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| Soulriding (2099 Posts)
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Soulspeak |
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On 1/6/2001
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
Here is a video clip of a little vintage style longboard soulcarving near the pier in Huntington Beach.
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On 1/5/2001 sharkisland
wrote in from
(206.210.nnn.nnn)
I guess I had my first soul carving experience just before Christmas in Orlando. I was using up some vacation so I took my now annual surfing trip to Cocoa. Got one good day of fun 4ft waves, but the rest of the week was freakishly cold or just flat (steam on the ocean is wild!). But I had my new skateboard with me. The first board I've owned in a long time,and the first longboard for me. I bought it for exactly what this section is dedicated to. That is, I only wanted something to cruise and enjoy myself on. Didn't really care about tricks and clothes and stickers all the other stuff that might come with the sport.
Well, I got a room on International Drive the night before my flight home. I was at the Convention Center end if anyone knows what I'm talking about. This was definitely the place to be. The sidewalks are about six feet wide and mostly flat, but wind gracefully through some nicely landscaped front yards of the tourist attractions and restaurants. It started as just a sidewalk adventure to get out of my room and see what was happening. By the time I packed the board back in the box I carried it in though I had the coolest experience I could have hoped for. I ended up making my way to an area were the restaurant parking lots dropped maybe 50 feet or so down the back to a parallel road. It was great to get some gravity powered carving in between the sidewalk stuff. Everywhere I ended up was crowded, but that was good, because it was like riding on a stage or something. Everyone was interested in the board because it was not like any they had seen. Lots of nice comments.
Next I rolled back over to a small mall like area with a giant IMAX theater and 21 other stadium seating theaters with wild Dolby systems. The by-level cement walkways were wide and smooth, and the glide was awesome. I weaved in and out of people very casually, and made my way to the theater. I wanted to see Dracula 2000 (don't waste the money), but I didn't know if they would let me carry my board in. The girl behind the ticket counter leaned my board up behind her and guarded it for me while I was in the movie. Then she politely gave it back afterwards and smiled at me as I left. The smile was one of those "that looks like fun, I wish I could go with you smiles."
Now I paddled around in the mall area and made my way to this Mexican place with a tiki bar outside and lots of hot waitresses that all came by to see the board. I couldn't believe the response. Very cool. After a couple magaritias and some nachos, I paddled off for some more parking lots. After a while (most of the night), I just felt satisfied and headed back to the hotel.
I tried to explain this to a buddy of mine who rode my board once and then bought his own, but I don't think I was really able to understand what was so cool about the night. Now it seems like three things. One, all the people (GIRLS!) that were interested in the board. Two, The fact that not one person yelled at me for riding where they were walking (including the cops). Three, it was the first time I didn't drive somewhere to ride. I just left the front door and headed out for some adventure. It is truely amazing what you can find.
Well, that's my story. I can't wait to get rid of the snow outside right now.
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On 1/5/2001
Mikey
wrote in from
(152.163.nnn.nnn)
I started longboarding 12 years after I started regular skating.....street, park, vert and pool skating have nothing on goin out...hoppin on your favorite longboard in your quiv and layin down smooth nice carves, maybe some nose riding......purity...thats what soulcarving is all about.....purity...something these new school techy shortboarders may never even get to experience...
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On 1/3/2001 Nic
wrote in from
(203.96.nnn.nnn)
Nice story speedy, love the line about jocks never knowing the feeling of flying. Its funny you know, after an awesome evening skate I often think to myself how suprising it is that more people haven,t been turned on to this. So many people come home from their horrible jobs so stressed out that all they can do is hit the booze in front of the tv, if only someone could show them the feeling of flying.
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On 1/2/2001
grinch
wrote in from
(64.7.nnn.nnn)
well, it was good to meet all of those in attendance for the dump ride on christmass eve. i'm gonna post more about my injury the night before and what sent me to the hospital in arizona, but that's not important right now. what is is all that holliday soul. dt, you got to skate new years, and when my truck died for christmass, all i could do was go skating in joshua tree. there were more people there than i thought there would be, but i ws able to get as many runs in where ever i wanted. i wouldn't reccomend this place for serious bombing, as the hills steep enough for good speed are way to rough (trust me on this, it's some strange terrain), but there are good roads in the campgrounds (well, the jumbo rocks one anyway) and a couple of miles in the southern area of the park. the rangers waved and said something (i couldn't understand, other than the fact that is was optimistic). other people there thought is was really cool and people wanted to ride. i would have let them, but they asked as i was leaving. best thing, the scenery. since i wasn't concentrating so much on my line, i was able to lay back, mellow the carving, and soak in the views. sunset on christmass was especially nice, the sky was burning. everyone in arizona was ultra cool about it as well. and of course people in san diego were as well. i think i might have a few of my frineds about to get into it after this weekend. so i didn't get to hit the parks like i wanted to, but i did skate despite all that happened, and the week and a half road trip was full of soul.
