My Wooden Toy

It was almost two decades ago and my Thrasher Magazine wall calendar, on a particular day, stated that I should skateboard at dawn. I did it. I have had a long spanning relationship with a piece of wood with wheels attached to it. It gave me exercise, friends, and something to daydream about. Through the years it has come and gone but one thing has always remained, I’ve always had a skateboard.

It all started when my parents denied me my desire of a skateboard. I simply went behind their back and bought a green, plastic rollerskate-style skateboard for 10 cents at a neighborhood garage sale. It didn’t take long for them to catch me cruising the streets and soon enough I ended up with a proper deck and with it, pads and a helmet. With this my parents remained supportive. My father built me ramps and even learned a few tricks himself.


Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I pulled out my board and decided I wanted it back in my life. I drove to the local skatepark, fell a few times, and was more than likely laughed at quietly by the other skateboarders with youth on their side. I did a couple boneless ones, skated the bowls, and looked like I was straight out of 1989. I loved it just like I loved it so long ago. The speed, the freedom, and the rekindling of my youth all wrapped up in a toy. Thank you skateboarding, for everything you’ve given me.