Bowls skate, also known as bowl riding or pool skating, is a style of skateboarding that involves riding in concrete bowls, swimming pools, or other curved surfaces. This exhilarating form of skateboarding requires a different set of skills and techniques than traditional street skating. In this article, we will delve into the world of bowls skate, exploring its history, techniques, and the thrill of riding the concrete waves.
History of bowls skate
Bowls skate has its roots in the 1970s when skateboarding pioneers like Tony Alva and Jay Adams began riding in empty swimming pools in Southern California. These skateboarders were looking for new challenges and terrain to test their skills, and the smooth, curved surfaces of empty swimming pools provided the perfect playground. As the popularity of bowls skate grew, skaters began purposefully building large concrete bowls and skate parks designed specifically for bowl riding.
The bowl riding craze continued through the 1980s and 1990s, with skaters pushing the boundaries of what was possible on these unique surfaces. Bowl riding competitions became popular, showcasing the incredible skills of some of the best skaters in the world. Today, bowls skate is still a beloved and respected discipline within the skateboarding community, with skaters continuing to innovate and push the limits of what can be done in a bowl.
Techniques for bowls skate
Bowls skate requires a different approach and set of techniques than street skating. The curved surfaces of bowls can be intimidating for beginners, but with practice and dedication, skaters can learn to comfortably ride and perform tricks in bowls. Here are some key techniques to master for bowls skate:
1. Pumping: One of the most important skills in bowls skate is pumping. Pumping involves using your body weight and momentum to generate speed and maintain flow in a bowl. By shifting your weight and using your legs to push off the transitions of the bowl, you can generate enough speed to keep riding without pushing with your feet.
2. Carving: Carving is another essential skill for bowls skate. Carving involves making smooth, flowing turns on the curve of the bowl. By shifting your weight and turning your shoulders and hips, you can make controlled turns and transitions in a bowl. Carving is not only essential for maintaining speed, but it can also help set you up for tricks and lines in the bowl.
3. Tricks: Once you have mastered pumping and carving, you can begin to learn tricks in the bowl. Some common tricks in bowls skate include grinds, airs, and board slides. Grinds involve sliding your trucks along the coping of the bowl, while airs involve launching yourself out of the bowl and performing tricks mid-air. Board slides involve sliding the deck of your board along the coping of the bowl, adding an extra element of style to your run.
The Thrill of Riding the Concrete Waves
Riding bowls is a unique and exhilarating experience that is unlike any other form of skateboarding. The smooth, flowing curves of a bowl provide endless opportunities for creativity and expression, allowing skaters to carve, grind, and soar through the concrete waves. The sensation of dropping in on a steep transition, pumping for speed, and blasting big airs out of the bowl is a rush unlike any other.
One of the biggest thrills of bowls skate is the sense of freedom and flow that comes with riding in a bowl. There are no set lines or rules in bowl riding – just you, your board, and the curves of the concrete. Skaters can let go of their inhibitions and truly let loose in a bowl, experimenting with different lines, tricks, and styles. The feeling of carving through a bowl, generating speed and power with each turn, is a sensation that is hard to replicate in any other form of skateboarding.
In addition to the physical thrills of riding bowls, there is also a sense of camaraderie and community among bowls skaters. Bowl riding is a social activity, with skaters often sharing tips, tricks, and encouragement with one another. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics of bowls skate or an experienced rider pushing the limits of what is possible in a bowl, there is a sense of brotherhood and mutual respect among bowls skaters that is truly special.
In conclusion, bowls skate is a thrilling and unique form of skateboarding that offers a refreshing change of pace from traditional street skating. With its rich history, technical challenges, and sense of freedom and flow, bowls skate is a discipline that continues to captivate and inspire skaters of all ages and abilities. So grab your board, find a bowl, and experience the joy of riding the concrete waves for yourself.