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Dogs Following in Footsteps of Lazy Owners

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:18:04 PST

Remember what life was like before video games? If you wanted to play football, you went outside and actually played football. If you wanted to play the guitar, you got a guitar and learned to play it. Now we have Madden 09 and guitar hero to keep kids glued to their couches. This trend has even swept through skateboarders. Tony Hawk's series of video games exploded into living rooms across America in 1998, sparking an entire generation of 'virtual' skateboarders. Actually learning to skate is really hard, and it requires patience, time, and quite a few scars. Playing the video game, on the other hand, takes about 6 minutes to learn, and the only risk of injury is mild thumb calluses. In this clip, it seems that even dogs are now following this trend. You think that after playing the game, this dog is ever going to go out into the cold and jump on his actual skateboard? Doubtful. Whats next? Virtual leg humping games?

A Farewell To The Banks

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:33:20 PST

The view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Banks. All photos: MORINformed

The Brooklyn Banks. Nuff said, yous guys better understand the importance of the place. If you don't know, yous better take the gabagool (some kind of Italian sandwich meat) out of your ears, and ask somebody. Cause, guy, if you think yous going to be able to skate them for the next fwhore years, yous can forgetaboutit.

That's my best New Yorker impression, it sucks, I know, but as they say in the Big Apple, I'm just a "So Cal Wussbag." One thing is for sure though, this So Cal Wussbag knows how important the legacy of the Brooklyn Banks are to New York skateboarding. It's just a shame the legendary skate spot sits directly under an even more legendary construction. The Brooklyn bridge is over a hundred years old, and needs a facelift, so guess what? Skateboarding on the Manhattan side of the bridge (the Banks are actually in Manhattan) is going to have to be put on hold for a few years.

There is one positive thing to remember though, the Banks are not dead. They are just going to have to go into a four year hibernation. That leaves us skateboarders, especially the NYC guys, with a few objectives. First and foremost, make sure the amount of the time the city has said this construction is going to last, is the amount of time it is going to last. We are in a recession, and construction tends to slow down in hard times. Also, I've watched the Sopranos enough to know there are some heavy unions over there that have ways of getting their way. If they want the job to slow down, it is going to slow down. That is, unless you want to "sleep with the fishes," or be buried under the new Giants stadium, that they are currently in the process of building.

Secondly, and maybe most importantly, it has to be made sure that the Banks are kept skateable. We all know the city has no issues with steam rolling the whole area. It's not like they haven't already changed over the years. Watch Jamie Thomas' opening run in Welcome to Hell, then watch I don't know, the new Zoo York video, which has to have some Banks footage in it. Shit, I was at the premier, but for some reason my memory is a little fuzzy. Anyway, watch some recent footage from the Banks, and you'll for sure notice some differences in the geography of the spot. That's because a few years ago the city tried to get rid of the place, but because of the efforts of the NYC skate scene, the Banks were saved. The spot became a city sanctioned skatepark. It was a DIY effort led by Five Boro skateboards general, Steve Rodriguez (pictured above with the megaphone). He was like that guy who stood in front of that tank in Tienanmen Square, but unlike in China, Steve didn't get steam rolled, and neither did the Banks.

Now, fast-forward a few years and the Banks have been on their game. I was at the last Back to Banks, a grassroots, free-entry-to-all contest at the spot, put on by: Steve, 5 Boro, Volcom, Emerica, World Industries, Bones, Skateboarder magazine, Red Bull, Metro Plus and Tech Deck. I've never seen so many people at the place, it was one of the coolest skate contests I've been a part of (check out Colin Provost above with a blunt on the barrier at the last Back to the Banks). It just goes to show how many people skate the place, and what it means to the people of New York. It's sad to think there won't be another Back To The Banks gathering for at least four years.

So once again the Brooklyn Banks are under attack, and need the help of the creators that inhabit them. The Brooklyn Bridge needs renovations, so the century old pathway, and the safety of the people that use it, are going to be the number one priority of the people of New York. That leaves the skateboarders of the city to hope this happens as soon as possible, with the least amount of changes. We'll see.

A Quik Trip To Wallenberg

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:08:50 PST

Take a little trip up the California coast to Wallenberg with the Quiksilver skate team. This is from a few months back when the skate industry converged on the famous San Francisco skate spot for Thrasher's Back To The Berg contest. Check it out:

China on the Verge of Skateboarding Takeover

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:24:21 PST

The next skateboarding prodigy will be from China. With the worlds largest population, at roughly 1,325,639,982 people, China has the odds in their favor. Remember that circus acrobat guy from Ocean's Eleven? Imagine him on a vert ramp. Anyone see the opening ceremonies from the Beijing Olympics? Imagine that level of discipline and practice applied to skateboarding. If the chinese government can make us a Yao Ming, why not make us a combination of shaun white/tony hawk/kelly slater? The only thing holding back a potential Chinese Skateboarding Domination is the fact that nobody in China skates... Well, until now. Woodward is almost finished with a $4 million dollar indoor park in Beijing. As with everything else ive seen and heard about Beijing, this thing is pretty dang impressive. Theres a variety of vert, and a ridiculous pool being finished right now. If this park can generate a solid skate scene, we could be seeing some serious kung fu flavor in the world of skateboarding very soon. Check the pictures, courtesy of KickerClub. (and thanks to Clancy for the heads up).

Vote Or Die

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:58:44 PST

It's that time of year again. Cruise over to www.thrashermagazine.com and make your vote for the 2009 Skater of the Year, aka the S.O.T.Y. In my opinion it's a two man race between Malto and Leo, Sean Malto and Leo Romero that is. Just like last November's presidential election it's your duty to vote, but unlike that presidential election you do not have to be a U.S. citizen, 18 years-old, or registered to vote, so go cast your vote.

Ryan Sheckler Gets Taken

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:07:23 PST

Pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler may be a master of the street course, but he's still a in the ways of the street. According to a press release issued by the Orange County's District Attorney's office, Sheckler's Chief Financial Officer, Matthew Mercuro, 36, was arrested last Friday and charged with embezzling more than $365,000 from the skate star. Mercuro handled two of Sheckler's business units, including Ryan Sheckler Rips LLC and Sheckler Merch 2.

Mercuro allegedly had access to those corporate accounts from March of 2008 to April of 2009, and he's accused of transfering funds into his personal account and the account of his wife and a friend during that period. These actions were only recently discovered when the suspicious transfers were noticed during a review of the company's finances.

If convicted, Mercuro faces up to six years and eight months in prison. He will be arraigned today on two felony counts of grand theft. While the skate community was reeling on the news, pro athletes being victims of embezzlement is hardly a new phenomenon. They're seen as easy targets for this kind of abuse. The big surprise for most skaters is that somebody could hardly notice that much money missing.

