skate journal: escaping the wind without much drive (jan 10, 2016 day 5)
On a very windy night I decided a setup change was in order. I’ve been having a rough go with skateboarding lately and realized it all started around the time I changed to a big setup. I had read through several of my ‘favorite’ journal entries to try and come up with my favorite size. There were almost no entries for big boards (>8.25). The truck size didn’t seem to matter so much, but I definitely seemed happier with smaller wheels (<51mm). I wanted a Reynolds part and decided to go with high trucks at least. 8.25 board, 8" high trucks and the same wheels I had. I went to the Valmont garage. My board felt high off the ground on my first few pushes which doesn't make much sense considering I've been on high trucks. I forgot how much I dislike the low hanging sprinkler pipes, but I started trying tricks. Kickflips felt easier. I still felt out of it and not very motivated. I almost left. But ended up just dorking which is all I seem to do these days. I got into a few switch front crooks on the tiny curb that doesn't grind. Also some back 50s that reminded me how much I like how sharp 8" trucks turn compared to 8.5". If I rode parallel to the ledge it wouldn't be an issue, but I take a pretty weird sharp curve right before back 50s. I was hucking flip tricks without much intention of landing them. But it did feel good to huck them as I have been totally slacking on flatground lately. Switch crook took awhile. All in all, it was mostly another dreary day of skating. I felt a little better that I actually tried some flip tricks at least. I would not be surprised if I switch to low trucks and I think I really like the feeling of how close they are to the ground. They really do help with board feel. The major con is lots of wheelbite. So for now, I will try to stick with the 8" highs and see how long that lasts. (setup 8.25 null logo deck, venture v-hollow 5.2 high, 3 washers inside each axle, pink/purple spitfire 52mm 99a F4 conical wheels, venom 88a bushings no bottom washer, new balance numeric 598 black/white shoes)