That’s the motto of real estate agents. (It’s also
the motto my wife is trying to get me to master, but that’s
another story.) I used to believe location had so much to do
with “making it,” you know? Being in the right place
at the right time, where “the scene” is. I know this
one skater who lived in a “weird” place, basically
not Southern Cali and not San Francisco. In this “weird”
place, he not only skated all the time, mastering his skills,
he decided he wanted to try skating backwards. He was far from
the scrutiny of the industry and was free to skate upside down
if he pleased. Today, that guy is one of the big guns and skates
backwards about as well as he skates forwards. I’ve come
to realize that location can work for you. Living in a megatropolis
is cool because you are exposed to cultural diversity daily.
However, it’s easy for people to get jaded and fall into
the trap of following the leader, rather than being a leader.
Living in a “weird” place, you are free to create
your own style, away from the harsh criticisms of “the
scene.” You just have to stay focused.
Big cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York all
have wonderful cultural centers, but they don’t have everything.
I believe that weird locations (like Fresno and Massanutten)
are where a lot of the cool stuff lies these days. I have a
theory: I believe that it’s not where you’re at, it’s
who you are and what you do. Do what you do well, and the rest
will fall into place. This issue is dedicated to all you skaters,
snowboarders and music lovers who live in some “weird”
place where it seems like nothing is ever going on. Go out and
make something happen. -Myoobie
