The Tao of Skateboarding
"Words can never convey the beauty of a tree;
to understand it, you must see it with your own eyes.
Language cannot capture the melody of a song;
to understand it, you must hear it with your own ears.
So it is with the Tao:
the only way to understand it is to directly experience it." -Lao Tzu
Tao (pronounced "dow"), when translated literally, means "the way." Taoism seeks to place one in
harmony with the universe and the natural flow of life. Skating is a perfect way to experience the Tao.
The flow of a spontaneous street line, the indescribable energy of an intense pool session, and the
feeling of floating a head-high backside air are all potential paths to enlightenment. The following
photos freeze forever the images of skaters experiencing the Tao, but the experience itself is ephemeral.
You mustn't pursue the Tao-you must surrender to it or, in less than the snap of a tail, it is gone.
64 THRASHER
enlightenment by ollicing above the trees from reel to reel. Photo: Morfand
earthly desires. He bridges the gap between petty inconsequence and spiritual
Facing page: Erik Karkivood doesn't allow himself to be grounded
This page:
whosoever does fluid f
sall wing curved rails is Pat Smith.
whosoever knows himself is wise,