In this post, you’ll learn everything from the history of skateboarding competitions to the tips and tricks for nailing your first event.
We’ll cover the major competitions and events you don’t want to miss and the gear you’ll need to succeed. And let’s not forget about the benefits of being part of the skateboarding culture and community. So, grab your board, and let’s get started on this epic journey!
How did skateboarding competitions start?
Skateboarding competitions began to develop as the popularity of the sport grew in the 1960s and 1970s. Skateboarding companies like Hobie and Makaha began advertising skating as an alternative to surfing when the waves were flat and even formed the first skateboard teams.
In the early days, skateboarding contests were informal and often held in parking lots or on private property, but as the sport grew, competitions became more organized and regulated. The first known skateboarding competition occurred in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1963 and was sponsored by the surfboard company Vita-Pakt Juice.
Skateboarding competitions evolved to include various disciplines such as vert (riding a skateboard on a vertical ramp), freestyle (performing tricks on flat ground), and street (performing tricks on urban obstacles such as stairs and rails). The sport continued culminating in including skateboarding as an official Olympic sport for the first time in 2020.
In summary, skateboarding competitions started in the 1960s and have since evolved from informal contests held in parking lots to highly organized events with different disciplines and regulatory bodies.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
What are the top skateboarding competitions and events?
Skateboarding competitions and events can be ranked based on various factors, including the level of competition, prize money, and overall prestige. Here are some of the top skateboarding competitions and events in the United States:
1. The Boardr Am Series
The Boardr Am is an amateur skateboarding tour that makes stops throughout the United States. The series is open to skateboarders of all skill levels, with the winners of each event advancing to the finals to compete for cash prizes and a chance to earn a spot in the professional ranks.
2. The Street League Skateboarding World Tour
The Street League Skateboarding World Tour is a professional series that features the world’s best street skateboarders competing for millions of dollars in prize money. The series includes qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and finals, with the top skaters advancing to the next round. The finals are held in a custom-built skate park, and the entire series is broadcast on television.
3. The Vans Park Series
The Vans Park Series is a global skateboarding series focusing on bowl skating. The series includes men’s and women’s competitions, with athletes judged on their runs and tricks in a park-style bowl. The top skaters from each event advance to the World Championships, where they compete for a chance to win the series title and a cash prize.
4. The X Games
The X Games is an extreme sports event featuring competitions in various disciplines, including skateboarding. The skateboarding competitions include vert and street events, with the world’s best skateboarders competing for medals and cash prizes. The X Games are broadcast on television and attract millions of viewers from around the world.
5. The Dew Tour
The Dew Tour is a professional skateboarding and BMX series, including vert and street events. The series features qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and finals, with the top skaters and BMX riders competing for cash prizes and a chance to win the Dew Tour title. The finals are held in a custom-built skate park, and the entire series is broadcast on television.
In addition to these competitions, many other skateboarding events are held throughout the United States, including the Zumiez Best Foot Forward tour and the Damn Am series. Skateboarding rankings are also available through The Boardr, a global skateboarding ranking system that tracks and manages competition results.
What makes these competitions and events significant?
Competitions and events can be significant for various reasons, depending on the context. Here are some potential reasons why competitions and events can be significant:
- Learning and skill development: Competitions and events can provide opportunities for students and professionals to gain valuable experience, develop skills, and learn new things. For example, competitions can teach students how to collaborate with others, manage subjectivity, and evaluate risks.
- Talent showcase: Competitions and events can be a platform for individuals to showcase their talents and skills. This can be especially important for students who feel that school does not provide enough opportunities to express their abilities.
- Industry and community building: Competitions and events can help build and strengthen industries and communities by bringing together like-minded individuals and promoting cooperation and collaboration. For example, esports competitions have helped grow and regulate the industry, creating new opportunities for players, coaches, and other professionals.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “TOP SKATEBOARDING MOMENTS: 25 Years of X | World of X Games” from the X Games YouTube channel.
Conclusion
Alright, my skateboarding compadres, it’s time to wrap up this post like a fresh deck grip. We’ve covered everything from the history of skateboarding competitions to the tips and tricks for nailing your first event. But the question is, are you ready to hit the pavement and show off your skills?
And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). And if you found this article helpful, don’t be a poser, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more sick tips and tricks on dominating the skate scene.
Remember, skateboarding is about having fun and pushing yourself to new limits. So, keep practicing those sick moves and never stop pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Thanks for rolling with me today, and until next time, keep it rad and keep on shredding!
Key takeaways
This article covered the top skateboarding competitions and events. Here are some key takeaways:
• Skateboarding competitions and events allow beginners to improve their skills and connect with the skateboarding community.
• The history of skateboarding competitions dates back to the 1960s and has evolved into a global phenomenon.
• Some major skateboarding competitions and events for beginners include the Vans Park Series, the Damn Am series, and the Zumiez Best Foot Forward tour.
• To prepare for a skateboarding competition, practice the specific tricks and routines that will be judged, ensure you have the appropriate gear, and mentally visualize success to build confidence.
• Tips for succeeding in skateboarding competitions and events include staying focused, developing a routine, and having fun.
• Benefits of participating in skateboarding competitions and events include improving skills, connecting with the skateboarding community, and potentially leading to sponsorship or professional opportunities.
• The top skateboarding competitions and events offer a chance to push yourself to new limits and have fun.
Great job guys! Also under the preparation for first skate comp. Be prepared in case you get drawn or picked to skate first. I got caught off guard with this at my second comp and it threw me off mentally.