Nicholas Goce
Professor Deezy
English 1301-209
December 3, 2014
Skateboarding Ethnography
Did you know the U.S.M.C. used skateboards as a way to detect sniper fire and
tripwires? What’s crazier about this significant, militarily used piece of wood on four wheels was
that it was simply just another sport with an easy way to have fun. But don’t mistaken, it’s a
sport like no other because of its uniqueness that makes it different. Skateboarding is seen all
over, whether it be at skate parks, all over the cities, or someone cruising around just for fun or
as a means of transport. It ranges from simple ground tricks to transition skating, which would be
skating on ramps, half pipes, and more. There are some talked about issues with skateboarding
that haven’t really been dealt with, but are definitely not overlooked. While to skateboarders it’s
awesome and exciting to find new spots to skate, some of the general public disapproves of it.
Regardless though, skaters continue “to stay on their grind” and until action is actually taken,
they forget about what could possibly stop them from what they love to do, and continue to have
fun and progress in skill. Skateboarding is simple and very enjoyable and depending on your
goals, can also be challenging.
There were some certain steps I had to take when doing the research on skateboarding,
including the use of multiple databases from the Mary and Jeff Bell Library. I would search
scholarly peer reviewed articles on all of the databases I had chosen, like JSTOR and Worldcat;
this was to obtain quality and credible information. Also, gathering information from some
books out of the actual school library was a varying method. And all of this research was mostly
done in the school’s library on their research computers. Additionally, observing people on the
board was very beneficial to learning more about this discourse community. I noticed certain
lexis usage like switch, frontside, backside, fakie and a lot more. Plus everyone has a special
stance or style, whether it be transition or ground skating, or even just cruising around. There
was so much differentiation and variety, yet it was all relative, and the skaters all knew when it
was their turn to attempt a trick if there were a bunch of people around. Noticeable attire was
jeans and flat-bottomed shoes.
The foundation of skateboarding began in California in the 1950’s, but it’s uncertain who
the actual first person was to invent the sport. What did influence the creation of it though was
the similar type of sport, surfing (The History of Skateboarding). This is understandable as
they’re both relative sports, requiring good balance and technique. The first built skateboards
were made out of a piece of wood that was screwed on top of four clay wheels. Later on, they
started using higher quality products like urethane wheels and the use of multiple layered,
concaved end boards, which are still being used as of today. The concaveness was a way for the
skaters to develop tricks on the skateboards and have a bit more control.
When skateboarders find new areas to skate, it’s pretty exciting for them. It could be a
spot that they can attempt new tricks or might be a more advanced area than anywhere else
they’ve been. It could be a nice, waxed up ledge, big stair set, or even a steep rail, or maybe even
another skate park with bigger bowls and ramps for the transition skaters. Whatever the case may
be, it’s always a present to find new spots, at least to the skaters. Some of the general public may
think otherwise, because of the damaging of public area and possible safety risks not just for
them, but for the skaters. The rails that are grinded on might feel unpleasant to the people that
actually use it for guidance, and waxed up ledges are seats taken away that could be necessary
breathers. Furthermore, it also seen as a huge risk of injury to skaters, as it occurs somewhat
often. So the public may feel against them for those reasons and prefer them only to make use of
skate parks, as that’s what they are built for.
Uniqueness and individuality are just a couple of the awesome benefits of skateboarding.
It’s not like your typical sport that usually has one set goal, physical contact, or only a few ways
of doing it. With skateboarding, you can create your own profile and style and show how you
express yourself. You have the option to be goofy or regular, wear whatever attire is most
comfortable for you, and there aren’t any standards but the ones created among yourself. The
Zephyr team (Z-boys) are a prime example of this; they showed everyone what skateboarding
can be based off their special techniques and methods and the emotionality they put into it (The
History of Skateboarding).
Depending on your own personal preference, skateboarding has a range of goals. Some
people do it just for enjoyment and a way of getting out. It can be stress relieving and a way to
clear your mind, which is always nice every once in a while. Another skateboarder may be set on
constantly improving his skateboarding skills and eventually becoming a professional
competitor. Lastly, some people may use skateboarding as a means of transportation or
unintentionally as exercise. Although it can be tiring, it’s super fun to cruise around and that’s
what helps take your mind off the fatiguing.
Overall, skateboarding is simple and very enjoyable, and depending on your goals, can
also be challenging. It’s a fun way to get outdoors and cruise around, or to advance in your own
trick book. The tricks, styles, and clothing are what make skateboarding such a unique sport, as
well the high amount of variation that it carries within it that is all relative. With the general
public somewhat at discomfort, the skateboarders can work with them to lay off some of the city
areas and take away some of the bad images. But for the most part, they’re going to continue
doing what they do and forget about anything that can get in the way. The pros outweigh the
cons and I believe the popularity of this distinct sport will only continue to grow as long as it’s
around.
Works Cited
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