There’s an interesting insight into Tim Payne’s ramp building techniques on this page: build it in sections on the ground so that you can have several teams working at the same time without the need for ladders. This was at a time when ideas like that were not common knowledge. Only a few years earlier none of us had any idea what the Americans were on about when they talked about using ‘Masonite’ to cover (indoor) ramps. Finally someone came back with the news, “Masonite is hardboard”. It always reminded me of the line “Soylent Green is people” from the end of the science fiction film.
Caption: Think of your own Steve Douglas caption.
The photographs of the ramp building are by Nick Ajose, not Mike John
When We Was Rad: Skateboard History from UK Vintage Magazine
History of Skateboarding (UK): Vintage R.a.D Magazine Official Archive
Steve Douglas, Frontside Rock’n’Roll Madrid 1989
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Issue 82 December 1989 &Skateboard Competitions timlb 28 Jul 2006 5 Comments
Backsidenocomply responded on 28 Jul 2006 at 10:09 pm #
Masonite is hardboard?!?! I thought it was some mythical, super-tech product from the states!! I’d read it was great for ramps but went soggy in the rain so thought it was some sort of coated ply…..maybe like a poptart……
Anyway, I think frontside rocks are one of the best tricks to photo as they capture the essence of skating – manipulating the board by leaning your body into the trick – and opportunity for visual flair (that reads a bit gay…..)
timlb responded on 29 Jul 2006 at 10:42 am #
I certainly remember someone coming back and saying that. Whether or not they were right is another matter. Perhaps someone will set us straight?
rickcurran responded on 07 Aug 2006 at 2:39 pm #
Masonite is indeed hardboard, Oil-tempered hardboard is the correct term if I’m not mistaken.
timlb responded on 07 Aug 2006 at 4:08 pm #
Thanks, Rick!
Nick Ajose responded on 20 Apr 2010 at 6:48 pm #
Great site – the Madrid contest was hardcore with Tim’s attention to detail and the army of local helpers, the ramp building went like clockwork – a true craftsman.
Cheers
Nick