大象传媒

Streetboarding. Ever heard of it? Neither had we, so to find out more, 大象传媒 Dorset went to check out the 2007 UK National Streetboarding Tour when it came to Bournemouth.

It's described on the official streetboarding website site as 'unlike anything else - just streetboarding', but a good starting point for a comparison is skateboarding, in as much as it involves riding a board on wheels.

Advanced streetboarders can do this!

But the difference is that streetboarding, which is also known as snakeboarding, is the skill of riding a board made up of two articulated footplates, both connected with a crossbar - so it looks like it's much more difficult than skateboarding.

Popular

It's found popularity with people from many different extreme sport backgrounds, especially those from snowboarding, where it can act as a useful cross-trainer as it helps to develop technique and balance on the board.

Streetboarding began in California in the early 1990s, although prior to that a form was also developed in South Africa.

Demonstrations

Several of the UK鈥檚 top boarders were in Bournemouth for demonstrations, including current World champion Max Anderson.

So in the name of journalism I was willing to try it out. I was rubbish. My co-ordination was useless, my balance was appalling and my technique so unnatural it was unbelievable. I was well and truly awful.

Even standing on the board itself felt wrong, so I guess that is why I am writing this now rather than doing tricks and jumping all over the place in skateparks across the UK.

Streetboarding champion Max Anderson

However when watching the guys in action I could not help but marvel at the boarders like Max whose tricks at times were amazing.

Bournemouth-boarder Dom Ebel, who is taking part in the tour, said "I think that this kind of thing is quite popular in Bournemouth, it is quite hot here which helps because you need dry days for good traction on the wheels."

Danger

So what about the danger aspect? "I have smashed my wrist and also damaged my ankle but we are supposed to wear protective clothing to prevent any serious damage" says Max.

There was certainly no danger hurting myself as I could barely move on the board. In fact the only danger I faced was getting in the way of the serious boarders as they cruised past while I was struggling to learn the basics.

Instructions from expert Neil Thompson

The man behind the tour, Neil Thompson, believes it's important to use the sport not only as a cross trainer for snowboarders but as a boarding sport in its own right.

Neil, from Streetboards UK, said: "It is our mission to promote and develop streetboarding as a recognised action sport within the UK and throughout the world."