The Mutt: A Memoir and a Guide by Rodney Mullen, the Skateboarding Legend
The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself
Do you love skateboarding? Do you want to learn how to skateboard better and have more fun? Do you want to read a book that will inspire you and make you laugh? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should read The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself by Rodney Mullen.
The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself mobi download book
The Mutt is a memoir and a guidebook that tells the story of Rodney Mullen, one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. He invented many of the tricks that are now considered essential for street skating, such as the ollie, the kickflip, the heelflip, and the 360 flip. He also shares his insights on skateboarding culture, history, philosophy, and psychology.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of skateboarding history, basics, tricks, and culture. We will also review The Mutt and tell you why it is a must-read for anyone who loves skateboarding or wants to start skating. Let's get started!
The History of Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a sport that originated in California in the 1950s. It was inspired by surfing, as surfers wanted to find a way to ride the waves on land when there was no swell. They attached roller skate wheels to wooden planks and called them skateboards.
Skateboarding soon became popular among young people who enjoyed the thrill and freedom of riding on sidewalks, streets, and empty pools. In the 1960s and 1970s, skateboarding evolved into a subculture with its own magazines, movies, music, and fashion. Some of the pioneers of this era were Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Stacy Peralta, and Tony Hawk.
In the 1980s and 1990s, skateboarding became more diverse and creative. Skaters started to invent new tricks and styles that challenged the limits of physics and imagination. Some of the innovators of this era were Mark Gonzales, Natas Kaupas, Mike Vallely, and Rodney Mullen.
In the 2000s and 2010s, skateboarding became more global and mainstream. Skaters from all over the world competed in contests like the X Games, Street League, and the Olympics. Some of the stars of this era were Nyjah Huston, Leticia Bufoni, Ryan Sheckler, and Lizzie Armanto.
Today, skateboarding is a sport that millions of people enjoy and admire. It is also a culture that celebrates individuality, creativity, and community. Skateboarding is more than just a hobby, it is a way of life.
The Basics of Skateboarding
If you want to learn how to skateboard, you need to start with the basics. Here are some of the things you need to know before you hop on your board:
How to choose a skateboard
A skateboard consists of four main parts: the deck, the trucks, the wheels, and the bearings. The deck is the wooden platform that you stand on. The trucks are the metal axles that attach the wheels to the deck. The wheels are the rubber circles that roll on the ground. The bearings are the metal balls that allow the wheels to spin smoothly.
There are different types of skateboards for different purposes. The most common ones are street skateboards, which are designed for tricks and maneuvers on flat surfaces and obstacles. They usually have a symmetrical shape, a medium width (7.5 to 8.5 inches), and small wheels (50 to 55 mm). Another type is cruiser skateboards, which are designed for transportation and cruising on smooth surfaces. They usually have a directional shape, a wide width (8.5 to 10 inches), and large wheels (60 to 70 mm).
The best way to choose a skateboard is to try different ones and see what feels comfortable for you. You can also ask for advice from your local skate shop or online forums. You should also consider your budget, as skateboards can range from $50 to $200 or more.
How to balance
Once you have your skateboard, you need to learn how to balance on it. This is the most important skill for skateboarding, as it will help you control your board and prevent falls.
To balance on your skateboard, you need to find your stance and your foot position. Your stance is whether you ride with your left foot forward (regular) or your right foot forward (goofy). There is no right or wrong stance, it depends on what feels natural for you. You can test your stance by sliding on the floor with socks or by kicking a ball with your dominant foot.
Your foot position is how you place your feet on the deck. Your front foot should be near the middle of the board, slightly angled towards the nose (the front end). Your back foot should be near the tail (the back end), perpendicular to the board. You should keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board.
To practice balancing, you can stand on your board on a flat surface and try to keep it still. You can also try to shift your weight from side to side and from nose to tail. You can also try to lift one foot off the board and balance on the other.
How to push
After you learn how to balance, you need to learn how to push. Pushing is how you move your board forward by kicking off the ground with one foot.
To push, you need to take your back foot off the board and place it on the ground behind you. You then need to push off with your back foot and bring it back on the board behind your front foot. You should keep your front foot steady on the board and use it to steer.
To practice pushing, you can start on a smooth surface with little or no slope. You can push once or twice and then coast until you lose speed. You can then repeat until you feel comfortable. You can also try to push faster and longer as you improve.
How to turn
Once you learn how to push, you need to learn how to turn. Turning is how you change direction by leaning or tilting your board.
To turn, you need to shift your weight either towards your toes or towards your heels. This will make your board lean either left or right, depending on your stance. You should also use your shoulders and hips to help guide your turn.
To practice turning, you can try to make small turns on a flat surface by leaning slightly left or right. You can then try to make bigger turns by leaning more or by carving (making an arc shape with your board). You can also try to turn on different terrains, such as slopes, curves, or ramps.
