Was shopping in Summer 2008 and came across a shop selling the last of their snakeboards for £25. Snakeboarding was popular in the 90’s but the company that made them got sold and they stopped making them. For a short history, as always Wikipedia knows best! Recently a more advanced version called a streetboard has appeared.

I remembered seeing snakeboards when I was younger and two things fascinated me. Firstly, the motion (it’s nonholonomic) is beautiful. The board really does “snake” along and when ridden well it looks effortless. I could never quite understand how it could go uphill and until you can ride one it is very hard to understand. My technique isn’t so great but I make up for it a bit with my running training and I don’t tire so easily.

So I stood in the shop and decided I wanted it. My mother bought it for me provided I learned how to do it (I didn’t keep my side of the promise until two years later). When I brought it home I watched some instruction videos on Youtube (this one is best by the way) but never quite put my mind to it. I went off to university shortly after and despite bringing it to halls of residence I never tried it again.

Summer 2010 I had some free time so I took it out of the garage and after 20 mins I was just about able to get my head the motion. Next day I could wobble along slowly. Third day I had it and could go up and down my drive (that includes a little hill). I continued to go out on it daily to improve my balance and confidence.

It’s quite the party trick and most people want a go but you need to spend some time to master it. My snakeboard is the Skinner version. I have no interest in progressing to do tricks. I’m not a “skater” and I am happy to cruise along without feeling the need to take air!

I’d like to ride one of the newer streetboards just to see what the difference is when your feet are strapped in.