Thinking About: Skateboards

The other day, while Kris ran into Midtown to buy some G.I. Joe DVDs, Max and I sat in the car and waited. We parked on Pacific Avenue right beside the YMCA. In the 10 minutes we were parked I watched in amusement as three teenaged boys of varying sizes attempted what I can only assume were ollies on their well-used and stickered skateboards. They looked like they were having a good time and I admired their commitment to practicing this move over and over, despite being quite bad at it. Then, more teenaged boys arrived with their skateboards…and then some more. The little group grew to a whole nest of sweaty pimples in a matter of minutes. I found it fascinating to watch them roll up and down the sidewalk, cheering each other on in that blasé teenage way. I think what I liked most about their unintended show was how much exercise they seemed to be getting. I don’t know why the police and city officials give these boys such a hard time. They weren’t harassing anyone or stealing anything. They were getting some cardio. They should have been wearing helmets, but, other than that, it was a pretty inoffensive workout.