“Coastal Native”

Lately I am finding it difficult to define certain kinds of skateboarding.  There are styles and tricks out there that defy the labels of “tech/gnar” or “street/vert”.  It is getting down to the point of questioning what I consider a “trick”.  When I started skating it was all about how hard you could juggle your board or risk your balls, but now I often see the spots themselves as the greater trick compared to the body and board maneuver.   And then it goes beyond that; angle, lighting, weather, mood, music, attitude, and all of the indescribable visions.

Clay Shank has visions, and thankfully he is sharing them with us.  His videos use the skateboard as an artistic tool in a different way than many may be used to.  There is an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in NYC that reads “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”  I feel like that sums up this wonderful video.  Enjoy!

For more, check out clayshank.com.

 

WARNING:

This video showcases many illegal activities. Since making it public, law enforcement officers have tracked me down and confirmed that I broke many laws during its creation, including the use of an off-road vehicle on protected lands. Skateboarding is illegal on the rocks shown in this film and punishable with severe fines. Some of these locations are sacred historic sites, and all are pristine locations of otherworldly beauty. Skateboarding can be damaging to these areas and offensive to both lovers of wilderness and certain religious groups. When considering skateboarding off-road please take the time to consider the laws of the area, the sentimental value of the location, and the damage you may be doing. As always, when traveling in wilderness areas, please practice Leave No Trace principles and remember to respect both those who came before you and those who will come after. -Clay Shank

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