 Photo by Ivan Torres on Unsplash
It has been a full week since we got the news that Dominick Walker, Chris Colbourn, and Nyjah Huston parted ways with Element Skateboards and there has been plenty of speculation as to where these riders might end up, especially Nyjah. And, although I'm pretty sure all three will bounce back sooner than later, most of the focus has indeed been on Jah as he continues to be one of the most polarizing skaters on the planet. I was able to break this news via the No Mongo Podcast with Nathaniel Odom AKA Losko (EP 100) last week and we both agreed that he would most likely go on to create his own thing, his own brand, and one that he can control. Only because the guy clearly is a rebel and blazes his own path, literally. However, the more I thought about it the more I'm reminded that skateboarding really doesn't need anymore board companies either. We are all good. At capacity. See my post from 2019 here. It's gotten to the point that I can't keep up with all the new and latest brands. So yes, this is more of a selfish take, but one that I'm sure others can agree with. Too many board companies! But then again, outside of starting his own brand, we couldn't really come up with a team that he would be a perfect match for. Like zero options. He just isn't a good match for most of the core brands, or at least ones that could afford to have him on board. So, over the past few days I started brainstorming some teams that might serve as potential for his next board sponsor along with some thoughts. Here's a list of some possible options with my gut reactions.: Santa Cruz - nope Primitive - maybe, but would be interesting April - it could work. He's got the same work ethic as Shane Thank You - nope Creature - nope FA - maybe, leaning towards nope Deathwish - nope, but he seems to be on one as of late Baker - nope. although his name in Baker font could work Toy Machine - nope Powell - nope Habitat - nope Polar - nope Zero - nope And these are just some of the ones I jotted down off the top of my head. However, there is one other option that might be a fit for him as well. Now hear me out...Pizza Skateboards. Pizza is one of those brands that pretty much everyone hates and would be a perfect fit for him. Could it work? Of course it could. Would it get a lot of attention? Yep, but I keep going back to the idea that if he does start up his own brand he will be able to benefit from the exposure (free advertising) of the Olympics. This serves as a huge boost to any fresh or upcoming brand. Definitely something to think about. Although Nyjah going to Pizza is highly unlikely I figured I'd at least provide some examples as to why his departure from Element is kind of a big deal, on many fronts. Where do you see him landing? Will he do his own thing? Could he team up with Leticia Bufoni on something? Or do you even care? Curious to hear your thoughts below.
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 Photo by Michał Lis on Unsplash
I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions and this year is no different. However, today I am going to go on record and say that there is definitely one thing that I'd like to change about me in 2021 and beyond. With that being said, I'm here to let your eyes and brain know that moving forward I am going to do my very best to watch more skate videos on my TV and less on my iPhone. Wow. Just saying that unloads a ton of guilt I have been carrying this past year. I've always watched the latest contests, etc. on my TV, mainly due to the convenience of it already being on cable/Hulu, but I've never really paid too much attention to my skateboarding viewing habits. For as long as I can remember, I'd simply just pull out my phone or flip open my laptop and zone out -- never really taking the time to consider the fact that the filmmaker maybe had other hopes for our viewing preference. Maybe he/she/they wanted it to be consumed on something that is plugged in. I feel that films are meant to be displayed on the biggest screens possible. You know, so one can enjoy the sights and sounds in its full glory. And skate videos are no exception. Sure, firing up my phone to check out the latest Quartersnacks Top 10 is way easier than fighting for TV time in our living room, but how awesome would it be to watch it on something larger than a 4 or 5 inch screen? Very awesome, actually. Well, at least that is how I feel. It has been estimated that up to 94% of people watching TV also have a smartphone in their hands as well. I know I pretty much always have mine within reach. It's nice to know that I always have an escape from commercials and informercials if need be. However, the problem is, outside of sports or an occasional movie, I don't really watch that much TV. I let my wife or kids have the remote and I just mess on my laptop or phone. So, in order for me to accomplish my goal of watching more skate videos on my TV I need to become a better at managing my time during the day/week. And, due to the graphic nature of most skate videos this means I will most likely be watching said videos after my kids go to bed -- which at times is as late as 9-10PM. That's fine. I don't plan on ditching my afternoon green tea anytime soon. Also, my plan is that this will only be a temporary situation until I get the No Mongo Studio set up in the garage for the podcast. Once I have that set up I plan on having at least on TV and/or a projector with a 100" (or more) to check out my skate videos on. Maybe I'll call it the "No Mongo Cave". Eh, probably not. Until then I'm just going to have to get used to putting down my damn phone and asking my wife and kids for more TV time. Plain and simple. This is something that I'm not just doing for myself, but for the filmmaker as well. I hope you will join me. Or, if you are already doing this please welcome me to the club with open arms. How do you consume your skateboarding content? Do you notice you use one particular device more than another? Am I the only one that is planning on a larger screen than my phone/laptop? Curious to hear your thoughts below. Also, let me know if you have any good projector recommendations. |
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