Hoverboards in Sports: How Are Hoverboards Being Used in Extreme Sports?

Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, have gained popularity recently due to their unique ability to provide a thrilling and futuristic experience.

While traditional extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding remain popular, hoverboards have opened up new possibilities and challenges for enthusiasts.

Extreme sports enthusiasts are now incorporating hoverboarding into their activities.

Meanwhile, as a first-timer, you may be curious about the use of hoverboards in extreme sports. Worry no more; you are in the right place.

Extreme sports enthusiasts have discovered creative ways to utilize hoverboards, pushing the boundaries of what these devices can do. Trick riding, hoverboard racing, urban explorations, hoverboard off-road adventures, etc., are examples of methods of using hoverboards in extreme sports. Ultimately, it’s essential to note that while hoverboarding can be an exciting activity, riders should always prioritize their safety.

In this article, I will explore how to use hoverboards in extreme sports. I will also reveal whether or not hoverboard sports are officially recognized globally.

By the end, you will be able to discover if hoverboard sports are safe and the different ways you can ride your hoverboards.

How Are Hoverboards Used in Extreme Sports?

In recent years, hoverboards have revolutionized extreme sports defying gravity and the usual expectations along the way, enhancing the world of extreme sports.

Therefore, as a sports enthusiast or an excited adventurer seeking a thrilling sport and the ultimate adrenaline rush, you will want to discover how hoverboards are used.

Below are some of the ways in which extreme sports enthusiasts have been using hoverboards:

#1. Trick Riding

One of the ways skilled riders utilize their hoverboards is to perform various tricks and stunts using them, similar to skateboarding or BMX freestyle. 

The tricks include jumps, spins, flips, grinds, and slides, utilizing various urban obstacles like ramps, rails, and ledges. 

Hoverboards’ compact size and agility make them ideal for executing quick maneuvers and showcasing technical skills.

So, if you are looking for an extreme sport you can perform with your hoverboards, tricks riding is one of the riding styles you should consider.

#2. Hoverboard Racing

Competitive hoverboard racing has appeared as one of the ways hoverboards engage in extreme sports. 

Skilled hoverboard riders compete on tracks designed specifically for hoverboard races, featuring twists, turns, and jumps.

The riders often organize the races in either indoor arenas or outdoor courses, providing a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators.

#3. Urban Exploration 

Hoverboards are well-suited for navigating urban environments, allowing riders to explore city streets, parks, and plazas exhilaratingly.

Hence, the urban exploration riding style is one of the famous ways of using hoverboards.

Urban hoverboard riders often incorporate obstacles like stairs, ramps, and curbs into their routines.

They showcase their skill and creativity while incorporating elements of parkour and freerunning using any of these obstacles.

Urban exploration style focuses on creating expression, improvisation, and adapting to the urban surroundings.

#4. Hoverboard Off-Road Adventures

Some hoverboards are designed with larger wheels and rugged tires, enabling riders to take them off-road. 

Extreme sports enthusiasts use these off-road hoverboards to explore dirt trails, tackle rough terrains, and even perform tricks on natural obstacles like dirt mounds or fallen trees. 

This style combines off-road biking and skateboarding elements, allowing for a unique fusion of off-road exploration, a higher level of challenge, and extreme sports excitement.

#5. Hoverboard Dance 

This particular style is uncommon, but it’s also one of the various ways of using hoverboards. 

By combining elements of dance and hoverboarding, riders choreograph routines that synchronize their movements with the capabilities of the hoverboard. 

This artistic expression showcases grace, fluidity, and coordination, blurring the lines between extreme sports and performance art.

Regardless of how you ride your hoverboard, it’s essential to always prioritize your safety by wearing the appropriate protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, etc.

Are Hoverboards Sporting Officially Recognized?

No, hoverboards are not officially recognized as a sports category. In contrast, hoverboards are primarily used as personal transportation or recreational gadgets.

Some sports enthusiasts now engage in sports or recreational activities involving self-balancing scooters (the two-wheeled hoverboards), such as racing or performing tricks.

However, it’s worth noting that these activities are not officially recognized as standalone sports at the international or professional level. 

Many dangers are associated with riding hoverboards, and few people understand the appropriate way of handling hoverboards.

Hence, hoverboarding is not officially recognized as a sporting activity.

Hoverboard Trick Riding as a Sport

Among the numerous ways of using hoverboards, hoverboard trick riding has become one of the most exciting and thrilling riding styles. 

With advancements in technology and the availability of innovative hoverboards, riders can perform various tricks and maneuvers.

The advancements help them push the boundaries of what’s possible on these self-balancing electric devices. 