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On 1/1/2001 Adam
wrote in from
(63.192.nnn.nnn)
Au contraire, Speedy. Soulcarving certainly is a writing forum. Feel free to drop by anytime.
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On 1/1/2001
Speedy
wrote in from
(129.8.nnn.nnn)
Hey, I know this isn't really a writing forum, but I thought you guys might like this. It's not factualy, but I sure as hell wish it was!
~Speedy
* * * * *
He came around the first corner in a tight tuck, every ounce of his body grounded in the pavement. "Smooth," he thought, as he dropped into another wide arc "So smooth." It was beautiful- the late afternoon sun glinting off the ocean, still and flat as a pool table. Logan dropped one knee, and carved another arching turn back into the left lane. The street was deserted, a rare treat in late summer. As he flew back to the right, he reflected on the gala going on downtown. Logan was glad he wasn't down there with all the tourists. They could keep the downtown, he'd stick with the smoother urban streets of upper Coral Beach. He made a sweeping turn into the corner parking lot, and coasted across to the school. He sailed over the driveway ramp onto the sidewalk, and rode down the narrow cement strip. He made a wide sweep through the paved courtyard and then into the alley. Gliding down the alley, his thoughts wandered back to the ocean and the sunset. Logan shot out of the alley, and across Pacifica Street. A sweeping curve brought him back into the right lane and into line with the pier, almost a mile off. "Sweet," he said out loud "Damn sweet."
Pacifica wasn't as steep and he let himself glide. Tucking his arms behind his back, he leaned into the wind, watching the gulls ride the air currents. He smiled to himself as some jocks roared by in a truck, yelling obscenities about getting off the road with that thing. It wasn't a tank, that was for sure. But equally sure was that they would never know the feeling of flying like he did. He flicked his stiff board back and forth a few times, cutting down speed in preparation for the turns ahead. He knew this hill. And he knew the gravel in the second curve, very intimately in fact. The street was wide and empty here, newly paved and smooth as a pane of glass. Logan laughed, and threw some gaudy carves, slicing across the entire street, stopping just short of the curb on either side.
Logan went into a low crouch, and leaned into the first turn, letting the back wheels drift just enough to take the edge of the speed. He stood up quickly, and dragged his back foot, dropping his momentum to a more sane speed. Then, dropping back into his tuck, he carved into the second turn. The one was tricky, a tight turn in a narrow street, and with gravel to boot. There was always the temptation to ride in the left lane, but that could be suicide. Instead, Logan focused on staying in the cars' wheel tracks, hoping to avoid the worst of the gravel. He came out of the turn, still standing on his board, and instantly whipped it around into the third and last curve. There was a low hiss from the wheels, and then he was out, gathering speed on the straight-away. He sped down lower Pacifica, headed straight into the metropolis of downtown Coral Beach.
Grinning proudly for handling the Banzai Curves so nicely, he stood up as his speed gradually waned. He took the opportunity a parking lot offered to get on to the sidewalk, and weaved in and out of a few pedestrians. Logan watched a cop car turn his way, and stepped on the nose. The board popped up behind him, and he was nothing more then another shopper in the district of skate shops and seaside restaurants. Flushed and grinning, he soon melted into the crowd and disappeared.
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On 1/1/2001
Speedy
wrote in from
(129.8.nnn.nnn)
Wow, DT, that's one awsome story! Wish my new year was like that. Not that it was bad or anything, but still... Anyhow, in echo too DT, Happy New Year everyone! Live long, ride smooth!
~Speedy
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On 1/1/2001
hugh r
wrote in from
(205.216.nnn.nnn)
Now that's some new years soul...
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On 1/1/2001 DT
wrote in from
(216.126.nnn.nnn)
Happy New Year NCDSA!!
