When I arrived at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, USA, on the morning of April 10th, the cold weather and threatening rain clouds made it seem that this might not be the ideal day for an outdoor record attempt. However, I must have underestimated NMU and Marquette’s enthusiasm for skateboarding, because participants began to arrive in droves in the hours leading up to the parade.
The festivities leading up to the attempt included a “dance” contest for longboarders. This very difficult skill involves performing graceful balancing tricks that appear much like dancing while riding the longboard downhill. Staying on the board is a huge challenge, but the successful “dance” moves were incredibly impressive!
Finally the time came for the parade, and as everyone made their way to the start, the crowd seemed to multiply as they assembled. The excitement built even more as participants made a skateboard gateway for others to pass through as they entered the parade route. Skateboard enthusiasts young and old then made their way along the route, which rounded a courtyard and a parking lot before culminating on a long, downhill stretch.
After everyone enthusiastically completed the route, it was my pleasure to announce that a new Guinness World Record had been set, with 341 participants in a skateboard parade!
