|
|
|
11.2.98 Reasons Everybody has their reasons for skating. For some it's a way to hang with their friends, for others it's an escape from everyday life, then there are some who are in pursuit of the latest technical trick. Everyone's different, and as time has shown, not everyone has an unconditional love for our sport. Skateboarding is as tough as any other sport around. One day it will make you feel so alive, and the next day it will send you crashing into the concrete shredding your body as well as your ego. Sooner or later most people can no longer endure this seesaw battle between pleasure and pain. They leave their boards in their garage and try their luck somewhere else. This happens all too often, and is accompanied by quotes such as, "I'm no good or, I suck or, I'd rather play soccer." It seems running away from a challenge is easier for some than it is for others. Then there are those of us who no matter how hard we try, cannot draw ourselves away. Skating completes something inside us that can't be obtained any other way. It may be the high obtained from landing that elusive trick, or it could be the challenge of seeking out that perfect skate spot. Maybe its sharing your experiences with like minded individuals. Whatever it is, it usually boils down to one thing, having fun. It's all to easy to get frustrated when you're not landing anything for days, or are always getting kicked out of your favorite spots. But, the more suffering that you do, the more satisfaction you'll feel when things go right. That's when all the scrapes and bruises are justified. When all the broken boards, and ripped up shoes make it all seem worth it. Only when you accept the sport on its own terms, can you find long term satisfaction. Not a month, or a year, but a lifetime love of skating. Many people I talk with don't see themselves skating after they grow "old". That's pretty sad, because this is a sport where you can continue for as long as you wish. Many "mainstream" sports aren't this way. Instead many people grow up to be Al Bundys sitting on their fat asses watching weekend sports on TV. Are we destined to end up this way, watching the X-games with our children bragging about how we once skated back in high school? I hope not. I would rather be out there with my kids showing them the old school tricks, amazing their friends, and disgusting the neighbors. Yes, that is my wish. Will I end up there? I do not know, but something happened last weekend which gave me hope. I was skating at FDR park in Philadelphia, a skate park where the old school reigns king. I was carving around these huge bowls, when this guy flies past me and catches air over one of the pyramids. He must have been at least thirty-five or forty. His board, which had no nose, was a key sign of his age. He was ripping up the course like any other kid, and amazing every one there. The crowd he hanged with showed a deep respect for him. He had been skating longer that most of the kids there, and was giving us all a lesson in growing old. He taught us that you don't have to give up anything as long as you are willing to accept the highs as well as the lows. If you truly have a love for something don't let society take it away from you. Skate hard, skate free, skate forever......... |