The Youtube description for this video pretty much sums it up.
What do skateboarding and innovation have in common? More than you might think. A successful entrepreneur and innovator, Rodney Mullen is widely considered the most influential street skater in history, inventing most of the tricks used today. By the time he was 23, Mullen had already set new milestones for skateboarding winning 35 out of 36 freestyle competitions. He studied engineering at the University of Florida before co-founding World Industries, the largest skate company of the 90’s, which was acquired for more than $20m. He continues to skate, innovate, and design some 30 years after he won his first world championship at the age of 11. Mullen spends his spare time thinking about open source communities, hacking the urban terrain, and transforming the mundane into something new. He’ll be featured in the upcoming documentary, “The Bones Brigade: An Autobiography.”
It’s pretty cool seeing someone from the skateboarding subculture speak to an audience comprised of societies mainstream and try to relate how skateboarding is a reflection of the bigger picture.
It’s an interesting thought that basic skills you learn throughout your life can take on an entirely new form in a change of context.
If you want to see more of Rodney, check out this little excerpt of the story behind the Bones Brigade. Can’t wait to see this documentary.
I’m down with TED and I found Rodney’s talk inspiring, if it did the same for you pass it on.