Although we're busy- as usual- goofing off, causing trouble, and having fun (which is exactly what you should be doing, too)... we wanted to say just a few words to close out 2011, and welcome in 2012.
For many of us, 2011 probably won't be seen as much of a banner year. "Bummer" might be a good word for it, though. Skateboarding, on the whole of it, seemed just a little bit stale, and flat. The industry continues to struggle with a whole host of issues... declining-to-flat sales figures only being one of the many (unless you're a longboard company... then, you're doing awesome!). "Leadership" is almost entirely nonexistent. Even in terms of the "bigger picture"... the economy still sucked. Joblessness and depression reigned. Politics stood at a stalemate, resulting in hopeless gridlock. Gas prices are pure lunacy. Global warming is rearing its ugly head again, in the form of snowless mountains and ski... no, make that "snowboard"... resorts.
Yet, when I look back at 2011... I have to admit, I see a pretty good year in the 'ol rearview. The difference, I think, is a question of motivation and priorities.
The truth of the matter is that, the future truly does belong to the ambitious, and the bold. "Ambition" and "boldness" are two things that I'm typically percieved to have an overabundance of. As do most of the dudes (and ladies) that I know, love, and have the pleasure of working with on a regular basis. When I look back on 2011, I see a lot of heads finally saying, "You know what? Enough of the bullshit...!", rolling up their sleeves, getting their hands dirty... and getting their heads, and their asses, in gear. Which is always a great, great thing to see... let alone, actually being a part of. Of course, some people do get left behind. Maybe they just don't have the gonads, or the spine, to take matters into their own hands, take charge, and take the lead. What can I say...? Life's rough, and Darwinism works...?
But if you take a hard look around, and open your eyes up enough... you'll see hope everywhere. I certainly do. Even through the turmoil, there's still some great shit to be found. Yes: Skateshops are dying all over the place. But, the few that remain are doing some killer stuff. Yes: Most media is made up of pure fluff, marketing hype, and gullible readership. But again, there are standouts that are doing truly remarkable things, making thier readers think (whether the readers actually want to think, or not, isn't really the point), and making a small, but significant, difference. Yes: Most skateboard companies are purely concerned with pumping out obsolete widgets in the interest of making a quick buck, and running for the bank. But, there's also a small handful of truly legitimate little companies coming out of the woodwork (literally), that are doing truly innovative things, and for all the right reasons. Yes: Everyone wants to make a dollar, and survive to make another dollar tomorrow. But, there are also people (and businesses) out there that aren't afraid to put their self-interests aside for a moment, and work together to protect skateboarding from those that would prefer to hijack the whole thing, strictly to advance their own interests, their own overly-developed egos, and their own profit margins.
So, sure. The future can look pretty shitty, if you want it to. But, it can also look really, really bright. Ultimately, it all depends on how you choose to look at it, and what you choose to do with it.
Here at Everything Skateboarding, I'm extremely lucky to have an extremely talented and intelligent group of incredibly good people around me at all times. That's where the question of "priorities" comes into play. If I had to make the choice between having a pile of cash, or the love and support of incredible friends around me... what would I do? Well, damn, man... everyone knows the answer to that one...! I'll take the "friends", every single time. Never falters, and never fails.
Here's why: When I'm old, broken, shriveled up, and on my death bed, waiting to pass on to the "other side"... I'm not gonna fuckin' remember how much money I made in any given year, or how well my stock portfolio performed, or what might (or might not) be chillin' in my bank account. At the end of the day, those things just don't matter very much, in the grand scheme of things. But, the memories of time well-spent with true friends, doing what we love to do... creating, snowboarding, skateboarding... wrecking shit... and then, starting the circle anew... and, having a total blast while doing it all... that's the best that you or I will ever get, pal. Sometimes, we forget that. And that's a damn shame. Never forget: Friends and Fun are Everything. And that's the truth.
Even all the money in the world, still can't buy the very best things in life.
So when you're out tonight, partying away 2011, and looking ahead to 2012... take a moment, and take a good look around. If you're wise enough, you'll clearly see that everything you'll ever need in life, will be right in front of you. In my case, that'll be some slush (masquerading as "snow"....)... a snowboard strapped to my feet... a cold Coke, a couple of (bummed) cigs, and a bottle of wine... a few friends... good times... and my sweetie, Kenda.
In short: I'm ringing in my 2012, in much the same way that I spent my 2011.
And in retrospect, that makes 2011 a damn good year that'll definitely be well worth remembering.
Have fun out there, be safe... and if you're drinking tonight, do me a favor: Designate a driver. Because starting off 2012 in a body bag is definitely not the way to go, bro.
Love you all, and we'll see you next week.
I'd like to take a quick second to recognize a few of the people that made 2011 such a banner year for Everything Skateboarding:
Michael Brooke of Concrete Wave Magazine, our media partner; Jack Smith, my boss at The Skateboarder's Journal; the Everything Skateboarding staff of editors, contributors, and advisers: AJ Kohn, Hans Lucas, Fatboy, Lew Ross, Aaron Ross, Husain Alfraid, Daniel Gesmer, Maria and Richie Carrasco, Michael Niemann, Richard Kirby, and Keith Gillogly; Perfect North Slopes, and Lonnie and Lindsay at Mount Bohemia; Terry Hertel of Hertel (Snowboard) Wax; Mark at 5150; Von at Sun Valley Sports, and Ron at Rusted Moon Outfitters (our snowboard techs); The Old Indy Skaters, and The Good Vibe Tribe; all of the advertisers and supporters... all of our retail partners... and of course, You... the readers.
There's also a few guys that have helped out this year in significant, but (largely) unseen ways that I feel deserve a quick word of "thanks". Those guys include Bob at Ollie's Skatepark in Florence, Kentucky (host of The Board Meeting 2012)... Blair "Slobbo" Watson at Skull and Bones... Jim Thiebaud at Deluxe Distribution... and Skip Engblom at Santa Monica Airlines.
Thank you all so very much.
