Skating in Venice

July 13, 2007
So after my most recent fall while skateboarding, Bill suggested I try skating at Venice Boardwalk. Which I frankly thought was quite crazy. I like the Boardwalk, but part of what I like about it is the fun shops and crazy people and going to watch the crazy people doing whatever they are doing. And since I've been avoiding skating in front of people, I had to think that going to the boardwalk might not be the best move. But, since Bill tends to be right a lot, or at least is able to convince me that he is, I decided I'd give it a try.

So I got up very early this morning, hoping to avoid both traffic on the freeway and people on the boardwalk. First thoughts- the sidewalk near Washington was rough. Call me timid, but I wasn't about to put my skateboard down on that. I was pretty nervous to skate in front of so many people, because I think frankly some of the people sleep on the beach and therefore never really go away. Once I actually put the board down, I was able to concentrate a lot more on skating and less on the people, except for the ones who insisted on stepping out in front of me. I nearly ran right into a lady with a poodle who decided to step in front of me. I understand pedestrians think they always have the right away. But I'm on something with wheels and I'm *clearly* not an expert yet. I managed to swerve and hop off the board to avoid her. I also had some fun when a group of twenty something guys decided to cheer me on while I was skating. The first time I wound up stopping right in front of them. Their response was to tell me I had to get back on. Then every time I stepped off after that, they would boo and tell me to get back on. Good that I've decided to ignore those around me...

The main thing I learned today while skating is that I have to get better at kicking. I'm having to do it a lot, and I'm sure a lot more than I should. Since I've started skating, I watch every skater I see, look at how they stand, how they push, how they turn. I saw quite a few skaters come by me today traveling pretty far on what looks like a pretty slight push.

The other thing I noticed, and something that I think I'm going to feel compelled to get involved in is the fact that I have been watching for a couple of weeks and in that time I have seen one female on a skateboard (aside from me.) This is something I'm going to explore as I skate more, and hopefully meet and talk to more skaters.