Montreal Spring Jam 2010
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away from where the gentle reader lives, there was a footbag club... not just any footbag club, but THE footbag club. Styles we're varied, tricks we're hard, lavers were laced, women were pretty... and then it happened..
We grew old.
Well, some of us did, and the Montreal scene has always worked in waves, yet unfortunately after this latest falling out the tide hadn't come back in force yet at all. I'm certainly a guilty party, as I know others are as well, but secretly, we all still had a crush on footbag. I know I've spent many a night with many a petals strewn about; "I play today, I don't play today.." This is jumping ahead, but during a nice chat with Seb he mentioned that the Tam-Tams renovations, which lasted for 3 years over our main playground, really destroyed the scene here, and I can attest to that as well. We're creatures of habit and tradition, and having our main spot all messed up didn't do no good for us.
Luckily, amidst all this, some new shadowy figures started emerging from the fog: Mathieu GM, Samuel, Jean-Phillipe. To be frank I really didn't know these guys at all, but looks like the're reviving the scene themselves, or, to put it in a more embarassing way, they ARE the scene now.
Hmmph, you'll have to pry the torch from my cold, dead fingers!
SO. To bring the story forward, it's with great pleasure to see that MSJ didn't get buried under a sea of shrugs and was brought forth successfully by the efforts Mathieu! As a side note, I gotta say the little guy can shred like a little gizmo: It's like he's all wound up, (he tucks the string and ring inside the back of his t-shirt), and when he goes he GOES, legs flailing, arms wild, but man what a quick little son of a bitch.
Color me impressed!
And so it happened, the post was made, the gym reserved, the weather gods appeased, and those old lavers I lost in my closet turned up, as well as a nice little roll of white duct-tape, which is as any footbagger knows the only way to patch some Holy Shoes up. I played for the first time in a year just a couple weeks ago, and it's been brutal trying to get into any kind of shape.
I guess the official write up will start around here, when on a lovely Tuesday Johhny Suderman showed up for the first of many evenings of good times. I was working that week, and Bailey as well, so it was definitely tough, but it couldn't have been easier.
Johnny has the best guest manners I've ever seen: there was never a moment when I was annoyed that he was over, his smooth, easy-going personality made him a great porch-buddy, and his unbelievable footbag style made me jealous enough to push myself to kick harder then I have in a good long time!
All in all, a very chill guy and a good friend.
......
Montreal Footblog
Most of our time together had very little to do with footbag, and I really enjoyed having Johhny as part of our little trio. We did some stuff together, but mainly we just chilled on the porch with a few drinks and lots of laughs. I was worried he wouldn't have shit to do while we were working, but everything worked out great, he kept himself busy... Love live GPS on phones! I swore off cell-phones a while ago and I still hate the constant interruptions of them, but man have they ever gotten more useful these days. It was also nice to have them come and visit me after work in the lovely old port for some good food at Pub St-Paul, which is a discovery I made from the guys where I work.
Anyway. there was little footbag, as he was wrecked from NYFA and both of us knew there would be tons of kicking coming up soon enough.
FINALLY Friday hit, and I hit the pavement running or biking should I say anxious to get home and get suited and booted, G'd up from the feet up, if y'all know what's real, nahmean. Around 5pm or so we slunk our way over to place-des-arts, for a fun, albeit quick kick at the new big extension they did to place-des-arts at Jeanne-Mance. It was actually really neat, they cleared a huge amount of space and made an awesome concrete public park with fountains of varying height shooting out of the ground, sometimes 20-30 foot gusts of water in to the air, with smoke machine set for the evening and some grassy knols for some comfy picnicing, chilling, sitting, you know the deal.
We show up, and I was initally disappointed at the turn out: All MTL players, Dante, annnnnnd noone else! So we pull in, say the hellos, strap on our shoes and start kicking. Unfortunately, because Mathieu Gauthier had to leave early because of living far, pregnent girl-friends, and things like that, most people showed up early for the kick and we're wrapping up by the time we laced up.
Still, I know we kicked for a solid hour at least, which if you're kicking properly at a decent level for an hour, it can be a tough session. I was (and am) still struggling to get even like 10% of my skill back, but there were a couple nice strings and a few tricks that we're good. Every session is a big improvement over the last at this point right now, though I do understand that soon that'll slow down as I hit my previous skill mark and then have to work hard for some new tricks.
SHRED STORIES
Johhny just fucking murders the bag like it beat his sister or something, it's just stupid. We all know his game, but he's added these muted rev. swirls to his arsenal, and it just freshens and spices his game up enormously, even more-so then before. In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that, while I've seen him hit some tech shit before, this was the freshest I've ever seen him play. Mad Mad Mad Props!
Dante was on fire, really living up to his nickname of Inferno. He's got this smooth, "hey kid IM in control" type style, and with his skinny legs he's managed to kick himself up a solid foundation and smooth style that's a real treat to watch. His thing for the weekend was whirling swirl, both sides of course, thrown in every now and then, kind of like sprinkles on ice-cream, they just added a touch of old-school flair that I really appreciated.
