!!!ASK THE D
Boards
waiting
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DO IT UP RIGHTLY
I'm a girl and I've been skating for
four years. How come I haven't had
any of the problems that these "I'm a
girl and I want to skate but can't"
chicks are having? When I started I
just ignored the harassment and skat
ed anyway. Eventually they'll get used
to you skating and accept it. All it boils
down to is doing what you love. Take
heart and skate strong.
Ferret
Albuquerque, NM
No one has the right to question
your ability to skate. It's the whin-
ing that skaters don't like. Do I
Fred Conrad. belong or don't I? If anyone was
meant to be a skater, they know it,
regardless of who or what they are.
Keep it up and get down.
WATCH IT, BIG BOY
I'm a 24-year-old female skater. I've
learned to skate by teaching myself. I
don't have people I can talk to. I've
been working on increasing my skate
time so I can progress rapidly. I got
started in grade school by rolling slow-
ly around a tennis court. Vertical was
always a dream because we didn't
have any parks or ramps. I'm skating
vert now because I made my own
scene by building a halfpipe. I don't let
the guys push me around. These little
skate rats have been critical, but I've
been getting closer to the top of the
ramp while they stand around and
talk. If you really want it, you'll do it.
I've paid enough dues and it's begin-
26 THRASHER MAGAZINE
ning to give in return. Be ready to fall
and be frustrated. Keep skating.
A Female Skater
Wheaton, IL
Sounds like you'll be able to
grind coping in no time. Also, your
attitude is what makes it. I think the
main thing girls should realize is
that anyone can skate if they so
desire. All it takes is the confidence
and will to learn, and you only learn
by doing it. Skate now or forever
hold your board.
PUT THAT AWAY AND SKATE
I read the Mail Drop letter from a
straight-edge skater and it hit me hard
because my girlfriend Allison and I
recently separated, and I've been
bummed on it. When I skate, I can't
help but think about her (she was my
inspiration). Now with the EZ-7 Turkey
Jam and T.A.S.L. coming up, I'm
scared that without her inspiration I
won't be able to place at all. Help.
Dale "The Kook" Robinson
Houston, TX
Well, Homer, I hate to tell you
this, but if you can't skate without
your girlfriend, you probably
shouldn't skate at all. I mean, if she
was so ripping and cool that you
got your inspiration to skate from
her, then she ought to have mercy
on your soul, come back to you so
you can marry each other, have
kids and let the rest of us skaters
go on about our business without
listening to any more of your love-
torn can't skate crap. Otherwise,
forget the chick, save some money
and get another one.
HONEY, I'M HOME
I'm a 16-year-old female who lives
in a suck job town in New York. Over
the summer I went to France. I met a
skater. He got me hooked. Problem is
I never see him (obviously), so how
can I learn new things? The asses in
my school who skate, laugh when I tell
them I skate. I work on my own to get
some tricks under my feet, but I can't
get past a certain point. I asked my
father to build a ramp and he laughed.
I wish to hell that people would take
me seriously for once. Can you help?
Daniele S.
Mahopac, NY
I think you've pinpointed your
own problem, and a lot of other
girls' problems with guys who
skate. How can someone take you
seriously if your attitude shows
intimidation? Tell them straight out,
"hey, I skate too and do it with
aggression." If they laugh or make
any snide remarks, just come back
with, "What's the matter, don't you
skate, or do you just carry that
thing around?" What I'm trying to
say is it's all up to you. You want
respect, then skate for it. Don't let
them vibe you. Keep skating, go to
the spots they skate and soon
they'll realize, "Hey, this chick
skates too," and all will be one with
the universe. -Dr. Rick Blackhart
CRUZ ROAD TRIP
How about a road trip where a bunch of Cruz skaters
come to your town, hook-up with you and your bros, go
out skating with you at your favorite skate spots, and
maybe head back for a little barbecue feast or
something?
We're not sure, but it sounds better than a stale demo
where you sit and watch behind some crowd control
fence, watching terrible skating on terrible street ramps
in a terrible parking lot.
If you're into having the 'Cruz Road Trip' head your way,
send us a video of your local skate spots clearly showing
us the places you can take us to skate. Include a brief
description of the skate spots on video along with your
name, your mom and dad's name, address and phone
number. Also include your local skateshop's name,
address, and phone number (if you have one in your
town).
If you send your video in fast, before April 15th, you just
might win a spot on the 'Cruz Road Trip 91' and the first
50 entrants receive a tour T-shirt. Do it today!
CRUZ
Send to: "Cruz Road Trip 91"
4401 Soquel Dr.
Soquel, CA 95073