The Raddest Day Ever.

   Today was my Ferris Beuller day haha I've been working so damn much; and I've been spending so much time with my family; I hadn't had a chance to actually skate in a LONG time. Add in some Michigan winter weather; and you're looking at one bummed dude.

   Fortunately, I was able to get up to Modern Skate Park on last Saturday for a solo session. I hadn't skated in months... but I hadn't skated Modern in almost 2 years!! I threw my blades and my board and my helmet in the trunk, and headed out.

   ..Got there and forgot my skate shoes tho (had on winter boots for the snow) so I could only blade. Don't get me wrong, I had a great session. I was the only one on blades.. but it was cool. Got some of the younger kids interested in blading, and got some kudos from the boarders. Still, I was really bummed that I forgot my shoes. I was curious to see how I would do on the board at Modern. I hadn't even stood on one in a month or so due to work..

   Well, today was the day. I took a personal day from work, and got some errands done in the morning. Had a good breakfast, did some work around the house, and then headed up to the park for the 3pm session. Got there a bit early and headed to the pro shop.

   I've been wanting to expand my board selection a bit. I've gone thru a few different decks, but still been ridin the same wheels and trucks from last spring. I had some nice new bearings, but I was interested in getting a set-up made for miniramps and park skating. Went with an 8.5" and some big soft 56mm wheels and some ceramic bearings.

All I can say is: holy shit.

   Pardon my french but Holy fkn Shit this is what a skateboard is suppose to feel like!! The wider deck, mixed with the bigger wheels and smoother bearings... I was cruisin in a way that I've never cruised before!! I finally had my AH-HA moment!! It all clicked!

   THIS was concrete surfing. THIS was what a line felt like! Don't get me wrong!! I've flown around on blades hundreds of times! I've floated. I've skated lines in vert and street. But this... was unlike anything I've ever felt before. It was close to meditation. I had an empty park... and beautiful new board... and I was coasting!!!! I was riding transitions and pockets like I've never done before! Wall ride style! I was airing the banks, doing powerslides, manuals, it was amazing! I skated the mini ramp, the vert ramp, a clover bowl; and all over the street course. I couldn't even pick a spot to stay still I just cruised around from area to area.

   Today was destined to be a good day, regardless. Anytime at the skate park, off work; is a good time. Anytime you get a new deck or a new pair of skates... its destined to be good. But today was different. Today, the switch went off. The lightbulb popped. Today, I was skateboarding. Before today, I was pushing around in my driveway... popping ollies and shuvits. But today, I was a true park shark!! I'm so geeked for the future months to come! I'm so motivated and ready to progress more than ever! 

#ThankYouSkateboarding

With A Purpose

   In all honesty, when I created this blog... I wasn't sure what my "goal" or objective was. I'm sure not trying to get sponsored lol And I'm not really trying to play the retail game with tshirts and skateboard decks (haha That's an uphill battle!) but I knew I wanted to do SOMETHING.

   I've always been agnostic atheist.. growing up, etc. I've always been interested in the idea of faith and spirituality. I've always investigated it. But it was nothing that struck me particularly.

   Here I am now, almost 30 years old; and I still don't claim to have it all figured out. Recently, though.. I've been really searching. And something placed the word in my ears. The thought in my head. Something has told me; "do this."    ....and so, I will. I might as well.

   That brings me to where I am today. Writing a blog whose (I hope) ends justify it's means. For now, these just seem like silly words. Incoherent sentences and private thoughts. But I know, one day, my message will reach somebodys heart. I've been writing for almost a year now. The website, also a year old. And I'm just now seeing it pull itself together.

   It's a great feeling!

   This past year (well, the past 7 years really lol) I've been battling some shit in my personal life. For a while, I used skating as an escape. A way to get away from my responsible adult reality haha But recently, I've actually tried binding my personal life and my passion for skating. I've used it as a tool. And in the process, I've really developed exactly what I want this site to be

   It further proves everything I've been thinking. It's just like working on a new trick, or a new line. You need to first envision it. See it's completion. Then you start analyzing the mechanics of it, and you start planning how you can make it work. Before my very eyes, this idea has taken life And is growing and living with me! It's evolved so much in the past 10 months; and I'm beyond excited to see where it continues!

   Thank you ALL for the help, inspiration, and support. As always, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Any suggestions, or questions. And, as always; I hope these little blog entries find you in your time of need. I hope to lend you all the same help, inspiration, and support that you have given me! Let's work together & keep the shred alive

Finding An Endless Summer

   Sheeesh; it's been a long time!! As previously stated, I started a new job last summer. More pay, with more hours and more responsibility. As great as it is for my career, it also hindered my ability to skate everyday. I had a nice routine of 2-3 hours a day after work. I was also immobile last summer, which has since changed! I'm looking forward to a spring/summer of nonstop skating in 2015! I plan on pushing myself to my physical and mental limits

   Regardless of my concrete time, I've been laying a lot of other foundation for this website and the SkateLife organization. 2015 will be an amazing year; for me, and for this company! The site is almost done, and will be up and online by February! Teeshirts, stickers, and other merchandise will be printed soon, too! But that barely begins to describe what I plan on doing..

