On Saturday, April 9, at Kona skatepark in Jacksonville, Florida, seven new members were inducted in the Skateboard Hall of Fame. The inductees for 2011 were Steve Anderson, Ray Diez, Steve Fisher, Cleo Coney, Steve Marinak, Karen Snyder, and Craig Snyder Read more here.
Pro-Tec Pool Party 2011 at Vans. Chapter I: The Masters.
Sporting Sails featured in Time Magazine Video Report.
Kahuna Creations® Unveils the Kahuna Blade™...click here to read more and then click here to save 30%! (Editor's note - I will be using an Adjustable Big Stick with a Kahuna Blade in the Sk8 Challenge 2011, 188 mile skateboard stage race.
theFUZZco, a skateboarding and artist collective company, is designing the kickFLIP Wheelchair to support Children's Hospital Los Angeles' Center for Metabolic and Mitochondrial Disorders through the non-profit, SuperCharged For MITO. This project-based initiative is to help raise awareness for Mitochondrial Disease and to fund research and treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. To understand the kickFLIP Wheelchair Project and to get to know MITO-kid, Zach, please watch this short clip.
Skateboarding: GayStyle! Check this short clip from Angry Boys about an overbearing mother who markets her straight son as the first gay skateboarder to achieve international fame and fortune.
Skate for Schools...Kirsten Wilson is longboarding the perimeter of Vermont to raise money for Africa Education & Leadership Initiative (ELI)- a program that establishes schools in Sudan for girls. Support her cause and you have a chance win a Loaded Tan Tien.
Comet Skateboards announces an entirely new graphics line and looks to skateboarders to spread a positive global message from the ground. Whereas many skateboard graphics are about flash, pop, celebrity, and tapping deeply into consumerism, Comet is stepping back and conveying a message about the global effects of consumerism.
The 2011 graphics include work by artists Kadie Salfi and Arlo Chapple. Salfi's graphics highlight the power we have as consumers by using bright colors to accent animal parts coveted by society. Salfi’s art calls into question what we value and why. Chapple employs surreal illustrations to buck the traditional commodified notions of what our imagined worlds should be. Together their work presents skateboarders with a radical ride...read more!
Derek from Honey Skateboards sent us some info on the Honey Skateboards Best Trick Contest. Sounds like a blast, more info here. And kiddies, don't forget to wear your helmets...no helmet, no chance!
RipTide Sports announces the introduction of their "Sweet Roll" Precision Wheels...featuring a replacement "tire" and two part aluminum hub system. Visit the Riptide Sports website for the full scoop. Or check them out right here on TSJ.
Maytum Wins Maryhill...Luge racer Lally Wins at Daytona and Maryhill!!!
Marion Karr (a TSJ member and good friend) begins his skate across North Carolina. Karr is raising money for for Huntersville-based Hinds' Feet Farm, a health and wellness center for people with brain injuries. Follow Marion on Twitter: @Surf2TheSurf.
Lloyd Kahn, a 75 year old longboarder and contributor to my book The Skateboarder's Journal - Lives on Board was recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning. The home he designed, built and lives in was included in a segment called Dream Homes.
World Cup Champion Mischo Erban joins Team Seismic - Ground Shifts in Downhill Skateboard Racing World Seismic Skate Systems announced that 2009 IGSA World Cup Champion Mischo Erban has joined Team Seismic. The exclusive multi-year contract will support the 26-year-old Canadian downhill skateboard racer's training and pursuit of further international victories. Read the rest of the press release.
Skate Art Show at Urban Outfitters in downtown Santa Cruz to benefit Board Rescue. Dig the new Longboard Living website. Developed to help spread and promote the lifestyle of urban longboarding / traffic surfing. IASC Industry Summit Emphasizes Keeping Skateboarding In Core Businesses’ Hands. And just who are these mystery corporations who are going to take over skateboarding? Pat Duffy joins Arnette
The crew at BustinBoards is at it again with the Maestro.
Long Treks on Skate Decks...Morocco Update. Where are they, find out here. The boys are taking lots of photos.
