Start-Up Sports

Providing updated and revised chapters on safety, equipment, and basic skills, this instructional guide discusses the fundamentals of skateboarding. Presented in a helpful question and answer format, beginners will find information on buying a first board, where to plant one's feet, how to stay safe while learning new stunts, and the history of this exciting sport. From ollies to kickturns, detailed techniques are presented on the 15 tricks every skater should know. Honest and humorous interviews with skating professionals are included, along with an invaluable list of resources-including books, camps, museums, skate parks, shops, websites, and magazines. With more than 500 new images, step-by-step instructions and photographs illustrate the foolproof methods to turn skateboarding novices into experts.

Aimed at those looking for a concise introduction to the popular game, this handbook is ideal for beginning golfers. Emphasizing the fun side of the sport in both learning and playing, this reference covers getting started, equipment tips, and official rules, and concludes with a firsthand account of learning the game, a historical overview, and a glossary of terms. Illustrating the basics of the sport with a striking array of photographs, this updated edition evaluates the ins and outs of golfing with flair.

Debunking the sport's rumored reputation of being outdated, this newly revised edition explores the ancient yet powerfully rich and entertaining art of fencing. Covering Olympic-style foil, epee, and saber methods, this comprehensive guide also features tips on safety, etiquette, and technique. With a brief history on the sport and an updated resource section, this examination tackles the fencing experience with humor and style.

Aimed specifically at the novice outdoor adventurer, this comprehensive guide explains the essential gear, preparations, precautions, and techniques required for day hiking and short backpacking trips. Through informative, entertaining, and encouraging personal anecdotes, the guide emphasizes the physical, aesthetic, and spiritual benefits of spending time in nature. Essential first aid and map-reading information is also included.

This beginner's sailing instructional guide covers both monohull and catamaran sailing with an emphasis on basic technique, safety, and fun. Skipping complicated sailing jargon that can stymie most novices, this book goes straight to the very basic questions, such as How do I leave the dock? and Where are the brakes? Technique and simple theory are illustrated in plain detail, including the basic physics behind sailing in all four directions.

Design innovations and a new appreciation for the grace and poise of surfing a longer board has lifted the art of longboarding back into the limelight and more importantly, back into the minds of serious surfers who are looking to expand their wave riding experience. The first-half of this guide covers the basics of longboard equipment, wave selection, courtesy, and surfing technique through standing up. The second part gets into intermediate and advanced longboarding skills including: cross-stepping, trimming, turning, turning maneuvers, essential noseriding, and finally, some of the breathtaking tricks that the pros execute so flawlessly. The key points are brought home with a stripped down text and photos featuring some of the best longboard surfers on earth, including Ted Robinson, Colin McPhillips, Jeff Kramer and Mark Stewart.

Here is the essential beginner's guide to the fastest growing sport in the country according to the National Sporting Goods Association. The most important questions-how to stop, how to turn, and how to avoid the crash and burn syndrome-are answered because the author takes the reader along as he learns the sport himself. Basic gear, preparation, technique, and safety are also discussed.

Recommended by the United States Surfing Federation as a book that every beginning surfer should read, this instructional guide details the basics of surfing gear, conditions, safety, etiquette, and history. Written by someone who went through the learning process, topics are covered with just enough detail to get the reader riding the waves quickly and safely. It teaches the beginner surfer the fundamentals of the sport; what to expect in the first days of learning; and how to cope with waves, learning frustrations, and crowds. This edition has been updated with the latest information on equipment, technique, and resources.

A fast and fun guide to learning one of America's leading recreational pursuits. From choosing the right ball to the art of making strikes. Endorsed by Remo Picchietti, Bowling Hall of Famer.

A user-friendly, highly illustrated, straightforward boxing guide that promotes fun, fitness, self-defense, and self-confidence. Endorsed by USA Boxing, national governing body for amateur boxing.