TALKING ED
GRAB THAT BOARD
I often feel that skateboarding has painted itself into a curious comer. It
is almost its own worst enemy in that it has become over overspecialized-
almost elitist in attitude. Sure, at one time there were skateboarders every-
where Enthusiasts numbered in the hundreds of thousands Parks began
springing up in cities and suburbs all across the US and Europe. New
products appeared on the market every day and the skater was hard-
pressed to keep up with the new developments. Soon there was a
professional pool riding contest circuit and media hype to go with it.
Skateboarding even surfaced occasionally during a weekend of television
sports programming
Through all of this have we, at times, lost sight of what skateboarding
really is? And, what about Jon Q. Public, the non-skater, the one who
dismissed skateboarding as just another "bom again" fod? How many times
have you heard someone say "Skateboards-Yeah, I used to ride them
back in the sixties. The problem here is a lack of understanding of what
skateboarding is all about. The average individual was never properly
exposed to the unlimited possibilities of a platform with four wheels under
2-a simple basic mechanical device which serves as an energy-efficient
mode of transportation, a basis for a valid sporting activity, and as a vehicle
for aggressive expression
Meanwhile, at the height of the skatepark explosion, the skaters have
been virtually swept off the streets and deposited in the parks, where the
action is radical but lacks the inspiration of a knock-down, drog-out back-
yard pool session or a skate cruise down the boulevard with the crew. The
fact is skateboarding can survive without parks, but the parks will never last
without skateboarding as a whole to support them. Many times I have wired
a new trick in the street only to find myself the next day at the park trying to
perfect it on the vertical Skateparks are funi Street skating is fun, and also
visual. The whole world is out there waiting to be entertained, but they want
It delivered to their doorstep. So let's deliver
Thrasher was born out of a need for intense and objective reporting on
an activity that has established itself as a major pastime for many people
and a rewarding experience for countless others. Thrashing is an attitude, a
skate attitude. Thrashing is part of a lifestyle, a fast-paced feeling to fit this
modem world. Thrashing is finding something and taking it to the ultimate
limit-not dwelling on it, but using it to the fullest and moving on. Skate-
boarding has not yet reached its maximum potential, and who can say
what the limits are? To find out-Grob that board You don't have to be a
super talented professional skoter-Grab that board if you're a novice just
having some fun on a Saturday afternoon. To the kid hanging out at the
Stop'n Shop with his gang-Grab that board To the college student who
needs a vehicle to get from dorm to class-Grab that board! And how
about the dad who calls his kid crazed for riding a skateboard all the
time-Grab that board There's no rule saying you have to go fast or skate
vertical Just being outside or in the skatepark practicing maneuvers and
balance is a lot of fun. Remember, there are tons of asphalt and concrete
being poured every day, so-GRAB THAT BOARD
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