Bordeaux GreenSk8 Day Report...better late than never. Pierre Hazera and Komakino sent me this report a week ago and I misplaced it until this morning.
Bandwagon wheels keep on turning or how being trendy tends to destroy cultures...geez lighten up dude.
The Loaded Tan Tien Complete Giveaway Benefiting the Ian Tillman Foundation...And the Winner is Frank Castro of El Cerrito, California. A big thank you to everyone who entered, your support is greatly appreciated by the Ian Tillman Foundation and TSJ. Wear your helmet and skate another day!
Skate South America - Episode 1 Look into the dirty, filthy, hilarious lifestyle of our 3 beloved long-distance skateboarders. Adam Colton, Paul Kent, and Aaron Enevoldsen begin their 1500mile journey from Lima, Peru to skate across one of the driest deserts in the world, all the way to the highest-altitude city in the world Potosi, Bolivia. (Adam and crew have arrived in Morocco... the adventure begins. Follow it here.)
The RollsRolls Woody wins the red dot award: product design 2010, one of the greatest international design awards. (The carbon-fiber version RollsRolls is one of my favorite boards...rode it across America in 2003, and it's still going strong.)
Check out this great interview with Ryan Theobald and Mike McGoldrick from Landyachtz in the Hopshop newsletter. A big thanks to James Hopkin for sharing this with TSJ.
Andrew and the crew at Rayne have launched the Rayne video channel on YouTube...take a look!
Myfriend, Natan, at RPP-Boards sent me a note letting me know that he and the rest of the crew have lost their minds and are selling their Osprey Carbon Fiber Drop-Thru Deck and CNC Trucks at insanely low prices with Free worldwide shipping...take a look for yourself.
Take a look at a couple of new videos from Koastal and Honey Skateboards.The Koastal vid features their new Classic model, while Honey shines the spotlight on their latest offering the Velocity.
Coming Soon...EpicAccess.com - Action Sports Gear for up to 70% off.
Teen Skateboarder Killed in Hit and Run. Investigators are looking for the driver who hit and killed a teenager who was skateboarding with his friends in Vista on Friday night. ...more.
Check out the new Orangatang Wheels "Let Go" video featuring Kyle Chin, filmed by Adam Colton
The 1st Dinagyang Longboard Event...There will be two events. A downhill race will take place on January 22 at San Rafael Iloilo while a push race, socials and the awarding events will be on January 23 in Iloilo City.
Tony Hawk talks about his No. 1 iPhone app...Tony Hawk has once again conquered the world, this time with his skateboarding iPhone app. Read the ESPN interview.
Mile High Skates Announces 10mm-Compatible Bearings...Online retailer adds 10mm version of their popular skateboard bearings. More info here.
Boards for Boys and Girls...Contributor’s Annie Lam and Mike Giles use art and networking to get skateboardsfor disadvantaged youth.
Skateboards, Hot Chicks, and Performance Why do guys show off in front of chicks? They can't help it. The presence of an attractive woman elevates testosterone and physical risk-taking in young men.
Don't forget about the Big Sale over geoskate.com. For all TSJ members who place orders between now and Dec. 24th: Free shipping on all US orders over $50 - Use code "SBJ091". Also save 20% off on all complete boards. Use code "SBJ092".
My old friend and TSJ member, Bob Haro, recommended TSJ to RipZinger who recently compiled a book entitled “Ripzinger New York City”. Take a peek when you have a chance.
Skateboarder Ryan Sheckler relies on brotherly love to beat down intruder.
The Viva La Costa Reunion was an incredible gathering of some of the early slalom and downhill greats from the 1970s. Their contributions to skateboarding have been largely overlooked due to the media's fascination with the Dogtown skaters. The skating that was done on the hills of La Costa by this crew helped to make skateboarding what it is today. Here are a few photos from the event.
Check out the new Comet Skateboards Design Forum. Jason and the crew at Comet are on the constant quest to design skateboards with community input. Share your ideas with the group and it might evolve into one of their next models.
Skateboards are a California art form...The California Heritage Museum is hosting "Skateboard: Evolution and Art in California," an exhibit showcasing 60 years of boards, riders, designers and manufacturers.
