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Skateboarding => USELESS WOODEN TOY BANTER => Topic started by: Tear Up a Trick on April 22, 2021, 01:08:29 PM
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I know Ocean Howell is a college professor.
Any other pros with masters, doctorates, and other assorted sheepskins?
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Andy Roy is a dentist, prove me wrong
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Rattray
Suciu
Max Palmer
I don’t think this thread is gonna be filled with to many names...
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Walker Ryan graduated from college, can't remember what he studied.
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Alexis sablone went to mit i believe
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Andy Roy is a dentist, prove me wrong
It says right on his Linkedin profile that he got his degree from the dental school of hard knocks.
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Walker Ryan graduated from college, can't remember what he studied.
sociology.
reese forbes was taking business classes in his 411vm check up.
jack curtin went to sf state.
there's a couple jenkem articles that lists a few schools & skaters that attended, and some interviews (ryan lay, walker ryan, nick jensen, dan murphy, brian clarke, silvester eduardo):
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2019/05/31/a-skateboarders-guide-to-colleges/
http://www.jenkemmag.com/home/2015/06/25/college-a-perspective-from-pro-skateboarders/
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Cyrus bennett finished, pat burke was going or going to go to school for architecture.
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I think nik stain has a math degree
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I think Ryan Lay said somewhere he was getting an MPP at Arizona State.
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Brian Chung is a doctor.
https://blacklabelskates.com/black-history-month-brian-chung-rips/
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Alexis sablone went to mit i believe
MIT is pretty gnar on the education scale.
Hjalte is/was a teacher right? Or a substitute teacher?
Just saw the Nik Stain comment. As someone whose more inclined in the humanities, mathematics undergrad is pretty gnar.
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Darren Menditto is a doctor and an excellent vert skater
https://www.instagram.com/drmoose1/?hl=en
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Alexis sablone went to mit i believe
MIT is pretty gnar on the education scale.
Hjalte is/was a teacher right? Or a substitute teacher?
Just saw the Nik Stain comment. As someone whose more inclined in the humanities, mathematics undergrad is pretty gnar.
MIT and I believe she's a working Architect. I work with Architects all the time as an Engineer, so I'm super impressed by her being able to have a masters (pretty sure) from MIT, work a 9-5, and continue to skate/do art as well as she does.
I wish we could be friends.
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Sinner’s article “Quantum Algorithm for Simulating Hamiltonian Dynamics with an Off-diagonal Series Expansion” was quite well-done.
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Didn’t Mikey Taylor graduate from Trump U?
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
-Phil Shao got a degree in lit from Berkeley
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Alexis sablone went to mit i believe
MIT is pretty gnar on the education scale.
Hjalte is/was a teacher right? Or a substitute teacher?
Just saw the Nik Stain comment. As someone whose more inclined in the humanities, mathematics undergrad is pretty gnar.
MIT and I believe she's a working Architect. I work with Architects all the time as an Engineer, so I'm super impressed by her being able to have a masters (pretty sure) from MIT, work a 9-5, and continue to skate/do art as well as she does.
I wish we could be friends.
From her Wiki
In addition to skateboarding, Sablone has pursued an academic career in architecture graduating with a degree in architecture from Barnard College in 2008. In 2016, Sablone earned a master's degree in architecture from MIT.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
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Rattray - Physics
Rodney Mullen - Biochemistry?? Definitely at least an undergrad in something
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Gideon Choi was studying at the same college as me but I don’t know what. Definitely got his undegrad degree.
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Depressing this list will be way shorter than the alcoholic list
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I don’t think Mutt went to college, just a genius.
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Rattray - Physics
Rodney Mullen - Biochemistry?? Definitely at least an undergrad in something
He was definitely studying biology of some sort, but I am almost certain he dropped out to take over management of World Industries (probably a very lucrative decision)
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Didn’t Mikey Taylor graduate from Trump U?
Naw he just watched some videos on YouTube like “Earn THOUSANDS in real estate QUICK” and “Financial advisors hate this one TRICK” and now he’s an expert in all things finance.
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Depressing this list will be way shorter than the alcoholic list
This might be my favorite Slap thread of all time.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
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Dr. Frederick Gall III
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Ducky graduated from CSU Fullerton.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I thought he got something from New School/Parsons.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
I heard he brings books out to the bars, but I’m not sure if he ever cracks them open. Also this is not a joke.
