Evening, fellow adventurers in the realm of skateboarding and life!

Today, I stumbled upon a relic from my misspent youth – a photograph capturing a glorious moment of airborne triumph to disaster. The setting? A makeshift ramp, lovingly cobbled together from “liberated” lumber in the forgotten annex of the old Boroughmuir High School.

A clandestine haven for Edinburgh’s skateboarding, tucked away from prying eyes like a secret playground. We were a motley crew of dreamers and daredevils, united by a shared passion for defying gravity and pushing the limits of what was possible on four wheels. With youthful ingenuity and a healthy disregard for authority, we scavenged wood from construction sites and alleyways, transforming discarded planks into a ramp of dreams.

Many hours were spent hammering, sawing, and fine-tuning our creation until it stood proudly in the central courtyard. It was a thing of beauty, a testament to our collective resourcefulness and determination. Word spread quickly, and soon, the annex became a popular spot for skaters.

I remember the day the photo was taken. The sun was beating down, casting long shadows across the courtyard. The air was thick with anticipation as I stood at the top of the ramp, with a deep breath and a surge of adrenaline, I launched myself into the air, my body twisting and turning in a graceful arc. For a fleeting moment, I was weightless, defying the laws of physics. The world below seemed to shrink as I soared above it, a bird in flight.

Then, gravity asserted its dominance.

As I gaze upon that old photograph, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. It’s a reminder of a time when life was simpler, when our biggest concerns were landing tricks and evading the watchful eyes of authority. It’s also a reminder that the journey is often more rewarding than the destination. The spills, the thrills, the friendships forged in the crucible of shared passion – these are the moments that truly shape us.

So, to all the young skaters out there, building ramps and chasing dreams: keep pushing, keep falling, keep getting back up. And remember, even the most epic backside disasters can become cherished memories, reminding us of the boundless spirit of youth and the enduring power of skateboarding.

Until next time, keep rolling!