Internet Entrepreneur Learned Business Lessons On A Skateboard. Former Pro Jeff Thompson now heads Towerstream.
Flip Demo at Eastern Skateboard Supply featured in newspaper article (Editors note: ESS is owned by my old friend Reggie Barnes, one of the true gentlemen in skateboarding, and a heck of a skateboarder also.)
5th Annual Downhillbillies DIXIE CUP - FINAL RESULTS
Results provided by Daniel Gesmer - Official Timekeeper Joe McLaren Owns The Dixie Cup. Wins all four events in a dominating performance!
Pro Class Giant Slalom
1 Joe McLaren
2 Kevin Delaney
3 Evan St. Clair
Open Class A Giant Slalom
1 Steve Pederson
2 Shannon St. Clair
3 Rick Floyd
Open Class B Giant Slalom
1 Bert Lumpkin
2 Bobby Mandarino
3 Gabriel Steptoe
Open Class Downhill
1 Joe McLaren
2 Kevin Delaney
3 Brad Jackman Rob Dyrdek Brings the Fantasy Factor to Raw
TSJ member John Ravitch sent me this great link to a set of online videos called "The Evolution of Skateboarding". From 1965 to 2008, a nice look at skateboarding's history.
Man Stabbed Self To Keep Job...The 27-year-old Denver man, a Blockbuster employee, was skateboarding yesterday afternoon when he fell and ripped his uniform pants. ...the rest of the story.
Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inducts First Class. See the wrap-up at Mark Water's site Skatepunk.com
Viva La Costa...If you skated slalom in the 1970's, you know the Mecca for slalom were the legendary hills of La Costa. It's where racing was born and refined by the likes of Hester, Yandall, Schufeldt, Piercy, Schaub, Ryan, Highes, Skoldberg, Dootson and many others. On December 5th the La Costa Boys reunion will take place in Carlsbad. How many times in one's life you do you get a chance to race and rub elbows with legends? All the details are right here.
As skateboarders I'm sure members of TSJ will appreciate Swift.Silent.Deep the first true historical documentation of hardcore ski bum culture in North America.
Pros inducted into Skateboarding Hall of Fame...Logan, Alva, Hawk and Way. The Inaugural celebration and fundraiser to honor and induct pro skateboarders from four decades. Tickets now available.
The Great TSJ Treasure Hunt. We have a winning answer. The wheels are hidden at the classic California surf spot Rincon. The winner of the Oranatang Free Rides is Pops Arnold. You can find a review of previous clues here.
THE ALLI SHOW TO PREMIERE ON MTV2 THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10th At 11PM EST Seven-Episode Series Will Feature a Look into Lives of Action Sports Athletes
GS Outlaw at Poway Pump Station Results 1st Richy Carrasco 2nd Brent Kosick 3rd Jonny Miller 4th Lynn Kramer
Russ Pope Interview...I use to haul Russ to skateboard contests back in the 1980s, and flow him wheels when I was working as the Kryptonics promo guy.
A couple of days ago I was talking with skateboarding historian Dale Smith and he said that I should check out Sk8face.com. And I'm glad I did, now it's your turn. SK8FACE is a feature film about the evolution of skateboard graphics, watch the trailer here.
Skate Like a Girl is teaming up with Skirtboarders and Girls Riders Organization in NYC for Halloween! Details.
The guys over at Sporting-Sails sent me one of their units to try out...stay tuned for test ride report.
1960's Skateboarding Great Danny Bearer Has Passed Away. He was an Original Makaha and Hobie team rider, as well as being skateboarding's first International Champion. More about Danny.
Skateboarding's History in Graphics...Artist Sean Cliver has published "The Disposable Skateboard Bible," a coffee-table book that documents five decades of skateboard graphics. Check the slideshow on the Wall Street Journal website. Update...here's a link to the WSJ interview.
TSJ member Dave Cornthwaite is about to embark on his next adventure...The Great Big Paddle. Dave's the chap who skateboarded across Australia a few years ago.
TSJ member Palmer has a great interview in the newest issue of Juice Magazine, he mentions co-TSJ members Stubbs and Ronny Ripper in the piece. Thanks to Stone Bennett for the tip!
