Waveboarding Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

  1. What is the difference between skateboarding and waveboarding?

    Answer: The skateboard has a single, rigid shape (deck) supported on two trucks with 4 wheels in a square. The waveboard has two separate decks connected by an articulated torsion bar, with only two wheels (one on each deck), requiring an undulating movement of the hips and waist to move, without needing to push off the ground with the foot like a conventional skateboard. — The waveboard (also called streetsurfer or ripstik) was invented in the 2000s as an intermediate sport between skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding. The undulating movement of the hips (carving) generates propulsion through the spinning of the wheels. By not needing to push off the ground, the waveboard simulates the sensation of surfing on land. Traditional skateboards are more stable for beginners; waveboards require greater balance and body coordination.

  2. Explain why waveboarding is considered the combination of 3 extreme sports. What sports are these?

    Answer: It is considered a combination of skateboarding (use of wheeled equipment on asphalt and maneuvers), surfing (undulating body movement simulating waves, use of the core for propulsion) and snowboarding (sideways body posture, carving technique and dynamic balance). The waveboard combines elements of the three sports in a single piece of equipment and urban practice, offering a unique and fun hybrid experience. — The waveboard was designed to bring together characteristics of the three sports in an urban environment. From skateboarding it inherited wheels, asphalt and maneuvers (kickflip, ollie). From surfing came the undulating hip movement (carving) that generates propulsion. From snowboarding it adopted the sideways posture, dynamic balance and the technique of leaning the body (heel/toe edge). Practitioners of these other sports adapt quickly to the waveboard.

  3. Explain about the following safety equipment:
    • Helmet
    • Knee pad
    • Shin guard
    • Gloves

    Answer: 1) Helmet: protects the skull against impacts in falls, preventing fractures and head injuries; it must have INMETRO certification and a correct fit to the head. 2) Knee pad: cushions frontal falls onto the knees, preventing kneecap injuries; prefer models with a hard cap and EVA foam. 3) Shin guard: protects the tibia and the shin from scrapes and impacts during maneuvers and falls. 4) Gloves: protect the palms of the hands against scrapes and cuts when bracing in falls and also improve firmness/grip when balancing on the board. — PPE is essential. Statistically, 80% of injuries in extreme sports occur in beginners without protection. The helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by 85%. Knees and elbows are common points of falling. Hands and wrists suffer from the protective reflex. Certified equipment (INMETRO, CE) guarantees quality. Training with PPE is a basic rule on any public track and in the Pathfinder clubs that practice the sport.

  4. Correctly disassemble and reassemble your waveboard, identifying and naming each part.

    Answer: Parts: 2 decks (front and rear), a torsion bar (connects the decks with an articulated pivot), 2 trucks (one per deck), 2 wheels with integrated bearings, fastening screws. To disassemble: 1) Loosen the screws of the torsion bar; 2) Remove the bar; 3) Disassemble the trucks by loosening the nuts; 4) Remove the wheels. — Disassembling allows cleaning, parts replacement and storage. The wheel bearings (usually ABEC-5 or higher) accumulate dirt and must be cleaned with solvent and lubricated periodically. The torsion bar is a critical part that can wear out with intense use. Replacements and adjustments extend the lifespan of the waveboard. Knowing the parts develops autonomy and care for the equipment, avoiding dependence on mechanics.

  5. List the types of wheels that exist, explaining the difference between them and where their use is most suitable.

    Answer: Small (50-55mm) and hard (99A+) wheels: lightweight, ideal for maneuvers and street; less impact absorption. Medium wheels (55-60mm), 85-95A: a balance between speed and absorption, suitable for general use. Large (60-70mm) and soft (78-85A) wheels: absorb irregularities, ideal for rough asphalt and cruising; less maneuverable. — The choice of wheels drastically affects the experience. Smooth surfaces (skateparks) call for small, hard wheels. Common asphalt tolerates medium wheels. Sidewalks and streets with gravel call for large, soft wheels to absorb impacts. ABEC bearings determine the smoothness of the spin. Changing wheels is common maintenance and customizes the waveboard to the preferred terrain. Brands such as Bones, Ricta and Spitfire offer varieties.

  6. Perform at least 15 of the following maneuvers, with 5 of them being on a ramp:
    • Ollie
    • Wheelie (manual) for 10 meters
    • Nose Wheelie (nose manual) for 10 meters
    • C-Turn
    • 180 degrees
    • 180 body varial
    • 360 Spin
    • Grab Rail
    • Leap Board
    • Downhill turn
    • Kickflip
    • Double Impossible
    • No Comply Kickflip
    • Kickflip Fakie
    • Kickflip Switch
    • Fakie Bigspin
    • Nollie Kickflip
    • Nollie Heelflip
    • Nollie Frontside 180 bigspin
    • Varial Kickflip
    • Heelflip Varial
    • Backside Kickflip 180
    • Frontside Heelflip 180
    • Frontside Kickflip 180
    • 360 and Kickflip
    • Double Frontside

    Answer: Basic (flat ground): Manual/Wheelie (10m on the rear deck), Nose Wheelie (10m on the front deck), C-Turn (a C-shaped curve), 180/360 Spin (turns), Grab Rail (hold the edge), Leap Board (jump off the board), Go Downhill (descend a slope). On a ramp: Kickflip (spinning the deck), Frontside/Backside 180, Varial Kickflip, Big Spin. — Maneuvers evolve with practice. Beginners start with manuals and curves. Intermediates learn turns (180/360) and the ollie. Advanced riders perform kickflips and their variations. Each maneuver has a specific technique of feet, arms and hips. Tutorial videos (YouTube channels such as Casey-O, Streetsurfing) help with learning. Training in a safe place with PPE is the rule. Modern camporees include waveboard demonstrations.