Fingerboarding enthusiasts, it’s time to dust off those Tech Decks hiding in your closets and backpacks! The excitement of fingerboarding, a unique take on traditional skateboarding using miniature boards, ramps, and the dexterity of two fingers, is landing in Portland this weekend.
Spanning from Friday, August 15, to Saturday, August 16, the United States Fingerboarding League (USAFBL) will host its national tour at the iconic McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, located at 1332 W. Burnside St. As this marks the first time the USAFBL has ventured to the Rose City, the event promises to be memorable for both participants and attendees alike.
With more than 30 professionally constructed miniature skateparks, the Portland event will feature a vibrant array of activities. Attendees can expect a flurry of vendor booths showcasing the top brands in fingerboarding, engaging tattoo artists, raffles, open park sessions, and competitive categories such as Line of the Year Live, Combo of the Year Live, and Battle of the Plies.
Levine Cunningham, the host of USAFBL, shared insights about his passion for fingerboarding and the league’s mission to foster community connections through this unique sport. Cunningham’s journey into fingerboarding began in an era before social media when connecting with other fingerboarders was challenging. After a long hiatus, he rediscovered the joy of fingerboarding during the COVID-19 lockdown, tapping into his creative side and reconnecting with the thrill it offers.
Motivated by his experiences at various meetups, Cunningham sought to create consistent and larger-scale events that bring the fingerboarding community together. This initiative culminated in the formation of the USA Fingerboarding League in 2021. Cunningham recounts how the league emerged in response to the fast-growing popularity of fingerboarding, emphasizing the need for a structured and respected platform for enthusiasts.
This weekend’s Portland event is not just about competition; it embodies the very essence of the fingerboarding culture. Cunningham anticipates over 100 participants and a bustling crowd of spectators, all coming together to celebrate this thrilling subculture.
“It’s a full cultural experience,” Cunningham states. The event offers an after-party on Saturday night, adding to the excitement beyond the competitive aspect.
The love for fingerboarding runs deep for Cunningham and many others involved in the community. He expresses that the sport fosters limitless creativity and self-expression, acting as a unifying force that brings individuals from various backgrounds and age groups together. At its heart, fingerboarding serves as a unique bridge to skateboarding culture, while simultaneously creating its own distinct identity and style.
For those new to the scene, Cunningham succinctly describes fingerboarding as a miniature version of skateboarding performed with small boards using fingers to replicate real tricks. He emphasizes that it’s not only a hobby but also a sport and an art form that blends creativity, precision, and passion.
With the inaugural tour stop in Portland, Cunningham expresses excitement and optimism about engaging with the local fingerboarding community. The city’s rich DIY spirit and creative energy are seen as a perfect match for the ethos of fingerboarding. The McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, known for its historic significance, adds a special touch to the event.
“We’re thrilled to bring the tour to Portland for the very first time,” says Cunningham. He underlines that the USAFBL is not solely focused on competitions; its vision extends to creating a legacy that outlasts the events themselves.
The USA Fingerboarding League is committed to building an inclusive community with opportunities for all participants, offering sanctioned events at both local and national levels. The top three competitors from categories such as Best Run Street, Best Trick Street, and Game of Skate will earn the chance to compete in the world championships in Germany slated for 2026.
The league also maintains active media platforms to keep the community informed and connected. This includes the USAFBL Fingerboard Podcast, which has been running for three seasons, featuring weekly episodes, and Plies Magazine, known as the longest-running fingerboarding magazine available in both digital and print formats.
Cunningham’s ambitions for the USAFBL are clear: to establish fingerboarding as a respected and recognized sport worldwide while staying true to its cultural roots. As Portland hosts its first national tour stop, Cunningham and the USAFBL are excited to share this unique experience with the community and foster the growth of a vibrant culture.
Join the fun this weekend and become part of the fingerboarding revolution in Portland!
image source from：portlandtribune