Downhill Sliding Lessons from the folks at Purple Skunk
A lil' bird from Loaded let me know The New Yellow 86a Freeride wheels will be shipping mid to late next week - expect to seem them in shops around October 5th. First available in the 75mm Durian & the 70mm Stimulus. The Fat Free will be available roughly 1-2 weeks later. Kent over at Freebord sent me a note about a video his crew made on their Freebords the other night in SF. They tried to re-create a giant falling block video game….. 36 riders with huge pieces of neon lights on our heads. Take a look.
TSJ member Robo has just informed me that his friend Roofy died today from injuries sustained in a skateboarding accident. He was on his way to pick up his young daughter. He was not wearing a helmet.Please wear your helmet.
Check out my good friend, Scott's Rootamental blog...chock full of good surf and skate stuff. Haggy Strom Interview on ABC radio...Haggy did this interview for ABC Radio regarding the new Queensland laws for recreational vehicles. The second track is the listener comments after the interview.
Dollars For Dave T-Shirt Benefit...Celtek designer and well-known Salt Lake City artist Dave Doman suffered a severe head injury while skateboarding in San Clemente, California just over a week ago.
The crew at Original Skateboards sent me a note letting me know that their "Go Longboarding" video just hit number 1 as the top rated sports video on YouTube.
Skate the Lake: Locals do just that to promote fundraiser.
Dirtbag Lawyers. They actually have a website that lists accidents/injuries/deaths. Members of the website use the listings to decide which ambulance to chase. A nine year old who was recently killed while riding a skateboard is listed on the website. As Don Henley sang in "Get Over It"...The more I think about it, Old Billy was right Let's kill all the lawyers -- kill 'em tonight. Well, maybe that's a bit harsh, but you get the idea. As the saying goes, "some of my best friends are lawyers", in my case this is true, but I would add "just not the personal injury, ambulance chaser type."
Eco Cars: Retired auto mechanic builds electric car for just $500...The car, dubbed B.O.B or Balanced-Over-Batteries Car, was designed following the example of skateboard trucks, which adjust the angle of the wheels according to the tilting movement produced. Thanks to TSJ member Jay LaPalm for this tidbit.
Green Life: It's go time for commuters. As summer winds down and regular schedules resume, consider getting into the habit of walking, biking - or even skateboarding - to work.
The skateboarding community is in shock over the sudden death of legendary East Coast skateboarder, Andy Kessler.
UPDATE: Priority registration for Epic International Skate Fest (September 26, 2009 in Mishawaka, IN) ends on August 15. Register by then and get 20% off the entry fee! More info and sign-up here.
Ok, it's not skateboarding..If you were alive when men first walked on the moon you can relive that incredible event, and if you weren't you can live it now at "We Choose the Moon". All 109 hours of the original audio feed between Mission Control and the Apollo 11 spacecraft.
Oh, how times have changed, I remember the days when the only time you saw the word "skateboard" in in the NY or LA Times it was usually followed by "injury". X-Games article by TSJ member and New York Times reporter Matt Higgins: Skateboarders Return to Roots With Park Event
I saw this sad news over on the Australian Skateboard Racing Association website...On Friday night, Anton (Anthony Fricker, AKA Skate Australia) was skating on the Gold Coast and had a tragic accident. At the bottom of a run he came off his board and fell. His head took the full force, knocking him out. Emergency services were immediately called and Anton was rushed to hospital. He is currently on life support, while his family and friends say goodbye. It is expected that life support will be removed in the next few days. A funeral service and memorial will be announced.
Skate Like a Girl presents Winnipeg or Bust!, a van full of international female skaters weaving in-between the US and Canada to skate...get the full scoop here.
Argonay, France- Scoot Smith (CAN) nearly crashed out in the final about 25 meters (75') from the finish line but was able to gather it back together to win The Graveyard Call World Cup. He had to win it the hard way racing head to head and beating Adam Yates (AUS), Yvon Labarthe (SUI), James Kelly (USA), Patrick Switzer (CAN) and finally Mischo Erban in seperate two-man heat races. It was the first win for the reigning IGSA World Champion of the 2009 season. Complete story at IGSAworldcup.com
Sheckler, Lasek take skateboarding titles BOSTON - Three-time Dew Cup champion Ryan Sheckler won the skate park finals and Bucky Lasek won the skate vert finals on Saturday at the Dew Tour's Skate Open.
