"Skateborded"

Have you ever stood and watched the local teenagers at the skate park? At first glance it appears that these concrete playgrounds are populated by youngsters just chatting to each other, either sitting on their bikes or casually moving their board backwards and forwards with their foot. They look bored and disinterested.

However look more closely and you will see that this behaviour is far from the truth.

Every so often one of the crowd breaks ranks and takes a spin on the half pipe showing their latest move. This move is always impressive as I, a middle aged bloke, can't even stand on a still skateboard without falling off.

As the skater performs his move the rest of the group watch respectfully. Following the action the young person returns to his friends. Keep watching and then you will see another take a turn. This continues harmoniously, there is a certain etiquette demonstrated by all involved.

I saw today a petition for a skateboard park to be built in a small town park. Support was being generated for it. I think that this is exactly the sort of thing that should be encouraged. Many adults look at these places with disdain, worried that they will encourage the 'bad element'. But look a bit more closely and you will find that this is often far from the truth.