Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Back to my west coast longboard roots

Today was one of the best Sunday Fundays I have had in a very long time. Granted it was a late start due to an amazing Saturday evening dinner party but better late than never!

My trainer and I had planned on doing a public sparring session in a park down in the Kensington Market area. We met up there at 5 and it turned out to be a zoo!!! Kensington on Sundays apparently goes off with a mixture of hipsters, free spirits and fun loving earthy folk interested in vintage fashion, grass roots music and un-flashy yet highly touted restaurants and cafes. We strolled around people watching for a bit and then Kriston came up with the idea of throwing 20 tennis balls to people in the park to see how they responded. Super neat idea and it was our first experiment in our joint mission to interact, challenge and inspire people to become more active. 

We strolled up to the full park and started throwing the balls to kids playing on the jungle gyms and sand boxes. They had no idea what to do with them but they had no choice but to catch the balls after I made eye contact with them. We started throwing them back and forth, making games and I focused in on the kids who saw this as a challenge and unique opportunity. Other people in the park got into it and kids began playing games with strangers (in a good way) they had never met before. It was such a joyful experiment challenging the kids with tosses, teaching them how to throw and causing social interaction through a simple game of hot potato. Even more hilarious when I rolled a ball to a kid who wasn't looking. Seeing their faces light up when a tennis ball appeared at their feet was priceless. 

We then left the kids with the balls and hung out with some pretty funky individuals hanging around the multi level chin up bars. These guys were there doing a form of Parkour and Kriston being a specialist and lover of the sport got along famously with them. He threw down a couple impressive moves and I got in there for some hanging funzies for some street cred; good times!

We then went over to the longboard crew and started mingling with them. Kriston had met one of the owners of the Longboard living shop. He hung out over some longboarding sessions around a large concrete circle and discussed the longboarding movement in Toronto and where Longboard Living was looking to positively influence it. 

As some of you may know, I come from a boarding background and I rode a stylie Sector 9 original pintail longboard all the way through college in Victoria and University in Vancouver. In my opinion it is the most efficient mode of transportation and also the most fluent and graceful as it requires long pushes and arcing carves to get from A to B. I also believe it is more sophisticated than the short board and attracts a mellower more well spoken demographic. I haven't boarded in a while but had been yearning for the freedom, creativeness and balance of the sport as of late. We rolled to the shop and Ryan hooked me up with a Skulls skates loaner then we hit the town. 

Our path took us to a large parkade where we hiked 5 flights of stairs and cruised in circles all the way down! It was amazing, like riding a mountain with chair lifts in the form of stairs and on the top we had an amazing view of the CN tower and the downtown core. We then commuted to Dundas square through downtown streets. I had really missed the speed on flats and propelling myself with balance and grace but most of all I missed passing the bicyclists! They are always surprised when a long boarder cruises past then rips a couple turns in front of them before taking off again. Beautiful. 

We arrived at Dundas square to find a massive event taking place. Ryan of longboard living was aware of the situation and took us to the breakdancing section where he introduced us to a pivotal player in the TO break scene. The event was called Manifesto and was the 5 year anniversary. Manifesto is a non-profit grassroots organization working to unite, energize, support and celebrate Toronto’s vibrant and diverse music and arts community, and find innovative ways of working together towards common goals. Such an amazing initiative and felt fitting that we found ourselves there to network with some integral people in different Toronto scenes.

We left there and returned to the Kensington market to end our evening but parted on a few thoughts. I realized I haven't been adventurous in the big city because I have been restricted and dependent on transit. With the use of a long board I was able to explore, experience and acquaint myself with some of the smaller streets and areas hidden in the shadows of mainstream places. I felt like I was able to connect with the city and experience an event I wouldn't have even known about had I not gone for a cruise. I was exposed to new stores, restaurants and businesses in passing as well as being introduced to very key characters in different TO scenes. I was able to take out a four wheeled paint brush and carve creative lines throughout a city I would normally experience from the seat of a bus, street car or underground subway. The session energized, elevated and pumped me up while connecting me with people who believe in green transportation, social responsibility and community.

The lifestyle of longboarding in Toronto is definitely different than in BC but it still attracts the same people. Without flowing hills Ryan and his posse at Longboard Lifestyle have catalyzed a scene based around community cruise sessions, leadership, learning, green transport and physical activity. Ryan brought up a great point that he believes longboarding is a life skill, something that should be learnt at a young age and he plans on integrating it into society. They are socially aware, safety conscious and highly organized and after the wonderful boost back into the sport tonight, I can't wait to get after more riding and exploration with this quality group of people. 

With a new light on Toronto, I can't help but become even more excited fully commit my life to the big smoke. Slowly I am finding ways to bring out the west coast and the more I embrace it, the more I meet incredible people who seek to inspire and ignite Canadians in their communities. 

58 comments:

  1. What i do not realize is in fact how you are no longer actually a
    lot more smartly-favored than you might be now.

    You're so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women don't seem to be
    involved except it's something to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!
    Here is my web-site : Trimmer machine

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it.

