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Some countries have a stronger heritage of vert skaters, some because they have more ramps others because it is just in the culture and way of being. Australia for example had lots of lil ramps everywhere and had great role models that kids aspired to be early on in skating. But now we have hardly any ramps, and America has too many but you don't see too many vert skaters coming out of America, it's just in the attitude of the people. Weather I believe is also a factor. We are an outdoor country and love the beach and parks, although street is way more accessible, you can do it anytime anywhere. Vert is very specific. Street takes less time to get really good at, it's a fact. So that is why there is a lot more street skaters than vert. Image is also a major contributor, a lot of skaters are so into the image side of skating that they find themselves instantly drawn to street, I just hope it doesn't turn out like skateboarding where I see a lot of skaters walking their boards just to be cool but they can't land a trick to save their lives. So I would honestly have to say that the things deterring kids from vert are, locations and lack of ramps, trends and style conscience skaters, and the time it takes to learn, and possibly the fear factor. It's a different kind of fear, I am scared of rails and what they do on them these days, just as a lot of street skaters find verts to big and high. It's all relevant, it’s whatever u r used to. People say how do u get up there so high and do this or that, and I respond by asking how the hell did you spin and grind onto that crazy rail. So as long as no one talks shit on anyone else, it's all good, support each other and be happy doing what u r doing. I have chosen vert, because it feels good to me, Blake Dennis chooses street because he is natural and looks amazing doing what he does, (although he can ride anything, we have had many vert sessions together, he is pretty good).
So, if u r starting, be original, learn the history of the sport, enjoy what u do, learn everything both ways if possible, respect others, and if u feel like wearing pads, wear them, it's all about life after skating and surviving the skating part of your life as healthy as possible and looking back on it as a wonderful phase in your life. I will. I have travelled and seen so many beautiful places and faces and will never forget my skating years, it has given me so much and opened up my mind in ways I cannot describe so when I see close minded skaters it really bugs me.
-Don't drink, smoke, take drugs, uu don't need it. It's not part of our culture, it's just a part of growing up, so choose to grow up healthy, and thinking clearer will bring happiness. Take care all skaters out there and break the mould, be original and progress skating your own special way. Much love from Sydney. cesar
I really hope that after reading this some more of you will start skating vert, because it really is amazing fun to ride- it takes a little time, but the feeling of pulling a new trick or getting air higher than the mark you previously set is really amazing! But at the end of the day it’s down to personal preferences, I'm just trying to encourage you a bit!
In the mean time check out Cesar on his web site at cesar10.com, Matt Lindenmuth has a site up at mattlindy.com and lastly asaskate.com should keep you up-to-date with all those international vert events for the coming year.
Thanks for reading this to the end! -Rob Parker |
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