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Brandon Biebel Interview Questions (No Answers...Yet)

2/29/2020

Photo by George Pagan III on Unsplash

If you've been following me for a while or have listened to the podcast you know that I am a big fan of Brandon Biebel.

For one, the guy was one the best to ever do it. He has such raw talent to him and his confidence in his ability also showed whenever he stepped onto a skateboard -- or pretty much anything he put his mind and energy towards.

And two, his positive attitude and outlook on life is contagious. And I never even met the guy. But I always feel inspired whenever I hear him talk. It's hard to describe, but if you are a fan of his you know what I mean.

Nevertheless, Brandon Biebel apparently walked away from skateboarding sometime in the past year or two and has never looked back. There was no goodbye or social media post. Nobody knows why. And it's not like he vanished from existence. He has been putting in work bodybuilding and pushing his limits over there. He's always on Instagram. Always.

Now, if you are like me you are probably wondering what happened. What made him step away? Is it for good? I started thinking about this more and more and finally decided to DM him on Instagram requesting an interview.

Sure, it was a long shot as he has no idea who the hell I am, but I figured I'd give it a shot.

I sent the message on a Thursday evening. He was ACTIVE NOW and read it immediately as I saw the message go from SENT to SEEN. However, I did not see the words TYPING appear. I didn't think I would. Honestly, I figured he was busy pushing weights or getting those 20K steps in.

I went to bed that night telling myself that I will see a message from him in the morning stating that he was willing to do the interview.

This was going to be great. I would finally get some answers to so many questions we all have!

I was wrong. Nothing. Crickets.

So, I just went on with my day/week and eventually reached back out to him on Saturday night. I said that I'm pretty sure now is not a good time for him, but that that offer will always be on the table.

He read it and quickly replied with "No Thank U Bro".

Honestly, I can't say I was shocked, but I was really glad he didn't just leave me hanging. I told him something like, "Keep killing it, man. You are an inspiration to many." carried on with my night.

Not gonna lie, I was really hoping that I could get Biebel on for one last chat about skateboarding. And that it would be on my show, the No Mongo Podcast.

I was able to dig up what appears to be his last appearance on a podcast talking about skateboarding. It was episode 44 of the Kill Cliff Podcast and he was interviewed by a host that never skated in his life. So that was kind of a bummer.

There's that old saying in sales that a "No" only means "Not now" so I figured I would post the questions I had ready for him on this site. That way when/if it does happen I can just fill in the blanks.

Below are the questions I had all locked and ready for my BRANDON BIEBEL INTERVIEW.:

What's up Brandon? Actually I've been a fan and have been following you for years. I know exactly what has been up. You've been getting your fitness on, man. Very inspiring I might add.

How much time do you spend at the Dogpound these days?

I've always noticed that you had this thing about you in that you are always 100% committed to something. Meaning that you don't half-ass anything. You are either all in our out. With that being said, what's your thought on having natural born talent versus grinding it out to get results?

Another thing I've noticed and admired about you is your attitude. Or, positive outlook on life. Where did that come from and how has it impacted where you are at today?

How much has skateboarding influenced your life and did it help you create the success you are having today?

Back in the day, would you say that you found skateboarding or did skateboarding find you?

Skateboarding is a very personal experience. It's basically you versus your mind or your board. Nothing better in my opinion. Seems like bodybuilding is very similar like that, right?

I can barely throw down consistent pushups. Can you even describe what it feels like to push 500 lbs just once?

Are we going to see you as a fitness coach in the future? Or is that already happening? I can see you totally crushing that job.

In fact, I'm 44 years old and have been slowly working on getting more in shape. What's the best piece of advice you can give me that won't kill me in the gym? I need a slow and gentle plan!

I've never been to India, but have heard lots of great things about it. How transformative was that trip you took there last year?

***HERES WHERE I WAS GOING TO JUST GO ALL IN***

The last skateboarding clip you posted was way back in October, 2018. Is it safe to say that the world has seen the last of Brandon Biebel on 4 wheels?