Ianek, well, fuck. I thought you were injured?!?! This guy hits the weirdest-yet-still-freestyle tricks, mixed with a couple ounces of style, and a healthy dose of hard, hard tech tricks. I didn't get much of a chance to kick with him this time, but I loved the Stepping Ducking Barflys to Rev. Swirling stuff, torques, and just general madness. If you blink you could miss the blink in a wink of an eye he'll bust it out both sides.. there's a rhyme for ya, why don't you write that in your little book, hmm..?
James was a pleasure to watch as usual; I loved the carefully chosen tricks, the carefully and gracefully caught moves, the perfect form, and those ducks are so perfect I can practically see their beak if I close my eyes and visualize him hitting them. Throw in a couple atomic sets, some symp. stuff, mix it both sides, and finally a secret ingrediant that allows you to hit Irish Cream and other stupid tricks and VOILA! It's James!
...
Anyway. there was little footbag, as he was wrecked from NYFA and both of us knew there would be tons of kicking coming up soon enough.
FINALLY Friday hit, and I hit the pavement running or biking should I say anxious to get home and get suited and booted, G'd up from the feet up, if y'all know what's real, nahmean. Around 5pm or so we slunk our way over to place-des-arts, for a fun, albeit quick kick at the new big extension they did to place-des-arts at Jeanne-Mance. It was actually really neat, they cleared a huge amount of space and made an awesome concrete public park with fountains of varying height shooting out of the ground, sometimes 20-30 foot gusts of water in to the air, with smoke machine set for the evening and some grassy knols for some comfy picnicing, chilling, sitting, you know the deal.
We show up, and I was initally disappointed at the turn out: All MTL players, Dante, annnnnnd noone else! So we pull in, say the hellos, strap on our shoes and start kicking. Unfortunately, because Mathieu Gauthier had to leave early because of living far, pregnent girl-friends, and things like that, most people showed up early for the kick and we're wrapping up by the time we laced up.
Still, I know we kicked for a solid hour at least, which if you're kicking properly at a decent level for an hour, it can be a tough session. I was (and am) still struggling to get even like 10% of my skill back, but there were a couple nice strings and a few tricks that we're good. Every session is a big improvement over the last at this point right now, though I do understand that soon that'll slow down as I hit my previous skill mark and then have to work hard for some new tricks.
SHRED STORIES
Johhny just fucking murders the bag like it beat his sister or something, it's just stupid. We all know his game, but he's added these muted rev. swirls to his arsenal, and it just freshens and spices his game up enormously, even more-so then before. In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that, while I've seen him hit some tech shit before, this was the freshest I've ever seen him play. Mad Mad Mad Props!
Dante was on fire, really living up to his nickname of Inferno. He's got this smooth, "hey kid IM in control" type style, and with his skinny legs he's managed to kick himself up a solid foundation and smooth style that's a real treat to watch. His thing for the weekend was whirling swirl, both sides of course, thrown in every now and then, kind of like sprinkles on ice-cream, they just added a touch of old-school flair that I really appreciated.
Ianek, well, fuck. I thought you were injured?!?! This guy hits the weirdest-yet-still-freestyle tricks, mixed with a couple ounces of style, and a healthy dose of hard, hard tech tricks. I didn't get much of a chance to kick with him this time, but I loved the Stepping Ducking Barflys to Rev. Swirling stuff, torques, and just general madness. If you blink you could miss the blink in a wink of an eye he'll bust it out both sides.. there's a rhyme for ya, why don't you write that in your little book, hmm..?
James was a pleasure to watch as usual; I loved the carefully chosen tricks, the carefully and gracefully caught moves, the perfect form, and those ducks are so perfect I can practically see their beak if I close my eyes and visualize him hitting them. Throw in a couple atomic sets, some symp. stuff, mix it both sides, and finally a secret ingrediant that allows you to hit Irish Cream and other stupid tricks and VOILA! It's James!
...
Nicholas Laroche
Mathieu Gauthier has become a good player through some almost herculean efforts; When he first started playing, he was a way bigger guy then now, but with crankles, so to me 1 + 1 = 2, right? Bad form in the future for relying on ankles? But no, the guy hit every major tourney that was around, put in his hours, biked like a madman, and through every frustration he's had with himself and his refusal to let his body-type get in the way, he's turned into a solid kicker who's impressive to watch and proves that hard work pays off. I don't remember any particular combos in the runs Friday, but this guy his doubles twice, goes through the motions, whirls around the bag and on bike, and ducks from danger. Cleanly. There was this one string I distinctly remembered he just fucking powered through in circles, with a barely caught double ATW, at least 15 grunts both sides, and a huge string that he just wouldn't let go of, much to the appreciate of the cheering audience!
