About six months ago, Ryan Lay announced the first-ever Slow Impact event in his hometown of Tempe, Arizona. This wasn’t your typical skate competition, nor was it an academic conference. Instead, it was pitched as a warm-weather skateboarding getaway, complete with spoken word performances and a street contest, designed to bring together a diverse group of skaters.
The event featured three panel discussions centered around crucial themes: “You’re Skating on Native Land,” “Making It as a Women or Non-Binary Skateboarder,” and “Intersection of Skateboarding and Art.” The goal was to foster conversations beyond the usual skate jargon, attracting individuals who sought deeper engagement with the culture. Many attendees were from the #skatetwitter community, finally meeting in person after years of online interaction, bringing an infectious energy to the event.
Along with the CSEF crew, the author went to connect with old friends, make new ones, and find inspiration from other skaters.
Ryan Lay at Slow Impact 2023
Innovative Skateparks: Perry and Mitchell
Perry Skatepark and Mitchell Skatepark were the stars of the weekend. Thanks to grant funding from the Arizona Lottery, Skate After School transformed two underutilized courts into incredibly fun skate spaces, featuring obstacles under two feet tall. These parks exemplify the future of skateable spaces: cost-effective, community-focused, and fun for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro like Ronnie Kessner or a beginner, these parks guarantee a good time. Attendees were encouraged to advocate for similar projects at their local city council meetings.
Ronnie Kessner skating at Perry Skatepark
Mitchell Park also debuted a new obstacle, enjoyed by Cameron Jimmo, an environmental lawyer from Anchorage, Alaska. Jimmo’s attendance highlighted the unique appeal of Slow Impact. Unlike the Instagram-obsessed culture of California, the event brought together articulate and skilled skateboarders seeking a deeper connection within the skate community.
Cameron Jimmo skating a new obstacle at Mitchell Park
Panel Discussions: Insights and Surprises
One of the most captivating speakers was 17-year-old contest prodigy, Poe Pinson. Despite initial skepticism, her contributions to the panel discussion were profound. When asked about the responsibilities of being a pro skater, she replied simply, “You gotta skate, and you gotta pay taxes,” displaying a wisdom beyond her years. Her anecdotes about life in the public eye were both amusing and unsettling, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by young female skaters.
Poe Pinson speaking at Slow Impact
Spoken Word and Skate Culture
One evening, Ryan Lay hosted spoken word readings at his house, followed by a skate video tribute band. The readings, organized by author and professor Kyle Beachy, featured diverse voices from the skate community, including Jim Thiebaud, Christian Kerr, and There Skateboards riders Chandler Burton and Marbie. These vulnerable and impactful performances offered a refreshing contrast to traditional skate events. A highlight of the night was Cole Nowicki’s humorous reading of skate gear product reviews from Amazon, which had the audience in tears of laughter.
Spoken word readings at Ryan Lay's house during Slow Impact
Marbie also participated in Alex White’s panel, “Podium or Per Diem: Making it as a Women or Non-Binary Skateboarder.” The panel acknowledged the progress made within the skateboarding community while also highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized skaters. Marbie’s frustration about the inconsistent support for LGBT skaters, particularly outside of Pride Month, underscored this dichotomy.
Marbie at the "Podium or Per Diem" panel discussion
The final panel explored the complex relationship between skateboarding and art. While most panelists argued that skateboarding isn’t inherently art, the author expressed a different view, citing the artistry of iconic video parts like Josh Kasper’s “The Storm.”
Panel discussion on the intersection of skateboarding and art
Celebrity Encounters and Fan Interactions
The presence of the Sci-Fi Fantasy team, including Jerry Hsu, led some to refer to the event as the “Sci-Fi Fantasy Convention.” Jerry’s interactions with attendees were a mix of overwhelming attention and genuine connection. Despite the large number of fans, he handled each encounter with grace and humility. Gifted Hater, a popular YouTube personality, was also in attendance, experiencing the unique level of fan recognition that comes with online fame. One memorable moment was when a fan insisted on having Gifted Hater sign his shoe and then posed with it for a photo.
Gifted Hater interacting with a fan at Slow Impact
Unique Skate Sessions and Community Spirit
Unlike typical skate events with loud metal music, the soundtrack of Slow Impact included unexpected tunes like Rihanna’s “We Found Love.” The event culminated at the famous Wedge, with skate sessions marked by unusual politeness, reflecting the community-oriented values of the attendees. However, the vibe shifted when a custom-made 30-foot Blunt Steel obstacle was introduced, amping up the energy of the session.
Skaters at the Wedge during Slow Impact
During the “You’re Skating on Native Land” panel, Douglas Miles of Apache Skateboards proposed the concept of professional skaters being recognized for their positive contributions off the board, alongside their skills on it, which was a notable moment.
Skaters enjoying the Blunt Steel obstacle at Slow Impact
Conclusion: A Successful and Impactful Event
Slow Impact was a resounding success, brought to life through Ryan Lay’s dedication and vision. Not only did he organize the entire event, but he also opened his home to skaters from around the world. The author believes this event should contribute to Ryan’s SOTY (Skater of the Year) campaign, referencing Ryan’s incredible achievement of performing 102 tricks in a row. The event was made possible by the support of numerous individuals and sponsors, including Adriana, Tim Ward, Zamara, ASU, New Balance, and Cowtown. The anticipation for next year’s event is already high.
Words by: Thomas Barker
Photos by: Joshua Rowe and Thomas Barker
