Not long ago, a skateboard was considered a kid's toy used primarily to coast downhill, usually in a standing position.

        But “coasting” has no place in the modern-day lexicon of the skateboarding athletes and thousands of fans who were on hand Sunday for the Mobile Skatepark Series at Sawyer Point, which runs through June 2.

IF YOU GO

Mobile Skatepark Series events take place at Sawyer Point, downtown on the riverfront, through June 2:    • Today, Taz Team Challenge & WCS Amateur Skateboarding events:    10 a.m. Qualifying and warm-up on street courses    12:50 p.m.: Introduction of Taz Team Challenge and athletes, followed by Taz Vert Session Single Runs Final    2:15 p.m.: Taz High Air Final    4:15 p.m.: Taz Triples Final    5:15 p.m. WCS Amateur Street Final    6:15 p.m. Taz Best Trick Final    7:15 p.m. Concert     Glossary    • Air: Riding with all four wheels off the ground; short for “aerial.”    • Backside: When a trick or turn is executed with the skater's back facing the ramp or obstacle.    • Caballerial: A 360-degree turn performed on a ramp while riding backward. Named after skater Steve Caballero.    • Carve: To skate in a long, curving arc.    • Fakie: Skating backward. The skater is standing in his or her normal stance, but the board is moving backward.    • Frontside: When a trick or turn is executed with the front of the skater's body facing the ramp or obstacle.    • Goofyfoot: Riding with the right foot forward, the opposite of “regular foot.”    Source: exploratorium.com

        The only time skateboarders coasted was when they slid down a vertical skate ramp on protective knee pads — the consequence of losing their “boards” during mid-air maneuvers that usually involved a series of flips and twists.

        “That didn't sound good,” said 7-year-old Zack Morse of Madeira, hearing the dull thud of a skateboarder who missed his landing after a dazzling “kick-flip.”

        The flip involves kicking the board into a somersault, snatching it in mid-air, and replacing it on one's feet before landing.

        Zack and his father, Tim, were among throngs of spectators who broke out their lawn chairs and blankets to watch the skateboarders compete for points and prize money during the first of four stops in the Mobile Skatepark Series.

        The series — which, in addition to skateboarding and BMX competitions, features live concerts, food, souvenirs and games — moves next to San Diego, then to Milwaukee and Baltimore.

        Mr. Morse said bringing the event, and its fun-loving — if somewhat rebellious — culture and customs to Cincinnati was a refreshing change for a city with a reputation for conservatism.

        “This is kind of cutting-edge for Cincinnati,” he said. “I never thought I would see this happen here, but I think it's good for the city.”

        Skateboarding — which traces its origins to the outlaw surfing culture of 1950s California — is one of a variety of so-called “extreme sports” that have become some of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

        Competitions such as the Mobile Skatepark Series feature world-class competitors who attract nationwide media attention and bring in tourist dollars to cities hosting events.

        Extreme skateboarding's growing popularity can be seen in the burgeoning number of instruction camps and skateparks, including several proposed in the Tristate — from Florence in Boone County to Clermont County's Miami Township.

        Though he's only 12, Tim Brant of Fort Mitchell is a perfect example of the new generation of extreme sports enthusiasts.

        “I used to play basketball a lot with my friends, but then we all got skateboards and started doing tricks,” he said after flipping his skateboard in the air and jumping on top of it during a break in the action at Sawyer Point. “I'm not that good yet, but I can do a few tricks.”

        When asked about basketball, Tim replied: “I haven't played basketball in a long time.”

Change in day's tradition
Events of single day still ripple
Holiday takes on deeper meaning
BRONSON: Not profiling
Some Good News
You Asked For It
Organizers struggle to create community policing program
These tricks not for kids
Township split over attracting stores
Tutoring engenders passion
Hamilton official to retire
Mason monument dollars needed
No arrests in Saturday shooting
Tax defeat may bring sports cuts
Wesleyan Cemetery gets facelift from volunteers
Budget problems test Ohio leadership
Mega Millions trails Super Lotto Plus sales
Visitors to Israel see cause for hope
Accident kills boater
Black airman recalls discrimination
Davis sure of primary victory
Primary season supplies drama
Tristate A.M. report