The Skateboard Guru

Like many kids who grew up in the 90s, I went through a stint where my skateboard and I were inseparable. I certainly wasn’t a skateboarding savant by any stretch of the imagination, but I had a considerable arsenal of basic tricks. And while my skateboarding ambitions quickly fizzled, I can still recall long days spent trying to master a new trick.

Every skateboarder has indubitably heard litanies of skateboarding trick tips, and I’m no different. The one hint that helped me in learning every trick I landed—and has even transcended into other areas of my life—is to go all out. In skateboarding, as in many other endeavors, if you aren’t fully committed to what you are attempting, you are almost certainly bound to fail.

California State Games

It’s no secret that California is a haven for extreme sports enthusiasts. And when you consider the state’s climate and geographical location, it quickly becomes apparent why this is so. California features hundreds of miles of coastline and offers some of the best surf in the country—and the world.

In addition, California is the birthplace of skateboarding, and as such, California skateparks are riddled throughout the urban areas. Many people may think that California only offers fair-weather sporting activities, but locales like Bear and Mammoth Mountains offer a respite for those who are tired of the pristine waters and perennial sunshine.

In  Southern California the numerous availability of skateboard parks w/ various styles , skill levels,  and square feet are enough to delight any skateboard enthusiast.

Hancock a small town in Maryland is having problems with vandalism, skateboarding and teens loitering in parks after dark

The town has also had problems with skateboarders skating in unauthorized areas and damaging ledges and railings, officials said. The postmaster at the Hancock Post Office recently wrote to the town about an “ongoing problem” with skateboarding on the post office lot after hours, Murphy said.

Hancock Police Chief T.J. Buskirk said in one particularly bad wave of vandalism over the weekend,

said he confiscated six skateboards at the post office Tuesday.

Hancock resident Ralph Salvagno said the town needs to take a clear stance on skateboarding and loitering issues, making it clear to teens where they can and cannot skateboard and exactly what time the parks close.

Buskirk and Smith said skateboarders may skateboard on blacktopped areas in the park, on tennis courts when not in use, or on their own property. The town has been unable to install ramps or other skateboarding equipment for liability reasons, Murphy said.

Buskirk said town parks close at dark, but Murphy recommended police and parks commission officials meet soon to decide on specific closing times.

Council member Nigel Dardar said at least two local church leaders had expressed interest in helping create a place for skateboarders to skate.

Some people were reporting that Graffiti  is part of the “culture”.  And you do have the right to express yourself.  Your skateboard decks can be as artistic as you wish.

However if the above  statement is true, you have to remember that your parks are sponsored by the towns they are located in and payed for with citizen taxes.  Permission to use or the building of such facilities could be curtailed by degenerate behavior and/or poor taste.   So respect property, both public and private to ensure that skateboarding  fun can roll on.

On Saturday, May 29th, we visited one of our local southern California skate parks.  It is a public park owned by the City of Chino, and is located at Ayala Park.  We found it at the corner of Edison Avenue and Grand.  It was a nice surprise.  The main part of the  park is multi use with baseball diamonds, children’s play area, and a smooth, gated skate boarding area of over 27, 624 square feet.

The skateboarding area features a banked street section, a section where you can ride and ride with banks and bowls which range from 4′ to 7′ and a 3-leaf clover bowl with very steep sides.

I saw riders there ranging from 3 years olds to mature dudes of over 30. One fellow gave us his name of California Mike, who was quite accomplished on the board.  He told us about his goal to work with the local riders and encourage them to an upright life and to bring them to the Lord. He raved about the  skate park and said it was the best in the area.  One great thing about it is that there are no fees changed to use it as there are in other private skateboard parks. However, like all public parks,  safety gear (helmets and knee pads) are required.

We encourage all boarders to try out this lovely park.  It is a nice place to spend the day.  California Mike suggested this park would be a good site to have a future competition based on having several features that challenge skill levels from beginners to advanced.  He says it is a GREAT ride.