   It's hard to balance working a full-time (60+ hours a week) job, and being a full-time single parent. Add to that, being a home owner and volunteer in the community. It's almost impossible to find time to skate each day. But, it's so important to me, I do. I spent the fall (and early winter) of 2014 skating as much as I could. Even if I caught a few hours of nice weather, warm enough to hoody up and throw on my blades and hit the p-rail for awhile in the driveway.. or lace up some kicks and go skateboard around the block a few times when I go out to get the mail. As long as I stay at it!! I'm also working on some indoor designs I plan on creating. These would help me exercise and practice certain tricks when the weather doesn't permit going outside. Not to mention my newly purchased year's membership at the local indoor skatepark ;] I think I'm gonna be set for awhile!! No Excuses!

More New Tricks!!!

   After yesterday's embarrassing attempt at a powerslide; I spent today making a list of tricks I wanted to learn (and nursing my wounds haha) I can't believe it's the first day of Fall already!! I've had such an amazing summer... and it dawned on me that my deadline for my 2nd progress video is coming up QUICK! I've been working so much, I've barely had time to film :[

   I got home today, determined to stick something new. I've been working on a tricks, but haven't had a real break-thru since learning the 50-50 and the boardslide. I want more flip tricks!! BUT, I watched an awesome Scott Stevens edit that really inspired me. It reminded me that, not everybody hucks flip tricks down stairsets; and that there are tons of different ways to skate and have fun. It's exactly what I needed to see :)

   After warming up (and feeling good I might add) I decided to skate my mini. It's been awhile. I can drop in from 5-0 and 50-50, but coming up the ramp; all I can do still is kick turns and fakie rocks. I'm getting a lot more consistent and confident with them, but I still wanted to do more. I remember seeing my buddy do nose stalls and figured I'd give em a try...

   Hallelujah, I got it on the first time! And it felt GOOD, too! After working em some more, I started taking a foot off and adding some flair to em ;] then decided to try fakie tail stalls. ALSO STUCK IT FIRST TRY! It was just the boost of juice I needed! I spent the rest of the afternoon working them both back and fourth. Felt great

Things Got Sketchy

   I had a small window of time to skate today... decided to take advantage. As soon as I got warmed up, it started sprinkling. I was bummed, but determined to stick it out as long as possible. I was feeling pretty good; so I figured I would try a powerslide for the first time. I figured the light mist would make it easier to slide.

   I go up to the top of the small slope infront of my house. Wet blacktop. Too much speed. Twisted my hips and got 90 degrees... slide for 3 (or so) feet; and got hurled off my board. Had enough time in the air to think about how much it was going to hurt :[

   Let's just say; I got a nice case of the road rash and pulp palms. As I laid their in the middle of the street; bruised hip and bruised ego... the rain picked up. I dragged myself back to the house and decided to chill for the rest of the day hahaha Maybe next time!!

Yeah I Do Both

   After taking a few days to rollerblade; I jumped back on the board. Felt weird as hell at first.. but after an hour or so of the basics, I warmed right back up. The entire experience was really eye opening. I fell back in love with blading; but I was also anxious to get back to skateboarding. Infact, I'm proud to say that I DO BOTH! In a world where most people feel the need to separate and segregate the two sports... I find harmony knowing that I can do (and enjoy doing) both! I want to keep it that way ;]

   Ordered some new frames for my Deshis. I have 3 pair, and I always have to rotate out the one pair of frames I have. I think this will a) keep them in better shape by leaving the frames on each skate instead of constantly putting them on and off.. and b) breathe some new fresh life into my blades. Hopefully, it'll make em all last another year too!! I'm excited to see how they look when I put em all together. Might make we wanna blade more ;]

First Time All Summer..

   I've been working 60+ hrs a week; and it's really bummed me out haha!! I haven't been able to skate nearly enough. AAAAAND; I realized that I haven't even bladed this entire summer. Not even once!! It was a crazy (and kinda sad) thought. A year ago, I would have been so stoked to skate my mini ramp with my blades. Hell; I build a PVC p-rail in March with plans of blading all summer. . . . and then skateboarding happened.

   It made me go home, and lace up my Deshis ;]

   To say it felt weird would be an understatement. I assumed my newfound board skills would add to my talent on the blades. But, it was awkward. It felt unnatural. It took about an hour or so; but then I was back to my usual self :) 

   I made a list of tricks to learn on my quarter pipe. Aside from skateparks, I never really had a chance to skate transition on blades. And even when I did; I usually stuck to street. SO, I took this as an opportunity to broaden my abilities on the skates. 

