20
Ask the
Doctor
SIN-SURED
with Rick Blackhart
Finally, after a year's worth of hot sesh's,
full-on entertainment and being the focal
point of activity in the local neighborhood.
a sports lensman from the daily wipe pays
a visit to the Cherry St. Ramp. Two back-
yard neighbors and myself flip through the
air as the newspaper guy clicks through a
roll of film while standing on the deck. A
few weeks go by and no story or pics ap-
pear, so we check up on the guy. He sez
he can't use the best pics of us "because
of questionable statements affixed to the
undersides of our boards." A quick check
of our quiver reveals some anti-Nazi sym-
bols, "anarchy and peace" stickerage and
Apartheid Sucks decals. What's wrong with
that?
Matt the Rat, The Kontorted Kid
Along with Tarkus
Not exactly dying of exposure
LaGrande, OR
PS. Whatever happened to Lowboy? Hel-
luva witty writer. Also, on page 12 of the
Aug. Issue, Bob Denike mentions in the
Skater's Edge that darker wheels tend to
be a bit slower than lighter colored wheels.
Why is this? All I can figure out is a slightly
different chemisty/composition or vulcaniz-
ing molding process. Hope to hell two-
tones don't break in half!
About the first inquiry, it's not hard to
figure out why this photographer's
editor doesn't want to let people know
that there are in fact radicals like your
self out on their streets. Many of our
elders are apparently threatened by the
thought of peace and anarchy.
About Lowboy. I'm really kind of
scared to say anything, next thing you
know he'll be at my door trying to borrow
money or make me do something I
shouldn't...As far as darker wheels
being slower, yes, it has been my experi-
ence that this statement rings true.
Lighter color is faster-pigment is why.
Lots of pigment is needed to make a
darker color. Once you get past a certain
percentage of urethane/pigment mix-
ture the wheel tends to get slower.
SOMETHIN' FISHY GOIN' ON
I'm writing from Houston, TX, where the
skate scene is completely cool with numer-
ous ditches and ramps to be skated. I've
had about 4 boards since I've been skating.
and my fifth is an 'Alva Hosoi Fish." My
question is, why is there such a great break-
through in board design that practically
every company makes a "fish-design" type:
board? I mean, what's their use? Are they
easier to skate and pull off tricks or do they
just look cool so they can get you to buy
their board? Also, what are they designed
for, street, ditch or ramp?
Richard Crenshaw
Houston, TX
I've noticed this new trend with boards.
They seem to be transforming and all I see
are fish and side-cuts. What are they for?
Do they help you in any way? Are they
better than traditional or weaker?
Alan Thompson
Columbia, MD
After buying the same thing time after
time wouldn't you want something dif-
ferent if it came out on the market? Sure
you would, that's why you bought it.
That's why every manufacturer and their
brother make fish boards. It's called free
enterprize. Also, people who don't have
too many of their own ideas latch on to
whatever seems to be the likely trend.
There are some designs that enhance
the ride but most of these exotic shapes
came about simply from design hum-
drum and the fact that anything new will
most likely sell. I kind of like the new
direction of shapes but some make you
look like your riding a bulbous dildo with
wheels. Freedom of choice I guess. You
make the call.
PERSONALS
I got problems, parent problems. I know
you've heard it all before but I don't know
where else to turn. Skating is finally starting
to get easier for me, I can finally pull air.
But my parents won't let me skate till I get
better grades. I can see their point. I still
sneak away to some of the ramps in my
area but have to be home before they get
home from work. Not only are they stopping
me from skating they're making me change
my appearance and won't let me go round
with all my friends on my skate team. (They
threw away my team jacket.) Another prob-
lem is this girl, or goddess should I say. I'm
in love and I hate her for it. She's given me
insomnia and is affecting my skating. (
went for this air, her image filled my head
and needless to say pain soon followed.)
You're my last hope for some solid advice.
Please don't say move because I did and
ended up getting kicked out of that house
by the end of the summer, so I have no
choice but to live here and forgetting the
girl is impossible, I've tried.
Sincerely.
A depressed VA skater
Come on. What is this? It's a skate col-
umn that's what. Not a whining, can't-get-
my-life-together what-do-l-do column.
I'm sick and tired of you non-decision
makers. Just grab your board, kick both
your mom and dad in the butt, tell 'em
to buzz off and head on out the door.
And if you believe that, then you're really
in trouble.
No, seriously, I can't tell you what to
do with your life because no one told.
me. You know? I mean, if your parents
want good grades in order for you to
skate then study. I never had to worry
about that because my mom was so cool
she let me quit school to become a pro
skater. I even had a ramp in the back-
yard. Besides, most of what you need
to learn about life doesn't come from
school, unless you're going for some
certain career. Half the people who
graduate with a degree don't get a job
that pertains to it anyway. So as far as
solid advice goes, forget it. You're on
your own pal.
Any other letters pertaining to the
aforementioned personal problems will
be directly referred to the circular file.
Hey now! Just when you thought you
couldn't hold on any longer the Doc pro-
vides the relief you need. Now you can
receive the much bally hooed ASK THE
DOCTOR T-shirt with the mortar and pes-
tal design on back and a THRASHER
logo up front. Support the medical arts
and wear this one when you go in for
X-rays and what not. Just send a check
or money order for $9.65 (includes post-
age), payable to: THRASHER Magazine,
P.O. Box 884570, San Francisco, CA
94188-4570. Then, stay healthy for three
or four weeks and you'll get yours.
SHRED!
CHUCK TREECE
EAST COAST PRO / Mc SHRED MODEL SOON
S.G.I. PRODUCTS DESIGNED BY SKATERS FOR TOTAL EXCELLENCE
5519 RAWLINGS, SOUTHGATE, CA 90803