JIMMY'Z
Skater's Edge
SKATER DATER
by Bonnie Blouin
Recently, I had the pleasure of finally
meeting the girlfriend of one of my skate
chums. She seemed nice enough and I
enjoyed a few moments of idle conversation
while donning my pads before the day's ses-
sioning began. It was hot that day, though
the ramp was in the shade, and it was only
moments before the River of Jordan began.
seeping from my helmet.
An hour or so later I noticed my friend
engaging in heavy conversation with his
companion, who was looking a bit ruffled and
definitely unenthused. My skater's sense
instantly caught the gist; she was ready to
leave, he was not.
Now, I know a lot of non-skaters actually
enjoy spending an entire day watching us do
our thing, but when it boils down to
boy/girlfriends, two or three all-day sessions
are usually enough. Sooner or later it be-
comes a tad boring. Besides, any soul mate
hip enough to notice that your frontside
grinds have turned into rail stops and your
inverts have advanced to Andrechts should
be skating him or herself.
Relationships can be a bit testy for the
dedicated, travel-bound skater. Many times
the "mate with no skate" will feel that your
love of "on board" surpasses that of your
love for them. In some cases this is true.
Thus, the battles will abruptly begin with
statements such as "You care more about
that
#@! skateboard than you do about
me." If this situation continually arises, jump
out of the frying pan and run like hell. Anyone
who feels like that will absolutely not relate
and cannot comprehend that your stick is
more than just a slab of wood.. it's a
lifestyle.
Because much of the dedicated skater's
time is spent on the road, keeping a steady
relationship going can be trying, if not im-
possible. It can become tedious to explain
month after month why you must check out
that new ramp, enter that contest or travel
five hours to visit a friend who's popped in
from "the other coast." Few people, it seems,
are content to deal with our roving adven-
turisms, especially when these journeys take
us out of town for a week, even a month. I'm
sure I'm not the only one who's received a
letter that starts, "Dear Bon, I met this new.
girl while you were away."
Even if you can convince your companion
to travel with you, chances are they won't be
prepared for sleeping in the car or on some-
one's floor, sometimes foregoing the nicety
of a shower. We road veterans are condi-
tioned to washing our hair in the gas station
sink or hosing down with a bar of soap in our
host's front yard. They probably won't under-
stand that it's completely tolerable because
of a killer pool you'll be riding the next day.
One rather comical phenomenon I've
noticed are the roadbound skaters who carry
on as quite single and available, adding
notches to their belts as they travel, only to
hear through the grapevine or casual con-
versation about the girl back home they've
been dating for three years. Makes you
wonder, slightly, what the girls back home
do while their skaters are away.
Those of free mind and spirit may well find
themselves enthralled with someone who
lives several hours away. These relation-
ships, though exciting, undoubtedly prove to
be costly and difficult due to the inevitable
lack of time you will spend with this person.
Unless you have money to blow, love to drive,
and are content with the skateable terrain in
the area, it's best to keep this one on a low
simmer.
Then again, you may actually find another
skater to date. This type of romantic
encounter can be a lot of fun because the
"skating experience" is common ground and
equally appreciated. Once locked in, your
mutal disagreements will likely be more on
the day's choice of terrain rather than the fact
that you are going skating, period.
Many people are attracted to skaters
because of our abilities and our lifestyles.
Most every ramp scene has its entourage of
available betties who enjoy spending their
weekend afternoons mingling amongst the
glistening bods of hot, talented skaters. So,
guys, if you're interested in someone who's
really into the scene, into the travelling and
the whole nine yards, the gal with the "Road
Wear" shirt may be the one for you.
The only catch: some, but not all, of these
young fillies are into the scene because of
the main attraction (definitely not skating).
which is great if you aren't looking for the
major commitment. If you are, watch out for
the next guy on the ramp who may be better
looking and a better skater. Ever heard of
"social climbing?"
As for we female skaters, it seems to be
a hit or miss situation based upon our
individual acceptance into the scene itself.
Most of the guys I meet are stoked, if not
amazed, that "Yes, girls skate, too" and even
more confounded when I show up at the
evening's social function in a dress (after
appearing less then feminine at the session.)
For some women, however, this is not the
case, as they are chastised and harassed for
their "skate" cravings.
Many times, dating another skater is the
most practical solution. After all, the major-
ity of our time is spent in the company of our
skate comrades. Who better to share in our
triumphs and defeats?
I personally find it a little weird showing
up at the ramp with a non-skating date;
having him hang out with the betties while
I rip it up with the boys. Maybe it's the notion
that guys should be more physically active
than girls. Then again, maybe that's why
some guys have a problem with accepting
female skaters. Full circle.
Of course, you may choose to hang out
with a non-skater who still respects your on-
board accomplishments. If so, the last thing
you want to do is invite him/her over for din-
ner and a viewing of the latest skate video.
"Quality time" is the phrase we're looking
for. In this case, quality time may meant
separating yourself from skateboarding for
a few hours in order to indulge in other.
phases of life. Take your date to an art
museum or a cultural event around town-
expand your horizons. Remember, you're not
phasing out skateboarding (no way!) but
merely adding new dimensions to your life.
Check your resources (the newspaper is a
good start) and do something different in your
spare time. It takes time to cultivate your
skating abilities, and relationships are no
different.
In any case, coping with the technicalities
of a relationship can often seem more of a
burden than the relationship is worth. Who
knows, maybe we are all just destined to re-
main single and carefree until we are no
longer able to cope with the major slams and
our joints freeze up because all the cartilage
in our knees has worn out. Maybe then we'll
be able to settle down, cultivate the loving
relationship, make babies and live in little
pink houses on Main Street.... Nah.
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