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
Amazing. I like him that much more now.
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Ducky graduated from CSU Fullerton.
Thats rad. I teach there now. I knew he had a degree, didnt know from where.
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“Formerly” educated
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Ya'll are sleepin' on Penny.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OE2LlxxWrc/SYJpi3MUogI/AAAAAAAADOg/I469qr-S6pI/s400/pennygradchrome.jpg)
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Barderrn baibeaL dod mI brian sugary
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
I heard he brings books out to the bars, but I’m not sure if he ever cracks them open. Also this is not a joke.
I do that if I’m by myself. Sometimes I want to read and want an afternoon cocktail.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
I heard he brings books out to the bars, but I’m not sure if he ever cracks them open. Also this is not a joke.
I do that if I’m by myself. Sometimes I want to read and want an afternoon cocktail.
I was about to say, this is sort of normal? I do it all the time alone.
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
Amazing. I like him that much more now.
Roller Surfer rules and is a Cayoucos native I believe. Maybe Los Osos. Either way Pretty chilllll
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
I heard he brings books out to the bars, but I’m not sure if he ever cracks them open. Also this is not a joke.
Maybe they're for the bus/train ride, or if the people he's meeting show up late? Or is he really that pretentious
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
Amazing. I like him that much more now.
Roller Surfer rules and is a Cayoucos native I believe. Maybe Los Osos. Either way Pretty chilllll
Yep my two favorite places on Earth. Love that cayucos ramp. and the hot sauce.
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
Amazing. I like him that much more now.
Roller Surfer rules and is a Cayoucos native I believe. Maybe Los Osos. Either way Pretty chilllll
He is an unbelievably talented, nice and nerdy guy.
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Rodney is hitting the books pretty hard in his Public Domain part:
https://youtu.be/lSefRz_ad2I
Always picture him relaxing with some Tchaikovsky while working out the angles of his flips on graph paper.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
That's how lots of people with BA's in lit conduct themselves
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Max Palmer graduated from college, as well. Pretty sure Austin Kanfoush got his Bachelors. Two of my favorites! Unfortunately, Uncle Freddy is a gentleman but not a scholar.
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Olly Todd has an English degree and also teaches, if I’m not mistaken.
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
-Phil Shao got a degree in lit from Berkeley
I'm still sad Phil never got to take over Thrasher. More intellectualism in skate writing is needed tbh. Carnie is the only one to ever do it properly imo
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
-Phil Shao got a degree in lit from Berkeley
I'm still sad Phil never got to take over Thrasher. More intellectualism in skate writing is needed tbh. Carnie is the only one to ever do it properly imo
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
-Phil Shao got a degree in lit from Berkeley
I'm still sad Phil never got to take over Thrasher. More intellectualism in skate writing is needed tbh. Carnie is the only one to ever do it properly imo
It's really true. In addition to losing a legendary skater and apparently excellent human being, we lost Phelp's only true heir
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Dr. Frederick Gall III
This made me laugh
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
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Rattray - Physics
Rodney Mullen - Biochemistry?? Definitely at least an undergrad in something
He was definitely studying biology of some sort, but I am almost certain he dropped out to take over management of World Industries (probably a very lucrative decision)
I believe Rodney comes from a family of Doctors and was on the path to become one as well.
Also, if it counts. Jimmy Carlin is studying to be an elementary school teacher.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
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Jahmal Williams went to The Museum School
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Rosa is a teacher.....
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Never made it pro, but Will Blaty has a degree in math from Arizona State.
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Nate Greenwood graduated college, he’s got a business degree
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
Think he transferred and ended up graduating from The New School in NYC which tends to be a bit pretentious. Also just posted that his girlfriend is going to Columbia now which might explain a bit...
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Lenny Rivas
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Ted Barrow, PhD candidate for art history I believe. Pro for Strangelove
-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
That's awesome. Stumbled across his insta awhile ago, he's a lot of fun to watch skate.
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Brian Chung is a doctor.
https://blacklabelskates.com/black-history-month-brian-chung-rips/
I remember a short profile/interview with him and Chung saying as a tip "Just go to school and don't start smoking" iirc. (Was in Thrasher I think)
Great tip if you look how quite some pro skaters careers pan out.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Also, Jimmy Chung quit skating and gave up being pro the first time to get a finance degree.
