Progression

Since I started fingerboarding back in August 07, a lot of people have messaged me asking how I got so good at it in a short amount of time. The truth is, there is no secret to progressing faster. I was fortunate to have a job where I basically got to sit around all day with nothing to do, so I picked up fingerboarding, while I couldn't skate being at work. It's true that some people will progress alot faster than others, it seems like some people just "have it" while others just don't, this applies to skateboarding too. I've been skating almost 8 years now, while a friend of mine has been skating almost 4 and he is years beyond me, I also have a friend who has been skating for 11 years, and he is also alot better than I am, thus the some "have it" and some don't applies here. 

The again, sometimes you have to work hard to be good at something. Going back to me sitting around at work doing nothing, I would spent nearly 3 straight hours just fingerboarding everday, ontop of that, I worked in a skateshop where it was pretty much dead all day, so I started fingerboarding there as well, adding another 3 hours of fingerboarding a day onto my practice time. If there is a secret I think it's hard work as you can see, anyone who fb's for nearly 6 hours a day is going to progress alot faster than someone who only spends 1-2. 

Another thing I see is people just starting out and getting discouraged because they can't do all the tricks they see people doing in videos right away. I think it's kind of silly, getting good takes alot of practice and repetition, which can get boring but that's how you learn. Another key to progressing is having fun, this also applies to skateboarding, every pro I have ever seen talk about their skating always mentions having fun as the most important part, if you arent having fun why bother...

Tricks Leaving a Lasting Impression.

I've just had a few tricks on my mind lately. These ones stood out to me alot, and i thought i would show some respect, and give kudos to where it is necessary.

-Chris Daniels(Nollie tre fs blunt bigflip out, Switch varial fs noseslide, Rail Jam 08)- Wow, this left an impression on me because i still have not been able to land it, and he landed it like it was nothing. The nollie tre in the was perfect, and he just landed it solid. This isn't a trick you see much either. The sw varial fs noseslide was what really stood out to me. When i first saw it i was like "What was that?". I think it's safe to say this was the most epic trick i have seen in a while. It's original, and totally cool looking. :23, :34

-Alex McMillan(Switch heel fs tail switch heel out, MNO)- This was amazing, for me at least. I came to FFI when MNO first came out, and i remember seeing this move, and being blown away by it. I still am. And, what makes it even better is his reaction. Any one that knows McMillan's footage knows that its full of tricks like this. I am still trying to land this move. Alex is a god at fingerboarding. 2:50

-Mike Schneider(Kickflip late impossible bs blunt tre blunt kickflip blunt kickflip, Crimbo Combo entry)- Umm, this trick speaks for itself. EPIC

-Brett Gagliardo(Switch flip front flip, A Little Mini)- This trick is not only cool looking, but i haven't seen it ever before. Brett loves fingerboarding, and it shows in his minis. The creativity of this trick was awesome, and it was crazy clean.

I know there are many more tricks that are epic, but i thought i'd do a little entry.

Innovation

Team News:
Congratulations to Tim Alexiel, who joined the No Comply Decks team!

There is a new German fingerboard blog at http://fsbg.wordpress.com/
Even though I only understand a little bit of German, it still was a great thing to read. I agree with the idea of making fingerboarding international. Hopefully they will succeed! If you guys need any help covering our scene, feel free to get a hold of me or any of the FBWeekly staff!

Innovation:
Check out the craftsmanship by FFI member Gil.
Utilizing cardboard to its fullest effect in this mini-Street Plaza. I love the concept and look of this ramp.


And check out this BRR Big Mini replica . . .

I am finished picking my jaw off the floor. Really amazing work Gil.
Check out more of his homeade ramps in this thread.

Peter Ringel, owner of Prete Fingerboards, posted these beautiful decks.

The lady bug really adds to the deck ;) Peter said after testing the decks out for a day, he did not really like the way it performed nollie tricks, especially nollie heelflips. As a result, there will most likely not be a release of these groovy curved decks. Too bad, because I loved the way they looked!

And there is also a deck with Peter's initials. The mold is what Peter is calling the "Taylor R." mold, because of Taylor's extreme liking to the decks that came from this mold. Peter added that this mold came before the Kura mold.

I love the curved shape prototype. Even though he is probably not going to sell the curved decks, Peter is continuing to innovate the fingerboard industry by not being afraid to tinker around with the shapes and dynamics of the deck.

Fingerboards don't have to look exactly like skateboards. Ramps don't have to be made out of wood, and confined to strict dimensions. The great part of skateboarding and fingerboarding is the ability to showcase your own individuality, and not be bound to the chains set up by another person. You don't have to do nollie heels into grinds, or kickflips or whatever for that matter. Create your own tricks. Do your own thing, and support those who keep pushing the envelope. Peter and Gil are one of many great examples of the innovators within our scene. We need people like them to be the catalyst, and people who encourage growth and development. Without change there will be no perfection, only stagnation.

Continue to support the many, such as Gil and Peter, who encourage change in our own scene. From the people that have been around for a long time to the new fingerboarder that browses around on the forums as a guest, we can make our scene better by understanding this little idea of change.

Wow, I got off subject fast . . . lol.

Sponsorship

Recently, multiple people have been expressing their frustration on the forums and to me in person about their stuggles to get a good sponsor. It's frustrating, discouraging and, at times, disheartening. Quite frankly, getting a sponsorship is easier said than done.

I completely understand the frustration and difficulty of getting a sponsorship. I have been fingerboarding since 1999, and I did not get my first real sponsor until Vegas sponsored in 2003. Once Vegas died, I remained sponsorless until last year, when Arctic and Flatface decided to sponsor me. I was very fortunate because both Arctic and Flatface posted on FFI that they needed a new rider for their teams and, when I realized that this was a very rare opportunity to be connected with two of the most professional individuals in fingerboarding (Martin and Mike), I took it. Recently, I was contacted by Shane Young from Make Believe Marble about riding for them, and of course I said yes. I am very thankful to all those sponsors who believed in me and supported me, and I will strive to do my best and support them.

