Who Skates?
-
I recently put this little setup together, specifically for commuting and longer distances for fitness. I love my shorter Carver surfskate, and didn't want to lose all the carvy fun along the way — so this is a 38" deck with relatively tight Carver CX trucks about as big as wheel as I can get away with without too much bite (Orangatang 80mm Kegals).
Been feeling it a bit in the old knees on longer distances (hence the volleyball pads/supports), so have started alternating between pushing, pumping and using a pole. I know I probably look like a complete fucking idiot, but it's amazing how much difference the pole makes. Door to door, my commute to the office is just under 5 miles and takes around 30-35 minutes without hardly putting a foot down — and even better, no need to ice my knees afterwards!
Does anyone else commute/long distance? Be interested in hearing thoughts on a drop deck with a split angle setup compared to what I've got here. Something like the Pantheon Superdupersonic looks amazing, but worry it might be too much of a straight-line speed board?
-
Looks like a cool set up @SamD, particularly with the bigger wheels. I have not seen the pole technique, but it makes sense. Plus, you can pretend you are in Venice
-
@SamD this is wild. I’ve never seen a pole set up like this either. Is that pole telescopic?
When I skate for any length of time these days, I get a lot of pain in the plantar facia. -
@Mizmazzle Yeah, it's a three-section pole so collapses pretty short if I need to go into shops etc. Single section poles are a little more efficient I think, as they're flexer/springier, but quite cumbersome to carry around. There aren't that many options as it's a pretty niche market, so I had to source one from the States, although quite resonably priced. Admittedly, it's not exactly the coolest of looks — people either stare at me a little puzzled, or simply shout "wanker" — but it's the most fun way to get around quickly and comfortably:
Pole is a Sk8pole btw: https://www.instagram.com/sk8pole/
Sorry to hear about the foot pain, sounds like that's quite a common one. I'm lucky I was never any good at traditional ollie-based tricks, so my skating has always been low impact and I seem to have (fingers crossed) avoided that one for now
-
@SamD I get lots of lower back pain (though I’ve made huge gains in the area with training) knees, ankles…all thanks to decades of throwing myself off stairs, into concrete and rails, off rocks and cliffs on both skateboards and snowboards. I used to always joke how it was gong to suck when I was an old man…well, shit…here we are.
Your locals probably yell, “that bloody wanker looks to be having great fun!!” In tones of jealousy
-
@SamD
This is rad man, Also props for 5 miles a day skate commute to work. That’s a great way stay in shape and imagine beautiful ride in. When I skate to work, it’s like 2 min commute tops if hit the lights right on hill bomb down. Nice way start the day, get that adrenaline rush. The Way back home up the hills not as fun lol. -
@SamD said in Who Skates?:
or simply shout "wanker"
Well if it is good enough for Ted, then you are in good company @SamD
-
@meatmarketdenim1 Sounds fun though! It’s quite flat around here so no hill bombing, but I’ve got a beautiful stretch of about 2 miles right along the seafront – can really fly down that if the wind’s at my back.
Don’t think I’ll be skate commuting all the time as 10 miles there and back might be a bit much everyday. I usually cycle, but aiming for once or twice a week on the board when the weather’s good over the summer
-
reminds me of this growing up in Scotland, haha
-
@SamD said in Who Skates?:
@Bridger In fairness, “wanker” is pretty mild language for Portsmouth/Gosport – almost a term of endearment
Just like being a funny cunt in Australia is also a compliment
