Return of the DIY Aesthetic: Taylor Hoover’s “The Garden” Fingerboard Spot

12/1/24, 6:00 PM

beyond the board and back to a scene rooted in creativity and resilience.

In Lancaster, PA, Taylor Hoover—a father, chef, and skater—has gone beyond the board and back to a scene rooted in creativity and resilience. With 20 years of skateboarding behind him and a lifelong love for building skate spots, Taylor’s latest project combines his lifelong passions in a new, unique way.

Fingerboarding hooked him early on, and not just for the tricks. He recalls the first time one of his buddies whipped out a tech deck setup—four eight stairs and all. The thrill he got from that tiny deck and stair set was closer to the feeling of skateboarding than anything a video game could give. But fingerboarding wasn’t just a hobby for Taylor; it was a space for creativity, experimentation, and learning about flow and aesthetics. Fast-forward to today, and Taylor’s approach has evolved into crafting intricate, hauntingly detailed park setups.

Taylor’s latest work, “The Garden,” is a testament to the pure DIY mentality. Taking shape over four months in his garage, this spot isn’t your average fingerboard playground. Think dark, gothic vibes mixed with an overgrown, forest-like aesthetic. Sourcing materials was a full-on scavenger hunt through local hardware stores and Lowe’s, piecing together free, broken tiles and adding a few purchases here and there. Ryan from Loft, a big influence on Taylor’s approach, played a part in this project’s vibe, from the polished granite to the textured tiles.

“The Garden” is more than just a fingerboard setup; it’s a sanctuary—a place where he can tap back into the raw creativity and self-reliance he first discovered with skateboarding. Taylor poured months of work into designing and building every inch himself, creating something that not only captures the spirit of skateboarding but keeps him dialed into a scene that’s as much about community as it is about tricks.

As he balances family, work, and skating, Taylor finds peace in his garage oasis. Follow his journey on Instagram at @tailsfb, where each trick at The Garden unfolds like a mini-epic in a story of dedication, DIY spirit, and respect for the art of building and skating.