Random, disjointed thoughts, ideas, and projects going into 2023 The Sicks: I start 2023 off with a bad case of Covid. Historically, I always get some kind of nasty-sick every January. At least I am consistent. Resolutions: I made four “resolutions” for the year. (1) No Booze: I don’t drink all that much, so this shouldn’t be a hard one. Why, then, am I making this a “resolution”? I’m not sure.
“I’ve gotten so much from skating over the years. As an outlet for creativity, a way of creating opportunities unknown to most people outside of our little world, or just the pure joy at the absurdity of a practically bald primate riding on a wheeled plank. All I ever wanted to do in skating was to contribute in some way. Not so much to leave a mark or have some kind of legacy but more to feel like part of the bigger picture of the progression of this thing.
The temperature was 15 degrees tonight, with a “real feel” of -2. I always make it a point to go skating on 12/24 and 12/25, even if it’s just briefly. I also always make it a point to go skating on the coldest day of the year. Today happened to be both 12/24, and the coldest day we’ve had so far. I was definitely going skating. This evening I took my 74-year-old mom out for a drive—we went around and looked at Christmas lights.
This is the fifth, and last, post in “My Essential Skate Gear” series (posts made in the order of importance). The final items are indeed not “essential,” but they are certainly nice to have and/or make (skate) life a lot better. See comments for details. No pictues for this one. • 80HDs • Grip Tape Cleaner • Leaf Blower • Phone/Tripod • Back-Up Equipment • Blue Tooth Speaker Comments: 80HDs: These are soft Spitfire wheels.
This is the fourth post in “My Essential Skate Gear” series (posts made in the order of importance). Most of this batch focuses on one thing: Having a physical space to skate in the winter. I live in Boston. It snows here during the dark months. There are few parking garages around, but they can be a bust. The best option to skate when it snows? Shovel out a (metal) mini ramp.
This is the third post in “My Essential Skate Gear” series (posts made in the order of importance). First, we needed the actual board, board tools, and shoes. Second, we needed stuff to (a) fend off winter climate, and (b) do some minor spot maintenance. Now, we need to fend off injury and/or provide for some mental confidence. Thus, we have entered into the lands of pads/safety gear. I mentioned in the last post that I won’t even do stall tricks on a curb anymore without a forward elbow pad.
This is the second post in “My Essential Skate Gear” series (posts are made in the order of importance). Some of today’s stuff might seem a little more mundane, but it’s actually absolutely essential for me, esp. in the New England winter months. • Forward elbow pad • Windbreaker • Work Gloves • Hockey Tape • Face Mask (light material) • Baseball Hat • Water Bottle • Wax • Backpack
Well, I am off the board for a bit. Pulled groin muscle. I’m using some of my free time to declutter and/or get rid of stuff I don’t really need/use anymore. As a function of that, and the recent Madness Episodes, I’m now also stripping down my skate gear to only the stuff I actually need/use. To that end, I will be making a series of posts about “My Essential Skate Gear.
In Jr. high school I had this friend named “Mike.” He was mostly a flatland BMX freestyler, but he also skated bit. He quit both a few years later. He recently picked the board up again. One day this past summer, I went skating with him at a local mini ramp. He was just working on pumping the transition, and doing kick turns—it’s been about 25 years since he’s been a board.
The poem below is by Charles Bukowski. Sometimes when I read his stuff, I am convinced he is an old, washed-up, skateboarder. But then I remember. He is just someone who understands pure, unadulterated, passion. And of course, you cannot be an old, washed-up skateboarder without that. He speaks our language. Or rather, those who “keep chopping” all speak the same tongue. the creative act for the broken egg on the floor
Last night I saw a random guy fall down on the sidewalk. He fell backwards, with his ass taking the vast majority of the blow. But the back of his head also bounced off the concrete. He did not get up. We called an ambulance (he was sitting up by the time 911 got there). The sound his head made on impact. I will never forget that sound. It was as if a cantaloupe or watermelon was being thrown to the ground.
I watched Future Primitive again last night. I remember watching it as a kid, and more-or-less thinking, “Rodney is insane, but Tommy G., the NYC street skating, and the ditch scene are what really resonate.” I watched the new Nyjah video again last night, too. As I watched it, I more-or-less thought, “Nyjah is insane, but Tommy G., the NYC street skating, and the ditch scene are what really resonate.”
What inpires me to actually go skating…
I was sitting in the car, just watching. Captivated. Amazed. Inspired. Whenever I arrive at a skate park, I never just immediately start skating, especially if other people are there, even if it’s just one other person. First, I always just watch a bit…to figure out what the vibe/energy of the session is. Sometimes it’s energy I want to jump-in on. Sometimes it’s energy I don’t want to be around. Most significant, and rare, is energy I don’t want to disturb.
At the beginning of last week I did some damage to my shoulder. I didn’t skate for a few days because of it. Over the weekend I went camping. As soon as I got back, it started to rain, and has not stopped now for three days. As of now, I have not skated in over a week, and I am starting to get really, really, really antsy about it. I suppose the camping trip and rain were good, as they provided my shoulder some time heal-up (not 100% better yet).
I’m off the grid for few days. In the meantime, never forget why you started, and try to tap that energy everytime you step on a skateboard. To that end, here is a photo for inspiration.
It’s staggering how these simple objects can be perceived as controversial, triggering–and let’s call it for what it is–ego-damaging and/or emasculating for some in the skateboarding world.
I’ve had on/off linguring shoulder pain for awhile. Yesterday’s slam (see previous post) made it much worse. I now have growing concern that I did something icky to my rotatar cuff. I’m going camping in western MA for the next few days. If it’s still bothing me when I get back, I think its time to go see the doctor people. In the meantime, here is a photo for inspiration.
Photos for Inspiration
Photos for Inspiration
