Because there’s always this big, inevitable
question ‘Why?’ when it comes to one of my hobbies – longboarding, I am
fully dedicating this entry both to my non-skating and skating friends.
As for my unknown reader/s and stalker/s (if ever there is/are), you’re
all most welcome to give ear of course.
To start off, I got my feet on board 2 years
ago (2010). At that time, I was more concerned with high heels, dresses
and other ‘kikay’ paraphernalia. Obviously, it was unlikely of me to
find pleasure in extreme activities as such. What changed my mind and
made me grow into loving this sport are as follows:
The challenge.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always believed
that I was born with balancing issues. The child klutz that I was, I
never really learned how to skate nor glide the streets with roller
blades on. Either I end up going home with bruises all over my legs or
worse, with a sprained ankle. Years passed and the fear of falling and
crashing has deeply infested my senses to the point that I couldn’t even
ride a bike anymore. (Well, at least not after I turned 18. Pay your
minds, I’m still having a hard time making a full turn with a bike so
how sore a loser is that, huh? Haha!) Anyway, now you understand where I
was coming from.
So when I decided to give longboarding a
shot, it was to prove myself that I can do it. Frankly, my baby steps
during those days were a bit arduous. I was stiff as a bone and
hardheaded as a bull. Picturing it would be as good as making Dr.
Sheldon Cooper drive Howard Wolowitz’s motorcycle in Euclid Avenue. But
then, guts and determination paid off. Eventually after days and weeks
and months of practice and play, I finally learned how to mount, ride,
carve, and foot-brake. I was even more surprised to see myself progress
being able to execute (without any bragging rights) a high-speed Coleman
slide. Do take note my dear reader/s: I’m no pro in any way.
Nevertheless, the feeling of overcoming fears and owning them is without
a doubt self-fulfilling. And yes, all my humble beginnings, I owe to
the guy who has significantly influenced and patiently taught me in this
course – Sugar Rei Cuyos. (Bazinga!)
That liberating feeling you get during an afternoon cruise…
especially with your earcandy on is another
ground why I enjoy longboarding this much. Simply put, it’s my great
escape. My way of de-stressing and detoxifying all the negativity that’s
worn me out in a day of toil and pressure.
The wild card: the need for speed!
For rapidness (velocity) is next to
godliness. True enough, adrenaline rush can keep a longboard skater –
competitive or not – going, no matter what. This for me is much evident
to downhill riders. You know why? Because it is in that death-defying
moment that they feel infinite, or so I believe. (Just an opinion tho, I
could be wrong.)
The bad cookie.
Let us be realistic now, shall we? The
experience. Like any other person who’s involved in any extreme
activity, I do have my own epic bail stories. It’d be rather
disappointing if I have none, right? 
Do not misunderstand, I am never a sadist. Who in their freaking right
minds would enjoy taking abrasive pains in the first place? All I’m
saying is getting scratched and burnt is part of this game. Avoidable as
it may seem, yet again, apparent.
Do not misunderstand, I am never a sadist. Who in their freaking right
minds would enjoy taking abrasive pains in the first place? All I’m
saying is getting scratched and burnt is part of this game. Avoidable as
it may seem, yet again, apparent.
I tasted my own dose of the asphalt’s fury
when I first encountered the ever mighty causing bail – speed wobble –
in my attempt to do a mini-downhill cruise in a village near our place. A
3-week flatland skate was the only back-experience I had during that
time so technically, I haven’t had a dance with Mr. Speedy yet. Stupidly
confident relying on pure guts, I didn’t take heed of wearing
protective gears. Hence, a scraped knee, wounded elbows, and a minor
scratch on the chin were the trophies I took home. (See photo below for
my stunning disaster aftermath.) In short, NO GLORY. At all. On a
serious note though, I was lucky enough not to hit my head with that
ditch. Else, it could have been fucking dead serious.
Photo by Lenard Pleyto
But let us admit, however sadly and true,
oftentimes that is how we learn. So a screaming piece of advice to all
aspiring longboard skaters, amateurs, and fellow daredevils, never ever
forget/neglect the importance of wearing a helmet when skating. And if
you would please and love to live another skate-day, know your skate
limits.
The skating community.
Ahh and lastly, my favorite of all causes –
the people. I will boast in all manners that it is through this hobby
that I met a whole lot of surprisingly wonderful people. I reiterate, a
whole lot.
Special shoutout to my growing Pirata
Family: J-bels, Lenard, Gianne, Sherwin, Sugar Rei, Doy, Jd, Obay,
Mommie Yow, Dran, Biboy, Mark G, Mimhy, Matt, Dayday, Jared, RJ, RR,
Tina, Aaron, Wayne, Kuya Omeng, Dino, and the rest. Where I stand now in
my skate venture – how I kick off, ride, slide, and tuck, I’m proud to
say I have every bit of you guys in it. For the experience and expertise
you have imparted, thank you from my nth core! Keep spreading the fun
and stoke guys! 
Photos by Brendan Goco
Photo by Sir At Maculangan
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