Your departure seemed to go out very casual and unnoticed. Almost like an Irish goodbye. Is there anything you'd like to say to all your skateboarding fans?

***I would have come up with some questions on the fly depending on the answer***

While I still got you. Do you have anything you'd like to plug? Or give a shout out to?

Wrap up. Give thanks. Appreciate the time, etc.

***THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF THE INTERVIEW***

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Let's Get Physical

2/26/2020

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I've been on a crazy buying trend as of late.

In the past year I have purchased two physical copies of skate videos. Yep, that's right TWO!!

This is huge as my last skateboarding video purchase was Pretty Sweet way back in 2012 -- right around the time my boy/girl twins were born. And it's not like I really planned this break, but obviously having children (yet alone two at once) takes priority. You parents out there are nodding your heads right know. You know.

However, I'm on a mission to slowly get back into the game so-to-speak. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that now my kids are 7 years old they are cheaper to raise/provide for. Quite the opposite actually as my son is now hardcore into soccer and my daughter loves to draw/make art. It won't get any cheaper until they are well into their adult lives.

Nevertheless, I'm getting extra funds by selling stuff on eBay or using credit card rewards points, etc.

I really missed buying skate videos. There's just something about having a physical copy near by. My only DVD player is in my Playstation 3 so until that thing dies I won't have to worry about that.

I do own some classic skate videos on VHS and sold my VCR long ago. I've been hunting for a new on online and every time I stop by a local Goodwill store. I wish I would have saved that PANASONIC VCR I had back in the day. Oh well. I have been keeping an eye on eBay for VHS gems as well.

Some are still really expensive!!!

What about you?

Do you only stream these days?

Do you do a combination of both?

What are some videos you are proud to own? Or embarrassed about?

One of these days I'm going to challenge myself to only consume physical media for a month. I wonder if I would last a full 30 days. That would not be easy by no means. I won't commit to that just yet as I need to build up my collection again.

In the meantime, I will continue to keep an eye on the interwebs and at discount stores. I'll be sure to let you know of anything I find worthy of mentioning.

Curious to hear how you consume your skate videos on the regular.

Cheers,
Rick

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Skateboard Team Uniforms

11/25/2019

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Photo by Ciel Cheng on Unsplash

Now, those of you who have been following this blog and/or the podcast know some of the hot topics that get me going. Not having any identifying credits for skaters in their videos has to be the top of my list. I've become very forgiving over the years as I've gotten older and wiser.

Nevertheless, I still continue to see movies come out without any. Why is that? Have they not listened to me speak about this? Don't they know how detrimental this is to their business? Their brand?

I don't claim to be an expert, but I sometimes play one on this site. I'm mainly just here to help.

I've also been doing a lot of thinking about this issue and have been attempting to come up with an idea to fix this issue once and for all. I think I've found one.

You ready?

SKATE UNIFORMS. Yep, you heard that right. Skate uniforms. Keep in mind this is something that I am totally against. I don't want it to happen at all, but I think it will unfortunately have to. And to think this could have all been eliminated if brands just took the extra few steps to add titles to these movies.

They did this to us!

I know, I know. Before you fly off the handle, hear me out. It could also work to our benefit.

Think about how easy it would be to recognize your favorite skaters. Nyjah would probably rock a 00 and Dustin Dollin a 69. David Gonzalez would represent 666 and I could picture Suciu sporting 3.14. They would have to wear their uniforms anytime they would be filming for a part that would be outside of their personal social media accounts. Otherwise they would risk getting fined by their sponsors or even a league.

Well enough?

I know I would love it because when the teams who don't take the time to properly intro riders in their videos release content I would just be able to look it up on their team website or via an app (potential business opportunity). That way I won't have to worry about my blood pressure rising as I grow frustrated at watching a bunch a skaters who all look the same bust their tricks on screen.

