Skateboarding has captured the hearts of millions around the world. It’s a sport that requires not only physical skill but also mental agility and creativity. The ups and downs, the twists and turns, the jumps and grinds – all make for an exhilarating experience. But with great risk comes great reward, and in the case of skateboarding, that risk is often accompanied by epic fails.
In this article, we will explore the art of skateboard fails, from the science behind them to the lessons they teach us. We’ll take a closer look at some of the most common and epic skateboard crashes, as well as the funny and sometimes painful moments that come with pushing the boundaries. And finally, we’ll discuss tips for avoiding skateboard fails and how these failures can actually help us in our journey towards mastery.
Common Skateboard Fails
Skateboard fails come in all shapes and sizes, but some are more common than others. Let’s take a look at three of the most frequent types of falls:
Bad Landings
One of the most common reasons for skateboard fails is simply a bad landing. You may have executed the trick perfectly, but if you don’t stick the landing, it’s considered a fail. This type of fall can happen due to many factors such as misjudging your speed, losing balance, or landing on an uneven surface.
To avoid bad landings, it’s essential to practice and perfect your technique. It’s also crucial to pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards. Sometimes, even pro skateboarders can suffer from bad landings, so it’s important not to get discouraged when it happens to you.
Wheel Bite
Another common reason for skateboard fails is wheel bite. This occurs when the wheels of the skateboard suddenly stop spinning due to friction with the ground, causing the rider to lose balance and fall. Wheel bite typically happens when you’re turning too sharply or when your trucks are too loose, causing the wheels to rub against the board.
To prevent wheel bite, make sure to tighten your trucks and avoid taking sharp turns at high speeds. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your wheels for wear and tear, as worn-down wheels can increase the likelihood of wheel bite.
Target Fixation
Target fixation is a phenomenon that occurs when we focus so intensely on one object or goal that we fail to see potential obstacles in our path. In skateboarding, this can happen when we become so fixated on executing a trick that we lose sight of our surroundings and end up crashing into something.
To avoid target fixation, it’s important to maintain situational awareness while skateboarding. Remember to keep an eye out for any potential hazards or obstacles, and maintain a level head while attempting tricks. Don’t let tunnel vision get the best of you!
Epic Skateboard Crashes
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most epic skateboard crashes that have been caught on camera. These falls may be painful to watch, but they are a testament to the incredible resilience and determination of skateboarders.
The Infamous Rail Bails
One of the most spine-chilling types of skateboard fails is the rail bail. This involves grinding along a rail and losing balance, resulting in a violent fall onto the hard ground below. These falls often result in bruises, scrapes, and sometimes even broken bones.
The reason rail bails are considered epic is not just because of their intensity, but also because of the sheer bravery it takes to attempt them. Skaters who persist through these falls are truly fearless.
High-Flying Flips Gone Wrong
Skateboarding has evolved over the years, with athletes constantly pushing the limits and inventing new tricks. One of the most impressive types of tricks is the flip, where the skateboarder launches into the air and rotates their board in a specific direction. But these flips don’t always go as planned, resulting in some epic crashes.
Whether it’s a kickflip, heelflip, or any other variation, these falls often involve the skateboarder landing awkwardly on their board or completely missing it altogether. They are a testament to the unpredictable nature of skateboarding and the risks that come with attempting new tricks.
Flying Downhill Crashes
Downhill skateboarding is not for the faint of heart. It involves riding down steep hills at high speeds, often reaching up to 70mph. As you can imagine, this activity comes with its fair share of crashes, and they are nothing short of epic.
From losing control and rolling down the hill to hitting obstacles along the way, downhill skateboard crashes are not to be taken lightly. They test the limits of both the rider and the equipment, making them a thrilling yet dangerous aspect of the sport.
Funny Skateboard Fails
While skateboard fails can be painful and sometimes even dangerous, there’s no denying that they can also be incredibly funny. Let’s take a break from the intense crashes and bruises and laugh at some of the lighter moments in skateboarding.
The Classic Banana Peel Fall
We’ve all seen it in movies – someone slips on a banana peel and goes flying. Well, it turns out this also happens in the world of skateboarding. Perhaps it’s karma for gliding over all those bananas while cruising around the supermarket.
While a banana peel may seem like a harmless object, it can actually cause quite a bit of chaos on a skateboard. Just ask the poor skaters who have slid across them and ended up on the ground in a heap of laughter.
Skateboard Fail Compilations
The internet is flooded with skateboarding fail compilations, and they are a never-ending source of entertainment. From failed rail grinds to skateboarders landing in awkward positions, these videos are a reminder that even the most skilled skaters have their moments of clumsiness.
Not only are these compilations funny, but they also show that skateboarding is not all about perfection. Falls are an inevitable part of the journey, and they can often lead to some hilarious and memorable moments.
The Inner Battle
We’ve all been there – trying to psych ourselves up for a trick, only to chicken out at the last minute. This is known as the inner battle, and it’s a common occurrence in skateboarding. It’s that moment when your mind is telling you to go for it, but your body is too afraid to take the plunge.
These moments can be both funny and frustrating, as we see the skater struggling with their own thoughts before either committing or bailing. But whether they succeed or fail, they remind us that skateboarding is not just about physical skill, but also mental strength and determination.
Tips for Avoiding Skateboard Fails
While skateboard fails are a natural part of the sport, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of injury and increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Wear Protective Gear
One of the most important things you can do to avoid skateboard fails is to wear protective gear. This includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These may not make you invincible, but they can significantly reduce the impact of falls and prevent serious injuries.
Start Slow and Master the Basics
It can be tempting to jump into more advanced tricks and maneuvers, but it’s essential to start slow and master the basics first. This will help you build a strong foundation and improve your balance and control, making it easier to progress to more challenging tricks later on.
Know Your Limits
Knowing your limits is crucial in skateboarding. While it’s essential to push yourself out of your comfort zone, it’s also important not to attempt tricks or obstacles that are beyond your skill level. This can lead to serious injuries and dampen your enthusiasm for skateboarding.
Practice Regularly
Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true in skateboarding. The more you practice, the better you will become at executing tricks and maintaining control. Don’t get discouraged by falls – see them as opportunities to learn and improve.
Conclusion
Skateboard fails may seem like a negative aspect of the sport, but they actually play a crucial role in the journey of every skateboarder. They teach us about resilience, determination, and pushing our boundaries. They remind us that perfection is not the goal, but rather the process of learning and growing as athletes and individuals.
So the next time you see a skateboarder take a tumble, remember that behind that fall is a story of courage, dedication, and passion for the sport. And who knows, maybe one day that skateboarder will land that trick perfectly, thanks to all the fails along the way.
