Living: The Irresistible Lure Of Grabbing Air

Skateboarding, once a fad, is now a national turn-on

No wonder it is irresistible. Equipment to do it is relatively cheap. You can hone your skills on a grand backyard ramp or in a special park, but a downtown sidewalk will do just as nicely. The action is fast, furious and decidedly funky. Uniforms are not required, but style is vital, and the available styles are great. You can talk about it in resonant slang whose references to half pipes and acid drops, crackin' Ollies and catchin' air can be as arcane as a Rosicrucian oath. You can do it in the country or city, by a beach or across...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!