How to Attend the X Games

Attending the X Games is not as easy as it might seem. The word "free" tends to act like a giant human-magnet, and the crowds can be difficult to negotiate. To make the most of your X Games Xperience, proper planning is crucial.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Athletic Gear
• In-line Skates
• Kick Scooters
• Scooter Carry Bags
• Skateboard Pads
• Skateboards
• BMX Bike Helmets
• BMX Bikes

1. Take public transportation, even if that means driving to a BART or MUNI station. Do not drive into San Francisco unless you enjoy sitting in traffic and driving in circles. Parking in the city is difficult on even the slowest of days. The brand new MUNI E-line will go right through the X Games site.
2. Dress for a full day out. Check the weather forecast, then prepare for both hot and cold weather. A windbreaker is perfect for that cold Embarcadero breeze, even when it's sunny. And don't forget your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
3. Determine the events you want to watch (see the schedule on the eHow X Games page), then get there early. Figure out what is taking place when, but realize that schedules tend to change. Aim to find seating an hour early (if you actually want to SEE the event, that is).
4. Make a full day of it. Besides the actual X Games, the X Games Village - located right across the street (from Piers 30 and 32) in a big parking lot - will have tons of booths, vendors, activities and live bands. Be sure not to miss eHow's booth. Stop in and say hi to the crew.
5. Bring your favorite Xtreme sports equipment with you. The X Games Village will have a full-on fun park with ramps, bumps and jumps for skaters, in-liners and bikers. (Pads are required, so bring your own or share some sweat on a loaner pair.) You'll also find a fun climbing wall and a 50-foot slide.
6. Take a break. Don't get X-ed out too fast. Take a nice walk along the Embarcadero or into downtown San Francisco. Grab a bite to eat, stretch out, close your eyes - whatever it takes. You'll feel a whole lot better when you return to the masses of humanity milling among the Xtremes.
7. Get out of town for a real X Games adventure: skysurfing. You'll have to head up to Roche Winery in Sonoma, but the action and surroundings are worth the drive.

Tips & Warnings

• All events are held at Piers 30 and 32, except street luge (held on the Great Highway near the Cliff House) and wakeboarding (held off Treasure Island).
• Visit on the weekdays to avoid the Xtreme crowds.
• If you can't make it to the big city, don't miss the X Games on TV. ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 sometimes provide better coverage than you could ever see live. It's fun to watch after you've actually been there.
• Attention square adult types: Don't get in the way of any young skater toughs. You're on their turf now.
• Expect something resembling a mob scene on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. And try to enjoy it with a smile. It's free.