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8.28.00 Age Old There are many debates that rage amoung casual conversation. In our sport there are an infinite number of opinions. This truck is better, this skate spot rips, brand x decks are the only decks that stand up to day to day abuse. There is one debate however which is destined to outlast all the aformentioned. This debate stems from a simple question. Who is the world's best skater. Now I'm sure you already have a contender in mind. May I ask you to wait until I finish, before you go emailing me enraged that I be so ignorant. Before we answer this question, we must take a step back and observe the varied aspects of this sport. Ok, we'll start with the most thought about corner of skateboarding. Here you get all the glamour and recognition. This is the place where people's names are thrown around like stocks on Wall Street. This is the world of professional skateboarding. Image is everything. Earning the next big sponsor is a true battle. Next we have have those who are just starting out in this sport. Everyone who's ever stood on a board has been there. This is a crucial period in a skater's life. Good influences are important. These are often created by fellow skaters who have been in the sport for a while. The approach one takes early on can set one up for a life long relationship or a one night stand. Finally we have the veterans. Well, not really finally, because clear cut divisions never exist in the real world. Regardless, those who have been skating for more than ten years fall into this catagory. After ten years they still have a true passion for the sport. They still smile when they see a blackened curb or grooved handrail. Their feet still itch to be on plywood. Thier souls demand attention to the urban playground. So, there you have it, three categories of skaters. Each one will overlap to some degree. Many pros are veterans, and some pros have only been skating for a couple of years. Now back to our original quesion. Who in this world is the best skater? I don't want to disappoint you, but there is no definitive answer. Everyone has their heroes, and for many different reasons. My heroes can not be seen on videos, or in glossy magazines. My heroes are those you will never hear about. Those whose love for skateboarding is driven by their hearts, not by their wallets. It's hard to accept the fact that many skaters love their sport, because they receive recognition and money. Don't argue with me, because some pros are exactly that. The finest skaters in this world are the ones who help others, skate by themselves, and will never be and never want to be sponsored. I see them everyday. They are the ones who deserve to be recognized. The ones who will never see a penny from their efforts, yet everyday give just as much of an effort as many of the world's pros. You will never hear of these people. They are among us everyday. They skate because they love it. They expect nothing in return from us. It is for themselves. Some pray never to be noticed. If you ask me who is the best skater in the world, I will tell you it is the one who is having the most fun..... |