Tonight I had a rather interesting New Year, i had gone to a party in Newport Beach right near the sands off 49th street (kinda by the River Jetties) only thing is that this area is choke full of homes with no parking. There were parties everywhere as well as cars. I had to park about 10 blocks away right around 11:55pm. Lucky for me I had my skate in the car, so i began the journey. It had sprinkled earlier, so i was cruising on this wet, shiny black pavement; it was really cool because all the houses Christmas tree lights were reflecting off of it. All these houses have balconies and many were stuffed with people. As I was cruising, i could hear the countdown begin from these partiers and then it hit me, I couldnt have had a better New Year than just cruising on my longboard. The clock turned over and everyone was yelling, poppers went off, and fireworks were blazing, and to top it off i had several drunk chics yell from one of these balconies, HAPPY NEW YEAR SKATER DUDE!!! I yelled back laughing and thought to myself what a cool sur-real trip. sure hope everyone elses new year was as good as mine.
*~ALOHA~*
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On 12/23/2000
davey
wrote in from
(152.121.nnn.nnn)
San francisco, sunset dist. quintara st. Park the car, everyone grabs a beer and watches the sun go down. Stretch out the muscles tighten up the stick and roll. Five levels broken up by four-way stop signs. Traffic never stops anyhow, so watch the headlights. Very steep, so if you make it without losing skin, you can rest your calf muscles and watch the boys hang it all out gettin down the hill! And the best part? The bus runs at five min. intervals back up the hill. Feelin' like a weenie? Drop two blocks, turn right, kick hard one block and you are at pacheco. Lean back and take it easy. Decent surface, not too steep, and the residents are so used to us they, ignore us or cheer us on. No flack. I am a single, 24 yr. old dad. And this THING i discovered has changed my life for the better. Boards not bombs, peace.
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On 12/23/2000 High Rider
wrote in from
(63.14.nnn.nnn)
Visionoutfitter, I live up here in Fort Collins, it's good to hear from someone from CO....aint longboards fun... I recently saw a mother rollin down the street with here kid sitting indian stle on the nose...this kid, probably around 5, must've felt like he was just floating along the sidewalk...you know he knows the meaning of soulriding.
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On 12/23/2000
visionoutfitter
wrote in from
(168.191.nnn.nnn)
I'm 36 years old, been carving hills in the Denver area for
6 months now on my 44 inch Kryptonics Resinflex longboard with
my nine-year-old boy in tow on a homemade longboard I made him
for his birthday. Sometimes my 4 year-old comes along on his
scooter. This most awesome of sports is so slow to catch on
in Denver, we have yet to link up with anyone else longboarding
in the streets and bike trails here. Man it feels good to see
the heads of local teenagers on their "short boards" turn in
awe and hear them say "Whoa, look at that old guy's board! Where'd
you get that board? What's it like to ride?" Not many 36 year-olds
out there that can steal the envy of the local teenagers!
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On 12/22/2000
jean-christophe
wrote in from
(193.52.nnn.nnn)
Longboard skateboarding is really the best...after surfing and snowboarding. when you're far away from waves and snow it's the best way to have real fun. But here in france it's really hard to find good hills as there is so much traffic, it really sucks. keep on carving!
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On 12/22/2000
Microedger
wrote in from
(152.163.nnn.nnn)
10 degrees, 0 in the shade ??? riding down the hill, tears on your face, sweet from your nose, It's a beautiful day for a cruise. Watch out for icy spots. Smile!!!
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On 12/22/2000
WHINING FUZZ
wrote in from
(62.252.nnn.nnn)
Christmas? Bah! Humbug!
I've been working solidly for the last 5 days, sitting at this bloody computer...
The surf has been BOLLOX! the wind is so strong offshore at the moment, that it'll blow you the wrong way down the gulf stream and you'd end up in Florida!
And it's been raining continually! Haven't had a decent carve session for about 3 weeks!
GOD...I need a break!
I'm gonna start my own HACKA!
BOLLOCKY ARSEY WANKY POO, ANGRY ARSEY GRRR GRRR BOO-HOO...
Sniff, I hope Santa brings me a nice holiday to the Maldives or Fiji....mmmmmm!
FUZZ xxx
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On 12/21/2000
Speedy
wrote in from
(129.8.nnn.nnn)
Ooh! Not fair! Think of me when you get that perfect right! *has asexual orgas* (P.S. Sorry about all the typos in my prev post)
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On 12/21/2000
lindsay
wrote in from
(202.37.nnn.nnn)
I'm sitting here at my desk, the pain is excruciating..2 hours before xmas holiday kicks in. A deep low's parked up off the coast and a 4 metre swell's starting to wrap in...in 3 hours I'm going to be catching that first one for you guys.