Well, those we're the guys I kicked with and saw kick really, I do apologize if I left you out, but there's more to come... Once the sun started going down and the pretty girls we're replaced by the more conservatively dressed middle-aged ladies, we started packing up and getting ready to relax. We went back to my place, and proceeded to have an amazing, if illicit, night, with others Ben Little, Josh Tank, Drew (with his amazing raspberry YUMMY brew), and Will Bomb Diggity showing up fashionably late. We also enjoyed the proximity of the canal, and eventually crashed at around 2am or something like that.
DAY 2
What a day!!! It was a tough morning, mainly because the alarm went off at 8:30am and Bailey and I had to hustle to go somewhere to buy a couch for the studio. This was one of those tricky morning where things could have went badly, due to the couch purchase being a craigslist purchase with a craigslist delivery, with everything confirmed only the night before. Somehow, everything worked out beautifully; The guy who sold the couch was super nice, helped move it down the 4 floors, gave a discount, and the driver was there on time and helped move the ocuch. The mover was a smarmy, middle-aged dude from San Francisco, and totally lived up to the South Park parody of said city/citizens. He tried to jip us for extra cash but Bailey gave him the stare-down and he shuffled off, hopefully off this mortal coil but more probably back to his crib.
Again, another time when footbaggers are amazing, and everyone put in a bit of muscle and helped bring the couch in and get everything all set up, thank god for that, or more precisely thank footbaggers! You guys rock seriously, and the couch would prove useful for crashing that night, as well as awesome comfy comfortness for the party later on as well (which was off the hizzy). It's this black leather sectional sofa that I've been craving for a while, and I'm still amazed that I actually own the thing.. it REALLY brings the studio together!
Note: Happy to say of 6 people crashing at my place, not a single one had to deal with hard-wood floors.. there were couches/blow up mattresses/foamy a plenty and I think everyone managed to get sleep every night. Me as host, +1 points.
After the couch setup and quick trip to the amazing breakfast deli near my place, we all hit the metro and made our way through a torrential downpour to the UQAM where the gym was reserved. Again, shout-outs to Mathieu GM for making the directions easy, having signs pointing the way out to the herd of confused footbaggers, and getting everything rolling smoothly. It was a typical gym setup, but czech this out we didn't pay a DIME, no entry fee, everything was free. Wow! Lots of people we're there, including Andrew Dunford (you crazy SOB, quotes coming later), James cool new chick Emily, who I first spotted riding a unicycle, Seb, and others.
..more to come...
Well, those we're the guys I kicked with and saw kick really, I do apologize if I left you out, but there's more to come... Once the sun started going down and the pretty girls we're replaced by the more conservatively dressed middle-aged ladies, we started packing up and getting ready to relax. We went back to my place, and proceeded to have an amazing, if illicit, night, with others Ben Little, Josh Tank, Drew (with his amazing raspberry YUMMY brew), and Will Bomb Diggity showing up fashionably late. We also enjoyed the proximity of the canal, and eventually crashed at around 2am or something like that.
DAY 2
What a day!!! It was a tough morning, mainly because the alarm went off at 8:30am and Bailey and I had to hustle to go somewhere to buy a couch for the studio. This was one of those tricky morning where things could have went badly, due to the couch purchase being a craigslist purchase with a craigslist delivery, with everything confirmed only the night before. Somehow, everything worked out beautifully; The guy who sold the couch was super nice, helped move it down the 4 floors, gave a discount, and the driver was there on time and helped move the ocuch. The mover was a smarmy, middle-aged dude from San Francisco, and totally lived up to the South Park parody of said city/citizens. He tried to jip us for extra cash but Bailey gave him the stare-down and he shuffled off, hopefully off this mortal coil but more probably back to his crib.
Again, another time when footbaggers are amazing, and everyone put in a bit of muscle and helped bring the couch in and get everything all set up, thank god for that, or more precisely thank footbaggers! You guys rock seriously, and the couch would prove useful for crashing that night, as well as awesome comfy comfortness for the party later on as well (which was off the hizzy). It's this black leather sectional sofa that I've been craving for a while, and I'm still amazed that I actually own the thing.. it REALLY brings the studio together!
Note: Happy to say of 6 people crashing at my place, not a single one had to deal with hard-wood floors.. there were couches/blow up mattresses/foamy a plenty and I think everyone managed to get sleep every night. Me as host, +1 points.
After the couch setup and quick trip to the amazing breakfast deli near my place, we all hit the metro and made our way through a torrential downpour to the UQAM where the gym was reserved. Again, shout-outs to Mathieu GM for making the directions easy, having signs pointing the way out to the herd of confused footbaggers, and getting everything rolling smoothly. It was a typical gym setup, but czech this out we didn't pay a DIME, no entry fee, everything was free. Wow! Lots of people we're there, including Andrew Dunford (you crazy SOB, quotes coming later), James cool new chick Emily, who I first spotted riding a unicycle, Seb, and others.
