Skateboarders always draw a crowd.

What it is:
Skateboarding has advanced from a counter culture pastime to a world renowned sport. In an attempt to grow in its own direction, while influenced by the elements of surfing, skateboarding was successful in hosting its first contest in the early 1960's. Since that time a number of influential figures have personally changed the style and face of skateboarding over the years. After numerous ups-and-downs, cycles and a doubtful audience, skateboarding has emerged to become of the leaders of the alternative sport movement.

Where it's going:
Since the first contest thirty years ago, skateboarding has moved from sidewalks and streets to ramps, pools and beyond. With each year, the sport continues to expand in popularity and participation numbers. As a result of this growth, new faces challenge the old guard. New tricks that were once considered impossible have been perfected in the streets, and are now being performed in ramps and skateparks. After witnessing the 1999 X Games in San Francisco, the sport of skateboarding shows no signs of slowing down.

1998 Recap:
B3 Event stop #1 Oceanside, CA
Men's street: Chet Thomas Gold, Tony Hawk Silver, Omar Hassan Bronze
Men's vert: Tony Hawk Gold, Bucky Lasek Silver, Rune Glifberg Bronze

B3 Event stop #2 Woodward, PA
Men's street: Tony Hawk Gold, Andy Macdonald Silver, Brian Patch Bronze
Men's vert: Tony Hawk Gold, Bucky Lasek Silver, Andy Macdonald Bronze

B3 to X Games:
After claiming medals at last year's B3, a group of competitors went on to medal in 1999 at the X Games in San Francisco, CA:

Tony Hawk: Vert: Bronze, Vert Doubles: Gold (Mcdonald)
Andy Macdonald: Vert: Silver, Vert Doubles: Gold (Hawk)
Bucky Lasek: Vert: Gold, Vert Doubles: Silver (Patch)
Rune Glifberg: Vert Doubles: Bronze (Mike Crum).