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
-Phil Shao got a degree in lit from Berkeley
I'm still sad Phil never got to take over Thrasher. More intellectualism in skate writing is needed tbh. Carnie is the only one to ever do it properly imo
Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
What y’all know about big Dick Englert
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-Ben Kopel (rollersurfer on Instagram) has a masters in education and works as a second grade special education teacher
-Phil Shao got a degree in lit from Berkeley
I'm still sad Phil never got to take over Thrasher. More intellectualism in skate writing is needed tbh. Carnie is the only one to ever do it properly imo
Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
i lent out barbarian days and never saw it again, you're a suspect
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
What y’all know about big Dick Englert
dudes a total disgrace to his very fun name. fucked up the job and the neighborhood to the point you couldn’t even have fun with his name.
remember when john chaney put the bounty on dante christmas?
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
I heard he brings books out to the bars, but I’m not sure if he ever cracks them open. Also this is not a joke.
Maybe they're for the bus/train ride, or if the people he's meeting show up late? Or is he really that pretentious
I once saw a dude at a cocktail bar in brooklyn at like 11:00 at night reading a NYT alone in the corner, surrounded by 24 year olds trying to get laid. That was the most epic level of pretentiousness I've ever seen.
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people read book in bars in a lot of places , literary industry type people (writers, agents, etc) and academics are drunks
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
What y’all know about big Dick Englert
dudes a total disgrace to his very fun name. fucked up the job and the neighborhood to the point you couldn’t even have fun with his name.
remember when john chaney put the bounty on dante christmas?
Diontae Christmas played for Temple. Are you thinking of Delonte West?
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
What y’all know about big Dick Englert
dudes a total disgrace to his very fun name. fucked up the job and the neighborhood to the point you couldn’t even have fun with his name.
remember when john chaney put the bounty on dante christmas?
Diontae Christmas played for Temple. Are you thinking of Delonte West?
i was thinking of John Bryant. sixteen years made some rosters blend together whoops
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
What y’all know about big Dick Englert
dudes a total disgrace to his very fun name. fucked up the job and the neighborhood to the point you couldn’t even have fun with his name.
remember when john chaney put the bounty on dante christmas?
Diontae Christmas played for Temple. Are you thinking of Delonte West?
i was thinking of John Bryant. sixteen years made some rosters blend together whoops
Pepe Sanchez/Mark Karcher was the best one from the last 20 years.
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Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
This summer (august i think?) “The Most Fun Thing” by Kyle Beachy (at least i think thats his name) will be out, it’ll supposedly be part memoir part collection of skate essays. I read one of his essays about a particular Dakota Servold clip in Green and really enjoyed it so I’m keeping my eyes peeled for his book.
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jimmy gorecki went to temple as well not sure what his degree is in though
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Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
This summer (august i think?) “The Most Fun Thing” by Kyle Beachy (at least i think thats his name) will be out, it’ll supposedly be part memoir part collection of skate essays. I read one of his essays about a particular Dakota Servold clip in Green and really enjoyed it so I’m keeping my eyes peeled for his book.
yeah i'm stoked for that beachy book. already got my copy pre-ordered.
anthony pappalardo (the writer) just came out with "heaven or las vegas". not sure if it's about skating, but i've heard it's good.
yeah, walker ryan wrote "top of mason".
there's also that skate-erotica book that roctakon/andrew brown wrote "none of the bad ones".
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
i mean it’s pretty impressive to get a bachelors degree in a language he’s been speaking his entire life at a college that (from experience) graduates a decent amount of people that are functionally illiterate.
i think jenkem did an article about Temple having the most pros per capita though, so i’m a proud alumnus.
I got my Masters there.
what’s up my fellow owl. shout out fran dunphy
RIP John Cheney
Ha, was literally gonna post this when I saw the Temple love.
What y’all know about big Dick Englert
dudes a total disgrace to his very fun name. fucked up the job and the neighborhood to the point you couldn’t even have fun with his name.
remember when john chaney put the bounty on dante christmas?
