Have you ever wondered how skaters discover those unique and untouched spots? It’s not always about stumbling upon them by chance. In the world of skateboarding, resourceful skaters are using modern technology to locate hidden gems. This article explores how Google Earth can be a game-changer for finding unexplored skate spots, taking inspiration from the methods of Jake Keenan and his series, The Earthers.
Jake Keenan, known for his innovative approach to spot hunting, uses Google Earth to scan landscapes for architectural oddities, interesting surfaces, or even peculiar color patterns that might indicate a potential skate spot. In the first episode of The Earthers, Jake demonstrated this technique in New York City, meticulously examining the urban environment from a satellite perspective. This time, Jake takes his search beyond the city limits, leading him and his crew to the Old Homowack Lodge in Wurtsboro, New York.
The Power of Satellite Imagery for Skateboarding
The second episode of The Earthers highlights the effectiveness of using satellite imagery to pinpoint skate spots. The team, consisting of Jake Keenan, Duncan Rowland, and Pat Smith, leverages Jake’s Google Earth skills to find the abandoned Old Homowack Lodge, a location they might have otherwise never known about. This method allows them to virtually traverse the globe—or in this case, New York—identifying locations with skate potential.
The video shows how Jake’s method works:
- Virtual Scouting: Using Google Earth, Jake examines various areas, looking for structures, surfaces, and colors that might be suitable for skating.
- Location Pinpointing: Once an interesting spot is identified, Jake pinpoints the location on the map, and the crew plans an in-person visit.
- Spot Testing: The team travels to the discovered location to test its skateability, showcasing the spot’s potential through their tricks and maneuvers.
This approach has enabled the group to find and skate unique spots such as roofs, pools, and even a bowling alley within the abandoned lodge. The fusion of technology and skateboarding allows for an adventurous and innovative approach to the sport.
A screenshot from The Earthers video showing Jake Keenan using Google Earth to locate skate spots
The Old Homowack Lodge: A Skater’s Paradise Found Through Google Earth
The Old Homowack Lodge, despite its unusual name, turned out to be a treasure trove of skateable surfaces. The video showcases the team making the most of the abandoned lodge, using the environment to perform their tricks. They turned the neglected architecture into a personal skate park. The ability to find such places highlights how powerful Google Earth is for uncovering hidden skate spots.
A skate session at the Old Homowack Lodge. Skaters are navigating the unique structures of the abandoned location
Join the Exploration
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just enjoy the culture of skateboarding, The Earthers provides a fresh perspective on spot hunting. The series encourages you to use the tools at your disposal to find your own hidden skate locations. You can try Jake’s method of virtual scouting yourself, or just enjoy watching the team in action.
Another view of the skate session, showing the skaters utilizing the unusual environment of the lodge
Ultimately, this episode of The Earthers serves as an inspiration for skaters to embrace technology and explore the world around them in new ways. By using satellite imagery and a bit of curiosity, you might uncover your own secret skate paradise. So, grab your board, fire up Google Earth, and start exploring!
Skaters / Earthers:
Filmed by: Angel Delgado
Edited by: Rob Fraebel
