Shred til ’ you’re Dead

1. Shred til’ you’re Dead The Life of a Skater By Mallory O’Neil

3. Before we took a deeper look into the lives of these two skaters, KalenGelo (age 17) and Parker Blann (age withheld), we got an outside look. A view of the skaters in action, doing what they do best- tricks and jumps that would make your stomach squirm by watching it. But as Parker Blann has said, “Its indescribable what we go through sometimes,” moments after he took a breathtaking leap over a staircase at the Bowling Green Skate park. A Look from the outside.

5. It seemed surprising at how much pride these skaters had put into their skateboard. Whether it was the brand, the expensive wheels or bearings, or even the accomplishments the boards had carried Kalen and Parker through. It was definitely apart of them. Neither of them were ashamed to show off the wear and tear on it, because to them it meant a step closer to being a better skater. It’s all about the board.

7. Kalen made it apparent that you have to look the part… well at least its fun to look the part, if you’re going to act the part. Arriving in style, Kalen began skating around the chilly skate park in a black V-neck shirt, a purple windbreaker, and “I’m too cool for you” glasses. He couldn’t help but smile as I snapped pictures of his style. Style matters too.

9. When asked what he’s most proud of, Kalen seemed to grow shy and modest, “Well, I’m fortunate for what god has given me for sure. But as for accomplishments, I’ve been sponsored and have been featured in several different magazines and newspapers.” There was no question he if he had the talent for it either after he got out on the pavement. Twist after jump and twist again, each move appeared flawless. Talent like that.

11. Many skaters like to think of the park as the hangout, or the place to be away from everything- an escape from reality to just connect with the pavement and the wheels under their board. They refer to the skate park as “theirs”. From everything each and everyone of them has experienced there, so park definitely holds a rightful belonging of the skaters. A lion in his kingdom.

13. “Sometimes, it feels like I’m still surprise myself..” Kalen admits as he rests for a break, while staring out at the familiar place. Coming Christmas, will be the four year anniversary of this dedicated skaters career. Yet, as he gazes off into the grounds of the skate park, you can him imagining something. He looks at each inch of the place in a new way, a new experience. “Each day, I come out here never knowing what to expect, what's ahead of me,” then he began to smile, “but that’s what makes it so addicting.” Looking back at the years.

15. “I’m far from perfect,” Kalen had admitted, “I make mistakes just like anyone would.” As he began something new that day, he would attempt, and then fall again and again. But he kept trying until he finally made it. He looked so proud that he had achieved it without getting hurt. But most skaters don’t get off as easily as Kalen had- with just a few bruises. Sometimes it means breaking a bone or worse to push you closer to what you really want. Far from perfect.

17. The skate park not only seemed to be filled with teens on the cold Sunday evening, but with younger skaters as well. Each one hoping to do harder tricks and learn new techniques. And who else is better to look to for guidance than the older skaters, the more experienced ones? “We all started out just like them,” Parker began, “I think its great that they’re so passionate for skating at such a young age, and I’m honored they look up to us. Just because I thought so much of older skaters when I was at that age. Everything they did meant everything to me. Which is why I never want to let them down.” The younger ones count.

19. As Kalen and Parker took a break from skating, I began to wander around the park. I couldn’t help but notice how much the skaters had transformed the skate park. With little imprints here and there left by skaters. This will without a doubt, always have an affect on the future generations of skaters. Leaving a lasting mark.

21. At different times, both skaters admitted to never seeing themselves stopping their skating career. Though they know things will change, as will people- there is one thing they were sure would never change. The friendships, accomplishments and marks the skate park will leave on their lives. “Shred til’ you’re dead,” Kalen said as his final words, “Shred til’ you’re dead.” Always.

22. Special thanks to KalenGelo & Parker Blann for being such great participants in being photographed and interviewed. You guys are great.

23. The End.