Diontae Christmas played for Temple. Are you thinking of Delonte West?
i was thinking of John Bryant. sixteen years made some rosters blend together whoops
Pepe Sanchez/Mark Karcher was the best one from the last 20 years.
i’m from bucks county so i always what-if dalton pepper
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Part of why Barbarian Days is so good is the era of surfing in which most of it takes place. I can’t see that era of pre-discovery translating to skate literature, especially with so many spots being ephemeral.
Also, and it pains me to say this: reading about skateboarding is just generally uninteresting.
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I bought "Barbarian Days", a book I hadn't heard of, specifically because of this thread.
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Cocaine and Surfing is another good one. I should crack open my copy of Barbarian Days soon.
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(https://i.imgur.com/xpNJSI7.jpg)
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AO got unscooled. he went the extra mile to go back. no other pro can say that
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AO got unscooled. he went the extra mile to go back. no other pro can say that
lol came here to post the same diss
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Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
Have you read "the answer is never" by Jocko Weyland? It's been a while, but I remember it as standing out amongst skate lit.
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Andrew Cannon, Secondary Education, English -- Arizona State University
Dan Murphy, Psychology -- NC State
The Butcher , Chemistry -- Universidad de Palermo
Nick Jensen, Art (Masters) -- Chelsea School of Art
Danny Montoya, Liberal Studies -- Community College
John Rattray, Physics -- University of Glasgow
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Brian Chung is a doctor.
https://blacklabelskates.com/black-history-month-brian-chung-rips/
No shit. So that's why he knew they were plantar warts.
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Andrew Cannon, Secondary Education, English -- Arizona State University
Dan Murphy, Psychology -- NC State
The Butcher , Chemistry -- Universidad de Palermo
Nick Jensen, Art (Masters) -- Chelsea School of Art
Danny Montoya, Liberal Studies -- Community College
John Rattray, Physics -- University of Glasgow
LOL at liberal studies from a community college
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Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
Have you read "the answer is never" by Jocko Weyland? It's been a while, but I remember it as standing out amongst skate lit.
Hadn’t heard of it, but I’m now starting a list. Thanks everyone for dropping recommendations, I’m really glad to know that there are some exciting skate books out there beyond what I was aware of previously.
The others, from upthread, in case anyone else is following along:
HEAVEN OR LAS VEGAS - by ANTHONY G. PAPPALARDO
NO BEER ON A DEAD PLANET - by JONO COOTE
TOP OF MASON - by WALKER RYAN
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Andrew Cannon, Secondary Education, English -- Arizona State University
This explains so much. Dude is extremely well-spoken/articulate.
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Sligh diversion from the main topic here, but I’ve been thinking a lot about skate literature lately, and how it mostly sucks/barely exists.
I’m reading “Barbarian Days” right now, which is a surf memoir by a New Yorker columnist who won a Pulitzer. It’s great but it just makes me want to read a similarly well-done skate book.
I’ve read Rodney Mullen’s autobiography which seems very ghost-written and targeted at kids; I’ve read the Roctacon short stories which are basically indulgent soft porn, and I guess there’s a Walker Ryan skate novel in the world? Unless I hallucinated that one?
Anyway I just want to see our sport properly represented in literature. If anyone knows a good skate book please shout it out!
Have you read "the answer is never" by Jocko Weyland? It's been a while, but I remember it as standing out amongst skate lit.
Hadn’t heard of it, but I’m now starting a list. Thanks everyone for dropping recommendations, I’m really glad to know that there are some exciting skate books out there beyond what I was aware of previously.
The others, from upthread, in case anyone else is following along:
HEAVEN OR LAS VEGAS - by ANTHONY G. PAPPALARDO
NO BEER ON A DEAD PLANET - by JONO COOTE
TOP OF MASON - by WALKER RYAN
"The Slide" by Kyle Beachy is a solid novel. Not much to do with skateboarding, but as a disillusioned white male college sophomore I enjoyed it a lot (especially knowing the author was a skater).
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Can never forget Blondey went to this school as he still wears the uniform https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_School#Customs
I wonder if he ever fought for the horsehair pancake and won the gold sovereign... old English traditions are oh so strange haha
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Suciu but god he really seems insufferable when he tries to act all academic
Suciu has a BA in literature from Temple but gives interviews like he’s Professor Emeritus at Harvard.
I'm sure he feels that way in the van with the Thunder team, but yeah, to the average reader he seems like the most insanely pretentious bore.
