I think most people think skateboarders have extreme attitude so stay away from them. Skateboarders are sometimes intimidating as they can be loud, rough and unruly. It's easy to see that an out of control skater or board may hit you.
By ignoring skaters we tend to isolate them
So anytime I have an opportunity to talk to skaters I jump at it. You can't just barge into a group of skaters. The opportunity has to be there. Not an invitation, but an opportunity.
Last night I had an opportunity and used it. Three skaters were stopped on a small footbridge. A couple of little skaters cut me off and I had to stop. There I was with the three boarders. I made some comment about an awkward move and that got things going. Skaters love to talk if you show that you are the least bit interested in their activity. These three were very late teens and one maybe early twenties. They were well spoken and knew about their equipment and activity.
These three skaters had long boards and used them for travelling. In other words they went from place to place on skate boards. They think that skate boards would be great for commuting to work. They told me about the structure of the boards and how they were laminated with special glues to make them strong. Two of these guys weighed over 200 lbs. They talked about the smaller skateboards used for tricks.
Ages of skaters were talked about and what each age was interested in. Some of the long boards are used for going downhill at the highest speed you can get. These skaters continually look for different hills.
After 10 - 15 minutes these guys were ready to continue their trip and politely took their leave.
I've also talked to individuals who try various tricks. I met a young guy numerous times last year when I was riding. He explained some of his moves. Just by watching I couldn't tell how he did things. I met this kid a half dozen times when we would stop and talk.
I think it pays dividends all around to talk to skaters. I'm passionate about not creating exclusive groups. Make people feel as if they belong in this world and they will contribute positively to life.
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| The old cyclist from 2009 |
We hardly ever see them. You can tell when someone from a larger city is in one of the Resorts then you will see one on the Highway...which around here is a bad idea:(
ReplyDeleteKeep the boards off the roads for sure.
DeleteI don't see them so much here around, find those jumps always very scary, seeing them coming down from steps. But I think they enjoy themselves and are not impending when meeting them. Better than those groups just hanging round with doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteThe jumps are for the tricks. I'm surprised more kids aren't hurt on the tricks.
DeleteYour attitude is refreshingly upbeat and independent. I guess it helps that you spent a lifetime teaching kids. Instead of just talking to skateboarders, may I suggest that you join them? You are never too late to learn and I think you would look so cool skating round Red Deer on a custom-made board from "Toe Picks" on 43rd Avenue.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am cool but not cool enough to skateboard. I joked with these guys that it would take two of them to hold me up. Toe Picks? I've never heard of them, but I did look the up. they sell ice skating stuff.
DeleteI have tried it, we made them out of old skates . I have friend who does ride his to work in CA>
ReplyDeleteYes, in the old days they made their own.
DeleteWe don't get many here. They are on the streets, and some barefoot! Sigh. You are a good man!
ReplyDeleteYour road is too rough and most of them know enough to stay off roads.
DeleteI like your approach to life, Red. Inclusion rather than looking down one's nose at an activity is a really good idea. I'll try engaging a skater in conversation next time I see one. :-)
ReplyDeleteTell them about your parachute experiences.
DeleteIt's nice that you take the time to get to know people instead of judging them and coming to conclusions without knowing what they're all about. My younger daughter uses a long board all the time to get around in. She's been doing that for years. It's good exercise and is much faster than walking. Now that she's in Ottawa and has more ground to cover, that long board has sure come in handy. When it gets too cold, she starts using the bus.
ReplyDeleteYour younger daughter must be absolutely cool. Very few girls skateboard and fewer yet are good boarders.
DeleteYou have a great attitude towards people! I wish more folks in this world would adopt your outlook.
ReplyDeleteYou've got to be careful as for some people there's only black and white. You can't have much of a conversation with them.
DeleteI occasionally see skateboarders at one of the parks where a course has been designed for them.
ReplyDeleteWe've got two of those and they are for the kids who want to do tricks.
DeleteWe have skateboarders here also. I am afraid as oyu pass them the language is every f word. Our lady in our Building is 94. For years she has volunteered to clean the park up for years. Has been given for her citizen volunteer still at her age. With plaques with her name. . Now when she hears the language. She claps her hands. Boys, boys a lady is present. They stop. I know when your walking in the park side walk they whiz pass you three at a time. Now last week while walking. Two young University guys sitting on the bench I would say they were 19. Actually said Hello to me . I took a deep breath and made a conversation with them. They were polite. Maybe next time I will take time to engage to make a conversation with the skateboarders . Your right they sure are acrobatically skilled on those skate boards. The town and volunteers made a section for them . So I see them in groups enjoying but I pray that the language will diminish as the town wants to give them more. If the town is willing to give these young boys a place to be part of the generation who they are . They need to smarts up in their choice words that F and P words. See teens feel they are tough and big to their peers when they talk like that. Sad. Being a teacher is certainly a gift to be able to to the skateboarders. I applaud you.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely there are very poorly behaves and unmannerly characters. there are also adults who have very unacceptable behaviour. My point is that if we stay in our separate groups we have very little influence on groups.
DeleteI had no idea there were short boards and long boards. We have a lot of skateboarders around us, even special built skateboarding parks. A young family lives near us with two children about 6 & 8. Dad spends a lot of time out on the sidewalks on his skateboard with the little guys on scooters. Any day I expect to see they've graduated to skateboards. Enjoyed your post. People usually like to talk about what they're doing to anyone they think is genuinely interested. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteYour key word is "genuinely." They pick that up and respect it.
DeleteHow wonderful you can bike. It takes balance to do that. You still have it Red. Awesome! I am so happy you have that zest in life. Thumbs up.
ReplyDeleteI think my cycling days are close to ending.
DeleteI think this philosophy holds true with all groups or 'tribe' of people with whom we rarely cross paths. They are usually fun and interesting and I always learn something.
ReplyDeleteBoth groups have to be open and like you willing to learn something.
DeleteI'll bet the skateboarders enjoyed and felt it a privilege to talk to you, Red.I know I would. You are just a genuinely nice person.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't know about the skaters but I feel lucky to be able to visit with them.
DeleteYou've expressed the best philosophy for bringing people together rather than leaving certain people on the outside. We need more of this.
ReplyDeleteI could certainly suggest a few groups who could benefit from listening to others and learning something.
Deleteyou're awesome. and, wow, 200 lb guys on longboards!
ReplyDeleteThanks. These guys claim they know someone skating at 300 lbs.
DeleteI tried to skateboard a long time ago but it was too hard and unsafe for me.
ReplyDeleteSkating is not for everybody.
DeleteI recall seeing a chap skateboarding to work in Sarnia carrying a briefcase.
ReplyDelete"Two groups of people ignore each other and do not know what the other is about. Without communication, misunderstandings can develop and then it's downhill from there." Isn't that the problem with the whole world? I wish we could carry your philosophy towards skateboarders across all areas of life.
Skaters are usually easier to talk with than the intense cyclists...
ReplyDeleteA great post to read Red. Your example can be transferred to life in general. I am back from my blog break and am catching up ever so slowly. We had a family bereavement and have only just returned home.
ReplyDeleteHi Red, I think that's the "teacher" in you coming out to talk to those guys. I think those kind of conversations help keep us young. Nice work!
ReplyDelete