Kick, push, coast

I’ve always enjoyed celebrating July 4th in the city.  When else can you drive sans gridlock from MidCity to the Palisades in less than 12 minutes?   Opt for a Palace 5ive branded skateboard instead and you may just shave an extra 3 minutes off even this commute.  In the seven years since its launch, Palace 5ive (2200 14th St., NW) has cemented itself as the premier DC destination for hard skater apparel, boards and footwear.  Preferring roller rinks to asphalt, I never kick pushed for fun. Yet, I recall watching the ESPN X-Games skate board competitions back in the mid 90’s and being awed by the superior skills of athletes like Tony Hawk.  


Today, attending the 2014 Palace 5ive Go Skate Day activities, I am still amazed.  But I am also fascinated by the “cool” that most skaters project.  Hours dedicated to perfecting a craft explains the confidence.  But the fashion investigator in me maintains that the Palace 5ive gear - flat technicolored sneakers with thick soles by Vans or Nike (Jordan) SB high tops, loose graphic t-shirts (some pressed by the Palace 5ive staff) and boards to order make all the difference.  Since skateboarding is not only here to stay, but is also growing in popularity, consider becoming a member of the Palace 5ive family.  But, like any clique worth joining, you have to be invited.  Get your login and password to access the re-launched website today.  www.palacefive.com