   As expected, the new tricks came to me pretty quickly. The whole experience really reiterated the fact that blading is much easier. That's not a BAD thing (not to me, atleast!) I still had a blast!! And plus, I've been rollerblading my entire life! But it was noticeably simple to stick tricks that I've never done before. And it felt good to learn some new stuff on the blades 

Proper Session!

   I had a buddy come over today to skate. He's much better than me at skating, so it was cool to roll around and pick up some tips. He definitely broke in the new mini ramp, too! Blunt stalls, smith stalls, little airs... it was gnarly to watch! 

   Then we moved out into the street and busted out the flatbar. After a little instruction, and a few attempts; I got a FS boardslide!! It felts so good!! That means I can check BOTH grinds off my list of tricks I wanted to learn this summer :D which is an amazing feeling. I'm gonna spend the rest of the season really honing them in; but it's nice to know that I can stick a 50-50 and a boardslide... the two essential skateboard grinds! Getting close to no-complies, too. I'm pretty stoked about that; I can't lie!!!

  Video footage coming soon ;] stay tuned. . .

Raise The Bar (teaser)

   Progress Video vol#2: "Raise The Bar" teaser - http://youtu.be/wosUVOsZk2Y 

   I've been so busy with work; that I haven't had a chance to skate as much as I want to!! BUT, I'm still working on my second progress video. This is a little preview of some new(er) tricks. I hope to finish filming and editing by the end of September ;] 

   ..until then-

Fakie Rock-n-Rollin

   I can't stress enough, how much I love this quarterpipe. It's so well-built; and it's the perfect size! I've already got some basic tricks down (fakie rock & FS/BS kick turns) but I can already tell it has the potential to teach me a LOT!

   I've started a new job; and it's REALLY eating into my "skate 3 hours a day" time hahah but I've got responsibilities to prioritize. Either way; I'm having fun and learning tons. I'm so glad I decided to try skateboarding this summer. It's been one hell of an experience!

Fade To Black

   Soooo; my tail chipped last night. Soooo; I went and got a new deck today ;-D

   Nothing beats that New Deck feel!!! I went up to the local shop and wanted to try an Element deck... ended up copping that Nyjah Huston black on black board. Had to threw in some new bearings too; so I'm rollin' on butter. First time on Grizzly Griptape too... so I'll let you know what I think of it after a few good days of skatin'

Thrifty Thrasher ! ! !

    I am beyond geeked right now! After days and days of day dreaming about building a DIY; I finally decided I would make a little mini quarter pipe somewhere. I knew of tons of plans online... and material costs seemed somewhat affordable ($150-$200) ...then it dawned on me!! 

I SHOULD CHECK CRAIGSLIST AGAIN! lol

   Imagine my amazement when I found a 2ft x 4ft mini quarter, posted hours earlier, listed at $40 delivered! I could hardly contain myself; I've wanted something like this since I bladed as a kid. I was so blessed to, again, struck pure gold on Craigslist. The timing. The location. The condition. The price?! Both, this, and the flatbar I bought 2 weeks ago for $20; as exactly what I could have ever asked for. I have no excuse for not getting as good as I can personally get.

God works in mysterious ways.

Wind, Rain, And Ankle Pain

   Slapped my ankles a few good times today. I was trying to fakie 360 shuvit, and I just completely lost sight of the board. Griptape kissed the ball of my lead foot.

   I stretch it out a bit, and "walk it off" and try again, this time just a fakie shuv. SMACKED MY OTHER ANKLE!! It was a pretty ironic experience, but uncool. Had to laugh at myself

   Before ya know it; the rain rolls in. It's been like this all week...

I've Got Options

   When I first started this little adventure into skateboarding; it all began with nice smooth black top. Flat ground. I got a board, and wanted to learn them darn fancy flip tricks haha!! It seemed like an easy way to, "put the board down and cruise around and do some kickflips real quick" lol well that's how it started, and it's now an addiction.

   It didn't take long before I gathered up some cinder blocks from the backyard, and laid out a little manny pad off to the side of my driveway. And, just like that. There it way. Obstacle #1

   Obstacle #2 and #3 were a natural progression. Got a few bricks? Stack 'em up and ollie over! Four more bricks, and a 2x4? That's a perfect hurdle to hippy-jump thru! Just add some additional bricks as needed (and they're easy to store)

   Obstacle #4 was a flatbar. I knew I wanted a rail, but I already had a PVC round rail. It's perfect for blades; but not too suitable for the board. This had me thinking about round vs square; and rail vs ledge. As soon as I decided on fabricating a transportable flatbar; I found one online and had it delivered that day!!! It felt amazing to see it all out together.

