Skateboarding as a sport was first conceptualized as a “concrete wave replacement” by surfers in the 60s/70s and has maintained a pretty bad reputation due to property owners and generally non-rad people ever since. The limits of what’s possible on a plank of wood are being pushed day by day, but everyone’s got to start somewhere.
Dann Gaymer demonstrating a “boneless tail-tap” combination, at Burning Ice Skate Park
Dann Gaymer, an employee of Beijing No. 55 High School currently runs an after school skateboarding program, or as he puts it, “an opportunity for students from Grade 7 to 12 to hang out once a week and push around some boards.” According to Gaymer, when starting out, one of the first steps is to conquer the fear of falling. “You’re probably not going to hurt yourself that much if you fall, especially if you’re wearing proper safety equipment. You are inevitably going to fall,” Gaymer laughs, “…but you just get up and do it again.”
A student ascends a “quarterpipe”, constructed at Beijing No.55. Too cool, this school.
Despite the unavoidable scrapes along the way, positives outweigh the negatives in terms of physical gains from the sport. The pushing motion will activate areas of the legs unused before, and balance will improve significantly. Gaymer gestures, “you’ve essentially got this wobbly piece of wood you have to stay on… while moving.”
A handy infographic, designed by Brandon, accessed at https://eskateboardreviews.com/muscles-used-for-skateboarding/
In addition to thighs of steel, skateboarding will also strengthen the soul. “As with anything worth doing, there’ll be an initial learning curve, but it’s about persevering and building the confidence one trick at a time.” Something as small as skating off a curb might be terrifying at first, but the satisfaction of achievement trumps the disappointment of self-defeat. “From a more philosophical perspective, it’s good to see students moving away from the instant gratification from playing on their smartphones, and actually working towards something.”
Can’t teach an old dog new tricks, or still life in the old dog yet?
“But, Daniel, what if I want to get involved too?!” Well, good news, reader, because skateboarding isn’t just for kids*. China Comedy Club regular, Nigel Mainville, recently kickstarted his skateboarding adventure again after testing his long-forgotten chops on a mini ramp in the back of a skate-shop. Sights were set on “achieving some goals given up as a kid”, the first being to kickflip before thirty.
Flipping Good!
“Putting a deadline on it made me feel accountable”, Mainville states, and further explains that “setting and achieving goals motivates you in other aspects of life.” There’s an element of camaraderie involved in getting those around you “stoked” to nail their next line. Just make sure you’re using protection.
The Emoji says it all.
This is one thing self-professed “professional chiller”, Fiona, learnt the hard way, having to take a two-week break after a nasty fall. “It’s painful when you fall, but after laying on the ground for a minute, you want to get up and do it again.”
Fiona, pumping at a skatepark in Wangjing
When asked about being a “girl” in a “male-dominated” sport, Wang responded “I hope more girls could try it, because it’s really fun. Don’t be afraid of falling and pain. You will feel the fun, flying with the wind when you are skating. And when you nail a trick, you will feel much cooler than the boys.”
There are a few spots to get started. The best (but that’s just like, my opinion, man) would probably be one of the Burning Ice locations. They offer lessons for all levels, as well as fully-stocked skate shops with equipment suitable for all levels, and knowledgable staff. Check their WeChat (BURNINGICE / 北京燃烧冰滑板) for regular updates. If ramps aren’t your thing, you could also just skate pretty much anywhere with flat concrete. As Gaymer says, “If there’s a slight elevation or a curb, well, that’s an added bonus! Get creative!”
Mr Gaymer, that’s…not how we were taught to climb stairs
Burning Ice
RMB 60 per person (weekdays), RMB 90 per person (weekends and holidays). RMB 2,200 (six-month pass), RMB 3,300 (one-year pass). Mon – Fri 1-10pm, Sat – Sun 9.30am-10pm. Hanzun Mansion, (North 3rd Ring Road), No.29 Courtyard-2, Basement 1, Xicheng District (131 2660 6434) 西城区北三环中路甲29号院2号楼 华尊大厦一层底商 燃烧冰滑板公园 杨洪星. (If you’re using Didi, simply paste “燃烧冰滑板公园”, alternatively head to Jiandemen station on Line 10, take exit C and head south for about 200m.)
READ: Board Games: Two Teen Skaters Tell Us All About the Skateboard Scene in Beijing
Photos: Courtesy of Daniel Rothwell
