Rolling down 15th Street, Nathan Ruddick rides his longboard onto the sidewalk, ducks below a handrail outside the Student Recreation Center and carves his board sideways before skating off. Ruddick, a 2007 University graduate, skates his own style of longboarding, incorporating surfing techniques into his riding.
The 25-year old has been skating since he was 17. Ruddick was using his longboard for transportation when he realized he could carve his longboard like a surfer. He started using his longboard as a cross-training exercise for his surfing.
With power slides, nose rides, manuals and carving, Ruddick says he tries to mimic the styles of surfer Andy Irons and longboarder Joel Tudor.
“I don’t see anyone doing the same thing,” says Ruddick. “I feel like I’m a contrarian. I’m always trying to do something different.”
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Surfing the streets
Daily Emerald
May 6, 2009
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