..more to come...
Nicholas Laroche
...
So I whip out my lavers, and I'm pretty excited to get the ball rolling. Or dropping, as was the case. Feels like I whine a lot, but I can't help it, it's so frustrating not to be able to do the things you used to be able to do. In fact, my strong pixie-set, old trusty pixie set, wouldn't answer my call to arms! Call to legs? It floored me, but at the same time this state of rustiness really lets me focus on fixing some form mistakes - I mean, I can't hit it even sloppy anymore, might as well grind and get some repairs going right? Anyway, enough about me and my slop, everyone else was playing well and enjoying themselves.
Shred Stories - pt.2
Ben Little - Ben, you get the medal of honor for being top 3 funnest people to chat with and be with this weekend. Your stories and personality we're great/ly appreciated, and then you bagging skills we're awesome as well. This guy was pinching midstring all over the place and just busting his tricks, it was a lot of fun to watch.
Marc Giard - An old-school legend, his various injuries and various talents in other areas of life keep him from playing as much as I know he'd want to, but still. He's crispier then stepping legover and his spins are dizzifying, seriously, they have so much energy and tension to them that when he gets himself into a frenzy, I just giggle like a little school-girl. It's been almost 10 years I've watched Marc kick and he never fails to amaze me with his energy.
Hurricane was wrecking it. Seb has been part-mentor, part-collegue, part-storm for a loooong time, and is just... solid. I don't know any other player I could apply the word to as well as Seb, and 50 contact strings are just nothing for him. I know he's been focusing energy on things other then freestyle, like Flying Trapeze, but he's still a fucking monster. I had almost forgotten about massacres and his proprietary crazy toe tricks until he busted a bunch out in Circles, god, what a monster when he wants to. Seb puts Sexy back in BAP.
Bomb Diggity just exploded; we're still looking for all the pieces of him. His skinny little legs are so quick, like nothing I've ever seen. Nemesis in circles, triple ATW, high-plains > barfly swirl. Damn, son, you been on yo grind pho rizzle. I also must attribute Circles greatest strign to him, he got the hype hyping when in his huge string he pulls a Vasek-type whirl string, followed by an equal homage with the repeated low Symp. Whirls - what a pleasure to watch you kick it Will! A true Force of Will! Digg it?
Josh Tank - I think Josh one day just decided to be noteworthy, and I'm taking notes now. I was very impressed with his string length, strong games and quacking ducks. He had a number of beautiful strings in circles that certainly blew anything I did away, and on a more personal level has also been a good person to laugh and joke with all evening, and is a cool assuming dude. Keep it up.
Circles finished with a flair, the finals circle was cool to watch, with Johnny finishing first, Will second, Seb third (I hope I didn't get them backwards). I think it was cool to see most people watching Circles at all times, and everyone was pretty happy with all the results. Johnny had some awesome Nuclear \ Swirl things going on that were just so fresh... what was that one combo... right at the end of his string, he may have dropped it but it was something like 25 contacts of unique Dopeness, then Blazing Pdx. Drifter > Nuke op osis, ahhhhhhhhhh too much style!! it hurts!!!!
Things pretty much petered out after that, we we're just in time to close up and head out for some Chinese food. The restaurant had some good food, but what a fucking awful waiter.. the joke was he was called a WAIT-er for good reason. half an hour until we could order. Get a new job buddy.
My fingers are kinda getting sore from typing this out, but the rest of the evening was a huge party at my place which was just off the hook - I can safely speak for everyone when I say that it was a BLAST, and it was great to catch up with alot of people I never get the chance to chat with - Seb, Ianek, Out-of-towners, James, Emily, Andrew... oh Andrew... haha his buddy Pierre had a t-shirt that said, "Got Muskox?" and it absolutely slayed me.
Andrew Quotes, as promised:
"...You know, we handle the policies for Nunavut and I'm responible for lots of that, but those Natives, no offense, but they got fucked"
"I just LOVE clubbing baby seals!"
Too bad my memory is hazy, because his stories of those crazy Inuits up north are just hilarious and so exotic sounding. Keep being cool Andrew you rock. Did you guys know this guy basicallly runs Nunavut? He's the technical advisor for enviromental policies and a representative of the people from there, if I'm right 3rd in line to say opinions. Damn man, that's making something of yourself.
I don't know what more to say, we all crashed sometime around 3am and that was that.. .the next morning was quietly picking stuff together, a final fling at the breakfast diner, and lots of sad goodbyes. We all hoped for nice weather for some Tams, but it wasn't happening.
I was sad to see everyone leave, especially our guest-of-honor the Canadian Hero.
Whew, that's about it... fingers dead... I'll catch you kids on the flipside next year.