TSJ sponsor Kicker Films is offering TSJ members 40% off all DVDs until July 1st, (one per customer). Just enter coupon code "skate" (lower case) at the checkout for the 40% discount.
Take a look at some new gear from Loaded Boards, Rayne Longboards, Sk8Kings, 161 Trucks and Venom Wheels in the all-new TSJ New Product Releases Section.
Koston & P-Rod switch sports...sign with the LA Dodgers Maloof Money Cup Makes Its Videogame Debut in the Critically Acclaimed Skate 2Copenhagen Pro - Skateboarding Competition THE SECOND COMING In this follow-up to Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art, Sean Cliver has assembled what is undoubtedly the most comprehensive visual overview of skateboards in print. In addition to board galleries showcasing everything from the steel- and clay-wheeled planks to the modern day 7-ply popsicles, The Disposable Skateboard Bible continues where the first book left off, featuring all-new anecdotes from the likes of V. Courtlandt Johnson, Mark Gonzales, CR Stecyk III, Rodney Mullen, Mark "Gator" Rogowski, George Powell, Mike Vallely, Tony Hawk, Art and Steve Godoy, Bruce Walker, Christian Cooper, Lance Mountain, Greg Evans, Steve Caballero, Chuck Hults, Claus Grabke, Rich Harbour, Cris Dawson, Skip Engblom, Russ Howell, Stacy Peralta, David Hackett, PD, Tony Magnusson, Don Brown, Francesco Albertini, David Bergthold, Jim Gray, Steve Steadham, Bernie Tostenson, and more, as well as an in-depth look at the nostalgic madness that is skateboard collecting. Hardcover; 368 full-color pages. Available from gingko presswww.gingkopress.com. You can also visit the Disposable site for more info.
Public Skateboarding, Drinking Banned In Dushanbe...No fun allowed!
Take a look at this strange pool the Slap magazine crew recently visited.
After a one-year hiatus, WinSport Canada in partnership with the Speed and Longboard Association of Calgary (SLAC) is proud to bring back the Paskapoo Downhill Rodeo at Canada Olympic Park July 24th-26th, 2009.
TSJ member Robbo just added the Newton's Playground - IGSA World Championships event page.
Pierre Andre Senizergues, CEO of Etnies, and Joe Maloof, owner of Sacramento Kings and Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, have teamed up to put on the Maloof Money Cup skateboard competition...the rest of the story.
Recently my son, Dylan, and I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with Rick and Chet from SoulArc here in Morro Bay. After a quick demo ride at a local parking lot we drove up the coast to one of my favorite hills and put the SoulArc boards to the test...they passed with flying colors! I haven't had this much fun on skateboard in a long time. I would compare the feeling of riding one of these boards to surfing or snowboarding in deep powder. If you have a chance to demo one of these, do it, you won't be disappointed. You can follow Rick and Chet's tour on their blog.
Orangatang In Heat wheels recall shows up in the LA Times
Woodward is SO ON!!! We have had a busy and productive 3 days here and the kids are stoked that we're here. We have set 5-6 different courses and everyone is digging it! Read more from Wentzle's Woodward Blog. Check out Woodward Skateboard Camp Slalom Photos
“Reckless! Totally Insane!” Oscar nominee Josh Brolin is Thrashin’ the big screen – again! (Editor's note: TSJ members Jack Smith and Beau Brown appeared in the downhill race scene, sporting Haro pads and nifty jumpsuits. The $100 a day was cool also.)
It turns out that our 1,000th member is Kevin, who happens to be a designer at Pro Tec. He's currently doing some research on how you guys deal with lids and pads and what you think of protective gear. He's posted a survey on TSJ, and he would be stoked if you gave him some feedback on the questions, and any other comments you want to share. He'll definitely appreciate your help!
