Jedi Grind Tricks: January ’10 | The Beachside Resident

By: Scooter Newell

Article Category: Jedi Grind Tricks Leave a Comment

Back in the day, Janus, some ancient god of beginnings and guardian of doors and entrances was the coolest guy around on New Year’s Eve in ancient Rome.

I guess these ancients believed that Janus, who had two faces, could see backward and forward at the same time, and on December 31st they imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new one. So traditions began — giving gifts of branches, fruit, nuts, coins, etc. … Eventually, a couple of thousand years later, that led to people giving skateboards and skateboard accessories as gifts to one another.

So here we are in the year 2010. Honestly, as a kid, I thought I would be ripping on a floating skateboard by now, but no “hoverboards” have been invented yet. These days, most airplanes and cars navigate themselves, robots work assembly lines, cell phones handle all my Facebookin’ and computer functions, and my computer allows me to send in my article without having to buy stamps or, even worse, make a trip to the office and have a possible run-in with the editor.

It is comforting to know that the very primitive essence found in skateboarding has continued to be the common standard throughout the years. Sure, every other six months or so some weird guy from some start-up company introduces the next big skateboarding fad — wheel lights or motorized units with a speed control triggers. I’m not even going to get started on those “snake-board” things… Now I am kind of diggin’ the electric, motorized skateboard — that is pretty cool. However, they weigh as much as the sun and would only be useful for getting from Point A to Point B with as little exercise as possible.

Thankfully, most skateboards are made for actual skateboarding, not gimmicky activities. Over the years there have been revolutionary breakthroughs in wood constructions and molds for shapes and concaves and strength, and the use of better materials for truck construction has enabled better grind surface and superior turning capabilities. In addition, urethane wheels have been mastered and re-mastered, and modern technology has no doubt given us better bearings. All of these advances have ensured a better skateboarding experience, but it still remains virtually the same as it ever was — a plank deck with two trucks and four wheels.

Luckily, nothing has attempted to, or ever will, replace the physical strength, balance, brain activity and downright human interaction required to ride a skateboard. So this year, skate to the beach to check the waves; skate your favorite spot; skate to the corner store; skate with your dog on a leash (they love it); ride a long board or ride a short board; make your own board; give a kid your old one; skate with your son or your daughter; skate with old friends; learn a new trick…or don’t learn a new trick; take lots of pictures…

2010 is the year of no hoverboards for skaters in general. But if I had to pretend to be Janus for a few minutes, I would look at 2009 as the end of my first 35 years riding a skateboard, and 2010 as the beginning of my next 35 years riding one.

So far, 2010 is looking good!   Here are some random thoughts, inspirational quotes, and New Year’s resolutions from beachside skaters for 2010.

“I just skated the super fun “Banzai Skatepark” near Pipeline on Oahu’s north shore. This public park is small, compact, and very well designed for carving and flow. Surfers fit in well here. There’s a good crop of young rippers as well. Reminds me of Cocoa Beach Skatepark. Looking forward to 2010 so I can skate some of the newer Florida skateparks I haven’t been to yet.” – Bruce Walker Skater, Boardriding Industry Pioneer

“Shred or be shredded.” — Mike Wittman Skater, Graphic Designer

“Every skater has their unique style, but all skaters share the lifestyle.” — Chastity Turner Skater, College Student   “Live Strong, Stay Strong, and Never Give Up.” — Mike Rogers Pro Skater, Grind for Life Founder

“My goal for 2010 is to wash my Pro-Tec knee pads. It’s been 5 years, and they’re really starting to stink.” — PJ Byrtus Veteran Skater

“Dude, I just died on that ledge!” — Michael Wolfe GSZ Skate Team

“Big transitions with a couple of feet of vert.” — Wade Ulrich Veteran Skater

“The man who says he can’t do something and the man who says he can do something are both usually right.” — David Morefield Skater, Video Producer

“Don’t listen to the negative things people tell you when you’re doing something different.”  – Adam Taylor, Pro Skater

“Hey, West Coast — joke’s on you! Florida skaters rule!” — Gage Boan Skater, Student CBHS

“Skate or die… every try! If you wanna rip…come to Gus Hipp!” — Christopher Chambers Skater, Eastwood Skate Park Owner

“2010: skate harder, finish a video part, and travel as much as possible.” — Timmy Knuth Pro/Am Skater OG GSZ Crew

“Skate fast and shred hard.” – Sam Rooks Skater, Student CBHS

Email any skateboard related news, events, contests, and hate mail to Scooter at sk8scooter@gmail.com

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