store and seeing what is available. There are a surprising number of ramp and rail configurations. They can be bought preassembled or the buyer can assemble them at home. Some popular designs include the launch ramp, wedge ramps and quarter pipe ramps.
There are also wide arrays of grinding rails. They include the ridgeback rails, standalone rails, Jersey barriers and skateboard benches that can be combined to create the sickest most challenging skate park configuration imaginable.
Materials
The materials the ramps, rails and benches are constructed of make a huge difference in how long they will last and how safe they are to use. Look for rails made of steel. They are durable and will allow for many years of fun. Look for benches and rails that are adjustable. This will allow you to periodically change the configuration of your personal skate challenges, feed your creativity and allow you to develop new skills.
If you are using wooden ramps, treated wood is best if the ramps will be left outdoors. Untreated wood can be used if you have storage space because they are lighter.
Skateboarding is fun but a dangerous sport. Helmets, kneepads and elbow pads are a must. Safety is paramount as the tricks become more acrobatic and dangerous. Skateboarding is now a staple on television. Youths can now make a lucrative career out of their talent on the skateboard. Practice and creativity can now lead to fame and fortune. But safety is the key to an enduring career.
