Bundle Up! It's cold outside...

Midwest skateboarders, not to exclude Canadians, have so much cold weather endurance, Sir Edmund Hillary would be jealous. America’s heartland has been known to have some of the most inconsistent and erroneous weather patterns. One aspect of this weather seems to be the most consistent of all, and that is the stagnate, windy, and frigid winters the Midwest always seems to enjoy or rather suffer through. But the dedicated skateboarders here have learned to adapt to anything the western sky cares to send our way. Being a Midwest-bred skateboarding barbarian myself, I know a few things when it comes to skating during the winter months. So I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage you, the skateboarder who things it’s too cold to skate, to suck it up and go skateboarding.

Before you even leave your place of dwelling or hibernation, I’d suggest dressing in layers. If it’s really cold outside, wear a pair of sweatpants underneath your jeans. This not only keeps you warm, but it also gives you a bit of extra padding when your body slams to the frozen tundra of concrete you call your skatepark. As for your upper body, consider wearing a long sleeved t-shirt or two beneath two or more hooded sweatshirts. A few layers go a long way and you can always take them off if you get toasty. A beanie is a must; I’ve been told that 80% or more of your body heat escapes from your head. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to cover it up.

The next step regards your selection of spots. Try to look for places that are either in the direct sunlight or have a total windbreak (like an old warehouse). Be careful with that warehouse though, breaking in and entering is a felony. Places in direct sunlight tend to be warmer because the concrete absorbs a lot of heat. However, with no guarantee of a windless skate session, it can be a gamble. Another tip I have is to avoid spots with rough ground. It sucks enough to fall when the ground is cold and frozen, but it makes it that much worse when the ground is rough too.

The final tip I have for you is to store your shoes and skateboard indoors. This will make it easier to do tricks and prolong the life of your equipment, particularly that board. If your Mom throws your stuff into the garage, yell and scream like a five year old. She’ll get the idea.

It is possible to skate during the harsh Midwest winter. Believe me; I’ve been doing it for 6 years now. Just wear a few layers, choose your spots wisely, and care for your equipment and you too can survive through spring. The good news is that winter only occupies one-fourth of the year, so there are another three-fourths to look forward to.