WHAT? The art of skateboarding has evolved over the last couple of decades from a casual pastime enjoyed by youth on urban streets or in drained-out swimming pools to a sport that fills arenas with spectators and famous faces such as Tony Hawk — y’know, the guy in the videogame.

HOW? All you need is a deck with wheels and to be daring enough to take a few falls.  
WHERE TO GET THE GOODS? The X-Village Skate Shop (774 College, 416-916-3321) can supply you with all the equipment required — they have a wide selection of decks, trucks, bearings, wheels and shoes, among other things. You can check them out online at www.skateshop.ca. Hammer Skateboard (2225 Queen E., 416-698-0005) also has a variety of brands — check out their virtual-store tour at www.hammertoronto.com.

ANY BENEFITS? “It’s a great aerobic exercise and it helps with muscle balance and coordination,” says Gymbo Jak, owner of Shred Central Skate Park. Whether you are using your board as a mode of transportation, attempting stationary tricks or cruising down skate ramps, your body is in constant motion. Along with the physical benefits, like any extreme sport, skateboarding is great for those seeking a little thrill — picking up speed travelling downhill will definitely induce a little adrenalin. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy a challenge — you can’t just assume you are going to be able to do those stationary tricks the pros can do overnight. But, above everything else, it’s worth trying just for the mere fact that, as Jak says, “it keeps you young at heart.” 

WHERE? With spring in the air you can grab a skateboard and practice your mad skills anywhere. If ramps, jumps and rails interest you more than sidewalk curbs, there are a variety of skate parks all over the city. You can visit Gymbo Jak and the gang at Shred Central indoor skate park (19 St. Nicholas, 416-923-9842) Tue-Fri 3-9pm; Sat noon-9pm; and Sun noon-7pm. There is a daily membership fee of $10 for guys, but women ride for free. Alternately, there is Ripley’s Urban Rail Park at Polson Pier (11 Polson, 416-469-5655). They have a daily skate fee of $9.99, or you can purchase a season’s pass for $99 for all the skateboarding you can endure. They’re open Mon-Wed 3-10pm; Thu-Fri noon-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. Looking for a freebie? Head to Vanderhoof Skate Park (at Vanderhoof and Laird in East York), also known as “The Hoof,” which is praised by the skate junkies at X-Village as “the best bowl in the GTA.”

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