Think about the revenue producing opportunity this presents as well. Teams would sell more merchandise. I bet we'd see a bunch of older skate dads out there supporting their favorite skaters at the park. Or supermarket. It could be a win, win for all.

So there you have it. Will there be skate uniforms required in our lifetime. At the rate we are going that is a solid YES. Can we stop this insanity in its tracks? Yes, we can as well, but it is going to take a village to help those out who feel that by just throwing footage onto the world wide web is just good enough.

Only because by assuming that everyone is a skate nerd and can spot out entire teams just via their silhouettes will never work out. It will never happen. Not for the masses.

I like to think that one day ALL skateboard companies will each have an "A HAH!" moment and realize that they have been making a very simple and yet critical mistake for their brand. It's either that or get ready to print out skateboard uniforms for all. The choice is yours, brands.

I wonder what team would represent vomit green? Whose jersey/uniform would you buy?

Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

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You are What you Roll With

8/20/2019

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Photo by Karol Kaczorek on Unsplash

At the time of this post, I have not checked out the latest episode of The Nine Club, but it definitely sparked something in my crazy little brain.

The latest rider to grace their presence with Chris Roberts and crew is Chad Muska. The Muska as most people call him. I don't know him personally so I'll just stick with calling him The Chad.

Chad Muska has been a name in the game for decades. He has always stood out from the crowd with is wicked style and huge portfolio of tricks. In fact, one that comes to mind and inspired this post is the grind he did with a boom box in his hands. I think it was a crooked grind? I'll have to double check, but nevertheless, the dude busted out a trick with a boombox. A freaking boombox.

Now, I don't know about you, but when I skate I need to focus all my attention and ability on the trick. I don't even like riding with headphones. Yet alone, holding onto a speaker or a baby or some shit. There's just so much that can go wrong in any given day on a skateboard. It's enough having to worry about pebbles, cracks, etc. You get my point.

But I think Chad takes the cake in regards to riding with accessories. Only a couple other riders come to mind. Actually, I think even clothing accessories can hinder a rider's performance too so I've made a list of some of the one's I've seen over the years.

Here are my top 5.:

Steve Caballero rocking white suspenders in Ban This. Not only did he don them, he didn't even wrap those bad boys over his shoulder. Talk about being gangsta! I'd be worried about them getting caught in my arm or something, but he handled it well while flying around the ramp at the old San Jose Warehouse park. I'm surprised this look never took off. Maybe with small wheels making a return it just might. Count me out though.

Christian Hosoi is so stylish he never really needed to wear a shirt during contests. I'll never forget when I first saw him on an old OP Pro Contest on TV (circa '86) flying around this shirt tucked into his shorts. It was so damn mesmerizing to see. Especially, during McTwists and huge airs. His poor shirts were always flopping around in the air back in the day. Not too many riders could pull that style off like Christian. And it only works if you are flying high like he did/does.

Chad Muska, AKA The Chad, actually did a crooked grind with a boombox AND with a backpack on. I just found and watched the clip again. I totally forgot about the backpack as well! For me, this one takes first place in regards to skating with accessories. A boombox and a backpack? On a rail? So much could go wrong. Well done, Chad. Well done.

Drake Jones also comes to mind whenever I think of tricks and backpacks. Dude threw down one of the best backside flips while rocking a backpack. If you don't know who this SF OG legend is look him up on the interwebs. Just search Dugout Skateboards and bam! #stylematters. Drake even has a solid golf swing too. Go look the guy up ASAP.

Neil Blender makes it to my Top 5 list and comes from the same movie Cab was in, Ban This. Neil is right up there in regards to being one of the most stylish and hilarious riders ever. There are only a handful of skaters that have made me literally LOL. He is one of them. I'm just bummed that his soundproofing foam getup he briefly wore in Ban This didn't take off. He did a very safe and proper sweeper to make this list.

So that's my list of skaters who either wore or had some "interesting" accessories during their parts. What about you? Who would you add to the list?

Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

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Better Call Sal

7/4/2019

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Well, it's been about a month since I last posted on this page so I figured now was a good time.