I heard he brings books out to the bars, but I’m not sure if he ever cracks them open. Also this is not a joke.
Maybe they're for the bus/train ride, or if the people he's meeting show up late? Or is he really that pretentious
I once saw a dude at a cocktail bar in brooklyn at like 11:00 at night reading a NYT alone in the corner, surrounded by 24 year olds trying to get laid. That was the most epic level of pretentiousness I've ever seen.
Saw something similar once at a tiki bar in Hollywood. One dude solo with a book sitting at the bar while it was shoulder to shoulder for everyone trying to grab a drink. Friday night, music was blaring, and it was dark as shit. No one talked to him
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good/lucky enough to make skating a lucrative career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
however, the social aspect of school is nice since it teaches you how to interact with people you might disagree with tactfully. also the fact that people are quick to put you in check for being a dumbass is good.
being educated about personal health, basic science should be mandatory for everyone tho.
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Andrew Cannon, Secondary Education, English -- Arizona State University
Dan Murphy, Psychology -- NC State
The Butcher , Chemistry -- Universidad de Palermo
Nick Jensen, Art (Masters) -- Chelsea School of Art
Danny Montoya, Liberal Studies -- Community College
John Rattray, Physics -- University of Glasgow
LOL at liberal studies from a community college
Why would you ever knock someone, especially nollie god Montoya, for pursuing higher education?
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Not a pro, but Ray Simmonds has a Ph.D. in physics from Berkeley. I always disliked how the industry (including himself) hyped up Mullen's intellect/education. His major seemed to change in every interview and he didn't even finish.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28 (10 years). Maybe a 2-year associate's is worth it since it's short. But not skating as much for 4/10 years for a BA/BSc during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career either. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways, that comes down to picking an employable major and other factors.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
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Not a pro, but Ray Simmonds has a Ph.D. in physics from Berkeley. I always disliked how the industry (including himself) hyped up Mullen's intellect/education. His major seemed to change in every interview and he didn't even finish.
Mullen's TED talk was terrible. Better than professor bongo drums, but still bad and pseudo-science to the max.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28. Not skating as much for four years during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
well you just used yourself as an example of when colleges are pointless. they're only pointless if you're pursuing some niche degree/don't have any plans afterwards or if you just straight up don't know what to study. it's insane the amount of people i know with random ass degrees that they aren't using.
me: "what's your major?"
them: "gender studies in northen alaska"
me: "oh cool....what job do you want to get with that?"
them: "idk lol"
college is great if you want to pursue something that is impossible without a degree (science, teaching, healthcare, etc)
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28. Not skating as much for four years during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
well you just used yourself as an example of when colleges are pointless. they're only pointless if you're pursuing some niche degree/don't have any plans afterwards or if you just straight up don't know what to study. it's insane the amount of people i know with random ass degrees that they aren't using.
me: "what's your major?"
them: "gender studies in northen alaska"
me: "oh cool....what job do you want to get with that?"
them: "idk lol"
college is great if you want to pursue something that is impossible without a degree (science, teaching, healthcare, etc)
whatever. if you're a pro and you go and get a business/teaching/healthcare degree it's fucking stupid since you're unemployable since you need to go on trips and go get footage. not to mention if you get broken off you'll probably get the boot. my point still stands. imagine telling mason silva he needs to go to college and do hw. education can take a fucking back seat if you're getting coverage, sponsors, and a paycheck.
suciu got an english degree and he's still out here skating anyways post-grad. that shit could've waited.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28. Not skating as much for four years during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
well you just used yourself as an example of when colleges are pointless. they're only pointless if you're pursuing some niche degree/don't have any plans afterwards or if you just straight up don't know what to study. it's insane the amount of people i know with random ass degrees that they aren't using.
me: "what's your major?"
them: "gender studies in northen alaska"
me: "oh cool....what job do you want to get with that?"
them: "idk lol"
college is great if you want to pursue something that is impossible without a degree (science, teaching, healthcare, etc)
whatever. if you're a pro and you go and get a business/teaching/healthcare degree it's fucking stupid since you're unemployable since you need to go on trips and go get footage. not to mention if you get broken off you'll probably get the boot. my point still stands. imagine telling mason silva he needs to go to college and do hw. education can take a fucking back seat if you're getting coverage, sponsors, and a paycheck.
