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Freshman Nick Chamberlain’s unique talent stands out among students at Apex. Since age six, Chamberlain has honed his skills in yo-yoing.
“I received my first yo-yo as a birthday
gift from my grandfather,” says Chamberlain. His grandfather, who collected
yo-yos, taught the freshman his first trick, 'the sleeper.' “It was a good way for us to
bond,” he recalls.
By watching YouTube and yo-yoexpert.com
videos, Chamberlain has mastered approximately 100 tricks. Complex tricks
include skin-the-gerbil, yuuki slack, and sou which can be seen in the video
above. “Depending on the skill level, it can take anywhere from three hours-multiple
weeks to learn and properly execute a trick,” Chamberlain adds.
The freshman plans to enter yo-yo
competitions in the future. “The closest one I’ve found was at N.C. State for
college students,” says Chamberlain. He hopes not only to display his skills,
but to learn from others as well. “It would be interesting to see different styles
and tricks,” he explains.
Chamberlain enjoys the challenge
yo-yoing poses. “At first, a trick simply looks cool. Once you begin learning
one, you realize its complexity and how many hand motions are actually
required,” he says. Although Chamberlain has other hobbies,
including skateboarding and football, he prefers the “pocket-sized” aspect
yo-yoing offers. “I can yo-yo pretty much when and wherever,” he says.
Chamberlain wants to continue yo-yoing
in the future. “It provides entertainment for both people watching the tricks
and myself,” he says. “I hope to learn as many tricks as I can.”
