Skateboarding has restricted my life in so many ways. Funny what an oxymoron that is- I mean it’s one of the most freeing lifestyles you can choose. And I’ve been most fortunate over the years to have been given the opportunities to revel in said freedom. Skateboarding has taken me all across the globe and given me the greatest enjoyment, even greater friends, and the fullest of hearts. So when I say that this great gift has restricted my life I have to look past the tingle of shame that floods over me because it’s not skateboarding that’s been the offender but instead me and my perception of skateboarding. The perception of what skateboarding and those who partake in it “ought to be”. I created a set of rules to go a long with a chip on my shoulder. I developed ideas of what you can’t do as a skateboarder. I shamed those who didn’t follow these guidelines. You would have never caught me playing mainstream sports, or even watching them for that matter. You would have never caught me posting a video like the one above on the “hard-edged” Killa Tapes site. And you most certainly would have never caught me writing a blog that was truly honest and from the heart like this one- it would have compromised the “skateboard credibility” I had worked so hard to build up. Well I’m here to say that’s bullshit. I’ve come to realize this over the last couple years and it’s led to a metamorphosis- a shedding of skin if you will. And I’m a better man for it. Some of this epiphany was brought on by personal distraught that’s taken place in my life recently, but most of it just from a lot of internal reflection- something we can all use a little more of in our lives. Try to remember that.

Skateboarding is skateboarding. Life is life. Everything is everything. Enjoy it all. Hopefully that Ross clip comes in sooner than later.

-JP

That said, I plan to make a more concentrated effort to post more videos from my collaborators, and even create some content of my own. Here, is an offering from one of the greatest humans I have ever known. His name is Dango, and he’s a man. He’s THE man. Hope you enjoy.

PS- check out the white spot maneuver by yours truly, ha!

PS- I know I’m killin’ it with the ender! Feels good to be a gangsta.

Click below on Ross Norman Collective for another highly enjoyable RN clip.

I filmed this a few years ago, just before Jahmal left his stint in Miami for Brooklyn, NY where he is currently residing, and creating all sorts of nice things.

Jahmal currently runs his own skateboard company, Hopps Skateboards. Check it out @ HoppsSkateboards.com

New iPhone Pelicula coming soon as well.
Peace
Jp