I stumbled upon Shimba's Instagram a while back, and at the time watched basically every video on his feed. He's eight years old! And in those few short years of his existence, Shimba sits comfortably at a level of talent most will never reach.
A lot of the footage he posts is in the street section of his local park—and it's all gnarly—so when he posted this clip on the mini ramp, mentioning "sometimes ramp " I dove right in and wow...just keep in mind his stance is regular.
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He's definitely better skating switch than I am regular, but that's just part of the mystique—regular or goofy, this kid is oozing with natural talent and a style that some vetted professionals don't even possess. His trick selection, his flick... He has it figured out.
He recently posted this video (below) documenting his battle with a heavy heelflip frontside boardslide on a nine-stair handrail that basically towers over his head. More stairs than his age! And a gnarly trick that you hardly ever see, no less.
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This clip above is impressive for many reasons, far beyond the trick itself. The perseverance this eight-year-old possesses is just as admirable as his skill on the board. Try after try, slam after slam (heavy ones!), he gets back up and keeps going until he rolls away smooth.
I don't know know exactly what I was doing when I was eight, but I know for a fact it wasn't this. Shimba rules, and I'm proud to admit he has me inspired on multiple levels.
Video / @shimba_sk8_
