Currently on the flight home to LA from Portland, I’m grateful for experiences had and moments shared, yet focused on the near future to keep it all going. This weekend, I’ll be in SF and the East Bay, the next weekend in San Diego, and the weekend after that at a conference in Orange County. Then it’s back to Oregon for a Collegiate Skate Tour contest and Vegas the following weekend for a collaborative event. I’m already looking forward to the first weekend of June, when I’ll be home with my thoughts and my coffee in my own living room.

Historically, I’d been concerned with the inevitable burnout of this incessant hustle. But right here and now, in this moment, I have too much to be grateful for. I write this (April 27th) after waking up on farmland at an organic vineyard outside of Hood River, OR. The experience was so calming and fulfilling, even beyond the obvious peacefulness and simple days that are the norm there. My dear friend and I decided to "make it official” and start dating. Chloe works on the farm there, feeding goats and pigs, irrigating gardens, building farming systems, and various other tasks. She enjoys a very different day-to-day than I do, if you can even pin anything down as a regular day for me. And all of it reminded me of how simple life really is (or can be). It’s a beautiful life that I truly envy and admire. Someone that I love lives that life, and that’s a wonderful refresher for me to stay aware of gratitude along the journey.

Travel, for me, started as something that I wanted to chase for myself. Something I wanted to pursue to prove to myself that I could do it. Now that it’s lost its inherent mystery, I travel as an objective. Going to Vegas, Oregon, San Diego, and San Francisco all have business objectives sewn into them, yet they are great places to visit. Now, the focus is not to chase the travel itself, but to cut to the chase and pursue meaningful missions and adventures. My girlfriend, living in Hood River, is one of those meaningful reasons for travel moving forward. Work (the start-up) will remain a priority, and family always has been.

Going through a period of recalibration and clarity is exciting and grounding all at once. Reconnecting with the personal center and bringing proactive thought back to the right places has become easier and easier since moving west, and the epic remains unwritten entirely.

Looking forward to a full night’s sleep, full day’s work, and then a long weekend. A weekend of meetings, greetings, skating, and drinks with the friends around the San Francisco bay is worth it, so the hype remains.

“Somewhere between ‘I want it’ and I got it’” - Drake

Ambition is a great accelerator but a horrible master. Trying to stay fed yet remain hungry.

 - 7Ply Epic

My plan today was to write a blog post about the conundrum between travel for the sake of travel and travel for the sake of skateboarding, and all of its little intricacies that I tend to dwell on as an obsessed skateboarding dweeb. I actually had a rough outline and tone of voice planned ahead of time. But then, while scrolling though the doldrums of Instagram (more skateboarding), I received the news that Prince died. How could he have passed away? After some research, I discovered that he was the same age as my parents, but I assumed he was in his forties and therefore, somehow, invincible. I’d not given him much thought in a few weeks, which I’m sure was when I watched a skate video part set to one of his tracks. But obviously, I could not post a normal entry to the blog anymore. This is now about Prince. If you don’t like it, I really don’t care. Push Play:

There are so few artists, or people for that matter, that have successfully conveyed an image of feminism, dominance, sovereignty, and grace simultaneously. Prince done did it. Over the course of many decades, Prince remained a staple in music culture and society, worldwide. From his top-selling hit singles and albums to his memorable collaborations with other music icons, he was a one-of-a-kind act. From his unforgettable Larry King interview to his Super Bowl performance only 9 years ago, it seems like he’s done it all, yet no one saw him as fading away. From his hometown in Minnesota to his home in Los Angeles and everywhere around the world he has toured and lived his life, the man made an unmistakable impact on masses of people and (whether you’re a fan or not) the resultant culture that those people experienced. I only have the experience of an American citizen, so I’ll just say: If you’re an American and haven’t danced to one of Prince’s songs, you’re a liar. You have danced to Prince. And you liked it.

Today, more appropriately than ever, is the day to blast that Prince. Dance to it. Sing to it.

R.I.P. Prince Rogers Nelson

 - 7Ply Epic

When was the last time you gave to someone? Chances are, you knew them. Chances are, you trusted them.

As Collegiate Skate Tour, my big baby, transitions to nonprofit status, I’m learning more and more about giving: what people give, to whom, and why. It’s a fascinating behavior to observe, all moral opinions and assumptions aside. In a perfect world (according to me), we all would share most things so that everyone is happy together. But as of right now, I know that we’re far from that as a reality. So, the psychology of giving remains to be complex and intriguing.

