INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this THRASHER
radical manifesto is to lay down basic
advice on how to exist as a true, thrashing
skater on this presently paved planet
earth. Even though most of you probably
already employ the tactics that are written
on the following pages, Heel that it would
be wise to insert Webster's definition of
manifesto:
manifesto (mane'-fes'to) n. a public
declaration of motives and intentions by a
government, or by a person or group...
All of the things you are about to read
are the sole opinions of myself, Garry
Davis, and in no way am I telling you how
to live your life, or how to skate. I am
merely putting forth my views on
ingredients which I feel, when mixed
together, concoct a life of truly severe
skating (i.e., unrelentless thrashing). You
can follow the advice which is given, or
you can laugh at it and throw it away.
After all, it's YOUR copy.
D. When street skating, ALWAYS
WATCH OUT FOR CARS; or you might
end up sessioning that great banked spot.
in the sky! Cars are not all you should
keep an eye on, other things to beware of
Include: potholes and cracks (especially
at night), gravel, lone pebbles,
pedestrians, swift.canines, police..
E. Ignore pedestrians, pay no attention
to taunts, jeers, chants, etc.
F. Dream about skating. Brood on past
sessions. Make over-ambitious plans for
future ones.
G. Talk about skating. Crack jokes,
prophecy new maneuvers, discuss
possibilities of future months.
Section 2: Objectives of
Thrashing
The objectives of thrashing are: to
ADVANCE the art of extreme skating, to
build your mind and body to a point where
they are practically immune to injury, fear,
etc., to set yourself apart from any wimpy
normal populace.
abandoned, get rowdy. Ramps: Paint the
ramp with some sort of weather protective
paint, urethane, whatever. Bare.wood.rots,
fast, nails come loose out of wet wood.
Use duct tape (massive amounts) to
prevent splintering of delicate edges.
Avoid informing pedestrians (via press or
otherwise) of locations of any spots, as
this often results in the demise of the
spot.
Section 2: Bust Situations
If the spot is a potential bust (usually a
pool), always lay down pre-meditated
escape routes. This may sound poofter,
but don't session for too long, listen for
car doors, arrive at the spot with bare
essentials only, no picnic baskets,
pedestrians, radios, etc. Be ready to talk
fast or run fast.
Section 3: Transportation
If a spot is within 5 miles, always skate
to it. If a spot is 10 miles or farther, ride a
bicycle or skate if you're not in a hurry.
Save motorized transportation for when
you have limited time, excessive
equipment cargo, and for long distance ac-
tions.
SKATEBOARD AREA
No Attendant on duty
Use skateboard area at own k
Safety Rules
Une profective
001
10
ARTICLE 1
Section 1: Mandates of
Thrashing
A. Skate every day that you are
physically and mentally able. If it rains or
snows, scope out possible basement
sessions, retreat to vast, multi-level
parking garages, conduct invasions into
enclosed shopping malls. If above actions
are not possible, skate in the rain! It's a
complete blast to slide around the streets
as the precipitation tends to facilitate
sliding maneuvers by reducing the friction
coefficient. Snow is no problem, a scant
few minutes is all that is required to
shovel away an adequate area in which to
freestyle. Shovel a path up to a bank! Get
that snow off that rampl
B. Skate any spot that is available. Pay
no attention to surface conditions. Look
upon rasty surfaces as a challenge.
Smooth surfaces? Float dreamily upon
the fact that what you are riding is
complete fun.
C. Have no fear of pulling off a new
maneuver that is within your ability range,
and learn how to fall correctly to prevent
needless injuries.
ARTICLE 2:
SKATE SPOTS
Section 1: Acquiring and ARTICLE 3:
Maintaining Spots
A. Acquisition. ALWAYS be on the alert
for a possible spot, whether it be a
perfectly smooth freestyle forum, a
killer downhill run, or whatever. Be alert
whether you are in a car, train, bus, on a
bicycle, your skate, and especially while
cruising in any sort of flying apparatus.
(helicopter, plane, kite, etc.) as you have
the advantage of being able to scope
possibilities for MILES. Remember, keep
your eyes open and your head oscillating.
(P.S. When you find a pool, never ask to
skate it; 99% of all pool owners do not
take kindly to intruders (at least in
Cincinnati); better ride it till you get
busted, then talk it out.)
B. Maintenance. Always have old rugs..
towels, etc., on hand to soak up urine
from the drain and bottom area. Get rid of
any surface protrusions which may exist,
and patch up all serious cracks. If the spot
area is inhabited, avoid grafitti, but if it's
EQUIPMENT
Section 1: Actual Skate
Equipment
You've heard this 126,000 times before,
but always check your skate before you
go out thrashing. Check all bolts. Truck
mounting nuts and bolts are usually
rebellious and try to escape the confines
of your deck, so check them every day.
Keep bearings spinning free, check out
the condition of pivot arms for Spampy
syndrome. Make sure rubbers are still in
one piece, check trucks for hairline cracks -
now and then, and check your copers,
'cause some have been known to
mysteriously crack even during the most
mellow curb grinds. Scope your deck for
possible immature cracks. Brands: Any
manufacturers which advertise-in-
THRASHER are still happening and
produce quality equipment.
Whittier street skater Richard Armijo hovers over a fallen BMXer's machine as if in mock triumph. Notice tail-handlebar contact.