The Crime of Skating

For as long as I can remember the common perception of skateboarders has been that they are a bunch of hoodie wearing, pot smoking vandals, hell bent on the destruction of all road infrastructure. It seems (especially in traffic cop circles) that this belief reigns unchallenged. But as the skating scene continues to grow, and who in Stellenbosch can refute that it is growing, now is surely the time to start changing perceptions.

Fear and Loathing in the Suburbs: The Skaters are at the Gates

Few activities still insight such radical reactions in some polite, middle class, suburban folk as a hooligan on a piece of maple – with four urethane wheels attached to it – racing down a hill. They look upon these youths with expressions of similar disdain, as they roll past, as one might look upon a junkie shooting up H on a quiet neighbourhood street corner. The bizarre animosity is palpable. No amount of smiling, or courteous greeting can change the views of some. Skaters are scum. And it serves them right when they come-a-crop, skidding across the asphalt, grating away layers of skin and flesh.