Slalom St. Louis 2009 Saturday GS: 1. JBH 2. Paul Graf 3. Stephen Lavin Sunday TS: 1. JBH 2. Paul Graf 3. Jeff Goad
TSJ member Pam Miller sent me a note about her son Sky, regarding his recent participation in the ProTec Pool Party...Sky broke his right arm 2 weeks before the quailifier to the ProTec Pool Party. As you can guess he was totally bummed thinking he would miss it for the second year due to a full arm cast! We decided to go down anyway and Sky could "skate around" and get to see everyone and be there. Sky is usually not very strong on bs tricks and that was all he had in the bowl with the weight of a huge heavy cast on the other arm. He decided to do the qualifiers "just for fun". He qualified 5th! Went into the biggest pro bowl contest for his first time with a heavy plaster cast on up to his arm pit. Determination and drive of a crazy skater took over and he placed 13th against the best bowl riders in the world. This would be a victory for anyone with two arms and all their tricks. I think we're seeing what he's made of! Results are on the World Cup Skateboarding site.
Take this skateboard controller for a 'Tony Hawk: Ride'....from USA Today
Read the LA Times Review of 'Crips and Bloods: Made in America' --Directed by Stacy Peralta. Editor's note: This documentary is now airing on PBS. I recently had the opportunity to view it this, I highly recommend that you watch it. A definite eye opener, over 15,000 deaths in the history of "black on black" gang wars.
Morro Bay Boulevard Repaved - Let's Race For those of you who have raced in Morro Bay, you are probably familiar with Morro Bay Boulevard, it runs parallel to Pacific Street, one block north. The city just finished repaving it on Friday, May 8th, 2009. It's butter smooth, perfect fresh black. I will soon announce a date for a major race this fall, probably the second weekend in October. More info soon.
Orangatang announces the release of three new wheels...The 75mm “Durian”, 70mm “Stimulus”, and 65mm “Fat Free”. Currently, all are 83a duro: Orangatang loves making you say ridiculous names. More info here.
Check out TSJ member Judi Oyama's profile and video interview on The Santa Cruz Design and Innovation Center website.
A New Book From Vans Footwear...features original photography from such luminary photographers as CR Stecyk, Grant Brittain, Bryce Kanights and more, and tells the oral history of the many subcultures that Vans helped to influence and shape, including '80s BMX, punk rock and skateboarding.
Loaded Boards, Inc. Recalls Orangatang In Heat Wheels...more info here. Loaded Boards, Inc. of California is recalling all Purple (83a) Orangatang 75mm In Heat wheels purchased between 2/27/09 and 4/29/09 as well as all Orange (80a) Orangatang 75mm In Heat wheels purchased between 3/14/09 and 4/29/09.
Young man's death translates into new life for three strangers...Three lucky people and the parents of a man killed while skateboarding all met recently to mourn a great loss and celebrate a simple but profound concept: with death, comes new life. Read the entire article.
2009 Rayne Hellcat The crew at Rayne sent along a note about their new 2009 Hellcat model featuring increased foot space, a more symmetric shape and the addition of a Pleasure Dome to an already inspiring deep tub concave. Get the full scoop at Rayne Longboards.
The PUZZLE March/April 2009 is online at puzzlevideo.com. Includes 5th district tour in Japan filmed by Mark Nickels, and the Volcom tour in Alicante.
The crew at Daddies Board Shop posted up some info on the Bones Bearings Giveaway Contest...more info here.
Hog Hill Hot Cross Slalom Dual-Lane Hybrid Slalom Redbridge Cycling Center – London, England April 5 Final Results - Provided by Daniel Gesmer, Official Timekeeper 1 Louis Selby 2 Sam Gordon 3 Bruno Olivera
TSJ member and my skating buddy, Jon, sent me this photo...and best of all it's not far from us. Looks like a recon run is in the offing.
Surf-Rodz Announces New E-Commerce Website Surf-Rodz LLC announced the relaunch of surf-rodz.com, a new e-commerce website specializing in the production of high quality longboards, snowboards and surfboards. Encouraged by the high demand for custom and quality decks for action sports, President Wayne Gallipoli decided it was time to launch a website dedicated to showcasing the design and custom manufacturing capabilities of the company.
