"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. Now, I’ve probably overthought
that set of circumstances too many times to count and definitely thought of
more trick variations than I ever had the skill or patience to actualize.
The thing is (and it’s the very essence of skateboarding), we all contribute,
just by doing it. It doesn’t matter what skill level you’re currently at as
long as you’re smiling or feeling fulfilled. Whoever is the ‘best’ is
subjective and therefore irrelevant outside of marketing meetings…
Often our favorite skaters are the ones we personally relate to or are inspired
by, rather than the ones that are held on a universal pedestal.
Skateboarding is like life itself: there is no ‘proper’ way to do it. You can
be technically able through some innate ability or practice. You can be
creative by desire or chance. You can surrender your entire identity to it or
just roll around once in a while, depending on the priorities you make for
yourself. It’s completely open to interpretation.
I look at skateboarding these days and find it heartening that it’s become so
diverse in approach and participation. From a point of past privilege, I’m glad
I’ve been able to see this all with more continually educated eyes. It’s becoming
open for us all to contribute in any way we wish; something I, and
skateboarding in general, always thought it was. It genuinely feeling like it’s
getting there…
Go get weird and keep on truckin’"
