Trendy trick tip: "the J.T. to later".

JAMIE THOMAS is a sick skater. Anyone who has seen any of the Zero videos can attest to that fact. Anyone who has seen those videos must also concur that Jamie has a certain flair for the dramatic. Kids like to emulate their favorite pros and there is nothing wrong with that. Well, almost nothing. I expected kids to buy Zero gear, grow out their hair and attempt ridiculous gaps and rails; what I didn't expect was that the youth of today would be equally as impressed and inspired by Jamie's contrived drama. It seems as though kids scrutinize Jamie's slow-motion, hair flapping-in-the-wind-while-pushing-to-a-classic-rock-ballad footage as much as they study his foot placement on backside lipslides. I first noticed this fact when I was having a drink at Big Dean's cafe. This bar happens to sit at the base of the Santa Monica triple-set. During my time there I must have seen 12 separate kids pull a new trick that I call the J.T. to Later, Because Bored is committed to keeping the older skater informed, I have decided to give a run down so you can impress your buddies at the next big session. Plus this is a trick older skaters can actually pull!

1.) This is the most important part of the trick! Walk up to the gap/rail/etc ... and stare that inanimate object down. It is of the utmost importance that you remain dead serious throughout the entire stare-down process. That gap needs to know you're going to kick its ass. For extra style points you can tap the tail of your board on the ground a few times before turing and walking towards the take-of point.

2.) Approach the gap with moderate speed.

3.) Just before the point of no return, stylishly tail skid to a halt.

4.) This is another important part of the trick so pay attention. Pick up your board and stare at the gap again. This time it is OK to crack a small, self-assured smile. Slowly shake your head back and forth and give the gap a look that says, "I've got this." If you have a friend filming you this is a perfect time to look at him, raise your finger and say "one more" (it also helps to think in slow motion).

5.) Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 as many times as you can get away with it before you can't take yourself seriously anymore. This is a good chance to experiment with facial expressions, throw temper tantrums, and really get your gap stare-down on lock. Also, if you have any flair with you it would be an excellent opportunity to whip it out and say "This is my good luck bandanna/visor/ sweatband/safety-pin/etc ... If you are wearing a hooded sweatshirt and haven't already put the hood up, do so now.

6.) Leave.

Congratulations, you have just learned a new and popular trick! The "J.T." can also be used outside of skateboarding. Once you get this trick on lock the variations are limitless. Take it to work and pull a "J.T. to yeah-whatever" right in front of your boss, or bring it in the bedroom and perform a "J.T. to mediocre sex." Every situation could use some faux drama. Tune in next issue when I break down the "bitter old 'zine writing drinker to black-out."

(editor's note ... After writing this article I saw a guy named Dave Shumaker ollie and frontside 180 the Santa Monica triple set. Nice work, but he didn't land one "J.T.")

You have a point, but mock-approaches to gaps are nothing new and are an important physical and mental preparatory device. J.P., Bored 'zine.