Over the past few weeks many skateboarding videos have been released. Some were excellent. Others were pretty good. However, regardless of the awesome skating that has gone down there seems to a growing trend in the industry. One that really annoys the shit out of me.

Now, just so you know, I have become way more forgiving over the years. In the past I used to nitpick on things that in hindsight were just lame to waste even a second of energy on. Life's just too short to worry about the small stuff. Sure, there will continue to be skate videos with horrible choices in music or have riders doing "illegal tricks" or multiple skaters per video video part, etc. You get the idea.

What annoys me the most in skate videos (not all, some) today is the fact that the creators seem to think that it's okay have literally ZERO insight into who we are seeing on the screen. Many skate videos today almost seem to have minimal personal connection like some of the classics. Even a new skater today can instantly get a feel for what Brandon Biebel is on and off the board when they pop in or YouTube his part in Yeah Right or Fully Flared.

I don't know about you, but if I were pro today and I just spent the past days/weeks/months/year busting my ass for a video part that is going to be distributed for free across the interwebs, I'd be pretty damn pissed if I didn't get any intro or have my name listed right at the beginning of my part. I'd be miffed that I could be potentially missing out on a board sale because by the viewers are too lazy to watch the credits, rewind, confirm, take a screen shot of the name, etc. for future reference.

How are companies okay with this?

Skaters names = advertising.

Let's face it. Skateboarding is a business. A business that wants to move product. All kinds of products. So why not include the names of the riders we see in these videos? Sure, there will always be that one skate nerd that knows each and every rider on the planet and can spot them a mile away or simply by seeing their shadow, but most of us don't have the time or ability to have such insight.

This is why putting titles with the skaters names worked in the past and should continue to be utilized today and moving forward. It's simple and doesn't really cost that much. I talked a little about this in Episode 17 if you feel like circling back and checking it out. I mean, at worst put in some audio in post. You don't even have to have the same person. Just hire Sal Barbier to do all your intros like he did in the H-Street video. Talk about a win, win.

But anyway, it was the latest Nike SB video "Trust Fall" that really triggered this post for me. I absolutely loved the video. In fact, I might even talk about it on the next episode of the No Mongo Podcast. The skating was so damn good and the whole time I was watching it I was taking it as a huge statement to all of Nike's doubters that they are a legit brand and have an equally legit and talented team. Oh, that and the fact that they appear to be on a mission to take over the world.

You know, to basically kick ass and take names.

Speaking of names, while I thoroughly enjoyed the video I had no idea who the hell I was watching half the time. Yeah, I follow a couple of these riders on social media, but that doesn't matter. Skate videos should have skater intros or titles. Period. They have in the past and should continue to until infinity.

I mean, unless you can convince me otherwise in the comments below. Please. Enlighten me because I just don't get it. Simple questions continue to pop into my head like:

Why would you not want to give the audience the most info possible in these videos?

Don't you want to sell some boards? Shoes?

Why not simply put their social media handles on the screen?

Why am I even talking about this?

Another recent video guilty of doing this was Welcome Skateboard's "Seance". Same thing. Great video, but I had no freaking idea who I was watching half the time. This time I kept asking myself these questions over and over and over.:

Was that Ryan Lay?

No, it's a girl so it HAS to be Nora.

Wait, that dude looks like the guy a few seconds ago.

Is that the other Ryan?

Who the hell is this guy? Was that switch?

Is that Ryan Lay? Do I follow this guy on Instagram?

Wait. Is that Ryan Lay?

What's really sad is that these questions take away from the experience of the video. Sucks the enjoyment right out of it. Well, at least for me. Only because I am waisting precious energy on things that aren't necessary. Put. Names. Or. Titles. Or. Some kind of info on skate videos please.

Or, as I mentioned above, convince me otherwise.

