Have you ever wondered what your skateboard says about you? Ted Barrow, known for his insightful skate critiques on Instagram as @feedback_ts, takes his analysis a step further by psychoanalyzing skateboard setups. In this piece, we delve into the minds of skaters, exploring how their sticker choices and board wear reflect their personalities and skating styles. Get ready for a unique perspective that blends humor with a deep understanding of skateboarding culture.
Ted Barrow, who has become a notable voice in the skateboarding community, gained popularity by reviewing skatepark footage submitted by his followers. His commentary, ranging from trick selection to fashion choices, has resonated with many, prompting a collaborative piece in Vol. 2 where he explores the artistic merit of skateboarding. Now, he’s turning his analytical eye towards the boards themselves.
In a hilarious video, Ted roasts the setups of the staff, offering a unique psychoanalysis based solely on their boards. He humorously compares his analysis to a “jumping the shark” moment, relating himself to characters past their prime, like the Fonz and Dirk Diggler. “You can tell a lot about a person by how they sticker and skate their boards,” Ted remarks. “You can tell even more about me by how I interpret these arbitrary sticker jobs. Welcome to my mind, through your boards.” This playful introduction sets the stage for a deeper look into the psychology of skateboarding equipment.
The premise is simple: just as a therapist might analyze your dreams or childhood experiences, Ted analyzes your skateboard. The stickers you choose, where you place them, and how worn your board is all provide clues into your personality, insecurities, and skating aspirations. This approach turns a seemingly mundane object into a mirror reflecting the skater’s psyche.
A photo of Ted Barrow with a skateboard, overlaid with the text "Ted Barrow Psychoanalysis Jenkem".
Ted’s analysis isn’t about judging; it’s about understanding. He uses humor to poke fun at the quirks of skateboard culture, while also highlighting the very personal relationship a skater has with their board. It’s a playful yet thought-provoking look at how we express ourselves through our skating choices.
The video segment is a perfect example of this, with Ted dissecting each board with witty remarks and surprisingly accurate insights. He manages to find the hidden meanings behind each sticker and the way the board is used, turning a simple skateboard review into a form of character study. This approach has turned the often overlooked aspects of skateboarding into insightful commentary.
By examining the setup of different skaters, Ted opens up a conversation about individuality within the skateboarding community. Each board, with its unique stickers and wear, becomes a symbol of the skater’s identity. This goes beyond just the performance of tricks; it touches on the personal connection each skater has with their board and what that says about them.
The concept, while light-hearted, also raises some deeper questions. What do our choices in skateboarding say about us? Are we all projecting a certain image, or are our boards honest reflections of who we truly are? Ted’s analysis encourages us to not only think about our skating but also about the choices we make when customizing our gear.
In conclusion, Ted Barrow’s psychoanalysis of skateboards provides a unique and entertaining way to view our connection with our equipment. It’s more than just wood, trucks and wheels; it’s a canvas reflecting the skater’s unique journey and identity. This exploration proves that there’s more to skateboarding than just the tricks—it’s a deeply personal form of expression. It also makes you think, what does your board say about you?
Words and critiques: Ted Barrow
Illustration: Michael Giurato
