How Skateboarding Inspired Me

by Emir TaheriRashti

Touché Volume 2

NEWSCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Inspired by what we were learning in my Integrative Studies elective class, The Evolution of Surfing & Skateboarding, I wanted to try skateboarding for myself. I would have tried surfing, but judging by the fact that I cannot swim, I think it was a good call to stay on land. Through this, I connected with my friend Cole, another architecture student at NewSchool who is a part of the skateboard community here in San Diego. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and attend weekly skateboarding meets, “Dock Sessions” and “Taco Tuesdays,” with some local skaters.

The whole point of these meets is to encourage beginner skaters (like myself) to come out and meet new people and learn how to skate. Luckily, there are more professional and skilled skaters, like Cole, who are willing to teach newbies like me who are starting out. I was blown away by how friendly the skateboard community is and how understanding they were of me just starting out. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one trying to learn. As I write this, I have attended my third dock session (pictures included), and I have been working towards learning how to ollie for the first time. I have always wanted to do it. While skating down the boardwalk in Mission Beach, we talked to a guy who told us that he was homeless and he was carving out his own skateboard, which, honestly, was amazing.

I’m a huge believer in just doing what you love, regardless of what situation you are in. His passion for skating and surfing was evident, and his situation genuinely didn’t stop him from building his own board. It took him the whole afternoon, but he got his skateboard built and started cruising with us, which was an experience I thought I would never have. The genuine connection between people that skating has shown me is something I haven’t felt in a while, which is a bit cheesy to say but very true.

For the final project of my Evolution of Surfing and Skateboarding class, I was required to design and build my own skateboard. So, I met up with Beau Trifiro from Open Source Skateboards to not only talk but to also pick up some materials to make my skateboard. Since beginning to learn how to skate, I have been particularly inclined to cruising on a longboard. And wanting to continue to attend the Dock Sessions, I kept speaking to Beau and Cole about making my own longboard. While they did warn me that creating one might result in it being more bendy than normal boards, I think it was great to just go for it and see how it went.

Worst case, I would keep it as an art piece. I teamed up with Beau for the veneers and with another gentleman named Max to help me get the art I wanted to create and put on the board. I also reached out to @bitchingrips; her name is Hannah, and she is incredibly talented at creating custom griptapes. I followed the theme of an old PS2 video game that I first bonded with my father over, which means a lot to me. I think this would be the perfect opportunity to do it.

My friend Cole has also recommended some trucks, bearings, and other accessories. I am excited that I made this happen. I am going to continue meeting up with the crew on Taco Tuesdays, riding the skateboard that I designed and built myself.