As long as there have been wheeled contraptions for going fast and getting hurt, people have loved racing and getting air. Racing is pretty straightforward: get down that hill before everyone else. Getting air leaves a lot more room for interpretation. Check these diverse styles, captured at an impromptu Ditch SLAP session.
Anthony Flis traveled all the way from Virginia to float this melon grab (front hand grabbing the heel-side rail at the front foot). This is your first step after learning the double-grab. That’s Louie in the background, reviewing some footage and missing the shot.
Sean Sorg goes for the tuck-knee indy air (back hand grabbing the toe rail at the back foot). Avoid stinkbug: note how the arm is wrapped around the back knee. That’s good style right there. Also check the moustache. Respect.
Timeship local Casey Weston reaches between his legs for an unconventional roast beef bacon grab (back front hand grabbing the heel rail between the legs). Although I’ve never really tried them myself, those can’t be easy to pop. Thumbs up.
Portland Pavement Princess Billy “Bones” Meiners floats no-handed off the bump. Tear your eyes away from one of the best denim vests in the game and appreciate how he’s using his front foot to pull the skateboard into a kind of proto-ollie.
When he’s not flying all over the place to compete in push races, Robin McGuirk likes to take advantage of his kick tail and nose to pop well-protected ollies. If you can’t get your skateboard into the air without using your hands, you’re missing out on a whole lot of fun. Jumping off stuff is fun.
Adam Auger (say “Adam OJ”) is a stylish muthashutyomouth! Fully tweaked melon on a giant skateboard. Take notes, kids.
- Max.