Hey there Henry, since you posted I feel I have give post my side. Although I have been called one of Eric Groff’s minions, he can take care of himself.
When I rediscovered slalom in 2001, it was through the NCDSA. I have been a long time skater. I couldn’t believe what I read and was blown away by the posts. I never thought the forum was for kids and it was pretty brutal. I found myself wanting to race and not posting until I raced at La Costa 2001. Scroll back years and check out the arguments on cone sizing, boards, starts, criddling etc., ad nauseam. Was needed for the growth of slalom? Has it hurt or helped? For whatever reason if you slalom and post, a person better be thick skinned. Hugh R helped explain a lot of it to me, Eric Groff was pretty helpful too. From what I understand they don’t even speak to one another now. But, even “back then” and all the way back to the 70's there are guys that have gotten into it with each other about everything. In skateboarding’s history (when wheels were 30mm) I had to search hard and buy what I could, just to keep skating the way I wanted, 70's style carving and ditches mostly. I am over 40 and everyone I skated with quit. When I am at a race, and up on the ramps grinning, I am having a blast, but I also really want to win. It is such a stoke to race with skaters of all ages and to see who survived and can still skate. I hope that slalom does grow and survive, and eventually pays some of the athletes what they are worth. I also hope it never loses it’s individuality. For that reason I like my open class status and the fact that I pay for my equipment. I write what I want and what works for me. Henry, you have been posting and reading long enough to see others change their minds midstream according to their sponsor.
Remember people know that Eric Groff started your Big Ick fund. I know he GAVE you a Herr Vaughnster. Do you know how hard I tried to get one of those in 2001? Watch Mollica’s 2002 Worlds video, Steve Olson wrecks after the finish in one of his heats, he asks about his board as soon as he gets up. I was there. Why? Because there weren’t that many Herr Vaughnster boards!
Just a few short years ago equipment was harder to come by. People actually waited weeks for Indy 101's and Trackers were still in the future. A few pros had offsets. As for bearings, I would say be your own man and don’t let anyone tell you what to ride. Pleasure Tool ceramics seem to be doing pretty well. We both believe in Ick Sticks, you are tall and thin, I am pretty thick, physicall and mentally
I know our boards are set up differently. Ride what works for you.
I am happy there is good equipment. I am glad new racers are coming to race. I think that people can buy stuff and because they are athletic they do well, they get to spout off without knowledge of history. I am not directing this towards you. But, this does anger some old time skaters. I have seen Dennis Shufeldt pick up trash (and that is how much he loves skateboarding and slalom!), Is this right? To me it is the equivalent of having Mario Andretti sweep before Indy or Hank Aarron clean up before little league. If people don’t want to show up at a race because of Eric Groff that is too bad, I will say there are way bigger assholes racing than him. Ego trips and dynamics of the Psych-out are a very big part of racing. I don’t really like it, but that is the way it is in every competitive sport. It is because we are so small and have direct contact that people get into it all the time. If you or anyone else wants to race, show up and have a good time. The open class is not like the pro class, although we have our jerks too. Most of us will cheer competitors, are happy for good clean and safe runs, share equipment and basically be stoked. Later.
