Hurley is really stepping it up in the boardshort department (like that's a surprise). For those hard core beach bums Hurley has a new line of super stretchy, water repellent phantom boardshorts just waiting to get wet.

Skateboard legend Tony Hawk is considered one of the world's greatest skateboarders, the only skateboarding guru who successfully completed the front side "900." This stunt consists of 2.5 midair somersaults (900 degrees of breathtaking action) and was witnessed at the ESPN X Games in San Francisco, California in 1999. Since then, daredevils and skating enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels have attempted to replicate the amazing act, but few have managed to pull off the stunt as flawlessly as the great Hawk.

The 900 was executed when Hawk launched approximately 5 feet from the rim of the half-pipe on the U-shaped skate ramp and then did two and a half flips on the board before landing back into the half pipe with both feet and the board intact. For Hawk, it was one of his greatest personal achievements; for spectators, this was history in the making. And for scientists, it was just another trick made possible by the laws of gravity.

Skateboard stunts like the 900 depend entirely on the laws of physics; gravity allows the skater to accelerate, control their speed, move at different angles while airborne and control exactly where they will land. The faster the skater moves, the higher they can launch themselves above the rim of the skateboard ramp. The best way to pick up speed on the ramps is to use a technique called 'pumping,' where the skateboarder uses one foot to launch forward on the board and then quickly bends his or her knees while moving in order to accelerate. After launching off the rim, the skateboarder must curl up into a tight ball so that their body weight is as close to their axis of rotation as possible. This may sound very technical and complicated, but it's the blueprint for skateboarding stunt success for many experienced skaters such as Hawk.

Skateboarders also need to consider wind speed and temperatures when they're approaching a new stunt; the wind can affect how quickly the skateboarder is able to accelerate when on the ground and how long they can be airborne. The climate dictates what type of clothing the skateboarder will need to wear and whether the skateboard's wheels need to be warmed up before the event.

Hawk's execution of this amazing 900 stunt is just one of several legendary tricks and stunts to make headlines in the skateboarding world; he officially retired from professional skating in 2000.

Source:

Science World, Feb. 2001

In Alabama there is an indoor-outdoor skate park that is calling your name. It is the Ramp-N-Speed Indoor/Outdoor Skate Park. Here you will find a great collection of indoor and outdoor skating structures that allow you the chance to learn new tricks and prefect old ones. This park can be found at 1200 Alton Drive in Birmingham, Alabama.

Ramp-N-Speed Indoor/Outdoor Skate Park - The Basics
Ramp-N-Speed Skate Park offers the best of both indoor and outdoor skate parks. The interior park offers boxes, a 15-foot vertical wall, a 6-foot mini ramp, a hip to a 6-foot mini ramp and a 4-foot spine. Outside you will find a twelve foot vert ramp, several launching ramps, rails, boxes, a triple hip and quarter pipes of various sizes. While this park is packed with great skating features, it is not a bowl park.

Ramp-N-Speed Indoor/Outdoor Skate Park - Rules and Hours
During the school year, Ramp-N-Speed Skate Park is closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. During the rest of the year, the park is open Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

This park only has a few simple rules. To start with, you will need to sign a liability waiver before you can skate here. Next you are required to wear a helmet while skating. Pads are option, but recommended. If you don't have your own helmet and pads, you can rent them here. To prevent rashes from the pads, wear a long-sleeved shirt under your elbow pads and long pants under your knees pads. Also, don't forget to put on a pair of shoes that have skid-resistant soles.

In addition to skateboarders, bikers and rollerbladers are also allowed in the park. Since there is a mix of sports going on here, you will want to keep your eyes open and be aware of who and what is around you. Also make sure you don't try to cut anyone off while skating. This can be dangerous and bring the fun mood of the skate park down.