Sponsorship is mutual. One side has faith that the other will do their best to succeed. One problem I see with many companies that have died off is that the riders and/or the owner of the company did not conduct themselves in a professional manner, and did not understand the concept of mutual success. I am happy to say that there are many professionally behaved owners that are running the companies, and it's the backbone of our scene at the moment.

The turnover of people in fingerboarding is both its lowest point and its highest point. People leave fingerboarding because they grow out of it, lose interest, don't have the time, etc. and this opens up opportunities for the new person to come and take their place. When these opportunities come, do your best! Even if you don't get on the team of your dreams, if you stick with it eventually you will get a solid sponsor.

I'm sure everyone here dreams of being sponsored by great companies such as Arctic, Berlinwood, BRR, Flatface, Homewood, MBM, Primo, etc. Keep reaching for those dreams by doing your best. Invest in some of the obstacles and gear the owners create. Buy a decent camera. But most importantly, make sure that you still love fingerboarding. Don't let yourself get so consumed out of getting free stuff. It's always more rewarding to do something you love rather than getting a little piece of wood.

Chris Daniels

Maggie N on Prete! Jader joins FBWeekly!

Prete welcomes Maggie N. to the team! Congratulations Maggie on your sponsorship! If anyone has any doubts about her skills, go watch her videos on youtube!

In other news, FBWeekly would like to welcome Jader Muller as the official representative to the Brazilian scene. Jader, a widely respected member of both the FFI and Brazilian communities, will keep everyone updated on the news from the thriving scene in Brazil! I am excited to have him on the team!

Jader's addition is a great step towards the blogs mission, which is to consolidate news from all the scenes and bring it to one place. I am in contact with some representatives from other fingerboard scenes right now, so hopefully there will be a few more additions to the team :)

FBWeekly - Chris Daniels, Tim Alexiel, Taylor Rosenbauer, Tim Hurley, Jader Muller

Upcoming Events!

Check this out! The Portugal scene is hosting the Monsanto Fingerboard Jam on June 28 in Monsanto, Portugal. The Portugal scene is thriving right now. Great fingerboards and companies.

If you are able to attend the Monsanto Fingerboard Jam, please be sure to keep everyone updated!

The Weiss Wurst Iss Jam #3 is happening on July 5th at Hofbrauhaus, Am Platzl 1, Muna. From my understanding, the Weiss Wurst Iss Jam is hosted by Martin Winkler. Pretty much everyone goes and fingerboards out doors and has a great time. Correct me if I am wrong :) Sounds like it will be a blast!

Rendezvous #4 is occurring on July 12th in Andover, Massachusetts. The Rendezvous is hosted by Flatface Fingerboards owner Mike Schneider, and is most likely the largest fingerboard community gathering in the United States.

The No Comply/Homewood Huck Jam is going to be located in Princeton, Indiana on August 2nd. Obstacles, food and drinks will be provided at NO cost! Todd from No-Comply and Justin from Homewood are running the event. More info here! 

I love what Mike, Todd and Justin are doing for the United States fingerboard scene. You guys rule!

News: June 16th 2008

News:

Mike Schneider from Flatface Fingerboard Distribution is taking pre-orders for BlackRiver Ramps. To see what is available, check out the thread here!

My jaw dropped when I saw this video.. Taylor Rosenbauer has a BRR G6 Park in his house. So sick. I can't wait to see him post a video of him shredding the monstrosity. 

The Gripskin video trailer featuring our favorite fingerboard.de members is up on Youtube. The video features Sheryl, Fabi, Valler, Esche, Felix, Peter, Lukki, Jojo, Wag, Philli, Stefan K, Ziggla, and my boy Manu Oberle. 

Can you say hawt??!?

Company: BC Rails

I had an interview with Ben Churchill owner of BC Rails about his newly opened Rail company.

What were your motivations in starting BC?

Well not really any, except seeing the old Primo rails. I was pretty pissed that primo had closed so I decided ehh, I need to stop complaining and do it myself. So I started making rails.

I noticed that you have done some events to get your company out to the public, for example, the tryout and the rail giveaway. I really think that's a great approach to take. So anyways, you've got a great looking team lined up, can you describe the members for me?

Well I like my people to keep a low profile (that can help me stay in line with others.) Anyway I will do some individuals I guess.

Tim Hurley, wow. He is an all around guy and I told him from day one that if I started a company, he could come along for the ride. Kyle Seis. Creative, underated, and super fun to talk to and stuff. He is super tech and stylish with his minis. Taylor R, what can I say. Win for the FFI Rail Jam shows his dedication. Devin can be super sick to. Great style, and some nice tricks. Garrison is the new kid on the block. You wouldn't expect to see some of the stuff he pulls off. He is a sick rider and really gave the others a run for their money during tryouts.

Where would you like to see BC in the future? Any specific plans?

Not really. I will go where BC pulls me. If shit happens, it happens. I can say that I would like to work my way to the top and become one of the best rail companies out there. Yeah, I set my goals pretty high.

Can you describe some of the products you are planning on selling?

Round Kink rails for TD 8 stairs, wrestling rails (hopefully), Round rails, Flat Bars, Up rails, U rails, Polejams. And whatever my customers want to see!

Through talking with Ben, I could see that he was dedicated to making his rails as perfect as possible. Every picture he showed me that I thought were perfect, he would point out some improvements that he was going to try and make. This attention to detail and strive to improve is what you can expect from BC Rails. To the right is a picture of the foot of the rail connected to the base by epoxy. As you can tell, its very clean.