lmao dude that's a super closed-minded way of looking at it. i fully respect people who are just riding out their skating careers and just having fun. however, i also admire the ones who think a little bit about life after skating and prepare for it. mason silva isn't a good example as he's one of the 1% who will likely be chilling for life off of skating. most other pros make like maybe 30 a year. so once you're in your mid 30's and your skate career is done...i'm sure that's stressful. "pro skater" isn't something you can put on a normal resume. also, getting that degree doesn't mean they have to use it right then and there. they can sit on it until it becomes applicable to them
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28. Not skating as much for four years during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
well you just used yourself as an example of when colleges are pointless. they're only pointless if you're pursuing some niche degree/don't have any plans afterwards or if you just straight up don't know what to study. it's insane the amount of people i know with random ass degrees that they aren't using.
me: "what's your major?"
them: "gender studies in northen alaska"
me: "oh cool....what job do you want to get with that?"
them: "idk lol"
college is great if you want to pursue something that is impossible without a degree (science, teaching, healthcare, etc)
whatever. if you're a pro and you go and get a business/teaching/healthcare degree it's fucking stupid since you're unemployable since you need to go on trips and go get footage. not to mention if you get broken off you'll probably get the boot. my point still stands. imagine telling mason silva he needs to go to college and do hw. education can take a fucking back seat if you're getting coverage, sponsors, and a paycheck.
lmao dude that's a super closed-minded way of looking at it. i fully respect people who are just riding out their skating careers and just having fun. however, i also admire the ones who think a little bit about life after skating and prepare for it. mason silva isn't a good example as he's one of the 1% who will likely be chilling for life off of skating. most other pros make like maybe 30 a year. so once you're in your mid 30's and your skate career is done...i'm sure that's stressful. "pro skater" isn't something you can put on a normal resume. also, getting that degree doesn't mean they have to use it right then and there. they can sit on it until it becomes applicable to them
sure i agree. i'd rather fuck around and get like a quick CS/EE degree or learn a trade (!= "educated") and stop school right after over being paid 30k. Doesn't make sense to get it and sit on it though since you forget shit. If my coverage and shit is like going downhill, I'd gladly bow out the lime light and do that shit after.
there's probably hella older pro's who did that but no one talks about em since they knew when the ticket was up and bowed out gracefully.
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I think nik stain has a math degree
yes, from temple university
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I think Chris Pfanner has a BSc in something, can't recall what though.
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Can never forget Blondey went to this school as he still wears the uniform https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_School#Customs
I wonder if he ever fought for the horsehair pancake and won the gold sovereign... old English traditions are oh so strange haha
No kidding, so what's what those Thames boards saying Wren's etc mean? They're essentially like Gryffindor and Slytherin merch? I figured they were spots.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28. Not skating as much for four years during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
well you just used yourself as an example of when colleges are pointless. they're only pointless if you're pursuing some niche degree/don't have any plans afterwards or if you just straight up don't know what to study. it's insane the amount of people i know with random ass degrees that they aren't using.
me: "what's your major?"
them: "gender studies in northen alaska"
me: "oh cool....what job do you want to get with that?"
them: "idk lol"
college is great if you want to pursue something that is impossible without a degree (science, teaching, healthcare, etc)
whatever. if you're a pro and you go and get a business/teaching/healthcare degree it's fucking stupid since you're unemployable since you need to go on trips and go get footage. not to mention if you get broken off you'll probably get the boot. my point still stands. imagine telling mason silva he needs to go to college and do hw. education can take a fucking back seat if you're getting coverage, sponsors, and a paycheck.
lmao dude that's a super closed-minded way of looking at it. i fully respect people who are just riding out their skating careers and just having fun. however, i also admire the ones who think a little bit about life after skating and prepare for it. mason silva isn't a good example as he's one of the 1% who will likely be chilling for life off of skating. most other pros make like maybe 30 a year. so once you're in your mid 30's and your skate career is done...i'm sure that's stressful. "pro skater" isn't something you can put on a normal resume. also, getting that degree doesn't mean they have to use it right then and there. they can sit on it until it becomes applicable to them
sure i agree. i'd rather fuck around and get like a quick CS/EE degree or learn a trade (!= "educated") and stop school right after over being paid 30k. Doesn't make sense to get it and sit on it though since you forget shit. If my coverage and shit is like going downhill, I'd gladly bow out the lime light and do that shit after.
there's probably hella older pro's who did that but no one talks about em since they knew when the ticket was up and bowed out gracefully.