Is giving about a sense of goodwill? Is it about achieving recognition? Is it about impact? I’m convinced it involves all of the above, and then some. And everyone’s different. That’s why asking for things is hard. As a nonprofit aimed to make more good happen, its ask has to be crafted uniquely to a specific person or organization, and his/her/their interests.

Most people just want to support things they believe in. But it’s not that simple. By supporting something they believe in, they’re extending the influence of a message they support. They just get to do it by supporting something that’s already doing it. The name of the game is increasing the reach of your opinion(s); receiving the opportunity to expand an agenda. So some people might be content with having a logo broadcasted through new media channels in exchange for a sum of money. Others may want to have a more exact mission enacted on their behalf.

Every involved party will have their own unique preferences on how to transmit their mission. But it ultimately comes down to trust. All of the rest of it is meaningless without trust and reputation. They give to those that they trust, as a general rule of thumb. And no one receives without giving first: whether that be time, service, advice, counsel, etc.

Is it selfish to give and expect something in return? That is pure opinion. People can perceive that however they wish, but subconscious psychology usually causes each of us to rationalize a loss with an equal or larger gain. Just remember next time you ask for something, there must be a value exchange:

What’s in it for the other party? What’s making them feel good about it? How is it justified?

Always remember that every giving tree has a limited amount of fruit.

 - 7Ply Epic

This last weekend, I did something new. I was actually "home,” in LA, and I had the opportunity to go to the Brewery Artwalk. Although that sounds like a contemporary art show being held at a brewery in Los Angeles, it’s actually so much more. Brewery is a property and series of buildings containing artist lofts. Interestingly, the lofts are in the buildings that once made up the Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery in LA. But most importantly, Brewery is a vibrant community of artists of all types.

Brewery Artist Lofts is home to people of all artistic concentrations, heritages, personalities, and passions. The area, surveyed from the outside, may seem to be a site for a mental hospital or manufacturing plant. Yet it’s actually home to some of the most unique and creative (and lucky) artists in Los Angeles, CA. Twice per year, the majority of residents open their doors to the public to share that community with interested locals, as well as their personal work and living spaces.

The exploration amongst and between extremes of housing within just one specific community gave me an idea about what housing really means. Many artists at Brewery were living and working in beautiful studios with tall ceilings, massive open spaces, and beautiful views of Downtown LA. Some lofts were just as impressive as the (very impressive) artwork living inside. Within a hundred yards of some of these examples were people sleeping in tents next to shipping containers being stored on the property. Many artists of the same caliber to those living in the swanky lofts were crashing in hammocks over 100% recycled wood decks and organic herb gardens. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Granted, we’re talking about LA where raindrops on your head are not a factor (we get smog instead). But people live where they live, and it’s up to the people to love where they live.

Think for a second: when you are your happiest? Is it just after conquering a challenge you’ve been approaching for months? Is it the space of complete calm during complete focus? Is it a feeling, or it is a place? Is it both?

Is your happy place your bed? Many people would say yes to this. It’s nice to snuggle into the comforter and leave behind all struggles of the everyday. But can that not be recreated? Can you not sleep in the same bed under the stars and feel even more calm than when in the air-conditioned household?

The concept of “home” can be interpreted in so many ways and is only defined by one person. Your own. Your own person. You. I’m not talking about something you pay a mortgage on. Obviously, there are definitions, stipulations, and requirements galore surrounding properties within established countries. But here, we’re talking about “home.” One’s home is where they feel safe, where they feel grounded, where they feel most comfortable to sharpen the proverbial ax to chop wood the next day. Many call the beach their home. Many have their home in the desert. And some claim their home in the rainforest. Each person is different, and I won’t get to “hippy” on you, but one’s home can be whatever they decide.

With all this being said, not everyone has the privilege of getting up and going wherever they please. Not all people can depart for a more interesting “home” each day or even "some day." But it is something worth exploring, either internally or in action.

My home is in my car. If I’m sleeping at my house where I pay rent, it’s parked just outside. But if I’m anywhere else, I have my tent and bedding to comfortably set up “home” wherever feels right. Fallbrook, CA? Bend, OR? Biloxi, MS? Tijuana?? Okay, we’re there.

