NASA's Xtreme Exhibit

Dateline: 07/21/00

From June to September, NASA's Johnson Space Center offers the only heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, in-your-face Xtreme action in Houston, Texas. The whole family can test their skills in virtually every extreme sport, from skydiving to snowboarding to rock climbing to bungee jumping, with this hands-on exhibit that's the ultimate in fun.

However, if you go there looking for skateboarding or attributes thereof you're about out of luck. In the way of skateboarding the exhibit was comprised of only this:

• One video game that didn't seem worth playing.
• One fingerboarding park that was closed for some reason I was unable to ascertain.
• Some infrequent video clips of longboard downhill racing.
• And one booth that was selling a variety of World Industries products.

Because she's never owned one and since curiosity overcame her better judgement your guide actually bought a WI board with Gullwing trucks that happened to be grossly overpriced. [Ahem] No surprise there given the forum. But as I'd never skated a World and it was right there in front of me I simply couldn't resist. Don't let it happen to you.

World skateboards are okay if you ask me. Good pop for a little while, great shape, good for technical tricks, and perfect concave, meaning not too much not too little. If you are looking for a wide board don't buy World though as they tend to be skinny in width. They're good for beginners and all right for intermediates too I guess, depending on what you want to do.

Even though I overpaid I felt I got my money's worth as I then used the board to tackle the flat land in NASA's parking lot and later skate all the way home. It was also good for a laugh as, having just purchased it from them, they were then sent into a panic trying to resolve whether I should or should not be allowed to carry it on the tram to the other facilities. I was of course instructed not to skate between the buildings. Shocker there, neh?

In general, I was disappointed in the Xtreme exhibit but if you're under 12 I'd say grab your folks and check it out anyway. It was full of kids and great for kids who really should be encouraged in the way of science.

So, visit the JSC and blast off to the most exciting adventure on Earth: Space Center Houston. This spectacular journey into America's space program is provided by NASA's Official Visitors Center, where you'll witness live presentations, interactive exhibits, Texas' largest IMAX theater, behind-the-scenes tours of the famed Johnson Space Center, and a huge display of space flight hardware and astronaut memorabilia.

Space Center Houston is located at 1601 Nasa Road 1, off Interstate 45 South, in the Clear Lake area. For admission prices, times and details on events, call (281) 244-2105.