The allure of New York City’s skate spots is undeniable, but the city’s bustling atmosphere often makes them challenging to access. With the pandemic impacting tourism, the question arose: could skaters take advantage of the quieter streets?
This curiosity led us to join Christian Henry from REAL, who was in town hoping to conquer a trick at a Midtown location made famous by Jake Johnson. Despite multiple attempts and ejections, Christian was determined to land the clip before leaving the city. We decided to tag along, documenting his effort and the surrounding environment.
Midtown Skate Spot: A Battle Against the Odds
Christian’s chosen skate spot is notorious for its history of being frequented by skaters, particularly Jake Johnson, and, of course, the accompanying security. The hope was that with fewer tourists, security might be less vigilant. This proved not to be the case.
Christian Henry attempting a trick at a Midtown skate spot
The reality was that security was as present as ever, diligently doing their job, while a number of tourists still braved the Times Square area, taking selfies and navigating the area. This created a challenging environment for Christian as he attempted his trick, highlighting the dedication required to skate in such a high-traffic location. It emphasizes the ever-present cat-and-mouse game between skaters and security in urban areas.
Despite the persistent challenges, the determination of skaters like Christian underscores a common theme within the skateboarding community: the relentless pursuit of a goal, despite obstacles. This scene in Midtown, a normally crowded place, showed a quiet defiance against the normal circumstances.
The Reality of NYC Skateboarding
The experience highlights the often-unseen reality of skateboarding in a major city. It’s not just about the tricks, but also about navigating the complex landscape of security, public space, and the unexpected encounters that come with it. The constant awareness and the need to seize fleeting moments before being moved along is a common, but important part of skating in these environments.
The fact that even during a global pandemic, security was still a factor highlights the dedication these individuals have to protect their turf. For skaters, this means being creative and persistent, a theme that runs deep through the culture.
This short session in Midtown serves as a window into the world of urban skateboarding. It is an experience that captures both the frustrations and the triumphs of trying to skate in the heart of a bustling metropolis. This constant chase adds to the thrill of landing a trick, making the end goal that much more satisfying.
In conclusion, Christian’s determined attempt to land his trick in Midtown, despite the persistence of security, illustrates the spirit of urban skateboarding. It highlights the challenges and the need for resilience, but also the thrill of success when it comes. This experience, filmed and edited by Tristan Mershon and Alexis Castro, provides a brief yet insightful look into the often-unseen world of NYC skateboarding.
Filmed by: Tristan Mershon
Edited by: Alexis Castro
