Skateboarding is renowned for fostering resourcefulness. Skaters are known for their ability to adapt and make do with what’s available, from patching up worn shoes with duct tape to repurposing extra shoelaces. Derek, known as @k2withgrabba on Instagram, embodies this spirit perfectly. This young NYC skateboarder has found an unconventional way to film his skate sessions with his friends, using a school-issued Chromebook with a fisheye lens glued to the webcam.
A photo of a person holding a laptop with a fisheye lens attached, showing a skateboarder in the background
Derek’s innovative approach emerged from a desire to create, despite not having access to standard filming equipment like VX1000 or HPX170 cameras. He was inspired by the resourceful methods used by skaters who came before him, and he took this inspiration to the next level. This approach has led him to film at skate contests, holding the Chromebook high in the air, reminiscent of the iconic boombox scene from Say Anything. Although the footage may not be as crisp or stable as from professional cameras, Derek is proving that creativity and determination can overcome any limitations. He’s showing young skaters and creatives that you don’t need the most expensive gear to produce exciting content.
A GIF of a person skateboarding, filmed using a laptop with a fisheye lens
The Chromebook Inspiration
Derek’s unique filming method was inspired by a combination of Kyota Umeki’s “The iPod Video,” which used a fisheye lens glued to an iPod, and a funny video of a fight filmed on a Chromebook. His friend suggested attaching a fisheye lens to his school-issued Chromebook, and Derek decided to try it out. He bought a cheap fisheye lens from eBay and found that the results were surprisingly good. He even sourced some from Five Below, demonstrating his resourcefulness. He’s now filmed with three different Chromebooks. He broke one school-issued laptop during filming and then “borrowed” another one. He’s currently using a loaner and worries about potential charges if the school finds out what he’s been doing with it.
Influences and Originality
While some have compared Derek’s style to Gonz, who also used a laptop for filming, Derek clarifies that his approach is unique. Unlike Gonz, who didn’t have to resort to “borrowing” a school computer, Derek’s method is a testament to his resourcefulness. He acknowledges the influence of Gonz, whom he playfully refers to as “Soulja Boy” because he has already “done everything”. However, Derek’s creative process is completely his own.
A still image showing a person filming with a laptop with a fisheye lens attached
Reactions and Creative Vision
Derek isn’t bothered by the unconventional nature of his setup. He usually wears headphones at contests to tune out the noise, and when people do comment, it’s usually positive, like “That’s so sick!” He is currently working on a full-length video with his friends, wanting to showcase their skills. He says his motivation stems from the high cost of traditional filming equipment. He views the Chromebook as a way to circumvent expensive cameras and accessories.
The Filming and Editing Process
The footage from the Chromebook is saved directly to the desktop. Derek then transfers the clips to a Google Drive folder. From there, he downloads the clips onto his phone for editing. While he acknowledges that exporting longer videos can be time-consuming, the process works for him. When asked why he doesn’t just use his phone, he explains that the Chromebook footage has a unique look that his phone can’t replicate. He prefers the aesthetic of the laptop footage.
A photo of a person skateboarding, with a fisheye effect, taken with a laptop
The Drawbacks and the Dream
Despite his innovation, Derek admits that the Chromebook is far from perfect. It’s heavy and awkward to hold, and he would love to have a stabilizer or handle to make filming easier. He states that if he had the resources, he would definitely use a professional camera like the HPX170, but for now, the Chromebook is his tool of choice.
Chromebook Skate Style
Derek also uses the Chromebook to film lines, although he prefers filming single tricks on stair sets. While the lines he’s filmed haven’t always turned out the way he wanted, he continues to experiment and push the boundaries of his setup. The unique perspective he captures has become part of his creative vision.
School Repercussions?
Derek is aware that his school might not be thrilled about his use of their equipment. He acknowledges that he could get in trouble, especially considering he broke one laptop previously and “borrowed” another. However, he believes some teachers would be supportive, recognizing his creative pursuits. He also avoids filming anything school-inappropriate to avoid escalating the situation.
A GIF of a person doing an ollie, filmed using a laptop
Public Reactions
Out in the streets, people often react with amusement and admiration, often saying things like, “Who is this little ass kid filming on this laptop? This is funny.” Derek finds the positive feedback motivating and values the originality of his method, especially in a world where it’s hard to be truly unique. He is critical of the overuse of the “Strobeck zoom,” feeling that it often sacrifices the surrounding environment and scenery in favor of just the skater.
A Unique Perspective
Derek’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed by the skating community, including Gary Rogers, who humorously compared his filming to a “sex tape”. However, Gary followed up by praising Derek’s originality, emphasizing that he was doing something different. Though Derek hopes to upgrade to a MacBook in the future, he recognizes the cost involved and is focused on making the most of his current setup.
Derek’s story is a perfect example of skateboarding’s spirit of ingenuity and creativity. It doesn’t matter if you have the most advanced equipment or not; with passion and a bit of imagination, you can create something truly original.
Interview by: Larry Lanza
Illustrations by: Michael Giurato
