by Scott Heffernan (bio)
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| Dan H., frontside tailslide. |
I recently flew to Salt Lake City to attend “Utah Skate Convergence 2011.” As mentioned in my bio, I grew up skateboarding with friends in SLC. Many of us still skateboard (some more than others—I only get out once every few months if I’m lucky). Some of us still live in Utah, while others have moved to various cities around the United States. The idea was that we all fly in and hit up the old spots we skated as teenagers. In practice, we went to more skate parks instead. Maybe we are too old and tired to argue with cops and security guards these days.
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| Heli. |
One of our friends owns a mini ramp that is located inside an airplane hangar. It is incredible. Besides the ramp and other skate obstacles, it has a rock climbing wall, several arcade games, a pop machine, a ping pong table, couches, and a big screen TV. The closest thing I can compare it to is the Foot Clan’s lair (2:40–4:00) on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, minus the cigarettes and Sam Rockwell. Also, there is just something cool about skating while helicopters and small airplanes whiz past you.
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| Hippie jump body varial. |
The skate parks are definitely interesting. Most other skaters there were half our age, if not younger. We are quite a sight to behold—several “old” men, cruising around the park, dodging razor scooters, and filming tricks.
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| Niels J., nollie inward varial heelflip. |
Other highlights of the trip include:
• Seeing Thurl Bailey and Tyrone Corbin (was hoping for a Blue Edwards sighting as well)
• Eating at Cafe Rio and In-N-Out
• Throwing and catching the Parachute Ball
• Costco Friday
• Good conversation
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| Backside lipslide. |
There were multiple injuries (my knee only held up for about half a day). There were multiple sunburns. Skate parks are like water—they reflect the sun back up into your face, intensifying the rays. There was also some amazing skateboarding. I’m super impressed that most of my friends have been able to keep up their talents (and even get better) through all these years.
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| Derrick R., backside 180. |
Many people probably view skateboarding as childish, but it's not. It's actually pretty awesome. Skateboarding has helped to shape a large part of who I am today. Even though I don't get out as much as I'd like, it remains a very big piece of me. And my wife's family still can't believe she married a skater.
Skate Convergence video by Dan H.
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| Gonzo. |
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| Despite the extremely high and narrow target, these Nikes made it up there to hang. |
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| Celestial Mullet. |
Photographs by ScottHeff. See the rest here.
