Skateboarding.

  Over the past few days, I've been checking out skateboarding.  I actually teach one physics class so I decided to spend some time looking at the physics involved in skateboarding.  I realize many readers are not into skateboarding but many children are.

Its amazing because so many kids and adults will spend hours practicing on their skateboards at shopping malls, parks, anywhere with a flat surface.

They are not wasting time. They are actually learning so many skills which are applicable to real life.  The skills included but not limited to are:

1.  Perseverance. They try again and again until they succeed in learning a trick.  It doesn't matter how many times they fall down, they pick themselves up and try again.  Even when they've learned a trick, they still fall due to a slight miscalculation.

2.  Physics.  Each trick they learn requires an acquired knowledge of physics.  They may not always know the exact terms but they know what they have to do to do the trick.  I've been watching videos which explain the physics behind certain tricks and its amazing how much physics is involved.

3.  If they become good enough, they could become a professional skateboarder.  The top of the top earn between $500,000 and a million dollars per year.  Those who are mid - level, only make $50,000 to $100,000 per year.  Not bad for just riding a skateboard.

4.  With a bit of college education, skateboarders can go into designing parks, the ones which are considered the best for these athletes.  Parks can range in size from very small to covering a whole block.  I've seen a park tucked in behind the city library. I've also seen other parks which covered a whole block with walkways and curved skateboarding areas intertwined to challenge the skateboarder.

The problem with where I live?  There are no paved streets or flat areas.  There are a couple new boardwalks which can be used by skaters but the boardwalks are inclined.  Remember, these kids are developing great skills.  Keep that in mind the next time your kid heads off to spend time outdoors.

Let me know what you think.