    I have you book marked to check out new things you post…
    Also visit my page : lanautica

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but good topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this information for my
    mission.
    Here is my web page ; how to become a millionaire

    ReplyDelete
  4. always i used to read smaller articles or reviews which also clear their
    motive, and that is also happening with this post
    which I am reading here.
    my web page > replica Pro beats headphones by dre

    ReplyDelete
  5. My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .
    net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using Movable-type on a variety of
    websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard very good things about blogengine.
    net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into
    it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Check out my page - click through the up coming page

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi there! I could have sworn I've been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
    Anyways, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!



    Here is my web page short term rental

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am starting up a new online blog directory and was wondering if I
    can submit your site? I'm hoping to mature my directory slowly by hand so that it retains top quality. I'll make sure and put your blog in the correct category and I'll also use, "Blogger: Martin Reader" as your anchor text. Please be sure to let me know if this is acceptable with you by mailing me at: catherinethurston@gmail.com. Cheers

    Review my webpage :: electric furnace brands
    My website :: furnace repair affordable

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Feel free to surf to my weblog - Fort Worth furnace repair air

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it,
    you may be a great author.I will make sure to
    bookmark your blog and will eventually come back from now on.
    I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job,
    have a nice morning!

    my weblog - purevolume.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi there! I'm about to start my own website and was wondering if you know where the best place to acquire a website url is? I'm not even sure if that's what its called? (I'm new to this) I'm referring to "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2833169517366494510&postID=4565233588586136896". How do I go about acquiring one of these for the website I'm making?
    Cheers

    My site ... best workout clothes brands

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins
    to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing very good success.
    If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!


    Here is my web-site :: fitness clothing women's shorts

    ReplyDelete
  12. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to
    your weblog when you could be giving us something
    informative to read?

    Here is my page :: www.ziki.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts
    as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
    My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would truly benefit from
    a lot of the information you present here. Please let me
    know if this okay with you. Thanks!

    My web page http://beauirwin1126.insanejournal.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm undoubtedly
    enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.


    my website: www.jaman.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Woah! I'm really digging the template/theme of this site. It's simple, yet effective.

    A lot of times it's hard to get that "perfect balance" between usability and appearance. I must say you've
    done a fantastic job with this. Additionally, the blog loads
    extremely fast for me on Chrome. Excellent Blog!


    my website; silicon wafer doping

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello! I'm about to start my own website and was wondering if you know where the best place to purchase a website url is? I am not even sure if that's what its
    known as? (I'm new to this) I'm referring to "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2833169517366494510&postID=4565233588586136896".
    Exactly how do I go about obtaining one of
    these for the website I'm creating? Thanks alot :)

    Take a look at my page: silicon chips manufactured

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm
    not writing all that over again. Anyways,
    just wanted to say fantastic blog!

    Here is my web-site: semiconductor devices physics and technology sze pdf

    ReplyDelete
  18. I don't know whether it's just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering issues with
    your site. It seems like some of the text in your posts are running off the
    screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me
    know if this is happening to them too? This may be a
    problem with my browser because I've had this happen before. Thank you

    Feel free to surf to my homepage ... very fine practice dance shoes

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so
    I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers? I'd
    really appreciate it.

    my web-site :: ethernet cable connector types

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey! I am about to begin my own blog and was wondering if you know
    where the best place to buy a blog url is?
    I'm not even sure if that's what its called? (I'm new to this) I'm referring to "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2833169517366494510&postID=4565233588586136896".
    Exactly how do I go about getting one of these for the
    website I'm creating? Thanks

    Feel free to surf to my webpage :: handyman hourly rates in Indiana

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It's a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here
    and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create
    your theme? Superb work!

    my blog ... extra long ethernet cables

    ReplyDelete
  22. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
    previous to and you are just extremely fantastic.
    I really like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in
    which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take
    care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you.
    This is actually a terrific site.

    Also visit my homepage ... silk scarf

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey there your internet site url: http://www.blogger.

    com/comment.g?blogID=2833169517366494510&postID=4565233588586136896 appears
    to be redirecting to a completely different internet site
    when I click the home page button. You might want to have this looked at.



    Also visit my web blog; http://discreetphysici13.newsvine.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Please let me know if you're looking for a author for your weblog. You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd love to write some articles for
    your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested.
    Regards!

    Feel free to surf to my web site :: corporate housing providers association canada

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey there. I am wondering if you might be interested in doing a website link exchange?
    I see your website: http://www.blogger.com/comment.

    g?blogID=2833169517366494510&postID=4565233588586136896 and
    my website are based mostly around the same topic. I'd really like to switch links or perhaps guest author a write-up for you. Here is my personal email: cathleenpridgen@gmail.com. Please be sure to contact me if you're
    even remotely interested. Thanks.