Oh, and how could I forget, but special thanks to Bailey, my lovely future-wife, who was most accomidating and helped host, run, and support everyone for the whole jam. I couldn't be a luckier guy, and she made the hosting as smooth as possible and helped out quite a bit.
p.s: How could I forget Waylan?!?! Lots of fun having the baby faced assassin over at the residence, and a pleasure to kick with. Your quick, you little crazy guy. Take care of yourself.
So I whip out my lavers, and I'm pretty excited to get the ball rolling. Or dropping, as was the case. Feels like I whine a lot, but I can't help it, it's so frustrating not to be able to do the things you used to be able to do. In fact, my strong pixie-set, old trusty pixie set, wouldn't answer my call to arms! Call to legs? It floored me, but at the same time this state of rustiness really lets me focus on fixing some form mistakes - I mean, I can't hit it even sloppy anymore, might as well grind and get some repairs going right? Anyway, enough about me and my slop, everyone else was playing well and enjoying themselves.
Shred Stories - pt.2
Ben Little - Ben, you get the medal of honor for being top 3 funnest people to chat with and be with this weekend. Your stories and personality we're great/ly appreciated, and then you bagging skills we're awesome as well. This guy was pinching midstring all over the place and just busting his tricks, it was a lot of fun to watch.
Marc Giard - An old-school legend, his various injuries and various talents in other areas of life keep him from playing as much as I know he'd want to, but still. He's crispier then stepping legover and his spins are dizzifying, seriously, they have so much energy and tension to them that when he gets himself into a frenzy, I just giggle like a little school-girl. It's been almost 10 years I've watched Marc kick and he never fails to amaze me with his energy.
Hurricane was wrecking it. Seb has been part-mentor, part-collegue, part-storm for a loooong time, and is just... solid. I don't know any other player I could apply the word to as well as Seb, and 50 contact strings are just nothing for him. I know he's been focusing energy on things other then freestyle, like Flying Trapeze, but he's still a fucking monster. I had almost forgotten about massacres and his proprietary crazy toe tricks until he busted a bunch out in Circles, god, what a monster when he wants to. Seb puts Sexy back in BAP.
Bomb Diggity just exploded; we're still looking for all the pieces of him. His skinny little legs are so quick, like nothing I've ever seen. Nemesis in circles, triple ATW, high-plains > barfly swirl. Damn, son, you been on yo grind pho rizzle. I also must attribute Circles greatest strign to him, he got the hype hyping when in his huge string he pulls a Vasek-type whirl string, followed by an equal homage with the repeated low Symp. Whirls - what a pleasure to watch you kick it Will! A true Force of Will! Digg it?
Josh Tank - I think Josh one day just decided to be noteworthy, and I'm taking notes now. I was very impressed with his string length, strong games and quacking ducks. He had a number of beautiful strings in circles that certainly blew anything I did away, and on a more personal level has also been a good person to laugh and joke with all evening, and is a cool assuming dude. Keep it up.
Circles finished with a flair, the finals circle was cool to watch, with Johnny finishing first, Will second, Seb third (I hope I didn't get them backwards). I think it was cool to see most people watching Circles at all times, and everyone was pretty happy with all the results. Johnny had some awesome Nuclear \ Swirl things going on that were just so fresh... what was that one combo... right at the end of his string, he may have dropped it but it was something like 25 contacts of unique Dopeness, then Blazing Pdx. Drifter > Nuke op osis, ahhhhhhhhhh too much style!! it hurts!!!!
Things pretty much petered out after that, we we're just in time to close up and head out for some Chinese food. The restaurant had some good food, but what a fucking awful waiter.. the joke was he was called a WAIT-er for good reason. half an hour until we could order. Get a new job buddy.
My fingers are kinda getting sore from typing this out, but the rest of the evening was a huge party at my place which was just off the hook - I can safely speak for everyone when I say that it was a BLAST, and it was great to catch up with alot of people I never get the chance to chat with - Seb, Ianek, Out-of-towners, James, Emily, Andrew... oh Andrew... haha his buddy Pierre had a t-shirt that said, "Got Muskox?" and it absolutely slayed me.
Andrew Quotes, as promised:
"...You know, we handle the policies for Nunavut and I'm responible for lots of that, but those Natives, no offense, but they got fucked"
"I just LOVE clubbing baby seals!"
Too bad my memory is hazy, because his stories of those crazy Inuits up north are just hilarious and so exotic sounding. Keep being cool Andrew you rock. Did you guys know this guy basicallly runs Nunavut? He's the technical advisor for enviromental policies and a representative of the people from there, if I'm right 3rd in line to say opinions. Damn man, that's making something of yourself.
I don't know what more to say, we all crashed sometime around 3am and that was that.. .the next morning was quietly picking stuff together, a final fling at the breakfast diner, and lots of sad goodbyes. We all hoped for nice weather for some Tams, but it wasn't happening.
I was sad to see everyone leave, especially our guest-of-honor the Canadian Hero.
Whew, that's about it... fingers dead... I'll catch you kids on the flipside next year.
