The Art of Skating

Lot 11, now featured as one of the best skateparks in the US sits at the heart of Miami in downtown, one block away from Government Center metro station. Apart this being such an amazing park for skating, third space as mentioned in my previous post, and in a great location, the story of how it came to be brings hope for future skate park creations to come.

“It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Katz says. “We went and met with every organization you can think of – every CRA, every local municipality, local charity group. And we had a very hard time getting them to want to support our project.” - Nick Katz

After 8 years, lots of meetings and money raised, they finally opened lot 11 in 2019. Being the first skate park I ever went to in 2022, I truly look up to Nick Katz, and it's great how he continues to support the community by pulling up to local events, hosting classes for kids and teens, and for the great efforts he put into this.

Quote © 2019 Olivia McAuley New York Times

Today, notable fashion trends can be traced back to skating. While many skaters wear baggy pants for protection against falling and for better mobility when doing tricks, it is also a fashion choice. I personally love the baggy pants look and the comfort it provides.

Another fashion choice that began in the 90s- early 200s is the use of a shoelace to act as a belt for baggy pants. This is something that has resurged especially during 2020 as many people simply enjoyed the look and aesthetic. The origin of this is to help skaters comfortably and safely skate in their baggy jeans, inspiring others to do the same simply because they like it or for comfort.

Skateboarding is something I'm passionate about because it's a form of growth. While it is a personal sport--essentially your only competition is yourself-- skating with friends is so fulfilling because you support each other and have fun whether its playing a game of skate or cruising around.

It takes lots of perseverance and patience to skate. You can't really compare yourself to others because everyone is on their own journey and has different learning curves. What may take you months may take someone longer and vice versa. Skating has taught me many lessons that I can apply to real life, and that's why I'm forever grateful for it.

While skateboarders and skateboarding hold a stereotype of delinquency, breaking rules, and exposure to drugs and crime, this puts skaters in a bad light, failing to highlight the positive qualities and realities they face.

Skateboarding is an outlet for many, where the second they step on the board they are able to have a clear mind and not worry about the things they are going through. Many skaters use this outlet to distract themselves from their home lives, abuse they face, drug problems, and more. Skating is something that keeps them sane, and in Mid 90s, this couldn't be represented better.

Skating transcends the label of a sport. It is an art form that dips into the world of fashion, community, culture, film, and more. As someone who loves fashion and skateboarding, being able to merge those worlds in a community that is accepting is so special!

That's why I wanna share my experience being a vendor at my local skate park. The market at Lot 11 is a space where vendors come together to curate a space that is inspiring, energizing, and with an inviting atmosphere where you can listen to a live jazz band as u shop and buy delicious treats.