Is Skateboarding A Sport? (6 Answers You Need to Know!)

Skateboarders are easy to come by at different locations, from skate parks to city streets. 

Although some people skate for sporting purposes, others do it for fun. It’s no wonder why skateboard enthusiasts ask this same question – is skateboarding a sport?

Yes, skateboarding is now an Olympic sport. It was included in the 2020 Summer Olympics that took place in Tokyo, Japan.

Skateboarders stand on a flat board, usually made of wood, with four rollers attached below it. They can either use it to commute or to showcase their skills. 

Given the information provided, you may still be wondering, why is skateboarding considered a sport.

In this article, I’ll provide an answer to this question and other important ones. 

Get comfortable and continue reading!

Why Is It Considered A Sport?

Skateboarding is considered a sport because it is used as a form of competition. 

According to the English dictionary, a sport is an activity that involves physical or mental effort and skill. It includes an individual or team competing against another or others for entertainment purposes.

Here are other factors that support the theory that skateboarding is a sport:

• Skateboarding requires physical and mental alertness.
• It requires the ability to maintain balance while riding and performing tricks.
• Skateboarding requires strength, especially in the legs. This allows the skateboarders to remain firm when riding the board.
• Like athletes, skateboarders are required to be able to quickly change directions when necessary.
• It requires constant physical training, especially when preparing for a competition.
• After each competition, there will be winners and losers.
• Just like other sporting activities, riding the skateboard regularly can contribute to physical fitness.

When Was Skateboarding Considered A Sport?

Skateboarding was first considered a sport in 1963. During that period, a skateboard manufacturer named Makaha formed a team of professional skateboarders. 

That year, a skateboard competition took place in Hermosa, California, for the first time. Freestyle and downhill slalom were part of the skateboarding event.

At that time, the skateboards being used had limitations when it came to maneuvering. 

So the safety professionals warned people about using the equipment for sporting activities. They held the belief that skateboards were dangerous sporting equipment. 

As a result of this, skateboarding gradually became less popular over the next few years. 

Fortunately, faster skateboards with wheels that maneuver easily were produced in the mid-1970s. 

Additionally, these boards had a raised back end and kicktail, making kick turns achievable. 

And it was during this period that skateboarding gained popularity again.

Skaters became more creative when it came to showcasing their skills and tricks. In 1978, Alan Gelfand invented a movie called “Ollie.” 

Other common skateboarding tricks include kick turns, aerials, flip tricks, and grinds.

In 1994, the first World Cup Skateboarding Championship was held in Vancouver, Canada.  

What Type Of Sport Is Skateboarding?

Skateboarding is considered an action, extreme, or adventure sport. It involves using a skateboard for recreational activity, as a mode of transportation, or for entertainment purposes. 

One major reason skateboarding is an action sport is that it involves a high degree of risk. 

Like other action sports, skateboarding activities involve height, speed, and high levels of physical and mental effort.

Sports of this nature come with the possible risk of serious physical injuries, or worse, death. 

On the other hand, extreme sports can improve the physical and mental health of individuals. Moreover, professionals make a living by engaging in sports like skateboarding. 

Regular training can help to prevent the risks involved in skating and other action sports. 

Skateboard Sports Rules (How to Play)

When it comes to skateboard sports, rules vary depending on the location or event. However, most competitions have general rules that guide all participants.

Here’s a list of some of them:

• Riders must ensure that their skateboard is in good shape.
• They must wear their skateboarding equipment, including wrist guards, elbow pads, helmets, and knee pads.
• The competition can only be held in authorized areas, such as skate parks.
• Pushing or pulling the opponent is highly prohibited.
• Skateboarders can introduce new tricks but should maintain safety.
• Participants should not exceed the amount of time given to them.
• Skateboarders are evaluated based on many factors, which include originality, style, execution, and difficulty.
• Participants must show respect to fellow competitors as well as the judges 

Is Skateboarding An Olympic sport?

Yes, skateboarding was one of the four sports that were included in the Summer Olympic program in 2020. This event took place in Tokyo, Japan. 

Also, it has been approved for the Summer Olympic Games that will be held in 2024. 

There was a proposal to include skateboarding in the Olympic Games in 2016. Fortunately, the motion was granted in August of the same year. 

How Dangerous Is Skateboarding Compared To Other Sports?

Skateboarding is not as dangerous as people think. Compared to boxing, football, cycling, and basketball, skateboarding is tolerable. 

When people get injured while skating, it is usually not serious or permanent. 

While there are certain risks involved in skating, you can avoid them by being careful. 

Always use your safety gear and avoid downhill and big ramps, especially if you’re a beginner. 

Recap

Skateboarding can be both a sport and a recreational activity. One of the main reasons it is considered a sport is that it involves competition between individuals. 

Similarly, riding the skateboard involves physical and mental efforts and skills. It was considered a sporting activity for the first time in 1963 and was included in the Olympic Games in 2020.

Finally, while skateboarding is considered an extreme sport, it is not as risky as other sports.

By using the necessary equipment and being careful, you’ll always have a fun time when riding the skateboard!