The skateboarding world is constantly evolving, with skaters finding new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Recently, we received a video that immediately caught our attention here at LongBoards Guide HQ: a skater transforming dirt mounds and grassy hills into skate spots with the help of some ridiculously large wheels. This isn’t just about novelty; it’s about the core spirit of skateboarding – going out with your friends and having fun, no matter how absurd the idea.
Donnie Mortensen, the skater behind this off-road skateboarding adventure, took his regular board and outfitted it with massive tires, creating a unique and challenging way to skate. The result is a blend of familiar tricks performed in entirely new terrain. These aren’t just regular ollies and grinds, they’re ollies and grinds on dirt, showcasing an incredible adaptation of skateboarding skills.
The Rise of Dirt Boarding
The idea for this unconventional skateboarding approach began with Donnie finding a set of off-road wheels on Craigslist for a mere $10. This initial experiment turned into a passion, with Donnie bringing his dirt board along every time he went skating with his friends.
According to Donnie, the wheels themselves, known as XT-Wheels, can be difficult to find, sometimes available at local skate shops. While off-road skateboarding isn’t entirely new, having been around since the 90s, there’s been a resurgence of interest in recent times. The possibility of an off-road skate trip is something many enthusiasts are excited about.
Donnie Mortensen performing a trick on a dirt mound with his off-road skateboard
Photo: Jack Spanbauer
Filming the Unconventional
Filming for a dirt board part, as described by Jack Spanbauer, wasn’t too different from filming a regular skate part, but with a twist. The thrill of discovering spots in unexpected places, particularly those spots that one might usually wish were concrete, added a new layer of fun. For Donnie, the experience was captivating, turning ordinary commutes into opportunities to visualize new lines and tricks on dirt.
This project wasn’t just about the tricks themselves; it was about the mindset of taking a regular activity and applying it in a different environment. It’s about the pure enjoyment of creativity and pushing the boundaries, evolving organically with the help of great friends. Now, as Jack mentioned, he is perpetually on the lookout for potential dirt spots wherever he goes.
Donnie Mortensen performing a boardslide on a dirt bank with his off-road skateboard
Photo: Ted Menné Heron
Dirtboarding vs. Regular Skating
Is Donnie better at dirtboarding or regular skating? According to Donnie, it’s all skateboarding. The main difference is the weight, with a dirt board weighing significantly more than a traditional setup. While not abandoning regular skating, the dirt board became an exciting distraction for him, accompanying him to most street spots.
The project also drew inspiration from old Zero videos, including Misled Youth and Dying To Live, which had a significant impact on both Donnie and Jack during their childhood. The team also pays homage to Jamie Thomas by adding a fire pit trick into their edit. This inspiration added a nostalgic and fun element to the off-road skating project.
Donnie Mortensen performing a trick over a fire pit with his off-road skateboard
Photo: Jack Spanbauer
The Future of Off-Road Skateboarding
What’s the next “X-treme” sport that deserves some skate crossover recognition? Donnie suggests wheelbarrow flipping. With skaters already incorporating rollerblading and scootering into their videos, what’s next on the horizon? Jack believes it won’t be long until someone brings back soap shoes.
When asked about the dirtiest skateboarder, both Jack and Donnie agree: Zarosh Eggleston, who’s fully committed to dirt boarding. While the question of whether you can focus a dirt board was answered with a story of a broken tail during a kickflip attempt on a three stair.
Donnie Mortensen performing a tail drop with his off-road skateboard
Photo: Ted Menné Heron
The process behind the scenes revealed a lot of dedication from Donnie. For example, he spent a solid four hours attempting a tre flip over the fire pit. Donnie also struggles with riser pads that constantly slip but, according to him, it’s a small price to pay to avoid wheel bite.
Conclusion
Off-road skateboarding, as showcased by Donnie Mortensen and his crew, presents a creative and unique way to enjoy skateboarding. It’s about transforming ordinary locations into skate spots, adapting skills to new terrains, and having fun with friends. This project serves as a reminder that the spirit of skateboarding lies in its ability to constantly evolve and embrace new ideas. If you’re ready to start making spots out of nothing, you can find similar off-road skateboard wheels and equipment and experience the thrill of dirtboarding for yourself.
Video by: Jack Spanbauer
Photos by: Jack Spanbauer & Ted Menné Heron
