80's Kid.
The 80’s hosted a plethora of fashion, music, and movies that are surfacing quite a bit these days—though most of it is better left in that era. However, the 80’s also provided some a style that helped lay a foundation for the present and future of one of the most popular activities in the world: skateboarding.
I happen to remember sitting around watching my buddies skating the local ditches, parks, schools and back yard pools (being from CO they would drain the pools in the winter. If they were not full of snow, they were perfect for a session of shredding). I would sit in my 1982, brown, Volvo station wagon—wearing an ugly, oversized, crop sweatshirt with some ridiculously baggy, high waisted jeans and Vision Street Wear high tops—listening to a mix tape that included some ska, a little punk-rock, sprinkled with The Police and Cyndi Lauper (also known as a musical identity crisis mix). I would be ready to hit the gas as soon as my friends piled in—after out running the police—and yelled, “GO!”
Now that my services as a get away driver are no longer required, since there are skateparks and designated areas that are modeled after the classic ditches, pools, and various other obstacles (that were once only accessed by trespassing and breaking the law); I get to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching my favorite sport. Fortunately, since it is Sandler’s most cherished pastime—and he insists on spending every waking hour at the park—I get to revel in countless hours of watching inspiring, dedicated skaters who have become our extended family.
As I have mentioned many times before, Sandler is a very old soul with an extremely sophisticated thought process. It is only natural that he gravitates toward the older crowd, and finds his inspiration through the veteran’s skating styles. After recently becoming a pro for Curb Cowboys, Sandler has been stepping up his skills a notch. His passion has not only grown deeper for skateboarding, but he is also wanting to show his teammates he is worthy of carrying the title they gave him. The guys could not be more encouraging. They also know how to motivate him to try new tricks by using a little tactic I am known to use quite often myself: bribery.
The latest bribe was a 9.5” board, straight out of the 80’s, that he could call his own if he landed a difficult front side grind in the bowl. After numerous slams, he landed it flawlessly. The classic, noseless board—that weighs about as much as he does—became his new favorite thing in the whole wide world. It was as if he had been given a classic car or something that gave him an equal sense of nostalgia. We all watched to see if he could even lift the thing off the ground. He not only carried it with ease, but he rode it the first try like a champ. He has been riding it for a week now, and those who recognize it from the 80’s stop, stare, and then smile for Sandler is keeping the 80’s alive and well. An old school board for an old souled kid.
- Nikki