My First 50-50 ! ! !

   Today, was a good day! I woke up, determined to grind my new rail!! I made breakfast; had some coffee... did some errands around the house..... and then got ready to thrash.

   I figured I'd begin by hanging the rail off the side of my driveway, into the grass. I set the board on the rail; and started running and jumping onto it. The balance was WAY harder than I imagined it'd be... even considering I've bladed for 10+ years! After 5 or 6 fails; I finally had the hang of it. I could slide the entire length of the rail and land in the grass.

   Next, I figured I would do the same thing, but in the driveway.. so I could get the feeling of riding off the rail and rolling away. I nosebombed the first few times, but finally got the hang of it. I was exploding with happiness! I knew right then at that moment; I would do my first 50-50 today. There was nothing stopping me!!

   At this point; the rail was already starting to feel a little sticky. Granted, I wasn't riding up to it with any real speed.. but I didn't wanna risk getting caught up. Sooo; I did something kinda ballsy and waxed the rail up a little bit. Not a LOT; juuust a little ;-]

   I started off 3 pushes away from the rail. Way too much speed haha! So then I started with only one push..... not enough. I had to find the right balance between necessary speed, and beginner's precaution. And then; it was time to fall. A lot.

   I'm glad I put my wrist guards on; and I'm glad I know "how" to fall properly; and I'm glad I have the agility and balance to "catch" myself.... because, honestly, a few times could have been pretty bad. To say "it's hard" would be an insulting understatement. I've always respected the skill it takes to skateboard.... but today; I learned a hard lesson in humility.

   ANY time you see somebody grind on a skateboard; take your hats off to them and show them some kudos. Until you've tried; you'll NEVER comprehend how difficult it is. You need to truly say "fk it" and commit to doing the sketchiest thing you've ever done before. Period. Looking back, it BLOWS MY MIND to think about the level of skill it takes to pull off some of the tricks you see these guys doing. And not even in "perfect" skatepark settings; but down the gnarliest ledges and handrails that you wouldn't even want to stand on with your sneakers!

   It's crazy! ! !

   BACK TO THE STORY, THO! I tired and tried, and fell, and Got back up; and tired some more. I got reeeal close a few times. I slipped out a couple dozen times. I got a little hurt. And then... finally... I ollied up; felt that metal on metal, rode it out; and when I felt my wheels hit that pavement I knew I had done it! I could type and type and try and explain how good it felt; but it's an indescribable feeling! It's like nothing I've ever done before.

   Gratifying; to say the least.

   I kept skating for the rest of the day. I fell a few more times. I got hurt some more hah But I landed a few more 50-50s. All in all, it was an incredible day! This little flatbar rail was an awesome purchase, and awesome investment. I'm so geeked to work it into my repertoire, and I'm excited to see what kinds of grinds I'll be doing by the end of this year. 

   Hallelujah, skateboarding!