Beat the Heat

Dateline: 06/26/00

If you're planning to skate outdoors and you live in Texas, like me or maybe in one of the several other increasingly numerous places that suffer from extraordinarily high temperatures and humidity, you'll need to take certain precautions to guard against the heat. I'll tell you what, if 105 degrees in the shade doesn't suck the desire to skate right out of you, you must be as hard core as they come, but you're also not very wise. What with global warming and an annual rise in surface temperatures a skateboarder can really put him/herself in danger if s/he fails to heed these warnings.

Tips for getting by instead of baked: Locate an indoor skatepark and skate there. It's really hot outside folks. I know indoor facilities are few and far between but if you have access utilize it. Grab your gear, spend some bucks, and enjoy an air-conditioned grit free day on the custom ramps, rails and whatnot provided solely for your skating entertainment.

Also, try your living or rec rooms if you have them. There are plenty of tricks that can be learned or perfected from a stationary position on your rug. Especially if you are a beginner, tricks like ollies, nollies or kickflips, mastered on the carpet can keep you from busting your backside on an unforgiving concrete mass. Take advantage of your hot time, stay inside.

Again, I fervently recommend getting your bodies indoors. But if you absolutely must be outside, go out in the early morning or late afternoon. These times of day are cooler when the sun has yet to reach an apex. Shadows will be longer, shady areas will be more plentiful. And the birds are always happy.

If, on the other hand, there's some reason you can't make it out of bed to catch the early morning cool, nothing quite beats bombing a good parking garage. At least that will provide a roof for cover. There's a great one near my home that seems quite daunting but as it turns out doesn't even have a security guard. Scope it out, keep your numbers thin so you don't draw too much attention and give it a go. It can really be a blast.

Remember, in order to replenish the fluids being flushed from the pores due to your highly physical exertions be sure to drink plenty of liquids. These should of course be of the non-alcoholic variety. You should also try to avoid soft drinks as these are a nutritional zero and rarely even work to quench the thirst on this kind of summer day. Water is best, or maybe a sports drink, but nothing carbonated or sugary.

Wear light weight clothing, but don't forego the pads. If you're anything like me you'll burn up red like a boiled lobster so you might want to opt for long sleeves but that is a personal choice. Slather the sunscreen, cover your head with a cap and don't forget your sunglasses. Ultraviolet rays can damage your vision as well as your skin so protect those eyeballs.

Remember the ozone has been depleted, petro-chemical companies abound, pollution is everywhere, and temperatures are continually rising due to the greenhouse effect. Do not exert yourself in this kind of heat; you're liable to succumb to heat exhaustion.

Now, have fun!