Continue to post right through it. By all means.
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Can never forget Blondey went to this school as he still wears the uniform https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_School#Customs
I wonder if he ever fought for the horsehair pancake and won the gold sovereign... old English traditions are oh so strange haha
No kidding, so what's what those Thames boards saying Wren's etc mean? They're essentially like Gryffindor and Slytherin merch? I figured they were spots.
blundey on (weird) acid trips, confirmed
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Can never forget Blondey went to this school as he still wears the uniform https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_School#Customs
I wonder if he ever fought for the horsehair pancake and won the gold sovereign... old English traditions are oh so strange haha
No kidding, so what's what those Thames boards saying Wren's etc mean? They're essentially like Gryffindor and Slytherin merch? I figured they were spots.
My Olde English tradition was sitting on a park bench at dusk.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28 (10 years). Maybe a 2-year associate's is worth it since it's short. But not skating as much for 4/10 years for a BA/BSc during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career either. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways, that comes down to picking an employable major and other factors.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
trying to go PRO skateboarding is a HUGE risk. so easy to get hurt. a lot of being sucessful is about networking imo - its ultimately about your ability to sell clothes. that is how you can earn a good living. being able to sell boards is really not worth too mcuh money. being the best skater in the world doesnt mean you will get paid the omst. just being able to skate 40 hrs a week with no real offseason is very hard on your body. a lot of people go out too hard and then are not able to maintain income stream + then left with no transferrable skills.
I think you have some value in your point though. a lot of people rush to go to school for something they dont even really want to do and then skateboarding becomes less important. I think you should prioritize what is important to you early on. there is nothing wrong with going to school when you are 30 (40 might be too old tho idk)... its a long life ahead. i did not really know what it was i wanted to do til i was about 25. theres just so many poeple shoving stuff down your thraot at every step of the way , its hard to really know what it is you want to do until you have put some actual time into it yourself.
i dont think going PRO should be the end goal of so many peoples skating it should really be lets elevate the skill as mcuh as possible on a personal level - that side of it should always be motivated internally. other people pushing you to do stuff you dont want to do is not good, but it is ok to get encouragement of course for things that are difficult that you WANT to do. when you have this mindset you attract other people of that mentality and i think that is the natural path of networking. try to meet everyone and see whats going on in the wider world of it. touch as many peoples lives as possible and integrate yourself into it. there is a lot more to skateboarding than being a pro. its a big industry with lot of room to grow and it wont run itself. you can make a great career surrounded with poeple you like to be around while still being close to skateboarding and less personal risk involved. maybe you dont even end up working in skateboarding but it led you to work with BIKES or VIDEO GAMES or editing or something else you are interetsed in.
having a positive attitude really goes a long way, the more people you can help boost up along your journey believe me those people often pop back up down the road and give that energy back to you when you need it. also on the flip side, having a shit attitude can burn a lot of bridges and fuck you over down the road. SLAP has actaully taught me a lot about how to conduct myself as a human being and empathsizing towards others ,not being so self-centred. i wish i would have taken more time to film other people or even just travel more in my own province to try and just meet more people but i was very narrow minded and just kept skating with the same people all the time.
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honestly, its not really worth going to college if you're good enough to make skating a career. as they say, skills pay the bills.
This is a fine example of detachment from reality.
A lot of people skate at their peak or improve drastically from the ages of 18-28 (10 years). Maybe a 2-year associate's is worth it since it's short. But not skating as much for 4/10 years for a BA/BSc during that time if you enjoy it/could potentially go pro IS stupid. Doing homework or college shit does not correlate to a successful career either. Colleges are hella full with confused ass kids who don't know wtf they're doing there and they just graduate and end up unemployed. If you can skate and forsure make a living off it, do it. There's no gaurantee you'll make a living with a college degree anyways, that comes down to picking an employable major and other factors.
I went and studied some niche ass shit and I still can't get my dream career going. If I could go back, I'd hold off on it until I'm 20 just to vibe for a bit. The current education system is stupid and so is pushing all 18 year olds to go to college immediately after high school.
