They say “you can get anything you want in New York City”. It’s quite the enticing and inviting message! (Who wouldn’t want to at least visit the city after hearing such a thing?!) At its roots, I feel this statement true, but that it mostly applies to desirables contained within our plane of existence: “physical things” if you will. If you want it, The City’s got it and all you gotta do is go and get it. But what about intangible desires? Where can one find a clear mind? Or a healthy body? Or a feeling of accomplishment? Everyone’s answer to this question will be different, but my answer—it should come as no surprise—is skateboarding.
Bruno Sirera sends it backside at LES Skate Park.
Fortunately, for the purposes of self-fulfillment via skateboarding, New York City can also provide just about any “thing” you want. The streets are full of enough excitement to pump up even an “ordinary” morning commute, the skate parks and skate spots are plentiful, and the mild, San Francisco-esque hills are within reach provided you know where to look. And even with the several years of NYC experience shared between the local crew and myself, new spots seem to keep on sprouting! It’s as if the city wants us to continue skating and exploring! (Or perhaps a rogue city planner has overlooked some certain regulations on behalf of the skateboarding community? No complaints here either way!)
Seth says shenanigans on the sea shore.
As my search for more skateable things continues within the boundary of NYC, I find myself encountering more intangible things within skateboarding. On some days I find a feeling of accomplishment by solving the riddle of a new trick, and on others I find the same feeling by rediscovering a riding style I had once let go. And with each intangible desire I find or rediscover, my skateboarding boundaries are pushed outward ever-so-slightly.
Seth channels Amanda Powell’s surfy vibes in East River Park.
If you’re planning on rolling through town, holla at me via the Wheelbase Facebook page, my Tumblr or via the email function on my staff page and we may just be able to get a session going. Keep on surfin’, Ace!