Skating

Skateboarders endure 'a new bruise every day'

Adam Dyet, who will compete in Tampa this week, says the fun of performing tricks makes the pain worth it.

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published January 26, 2006

TAMPA - Adam Dyet has scraped his knees, battered his arms and bloodied his head. By his own estimation, he sprains an ankle about twice a month. Once, after missing his target while trying to "grind a really big handrail," he dislocated a wrist and fractured a hip.

"There's a new bruise every day," Dyet said.

For skateboarders, this is the norm. In the quest to perfect old moves and invent new ones, the sport's elite have pushed their bodies - and gravity - to the limit.

"It's all about having fun," Dyet said. "But it's also about showing off. You've always got to show off."

Dyet's talents, and those of many others, will be on full display today through Sunday at the 12th annual Tampa Am at Skatepark of Tampa. The well-known event will feature most of the top up-and-comers in a variety of competitions, including street performances and a best trick. "It's known as the amateur event in the world," said Skatepark of Tampa general manager Ryan Clements. "There's nothing else that compares to it. Up to the level of Adam Dyet, there are probably dozens of kids that will be here with that kind of ability.

"These aren't like your traditional athletes. For them, it's a lot less about endurance and more about how tough you are. Your body takes quite a beating."

For Dyet, reaching new heights is worth the pain.

At 20, he has become a relatively big deal in the sport and because of it lives a pretty good life. The Salt Lake City native took up boarding in 1999 after watching another kid skate down the road. Four years later, he began competing.

Today, Dyet travels all over to perform and has eight sponsors, whose support has allowed skateboarding to become his full-time job.

"Riding on your board is the best thing ever," Dyet said. "When you actually do a trick, you get so excited. I don't really know how to explain it."

Dyet has won numerous titles (five for "best trick") and made three videos that showcase his skills.

Recently, he became the first to perform a trick in which he spun and flipped the board simultaneously then landed on the rail - a moved called the nollie 270 switch front board.

"You're always learning new stuff," Dyet said. "Skateboarding is a never-ending battle."

With other skaters.

And with one's body.

WHEN: Today-Sunday

WHERE: Skatepark of Tampa

(4215 E Columbus Drive, Tampa)

ADMISSION: $5 per day.

INFO: 813 621-6793 or www.skateparkoftampa.com

[Last modified January 26, 2006, 01:02:16]