You could be like, "Dude, Rick. You have it all wrong. It's the titles that are a distraction, man. You should know the names and faces of every single rider on the planet." or "You know, Rick, putting the names of the skaters for their parts is against law. You just can't do that. Give it a rest." I'd love to hear your thoughts either way.

Even Nike SB's "Gizmo", which was their first ever all-women's skate video, had zero intros for their riders. Huh? Luckily, I already knew many of them, but it was still annoying as shit.

Maybe it's just my Reticular Activator causing me to focus and notice this stuff? I just think it's a horrible trend in videos right now and I am just really confused as to why? I know there have been a few videos over the last few decades to not put titles for their riders, but it's being talked about more and more as of late.

I suggest you give Sal a call and offer him some Michael Buffer money to intro your videos. That'll help solve the problem.

Drop a line below or hit me up on Twitter @rickbata. Let's get to the bottom of this growing trend in skateboarding. One I consider it to be way worse than "big pants, small wheels".

And yes, I just went there.

Cheers.

Rick

4 Comments

The Coveted 10 Club

5/26/2019

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Photo by Jonathan Hoxmark on Unsplash

So, it's only been about 12 hours since the Men's Street League Finals results and I just had a thought.

Will we ever see a perfect score of 10?

There were plenty of 9's being tossed around today and mostly on the men's side unfortunately, but still...plenty to go around for many. Basically, if you tried hard enough you could have scored a 9 in this contest. Now, that's not saying that the score wasn't worthy or that there is some questionable scoring going on, but there were a decent amount again today.

I decided to go to the Street League website and do some more research. As of today, the highest score ever is a 9.9. A 9.9! And you can probably guess who was able to get that score. It's actually two riders and you guessed them right; Nyjah Huston and Shane O'Neill. A nine point freaking nine.

Here are the trick breakdowns for the 9.9's:

Shane O'Neill - Switch Double 360 Kickflip
Nyjah Huston - Backside 270 Noseblunt

And we can even break it down even more on the 9.8 scores. And yes, you guessed the right riders again; Shane O'Neill and Nyjah Huson. You're getting good at this!

Here are the trick breakdowns for the 9.8's:

Shane O'Neill - Switch Double 360 Kickflip
Nyjah Huston - Gap to Backside Noseblunt
Nyjah Huston - Full-cab Kickflip to Backside Lipside

So I'll ask again. Do you think we'll ever see a perfect score of 10?

If so, what trick do you think it might be? Or what trick will have to be?

Which rider do you think will pull it off? Nyjah? Shane? Yuto? Leticia? None of the above?

These are actually really good questions (humble brag not intended) as I honestly don't know if we'll see it anytime soon. Only because we have gotten so used to seeing 9 Club tricks that we've almost become desensitized to them. Or maybe I just have. Fans have grown to expect seeing 9's.

I always try and judge along with contests and see if I would score the same or similar scores. Sometimes I have been close. Others I was off by a point or two. However, when I did see the 9 Club tricks today it just didn't give me that same feeling as before.

So as I wrap up this post I truly do not know if we'll ever see the coveted 10 Club score anytime soon. But then again, we might. Either way it'll have to be a trick that is so damn good that I stand up from my seat and scream, "That's f*cking 10!" and yes that will have to be verbatim.

In the meantime, I'm going to continue to score along with the judges who obviously get paid to score, as I am just some random blogger and podcast host chiming in.

Will a Kickflip backside 270 to Bluntside seal the deal? It just might.

I do think that it'll have to be perfectly executed trick and all bolts. It can't have a whiff of sketchiness to it at all. It literally has to be absolute perfection and I just don't think that will happen anytime soon.

Let's talk. Post your comments below.:

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We Need to Have a Board Meeting

5/15/2019

6 Comments

Photo by Benjamin Child on Unsplash

Today was the day we finally got to hear about Shane O'Neill's board company, April Skateboards. He had originally announced his departure from Primitive Skateboarding way back in June, 2018 and has been riding blank decks in the meantime. So after almost a year the time has come.

