'lhe UPEI SUN,Thursday,March 16,1978, page 19

SKATEBOARD SKINS SHINS'HH

Vickie Megrath (CUP)

From its nodest beginnings in California in the 1960's, the skateboard has rapidly spread all over the world.

' 'Ihe business has grown o- ver the past decade and a

half, with sales exceeding $57 millim‘ last (Jurist-mas.

Boards are more sophisti— cated now, costing anywhere from $10 to $140. Wheels can be bought seperately starting around $7.

Boards are being trade that treasure up to seven feet and powered by sails or motor. West Germany has designed the notorized skateboard that requires a driving 1i- cense to use.

'Ihe sport, despite lack of facilities, exspense and . high injury rate, is a boon- ing success. Britain has more than three million. school- aged children interested in the sport. ‘

Britain's goverrment—fmd— ed Sports Council has per- suacbd municipalities to con— ‘10ts‘, wasteland and I pools into areas.

In the United States. skate- boards are,.a multi-million dollar industry, not includ- ing hospital bills. I

In Ottawa, there is a bylaw prohibiting the use of skate- boards on city streets and in public parks. Skateboards are only allowed in schOolyards and on private property.

“A recently compleated sur— vey estimated that two out of every five skateboarders are injured in the U.S. 'IwIenty- four deaths occurred last year.

In Australia, the fad de- clined aboutzmo years ago after three children died within a mmth in skateboard accidents.

The fad has made little im- pact on people in Swthwest Asia, but is booming in Hong ng-

In Japan, more than 800, 000 people skateboard. Na- tional Champianships are held for both nen and wo- men in slalom, giant slalan and free—style events.

In South Anerica, skate- boarding has become pros- perous and 'has booted over the last three years. The

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comtry claims the skate- board speed record. ‘

Eric Clark, a 14 year- old Johannesburg schoolboy, was recorded at 66.5 miles per hour.

In France, the sport has becare so popular that it led to bitter contraversy between the French Federa- tims for surfing, sking and roller skating oVer who should run it when the Ministry of Sports designa- ted skateboarding as a re- cognised sport.

Injury is part of the gane in skateboarding.Jean- Pdene-mrchand, 42 of Ion-

‘ O O O O , GET THE GOALS

don, England, had an accident while attempting to break the world speed record.

His skateboard begain to wobble after he let go of thecarhewasusingasa _ launch pad. At 65 miles per hour , Marchand took a fly- ing leap and follmed with six carumeels. He was saved only by his protective equip nent.

Companies such as Sears and The Bay sell protect- ive equiprent like helnets and elbows and knee pads. Some people just use hocky equipnent because it works just as well and can be bouqht almost anywhere.

OUR‘GOAL IS TO PLEASE

. We do it all