Something tells us Sheckler will be alright.

Show Us Your Twits

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:33:17 PST

Today's twit, or tweet, or whatever ever you call those stupid narcissistic things. Actually, we're going to call them twits for obvious reasons. Anyway, I searched Twitter long and hard for a nice stimulated, I mean stimulating twit, and in the recent Twitter activities I found not one, but two. So, I actually found a nice set of twits, or a rack of twits if you will, or even a nice voluptuous pair of twits if you prefer.

Today's twits are both crailtap related the first comes from @therealcrailtap and the second from @erickoston.

Twit 1: @therealcrailtap - "Cory Kennedy is nuts!" With a link to the video below.

In case you don't know that be a switch 360 frontfoot impossible.

Twit 2: @erickoston - "If hating is your job, then I pretty much have a full time occupation for you." I guess that be for anyone who gives him shit about his recent deals with Nike and Oakley.

Nature is Coming... Hippy Tree Fall-Winter 2009 collection is here.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:17:07 PST

The Boys over at Hippy Tree have released their Fall-Winter 2009 Collection, and as usual they aren’t messing around.

With the attention to detail and new additions for winter essentials Hippy Tree is really branching out to into a full fledged head to toe apparel line. This seasons new pieces include Corduroy pants and the always classic essential, the Flannel button up. Hippy Tree is a brand you will love to have strewn across your room. With killer graphic designs on tees, hats and hoodies you will always have someone asking where you got your threads. Check out the full line here http://hippytree.com/product/blog/index.php?categry=winter09

South Bay surfer, artist and photographer Andrew Sarnecki formally founded Hippy Tree in ’03. Its creative beginnings began with Sarnecki designing, printing and distributing a free mini surf magazine titled “South Bay” a photo infused surf tide book.

Upon local demand he then moved to calendars and t-shirts and now well on their way to becoming a full head to toe apparel movement. Hippy Tree prides itself on its green origins and continue to remain eco-conscious with their Organic cotton lines as well as their many different projects.

Even their tags are envelopes that contain seeds to plant.

The iconic Hippy tree logo and sticker can be spotted not only up and down the California coast but making its way across the country and ...the world.

To get your own sticker pack click here http://hippytree.com/stickerpacks/

Adrian Siebert sportin Hippy Tree at the Quiksilver German longboard championships. He Won.

Some more samples of their Fall/Winter '09 collection:

To learn more about your new favorite company Check em out here: http://www.hippytree.com/

A Flashback Of The Reynolds S.O.T.Y. Year

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:59:16 PST

With Thrasher's Skater of the Year (S.O.T.Y.) soon to be announced they thought they'd give you a little classic footage of why The Boss, aka Andrew Reynolds won it in 1998. Check it out:

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

Brooklyn Banks Bummer

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:33:00 PST

The most historic skate spot in New York City will be shutting down. The NYC Department of Transportation has announced that they will be closing the Brooklyn Banks, until at least 2014. Apparently, they are restoring the Brooklyn Bridge and need this space for storage.

The legendary Banks was a home base for all skaters in the city to meet up and start their day. People from all over the world would come to NYC to skate the Banks. I know I've personally skated with kids form Brazil and Japan there.

Steve Rodriguez, the owner of 5boro skateboards, saved the Banks from destruction back in 2004, but this time his vigilante negotiation efforts will have to be different. "Last time it was about saving the spot, this time it's about shortening the length of time they will be closed and making sure they are still skateable and made to last," said Rodriguez.

The odds of the city making the Banks skateable again when they reopen seem pretty low to me. I mean just look at Love Park now. Hopefully, Steve and every other skater in the city can have some say on how the Banks will be when they reopen. If not, the Brooklyn Banks will be just another historic skate spot gone bust. Much like the legendary EMB.

For more of Steve's interview on the Brooklyn Banks click here.

The Chief On INsight

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:36:05 PST

In a move that makes total sense Jamie Thomas has joined the skate team over at the ever growing Aussie clothing brand, INsight. Oh yeah, the reason it makes total sense. Well, you see last July INsight and Black Box Distribution, a company Jamie owns, inked a deal that gave US distribution responsibilities over to Black Box. So, if you're overseeing the distribution of a brand, why not ride for them right? Hell yeah, INsight makes some best clothes in the industry and I'm glad to see their skate team just got that much better. Jamie's a legend on a board and in a boardroom, can't wait to see where things go from here.

Debacle Bonus Section

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:18:24 PST

Here's some bonus footie from the latest release from Nike, Debacle. Check out Justin Brock and the Check Crew getting their rip on.

Booze Killing Krush

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:02:19 PST

Check out this little video of my favorite blur on four wheels, Dennis Busentiz, flying all over the place at a recent demo at Krush skatepark in Illinois.

Skatopia x Volcom

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:44 PST

Brewce Martin, the madman behind Skatopia has team up with Volcom to bring you a collaborative clothing collection. Skatopia is one of, if not the, craziest skate facilities in the world. I think it was actually named the only thing cool in Ohio by the state's governor. It's out in the middle of nowhere, and is full of sketchy pools and bowls, and just everything hesh. It's a place you go to blow shit up, shoot guns and skate.

The boys behind the Stoneage gear, Volcom's skate line, thought what would be better to associate themselves with than Skatopia? A magical land of concrete and explosions that every true skateboarder should experience at least once. Click here to check it out.

Here's a little video of what Skatopia is:

Ali Boulala A Style Master

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:22:07 PST

When it comes to style in modern skateboarding there are many names that come to mind, but one in particular is Sewden's own, Ali Boulala. With a name like that how could you not be stylish? Shit, just signing his name is steezy. Ali is the complete package when it comes to creating a cool persona around professional skating ability. While he was skateboarding for a living he was simply put; different. The way in which he skated was like no other, the way in which he dressed was like no other, and the way he acted was like no other.

That brings us to what is so sad about the skate career of Ali Boulala; it was cut short. He is currently incarcerated in Australia after a motorcycle accident that killed his friend and fellow professional skateboarder, Shane Cross. Boulala had a blood alcohol level of .162 at the time of the incident and was found to be responsible for the crash and sentenced to 4 years in prison, even though the Cross family never pressed charges. Boulala was critically injured in the crash and sustained brain injuries that will have life long affects on his motor skills. It was just an all around sad thing that happened on that Australian night two-and-a-half years ago. Ali made a gigantic mistake, and is now paying for it.

