A Student Feature – Written By Reilly Kneedler
Originally published in the November 28 issue of the Scratching Post
Redefining the idea of skateboarding
Pirate hop blunt, finger flip out… sound like a different language to you?
A pirate hop blunt with a finger flip out is actually a skateboarding trick, more specifically Eastmont High School junior Deven Heston’s favorite of them all – and Heston knows more skate tricks than a sane person would ever need to.
Skateboarding really is a language of its own; as an arcane, infamous community of “trouble makers,” they have had to isolate themselves and create their own culture and language in the process. Although as an avid skateboarder, Heston doesn’t always agree with those stereotypes.
“(Skaters) might be trouble makers sometimes but then that’s just our way of life,” he said, “Skateboarders are very creative people and I think we have a very good state of mind with everything.” His positive outlook on the sport – and tremendous skating skills – have gotten him far in life. As well as being a popular member of the local skating community and a well-liked student at Eastmont, he has recently been recruited by “Revolution Snow and Skate” to be a local skateboarding representative.
His duties usually entail hanging out at their local shop, advertising their brand and spreading the word about Revolution in parks around the community. One of those many skateboarding areas in the community is located just up the street from the high school: the new Kenroy Park. Just head up North James Street at around noon any day and odds are Heston and friends are quickly making their way up to the park during lunch. Then comes about half an hour of fast and furious skating and then finally a sprint back down to the high school for fourth period. Even though this daily adventure is a lot of work, for Heston it’s worth every rush up the hill and tardy back to class.
“The people that are here (are the best part) I just come here to skate and hang out with friends,” he said. As for the skating itself, it looks easy from the outside. Climb on to the board, put in some headphones, and start pushing.
Then you fall and decide skateboarding isn’t for you.
But in Heston’s case, that moment is the defining one of the whole experience.
“The hardest part about skateboarding is getting back up and committing yourself to land that trick… but then again that’s the best part,” he said. It’s that moment of decision, where you have to pick yourself back up and try again that keeps guys like Heston coming back for more.
Reilly Kneedler 