Although many leading sports authorities recognize everyday sports, too few see the risk and skill involved with extreme sports.

Surfing and skateboarding are now receiving attention, although each sport has been around for generations.

Surfing

What began as a cult sport for risk-takers years ago, quickly became the father figure for modern extreme sports. Although it spawned many other ideas, surfing still has a strong following today.

Senior Matthew Hettich said, “Surfing is an art. Riding waves is just something that seems supernatural, as though it goes against all the forces of nature.”

Part of the supernatural feeling Hettich refers to is the deep connection to the ocean that all surfers seem to feel. To surf, one must be able to feel and understand the waves, before the waves can truly be conquered.

Over the years, surfboards have changed both in style and shape.

According to Surfline, “Every component of [the classic long board] design intentionally or unwittingly contributed to the forces of drag. Today’s modern long board bears little resemblance to its clunky ancestors, borrowing heavily from all we’ve learned since the short board revolution in 1968. With the development of the short board, performance surfing took its biggest leap ever, and it has yet to land.”

Although performance surfing has never landed, the sport itself has modified several times to be used on the earth instead of water. Thus, the sport of skateboarding is born.

Skateboarding

Many people see skateboarding as an escape from life. Others take it to a completely different level, nearer to a religion than a sport.

Like any sport, there are several techniques to choose from.

The individuals who skate on a half-pipe (a “pipe” is a hollow cylinder in which skaters can complete entire loops; a “half-pipe” is only the bottom half of the cylinder) do so in order to perform aerial stunts, and to revel in the momentary lack of gravity.

Street skaters stick to their roots, taking their surroundings- staircases, curbs, and park benches (nothing escapes a skater’s eyes)- and transforming them into stages for their performances.

The last group of skaters are more old school, allowing the original connection to water to draw them to empty pools. Pool skaters are on a constant quest for abandoned pools, where they use the walls and shape of the pool for stunts.

This group is more like half-pipe skaters because they perform in an enclosed area, but the sight remains unique.

Junior Steven Caberto said, “I usually stay on the streets. I don’t have the means for much else, but I also think street skating is pretty difficult. I wouldn’t want anyone to think that, just because I’m not getting as much air as those who work the half-pipe, I’m not working as hard.”

Extreme sports, like surfing and skateboarding, are becoming popular. The street luge, mountain biking, and BMX are gaining recognition and a large following. Soon extreme sports will be found alongside more recognized sports.