His friends in the skateboard community have done a great job of making sure his contributions to the skateboard culture are never forgotten. He hasn't stepped foot on a skateboard in over two years and still managed to have a part in the biggest skate video release of 2009, his long-time board sponsor, Flip's Extremely Sorry. Out of all the brands in skateboarding, Flip was affected by that crash more than any other, by far. They lost two riders, as Cross was one of the deck manufactures best up-and-coming ams. Even though Shane and Ali haven't skated in years, if you go to www.flipskateboards.com, you'll see that both still are listed as team members (with profiles on each), and Boulala still has pro-model decks, and Cross has a limited edition Extremely Sorry deck. Never Forget Shane Cross.

To keep the memory of Boulala alive the guys over at Shake Junt have even released a limited edition Ali Boulala tee shirt that features the one and only Swedish ripper in mid Michael Jackson tip-toe pose. That's the thing with Boulala, he was such a unique character that he will never be forgotten, and this shirt parallels his persona to that of the King of Pop on a skateboard.

Just like Jackson, Boulala combined great talent with a unique sense of style that set him apart from the rest. His get-up could best be described as a modern day gypsy, meets pirate, meets jester. He would combine some of the most outrageous pieces of clothing together perfectly, and that combined with the way he just chose to skate made his video sections some of the most anticipated. Whether it was old Baker videos, or Flip's Sorry trilogy, he would always find some sketchy thing to ollie off of, onto something even sketchier. He would find some ledge that went down an insane amount of stairs, and do the most stylish nose slide down it perfectly, and in some crazy gear to boot. One of his most famous displays of sketchiness, came in Flip's first video Sorry, when he attempted two 25 stair ollies. Not one but two, and the compression his body experiences in the second sends shivers down anyone's spine.

Style in skateboarding is such a subjective thing, but at the same time one of the most important. If you don't have style no one wants to watch you skate. From the way you just push, to how you skate, to the clothes you wear. It all comes into play. One Ali's impacts on skateboarding can be seen in the pants a lot of skateboarders wear now. During his infamous Piss Drunx days he was one of the first to start wearing the super tight pants. He combined them with leather jackets, and punk rock accessories. Then 10 years later you have a guy like Corey Duffel, but Ali did it first. Then, he moved onto his gypsy/pirate/guitar face and that's about the time we lost him.

Ali Boulala was a style master on a skateboard, who threw caution into the wind with every crazy thing he attempted. It was that ultimate risk taking behavior that ended Shane's life, and his own skateboarding career. Everyone makes mistakes, some worse then others, but with this one it's hard not to be mad at Ali. Let's just hope that something positive can come out of this, like someone thinking twice about driving drunk. I would be a lier if I said I've never driven after some drinks, but with events like this on my mind I don't anymore. I hope there more out there like me. Skateboarding lost two very good skateboarders, and two of it's most stylish. NEVER FORGET SHANE CROSS and FREE ALI BOULALA.

Here's Ali's two 25 stair ollies:

Colin Provost On Toy Machine

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:14:03 PST

Ed Templeton has been creating a pretty stacked team over at Toy Machine. He recently added one of the best skaters in the game, Leo Romero, and now in his latest move The Blood Sucking Skateboard Company has acquired one of the best young guys out there, Colin Provost. The Huntington Beach shredder parted ways with Element, and now won't have to leave town to bug his boss for decks. Go to www.toymachine.com for more on Colin and his new sponsor.

Toy Machine x Thrasher x Cherry Skatepark

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:15:48 PST

The Tempster and the Toy Machine crew, teamed up with The Phelper and the Thrasher crew, to do a little Skatepark Roundup at the Cherry park in Long Beach, CA. Check out the video below:

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

MORINformed's Top 10 Reasons Skateboarding Is Better Than Baseball

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:39:45 PST

Since we're in the midst of the World Series of Major League Baseball I figured I'd give 10 reasons skateboarding is better than baseball. And don't get me started on the World Series, a series in which the damn Yankees are going to win, again. What's this going to be their 27th title? Their fans like to brag about how much they win, but it's pretty hard to lose when you buy all the talent. It's like if Starbucks employees bragged about how much more money the coffee giant makes than some indie coffee shop. Anyway, here's the Top 10 Reasons Skateboarding Is Better Baseball:

1. Nothing is considered foul in skateboarding.

2. Skateboarding doesn't make it's females do something totally different.

3. I'd rather have a P-Rod than get an A-Rod.

4. Pretty much everyone in skateboarding can go switch, not everyone in baseball is a switch-hitter.

5. Skateboarding's one hitters make you feel much better.

6. Skateboarding's Reds (bearings) don't totally suck.

7. The only pitchers in skateboarding are at the bar.

8. The only 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases skateboarders know are WAY better.

9. If it rains you can just skateboard inside.

10. Steroids would probably ruin how you skate.

Ride Rolls Through Rye

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:55:46 PST

The Tony Hawk Ride tour recently rolled into Rye, NH. Wow, Ride Recently Rolled Into Rye, say that three times fast. Besides creating some alliteration for skate nerds like myself, some serious Birdman soaring transpired. Check out the video below courtesy of Quiksilver:

The Tempster x No Age

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:38:33 PST

Skateboarder, artist, photographer, book maker extraordinaire, Ed Templeton has teamed up with his long time shoe sponsor, Emerica, and indie rock duet, No Age, to bring you a little collab. These shoes are pretty, pretty, pretty rad. How could they not be? Emerica's been making some of the best shoes in skateboarding for over a decade, No Age has been rocking Williamsburg and Echo Park for more than a minute, and who doesn't love Ed Templeton. Well actually, I met this guy, Noah, in New York one time that didn't like Ed, but he didn't really have a reason why. He was one my friend Kadillac's friends, and he was always prepared for the onslaught of his words. He would actually warn you, and be like, "Your not going to like what I'm about to say, but I don't like Ed Templeton."

Anyway, this shoe looks like it could be a must have. It's a thin high-top with some Ed/No Age art work adorning it's nooks and crannies. They look to me like they're canvas, and are animal friendly since Ed is vegan. For info click here.

MORINformed's Top 10 Reasons To Not Push Mongo

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:16:22 PST

In this world of ours we've been able to rid ourselves of so many awful things. Polio, Small Pox and Malaria are no longer the issues they once were. Slavery for the most part has been abolished. Segregation is no longer the world problem it once was. Even AIDS isn't the death sentence it was in the 80s. Shit, Magic Johnson's had HIV for almost as long as I've been alive, and I'm 26.

With all the cures the human race is capable of, why do I still see kids all over the place pushing their skateboards with their front foot. It's called mongo, and it's the worst habit as a skateboarder you can ever get into. It's like Heroin or something, once you've been pushing with your front foot for a few years, it's almost impossible to cure. I live in Huntington Beach, CA, which isn't a skate ignorant town, for the most part people here know what's up when it comes to a skateboard. That said, I still see kids in my neighborhood pushing mongo.