    Stop by my web site - luxury corporate housing washington dc

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi there would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm planning
    to start my own blog soon but I'm having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.

    P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!


    my web site: vrbo flagstaff deer valley

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello, this weekend is pleasant for me, for the reason that this moment
    i am reading this wonderful informative post here at my home.


    my blog: book promotion

    ReplyDelete
  28. Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
    a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on.
    You have done a wonderful job!

    Review my webpage digital image recovery from by alexander grau

    ReplyDelete
  29. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just
    posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us
    something informative to read?

    my blog post :: wireless headphones for computer

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi there, I'm new to blogging and internet sites in general and was wanting to know how you got the "www" included in your domain name? I see your web address, "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2833169517366494510&postID=4565233588586136896" has the www and my web address looks like, "http://mydomain.com". Do you know just how I can alter this? I'm using Wordpress.
    Regards

    My website - black appliance repair paint

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so
    I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.

    I too am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for beginner blog writers? I'd definitely appreciate
    it.

    Feel free to surf to my website ... refrigerator without freezer with ice maker

    ReplyDelete
  32. Greetings I am so delighted I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thank you for
    a tremendous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to go through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb work.

    Look into my web blog - calculate bmr

    ReplyDelete
  33. WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by
    searching for golfnow hot deals

    My weblog - golf lessons for beginners auckland

    ReplyDelete
  34. First off I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question which
    I'd like to ask if you don't mind. I was interested to find
    out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
    I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts
    out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15
    minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin.

    Any suggestions or hints? Appreciate it!

    Check out my web site: florida dui attorneys

    ReplyDelete
  35. I’d like to visit your blog more often however
    these days it seems to be taking without end to
    return up. I visit from work, and our connection there may be fairly good.
    Do you suppose the problem might be in your end?

    Check out my site; having trouble getting pregnant after a miscarriage

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.
    I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts,
    have a nice holiday weekend!

    my web site :: www.pornoutopia.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hey! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find
    a captcha plugin for my comment form? I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having trouble finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

    My webpage; commodity trading broker

    ReplyDelete
  38. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your site?

    Its very well written; I love what youve got to
    say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content
    so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful
    lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

    Feel free to visit my webpage; phone conference services

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wonderful, what a web site it is! This web site presents helpful information to us,
    keep it up.

    Also visit my weblog - appliance repair courses canada

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the
    greatest I've discovered so far. But, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?

    Also visit my web page :: reliable appliance repair orange county ca

    ReplyDelete
  41. I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    Here is my page ... wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
    My website is in the very same niche as yours and my users would certainly benefit from a lot of
    the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you.

    Thanks a lot!

    Look into my blog interior design beauty salon

    ReplyDelete
  43. Greetings from Los angeles! I'm bored at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can't wait to take
    a look when I get home. I'm surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I'm
    not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good site!

    Feel free to surf to my site :: kitchen appliances wholesale singapore

    ReplyDelete
  44. I read this piece of writing fully regarding the difference of hottest and earlier technologies, it's amazing article.

    Here is my weblog appliance repair manuals pdf

    ReplyDelete
  45. First of all I would like to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question in which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.

    I was curious to find out how you center yourself
    and clear your mind before writing. I've had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Cheers!

    Here is my blog - kitchen appliances sale malaysia

    ReplyDelete
  46. Asking questions are in fact pleasant thing if you are not understanding something entirely, however this paragraph provides
    pleasant understanding yet.

    Review my web blog - my.opera.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. My brother recommended I might like this web site.
    He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply
    how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!


    my web page - compact refrigerators with locks

    ReplyDelete
  48. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back
    to your site? My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would certainly
    benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my blog post dcfixitwooden80.jigsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you, I have recently been searching for info approximately this
    subject for a long time and yours is the best I've came upon till now. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the supply?

    My homepage ... http://www.babesflick.com/category/277/anal-porn/1.html

    ReplyDelete
  50. Link exchange is nothing else but it is simply placing
    the other person's web site link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do similar in support of you.

    Also visit my web blog - hip hop Beat

    ReplyDelete
  51. It's enormous that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from our discussion made here.

    My web page ... eyelasticity

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi there! I just would like to offer you a
    big thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
    I will be coming back to your site for more soon.

    my blog :: http://www.Sbwire.com/press-releases/somanabolic-muscle-maximizer-review-important-information-factors-in-nutrition-to-build-lean-muscles-247681.

    htm ()

    ReplyDelete
  53. Selecting the right finish for the pull out water tap on the predominant color scheme and design. Many people choose finish according to the appliances in their kitchen with shower mixer and chrome matching stainless steel stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators and other colors such as brass and bronze pairing well with basin tap that that have darker tones.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi nice Post written by you guys. It is amazing and wonderful to visit your site. Thank a ton for such a nice post.
    gym wear uk

    ReplyDelete
  55. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work hospederias guardia civil

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Europa-Road nemzetközi konténeres szállítás

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! 성인용품

    ReplyDelete