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
5 responses to “Steve Douglas, Frontside Rock’n’Roll Madrid 1989”
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…..)
I certainly remember someone coming back and saying that. Whether or not they were right is another matter. Perhaps someone will set us straight?
Masonite is indeed hardboard, Oil-tempered hardboard is the correct term if I’m not mistaken.
Thanks, Rick!
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