So why does this problem still exist? I'm guessing irresponsible skateboard buyers. If you buy your kid a baseball bat, you teach them how swing it. If you buy your kid a basketball, you teach him how to dribble. So, why is that when you buy your kid a skateboard, you don't teach him one of the most important things, how to push the damn thing. If you claim you-yourself don't know how to skateboard, then look it up. Schedule it between their piano lessons and soccer practice, or whatever other means of structure you force into their lives.

Top 10 Reasons To Not Push Mongo:

1. It looks stupid.

2. If you're any good, I think you're going switch the whole time and rip, when you don't.

3. Did I mention it looks stupid.

4. You have to do the dumb foot juggle thing when setting up for a trick.

5. I heard every time you push mongo a kitten dies, and your palms get hairy. Actually, that may be from something else.

6. You're pushing with the ankle you're going to sprain the most. Unless you are a switch magician, you're probably going to tweak your front ankle more.

7. Did I mention it looks stupid.

8. Once you're labeled as a "mongo," it's like being an "untouchable" no one at the park will want to associate with you.

9. Skate groupie chicks can smell the mongo on you from a mile away.

10. You'll never be able to skate The Berrics, because like Mike Carroll said, "No one pushes mongo here."

The only time getting into the mongo habit is a good thing, is if you can break the habit and learn to push regular. Then, you'll be able to push regular when you're going switch. In case you're a visual person, here's a little video of some kid pushing mongo:

Volcom Damn Am Video Recap

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:34:10 PST

Here's a damn video, of a bunch damn ams, killing it at Volcom's damn HQ, on a course provided by the damn SPot crew. Sit back, grab a damn refreshment, get as comfortable as you damn well can, and watch the damn footage.

Zero Set To Premier Strange World

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:21:09 PST

Jamie Thomas and the crew over at Black Box announced the premier dates of the new Zero movie Strange World, including the world premier which will be at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday night at the La Polma Theater in Encinitas, CA. If we've learned anything from the past it's that Zero does not disappoint when it comes to videos, which include classics like: Thrill Of It All, Misled Youth and Dying To Live.

The current team roster over at Black Box's original deck company looks pretty stacked. Names like: Thomas, Cervantes, Sandoval, Tancowny, Steamer, Brockman, Rattray, Sauder, Meleshinski, Hill and Gilley garantee the movie is going to be evil. I feel like I'm forgetting someone. Oh yeah, some guy with the last name of Cole. I think he's won a few contests this year.

After the world premier, the next showing will be on Halloween at Reign Skate Shop in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, followed by a showing at Southside Skatepark in Houston, TX on November 7.

To hold you over here's a little footage of Ben Gilley set on destruction courtesy of Zero:

Gareth Stehr Hollywood Showing

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:06:31 PST

All around Tum Yeto mad man Gareth Stehr put his art on display this past Saturday night at the Good Form Salon in Hollywood. Yup, it was at a hair salon, so there were plenty of mirrors for all the Hollywood fashionistas to check themselves out in.

Gareth's art is influenced by skate graphics of the past, and pop culture icons like Morrissey and The Rolling Stones. One of the medians he uses is resin, giving his creations a very shiny appearance, which means they pop. That's one objective of a good artist, constantly trying to find a means to make their style more distinctive. Gareth seems to have found this with this series of eye catching works.

The one negative thing about this show is it seemed like a lot of the guests were there just to be seen, and socialize, which I know is a trait of a lot of art shows and Hollywood in general. So, I guess just like everyone in LA says, "It is what it is." It just sucked to see so much creative expression adorning the walls, and people no paying attention to it. Instead waiting in line for their free Pabst, standing around trying to look cool, talking with their backs to the art, and not thinking, which I thought is what art was supposed to make you do. Not to rant or anything. All and all I thought it was a cool showing with some good art.

Here's some photos all taken by MORINformed:

Jim Phillips-esque. Phillips meets the Rolling Stones, or Stoned Phillips.

Powell meets Morrissey, or Powellissey.

Required protection after a night of free Pabst.

Pat Melcher was on DJ duties.

A good deal as far as Hollywood goes.

Here's Gareth's part in the Foundation video, Cataclysmic Abyss:

Damn Am Championships

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:01:50 PST

Well, the Damn Am 2009 season wrapped up yesterday at the Volcom compound in Costa Mesa, CA, and once again a bunch kids made me never want to skate again. Every year it just seems like the kids are getting better and better; they're just so damn consistent. I think it's because they're not half drunk like the older guys.

As always The Skatepark of Tampa, or SPOT, crew set up a rad course, and were funny as hell on the mic all weekend. I love there announcing steez' they'll make fun of what you're wearing, what tricks you're doing, where your from, what race you are, etc., but they'll be the first to give you props when you do something sick. And like every year the contest had a Halloween theme. This year the SPOT guys dressed like white trash, and believe me they have enough muses being from Tampa and all. It was pretty classic seeing Vern, a black guy, transform into white trash. It reminded me of when Dave Chappelle is the newscaster on the Chappelle Show, and just looks like he got antiqued or something. Anyway, the contest and all the events of the weekend went off. There were a few surprises, like Clint Walker coming out of nowhere and winning the Best Trick and finishing 2nd overall. And by "nowhere" I mean Oklahoma.

It's great what Volcom and SPOT are doing for skateboarding. A worldwide contest series with no entry fees, and a Championship contest where all the top Ams from around the world get together and compare what they have. This is what helps skateboarding move forward, no media stunts where some guy jumps the Grand Canyon. Let's hope they keep up the good work in 2010.

Here's the top 10 finshers:

1. Luan Oliveira
2. Clint Walker
3. Tommy Werner
4. Felipe Gustavo
5. Brodie Penrod
6. Tommy Knuth
7. Louie Lopez
8. Chase Webb
9. Felipe Ortiz
10. CJ Dixon

A Life Of Creation

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:37:00 PST

Skate legend, Jeremy Wray, has been creating things for years. From rad video sections to some pretty good paintings, his life has been a montage of creation, and last Friday the skate world go together to celebrate that creation at Hero's in Huntington Beach, CA. The event was put on by H.B. skate warlord and artist, Jose Cerda, who at Hero's, has been creating some of the best art shows in Huntington for years. Dave from the Skatetanic Rednecks provided the tunes, and even played a G.G. Allin song, which always gets me going.

Here's some photo all taken by MORINformed:

Jason Lee print.

My favorite piece there, it's the Dr. Seuss characters mourning the death of the great Doc.
I'm a big fan of Teddy Geisel's work.

