Freeze
23 Nov 2024 - de Medeiros, J. E. M.
Freezing pause
Apologies for the long pause in my skateboarding ethnography! I was on vacation, but that’s no excuse. A lot has happened in the past months, even though my skating progression took a temporary backseat. Despite the break, I’ve experienced three transformative moments worth sharing: I’ve been training slashers, discovered the stress-relieving power of the skateboarding community, and learned the value of giving to others to feel better about myself and life.
Slashers
After my last attempts to master the curb trick I call centrifuge, I began learning a new move under the guidance of Sensei—the slasher. For those unfamiliar, a slasher involves lifting the nose of the board, doing a kickturn at the edge of the curve, and grinding the coping with the back axle. It’s a counterintuitive movement that initially felt daunting, especially given my previous training.
Sensei, being the natural he is, made it look easy, but I was hesitant to even try. Yet, with time, practice, and encouragement, I made progress—and even captured a couple of reels to document the achievement. Meanwhile, my regular bowl training brought some unexpected gains, helping me achieve more speed and height in my backside and frontside maneuvers.
(Videos at the end of this page.)
Feeling blue? Come and hang out
Let’s be honest: I’m not getting any younger, and it’s often said that men lose friendships as they age. For the most part, I’m more comfortable being alone now than I was in my teens and twenties. But this trend has its downsides—especially for communicative people like me. Less interaction and fewer conversations can take a toll. Perhaps that’s why I’ve started writing more, whether it’s blog posts, books, or even scientific work outside of academia - transforming my professional experiences outside academia into real sociological experiments. Writing has become my replacement for talking.
An injury and the freezing German temperatures since fall pulled me away from surf skating, robbing me of an important outlet for managing stress and sadness. But during this tough period, I came to appreciate
During this tough period, I came to appreciate the bonds forged at the skatepark. These friendships are for life. Maybe not in the diachronic sense of this saying. But certainly in the sense that these relationships integrate an important part of sn individual’s life and forge themselves into one’s personality. What do I mean by this? For someone nearing middle age, it might sound silly, but being around skaters and hanging out in their favorite spots brings me a sense of inner peace and stability. There’s something deeply grounding about it, even if I’m not actively skating.
Community and Giving
Lately, I’ve started showing up at a parking lot where Sensei and other skaters meet on Sundays. With temperatures dropping below freezing, I’m not always motivated to skate outdoors (and I’ve even gotten sick from trying). Instead, I bundle up in as much winter gear as I can, pack some coffee and chocolate, and head over to hang out.
At first, I was just there to watch. But then I realized how fulfilling it felt to contribute in small ways—bringing treats to my friends braving the cold. Their presence and camaraderie have had a remarkable effect on my mental state, even when I’m not on the board.
Anthropologists say there are different types of reciprocity, and one of the simplest forms is gift-giving. It’s easier than offering services, which often come with strings attached. A small gift, however, can reinforce bonds and elevate a person’s standing in the community, as it symbolizes abundance and care.
For me, this practice has become a reflection of deeper feelings. As I grow older, I find myself nurturing a kind of parental instinct. I enjoy looking out for others—whether it’s through sharing snacks, stories, or simply my presence.
While I may not always skate, just being part of this diverse and vibrant community feels incredibly fulfilling.
Brief summary of characters:
As I delve into these skateboarding and surfskate stories, I find myself walking a fine line between revealing too much and protecting the identities of those involved — especially minors or individuals who prefer to remain out of the public eye. Allow me, my imaginary reader, to introduce you to the key characters in this thrilling narrative:
- Senpais: These are the seasoned skaters, the ones who’ve mastered the art of gliding across concrete waves. I’ve affectionately dubbed them “Senpais.” When multiple Senpais appear in a story, I’ll distinguish them as Senpai1, Senpai2, and so forth.
- Sensei: Picture a skater with skills that transcend the ordinary. This individual isn’t just a Senpai; they’re a Sensei. Their wisdom, advice, and teachings elevate the entire skating experience. They’re the ones who can turn a simple kickturn into poetry in motion.
- Senpai-Sensei: Now, this character is a delightful blend of both Senpai and Sensei. They possess the skills of a seasoned skater but also offer valuable guidance to others. Think of them as the bridge between experience and mentorship. Remember, these characters aren’t just names — they’re the heartbeat of my skateboarding experiences. As we ride through twists, turns, and gravity-defying tricks, keep an eye out for their distinctive styles and personalities. These are real people.
Categories: Surfskate
Tags: Skateboard, Community, Friends, Winter