Today,
I realized that I started skating because of skateboarding
going mainstream in the past few years. Almost all
skaters that start in the past 2-3 years did. If
they can't admit it, well, all I can say is that
they need to. It's not shameful, or embarrasing.
One of my favorite sayings is "Look not mournfully
upon the past, for it is beyond thine grip to affect."
Here, it applies. As long as you remain true to
skateboarding, it does not weigh heavily on you
heart, I've found. Besides, I'm not doing it as
a career; I'd rather start a skater-run compay or
run a skateshop.
As a lifestyle, skateboarding can be harsh, yet
rewarding. As people advance through the stages
in skating, from the first baby steps of first board
and first ollie, to the giant leaps of later years
like first handrail and first sponsor, they go through
hardships. Injuries, loss of skate spots due to
knobbing and even destruction, and many other obstacles.
Yet, for a dedicated skater, nothing can stop him.
Look at Danny Way. He practically destroyed his
leg. He couldn't skate for three years. After three
and a half years, pictures of some amazing pics
of him were popping up in TWS and Thrasher.
To the ones who do quit, good for you. If you don't
believe it's for you, it's good that you don't force
yourself to continue a sport you don't enjoy. Don't
let other skater tease you or anything else. Why
wouldn't they want the people they label as poseurs
to quot and leave them alone?
Which brings me to labeling. Why do people label
people? Skaters as punks, freaks, trouble makers.
Non-skaters as preps, jocks, and others. Please
support my anti-labeling movement by simply not
participating in it.
Thanks for reading what I had to say. Peace.