Some more J. Lee.

Dave from the Skatetanic Rednecks.

The man behind the show, Jose Cerda, who apparently had a few adult beverages.

Apparently I had a few adult beverages too, because when I took this I thought it was
in focus.

Oh yeah, and in case you forgot Jeremy Wray gave us one of the greatest ollies in the history of skateboarding check it out:

Rumble In Romona

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:59:49 PST

While the Dew Crew was battling it out in Orlando, the rest of the vert community was in Ramona, CA for Creature skateboards, Independent trucks and Thrasher magazine's Rumble In Ramona 2009. Here's a little video of the action:

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

Adidas In Paris

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:11:20 PST

Adidas has been quietly putting together a rad skate team for a few years now. Check them out as they cruise through the City of Light and get their baguette on. This reminds me of a quote from an American literary legend, Mark Twain. He said in his 1878-79 journal, "A Frenchmen's home is where another man's wife is." Mr. Twain was known to be a bit of a bigot toward toward people hailing from France. Now, I'm French and I don't see that one as a put down. If anything that's a put down to the other man who couldn't please his wife.

Anyway, here's a video of the Adidas skate team's 10 day trip through Paris:

Behind The Scenes Of The Extremely Sorry Premier Courtesy Of Volcom

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:37:05 PST

Your friends at Volcom give you a little glimpse of what it's like to go to the biggest skate premier of the year. Check it out:

Jeron Gets Roberts-ed

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:18:56 PST

This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while. It's an episode of the Crail Couch over at www.crailtap.com with Jeron Wilson, but with voice over from Chris Roberts (pictured on the left. Photo: MORINformed). It goes perfect. Chris may have a future in this, he should of been a voice in Spike's movie. Click here to check it out.

Bucky Takes Dew Tour Vert

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:17:04 PST

Photo courtesy of Alli Sports

Coming in to the Playstaion Pro Orlando a mere six points seperated ratings leader, Bucky Lasek, and Pierre Luc-Gagnon and Any MacDonald. Pretty much whoever won in Florida, won the tour. Bucky was able to stick a 360 backlip, switch 540 and nollieflip stale fish which gave him a score of 90.88, a Playstation Pro vicotry and the Dew Tour Championship.

2009 has been good to Bucky, who earlier in the year was able to finally get a win in the Bondi at the Pro-Tec Pool Party. Now, he can add a Dew Tour Championship to his pile of career victories. Here's a little video recap:

Cole Keeps To His Winning Ways

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:34:18 PST

Photo courtesy of Alli Sports

Chris Cole has clinched the overall Dew Tour Skate Park Championship today with his win at the Playstation Pro in Orlando, FL. The Zero rider can now put the Dew Tour Championship oversized check, next to his Maloof Money Cup oversized check. Paul Rodriguez finished second, which boosted him to 3rd in the overall Dew Tour standings. Youngster, Chaz Ortiz, finished 5th, and in the process the fifteen-year-old was able to hang on to 2nd place overall.

It has been an amazing year for Cole, and skateboarding, he has proven on this sunny day in Orlando that it is possible to be a respected core skateboarder, and a Dew Tour champion. Below is a little video recap and full results of the Playstation Pro and Overall Championship.

Playstation Pro Orlando
1. Chris Cole
2. Paul Rodriguez
3. Greg Lutzka
4. Danilo Do Rosario
5. Chaz Ortiz
6. Milton Martinez
7. Rodolfo Ramos
8. Ryan Decenzo
9. Timmy Knuth
10. Austen Seaholm

Dew Tour Skate Park Championship Standings
1. Chris Cole
2. Chaz Ortiz
3. Paul Rodriguez
4. Ryan Decenzo
5. Rodolfo Ramos
6. Greg Lutzka
7. Carlos De Andrade
8. Milton Martinez
9. Kurtis Colamonico
10. Danilo Do Rosario

Chris Cole Set His Sight On A Dew Tour Championship

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:51:45 PST

Photo: Elsa via Getty Images

If Chris Cole is able to win, or at least fend off Ryan Decenzo and Chaz Ortiz, he will complete his year of dominance. He won at the Maloof Money Cup, he won at the Wallenberg contest, and now sits atop the 2009 Dew Tour Street Championship Standings as the circus roles into Orlando. He certainly has the repertoire to do it, all you have to do is watch his Battle at the Berrics against Dennis Busenitz, to see he has just about everything, click here to check it out.

Cole doesn't seem to get rattled either, he was skating for 100 grand at Maloof and killed it. At Wallenberg, he was skating a super-sketchy spot, with no room to breathe in front of a suffocating crowd, and only had about an hour to stick his tricks. He destroyed both contests, got a ton of money at the Money Cup, and a ton of core respect at Wallenberg. Check out some Wallenberg footage from your friends over at Thrasher:

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

If Cole is able to bring it home this weekend, he may just ansewer this question.The Skate Park Finals will be tomorrow from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm EST. The prelims were yesterday, so along with Ortiz and Decenzo, Cole will skate against to top 9 qualifiers:

1. Greg Lutzka
2. Milton Martinez
3. Danilo Do Rosario
4. Rodalfo Ramos
5. Timm Knuth
6. Chris Mendes
7. Paul Rodriguez
8. Jordan Haffart
9. Austen Seaholm

RAT Amateur Skate Tour Stokes Texas Scene

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:39:50 PST

A new amateur skateboard series emerged in the Lone Star state this summer and by all accounts…it was a huge success! Called “The RAT” (Regional Amateur Tour) the series included four events kicking off at the Grapevine Mills Mall in Dallas on May 16^th and wrapping up at the Katy Mills Mall in Houston on July 18^th, the series also stopped in Austin and San Antonio along the way. Texas has always had strong skateboard culture and all of the host cities are chocked full of shredders. With $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs…there was unbelievable talent at every event.

Thanks to some serious non-endemic sponsor support (SCION, Monster Energy Drink, McDonalds, Sun and Ski Sports, Time Warner Cable, Comcast) and strong industry partnerships (FUEL TV, Kicker, Skullcandy, Triple 8, Element, Guapo, City Stars and Hype) The Texas RAT Tour was a grassroots series on steroids!

Three events took place at high-traffic Sun and Ski Sports locations and one at the Round Rock Skate Park just North of Austin The retail events included both mini-ramp and a street best trick comps and the park event featured bowl and street. Built by Dallas based pro skater Mike Crum and the crew at Push Productions, the impressive mini-ramp was not very “mini” measuring 30’ x 30’ with five foot walls and a seven foot extension.

