Only one time did I actually get to see him skate. When I was around 11 or 12 Kona in Jacksonville held a pro contest and my dad and I just happened to show up there at the right time. Jay wasnt skating due to an injury he suffered during practice. I was so disappointed for I was certain that my favorite pro skater would certainly have won 1st in everything. Dad was known for constantly shooting video on his super 8 camera of the skaters and on the third day during an open practice Jay Boy could no longer resist hamming it up. We were sitting on the edge of a resivour type bowl with our backs facing it. Suddenly the well known sound of sliding urethane skreetched directly behind us like a clap of thunder. It was Jay, laying down a killer Bert slide. The tail of his board coming within inches of our backsides. We jumped to our feet and focused in. He turned on the other side, pushed off several times and repeated the trick. Over and over again he did this, with each Bert slide getting faster and more aggressive. He was completely focused on us like it was my own private Jay Adams skate show. No one really paid attention until the announcer politely reminded Jay, repeatedly, that he needed to put on a helmet. The crowd began to notice and gather around. Photogs everywhere shouting Jay, over here! hoping he would indulge them by skating to where they were. But he ignored them all and skated only to the spot where dad and I stood. After 10 minutes or so he simply picked up his board and walked away and the crowd dispersed. But in only just a minute or so he returned again to blaze and exhibit his killer style. This time with a classic Jay model helmet on his head, complying with the announcers repeated requests. The crowd reformed but he continued to ignore them and skated only to where we were standing. I was just so blown away and thankful for what I was blessed with witnessing first hand. He continued his show for about 10 more minutes and then picked up his board again and just walked away, as if the novelty had worn off and boredom had set it. Hed done his thing, put a little shock n awe into some kid and his old man. He didnt skate again the rest of the weekend. Jay wasnt someone I ever got to know. Just this one simple brush with his fame, at least in my mind. And so he can continue to live on in my mind as something of an idol to me. His style and attitude embodied everything that I felt skating was and is. And so though I never knew him I still feel like I miss him now that hes gone.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:47:39 +0000
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