This beginner's instructional guide is designed to appeal to novice- and intermediate-level skateboarders. The topics include tips on safety, equipment, and basic riding techniques. The author collaborated with and sought the expertise of top riders and coaches in order to explore the how-tos of riding and performing maneuvers upon various terrain and obstacles likely to be found on the streets or in skate parks. The step-by-step instructions and photographs illustrate important details and fail-proof methods that will help get beginning skateboarders riding in no time.Grade 4-8-This beginner's guide to skateboarding is presented in a question-and-answer format that is easy to follow. The text discusses equipment, history, and basic skating and technical tricks. The issue of safety is also addressed. However, though the book warns that protective gear should be worn while skateboarding (helmet, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards), many of the adults shown in the approximately 250 black-and-white photos are not wearing it. The reason given is so that techniques can be better captured, but it's not a very convincing explanation. Unfortunately, the photos are small, grainy, and often dark; thus, they don't adequately illustrate the techniques explained in the text. The excellent list of resources (books, camps, museums, organizations, skate parks, shops, Web sites, and magazines) is more helpful than the book itself.
Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Paperback: 144 pages
- Publisher: Tracks Publishing (June 2000)
- Language: English
- Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