Over 160 riders from ages 6yrs to 29 years old competed in the series and some standouts included one of the sports rising stars, Ke’Chaud Johnson, who won or placed in both street and/or mini at every stop. Others who destroyed the mini and bowl included Edward Sanchez, Ben Johnson, Ryan Thompson, Chris Gray, Ramey Beres, Josh Hurley and Edward Montes. On the street side, Max Taylor, Chris Arriaga, Taylor Jett, Bobby Deandreade, Rowdy Altum, Mark Roberts and Josh “Shortbus” Johnson led the charge.

“Our ultimate goal was to create a series of events that would give Texas skaters an opportunity to get together with their friends, show off their skills and compete in a relaxed, fun environment”, said tour organizer Bill Geiger. “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”

In 2010, Geiger plans to add stops in Oklahoma City, OK. and Corpus Christi, TX for a total of six events and a projected purse of $15,000. To avoid the brutal summer temperatures that are inherent in the southwest, the events will be split between Spring and Fall.

For full re-caps and pictures of the inaugural season and to get information on next years series, " www.SkateTheRat.com .

Fourstar Clothing's 12th web Video Doesn't Disappoint

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:19 PST

Editor's note: If you didn't already know how big Brian Anderson is look at him dwarf Frank Grewer in the photo above.

On a not-so-regular basis Fourstar clothing releases little videos on their website to show their styley clothes in action. Their latest release is from their Gang of Fourstar European trip a few months back. It was supposed to be released on Monday, but because of overwhelming demand, the video crashed, I think that's what you call it when it doesn't play. I don't know, I'm not a computer guy. It had something to with bandwidth, and traffic, and I think somehow Bill Gates was involved. Anyway, because of technical difficulties most of the world saw it yesterday, or as I like to call it "Tuesday."

To get the proper avionce I sat down "Tuesday" with a nice frosty Stella and a bowl pop corn. Right off the bat I found out my Stella was the only frostyness that was going to be in attendance. Fourstar boss, Frosty himself, aka Eric Koston, couldn't make the trip because of a little thing called child birth. His wife Ashlee gave birth to their first mini-Koston a few months ago, and guess what? Baby Frost makes an appearance at the very beginning of the video, which was a nice little surprise.

Minus Koston, the Fourstar team is still killer with names like: Brian Anderson, The Gonz, Guy Mariano, Mike Carroll, Tyler Bledsoe, Rick Howard and the soon to be S.O.T.Y., Sean Malto. Oh, did I speak too soon? He did destroy 2009.

The video was aesthetically pleasing as usual. Fourstar has a secret editing weapon known as Aaron Meza, and as usual he killed it. The skating was on point, and for all you skate fashionistas out their, you get to see different ways of combing the new Fourstar threads. I'd have to say the gnarliest part of the video is Brian Anderson's fall. It can't be described just watch the video, click here to check it out.

Volcom, The New Google?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:06:14 PST

You read right. Your Costa Mesa friends over at Volcom have found another way to go against the establishment by creating their own internet search engine. Now, instead of saying, "Google it," you can say, "Volcom it." And to encourage you to use it, every time you "Volcom" something you have a chance to win free stuff. Click here to check it out.

Board Thieves Get Cocky

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:53:52 PST

Apparently, two kids from Modesto, CA stole Thrasher editor, Jake Phelp's skateboard at the Chili Bowl Cook-Off last August. Then, the ballsy little bastards posted a clip on You Tube of one of them doing a tre flip down some strairs, and called it "Phelped." Well, needless to say Jake found out and released a statement:

"TheInternet is a wonderful thing. On August 29th, in SF CA, our band wasplaying at the Chili Bowl cook-off. We had our boards in front of thegear' "some asshole stole one and ran off with it. Well, through thepowers of the Internet, we found out who they are: Derrick Cervantesand Mark Goncalves from Modesto. Stealing skateboards leads to badkarma, bros. When you're working as a dishwasher at Bennigans maybeyou'll get it. What comes around goes around."

Thanks,
Jake Phelps

Here's the You Tube video:

Jason Lee

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:19:26 PST

A film section of a skate website wouldn't be complete without a piece on Jason Lee, or as many of you know him, "Earl." Lee played the lead role on the NBC hit comedy series My Name Is Earl, as well as characters in several of Kevin Smith's movies including: Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma. Just like with Spike Jonze, most of the world knows of him and his mustache because of his mainstream film presence, but not the skate world. We've known of Lee since he was that teenage ripper hailing from Huntington Beach, CA. Another skateboarder who went on to stardom from a town that knocks down it's only skatepark to a build a ticket booth for the High School football team. Hey, Huntington conservatives, how many pro football players have been produced by the H.B. football program. Then look at how many pro skateboarders come from the area. Maybe you guys should play to your strengths, just a little food for thought.

Don't get me started on that, back to Jason Lee. He's one of the forefather's of the "street" movement of skateboarding. He along with the crew he skated with, names like: Mark Gonzales, Guy Mariano and Tim Gavin, changed skateboarding forever. They helped move its focus from the vert ramp, which not everyone has access to growing up, to the streets, which most of us inhabit. Hell, they brought skateboarding to your habitat. How rad is that? It'd be like living in a vert ramp (if you're a vert guy), or on a baseball field (if you're a baseball player). Because of skateboarders like Jason Lee kids all over the world saw you didn't have to have a skatepark in your town to skate.

Lee and Tony Hawk were the first two people to get signature shoes on the skate footwear giant (at the time), Airwalk. These were the days before everyone and their brother had a signature shoe. He's appeared in several of street skateboarding's most influential videos including Rucbbish Heap and Video Days. It was in the Blind film, Video Days, that he probably made his biggest contribution to skateboarding. His part was just perfect, some of the best style ever seen, combined some of the best tricks ever seen, at the best spots ever seen. Video Days was the first street video that wasn't filmed in just a few days. The video's producer, Spike Jonze, and crew, really put some time into it, making sure it featured the best street skateboarding of the day. Not to mention, the classic scene when Lee, Gonzalez, Rudy Johnson and Guy Mariano drive a car down to Mexico and wreck it off a cliff.

Lee made his acting debut in a small role as a teenage drug consumer in Mi Vida Loco, acting alongside Jonze. These two making their first acting appearance in a motion picture together has more than a hint of foreshadowing. Those two small roles have transformed into mega roles for both of them.

Fast-forward a decade and Lee has been in some classic movies and on a hit T.V. series. How funny was he as Brodie in Mallrats, with that whole stink palm pretzel thing, or as Azrael in Dogma. And almost anyone who watches network television has seen his redneck, mustached character "Earl," from the My Name Is Earl. He took his killer personality that shined in those early skate videos and transplanted it onto the big screen and network T.V.

