Difference Between Vert & Street Skateboarding

Both vert and street skateboarding originated when skaters usurped different aspects of the suburban landscape for performing tricks. From the curved walls of empty pools to the metal railings of public stairwells, skateboard pioneers found a way to use the environment as a tool and inspiration. Although the sport is generally informal and unorganized, trends spread quickly throughout the skateboarding population, leading to different styles such as vert and street skating.

  1. Vert Skateboarding

    • Vert skateboarding began when skaters took advantage of empty pools, pipes and other curved surfaces for increased speed and height. In a bowl, skateboarders alternate smooth, wave-like riding with periods of "air time," when the board reaches the edge and briefly hangs in the air.

      Many vert skaters ride in half pipes, bowls and parks designed specifically for skaters. The fast speeds of vert skating allow for extended air time, permitting lengthier, more complicated tricks, making it ideal for extreme sports competitions and exhibitions.

    Street Skateboarding

    • Street skateboarding allows riders without access to parks or bowls to skate and learn tricks anywhere concrete is present. Staircases, handrails, benches, walls and sidewalks are also fodder for creative skateboarders, who invented a style based on grinds (scraping one or both axles across objects) and flips.

      Due to the destructive nature of some skateboarding tricks, which can scuff or damage landmarks, street skating often takes on an anarchistic, countercultural cast. Nonetheless, most professional skaters have street skating tricks in their repertoire.

    Trick Types

    • Vert skaters rely on the speed and curve of the bowl to fling them into the air, allowing for prolonged tricks such as flips and grabs (actually grabbing ahold of the skateboard). A talented skater can remove the board from under his feet, rotatint it horizontally or even flip vertically during a trick.

      Street skaters must rely on their own power to kick the board up into the air for tricks. To complete tricks and jumps, skaters kick the nose or tail of the board forcefully and rise into the air. Street skaters also converted the grind, originally done on the edge of a ramp or pool, to other locations such as railings, staircaises or simply the ground.

    Board Differences

    • Vert boards are generally wide, up to 9 or 10 inches, with a large upturned tail and a short, flat nose. As vert skating moved forward, these boards had a clear directionality and a flat surface.

      Street boards are optimized for different types of tricks, and generally have upturned noses and tails for easier kicking. For better control, these boards are narrow, between 7 and 8 inches wide, with a concave surface and a rough coating for solid grip.