Oh, and how could I forget, but special thanks to Bailey, my lovely future-wife, who was most accomidating and helped host, run, and support everyone for the whole jam. I couldn't be a luckier guy, and she made the hosting as smooth as possible and helped out quite a bit.
p.s: How could I forget Waylan?!?! Lots of fun having the baby faced assassin over at the residence, and a pleasure to kick with. Your quick, you little crazy guy. Take care of yourself.
Nicholas Laroche
Haha, nice write-up Nick! I was getting a little worried that I wasn't mentioned anywhere, but I'm very unnoticeable in the footbag scene. A very quick and little assassin indeed though I secretly wish I was a knarlin' pirate myself.
Take care buddy! See you next year so we can get drunk, crunked and funked up!
Take care buddy! See you next year so we can get drunk, crunked and funked up!
Waylon Lew - maker of Wasabi bags
NYFA represent.
"Footbag can be pretty frustrating when it's supposed to be fun. I was partly driven by this forum - practice, practice, practice... As that is true, I think someone can be too focused on progressing and training that they miss the fun aspect of it." - Bander87
NYFA represent.
"Footbag can be pretty frustrating when it's supposed to be fun. I was partly driven by this forum - practice, practice, practice... As that is true, I think someone can be too focused on progressing and training that they miss the fun aspect of it." - Bander87
great to shred with you man!After the ja, i realised i had to change my way to practice. I can'T be sastified with what i can allreay do. Also, i must BELIEVE i can hit the move i actually can't. To do so... i must try them. I realiser that usually, in my session, i spend too much time only doing string with move i can allready do. By now, there will not be more than 30 minutes of shred per session. The reste of the session will be drills and exploration of new concept. Here are the move i need to drill : spinning clipper, whirls, DLO flip side. Here are the move i want to try more often in the next few weeks : symp. illusion, blender, dyno and all the double dexes (barrage, barfly and all these moves).
I also think that i will improve a lot this years. No more wall climbing for me. At least 4 sessions per week. I think i can make it. The motivation is on. I'm definitly looking for worlds. Must start to look for plane tickets.
If anyone in montreal want to shred, give me a call.
I also think that i will improve a lot this years. No more wall climbing for me. At least 4 sessions per week. I think i can make it. The motivation is on. I'm definitly looking for worlds. Must start to look for plane tickets.
If anyone in montreal want to shred, give me a call.
So I did a session yesterday, it was good, but tough. The whole bike/work combo is pretty intense, and when I get home I have trouble walking up the stairs because my legs are rubbery. Joining me with my session were Bailey and, surprisingly, Emily, in a weird twist of fate because she called as soon as I got my shoes on. Literally. Lavers laced, final tug then *RIRIIIIINNGGGG*.
I started off slow and then picked up steam with some longer strings, and felt that overall I wasn't playing as bad as I have been recently. I had a couple of proper flip-steps, which again have always been a pain for me, and worked my form on my flip clips/osis. I mean, it's always worked, but it's always felt different and a bit wonky, so I wanna get it up to snub.
My style was full on though; I felt a few times like I was just gliding from trick to trick, and certain things just don't seem to leave, like swirls, rakes, that sort of crap.
Notable combos:
Scorpions Tail > Fog > some shuffle
PS Whirl > Nuke ss Butterfly
Gyro Swirl > Stepping Torque
Barroque > Ripwalk
String length average was around 7, which is not good, but it's better then 3-5 like I was getting last week. I think my game will up again once I get some new lavers, these old raggedy-ass blue ones I've owned for like 3 years, 2 of them using duct-tape as a replacement sole.
Bailey, I was happy to note, worked pretty hard at kicking and the results are paying off. Also, kudos to her for toe stall BS! Emily showed up a bit later, but shes a solid kicker and can do some fun little tricks, refraction and such. We all ended up having a good group kick and then parted ways.
SO, I haven't defuncted too hard on my promise to kick every other day yet, though it's a promise full of comprises, which I guess isn't a promise so much as a motto.
That's all I can think about, I'm sore and tired and it's 7am and I'm stuck at work with a pen that exploded in my bag on my lunch, and my coffee is cold.
I hate the real world sometimes...
p.s: My new beats are coming along!! I guess I should update my page when I get the chance. Also, I'm trying to get my radio show back, so fingers crossed.
See yall next time,
Peace in the middle East!
I started off slow and then picked up steam with some longer strings, and felt that overall I wasn't playing as bad as I have been recently. I had a couple of proper flip-steps, which again have always been a pain for me, and worked my form on my flip clips/osis. I mean, it's always worked, but it's always felt different and a bit wonky, so I wanna get it up to snub.
My style was full on though; I felt a few times like I was just gliding from trick to trick, and certain things just don't seem to leave, like swirls, rakes, that sort of crap.
