Can Gabe Cruz Still Skateboard? New Board Setup & Kickflip Challenge

New Skateboard Setup

• 🛹 Gabe Cruz sets up a new skateboard, noting his old one has been sitting for about 6 months.
• 💡 He mentions doing some stretches and running in the last couple of months, which has helped him feel more warmed up.
• 🎨 Discussion on skateboard top ply colors, with a preference for darker tints to see the wood grain, and a superstition against yellow top plies.
• superstitions are discussed, including one about red top plies causing injuries, which Gabe is not superstitious about.

Grip Tape and Sticker Artistry

• 🦈 A Revive skateboard is being set up, with a mention of the shark graphic.
• 🐉 A Goku sticker is placed under the grip tape for motivation, with the idea that seeing Goku go Super Saiyan inspires extra tries.
• 🛠️ The process of gripping a board is demonstrated, including the use of a fresh razor blade and peeling up edges.
• 💨 Ham grip and the strategy for gripping a board are shown, with a note about potential air bubbles and crinkles.

Skateboard Component Breakdown

• 📏 Gabe prefers an 8-inch board size, finding smaller boards too small and larger ones too hard to flip.
• ⚙️ He discusses his preference for low trucks, specifically Thunder Truck 147s, as higher trucks throw off his timing for flip tricks.
• 💨 Hollow kingpins and axles are highlighted for their lightness, contributing to a lighter overall setup.
• ⚪ Nano Cubic wheels (52mm) are chosen for getting lower to the ground, which he finds beneficial for his skating.

Kickflip Challenge and Skateboarding Progression

• 💥 A high-pressure kickflip challenge is undertaken with no warm-up, straight to the trick.
• 💨 Despite initial struggles and hitting a rock, Gabe eventually lands the kickflip, attributing some difficulty to the new grip tape and wheels.
• 🧠 The term "unc" is discussed, meaning "uncool," and the perceived lack of respect for older skaters by younger generations.
• ✅ Gabe lands a nollie, a switch 180, and a pop shove-it, showcasing his skills and comfort on the new setup.
• 🚀 The video concludes with Gabe landing a tre flip and a heel flip, demonstrating his progression and ability to skate after warming up.

Skateboarding as a Lifestyle

• 💯 The importance of just being on a board is emphasized, even if not performing perfectly.
• 🤝 Gabe offers his old board, the "Jaws" model, to a commenter who shares their favorite Gabe Cruz memory from Braille Skateboarding.
• 🙏 Gratitude is expressed to Revive and Aaron for their support.