Parking Garages Provide Adrenaline Rush - Florida Skaters Featured in TV News Clip.
The Skateboarder's Journal 2009 Calendar is now available. Here are the monthly images. Also includes IGSA World Cup and ISSA event listings. Size is 11" x 17". You can have your very own, for just $20.00, which includes shipping. For more info or to order click here.
Di Dootson wants everyone to know that the National Skateboard Review site has been updated. I just checked it out and truly enjoyed the interview with skatepark pioneer and TSJ member John O'Malley.
This is a test, only a test, do not adjust your radio dial. Listen in on the first TSJ radio interview with Stan Strocher of Bahne Skateboards. In the near future we will begin offering live interviews with skateboarders from all areas of the sport/lifestyle. The shows will allow members of TSJ to call in and interact with the interviewee. Stay tuned!
Texas Sizzler - March 28 Final Results provided by Daniel Gesmer, Official Timekeeper Giant Slalom, Group AFull results here 1 Martin Reaves 2 George Pappas 3 Jason Mitchell Giant Slalom, Group BFull results here 1 Chris Favero 2 Greg Stubbs 3 Jordan Adler Giant Slalom, Masters GroupFull results here 1 Marty Schaub 2 Bruce “Norski” Bjortvedt 3 Marcus Soulsby-Monroy Downhill Speed TrapFull results here 1 Wes Coleman 2 Tommy Watson 3 Tanner Lesser
Texas Sizzler - March 29 Final Results provided by Daniel Gesmer, Official Timekeeper Hybrid Slalom, Group A 1 Joe McLaren 2 Martin Reaves 3 Jason Mitchell Hybrid Slalom, Group B 1 Keith Hollien 2 Brad Jackman 3 John Stryker Hybrid Slalom, Masters Group 1 Marty Schaub 2 Steve Lavin 3 Marcos Soulsby-Monroy Hybrid Slalom, Group C 1 Chris Favero 2 Trish Erickson 3 Chad Hegerty Single-Lane Tight Slalom 1 Martin Reaves 2 Jonathan Harms 3 Joe McLaren
TSJ member Cat passed this note along to me...As you all know, a little over five months ago, Peter Ramirez lost his life in a very tragic skateboarding accident. Janet Ramirez, Peter's mom, asked me to post a link to the homepage dedicated to raising money for a scholarship in his name. Please visit the website and read how your donations can help make this scholarship a reality. Publisher's note: I urge all TSJ members to support this scholarship.
"The Classics - A Slalom Series" - Fall 2009 Imagine this if you will...The Capitola Classic, The Catalina Classic and The Morro Bay Classic. More info soon.
Tracker Trucks founder Larry Balma and his wife Louise help upgrade the California Surf Museum which features a mounted display of skateboards in recognition of the connection between skateboarding and surfing.
TSJ member Judi Oyama is working on reviving the Capitola Classic race in Capitola, California. She is working with the city government on this project and they are interested in knowing the amount of interest in the skateboarding community. Please visit her website and vote for the type of racing you'd like to see. Hopefully we can convince the city to repave the streets so we could see a downhill race return to this classic venue. This was one of my favorite races, even though it wasn't "hair on fire" fast, it was very competitive and very up close and personal with the fans lining the race course.
"Guitar Hero" TV commercial...Tony Hawk...the only "clean one" The roster of mega-stars: Alex Rodriguez, baseball star. Admitted steroid user Kobe Bryant, NBA star. One-time rape suspect Michael Phelps, Olympic gold medalist. Bong aficionado Tony Hawk, skateboarding champion. The only clean one in the bunch.
Foundation Skateboards announces the launch of their new site. "It's about f**king time!," states Foundation founder, Tod Swank. We dumbed it down making it simpler to use with less useless crap that nobody cares about.
NEW ANGLES...The geometry of skateboarding and the political struggles of Central America are being explored in two new exhibitions from overseas artists at an Oxford gallery.
Long Treks On Skate Decks...an update on the incredible South American skateboarding adventure of Paul Kent, Aaron Enevoldsen and Adam Colton.