Notable combos:
Scorpions Tail > Fog > some shuffle
PS Whirl > Nuke ss Butterfly
Gyro Swirl > Stepping Torque
Barroque > Ripwalk
String length average was around 7, which is not good, but it's better then 3-5 like I was getting last week. I think my game will up again once I get some new lavers, these old raggedy-ass blue ones I've owned for like 3 years, 2 of them using duct-tape as a replacement sole.
Bailey, I was happy to note, worked pretty hard at kicking and the results are paying off. Also, kudos to her for toe stall BS! Emily showed up a bit later, but shes a solid kicker and can do some fun little tricks, refraction and such. We all ended up having a good group kick and then parted ways.
SO, I haven't defuncted too hard on my promise to kick every other day yet, though it's a promise full of comprises, which I guess isn't a promise so much as a motto.
That's all I can think about, I'm sore and tired and it's 7am and I'm stuck at work with a pen that exploded in my bag on my lunch, and my coffee is cold.
I hate the real world sometimes...
p.s: My new beats are coming along!! I guess I should update my page when I get the chance. Also, I'm trying to get my radio show back, so fingers crossed.
See yall next time,
Peace in the middle East!
Nicholas Laroche
Having a session without the Master of Disaster? FO SHAME MOFO
My work schedule is fucking nuts, I have no time for myself. No time for footbag or even monkeying around.
But on a positive note, I've never played better, which means I'm at the edge of my game. I can hit STRINGS now. Yeah that's right, I can actually PLAY FOOTBAG.
I'm awesome.
On another note, I'd like to formally inform anyone who reads this that I have started doing capoeira and it is epic. I feel that all my years of shreddin' hard have given me a head start with leg flexibility and co-ordination. Member that feeling you had when you first made that decision to make footbag an integral part of your life and train hard every day to get better and it was the most amazing thing ever? Well that's capoeira for me now. Not to say that I've abandoned footysack, never that! I still love the fuck out of it and play regularly for cardio and enjoyment (mostly). I see so many parallels between the two disciplines. The importance of both-sidedness, the creativeness in your choice of movements, the use of the circle...
I FUCKIN' LOVE IT
Can't wait to have some two-mans with any of the Montreal crew (esp you Nick)
So glad this blog is revived and awesome as ever.
PEACE OUT HOMIE DAWGS
My work schedule is fucking nuts, I have no time for myself. No time for footbag or even monkeying around.
But on a positive note, I've never played better, which means I'm at the edge of my game. I can hit STRINGS now. Yeah that's right, I can actually PLAY FOOTBAG.
I'm awesome.
On another note, I'd like to formally inform anyone who reads this that I have started doing capoeira and it is epic. I feel that all my years of shreddin' hard have given me a head start with leg flexibility and co-ordination. Member that feeling you had when you first made that decision to make footbag an integral part of your life and train hard every day to get better and it was the most amazing thing ever? Well that's capoeira for me now. Not to say that I've abandoned footysack, never that! I still love the fuck out of it and play regularly for cardio and enjoyment (mostly). I see so many parallels between the two disciplines. The importance of both-sidedness, the creativeness in your choice of movements, the use of the circle...
I FUCKIN' LOVE IT
Can't wait to have some two-mans with any of the Montreal crew (esp you Nick)
So glad this blog is revived and awesome as ever.
PEACE OUT HOMIE DAWGS
James McCullough
According to the 2-day schedule, I should be kicking today, but the rain doesn't give a flying hoot-nanny about my 2-day schedule. No kicking today - Good news, though, is that my legs are pretty messed up today anyway, so I need the extra day off.
James, we'll kick soon enough... you monkey.
You guys ever notice that while freestyling, people seem to like to walk by way too close, or hang out about 3 inches from where you're standing? Why is this? What about shred makes your personal space bubble pop?
To all those who had to endure me picking sounds out of my new synth, you'll be happy to note that I'm starting to tame the machine. To be more precise, whoever happens to be in earshot the next time I get my hands on it will be pleasantly surprised.
Dats it Dats all.
James, we'll kick soon enough... you monkey.
You guys ever notice that while freestyling, people seem to like to walk by way too close, or hang out about 3 inches from where you're standing? Why is this? What about shred makes your personal space bubble pop?
To all those who had to endure me picking sounds out of my new synth, you'll be happy to note that I'm starting to tame the machine. To be more precise, whoever happens to be in earshot the next time I get my hands on it will be pleasantly surprised.
Dats it Dats all.
Nicholas Laroche
-
DTank126
- Atomsmashasaurus Dex
- Posts: 977
- Joined: 09 Jul 2006 13:58
- Location: Boston, MA/Rochester, NY
Hey Montreal folk. Thanks for hosting that jam last weekend! I had a ton of fun. Notable props to Mathieu GM for, from what I can gather, organizing the bulk of the event. I like when the tournament director is able to play at their own event. 
Also, notable props to Frank Zappa for hosting so many of us sweaty smelly footbaggers in your badass abode. That couch TOTALLY pulls the room together dude. Better hope a Chinaman doesn't piss on it.