I had been waiting anxiously and even mentioned it on the podcast. We were all waiting to find out what was next from the tech wizard, but he seemed to have his eyes set on May, 2019 for his launch.

I was so excited to finally see some footage of the new crew. Congrats to Yuto as well -- it's about time damn it. However, my excitement was short-lived. Something dawned on me.

Do we have too many board companies now?

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash

Are there too many options these days?

Or does it just seem that way?

How can the little guys survive?

In the past few years we've had Roller Horror, Dugout, All I Need, Street Plant, New Deal (back from the dead), Visit, Brainchild and now April launch board companies. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm having more and more trouble deciding who to go with these days?

I have been riding Element boards for the longest time and recently switched to Street Plant. I wanted to break away from the standard popsicle shape for a change. It's been a fun ride so far. Nevertheless, I was almost overwhelmed with the decision. And I'm not on any flow or anything so I pay full price and my decision has to be a wise one.

Oh, and notice how I am only talking about skateboards. There are so many damn gear and clothing options out there that's a whole other blog post in itself. It's almost getting out of hand.

Maybe it just feels like there are too many board companies these days as social media seems to be more in-your-face than having to wait weeks or months to READ about a launch in Thrasher or Transworld (RIP print edition). Or maybe the industry is right where it needs to be?

These riders work hard to make a name for themselves and have the right to spinoff and launch their own brand. This, in turn, helps keep the big brands in check too with the threat of one of their well-known riders leaving for the latest and greatest brand. In a way there does seem to be enough talent to go around. And not just locally. I'm talking global talent is in full force. So there is that.

I guess what I am trying to say is at what point will it be oversaturated? Are we already there? Or will it never happen?

Curious to hear your thoughts.

6 Comments

The Skateboarding Draft

4/29/2019

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Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash

Every once in a while (a lot), I'll get some crazy idea that pops into my head and I feel compelled to share it with the world.

This post will be about just that.

Now, I want you to read this with a totally open mind, knowing that there is such a small, minute chance of this happening at all, but you definitely can't just rule it out.

A SKATEBOARDING DRAFT

Yeah, I said it. Can you imagine?

This idea came to me out of nowhere last week when I was flipping on the TV and stumbled upon the NFL draft.

I thought, "What if skateboarding had a draft one day?".

I immediately brushed it off as being lame and that I should carry on with my day. But the thought stuck with me. It kept coming back for more. I couldn't break it.

So, I figured I'd share it with you and get your thoughts.

Can you ever see this happening?

As I've mentioned before on the podcast, skateboarding is already pretty significant in the world of sports. Probably the most significant it's been in a long, long time. Basically, it's BIG. But it's going to grow even more with events like the Olympics, Street League, and just the fresh batch of insanely talented riders that are out there these days.

It's a good time to be following the sport. Trust me.

Photo by HENCE THE BOOM on Unsplash

Can you imagine if it really does happen down the road?

Who would be the Roger Goodell of skateboarding?

"And in the 2028 Skateboarding Draft, Santa Cruz Skateboards, selects (insert the name of some pro's kid here) from San Diego, CA".

CUT TO:

A skater in his home, surrounded by family and friends, crying and talking to the team manager on the phone.

He hugs his family, and slaps on a Santa Cruz hat, knowing that his life has changed for the better. He is now a millionaire.

**RECORD SCRATCH**

Okay, well maybe not a millionaire, but you get my point. It something that future generations just might see or experience.

What are your thoughts? Can you see something like this happening down the road? Or do I need to get more sleep?

2 Comments

Skateboarding Without a Shirt

4/23/2019

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Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash

Okay, I have something that I need to get off my (bare) chest.

You ready?

I still don't get the whole "skate without a shirt" vibe.

Never have. Never will.

Now, let me explain some of my reasoning as I know many of you out there still ride half-naked on your four wheels. I probably only tried it a couple of times back in the day when I was younger, and much skinnier. I wouldn't dare try this today while rocking my #dadbod. I'd probably get arrested.