I muri tata iho i te awha e tutu ana te auheke!
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On 12/21/2000
LuvstheC
wrote in from
(63.25.nnn.nnn)
Fresno can't be any flatter than eastern North Carolina (1 and 1/2 hours from wave action). After intense driving sesh's I have found several glassy (newly asphalted)slightly inclined slopes country roads that are no more than 2/10 mi. long. They are heaven to carve when you get speed up. Just have to watch for cars all the time. The further out in the country the less traffic and I can work on some stuff without looking up at the last minute and becoming a greasy spot on some rednecks windshield.
Don't give it up, carve it up! When there's a will, there's a way.
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On 12/20/2000
Speedy
wrote in from
(129.8.nnn.nnn)
Greetings, Fellow Flyers! Man, all this talk of carvinghills and old-times skating is doing two things: Making me nostalgic and giving me hope for the future. I'm 18, and was never too good at ANY kind of skating. Even in that light, a good cruise on a longboard felt RIGHT. I think I must have been a Hawaiien king in a past life. Surfing and skating... doesn't get better. Given the chance, I'd trade ONE good day of surfing for the ENTIRE snowboarding season- and snowbarding is my best defision (Hell, it's all just varations of the same concept anyhow). I gotta admit, I've been thinking about selling/giving away my boards (Fresno's flat as a board and 250 miles from the ocean), but I think I'll keep 'em now. There's just nothing like getting back to the roots. Getting on a 48" nine-ply and gliding. I'm guessing there's enough parking lots and garages to tide me over 'till I get intoome coastal college. Keep it real, my friends! You're the only people who are!
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On 12/18/2000
APOLOGETIC FUZZ
wrote in from
(62.252.nnn.nnn)
A note to the webmaster...
Choccy chip cookies huh?
Sorry if original posting caused offence...
GROVELLING FUZZ
xxx
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On 12/18/2000
JeffO'
wrote in from
(149.136.nnn.nnn)
Too many fun nights at the Top o'Tampa/NW LA.
Smooth asphalt, no traffic, a beer in hand,
80' curb to curb soul arches,downhill tuck sections,
and a beater station wagon full of brews for the ride
back up. I'm another 42 yr old w/ kids-great images/memories
from reading these posts.
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On 12/18/2000
LE FUZZ
wrote in from
(62.252.nnn.nnn)
Yeah Linds...
Multi storey parking lot bombs R the way to go... extra special in summertime, midnight and a few chocolate chip cookies stashed to ease those stinging road-burgers and the cruise home.
REMEMBER: AGE IS A STATE OF MIND! (I too tend to think I should be old enough to know better - sod it!)
FUZZ
xxx
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On 12/17/2000 Lindsay
wrote in from
(202.37.nnn.nnn)
Waiting for the elevator with the decks tucked back where the camera cant see..at level 12 the lift goes *ding* and the doors open to vast, silent, polished concrete slopes with pillars to slalom.
Time is a factor here so no hanging around, the security guy is putting down his bagel and picking up his RT.
Cutting tight backhand carves into the ramps, aero tucks on the straights...some guys with dreads hoot from their datsun station wagon.
Slide to a stop on level 2, merge with the shoppers, walk out to the street.
Is this appropriate behaviour at 31? As appropriate as it will be at 41!
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On 12/16/2000
LUVSTHE"C"
wrote in from
(63.25.nnn.nnn)
Reading all these posts on soul carving is getting me stoked.
Last summer I started surfing longboard after years off (shortboard) to raise a family (I'm 42 now) and have the bug bad.
Then I heard about styling on skateboards (48"+) doing kneedrop turns etc. Living in NC I only surf now if there's great surf because the water temp. is around 50.So I went out and bought a 48" pintail. When I did my first backarching carve it reminded me so much of a bottom turn on a glassy shoulder high wave that I was hooked.
So I started looking for good hills (reminds me of looking for good beach breaks) and carving down deserted country roads whenever I can, before work, after work, during work. Now the long wait for surf sesh's aren't as intolerable and my soul is refreshed regularly the same as walking to the nose of my Stewart 9'8" on a deserted curl at sunset.
p.s. So glad to have found this site and all of the 30+ yr.old soulcarvers. We are truly a blessed group to have found something that soothes the soul so much in the simplest of things aren't we.
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