Thanks to anyone and everyone involved in organizing the event and everyone that attended. You guys are too much fun.
Also, notable props to Frank Zappa for hosting so many of us sweaty smelly footbaggers in your badass abode. That couch TOTALLY pulls the room together dude. Better hope a Chinaman doesn't piss on it.Thanks to anyone and everyone involved in organizing the event and everyone that attended. You guys are too much fun.
Doug Tank
Had a solo session on more than 2 hours and half. On of the best session i had in months.
I have been drilling in-out ATW like a ton. And in a week i almost fixed my flip pixie.
Smear-dimwalk-blur-rpt i pretty much dialled now.
Toe blur BS.
whirl-pdx illusion is becoming pretty easy.
pixie whirl-blizard BS. I will do it repeat within the next few days, no doubt.
That's pretty much all my session... These highlights don't show how much this session was good. Simply the fact to fix my flip pixie is huge.
Looking for a session with Seb tomorow.
Good night.
I have been drilling in-out ATW like a ton. And in a week i almost fixed my flip pixie.
Smear-dimwalk-blur-rpt i pretty much dialled now.
Toe blur BS.
whirl-pdx illusion is becoming pretty easy.
pixie whirl-blizard BS. I will do it repeat within the next few days, no doubt.
That's pretty much all my session... These highlights don't show how much this session was good. Simply the fact to fix my flip pixie is huge.
Looking for a session with Seb tomorow.
Good night.
Mathieu is a beast! My new goal: Play well enough so that Mathieu can't catch up.... hmm... not sure how long i can keep him at bay... kinda like death.... you just.. h a v e t o l e t g o oooohhhhh........... ooooooooo.... ahhhhhh...
The quest for being better then Mathieu indefinitely will start tomorrow; It should be today but there's a work-thing after work I gots to go to, so that's going to suck up my evening right there.
Tomorrow: Kick, and 500$ spending spree at IKEA! oooooohhh... aahhhhh.....
The quest for being better then Mathieu indefinitely will start tomorrow; It should be today but there's a work-thing after work I gots to go to, so that's going to suck up my evening right there.
Tomorrow: Kick, and 500$ spending spree at IKEA! oooooohhh... aahhhhh.....
Last edited by Laroche on 11 Jun 2010 05:55, edited 1 time in total.
Oh god Mister Larocque, you are still far aay from my level, you don't have to worry that much haha. STill i would be more than happy to have a session with you once in a while. It would be cool!
Oh and by the way, i had a session this afternoon. Guess what i worked on.... ATW and pixies! My flip pixies is REALLY better then it was one week ago. Drilled something like 10 hours awt and flip pixie this week? Result start to show up :
Pdx mirage-dimwalk-RPT-x6
Smear-Pixie SS Mirage - RPT - x3
Smear-Dimwalk-Pdx mirage - RPT
Smear x 15 strong side first try.
Smear x 10 flip side first try. The 5 first one had a good form, but the 5 last one were kinda sloppy and i was rushing to do the mirage. Still, it's better than one week ago while i was hardly able to do 1.
I will rest some hours before the tonight sessions.
Oh and by the way, i had a session this afternoon. Guess what i worked on.... ATW and pixies! My flip pixies is REALLY better then it was one week ago. Drilled something like 10 hours awt and flip pixie this week? Result start to show up :
Pdx mirage-dimwalk-RPT-x6
Smear-Pixie SS Mirage - RPT - x3
Smear-Dimwalk-Pdx mirage - RPT
Smear x 15 strong side first try.
Smear x 10 flip side first try. The 5 first one had a good form, but the 5 last one were kinda sloppy and i was rushing to do the mirage. Still, it's better than one week ago while i was hardly able to do 1.
I will rest some hours before the tonight sessions.
When and where are the regular sessions now? Does Thursday still go at Parc Lafontaine?
I've been playing outside of metro lionel groulx at around midnight for the past week. My game is awful and I'm in terrible shape, but it's a fun way to wind down after work. Day time is too hot for me anyway.
Anyone who would like to join sometime, let me know.
I've been playing outside of metro lionel groulx at around midnight for the past week. My game is awful and I'm in terrible shape, but it's a fun way to wind down after work. Day time is too hot for me anyway.
Anyone who would like to join sometime, let me know.
Colin Kennedy
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sadly, there is no more regular session.
I think Ianek was still in to go at Parc Lafontaine on thursday, but you would have to talk with him.
I try to call at 1 session per week, usually the friday.
Also, on sunday, there is the eternal tamtam with at elast 4-5 players. Sadly, i have been able to go at tamtams only once this year
.
Mat
I think Ianek was still in to go at Parc Lafontaine on thursday, but you would have to talk with him.
I try to call at 1 session per week, usually the friday.
Also, on sunday, there is the eternal tamtam with at elast 4-5 players. Sadly, i have been able to go at tamtams only once this year
.Mat