Me, myself and I. Everything You Always Wanted to Know about me... but Were Afraid to Ask! In Naphte, digital magazine.
NAPHTE 3.2
DEC. 2007
Who's Pappy Boyington
A full time lobbyist, a part time blogger, a passionate longboarder
Where are you from?
I was born in Oullins, close to Lyon, the third largest city in France. It's also the most important city in the Rhône-Alpes region.
How did longboarding enter your life?
In a very natural way. In Lyon I used to snowboard a lot - the Mont-Blanc ski resorts were close to home. When I moved to Paris, I looked for a sport that offered same sensations as snowboarding and paragliding - precision and fluidity. Also, I don't own a car, so I wanted a low stress, zero-pollution means of getting around Paris.
What do you like about modern longboarding?
Every session is unique, whether it's early in the morning or late at night. I love Paris and its vibe. The feel of is concrete inspires me in so many different ways. Care are like waves that surround you; you have to learn how to surf them. Manhole covers are like reefs that you can't trust. After each ride I'm humbled yet liberated. This is the thrue school of life for me - joy after a great ride and determination after a tough fall.
I also appreciate the aesthetics of longboarding. Technique is important, but it's not an end in itself. Being the best technically is not for me. What drives me is style and satisfaction of a good slide.
Did it came into your life as an accident or as a natural evolution?
I think longboarding is a normal progression for every older street skateboarder. The sensations are similar, but it's cooler and more Zen. The energy is still there, but you learn to focus. In the early 80's, I listened to the Clash while skateboarding. I still listen to them, but while longboarding I also enjoy Mozart and Maria Callas.
What's your real job?
I'm a lobbyist!
Your blog is well known in the french longboarding community. Why did you choose to blog about longboarding?
It was the easiest and simplest way to share my passion with everybody. Websites 1.0 don't offer the same interaction with readers.
I it hard to keep fueling your blog?
Not at all! Longboarding and the longboarding community are evolving very fast. It's very easy to find new developments every day.
Does it take up a lot of your time?
It takes consistent discipline. Il blog in the morning, from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. I start by reading news websites and blogs from around the world. If I took photos the night before, I publish them that morning. Everything has to go online before my coffee's cold! I usually put in another hour at night, too. I also focus a lot of time on technological improvements, and I try to include them in my blog to make it more interactive for readers.
How about your family do they share your passion?
Mrs Boyington doesn't skate! But she helps spread the word. My daughter Alice (15 years old) is more into street. My son Alexandre (20 years old) uses his longboard regularly.
Do you have longtime partners?
The Internet has given me the opportunity to meet interesting people from all around the world. They often send me information that I can share, and I'm grateful for their suIthpport. But I blog alone.
What's the perfect ride for you?
Enjoy each ride as if it were your last one ever...
Let's talk about the Boyington 200...
It has a huge place in my apartement. It's a beautiful board with a very unique ride. She's heavy (almost 9 kg), with a large nose. It has surprising inertia - once she's launched, nothing can stop her!. Sliding is also easy. But the coolest thing is that I can have a passenger onboard with me! The Boyington 200 has also been the best way to support a young and passionate team: the riders and shapers of POLITIClongboardACITIVIST!
Is it the perfect board for you?
No. I usually ride in urban settings, on open roads with auto traffic. I need a board that's easy to control, not the B200. I love her too much to let a bus or car run it over.
What about the 140?
That's the baby daughter of the B200, and the third board of my quiver.
How did you meet the guys at POLITIClongboardACTIVIST?
After browsing the french longboarding forum at www.riderz.net, I entrusted them with the creation o a unique board. They had to innovate on the use bamboo and carbon. It wasn't an easy task, but I was not disappointed.
What do you like about them?
They work hard, they're innovative, and they're precise. They're not afraid to question themselves, either. I love this guys.
Are you working on a new model?
Not right now. But Beurt, the shape Overlord, gave me the Overlord Pool-Board Indian model for Christmas.
What kind of people has longboarding brought you together with?
People from all around the world, of many ages and social classes, with a common passion for longboarding. I have wonderful memories of showing longboarding to kids in China.
What's the best country for longboarding?
One day I'll visit Canada...
If ou could reincarnate as a surfboard, wich board would it be?
The board by Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (The Duke). He invented modern surfing and gave us, "Don't talk - keep it in your heart".
Why Pappy Boyington?
It came from an old TV series (Baa Baa Black Sheep and later Black Sheep Squadron) that I watched back in 1976. The story was simple: Major Greg Boyington - respect - (Robert Conrad) breaks every rule while putting together a squadron of black sheep.
