Skateboarding Pictures

Skateboarding has been around for decades, ever since surfers took their skills back to the shore.

Early skateboard models were often shaped like a surfboard, flat and with a tapered rear end. Today, you can find skateboards in numerous shapes and styles. See some longboarders before heading to the half-pipe.

Speed skateboarding has become popular enough for serious competitive events. Longboarders can go as fast as cars!

Longboards mimic the feel of surfing or snowboarding. They're are a poor choice if you want to do aerial tricks, but they're great for high-velocity, downhill racing.

This skater performs a frontside air at a skateboard park. Skate parks are where you can see some of the best acrobatics.

Skateboard tricks take a lot of practice and patience to master -- it might be better to start with small goals like grinding on rails. See a grind gone wrong in the next photo.

Uh-oh.

Catching air like this skater takes a lot of work. How do you get started?

It all starts with momentum. The higher the ramp you start on, the more speed you can work up. See a champion skater in the next photo.

Big vert ramps like this one are not for beginners. Luckily, skating isn't limited to the local park...

All you need is some open space. This skater is practicing an ollie -- a basic trick involving bringing the board along with your jump.

Even more complicated than an ollie is flipping your board. Think you could land this one?

With some practice under your belt, you can take to the streets -- or the stairs.

Skateboarders can turn just about anything into a playground. Learn more about How Skateboarding Works.