pavedwave longboarding

calumwp326 · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Posts: 4 Location: London

Hey guys. havent yet questioned pavedwave bout what they think are the must haves to having a secure base on my long distance trip.

Anyone have any imput ?

In case you dont know . My names calum warren-piper. im 15 and this summer im going to skate the UK (all 900 miles) Very Happy

im just worried cause my dad doesnt think it's going to happen etc and i need people just to give me some hints for what i will need and etc . thanks calum . PS. on facebook search "On Board for Change" and join the group to support my cause. thanks

Belegnole · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 86 Location: Appleton, Wisconsin

My very first thought is that you need to garner your father's support. To do that you need more information concerning the hurdles you might face. You are going to have to choose a route and know where there may be issues. You will have to have a group to back you up with supplies and general assistance. I have no idea of what your age may do to your trip but as a minor I am sure that it could affect it. Your best bet would be to find those who have done the trip already and talk with them. They would have the best advice...right down to what equipment works...good luck and keep us informed!
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pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1114 Location: seattle wa usa

Once you get past the permission of parents-- definitely you want to look on Adam Colton's list of items he packed for South America, and Rob Thomson's blog. Logistics for the ride is just one small part of the planning on something this big.

The other guy whom I heard you've already touched base with (we chatted briefly on Facebook last night) Wink

is Jack Smith -- keep picking his brain about their preparation for skates across America.

The biggest decision is whether you're going supported with a vehicle or not, and I'd highly recommend you do, just to take care of any unexpecteds along the way. I know that the under-18 crowd can sometimes have a different set of problems just trying to secure hotels and campsites, so having a car and maybe a "legal adult" driving is a consideration. Plus, the way you pack on your back (or skate-trailer) is going to be significantly different if you don't have a car to carry a lot of items!

Obviously a vehicle's going to be an expense, so depending on your financial resources, you might have to start pounding the pavement in your "sales shoes". Work on clearly defining and documenting how your mission and ride purpose is going to go, that you can leave behind with potential investors/sponsors to study. And once you have that plan laid out, start requesting support now -- even big things like a local rental car business that might agree to lending a car covered with their logo.

These are just a few things, I know you'll pick up more and more as you chat with guys like Jack and Rob who've "been there done that."