Yo Fongstarr,
I’m digging those Chico shots, and the long lens shots from the Pier.
I’d love to know if your blurryness on the wall ride shots were motion blur, or focus trouble.
What camera did you shoot those with?
My initial thought is that most SLRs flash synch at 1/250. So flash combined with 1/2000 might be the trouble. Although someone pointed out that 1/2000 should freeze most action, especially a wallride.
Also to consider is flash duration. I’m not familiar with that Godox. If your shutter is faster than the flash duration, you are missing out on the light from your flash.
As for flash position, the tried and true is to make a triangle with your lights and subject. With one light being lower in power. With a single flash you can count the sun as one of your lights and flash as the other. I like your idea to highlight a skater’s face. You could also use your one flash to fill in pesky shadows.
Have you ever checked the strobist? Good lighting advice over there.
https://strobist.blogspot.com/?m=1