FBWeekly: 11/2/08

Imprtance of Social Gatherings

In two more days over a hundred people will be gathered in Andover, Massachusets with one thing in common, the desire to share their passion for fingerboarding. I, for one, am extremely excited to attend the fifth fingerboard Rendezvous, and can't wait to meet those who I have befriended on the internet, and those who I have yet to meet! Events like these really bring the community closer more than anything. Take a look at how far the American (and global!) fingerboard scene has come.

Back when I started fingerboarding, the only fingerboards of any decent quality that we had access to were TechDecks. Now there are dozens of companies offering quality goods! How far have we come since the days of stacking CD Cases and calling it a stair set :)

Big thanks to Mike Schneider and the sponsors (Flatface, BlackRiver Ramps, CloseUp, Berlinwood, Low Pro, No Comply, Anchor, Desktop, Yellowood, and Arctic!) for making this event possible! Also, I encourage everyone to take a chance and try their best to make it out to these social gatherings!

Motivation to Fingerboard?

I've been seeing alot of people struggling to keep interested in fingerboarding. I myself have even fallen into this rut. Luckily, i have some tips to keep motivated!

If you find yourself lacking the interest to fingerboard, watch fingerboard videos! It sometimes helps to watch old videos, because they can tend to bring back memories from when you first started, or when fbing was raw, new and inventive. The best solution : Felix Hess' Gripskin video on Youtube.

Try switching up your setups. Maybe grab that deck that's collecting dust in your collection, and relive it's awesomeness haha. Try using a stock tech deck perhaps, or even try creating a crazy new killer setup.

Make a new ramp. Nothing keeps me more motivated than when i have a ramp. Think of a crazy design, and build it! The more creative, the better. The more possibilities the better as well.

Do stupid tricks, or make up new tricks. It may sound stupid, but doing stupid tricks is the most fun you will ever have fingerboarding. Try recreating some old school tricks, or tricks similar to Richie Jackson. The more creative you get, the better. Unique combination of obstacles helps as well.

Buy a new product. Treat yourself to something good! Buy a new set of wheels, like FlatFace, or NoComply! Maybe get some new grip like ExtraSmooth, or Riptape. Maybe buy a new deck, like a Homewood, Berlin Wood, Permier, or Absolute. Even bushings can keep you motivated, well for me atleast haha.

Fingerboard outside for a change. Look around your house, and find some natural spots. Use your creativity, and find some odd spots. It's great to fingerboard on something other than wood at times. Just dont use your favorite deck outside!

For the last tip on motivation, i will leave you guys with the most effective one of all. Have yourself a soul sesh. Put some earphones in, and just fucking fingerboard. Foget about filming, landing hammers, and just fingerboard. Do what you want!