Beside having stints as a professional skateboarder and Hollywood actor, Lee is a co-founder of Stero skateboards with friend and fellow pro skater, Chris Pastras. The brand was formed in 1992, got some momentum, then disappeared for a few years, but the two brought it back in 2003. Stero is currently in business churning out skateboards as we speak, which isn't a given in these economic times.

So, there you go, another member of the "street" skateboarding revolution of the early 90s who was able to use skateboarding as a launchpad for a persuite of another passion. Skateboarders are naturally creative beings, who get involved in it as another outlet for creative activity, and healthy competition that doesn't involve coaches, laps or pep rallies. And that my friends is the perfect type of personality for an actor, producer, artist, etc.

Here's a clip from Jason Lee's first role, a professional skateboarder:

A Quick Vid From Quiksilver

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:21:46 PST

Here's a little video from your friends over at Quiksilver, who have a formed a pretty good skate team for themselves over there in Huntington Beach. Current standouds like: Alex Olson, Justin Brock, Danny Garcia and Kyle Leeper to name a few. Not to mention legends like: Tony Hawk, Christian Hasoi, Omar Hassan, Reese Forbes and Tim O'Conner.

I thought that shot of Alex Olson above looked familiar, then my brain kicked in and I remembered that I took a picture of a window ad in the big Quiksilver window of Jack's on Main St. in Huntington Beach. Yeah, that's right! The big window in the heart of surf retail in none other than Surf City, USA. Check it out below:

Storming the Bastille in Surf City.

And the chicks have noticed. Pro surfer Jordy Smith - 0. Alex O - 1.

Zero's Winning King Of The Road Video

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:12:25 PST

Thrasher magazine announced a week or so ago that they're bringing back the King of the Road contest for 2010. It goes like this: skate brand teams are chosen to compete, they're given a list of things to do and places to go, and whoever brings back the best footage wins. It's all made into a video and is usually premiered at the S.O.T.Y. party in San Francisco. Here's the winning footage submitted by Zero in 2004:

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

Supra Has A Deathwish

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:43:58 PST

First, Baker had a Deathwish. Now, Supra has a Deathwish. The high-end, fashion forward shoe company has teamed up with the dirt, blood and booze-forward, Low Lifes of the skateboarding world. The connections are obvious. Almost everyone involved with Deathwish rides for Supra, including the two owners Erik Ellington and Jim Greco.

Deathwish has a perfect name for these little collabs just add "Has A Deathwish" to the name of whatever brand wants to combine forces. Although, I can see few situations where this may not be the best idea. Like, if they wanted they wanted to be a part of (Product) Red. Yeah, I don't think that would be a good idea.

Anyway, here's the Supra x Deathwish goodies:

Greco's shoe.

Another view of Jim's shoe.

General Ellington's shoe

Another view of Eric's shoe.

Antwuan Dixon's shoe.

Another view of the Twaun.

A Tribute To Matt Hensley

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:54:53 PST

For their new music video the Historics got a few pro skaters to do a little tribute to skate legend and acordian player of Flogging Molly, Matt Hensley. The song is a cover of Sub Society's "A Lot Less," a tune Hensley skated to in the H Street video, Hocus Pocus.

To pay homage to someone who paved the way for what skateboarding is now, modern day rippers like Heath Kirchart, John Rattray, Alex Olson, Braydon Szafranski, and others adorned themselves in the skate fashion of the late 80s and early 90s, rode Old School boards and did Old School tricks. The man being impersonated himself, Mr. Matt Hensley, even makes an appearance. The video is directed by Epicly Later'd's Patrick O'dell, and edited by Girl's Aaron Meza. Check it out:

Live Interview Slash And The Nuge

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:28:53 PST

The crew over at Baker Boys Distribution has been experimenting with live interviews over on there space on the information super highway, www.bakerboysdist.com. It's called Reak Talk and today's guests are none other than Slash and The Nuge. So, if you've ever wanted to ask either of them anything, now's your chance. Just cruise over to the Baker Boys site at 5 PST, hook up the live feed, and type your question. Try to make them funny and uncomfortable. Be as creepy as you possibly can, I mean come on it is the internet, the land of the creeps.

Reynolds And Hsu Check Out The Newest Thrasher

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:56:55 PST

While on the Emerica tour Andrew Reynolds and Jerry Hsu met up with Jake Phelps who showed them the newest issue of Thrasher magazine. Apparently, you have be really cool to pull off baggy camouflage cargo pants, and the new Braydon Szerfranski Hubba Wheels ad is a classic. Check out the video below:

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

Jenkins x Koston x Carroll x (RED)

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:42:07 PST

Sounds like a party! And it's for a good cause. Last year, Andy Jenkins, the Art Director of Girl Skateboards, created two limited edition Eric Koston decks for (PRODUCT) Red. They were designed as a set, and when placed side by side made a complete work of world awareness art. It was such a success that Jenkins went back into the studio and came out with two more Girl x (Red) decks, this time pro models for the hairiest Girl around, Mike Carroll.

In case you don't know what project (RED) is, it's an organization that partners with companies like Girl to raise money for The Global Fund. In case you don't know what The Global Fund is, it's a program dedicated to to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It was established in 2002 with the support of then UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, and world leaders, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world's most devastating diseases.

All proceeds received by The Global Fund that were generated by (RED) will go to Africa. Once the money arrives at the Global Fund every cent of it will then be allocated to one of the Global Fund (RED) grants no overhead is taken out. Currently there are Global Fund (RED) grants in Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda and Swaziland.

"We must all come together in supporting the global fund and the fight against AIDS. I applaud (RED) and it's partners for their vision and commitment," said former President of South Africa, and one of my all-time heroes, Nelson Mandela.

How many decks do you go through a year? Those wooden platforms of which we stand are the most replaced part of a skateboard. Especially, for old dudes like myself that are putting on some weight. I break a board more times than I get one for free, so I'm going to not be hypocrite and buy a set. You don't even have to skate, they are a work of art, hang a set in your house. Remember, these boards have a limited availability, so get them while you can. I've checked out a couple websites and the Carroll one is still out there for purchase, so go make a difference.

Along with Girl companies such as: Converse, Starbucks, Apple, American Express, Gap, Dell, Emporio Armani, Hallmark, Windows, Special Edition and (Red) Wire have collaborations with (Red). If any of these brands make something you use, why don't you support the fight? I already have the (RED) Starbucks card (which gets an insane amount of use), and a (RED) scarf from the Gap. Yeah that's right, the Gap, it's O.K. to buy something there if it's for a good cause.

