Thrasher Magazine October 1981 — Page 19
Page Text

            Rodney, 'He's just screwing around."
Mike Smith, "He knows the story because it's his plan.
Folmer is out wining and dining a
blonde starlet-type wearing pearls.
This sophisticated stylishness is just
a warm up.
Mike Smith is someplace else for
some reason else. He knows the story
because its his plan. He prepares his
bizarre act of character transforma-
tions. Beyond conventional freestyle
and moving through the 21st century;
he realizes that few will understand,
but he doesn't care.
By this time it's generally accepted
that Magic Mountain will be a dif
ferent sort of contest. The com-
petitors are dictating their own terms.
The question is: "Will the prevailing
structure be able to withstand the
abuse?.
Infantile Paralysis at
Magic Mountain
The first time I ever saw Lou
Peralta, he was permanently kicking
me and assorted other Dog Town and
Z-Boy affiliates out of his skatepark
in Reseda. The last time I saw Lou,
he was kicking me and Rocco out of
Magic Mountain for the crime of
skating. I should probably thank him
for doing me a favor both times. Ac-
tually, if you like the type, he's pro-
bably an O.K. guy. He decided to
organize the sport a few years back
and went out and did it. He's got his
own park, mag and organization.
Many criticize him for being the ob-
vious headman, but he leads due to
attrition rather than decree. (Many of
his cohorts have dropped out along
the way, leaving Lou.)
The Magic Mountain affair almost
didn't happen due to the amusement
park types decisive inaction. Things
got so bad that according to rumor,
one, L. Peralta had to threaten
lawsuit to get the contest run on the
already advertised dates. Thanks to
Lou for defending the sport. No
thanks to the Magic Mountain and
their concept of controlled, contrived
pay for play and pleasure. Folks, bor-
ing rapids, and other static, passive
acts like the Mountains just don't
make it, especially for 12 bucks a
pop.
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