In this episode, we head out to the skatepark and learn how to ollie as well as drop into bowls. We also discuss the physics behind skateboarding including calculating the velocity of an ollie.

Here are our equations for calculating the downward velocity and force upon landing of our skateboarder.

Inform us: We would like to know of skateparks you frequent as well as your favorite skateboard tricks. Leave us your comments!

Also on this episode: Life Hacker – Tips and downloads for getting things done
Rat robots – They’re taking over the world!

Here is a great link to a video of skateboarding using the Red camera (shoots in 4k). Beautiful footage and beautiful music. These are some of the clearest images we’ve seen of slow motion skating. We’ve watched this many times all ready. link

If you are having trouble viewing this episode, you can also find it here

1. Antronicus Prime

   Best one yet. Animation was freakin’ sweet, tho’ might have caused a little phantom hurt from viewing it multiple times.

   Aug 26th, 2008

2. Andy

   Very Cool episode. I really like the music and the science explanation which was very well written. Steve, you have definitely improved on your finger skating…and you were looking pretty sweet on a real board too. Your filming and animation keeps getting better too.

   Aug 26th, 2008

3. Sarah

   Sweetness with the animation. How did you do that? I’m curious…Also, where did the music come from–loved it!!!!! Steve–you look like a pro. Keep up the stellar work guys!

   Aug 26th, 2008

4. wideopenmind

   Thanks for the comments. We had a lot of fun out at the skatepark filming. We used Flash for our animation after creating our poor skateboarder in Adobe Illustrator. The music has been composed by Anthony Popkie (Leigh’s friend from work) who is our in house music guy. Hopefully, we’ll be able to feature a few new bites from him for each episode from here on out.

   Aug 26th, 2008

5. Matthew

   Another good episode… although I was hoping to see Steve doing more crazy tricks!

   Aug 26th, 2008

6. Kim

   Wow! Fascinating stuff! Looking forward to the next one.

   Sep 9th, 2008

7. Shell

   Sorry I was a little late on this one guys, I just got back from playing cards with the natives…nevermind, before your time. Anyhoo, nice episode; glad we finally got to see Steve skate! I’m with Matt – hope to see more in the future. Got a kick out of the animation, too =Z

   Oct 17th, 2008

8. Popzee

   you guys really oudid yourself on this one. I loved the calculation part of this, hte actual skateboarding, the graphics and then of course, the parting monologue by Leigh. You guys are really perfecting this!! Can hardly wait for the next episode.

   dad

   Nov 13th, 2008

9. Momsie

   How did I miss this episode? Best one yet–loved the content (thas ma boi), the scientific aspect (thas ma l-grl), the animation, Berry, and rat robot info (zis vas sveet). Your recommendations for websites come in handy for those of us that don’t get out much…. Keep em comin!

   Nov 14th, 2008

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