The city streets of Montreal played host to a grass roots revival of sorts this summer. Many skaters ditched their cumbersome longboards in favor of a shortboard cruiser.
In case you didn't know, because of their size and rolling efficiency, these boards are radically versatile.
They're an excellent means for getting around and travelling from park to park, from home to the club, and later on, back home again, although the return trip is usually a bit more challenging.
With the popularity of shortboards, an old debate has made a comeback: wood or plastic?
While not quite as polarizing as Obama vs. Romney, this question leaves no one indifferent.
Each material has its advantages and inconveniences.
Plastic:
The greatest advantage of plastic boards is that they're practically indestructible. An elephant could skate on one. They're also available in an endless range of totally cool colors. And, though not necessarily recommended, you can ride them in the rain.
The disadvantage: they're fabricated primarily from synthetic materials. They can be recycled, though!
Wood:
The ride feels more like that of a regular board and certain shapes have outstanding pop.
Leave no good old board behind. Instead, put it in the hands of artists who can give it a second life. You'll get back a skateboard with the shape you want, not to mention custom graphics.
Disadvantage: Wood is, well, wood! It's vulnerable to climate conditions and wears over time.
What's important is to choose the one that's right for you by trying them out because the ride and feel is very different.
Whether you choose wood or plastic, all we have to say is, just keep pushing (but not mongo).