After a while, we all want those familiar sheets. But your real home, your body, is where you are and where you live at all times. They say to “be comfortable in your own skin.” My advice is to not only be comfortable in it but to love it. And love your environment. Make yourself at home. Take your shoes off if you like. We’re all here.

Welcome home.

 - 7Ply Epic

Geoff and I decided to hit the highway southward after some great seafood to an even better sunset. He took me to a local spot within walking distance of the Insta Ramp HQ, and we had a perfect spot on the porch bordering the intracoastal waterway. Geoff actually came with George to set up the Insta Ramp (Google it) for Collegiate Skate Tour’s first contest in Cocoa Beach (circa spring 2014), so it was rad to link up with him again and hit up a little road trip. What a beautiful way to round out a great visit to JAX! Anyway, we get going with ample time to pick up my buddy Matt (Brokaw, who some of you may know) at the Tampa International Airport.

Lots of country music and trap hip hop music later, we arrive in Tampa and go straight to The Bricks in Ybor City. The idea is to do what everyone in Tampa seems to do, have a good time! So we get a shot and a beer, go outside for a cigarette, chill for a bit and enjoy time off the road. Not too long afterward, I gotta get my ass to the airport! So I get in the car, drop Geoff off at his hotel, pick up Brokaw from TPA, and get going further south to meet up with our other NC homie, Binkley. His parents have retired in Parrish, FL, which is about 30 minutes south of Tampa, past the bay. And we were staying with them for the weekend. Thanks Binkley’s family!!

We wake up in the morning ready to shred, and I convince everyone that we have to make the drive to Lakeland, where there’s not much except one of the best public skateparks in existence! I’d been a handful of times before, but Matt had never been, and Binkley’s brother-in-law had never been either. The four of us head up there after some coffee and really nice breakfast from Binkley’s mom. Thanks again! The drive there is nice. About an hour’s drive through grassy green fields and sunny blue skies lead us to the Lakeland Skatepark. The ultimate playground for adults who still ride skateboards (and for those unfortunate children who’s parents let them pursue scootering). 

That park has almost anything you could think of that you’d want to skate, in one form or another. So it’s a perfect option for any group of skaters, granted you’re willing to make the drive. A long day in Lakeland made for some pretty epic farmer’s tans, and the long drive back called for some road beers and coffees. We get back to shower and drink a couple before driving north to Ybor City for a night of (*responsible*) debauchery. We get pushed back on time, but it doesn’t matter. We’re basically all on vacation. Binkley’s sister lives nearby the ‘rents in Parrish, so we go check out her place and chill for another little while before heading to Ybor.

We get to the Bricks and immediately “cheers” to the great weekend that had only just begun. I’ll skip each and every detail of the night of partying. Not only because I don’t remember every detail, but also because who wants to read the details? The details are dirty and cheap. Everyone knows that people let go of inhibition when drinking. What IS interesting is the atmosphere that you will find in Ybor on any night (much less a Friday on the eve of Tampa Pro Qualifiers).

That area of Tampa is a unique microcosm of strange creatures, curious visitors, and a diversity of vices impossible to count. I’ve seen things there that you could only expect to see on the most eclectic corners in Manhattan. Yet it rests in the hot gulf sound of the city of Tampa. It’s an incredibly sweaty combo of New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, crammed into about one square mile just northeast of downtown Tampa. All these glorious and questionable characteristics, coupled with its close vicinity to Skatepark of Tampa, make Ybor City the ultimate place for members of the skate industry to migrate twice per year to make its mistakes and claim its victories. Tampa Am and Tampa Pro will (hopefully) never die.

Needless to say, things got crazy in Ybor on the night of Friday, March 4th. Many things were unforgettable, and some were impossible to remember. I woke up on a hardwood floor, somewhere near Bradenton, to the smell of coffee brewing and breakfast cooking. Colin, Binkley’s brother-in-law (best dude ever), brings me a cup of coffee and asks me how I slept, with a friendly smirk on face. And in all honesty, I should have felt more hungover. Shortly afterward, Binkley, Hannah (his girlfriend), and Brokaw come over to get the day started. We’d had big plans to go to SPoT and watch the Qualifiers of Tampa Pro. We took two cars that day, so if anyone wanted to leave early we wouldn’t have to all leave at once. The day was pretty sick. Slight hungover but epic nonetheless. Watching everyone take their runs (all day long) was a bit exhausting but super fun (as a full-on skate nerd). The Independent Best Trick was crazy to watch, especially Chris Joslin’s massive backside flip. And the outdoor concrete jam (and Transworld Over the Door Best Trick) was quite LIT if I must say. I didn’t stick around for the Yelawolf show, since I’m not much of a fan, but also because Brokaw was off at the tattoo parlor and we are gonna meet up and drive back down south. Brokaw got a sick new tat on his calf: Bart Simpson emulating the album cover of Black Sabbath Volume 4, throwin’ them horns like a freshly fed demon. Rad.

