Skateboarding Club Unrecognized

Origin and Membership The Hampshire College Skateboarding Club was founded in Fall 2005 by signers Amaru Pareja,Evan Ratzan, and Zack Heine. The goal of the group was to unite, inform, and support the skateboarding culture that exists on Hampshire College's campus. Upon formation, several new members including Nathan Sick, Luke Bartkus, and Micah Litant all joined the group. The first year of the group was tenuous; however, sound financial investment, and communal contributions helped the group to develop weekly meeting times where food was provided. Additionally, the purchase of DVDs, magazine, subscriptions, protective pads, tools, bearings, and decks allowed new and existing members to develop their skills safely, as well as an appreciation for the historical development of skateboarding. Following the first year of the group's existence there was a large increase in membership; although, most of the participants were infrequent and are thus not mentioned in this page. Luke Grecki

Achievements The Hampshire College Skateboarding Club began developing an extensive video library for anyone interested in viewing and appreciating professional skateboard technique, as well as historical context which influenced the many "greats" known today. Additionally, research into the information of modern technological advances in skate park architecture, and general skateboard maintenance was achieved. By Spring of 2006, the first grindable skate box was built by the three original signers,as well as Luke Bartkus, and Nathan Sick. Although crooked and slightly uneven, the box design allowed for the development of many technical tricks on behalf of the club's regularly attending members. Following the construction of the box, Amaru Pareja contributed a large kicker for aerial trick attempts. Shortly thereafter, in Fall of 2006 Zack Heine suggested a refurbishing of the teetering box, and the second model was produced with much more level positioning, and angle liner which was attached by screws and liquid nails so as to reinforce it against impact. Despite its longevity, the box eventually broke due to inadequate plywood on the top during Micah Litant's attempt at a hurricane. Fortunately, the final box design built by Zack Heine and Amaru Pareja had two sheets of plywood, stable angle-liner, and a steady seated position. Likewise, a short metal handrail was purchased; however, it's poor design due to instability and its limited length made it markedly less utilitarian. Additionally, they contributed (Spring 2008) a grind-able manual pad at approximately half the height of the original box. This allowed for beginners to get more involved in learning tricks, and more advanced skaters to learn more complex tricks before moving to the large box. The return of Sam Cranshaw to Hampshire College resulted in a new member to the club, as well as the construction of an arced rainbow rail, great for advanced skaters to try complex tricks. Likewise, Sam constructed an S-curve box able to be used for both snowboarding and skateboarding alike. As of today, the skateboarding club has a variety of useful equipment, as well as a vast literary and video library of skateboard culture.



 Members Zack Heine Amaru Pareja Evan Ratzan Nathan Sick Luke Bartkus Luke Grecki