   I've been working on some 50-50s; which has been gratifying to say the least! My first grind ever on a skateboard. It has opened a huge door of opportunities for me, just having a little rail like this to practice with. Not a lot of people are fortunate enough to have ONE; let alone all the different little homemade obstacles I have to skate right outside my front door

   The last time I skated the new rail was pretty punishing... "I think I'll just work some flip tricks and practice manuals today.." haha Feels blessed to know I've got options

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!

One Man's Trash

   We've all heard the expression before! It's true, too!! The irony of today is; I started the morning off by watching some clips that Richie Jackson posted on his facebook page. It was him trickin' off random trash near a dumpster, with the caption: "Please keep throwing stuff like this away." haha I loved it!

   Later in the day, I was thinking about building a metal flatbar to start learning some grinds on. I already have a real nice 12' long PVC p-rail, but I made it for my blades. I'm pretty sure the metal trucks of a skateboard would crack that PVC after one or two sessions. 

   I drew some plans up, and started estimating material costs... and then the lightbulb in my head went off!! Whynot try and find a USED rail?! I called up to all the Play-It-Again Sports stores in my area (a used sporting goods retailer) but none of the three stores had any. I'm not gonna lie, I was kinda bummed. I figured it was worth a shot...

   Then the lightbulb went off again! WHAT ABOUT CRAIGSLIST?!?

   Would you believe it?? Not only was there one for sale; but it was less than 5 minutes away from where I live; and it was posted less than 5 hours ago! It felt like a blessing!! I responded to the ad, and was instantly contacted back!! We made arrangements to meet after I got off work

   Perhaps the greatest part of all: I just got this 6ft long (barely) used flatbar rail; which retail online for $130; for the low low price of $20!!! YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT!!!

   I advise everybody to check out Craigslist for similar things. I've never bought something off that site before; but I am certainly a believer now! I'm so excited to try it out tmrw

   What a treasure!

Eat. Sleep. Breathe.

   I find myself constantly thinking about skating. Making lists of tricks I want to learn. Sketching skateparks. Day dreaming about ramps and rails I want to build. Its never ending

   Yesterday, I got extremely close to landing my first kickflip! I can feel it!! Its going to happen soon; I know it! I couldn't comprehend them at first, but after making little adjustments to my body position and foot placement, it all clicked! A liiiiittle more pop, and I'll catch it

   All my other tricks are beginning to get a lot more consistent too! It makes me real excited to see my progress in a month or two! Next; I wanna start working on grinds. It should be fun!!!

I love how much this sport has consumed me

Thru The Pain

   I've been skating on my bruised ankle; nothing major Just rollin around for an hour or so a day after work. I figure, if I'm gonna be honest with myself, this is probably one of the least severe injuries I will sustain skateboarding.

   It feels a little stiff, but not too bad. I keep telling myself, skate thru the pain! I imagine all the are skaters out there, with terrible injuries, still getting gnarlier than I could ever imagine to be haha So I keep pushing

   There's something liberating about pushing your body to its physical limits. Its like a drug. Addictive. Gets you high. When you finish, you're slumped over on a couch somewhere. 

   Exhausted

My First Rolled Ankle :[

   I must be pushing my physical limits haha because I rolled my ankle a week after getting my first shinner. I guess it's just like they say; you've gotta pay to play. Too bad it's the same leg (my lead foot) haha it just can't catch a break *knocks on wood*

   It wasn't as bad as it could have been; honestly. It hurt a bit, but I kept skating. Didn't think much of it, at the time it happened. I was getting frustrated because I kept missing on some of my simple tricks. My front foot kept slipping off. I didn't understand why haha. Then I came inside and showered, and saw it was all bruised and swollen :/ so I iced it up and I'm gonna take a day or two off. It sucks, because I work on my feet... so I can't really avoid being on it.

   I'm slowly learning, it comes with the territory.

Do It Yourself

   I'm so romantic about the idea of building (or helping build) a secret D.I.Y. skate spot! I see all these pictures and videos online, full of amazing concrete ledges and ramps and gaps. Stuff you can't find in your typical park. Something abstract. Hidden. Unorthodox.

   Unfortunately, I don't know a ton of skaters yet.. but the comradery and teamwork really interests me. The building techniques. The ingenuity. The creativity. It's something I desperately want to be a part of!! Hopefully, soon-

   I'm also real excited to get the chance to learn how to ride a mini-ramp. I see tons of clips of real stylish skating in minis. They look so chill! Honestly; if things keep going the way they're going; I may just build a small one out back behind my house haha!!!

   I think that's one of the greatest aspects of skateboarding. The DIY attitude. The ability to take "trash" to someplace "abandoned;" and use a little elbow grease and sweat equity to turn it into your crew's favorite skate spot. To make YOUR OWN skate park.

   That's a beautiful thing. It's awe-inspiring.