ColorNest
Skateboarding began in California in the late 1940s and early 1950s when surfers started nailing roller-skate wheels to wooden planks to 'surf' the streets on days when the ocean was flat. The first commercial skateboards appeared in the early 1960s, and the sport grew dramatically in the 1970s when urethane wheels were invented, allowing much smoother rides on rough surfaces. Skateboarding became an Olympic sport at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021. The half-pipe ramp shown in this picture is a U-shaped structure that allows skateboarders to build speed by rolling back and forth, launching into aerial tricks at the top edge called the 'coping.'
Coloring ideas: give the skateboarder a colorful helmet — bright red or orange — and protective pads in a contrasting color. Color the skateboard deck with a fun design, maybe stripes or stars. The ramp can be smooth grey concrete, and the background buildings a warm brick tone.
For kids who skate, this is a great opportunity to draw their own graphic design on the skateboard deck in pencil first, then color it in. Discuss the importance of protective gear — helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads — before heading to the skate park.