It would be nice if pro's could at least take some classes tho so they aren't looking like morons on IG posting ignorant ass shit or conspiracies.
trying to go PRO skateboarding is a HUGE risk. so easy to get hurt. a lot of being sucessful is about networking imo - its ultimately about your ability to sell clothes. that is how you can earn a good living. being able to sell boards is really not worth too mcuh money. being the best skater in the world doesnt mean you will get paid the omst. just being able to skate 40 hrs a week with no real offseason is very hard on your body. a lot of people go out too hard and then are not able to maintain income stream + then left with no transferrable skills.
I think you have some value in your point though. a lot of people rush to go to school for something they dont even really want to do and then skateboarding becomes less important. I think you should prioritize what is important to you early on. there is nothing wrong with going to school when you are 30 (40 might be too old tho idk)... its a long life ahead. i did not really know what it was i wanted to do til i was about 25. theres just so many poeple shoving stuff down your thraot at every step of the way , its hard to really know what it is you want to do until you have put some actual time into it yourself.
i dont think going PRO should be the end goal of so many peoples skating it should really be lets elevate the skill as mcuh as possible on a personal level - that side of it should always be motivated internally. other people pushing you to do stuff you dont want to do is not good, but it is ok to get encouragement of course for things that are difficult that you WANT to do. when you have this mindset you attract other people of that mentality and i think that is the natural path of networking. try to meet everyone and see whats going on in the wider world of it. touch as many peoples lives as possible and integrate yourself into it. there is a lot more to skateboarding than being a pro. its a big industry with lot of room to grow and it wont run itself. you can make a great career surrounded with poeple you like to be around while still being close to skateboarding and less personal risk involved. maybe you dont even end up working in skateboarding but it led you to work with BIKES or VIDEO GAMES or editing or something else you are interetsed in.
having a positive attitude really goes a long way, the more people you can help boost up along your journey believe me those people often pop back up down the road and give that energy back to you when you need it. also on the flip side, having a shit attitude can burn a lot of bridges and fuck you over down the road. SLAP has actaully taught me a lot about how to conduct myself as a human being and empathsizing towards others ,not being so self-centred. i wish i would have taken more time to film other people or even just travel more in my own province to try and just meet more people but i was very narrow minded and just kept skating with the same people all the time.
yes this is true, some people get broken off. not saying skating at the pro level is like a one and done thing. like i said, there's probably pro's not mentioned in the thread who hung up the towel and stepped out of the limelight to pursue other things including an education. that one josiah dude on zero comes to mind.
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As someone who’s been teaching college classes for almost a decade I can say that a decent chunk of our students really don’t need to be there. If you’re unsure what you want to do at age 18, by all means take some time to think about it before you take on tens of thousands in student debt.
However: It could still be smart to chip away at a few odd community or state college classes. Even if you have a chance to “make it” in skating you could probably benefit a lot from some courses in finance, exercise science, nutrition, marketing, kinesiology/physiology, or even graphic design. IE stuff that an athlete or someone working in the industry might want to know. No need to pay 100k for a useless 4 year degree... but always smart to try and gain an edge.
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As someone who’s been teaching college classes for almost a decade I can say that a decent chunk of our students really don’t need to be there. If you’re unsure what you want to do at age 18, by all means take some time to think about it before you take on tens of thousands in student debt.
However: It could still be smart to chip away at a few odd community or state college classes. Even if you have a chance to “make it” in skating you could probably benefit a lot from some courses in finance, exercise science, nutrition, marketing, kinesiology/physiology, or even graphic design. IE stuff that an athlete or someone working in the industry might want to know. No need to pay 100k for a useless 4 year degree... but always smart to try and gain an edge.
I am also a college professor and I 100% agree with this. There is a lot of value in having a couple of years of community college under your belt and your basic classes you'll need to transfer to university while you're living off of scraps as a pro skater in 2021 before you have to make the jump back into the real world.
If it were 2001 and Kerry Getz was pondering whether or not to go to college and eschew making 250K a year for skateboarding, this would be a different conversation.
It's 2021 and your favorite skater with his name on a board drives for Uber/Doordash or is a Budtender to pay the bills.
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Although he’s not a pro, I remember reading Charlie Birch studies finance at the University of Westminster in London.... quite intense for a member of the PWBC