There's a powerful force, that we as skaters have known to be something to propel us, and keep us thriving. It keeps us getting up off the ground after repeated slams, beefs, and washouts. It makes us do things we didn't think we could were capable of acheiving, and portrays it to the next. We refer to it as 'stoke'....
But this is a double edged sword. I've seen it blow egos up, and make attitudes appear. We must remember who we are, and how we got there, and the folks that helped us to acheive such levels of 'stoke'. Too many times have I seen it destroy friendships, and skate socities. And it just knocks the progression back to where it became sought as an unhealthy hooligan activity.
I just hope that folks realize what can be acheived if this power is harnessed, and used in a productive manner. Not as a podium for acceptance from a skate scene and friends, cuz' it always backfires when used improperly. And the ones that get caught up in it usually end up worse off then when they first caught it.
Granted, just because someone skates, doesn't mean that their personalities will mesh. That's life in general... But it's what we stand for, and how we go about it, that makes the chemistry just right. Too much of one ingredient, and not enough of another, can cause severe catastrophies..
So hopefully this message will be looked at in a positive manner, and used to better a scene. Becuse that is how the chain of 'stoke' begins...
Have fun, and do it because it's fun. Not for noterirty.. And a word of advice from a seasoned professional, if you are looking to make it in this industry, 'don't answer the phone unless it rings'.. Companies want kids that are having the most fun, having a positive attitude, and can mesh with everyone. They have enough "hot shots" breathing down their throats and sending 'sponsor me' videos that being outlandishly overbearing is just gonna' make em' look the other way. They want the kids that are truly stoked, and making skateboarding fun, and not so much a competition for acceptance. Just harness the 'stoke' and hold it close to your heart, and never let it get tainted... Then you, my friend, will truly be 'stoked'...
