Today, Gonzo gave me a skateboard deck. So I had it built up. Honestly, I haven’t skated in over 3 years, and even then, I’m not sure it can be considered “skating.” I mustered up the courage to take on the mini-ramp in the basement of EXIT PHILADELPHIA, and after eating it hard roughly 4 times, managed to successfully descend the treacherous 1.5 ft curve exactly 3 times. Prior to that, I’d had a skateboard in middleschool that I used for transportation. That disclosed, I thought this deck was pretty rad:
Amazingly, in the few short hours that I’ve had the board, I’ve made several discoveries. I considered not sharing some of these as they are pretty embarrassing, but in my defense, I was entirely self-taught, in a community completely devoid of other skaters.
Things I’ve learned so far:
- Skateboards have a dedicated front and back. Who knew?? I always assumed you just picked one end and broke it in. Seriously.
- Ollieing (sp?) is tough. What is even more frustrating is that I can’t do it yet. I did, however, manage to shred the side of my shoe on the fresh grip tape while practicing in front of my apartment.
- Rain sucks for boards. And skateboard wheels. And me on a board on wheels in rain. Needless to say, I ate it.
Over the next couple weeks, I plan to master the whole “jumping” thing, plus “grinding” thing. With a little coordination, maybe even a ramp. Thank god for health insurance.
And who did you learn that first thing from?
Gonzo will show you the path!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBWDihZGMsw
Dude, I think you missed the learning to skate wave by like, thirteen years. I liked the learning to bmx thing more. At least learn to flatland,I enjoy watching that!
A series of heel flips at 22 rendered me bed ridden for 3 months. I got on a board out of shape. I still try to ride though. It’s a great sport.
Slappies are coming your way, Eli. Heads up.
@faycat - This really cool person that I work with. You don’t know her.
@haveboard he was salty that you showed me that vid before he could.
@gonzo WTF is a slappie?