I'll leave you with a quote from Dr. Patrick Okoth, Site Coordinator at Mbabane VCT/ART Clinic in Swaziland. "The act of buying the (Product) Red item, wherever you are buying it from, is saving lives, not just a life, but it's saving lives...You have made a whole difference and you have together worked to make the world a better place for us all. So keep doing that."

For more on (RED) click here, and here's a little video of Koston and Jenkins talking about the project.

Soft Hands, Bears On High Heels, Vampire Beavers And Rowley

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:30:36 PST

Here's the second part of Geoff Rowey's interview with the creepiest host in skateboarding, Magnus Randell. They talk about the usual stuff. You know, like Magnus's cats that are on Facebook, and whether a bear would need two high heels or four. Check it out.

Bob Burnquist And His Happy Accident

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:23:26 PST

Bob is a madman. All you have to do is watch his part in Extremely Sorry, and you'll see what he's been doing on the mega ramp to mega rail lately is insane. Oh, you haven't seen it yet? Ha ha, I was at the premier, and let me tell you, what Bob does in his section has brought "mega skating" to another level.

Then, just the other day this video started floating around You Tube. It's Bob doing an oh sh*t to board slide. Check it out below. I'll give you a little play-by-play of what he was probably thinking. Since Bob is Brazilian, I'll do it in Portuguese. Ah Nao, Ah Nao, AH NAO! Bom.

Wild In The Parks Championships

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:57:33 PST

Photo courtesy of Volcom.

In the current skate world of X Games and Dew Tours, it's always uplifting to see grassroots contests still going down, because you know skateboarding is from a DIY ( Do It Yourself) lineage. It's even more uplifting to see these comps not only go off, but reward the deserving standouts with a good amount of cheddah'. That's exactly what Volcom's been doing with their Wild in the Parks skate tour of contests throughout the world. Free entry, free food, tons of giveaways and cash money for the deserving.

It all came to a head this past weekend in Arizona for the $20, 000 WITP Championships at Rio Vista skatepark. With that much money on the line (it's a lot for unknown ams), the winners from areas all around showed up, and the shredfest began. Here's the full results:

14 & Under:
1st: Alec Majerus - $2,500
2nd: Alex Pellegino - $1,500
3rd: Phil Hansen - $1,000
4th: Ethan Loy - $750
5th: Wyatt Millhollan - $500
6th: Ryan Thompson
7th: Jace Torkelson

15 & Over:
1st: Jordan Repin - $2,500
2nd: Garritt Gilbert - $1,500
3rd: Derek Szeto - $1,000
4th: Dustin Colombo - $750
5th: Aaron Wilson - $500
6th: Micheal McCoy
7th: Mike Roman

Pro-Am:
1st: Brodie Penrod - $3,000
2nd: C.J. Dixon - $2,000
3rd: Julian Christianson - $1,250
4th: Jordan Maxham - $750
5th: Aaron Homoki - $500
6th: Jack Olson
7th: Derek Lemoine

Check out some video highlights:

Volcomics #2

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:46:20 PST

The second issue of Volcomics, put out by none other than Volcom, has been released. It's a collection of artistic comic strips drawn by Stone riders and employees. Some of the featured artists from the skate world include Nick Trapasso, Todd Bratrud and Matt French. Click here to check it out.

Spike Jonze

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:36:08 PST

Since GrindTV recently debuted it's FILM page, which will dive deeper into the world of skate videos. Who's behind them? Required Viewing? What's Next? And so on. I thought it is only fitting that the first piece I write with my full focus on "film," should be about the most talented person in skate cinema, Spike Jonze.

Jonze has not only been behind some of the best skate videos ever made. Come on, Mouse and Yeah Right!, enough said. He's also a respected cinematic producer in the world of music videos, and movies. He's currently about to celebrate the major motion picture release of a project he's been working on for almost a decade now. Where the Wild Things Are is a children's book by Maurice Sendak, that will be brought to life on the big screen. To coincide with the release Crailtap, the distribution company that slings Girl skateboards, a brand Jonze is part owner of, ran a contest on their site that challenged people to send their images, GIFs, videos, drawings, etc., that could use some "wilding up." Basically, the most creative use of one of the Wilds Things, a monster-like character in the movie, in a work of art wins. The winning entry by Darryl Collins, was a clip of Chris Cole from Thrahser magazine's recent Wallenberg skate contest, but Collins removed Cole and inserted a Wild Thing doing a flip and landing on Cole's board. Seen below.

On to his impact in music. The recording artists Jonze has produced videos for are a who's who list of popular, and not so popular music. He's worked with major stars like: Kanye West, Weezer, Notorious B.I.G., Bjork, The Beastie Boys, Daft Punk, Puff Daddy, Beck and Sean Lennon (John Lennon's son). As well as underground sensations like: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mike Watt, Pharcyde, Dinosaur Jr. and M.C. 900 ft. Jesus. He has been behind some of the most memorable music videos of the past decade-and-a-half, like Pharcyde's "Drop," where he used a very tediously talented backwards filming technique. Some other notable videos are Fat Boy Slim's "Praise You," and "Weapon of Choice" featuring Christopher Walken. You know what there's just too many to name, there's the "Buddy Holly" video for Weezer, and the one where the guy mails himself, just go check out his box set.

That brings us to why Jonze is relevant to the GrindTV FILM page, skateboarding. Not only is he part owner of one of the biggest skateboard companies in the world. He has been behind some of the best skate videos ever made. All of his skate flicks are required viewing by anyone who considers themselves a street skateboarder. Girl Skateboard's Mouse is one of the most influential skate video of all time, and it's follow up Yeah Right! changed how skateboard videos are filmed. Jonze has just brought a level of film production to skate cinema that as has never been seen before. Some other videos he's been behind are BLiND's Blind Days, Chocolate's Hot Chocolate! and Krooked's The Krooked Chronicles.

Wait, you thought you were going to get through this article without any mention of Fully Flared. Impossible. Spike Jonze produced the most technically advanced, and most talked about skate video of all time with the release of Lakia's Fully Flared. The cinematic masterpiece he, Ty Evans and Cory Weincheque created was breathtaking. Not to mention, because of their parts in this video alone, Marc Johnson won Thrasher's Skater of the Year, and Guy Mariano won three Globes at the Transworld SKATEboarding Awards. As far as production talent and skateboarding talent goes, this video has yet to be equaled. Although, there is a Chocolate video in the works, and I'm pretty sure Spike has something to do with it. Check out the Fully Flared trailer below.

So there you go. My first entry dedicated entirely to the GrindTV FILM section. If you didn't already know, I hope it enlightened you as to how influential Spike Jonze has been to skateboarding. And I thought it would be impossible to start with anyone else. Stay tuned for more from the world of skateboard film.