JIMMY'Z
With Rick Blackhart
ASK THE DOCTOR
Blackhart
WHEEL PRETTY
Why is it so great to put graphics on
wheels these days? They don't make
them ride any better. When I buy wheels.
before I put the bearings in, I scrub the
graphics off with warm water and a brillo
pad. Now my wheels don't look like crap.
Bill Johnson
C.H., VA
Well, actually, this can work both
ways. If you don't like the graphics but
are still compelled to buy the wheels,
then sure you can scrub 'em off. Some
people like graphics because they
look different. I think that's the main
reason for the trend in wheel art
manufacturers need to set their
wheels apart from the crowd. Who
wants to buy the same old thing,
right? Then again, the stark, un-
painted wheel is definitely a classic.
So, if thine eye offend thee, pluck it
out!
QUEST FOR STYLE
I'd like to know which decks, trucks
and wheels you think are in style?
Jimmy McDaniel
Washington, PA
Style? What the hell is style? It's
whatever portrays your personality. If
I told you what I like, then it would be
my style. For you to like the same thing
would be posing. Style is what
poseurs look for because they have
none. Don't worry about what I think
is in style, decide that for yourself.
Then it will be your style. If you have
none, then look through the mag, pick
a skater you think might fit your style
and emulate him. No free rides here,
buddy.
BOSSY AUSSIES
Skating isn't big where I live and I have
to buy all my own gear. My parents has
sle me about it. They say I should be sav
ing for a car and that skating is little kids'
stuff. My father really pisses me off. He
says, "Where have you been all day.
playing friggin' skateboards again? Don't
you like staying home with us?" When
I see enough of them during the week.
I don't have any time to skate. On week
ends. I'm usually too tired to skate after
work. Doc, how should I handle this?
Should I keep skating, buy my new deck
and cop all this shit from them, or what?
Mark Bycraft
Queensland, Australia
Dude, you're bumming. Tell your
parents to mellow out or have them
read this and I'll tell them. If you're ac-
tually working for your own money,
then I think you should be able to buy
your own skate if you want to. I don't
know your age, but if you're old
enough to drive, then you're old
enough to spend your own money (on
a skateboard, a car or both). Buy the
skate, but keep saving for the new
car-a few bucks a week, no problem.
Until then, your skate will get you
where you want to go.
AIR HEADS
I share a room with my 14-year-old.
brother On the wall we have a picture
of Hosoi doing an air. He's holding his
board in one hand, his other hand is
straight out and his legs are straight.
together. I say it is a Christ air and my
bro thinks it is a mute air. So tell me, who
is right?
You'll have to figure
for Christ's sake!
HOW CONE?
Spencer Phillips
Whittier, CA
it out yourself,
I have one simple question: how do
you know when your wheels are coning?
Josh Otwell
Ruston, LA
When the diameter of the wheel on
one side is smaller than the diameter.
of the wheel on the other side, it is
coned.
GRIN AND BEARING IT
who's been a real jerk lately. He brags
I'm ten years old and I have a friend
about how good his Powell Swiss bear-
ings are, but my Germans are good
enough for me. He also says how pro he
is because he jumped off the side of my
mini quarter-pipe and lit in the grass.
Doc. he's makin' me want to stick his Cab
up his nose. I want to be his friend, but
I need advice.
Mr. McTwist
Way Underground
your bro thinks. If he wants to act like
Hombre, don't worry about what
he's something special, let him. Just
be yourself, do your own trip and
you'll be fine. Maybe if you practice
more and begin to shred, he'll begin
to change his tune.
What is style, you ask? Well, we
can't tell you here in front of everyone.
but we'll give you a hint. For $10.75
(postage and handling included) you
can get yourself a Doctor Rick t-shirt!
No joke! Send check or money order
(U.S. funds only) to: THRASHER, Dr.
Rick T-shirt, P.O. Box 884570, San
Francisco, CA 94188-4570.