Think you can do the same tricks your favorite pros are doing? Skateboarder Magazine and Monster hope so, as they've created the Emulator Contest, which encourages skaters to film themselves replicating a trick from three professional skaters.

The month of May belongs to Shane O'Neill and his favorite trick, the nollie flip nosegrind. Film yourself pulling the trick and upload it to the contest page for a chance to win a Shane O'Neill specific prize pack from his sponsors, as well as automatic entry into the final round for a chance to win $1000, a year's supply of Monster Energy drinks, a Who's Hot page in Skateboarder Magazine, and an exclusive video edit on Skateboardermag.com

The month of May is almost over but it's not too late. Check out the top three entries. And if you still think your nollie flip nosegrind is better, prove it.

If that's not your go-to trick, in June Ishod Wair will be challenging you with a new one.

Complete contest details.

The 2012 Street League season kicked off in Kansas City this past weekend as it did last year-- with skateboard technician Nyjah Huston taking home $150,000. Huston's ability to land difficult and technical tricks consistently makes him almost unbeatable in the current Street League format.

"It was a hard one tonight, that's for sure!" said Nyjah. "I definitely had to work for it. I love the challenge, though, and to skate with these guys is great."

Street League rookie Bastien Salabanzi provided some much needed excitement on the big section, giving Huston a run for his money. But in the end Salabanzi was unable to land the tricks when it counted most.

Now in its third season, Street League's instant scoring allowed for the possibility of pressure-packed moments, but very few times did the skateboarders deliver. Big names like Sean Malto, Ryan Sheckler, Chris Cole, and Paul Rodriguez had their opportunities but were unable to land tricks with consistency.

Improvements to the format, broadcast, and scoring of Street League raised the spectator experience of skateboarding to an all-time high. However, Street league was created with the hope of appealing to more than just skateboard fans. It was designed to reach a household audience including some who have never set foot on a skateboard. Does this competitive format, which is modeled after team sports appeal to the mainstream? Most likely not.

Unfortunately, there's no way to appreciate and understand just how impressive the level of skateboarding is unless you actually skate. Even high quality cameras in slow motion don't convey the level of difficulty.

In the meantime, skateboarders can appreciate Street League for what it is-- amazing skateboarding from today's best street skaters. Nyjah Huston also took home the Monster Energy Best Trick Award worth $15,000 for his Big Spin Frontside Hurricane Grind.

Complete Results.
1. Nyjah Huston 51.5
2. Bastien Salabanzi 47.8
3. Chaz Ortiz 44.2
4. Paul Rodriguez 42.5
5. Chris Cole 39.8
6. Ryan Sheckler 29.7
7. Sean Malto 14.6

Photo: Aaron Smith from Skateboarder Magazine

"Going Green" has become a significant contemporary movement. And companies in the action sports industry have hopped onboard, creating boards and apparel that are constructed with from more eco-friendly materials. Production company, Ninja Squad, has joined in the cause with their latest endeavor, Stinky Socks, a product that's designed for snowboarders and skaters.

The company also recently announced a collaboration project with Ride For Earth-- a worldwide organization that supports extreme sports by planting trees 'for every ride you own'. Simply put, if you send a photo in with whatever type of shred stick you prefer and a small amount of money, RFE will plant a tree in your name.

Now, for every pair of "Stinky Earth" socks sold, Ride For Earth will also plant a tree in your name.


Get involved.

Riley Blakeway, a brilliant young lensman from Australia who first leapt into the spotlight by winning Stab Magazine's Little Weeds competition in 2009, has since gone on to make a handful of web projects and a feature film on pal Chippa Wilson for Analog. But Riley's been ditching the beaches for the streets as of late, filming a new skate project called Dolphin Days. Here is episode one, featuring the four-wheeled stylings of Chima Ferguson, Bo Reid, Rhino, Josh Pill, Jake Hayes, Ryder Lawson, Sammy Winter, and Bjorn Johnston.

The third annual Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductions took place on May 10 in Orange County at the 2012 IASC Skateboarding Summit. And this year one of skateboarding's most unique personalities was inducted.

Mark "the Gonz" Gonzales, a true pioneer of street skating was recognized for his fearless attitude and unique style, which shaped the sport throughout the 80's and 90's. Not only did Gonz contribute his efforts on a skateboard, he also gained fame in the industry with his artistic vision. For instance, no one will forget when he fooled around at the Eiffel Tower on the infamous circle board.

The next challenge for Gonz will be designing his display for the Hall of Fame at the Skatelab in Simi Valley. A skateboarder and off the wall artist like Gonz should have no trouble creating something interesting.

Gonzales was inducted alongside original Z-boy Jay Adams, Peggy Oki who was the only female Z-boy, and legendary skate photographer Danny Bearer.

The new class of inductees joins a long list of legends including Tony Hawk, Stacy Peralta, Steve Caballero, Danny Way, Eric Koston, and Bob Burnquist to name a few.

Here's a look back at the Gonz's infamous skate clip with Coconut Records for their song, "West Coast." The clip embodies the weird brilliance that is Mark Gonzales.