need for a helmet got a large public display
Kate or die posted,
Canada day contest at seylynn took a major hit today when a local legend named don, aka carver don got drilled in the bowl on a speedline collission.
On a day like Canada day, collisions are inevitable...as there are so many skaters fighting for lines it is absolutley ridiculous, but also very much part of the fun!! Unfortunatley today, there was an accident and it left a man who normally wears a helmet, in the bottom of the bowl fighting...let this be a reminder and an eye opener for those who haven't figured out the joys of a helmet yet.
At last word, don was still unconsious when he was given a CT scan, and is in for emergency surgery as we speak. It is sad, but indeed very true.
I learned my helmet lesson in that park a while back while I was living in north van, and unfortunatley a few of my buddies have learned the hard way too since. Unfortunatley, street and new school bowl skaters don't have the influences that allow them to be comfortable wearing safety gear, and that sucks! A few bad attitudes about what is cool changes the outlook that so many people have on this kinda thing... I sure as hell know first hand, as I refused to wear a helmet and knee pads forever, and as lame as this makes Me sound...I had straight up anxiety about showing up amongst my short board peers in a helmet and knee pads for the first time at a contest! Its just unfortunate that it took an event like this to solidify my need for that equiptment, and imply some new curiousities into the 'closed minds' of modern skaters.
You can't force anyone to do anything that they don't want to do, but what we can do to help us just set an example and hope that sooner or later, people catch on without any unfortunate events like this happening again.
Thanks to the medics that were ON STRIKE and still showed up, the skill of Mr mcgoldrick himself, and the organizers of the series for getting don stable and out of the bowl safely... hopefully the hundreds of spectators that stood there in awe of what just happened will get their shit together and skate, if not just at high traffic contests, in helmets from now on. I sure know I will be
2009 July 2 12:30 AM
Midget replied,
Amen to that Katie, well said. Other than the seawall cruise accident, that was one of the gnarliest things to see. I think all of us there felt sick to our stomachs. I truly hope Don gets through this and recovers. I wish it didn't take something like that for people to learn the importance of wearing a helmet. The more we touch on this issue, the more people out there will at least be aware and make the right choice. Keep us updated on Don if you can.
2009 July 2 8:24 AM
Kate or die replied,
As of 5:30am, don was placed on life support.
This is NOT a thread for anyone to go all helmet natzi on...and if it turns into that, I will make your life a living hell. Despite what you May think...it is a time for everyone to show some respect to these very talented skateboarders and wish them best for their friend.
I posted what I said earlier about it sucking that there aren't enough positive influences wearing a helmet for a reason. I/they do not need an opinion, they need an example, so be that example.
Wear your fucking helmet. This current generation of skaters May not bite, and that's not your problem. What is your problem is everyone you have a direct influence on. Be there for them, set an example for them. Do not tell anyone to do anything because that only makes you as ignorant as you think they are.
There is no point to get into a war over people being dumb about helmets when they define their whole reasoning not to wear one as being free. Instead, what you need to do is keep talking to that little dude that is lined up to drop in the bowl and encourage him, instead of letting him stand there all insecure about how much of a 'dork' he looks like in his safety gear.
Sooner or later, that little dude will be better than his friends cause he's able to try harder, and they will too catch along.
God bless you don, hang in there!
2009 July 2 8:58 AM
Kate or die replied,
I will not be releasing any further details for now. Friends/aquaintences of carver, please email Me if you would like to receive updates on his condition
2009 July 2 10:09 PM
raffle replied,
man this is horrible always sucks to see a fellow skater injured like this my thoughts and prayers go out to his family get well soon man
2009 July 2 10:31 PM
Kate or die replied,
It is with a great deal of sadness and regret that I am informing you of the passing of local legend, Don 'mad carver' Hartley, due to the head injury sustained at the Canada day contest at seylynn.
Due to the sensitivity of this subject, I ask again for all of you to leave your comments about helmet use out of this thread. This is strictly to keep those who saw, or knew don in the know.
I beg of you, do not go boasting about the need of helmets to riders that do not want to hear, instead...keep encouraging the little ones beside you, eventually more and more will catch on.
A trust fund is being set up for his childen and all those that wish to make a donation May email Me for contributions to the fund.