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Categories > The Shallow End > 8 Wheels= PAIN
 
 


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FoHsound66

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
So back in the late seventies, a dude in his late teens brought this freakish thing into the skatepark and a small crowd gathered around. It was a Lonnie Toft 8 wheeler.  Fast forward to the end of this summer; the end of a forgotten quest. I now owned an 8 wheeler, better yet a BDS 8 wheeler.

I really had some very decent sessions on it until...

Presently I am recuperating from the surgery to my shoulder. I'm glad that it occurred when it did, not like my buddy who busted his wrist late in the spring. The weather is getting colder and the outdoor skating season is drawing to a close here in the northeast. I am still chomping at the bit, waiting for medical clearance to enjoy skateboarding again.

As for the 8 wheeler, I was thoroughly spooked by my spill and could not muster any progress on it afterwards. I was fine on my other boards, (really love the tri plane, can't wait for the fish beamer) and road my ass of until 3 days before the surgery.

the moral of the story

8 wheels = PIAN

PS I am 49, my buddy is 43
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70sSkater

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
The dreaded 8 wheeler claims another victim.

I don't know how anybody can ride those things.  Mad respect to those who can.

Hope you heal quickly and can get back out on FOUR wheels soon.
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lox

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
heal stronger than ever my friend [thumb]

some like full sheets of plywood for the ramp, some for the skateboard itself [tongue]
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skateight

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
The 8 wheeled beast bites.
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Four95

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
It's a great shame that the 8 wheeler didn't work out for you but well done for giving it a good try.
Don't sell it, hang it on the wall and enjoy the great artwork.
Hope you're on the mend and back on four wheels before too long.
[smile]
OldDude

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Love the 8 Wheeler.
Warm up on a 4 for 10mins, then 8 it for a hr or more.
SkymonkeyONE

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
I saw Lonnie Toft riding his at the opening day of The Earth Surfer skatepark in Colorado Springs around 1979. He could rip on that thing.
FoHsound66

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Wish I could watch someone can rip on an 8. I posted on another thread about wanting to have Holt's pointers and video: sadly this is not available now.
The hightened sense of planning and the unique nature of the 8 makes it an attractive nuisance. I'm not ready to call it quits because I was progressing... I want to hang it on the wall as a trophy.

I don't feel that way now. I want to get some good pics on it. If I do that, I can proudly hang it up. Now it just dares me.
Pretty stupid huh?
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tomk

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SkymonkeyONE
I saw Lonnie Toft riding his at the opening day of The Earth Surfer skatepark in Colorado Springs around 1979. He could rip on that thing.
skateight

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
It's actually simple.
You want to turn right, stand on the right side of the board.
Left? left side of the board.
Try it any other way, and it's gonna buck you off.
I was told by a guy who was really good at 8's to switch from your 8 to your regular board every other run.
It does seem to help.
And as always, know your limits.
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FoHsound66

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Know your limits...

Thanks, I test them each time I've skated since my return. I knew that I was testing dangerous waters.

I spoke with my orthopedist for my post-op on Monday, in two weeks I will start physical therapy. He said I can resume normal activity ( hockey , mountain biking, skiing, skateboarding...) in two months! Until then I will find a mold to sit in so I will resemble a human , while I slowly turn to jello.

I am healing steadily, the hardest part is patience. The unprecedentedly warm weather here in the northeast was tempting me! I had thought several times about getting back on a board but my common sense started tingling.

I want thank the well wishers and hope to be back to my old self soon.

Thx Bros!
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skateight

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
When you get back on the board, Full safety gear is your best friend.
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carrot

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
I don't know if this will help, but when I ride my 8 wheeler I stay on the right side of the board. I'm goofy footed. I can carve to my right, but have to "tic tac" to turn left. Is that even a word? 
It is a blast on my mini ramp which is only a little over two feet tall! 

I got one to learn frontside grinds because I would always hang up on the coping on with my regular board. The 8 wheeler just rolls over the coping. 

Don't give up on it yet! I have barely skated the past two years, but when I finished the mini ramp this fall it was the only board I rode for awhile. They can be fun!

Give it another try when you heal up!
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W4R_P1G

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
What's with the 8 wheels.  I understand its two trucks side by side.  What's the purpose? how much harder are they to ride?  It looks sweet! [cool]
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   /  /     / /  /  /  /  _    /  /  /__ 
  /  /     / /  /  /  / /_/  /  /     _/           "I prefer dangerous freedom
 /  /_   / /_/  /  /  _  _/  /  /\  \                  over peaceful slavery"
/___/ /____/  /_/  \_\  /_/  \_\                  - Thomas Jefferson
FoHsound66

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Take all you know about turning a skateboard and complicate it by being unable to turn the board
against the side you are on. Leaning away from the edge (opposite) tosses you off.

There was thread called 8 wheeler genius or brainfart...

For my part I haven't been back on the 8, but I was out skating in the Yonkers bowl today, without incident.

My take is the 8 was invented as goof and then guys like Toft made it look easy to ride, when in fact it is nearly
Impossible

That makes it even cooler. I have not given up yet, but my common sense has me under its control at the moment.

BTW it was 39 degrees in Yonkers, NY
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