Push Skate Relay
At 8 am on the morning of June 20th, after dipping the tail of their longboards in the James River (Chesapeake Bay), a team of four skateboarders: Paul Kent, Miles Kipper, Andy Andras, and Rick Stubblefield headed out of Jamestown to attempt a 3,200-mile skateboarding relay across America (The Push). After 17 days and 6 hours, the athletes arrived in Newport, OR, skateboarding into the Pacific Ocean to complete their cross-country push.
The Motivation
The decision to skateboard across America was inspired by one of the first skateboarders to accomplish the task, Jack Smith, who completed the journey in 1976 with two friends, when he was just 19 years old. Back then there were no records to beat, and time was of little consequence. It was all about the experience. Pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible and trying something that had never been done before. Jack’s team completed the cross-country journey in 32 days. In 2018, Jack completed his fifth cross-country expedition this time on an electric skateboard (the first ever).
Jack was working on the finishing touches to a script inspired by his initial cross-country skateboarding experience when a nagging question arose. Just how fast could a team of four top skateboarders complete the 3,200-mile journey? Determined to find out, Jack reached out to four skateboarders that he knew. In less than a day, he had heard back from all four of them. They were in!
Push Skate Relay
Push Skate Relay
The preparation and challenges
The team was eager to start planning and decided to switch things up by completing the first east-to-west skateboarding trek across America. Jack had completed the first three journeys heading east with a finish in Williamsburg each time. It, therefore, seemed only fitting that Williamsburg should be the location in which to embark on their journey. By traveling east to west, they would hit the hardest part of their trip first, the Appalachian Mountains.
“Many people think the Rocky Mountains are the hardest to overcome but the Appalachian Mountains are harder. Our route included 6 Appalachian summits and the roads are very steep and windy. There is also a lot more traffic in the east. By starting in Williamsburg and heading west, we were able to put the traffic and the Appalachians behind us early on.” - Jack Smith
Push Skate Relay
Each of the four athletes had competed in races, and had the skill and experience necessary, however, only one had extensive open road experience. Not only would this be a true test of endurance, but it would be extremely demanding mentally as well. The journey would require physical and mental endurance, including riding in heavy traffic and on steep, windy roads with limited visibility. During the trip, the team would have to skateboard on small shoulders as cars traveling 60-70 mph zoomed past. Some of the roads they would be riding did not have shoulders at all. Concentration and awareness would be extremely important. The weather would pose a significant challenge as well.
“The first three days it just rained on the guys. It rained more on this trip than it did during all five of my previous trips combined. It was hard for them to ride 5 miles in wet conditions and then sit in a hot van until the next time they had to get out. They’re all remarkable and had good attitudes about it all.” - Jack Smith
MEMOrable EXPERIENCES
World Champion distance skater, Paul Kent’s descent of Shenandoah Mountain was a remarkable and exhilarating experience for the team.
”Paul’s descent down Shenandoah Mountain was world-class. The road had just been paved. Paul was traveling around 50 mph at times. The van could not keep up. Paul rolled up right behind the guys who were paving the road. The descent something to behold.” - Jack Smith
Push Skate Relay
Reaching the finish line, the journey’s conclusion in Newport, OR was also a very special moment.
“The guys started the journey by dipping the tails of the longboards in the James River which is part of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. When we arrived in Newport, OR, the townspeople had hung a banner and the mayor presented them with a proclamation. When we finished at the Nye Beach turnaround, the team was cheered. The beach was so hard, the guys were able to skateboard right into the Pacific Ocean.” - Jack Smith
It’s a tradition to dip the tail of the board in the ocean when you embark on your journey and to dip the nose of the board in the ocean when your journey is complete.
Push Skate Relay
Push Skate Relay
Capital Trail Experience
The first leg of their 17-day trek included riding from Williamsburg to Richmond on the Capital Trail. The Virginia Capital Trail was a great way to kick off their journey, providing a safer route without high-speed traffic to contend with.
“The guys really raved about riding on the Capital Trail. Only one out of four had much open-road experience. They got on the Capital Trail and it was great. They didn’t have to worry about cars passing them going 60-70 mph. Then they got to the end of the Trail and reality hit.”
REFLECTIONS
Challenges involving heavy rain during the initial days were frustrating. The weather may have played a large factor, more so than on other trips, but despite the challenges, the team’s positive attitude, teamwork, and determination carried them throughout the journey.
“All in all, it was very successful. There was only one injury, and everyone kept good attitudes.” - Jack Smith
summer is a time for adventure
“From an early age, I had the mentality that when summer comes you have fun. Summer is a time for adventure, not working. That has been something that has always been with me and that’s how I have tried to live my life.” - Jack Smith
Push Skate Relay
Congratulations Paul Kent, Miles Kipper, Andy Andras, and Rick Stubblefield!
And Jack Smith (trip driver) and Dylan Smith (trip navigator)!
Jack Smith is a legendary skateboarder and Guinness World Record holder. In 2018, Jack completed the nation’s first cross-country road trip on an electric skateboard. The 2,394-mile journey was Jack’s fifth cross-country expedition on a skateboard, with his first taking place in 1976 on a traditional skateboard at the age of 19 from Oregon to Virginia.
For more information visit - The Push - A Skateboarding Relay Across America
