Limited run of boards available through Woody’s Halfpipe in Norcross Georgia.  Get them while you can because they are almost gone!!!

The skateboarders of today are confronted with a set of options when it comes to self expression.  Skateboarding can be done in a variety of situations and the terrain is limitless.  The categories are street, pools, full pipes, mini ramps, vert ramps, skateparks, longboarding, downhill, etc, etc, etc.  The thing is it’s all skateboarding when it comes down to it.  Although the term skateboarding applies to all of the above the two I’m concerned with today is skateboarding in empty unused swimming pools and skateboarding in the natural street environment.

Street skateboarding is very similar to pool skateboarding in that the artist is generally looking for something not made for skating.  You are adapting to a non skateboarding environment/obstacle.  The search tactics are relatively the same, driving around town peeking over fences and behind alleys and businesses.  The approach is relative as well since in most instances the question of legality and public usage come into play.  The idea of cultural use comes to mind although it won’t necessarily trump legal issues.

Riding a pool is similar to riding a street spot because the original design concept did not include skateboarding.  The design concept may not include skateboarding initially, but the nature of our discipline dictates the exploratory nature of how skateboarding works.  Which means anything goes, literally.  If you can envision, it can happen.  Usability is another phrase that comes into play.  An unused swimming pool in a vacant lot is very similar to an unused bench in an empty park, or better yet an unused concrete slab in a vacant parking lot.  While comparing a concrete slab in a parking lot to an abandoned swimming pool may seem like a stretch, its really not.  Why?  Usage is commensurate with intent and when it comes to Street versus Pool skateboarding, the same could be said.

Technique varies within the two genres of skateboarding as does history and terrain, but the physical approach is similar.  Its about conquering your fears and challenging yourself.  Its really a personal endeavor at ever stage of the game where physical limitations are only in one’s mind and have no real physical appearance.  The attitude and adjust-ability of the modern skateboarding enthusiast are relatively the same as well.  Spots come and go as do fleeting memories of experiences good and bad.  That’s the beauty of it.

Anyhow beyond the semantics and the equipment, the difference of choice comes down more to geography than accessibility.  Some geographic locations provide more options than others.  The sunny regions may contain terrain not conducive in cooler regions and visa versa.  Whatever the case both styles of skateboarding not only compliment each other, but more 2 sides of the same coin, they both spend well if you know how to invest…

A pool’s initial design is to hold water in terms of swimming versus a bowl’s design (in skateboarding terms) is meant to hold skateboarding.  So in terms of design intentions, the pool and bowl are completely separate entities although they serve similar purposes in that they are designed to contain some thing (namely H20 & Skateboarding).

Scouting locations. Photo: Toby Burger

Not every pool we come across will get skated. While contemplating the variables, things like logistics and usability weigh in. The overall risk is evaluated and if the pros out weigh the cons then well maybe the pool will get ridden, carved and grinded or maybe not…

Toby Burger 2010

Amazing how we can all share the infinite stoke on what we’re riding and see how the other side lives so to speak.  Australia, Japan, Canada, South America, UK, Europe, etc all have healthy pool skateboarding scenes that coexist against the tide of mainstream exposure.  A once underground activity is now being thrust into the spotlight, but only on our terms.  When we decide to share you will see the results, if not well the sessions never stop and I wonder just how many pools get ridden on any given day throughout the planet.  I will try and come up with a number here shortly after emailing around and seeing what various crews are up to.

Until then peace out, stay positive and live life…

Another Sunday funday with the crew.

A good sized rectangle with steep walls and solid vertical helped us get through the morning a little easier that day.  Pools like this are fun to ride because anything you get is worthy.  This one had good carve-able round deep end corners, “good” being a relative term in this case.  I think this may have only been ridden once or twice by our crew before the becoming a forgotten hole in the vast wasteland that is the Badlands…

Frontside over hip into shallow end

Creative use of pool feature.

Jake Piaseki

Pool Skating Photographs

Masuimi Max

These curves are the types that make skateboarding worth while.

Look carefully and study the lines, hips and transitions.