My family thought I was crazy the afternoon I informed them that I had just purchased a longboard online. Their jaws dropped, and for a few long moments, silence was the very awkward visitor in the kitchen.
I had somewhat anticipated this reaction, but what I hadn't counted on was my brother's cry of horror: "But you're not cool enough for one of those!"
Ok. So maybe I'm not the stereotypical skateboarder. I'm more of the girly, argyl sweater, hand-me-down skirt-wearing student; the reserved, nerdy, musical type. But did that mean I had no business on a board with wheels?
Maybe- but I didn't want to think so. I brushed off their comments of discouragement and concern with a knowing smile, and assured them that I would prove them wrong... without getting hit by a car in the process.
So the large cardboard package arrived last week. It was 10 p.m., and I had spent the entire day at UBC. Upon opening the front door I found my brother grinning excitedly, eager to welcome me in and watch me tear open the box. I did.
And then together, under the watchful glow of the moon and street lights, we took the longboard for a test drive.
It was the second time I had ever tried one. The first time was earlier that week on a friend's board. And I had only succeeded at embarrassing myself in the completest form possible.
It had taken me an eternity to mount, and when I had finally acquired some balance I pushed forward only to lose my hard-won grip.
As a result, the board shot forward from underneath me, and I slammed the sidewalk like a mermaid washed upon unforgiving rocks.
My left side took the blow and, among other injuries, I found a deep bruise the size of a pear on my hip.
This evening was different, though. I didn't fall once. On our street, at that time of night the road belonged to my brother and I. We took turns shooting down the block, rolling forward, turning around, and then pushing back.
There were no cars, no bicycles, and no judgmental bystanders, ready to criticize a girl wobbling down the street. The two of us didn't speak much, but a trust and connection formed in that half hour that wasn't there before.
It was the wordless understanding that comes with experimenting something that involves risk, courage and a liberating reward. It's a breeze in your face, effortless speed, and a pocket of freedom.
In the past few days I've woven through the paths of UBC with some element of grace, peddled all the way down Granville Avenue, and cheered on my two little bros.
My first brother has accepted that his sister may actually be a bit cooler than he initially gave her credit for, and my father might be considering buying one for the family.
It's also been a conversation starter more than once, and people will smile in my direction as long as I pick up my board before running them over.
Who knows? Maybe nerdy girls on wheels will be the next big thing.
Anna Toth is a recent graduate of Burnett secondary and is in her first year at UBC.
