El Paso Fingerboarding Is Alive And Well

There is a moment in a 1985 skateboarding video called Future Primitive where pro skater Lance Mountain is just casually shredding a miniature skateboard in a sink while his friends watch in disbelief. That moment, captured on film four decades ago, is the founding myth of an entire subculture. And yes, that subculture is alive and well right here in El Paso.

What Is Fingerboarding?

Fingerboarding, for the uninitiated, is exactly what it sounds like. A fingerboard is a working replica of a skateboard, roughly 1:8 scale, that a person rides by replicating skateboarding maneuvers with their fingers, on a scaled-down board complete with graphics, trucks, and moving wheels. Every trick you have ever seen done on a real board, from ollies to kickflips to grinds, can be done in miniature with two fingers and a whole lot of practice.

Tech Deck Turned It Into a Cultural Phenomenon

It was 1999 when Tech Deck produced their fingerboards and created one of the most significant fads of the decade. Kids were buying them at Walmart, sneaking sessions in between classes, and building tiny skate parks in their bedrooms. Sales of Tech Decks and other fingerboard products hit $120 million in 1999 alone, the year after they first hit store shelves.

The Fingerboard Scene Never Actually Died

The fingerboard craze that started in the late 90s evolved into a highly specialized subculture with small gatherings happening across the globe and a thriving presence on social media. There is a Fingerboard World Championship. There are professional riders. There are handcrafted wooden decks made by independent builders that go for serious money.

El Paso Is Hosting Its Own Fingerboard Session

El Paso's fingerboard community is coming together for a session at Tenkais and everyone is invited. Pull up, meet other riders, and sesh.

Where: Tenkais Gaming Cafe

When: July 26th

Who: All skill levels welcome

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This is one of those things that reminds you how many quiet, dedicated communities are tucked inside this city doing their thing with zero fanfare. El Paso has always had that. This is just the newest proof.