A Skateboarding and Surfing Mayor Surfers are not novel in the Solana Beach City Council. But Mike Nichols, who is manning the council's gavel for 2009, is the city's first surfing and skateboarding mayor.
The National Skateboard Review Returns Back in the mid 1970's when slalom skateboard racing was in full bloom on the hills of La Costa, Di Dootson not only organized, timed and raced in the events, she also published The National Skateboard Review. This newspaper gave coverage to races and contests all around the USA. I remember hand writing the results of our local races and mailing them to Di, and then waiting to hear the UPS guy pull up at my house a few weeks later with a box full of the newest issue. The local racers were always stoked when I showed up at the hill with the new issue. Di, with help from Chris Yandall has recently started putting some of the old issues online, take a look at the National Skateboard Review website when you have a moment.
TSJ member Bob Haro was a skateboarder before he became a BMX Legend. Check out this very insightful interview.
Better late than never...TSJ member Rick Floyd has just posted an incredibly detailed account of the 2008 National Slalom Skateboarding Championships...Take a look.Thanks Rick.
Please take a look the incredible videos by TSJ member Rob Thomson's 12,000km journey by skateboard.
Children of conflict zone jump aboard for Skateistan
Maryhill Freeride - March 28th & 29th...Get the full scoop here
A must read...Dora Lives: The Authorized Story of Miki Dora by C. R. Stecyk and Drew Kampion. I have been fascinated by Dora since I first heard about him back in the 70's, and read everything I could find about him over the years. The combination of Stecyk's words, Dora's writings, haunting photos and Kampion's editing create probably the most complete and factual account of Da Cat's life.
I was checking out some sites this morning and ended up on the RollsRolls site, guess I hadn't been there in awhile, Peter and his crew have updated the site quite nicely. Take a look at the Woody 97.
Abbey Swaps Pews For Skateboards One of Britain's most beautiful religious sites is to swap its pews for skateboards in the New Year.
Dan from Seismic just let us know that Seismic is now offering new sizes in the Hot Spot wheel line-up...63mm and 66mm sizes are now available. Read the press release here, or visit the Seismic website.
Here's an update from Board Rescue, and also a new forum for interacting with the organization. You can also visit their site by clicking here.
Former Kryptonics front man and Action Now Magazine editor, D. David Morin, aka the man who killed skateboarding is also the reader of the audio book "Dude, Where's My Country?" by Michael Moore.
Touchgrind brings finger-boarding to the iPhone Almost a digital version of finger-boards, Touchgrind is essentially a skateboarding app of sorts that is both a toy and a simulator at the same time. Players position their two fingers on an on-screen board and then mimic the motions of a skater's legs with their fingers to execute tricks.
Skate Like a Girl Presents Wheels of Fortune, the Biggest Skate Contest for the Ladies in the Pacific Northwest Around the world in 850 days - on a skateboard...
Research and Markets: New Trends of Youth Culture that are Shaping the Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Skiing Markets Revealed
Christian Reality Shows Debut on Cable - Features Christian Hosoi. "The Uprising," which launched on the Inspirational Network, features a trio of Christian pro skateboarders who try to convert people on the street. The cast includes Christian Hosoi, who said he got out of prison a few years ago after being locked up for possession of and intent to distribute crystal meth.
This just in...The new Orangatang website has launched. Prepare for a surrealist adventure into the mind of the Orangatang.
Glenn Phillips Scores Upset Win In South Africa Fair Cape, South Africa - Relative unknown Glen Phillips, who has recently moved from Luge to Downhill Skateboarding, pulled a big surprise by beating some of the international top ten riders to win the Fair Cape Downhill Challenge. He led from the start and there was nothing they could do to catch him!! Mischo Erban finished in second with Mike Zietsman in third. Anton Pratt was also charging and got the better of some of the top internationals as well to finish in fourth. Definitely two riders to watch for in the future . The rest of the story...
Learn to skate like a girl...No really, check it out
The Skateboarding Councilor...Meet Jeff Erickson: skateboard designer, stay-at-home dad, substitute high school teacher, laundromat owner and new Scappoose City Councilman