Here are some of the essential things needed before attempting the famous hoverboard trick riding:

#1. Skill and Experience 

Hoverboard riding can be physically demanding, requiring high balance, coordination, and mastery to ensure an effective riding experience. 

Therefore, riders must have sufficient knowledge and training to overcome the challenges associated with hoverboarding.

Proper balance, body positioning, and weight distribution techniques are essential to maintain control while performing tricks.

Hence, as a beginner, it would be best to start with the basic riding styles and gradually progress to more advanced maneuvers and challenging activities.

#2. Appropriate and Quality Hoverboard

Hoverboard trick riding requires a specialized hoverboard designed for stunts and tricks. 

These hoverboards usually have enhanced stability, durability, and maneuverability features to withstand the demands of trick riding. 

In addition, it’s essential to ensure the hoverboard is in good working condition to avoid unwanted happenings.

#3. Protective Equipment 

Wearing appropriate protective equipment is crucial to minimize the risk of injuries. 

Therefore, safety gear such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, appropriate footwear, and wrist guards is essential before embarking on hoverboard riding.

Ensure you only ride in designated areas away from traffic or pedestrians.

#4. Tricks and Maneuvers

Hoverboard trick riding involves performing a wide range of tricks similar to those seen in skateboarding, snowboarding, or BMX. 

Hoverboard riders continuously explore new tricks and combinations, pushing the boundaries of what can be done on a hoverboard.

So, if you intend to perform tricks with your hoverboards, you must be aware of your abilities and be good at tricks riding before attempting.

Some of the popular tricks you can perform with your hoverboards include:

• Ollie: This particular trick involves Jumping with the hoverboard, getting both feet off the board.
• Manuals: This trick style involves balancing on either the front or back wheels for an extended distance.
• Handstands: This is another hoverboarding trick whereby riders balance on the hoverboard with their hands while in motion.
• Kickflip: This is another common trick in hoverboarding whereby riders flip the board using a kicking motion while in the air.
• 360 Spin: This trick involves rotating the hoverboard 360 degrees while maintaining balance.
• Grinds: This trick style involves sliding on railings or edges with the hoverboard.
• Shuvit: Spinning the hoverboard 180 degrees without leaving the ground.

In addition, after learning and mastering the hoverboard tricks, one of the perfect ways to polish your skill and discover your ability level is to participate in a competition.

Hoverboard trick riding competitions have emerged to showcase the skills of riders.

These events often feature categories such as best trick, highest jump, longest manual, and overall freestyle performances. 

Such competitions can occur in dedicated skate parks or specially designed courses incorporating ramps, rails, obstacles, etc., to challenge the riders and improve and appreciate their skills.

Are Hoverboard Sports Safe?

Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, can be enjoyable for personal and recreational use.

Also, hoverboard sports, such as hoverboard racing or freestyle tricks, can be thrilling and enjoyable for participants and spectators. 

However, like any other sports activity, there are also inherent risks involved in hoverboard sports. Thus, safety varies depending on various factors.

The safety of hoverboarding depends on the skill of the riders, adherence to safety guidelines and regulations, quality of the equipment, and the environment in which the activity takes place.

Following safety guidelines and regulations specific to hoverboard sports are essential. 

These guidelines may include speed limits, restrictions on tricks or maneuvers, and rules if it’s a competitive event.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that hoverboards have evolved with improvements in safety features, battery technology, and stability. 

However, risks can still exist, and riders must assess their capabilities, take necessary precautions, and be mindful of their surroundings to ensure a safer experience.

Hoverboard riding has numerous advantages, and of course, it also has its disadvantages. 

Check out the table below to discover the pros and cons of hoverboard sports.

Pros	Cons
Hoverboarding is a fun activity.	Hoverboarding has the risk of accidents and injuries.
It provides an adrenaline rush.	There are limited terrain options for hoverboarding.
Hoverboarding enhances balance and coordination.	Quality hoverboards are quite expensive.
Hoverboarding can be done indoors or on certain outdoor terrains.	Master hoverboarding requires a good learning curve.
It offers a unique and futuristic experience.	Weather conditions may affect hoverboarding.
Hoverboarding helps improve core strength and fitness.	Hoverboarding is unsuitable and unsafe for individuals with mobility issues.
Hoverboards are portable and easy to transport.	Hoverboards may cause potential damage to surfaces or property.
There are a wide range of hoverboard styles and designs.	Limited battery life may restrict longer sessions.

Judging from the information mentioned in this table, you must have learned about the physical, social, and health benefits of riding hoverboards. 

You must have also discovered the risks associated with it. 

Therefore, whether or not hoverboard sports are safe depends on the precautions taken, the maneuverability, and the skill of the individuals involved.