InfoSearched
Published -
- March 23, 2020
- 3:05 pm
Pandemic Skateboarding
With quarantines and “shelter-in-place” becoming the new normal, leave it to skateboarders to find the silver lining in this situation.
What is the future of the skateboarding industry in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Skateboarding In A Global Pandemic | COVID-19 Los Angeles
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world hard, affecting every aspect of our daily lives. One of the many areas that have been impacted is the skateboard industry. Skateboarding, as an activity that inherently involves close contact, poses a challenge in a time when social distancing is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. In particular, the Los Angeles skateboarding community has been hit hard, with the city being one of the epicenters of the pandemic in the United States.
The pandemic affected the skateboard industry in several ways. Firstly, it prevented the gathering of skateboarders in public parks, which is a crucial component of skateboarding culture. Skateparks around the world were closed, leaving skateboarders with limited places to practice their skills. Additionally, the pandemic led to the cancellation of several major skateboarding competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which was set to feature skateboarding as an official sport for the first time.
Moreover, the pandemic has posed significant health risks to skateboarders. Skateboarding involves collisions, falls, and other accidents that could result in injuries. In the context of the pandemic, such accidents could lead to an exposure to the virus and the likelihood of spreading it to others. Additionally, the pandemic has disrupted the supply chain of skateboarding equipment, leading to product shortages and supply chain slowdowns.
In response to the pandemic, the Los Angeles skateboarding community has taken measures to address the challenges. For one, many skaters have resorted to creating DIY skateparks, using local resources to build their own makeshift skateboarding venues. Additionally, some skateboarders have taken to the streets, using empty spaces to practice their skills while avoiding public parks. More importantly, the community has been actively raising awareness about the pandemic and its dangers, promoting social distancing measures and the use of personal protective equipment among skateboarders.
Finally, the pandemic has also highlighted the wider issue of inequality within the skateboarding community. Skateboarding is often associated with marginalized groups, and the pandemic has exposed the economic disparities faced by many skateboarders. With many skaters losing their sources of income, there is an urgent need to support the most affected members of the community.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the skateboard industry, including the Los Angeles skateboarding community. However, the resilience and creativity of skateboarders have allowed them to adapt and find new ways to practice their skills. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for greater support and solidarity within the community, particularly for those faced with economic challenges. As the pandemic continues, it is important for skateboarders to continue to promote safe practices and work towards a sustainable future for the skateboarding industry.