That night, we got high and sessioned the Bradenton Skatepark. The park is tight, mainly because it’s lit 24 hours a day. Fun little session before bed and then a long day the next day. We woke up that Sunday on a mission to get decent seats to watch the Semifinals and Finals of Tampa Pro. After a nice breakfast at a local spot in Bradenton, we packed the bags and headed north to Tampa. Everyone else (not local) was flying out from Tampa International Airport right after the contest, so we were all outta there. I didn’t fly out of Florida until Tuesday night from Orlando.

All day was sick to watch - this time around we weren’t hungover, and everyone was ripping. It’s only possible to really experience Tampa Pro if you’re there in the building. The guys in the top 12 don’t fully represent the skaters that ripped SO hard. Maybe someone never got a run without a bail, but they absolutely killed it in their own way. Jordan Hoffart was a great example. Doing things so unique and incredible that the crowd went wild but not making the finals. That’s what makes the contest so great. Everyone has their moment. Everyone lands that one trick they’ve been working on the whole time (at the very least) that makes the crowd go bonkers. And the rumble in the stands is unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen in skateboarding. I can’t imagine how crazy Tampa Am gets, but I’ve heard stories…

Everything else about Tampa Pro has already been released in tidily packaged videos, so just do some time with the YouTube searching “Tampa Pro 2016” to see the highlights Street League wants you to see.

Oliver, who I stayed with in Orlando, was in the stands with us that day, and we went to leave SPoT and grab a drink at The Bricks, when I got a flat tire.. Ugh… So we go to the airport to exchange the rental car. I’d been texting with Brokaw to see that he caught his flight successfully. By awesome coincidence, I’m at the airport, getting a fresh rental, and he’s at the airport because his flight got canceled. He has a hotel voucher (free night’s stay in Tampa); I have the vehicle (one of them). So the three of us (Matt, Oliver, and myself) get one last night of exploration in Tampa!

We went to have a nice dinner in Ybor, where we successfully picked up the waitress’ number. (Texted jokingly, and got responses, yet nothing happened). I had a nice greek coffee, and we went to The Bricks to meet up with everyone else after-partying at Tampa Pro. It was good to see all the peoples, but we wanted a bit more adventure. We’d heard that the Bro Bowl remodel/skatepark was finished but not “open”. It was dark, and there was no fence (from what we heard), so we went on a search for this thing to skate perfect concrete with a buzz. We didn’t see it so much trespassing as we did taking our opportunity. The new park is incredible! I recommend to any skater anywhere, more specifically those living in Florida.

So after a bit more exploration, Brokaw says, "I have to wake up in 4 hours for my flight.” Ummm, so we head to the hotel and pass out. I say peace to Brokaw, because he’s waking up before we are. Oliver and I head out in the morning with our destination being Orlando. The next two days, I spend with him, skating and working in Orlando, and it’s a great time. By the end of my stay in Florida, I was SO ready to be back in LA and sleep in my own bed.

The whole trip was better than I’d hoped. The visit to Orlando, skating new skateparks and meeting friends, the long weekend and successful event in Gainesville, family time and adventure time in Jacksonville, and an incredibly exhausting yet fulfilling Tampa Pro weekend. It all culminated to what now seems like a dream.

Thanks to everyone who made it as epic as it was. Oliver & roommates, Clay, Derek, Matt (Althar), Jeremy & everyone with the Gator Skateboarding Club, George, Geoff, and everyone with the Insta Ramp crew, Donny & Element, Justin, Jared & The Boardr, Pete, Mike & The Block, Binkley & family, Brokaw, Hannah, every skater I met, especially Stephen from Wisconsin and Joe!!! Thank you all, even those I inevitably forgot.’I’m lucky to have this as an annual trip now.

Grateful. Stoked. See you next year, Tampa! Or in November...

 - 7Ply Epic