Skateboarding History

Skateboarding began by surfers when there was little or no waves in the sea.  Their love of surfing was continued by creating a board that could be ridden on land, the skate board.  Who actually invented it, was not clear, as it evolved through time, however Bill Richards and Larry Stevenson were one of the first to design the Roller Derby skateboard in 1958 and the Makaha skateboard in 1969. It was as early as 1643 where wooden wheeled boards were used by random people for transportation.

For skateboarding day I am going to find skateparks to visit that aren’t too far away.

  1. Address: Meadow View Park, Tythrop Way, Thame, OX9 3RN
  2. Address: Peascroft, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, HP18 9AU
  3. Address: A418, Aylesbury, HP20 1DH
  4. Address: Martin Dalby Way, Aylesbury, HP19 9DE
  5. Address: Meadow Lane, Oxford, OX4 1SA
  6. Address: 31 Wren Road, Oxford, OX2 7SX

Thame Skatepark

In 2015 Thame Skatepark had been used for 13 years, by many skaters of different abilities and experience. It was time for the tired ramps and metal rails to be replaced and made into a concrete, more modern park, adding extra features like the bowl. The renovation cost around £250,000 but has been well worth it, with many more people using the park for a variety of activites and sports. Bristol-based skate park builders Wheelscape Ltd did a fantastic job. Thame Skatepark is free to use and open all year round.

So, get your helmet on, knee pads and all, and trial out some of these places to visit.
I always find if you take the little ones early, the older kids usually don’t come out until later.
I used to take mine about 8am in the morning but that was because they were up at 6am, so I would beat the crowds! 
Also, if you are a beginner, it is best to get there early, so you have more space to practice and you can’t embarrass yourself too much if you fall over.

Anyone looking for lessons, the Oxford Wheels Project in Meadow Lane for about £8 for half an hour.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t see anything in Thame, but there is a Facebook group called Thame Skatepark Project who might be able to help.

 

HAPPY GO SKATEBOARDING DAY
21ST JUNE  

 

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