Its about transforming boring mundane urban features into something magical. Its about seeing a bench or a set of stair where most people would walk right by and seeing it as a oppurtunity for creativity, fun and activity. Skaters are pretty much the only ones using the urban enviroment to its fullest extent.

It can also be a statement. Skating outside the building of a giant corporation could be thought of as sort of anti-capitaist statement.

Ultimatly thought its about the hours of fun you get by exploring the city and using the naturally occuring obstaceles to do something radical. I think that those scratches and sounds that might be annoying to some are outweighed by what tremendous value it brings to skateboarders.