Sure, there are plenty of places all over the world that are so hot during the summer that it makes sense, but I will always be sweaty t-shirt guy for life.

Skateboarding without a shirt also made me feel so vulnerable and exposed. I just couldn't get used to the feeling. Nah, I'm good. Thanks.

Plus, falling sucked and you end up with dirt all over your back, chest, arm pits, butt crack, etc. I like knowing that if my body is headed towards hot pavement that I'm going to crash to the ground with a t-shirt layer to protect me.

I feel that it also serves as a potential distraction as it adds another element to think or worry about. Skaters already get in the zone and focus on landing tricks, but why add something to mix that could cause more harm.

It's estimated that there are roughly 65,000 skateboarding injuries per year. That's about 176 per day.

Skateboarding has been around for decades, as well as shirts, but the two often times don't go together.

How do you stand on the whole skateboarding without a shirt deal?

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

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The Case for Helmets (Or Not)

4/12/2019

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Unless you are Mike Vallely you are probably not rolling around the streets rocking a helmet and that's okay.

I get it.

Helmets often are looked down upon as being lame and can also have an impact on your performance. They can also save you from the grim reaper.

The amount of damage that can be done to one's brain is increasing drastically every day/month/year. Tricks are also getting bigger and bigger and are being attempted or done in the Golden Age of Social Media. Today there is way more pressure to pull off insane or NDB tricks to show the world.

I'll admit, I never wore a helmet unless I was at a park or somewhere that required me to do so. During those times I would be thankful that I had my helmet on. It gave me a sense of security. A feeling that I knew I could go all out and push my limits to the max.

More often than not, I never even thought about wearing a helmet in the street back in the day. Even after launching off my friends 4' launch ramp. Yeah, you read that right 4 feet high. I'll never forget the feeling of approaching it. The ramp almost seemed to go on forever then SILENCE. I was floating above the concrete with air flowing through my hair...without a helmet.

I've been very fortunate enough to not have too many Marty McFly moments of bouncing my head on the pavement.

Now I do remember hitting my head on the ground really badly one night back in the day. A close friend and I were skating to the local convenience store as we often did for some late-night snacks.

We were cruising along as we always, but for some reason (maybe because it was at night time) I had forgotten that there was a huge uneven part of the sidewalk with about a 1" crack.

I remember I was going pretty fast and then all of a sudden hitting the crack, which threw me to the ground as I bounced the back of my head on the sidewalk.

It went dark for a second and I recall seeing what I though were stars as most people describe. It was super scary and I don't even think I ever told my parents about it.

Maybe I did, but I can't remember. No pun intended.

I also don't think there was any long-term damage done as I've since had a CAT scan on my brain due to frequent migraines (not related to skating). Everything checked out at the time. I got lucky.

If I were to guess how many street skaters actually wear helmets today I would say maybe 5-7%. That's just a gut check guess. I'll be sure to do a follow up number down the road as I do more research on this topic. It's not a lot and I bet my number is pretty damn close or even a bit high.

Nevertheless, It's a topic that is definitely not going away soon. It's a sports-wide issue that has only just barely seen the light.

With that, what is it going to take in order to cause a huge shift in the other direction? The death of a prominent rider? I sure hope not.

Photo by Ken Treloar on Unsplash

Just in the past year alone we've already seen some pretty gnarly slams around the world. Jamie Foy and Ivan Montero instantly come to mind.

And more recently, Dustin Dollin who took a really bad slam filming the latest Independent Trucks' Video "Scabs for Slabs". Some scary stuff indeed. Check out the video on Thrasher's website.

Bouncing your head on the ground is slowly losing it's cool factor.

Sure, it all really comes down to each individual knowing their limitations and choosing to put on a helmet for times when things could really ugly or deadly. But is it really worth the risk? Some would say, yes.

It's helmet pioneers like Mike V. who is leading by example. I believe that others will soon follow, but it's going to be a slow and gradual process.

How do you stand on the whole helmet for street skating issue?

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