How to stop
Skateboard Safety Tips
Skateboarding is a fun and exciting sport, but it can also be dangerous if you are not careful. You can get injured by falling, crashing, or hitting something or someone. To avoid injuries and enjoy skateboarding safely, you should follow these tips:
Wear protective gear. You should always wear a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards when you skate. They will protect your head and limbs from serious injuries. You can also wear gloves, shoes, and clothing that are comfortable and durable.
Check your board. You should always check your board before you skate. You should make sure that the deck is not cracked or broken, the trucks are not loose or bent, the wheels are not worn or flat, and the bearings are not rusty or dirty. You should also clean and maintain your board regularly.
Choose your spot. You should always choose a spot that is suitable for your skill level and style. You should avoid skating on busy roads, crowded areas, private property, or places that are forbidden or illegal. You should also respect the rules and regulations of the spot and the people who use it.
Warm up and stretch. You should always warm up and stretch before you skate. You should do some light exercises and movements to get your blood flowing and your muscles ready. You should also stretch your legs, arms, back, and neck to prevent stiffness and soreness.
Fall safely. You should always be prepared to fall when you skate. You should try to fall on your pads or roll with the impact. You should avoid falling on your head, hands, or knees. You should also relax and breathe when you fall.
By following these tips, you can skate safely and have more fun.
The Tricks of Skateboarding
Skateboarding is not only a sport but also an art form. Skaters express themselves by performing tricks and maneuvers on their boards. Tricks are the actions that skaters do with their boards, such as jumping, flipping, spinning, sliding, or balancing. There are hundreds of tricks that skaters can learn and invent.
Tricks can be classified into different categories based on the type of board movement or obstacle involved. Some of the main categories are:
Ollies: Tricks that involve lifting the board off the ground by popping the tail and sliding the front foot forward.
Flips: Tricks that involve flipping the board in the air by kicking it with one foot.
Grabs: Tricks that involve grabbing the board with one hand while in the air.
Spins: Tricks that involve rotating the board or the body in the air.
Grinds: Tricks that involve sliding the trucks along an edge or a rail.
Slides: Tricks that involve sliding the board along a surface with or without the trucks touching it.
Manuals: Tricks that involve balancing on two wheels without touching the ground with any other part of the board.
To learn tricks, you need to master the basics first. You also need to practice a lot and be patient. Here are some of the most common and popular tricks that skaters do:
How to ollie
The ollie is the most fundamental trick in skateboarding. It is the basis for many other tricks. It was invented by Alan "Ollie" Gelfand in 1978.
To ollie, you need to follow these steps:
Crouch down on your board with your feet in the ollie position: your back foot on the tail and your front foot near the middle of the board.
Pop your tail hard by stomping your back foot down. This will make your board lift off the ground slightly.
Slide your front foot up towards the nose of the board as you jump with both feet. This will level out your board in the air and give it more height.
Bring your knees up to your chest as you reach the peak of your jump.
Extend your legs as you land on all four wheels at the same time.
Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact and roll away smoothly.
How to kickflip
The kickflip is one of the most popular and stylish tricks in skateboarding. It is a variation of the ollie that involves flipping the board 360 degrees along its axis. It was invented by Rodney Mullen in 1983.
To kickflip, you need to follow these steps:
Crouch down on your board with your feet in the kickflip position: your back foot on the tail and your front foot slightly angled near the edge of the board.
Pop your tail hard by stomping your back foot down. This will make your board lift off the ground slightly.
Slide your front foot up and off the board as you jump with both feet. This will make your board flip along its axis.
Watch your board as it flips and catch it with both feet when it completes one full rotation.
Bring your knees up to your chest as you reach the peak of your jump.
Extend your legs as you land on all four wheels at the same time.
Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact and roll away smoothly.
How to grind
The grind is one of the most exciting and challenging tricks in skateboarding. It is a type of slide that involves sliding the trucks along an edge or a rail. There are many types of grinds, such as the 50-50, the 5-0, the nosegrind, and the crooked grind.
To grind, you need to follow these steps:
Approach the edge or rail with enough speed and at a slight angle.
Ollie or pop your board up and aim your trucks at the edge or rail.
Land on the edge or rail with your trucks and balance on them as you slide along it.
Ollie or pop off the edge or rail before you reach the end of it.
Land on all four wheels and roll away smoothly.
Skateboard Trick Tips
Learning tricks can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating and painful. To make your learning process easier and safer, you should follow these tips:
Practice on flat ground first. You should master the basic tricks on flat ground before you try them on ramps, stairs, rails, or other obstacles. This will help you build confidence and muscle memory.
Start with easy tricks. You should start with simple tricks that are within your skill level and then progress to harder ones. This will help you avoid injuries and discouragement.
Watch and learn from others. You should watch how other skaters do tricks and try to copy their movements and techniques. You can also ask for advice or feedback from them. You can watch videos online or in person at skate parks or spots.
