Support Your Local Skate Shop Too!

While we do have skateboards in the house, we didn't have a skateboard that was right for skating the ramp that will soon grace our backyard. So, today seemed like as good a day as any to getting the necessary gear for the ramp. Yeah, I bought a board (SMA stick with Indys and OJs). I also bought some decent pads. Shit, I'm old. I no longer bounce when I hit the ground or other hard surfaces.

The skate shop where I bought the board has been around since . . . well, I don't remember when it wasn't there. You can buy a skateboard almost anywhere, but why would you if there's a local shop with local knowledge and local people trying to make their living helping skaters? I've always felt the same way about local surf shops. So, when it comes down to buying a board (surf or skate) at Costco for less or giving my money to the little guy or gal who truly has a passion for the goods sold or the sport pursued, I'm never hesitant to look at the big picture.