Its been more than a decade since extreme sports like skateboarding and exhibition cycling found their way on to China’s streets, challenging the mainstream sport culture and the traditional concept of an athlete.
However, ten years down the road, the sport still remains to be a widely unknown sport.
Most of the games’ popular figures are just coasting along, waiting for an opportunity to attract more people into the community. But apart from a daring spirit, beginners need the right equipment to master the moves while minimizing injuries.
This week, visitbeijing.com will introduce shops where skateboarders and roller skating fans can do their shopping. More advanced players new to the city will also revel in the gear available here.
Compared with skateboarding and biking, roller skating has had more success penetrating the mainstream, than skate boarding has and has had government support for years. Tornado was opened by a sporting club of the same name in 2002, and has since built seven branches in town – along with its own indoor rink. Its Chaoyangmen store is the biggest and offers skaters endless choices.
The shop sells famous roller skate brands, including Razor, USD, Valo and Xsjado, as well as accessories such as wheels, bearings and protectors. Tornado has also created its own line of bags and T-shirts, and gives loyal customers discounts on certain products.
The sporting club regularly organizes skates and competitions, which brings together fans from various parts of the city.
Tornado Where: 2E-236 to 2E-238, Chaowaimen Building, 26 Chaoyangmen Wai Nanjie, Chaoyang District Tel: 8658 7775 Open: 10 am – 7 pm Web site: ttb3.com
A Skaters Playground
The Tour Skate Shop, which started its business online 10 years ago, is the most reputable gear shop within skateboarding circles and clientele. The store, owned by long-time skater Baozi, also serves as a gathering place for local and expat skateboard lovers alike.
The shop at Jiaodaokou is not huge, but it contains everything related to skateboard culture – from skateboard parts to documentaries of the sport.
