Get ready for the second installment of Dan Barne’s BLADE LIFE. This time Dan and photographer Nick Demarchi hit up Niagra University for some 100-year-old ledge action. Read along as Dan explains how it all came together. — ONE

This picture was taken during the summer at Niagara University, which is right outside Niagara Falls, NY. We had only skated the school once a few years back and never really considered skating the down-ledge. Partially due to there being a cafeteria entrance right where you land.

Luckily we came by the second time during the summer with no students and a ton of wax. The school is roughly 100 years old and you could tell by the texture and surface of the ledge. It had been weathered significantly over the years by rain and snow. Luckily we had an old frame to work the wax into the ledge and after some honest effort, the ledge was ready to be skated.

Nick Demarchi captured this topsoul and we both enjoyed how the picture came out. We both agreed, it may be the flashy colored tee with the red flowers mixed with the somewhat plain colors in the background what visually gives the picture character.

Hope you guys enjoy and there will be many picture of this ledge and university in the future.— Dan Barnes

Photo © 2009 Nick Demarchi