Carving the Hills of Gainesville with Ehrin Flintroy
Ehrin Flintroy displays all of his skateboard and protective gear. Flintroy is a leading member of the Gator Longboarding Club at the University of Florida. Skateboarding down steep hills is a passion of his.
The grip tape is what keeps the skateboard from slipping off of your feet. Flintroy has designed his grip tape to reflect his own personal style. Since Flintroy skates as often as he can, he may need a new sheet in only a few weeks.
Flintroy starts accelerating down, with only slides and rapid movements to the left and right to control his speed. Around the corner is a slope that is much steeper referred to as "Dead Man's Hill." Competitions have been hosted there in which a small ramp was included as an obstacle.
After gaining some speed, Flintroy performs a backside powerslide. A good indicator of skill is if the skateboarder lets his hands touch the ground or not. Although if they do, Flintroy has his hands covered by special gloves.
"Don't try it, just do it," is a quote that Flintroy lives by and utilizes during his skateboard sessions. The numerous power slides he does cause his wheels to become "cored", meaning they are worn down to the center. Autobahn is Flintroy's preferred brand of wheel.
The hills commonly "carved" down in Gainesville are not always urban and surrounded by tar and concrete. At the end of this slope there is a nature walk that extends into Hogtown Creek, a watershed that stretches 20 square miles throughout Gainesville. When traveling around town, keep an eye out for the Gator Longboarding Club. New members are always welcomed, no matter what your skill level may be.












