VOLCANIC VACAY
Taking it on the toes.
A cool 8,769km’s from home off the coast of Morocco, surrounded by nothing but the Atlantic Ocean lays one of the biggest volcanoes in the world. This island also happens to be a fantastic place to skate! Where may you ask? Tenerife! With an array of beautiful landscapes, beaches, and seemingly endless hairpins, this tiny island has become a go-to in the world of downhill and also happened to be the home of one of my best friends for a few months.
When I arrived,Tyler Gillinghamwas waiting for me in a rental car. I hopped in and squeezed my long legs into the cramped back seat. In just 12 days we put a whole lot of miles and did some severe abuse to the brakes on that car.
Some roads you can’t even dream of. | p: Shayna Kamerling
About an hour passed, and I found myself stretching at the top of one of the gnarliest downhill runs I have ever seen. My soon to be obliterated fresh wheels had no idea what they’re in for. I dropped into Anaconda (if you know you know) I quickly realized that was the first real run I had done since coming off of an injury and the long, cold Vancouver winter. Needless to say, it wasn’t a bad place to get back on my board.
Best way to end the day.
About 5 minutes later, I reached the bottom only to discover my wheels had been converted into dust. With a massive smile on my face, I stood with a racing heart and very wobbly legs — the unrivaled energy pumping through me than can only be found after slaying a terrifyingly dangerous hill.
Much more of this happened over the days that followed. Delicious food was eaten accompanied with countless beers as the hot, tropical sun never continued to beam down day after day.
