The First Time Always Disappoints
I remember my first skateboard, a Nash Executioner. I think I got it for my 9th birthday and I spent the entire summer trying to ollie and grind on my front steps. It was a newbie deck, with a nose guard, tail guard, rail guards and I think even truck guards. This skateboard, purchased most likely at Target, wasn’t giving me any street cred with my friends who had been skating for years. I eventually bought a hand me down Lance Mountain deck. Like most things better equipment didn’t make up for a lack of skill but that didn’t mean I didn’t stop trying. I skated in college with Thos, who’s skills kill mine.
Comin' Down the Mountain
Skating with Thos I have a few distinct memories. The guy in a wheelchair in Madison who looked like Easy-E and would go at the launch ramp like he had nothing left to lose. Thos doing Rock’n’Rolls to nollies on Library Mall. Me busting my ass trying to skate switch. Seeing live for the first time someone grinding down a hand rail. Explaining to young kids skating that they needed to watch “The Search for Animal Chin” to know their roots. Lastly getting the best compliment of my skating career, “He looks like he knows what he’s doing he just can’t land shit.”
Most importantly skateboarding introduced me to question the status quo, that signs
Negating oneself.
are only there to prevent you from your potential, to push not only your own boundaries but to push the boundaries others have set for you.
Having said all that I challenge you to watch this video and not respect the grace and elegance of skateboarding.
