History of skateboarding on display at library

Jared Clark is 36 years old and has two sons. But the Minden man is still a kid at heart when he jumps on his skateboard at Lampe Park alongside his sons Dylan, 7, and Austin, 4.

Despite a few broken bones and countless scrapes and bruises while rolling atop the concrete during the past 30 years, Clark can still show the younger generation a trick or two on wheels.

Clark's love of skateboarding began as a youth in Southern California, a hotbed for the activity. He has been rolling on his maplewood board, steel or urethane wheels ever since.

To share his passion on wheels, Clark has placed his entire collection of skateboards, books and magazines on the subject on display in the exhibit showcase at the Douglas County Pulbic Library in Minden. The "History of Skateboarding" exhibit, which Clark spent 10 years collecting, runs through Saturday. It also includes a cast he wore after breaking his elbow while skateboarding.

"I'd rather be on my board than looking at it," said Clark's son, Austin, who came with his father to view the popular exhibit. "Dad bought me another one so I can do my tricks."

Behind the showcase glass are more than 30 wooden and plastic skateboards. The boards, which vary in length up to 32-inches, cover the lifespan of the often maligned activity from the early 1970s through the latest and coolest homemade boards autographed by professionals.

Some of the newer models sell for more than $500. Many were purchased on eBay while others were bought at Headquarters, a skateboard store in Gardnerville. Colorful graphics of skulls and snakes help identify the professionals who use the particular model.

"I've had a skateboard as far back as I can remember," said Clark, who started riding at age 2. "Skateboarding is not about money or glory. It is something that gets in your blood. Skateboarders are the true artists of the concrete jungle."

Clark's collisions with that concrete jungle have resulted in a broken elbow and ankle. He long ago lost track of his bumps, scrapes and bruises. He recently had nearly half his face scraped away while flying downhill into loose rocks. He had to pick the pebbles out of his skin but never required a stitch to fix the damage. He was more concerned about his board than his own skin.

Clark was back on his board before the facial abrasions had healed. He refuses to be deterred from the activity he loves.

"Skateboarders are the toughest breed out there," said Clark, who suffered fewer injuries playing football in Los Angeles for seven years than while skateboarding. "I just keep coming back. My motto is skate or die. If I get hurt, I don't look for someone to sue. I just deal with it and keep skating."

Maria Pearson, youth services director at the library, said the exhibit has helped bring teenagers into the library.

"I hear comments like 'Wow, I've never seen a skateboard like that one before,'" Maria said.

Pearson and Clark agree it was important that reading material be included in the exhibit.

"Books and magazines about skateboarding show kids that they can read about the subject," said Clark, whose library exhibit includes a Life Magazine cover from May 1965 that shows a girl doing a handstand on a board. The 40-year-old magazine headline reads "The craze and menace of skateboarding." "People have been doing tricks on skateboards for a longtime. This exhibit gives kids today some historical perspective."

Clark claims the magazine shows that skateboarding has been getting an "unfair rap" for a long time.

"This exhibit helps show that skateboarding isn't a crime," he said. "Guys who skate aren't out getting into trouble. Skateboarding is a born and raised American pastime that started right here."

He calls skaters a "tight group of loners" who just want to skate and not be bothered by anyone.

"Skating is something someone can only do for himself," he said. "It is a living art form."

When not working as a time share salesman at Walley's Hot Springs Resort, Clark can often be found with his sons at either the Indian Hills or Lampe Park skate parks. Father and sons keep busy doing flips, grinding and shredding along the concrete courses.

"Lampe Park is one of the best public skate parks anywhere," he said. "Guys come a long way to ride at Lampe Park and show what they can do."

Clark has some advice for skaters or others interested in becoming skaters.

"If you skate, don't stop," he said. "If you don't skate, don't start."

Clark is aways on the lookout to add to his collection. He plans to show it in other venues in the future. In the meantime, he'll continue to skate and encourage Dylan and Austin to join him on a ride along the concrete.

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