Arizona has a wealth of things to enjoy for outdoorsy types, and for those who enjoy skateboarding are no exception. There are more than 20 various skateparks and other great spots to hit around the Valley such as The Wedge and Desert West. But during summer, it's just not as easy to enjoy all the pleasures that skateboarding has to offer. Skateboarding can be taxing and exhausting in the most ideal conditions, and with the heat it can be flat out dangerous. These five tips will help skateboarders navigate the sweltering summer conditions.
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5. Don't Skate Alone
When you're out skating, you always run the risk of injury. Should that happen, the last thing you'd want is to be alone. If you happen to be at a skatepark, this is rarely a problem, but that won't always be the case. Add in the factor of the summer heat and it can be really easy to pass out, get sun stroke, or any other nasty thing that the heat can do to you. If you're with a someone, they will be able to make sure you get the help you need as soon as possible. If you're alone, it could wind up being much worse.
4. Stick to the Skateparks
This particular tip is more of a year-round thing, but it's no less true during summer. Skateboarders can turn things that most people don't think twice about into an entire day of fun. They are always on the lookout for a new spot to skate. The trouble with that is sometimes it's illegal to skate in said new spots. There are skateparks located all around Arizona, and they are built specifically for that purpose. Take advantage of these instead of running the risk of having the cops called on you, and nothing can ruin summer fun quite like some legal trouble.
3. Keep Your Gear On
When it comes to clothing and accessories in the summer, oftentimes less is more. Normally skating safe involves wearing a helmet, maybe pads if you feel so inclined. The problem is, during the summer those protective items become especially uncomfortable and undesirable. That being said, it is still worth keeping them on. Just because it's hot out doesn't make it any more or less likely that your helmet could keep you from a serious injury. No matter how hot or uncomfortable it may be, it's just not worth it. Keep your helmet on.
2. Skate Early or Late
This particular tip may seem like something of a no-brainer. Either get up in the wee hours of the morning or head out in the evening. Sure, it's still going to be hot out, but not having the sun beating down on you makes a world of difference. Most of the skateparks around the Valley are open from 7 or 8 a.m. until at least least 8 p.m., with places like Desert West staying open until 10 or later.
1. Hydrate
This is good advice in general, but it's especially important for those planning to do physically demanding activity in Arizona during the summer. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking between 2 and 3 liters of water per day under normal conditions, with a recommended additional 5 ounces for every 10 minutes of physical activity. So when going out to skate, make sure to bring plenty out with you or skate somewhere with easily access to water.
