Lee Means - Pro Blog 10

First, I want to give a big shout out thank you to Oakley sunglasses for hooking me up with my new Bob Burnquist signature series Gascan shades! If you don’t know who Burnquist is, he’s a killer pro skateboarder with a great attitude on how we should be treating the environment. The shades feature a bamboo “O” and utilize recycled excess materials leftover from making eyewear. I applaud Oakley for its efforts to “do its part.” 

Environment and its conservation has always been a passion of mine. When I attended college at Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!) I served on the Presidential Cabinet of the Student Government Association as the Director of Environmental Awareness. Back then it was one way for me to take action and do my part. It’s simple folks. Don’t throw your trash on the ground. We have trashcans and recycling facilities for that. I was at Rock Town the other day and couldn’t believe all along the trail were plastic wrappers and empty drink bottles!? Try picking up a piece of trash next time you’re at the crag. Just one piece, maybe make a habit out of it: one piece every time you go out. Do your part. Make a difference. 

Secondly, if anyone knows me, they know I LOVE Hip Hop, and I especially love Dirty South Hip Hop. I recently had the pleasure of getting to meet and hang out with a couple members of Nappy Roots — Skinny Deville and Fish Scales! Attending the show was a 9-year-old Hip Hop prodigy named Lil’Derrick. While I was talking with Skinny, LiL’D approached to meet the rap star. I was inspired as Skinny took the time out from all the hot girls and fans to talk with Lil’D. I listened as he told the young boy to focus on his grades and school, because that was what mattered the most at this age of his life, and that Hip Hop would always be there for him. I could only imagine what it meant to the young phenom to hear that from one of his idols. Hip Hop is not just music, it is a lifestyle; it flows through your veins. It is a part of our culture; it is a community and a family. 

Summer 09 was a great time. Autumn has arrived and soon it will be Fall. Soon it will be time for velcro friction on my sweet Southern Sandstone! As I reflect back on the 95 degree 85 percent humidity days of this summer I’m smiling because in between work I got to spend many a day splashing around in my local rivers, creeks, and lakes. The Deep Water Soloing and River Bouldering sessions were amazing. I don’t want to really talk about it too much here, but I want to say a special thank you to my friends Tomás Donoso and Luke Laeser for helping me take my humble water climbing expeditions to the next level (to be continued)… 

Stay up,

-Lee