Be persistent and positive. You should not give up or get angry when you fail or fall. You should keep trying and learn from your mistakes. You should also celebrate your achievements and have fun.
The Culture of Skateboarding
Skateboarding is more than just a sport, it is also a culture. Skateboarding culture is a way of life that involves values, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and expressions that are shared by skaters. Skateboarding culture is influenced by various factors, such as history, geography, media, art, music, fashion, and politics.
Skateboarding culture is diverse and dynamic. It varies from place to place and from time to time. It also evolves and adapts to changing circumstances and trends. However, there are some common elements that define skateboarding culture, such as:
How to find skate spots
Skate spots are places where skaters can skate and perform tricks. They can be natural or man-made, public or private, legal or illegal. They can be anything from sidewalks, streets, parking lots, schools, parks, plazas, pools, pipes, ramps, stairs, ledges, rails, gaps, benches, boxes, curbs, walls, fences, etc.
To find skate spots, you need to be observant and creative. You need to look around your environment and see what potential spots there are. You need to imagine how you can use them for skating. You also need to be respectful and responsible. You need to follow the rules and regulations of the spots and the people who own or use them. You need to avoid damaging or littering them. You need to share them with other skaters and non-skaters.
How to make friends
How to make friends
Skateboarding is a social activity that can help you make friends. Skateboarding friends are people who share your passion and interest for skateboarding. They can teach you, support you, challenge you, and have fun with you.
To make skateboarding friends, you need to be friendly and open. You need to talk to other skaters and introduce yourself. You need to compliment their tricks and ask for tips. You need to join their sessions and games. You need to invite them to skate with you or go to new spots. You also need to be loyal and respectful. You need to stick with your friends and help them when they need it. You need to respect their opinions and preferences. You need to avoid conflicts and drama.
How to respect others
Skateboarding is a culture that values respect. Respect is the act of showing consideration and appreciation for others. Respect is important for skateboarding because it helps maintain harmony and peace among skaters and non-skaters.
To respect others, you need to follow these guidelines:
Respect yourself. You should be proud of who you are and what you do. You should take care of your health and safety. You should not do anything that harms or degrades yourself.
Respect your board. You should treat your board as your partner and friend. You should keep it clean and functional. You should not abuse or neglect it.
Respect your spot. You should appreciate the spot that you skate on and the people who own or use it. You should follow the rules and regulations of the spot. You should not damage or litter the spot. You should share the spot with other skaters and non-skaters.
Respect your peers. You should acknowledge the skills and achievements of other skaters. You should learn from them and teach them. You should support them and encourage them. You should not mock or bully them.
Respect your elders. You should honor the pioneers and legends of skateboarding who paved the way for you. You should listen to their stories and advice. You should thank them and pay tribute to them.
Respect your community. You should contribute to the growth and development of skateboarding culture. You should participate in events and activities that promote skateboarding. You should volunteer or donate to causes that help skateboarding.
The Review of The Mutt
Now that you have a general idea of skateboarding history, basics, tricks, and culture, you are ready to read The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself. This book is a masterpiece that covers all these aspects of skateboarding and more.
In this section, we will give you a brief review of the book, focusing on its author, content, and style.
The Author of The Mutt
The author of The Mutt is Rodney Mullen, one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. He was born in 1966 in Florida, where he started skating at the age of 10. He was a prodigy who won his first contest at the age of 11 and turned pro at the age of 14.
Rodney Mullen is known as the godfather of street skating, as he invented many of the tricks that are now considered essential for this style, such as the ollie, the kickflip, the heelflip, and the 360 flip. He also revolutionized freestyle skating, which is a style that involves performing tricks on flat ground with no obstacles.
Rodney Mullen is also known as a visionary and a philosopher, as he has a deep understanding of skateboarding culture, history, philosophy, and psychology. He has given many speeches and interviews where he shares his insights on skateboarding and life in general.
The Content of The Mutt
The content of The Mutt is a memoir and a guidebook that tells the story of Rodney Mullen's life and career as a skateboarder. It is divided into 12 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of skateboarding or a different period of his life.
The first chapter is called "The Beginning" and it describes how Rodney Mullen got into skateboarding as a kid and how he faced the challenges of his strict parents, his rural environment, and his lack of resources. He also explains how he developed his unique style and technique by practicing in his garage.
The second chapter is called "The Contests" and it recounts how Rodney Mullen dominated the freestyle skating scene in the 1980s by winning almost every contest he entered. He also reveals how he felt about competing and how he dealt with pressure, fame, and money.
The third chapter is called "The Inventions" and it showcases how Rodney Mullen invented many of the tricks that changed skateboarding forever, such as the ollie, the kickflip, the heelflip, and the 360 flip. He also shares how he came up with these tricks and how he practiced them until he mastered them.
The fourth chapter is called "The Transition" and it narrates how Rodney Mullen adapted to the rise of street skating in the late 1980s and early 1990s by learning new tricks and styles from other skaters. He also tells