NEW PRODUCTS

Supreme has released news regarding its latest artist-collaborated collection of skate decks. Bringing to light numerous iconic and established artists’ over the years, Christopher Wool is no exception to the mix as the Chicago-born native who’s art-world career in 1984. With 1984 becoming the year that marked his first solo show, Christopher Wool’s work is often featured in black and white primarily as his earlier works were characterized by “tightly controlled, gestural drip paintings and canvases utilizing decorative rollers on white backgrounds to produce floral and gate-like images.” Three years later, the artist would advance his style dabbling extensively into black/white stencil works with selective phrases. His consistency would lead him to showcase his art at the such venues as the Whitney Biennial 1989, Museum of Modern Art, New York, the New Museum of Art Lucerne, Switzerland, and Contemporary Museum of Art, Los Angeles. Three limited-edition skate decks designed by Christopher Wool will release on October 2nd stateside and October 4th in Japan.


Legendary skate co. Black Label brings us two new decks from longtime pro Salman Agah. The gold/black deck with the elephant is a graphic that Obey Obama giant Shepard Fairey did for Agah celebrating 20 years of the admirable Black Label elephant logo while the other deck is a graphic adapted from Jason Adams‘ “Cadillac Ranch” series of paintings. Trickling into official Black Label shops now, So Cal Skate Shop got first online dibs. Check out a detailed shot after the jump.

Wednesday kicks off the month of October and Nike SB supplies us with another stellar drop. A few shoes that we’ve seen (”Boba Fett” Dunk Hi, “Gold Rail” Dunk Low, Lance Mountain x Craig Stecyk Blazer Hi) along with a new sunny sky-colored P-Rod II (above), Blazer Low, and Tre AD. Hitting shops in the U.S. and UK now.

As the anticipation for the new Alien Workshop video Mind Field is reaching a boiling point (was slated for a Spring ‘08 release), we can at least try to cool down by viewing their new Fall/Winter ‘08 Catalog. It’s full of all your skate hardgoods like new decks, wheels, bearings as well as lots of apparel and accessories–check out the cool pillows and pillow cases. Besides their paramount skateboards, Alien is one of few skate companies that has an eye for style, so their apparel is known for being on-point. Check out the whole Alien Workshop Fall/Winter ‘08 Catalog and hold your peace a little longer as the video is set to release very soon!

SKATE NEWS

Wow, what a milestone. Since 2002, the Tony Hawk Foundation has helped low-income communities open free public skateparks, and the opening of Wasatch County’s skatepark in Heber City, Utah on July 28, 2008, marked the 300th public skatepark to receive financial assistance from the THF. For more information on this incredible park and even more incredibler achievement, keep reading for the full press release…

300th Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Opens

Public skatepark nonprofit organization hits milestone.

9/25/08 (Vista, CA) – The opening of the Wasatch County Skatepark in Heber City, Utah on July 28, 2008, marked the 300th public skatepark to open that received financial assistance from the Tony Hawk Foundation. Since 2002, the Foundation has been helping low-income communities develop free public skateparks, and to-date has awarded almost 400 grants to help pay for their construction, including the $5,000 grant to Wasatch County in 2007.

The Wasatch County Skatepark is a 20,000-square-foot free public park, and features a broad range of terrain types for skaters of all styles to ride, challenge themselves, and enjoy the benefits that skateboarding offers. From providing a safe place to skate, away from traffic and other dangers, to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, the Wasatch County Skatepark is a haven for skaters in northern Utah as well as those who travel to the area to visit the acclaimed facility.

Through grants and technical assistance, the Tony Hawk Foundation helps communities across the U.S. build free, quality, public skateparks in low-income areas to give at-risk youth access to safe, sanctioned places to skate. With over 13-million skateboarders in the U.S. and only about 2,500 skateparks nationwide, most skateboarders are forced to skate in the streets, in parking lots, and other locations where they’re often not welcome. Public skateparks provide not only a safe place for them to pursue their passion for this healthy, athletic, and creative activity, but also helps them build a sense of community.

The next deadline to submit Tony Hawk Foundation Grant Applications is October 1, 2008. Applications are currently available online at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

The Tony Hawk Foundation will host its Activision Presents Stand Up For Skateparks benefit in Beverly Hills, California on November 9, 2008. For more information, visit the event Web site at www.standupforskateparks.org, or contact C.C. Flashman at cc@tonyhawkfoundation.org or 760-477-2479.

A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, to promote and provide funds for high-quality public skateparks throughout the United States—with an emphasis on the word “quality.” Since then, the Foundation has awarded $2,400,000 to 391 communities. The Foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks.

The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. In addition to skateparks, the Foundation also makes donations to other children-related charities, as chosen by its Board Of Directors. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

SKATE NEWS

Only a few weeks before Salt Lake City hosted the Dew Tour from September 11th to 14th, the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) had approved health ordinance #21, an ordinance effectively curtailing a homeowners' right to a backyard ramp.

Just 10 days after the Salt Lake Valley Health Department enacted section 4.5.21 on August 7th, Nick Hale, skateboarder and Salt Lake Valley resident, received an unexpected letter informing him that he would have to tear down his miniramp. The ordinance was part of a comprehensive list of activities— fireworks, garbage collection, the use of certain types of motor vehicles and swimming pool equipment— deemed harmful to the community's hearing.

Unfortunately, Nick had just purchased nearly $3,000 worth of Skatelite to refurbish his ramp's surface.

"I was in disbelief especially since it was a noise ordinance, specifically," says Hale. "You know, I had never considered the thing (miniramp) to be noisier than a basketball hoop, swimming pool or barbeque, or any other backyard activity.

Spitfire

Mountain's On Fire
This past Saturday, it was announced that Stereo pro, Daniel Shimizu, has left the team. No word as to where he'll be heading to as far as a board sponsor is concerned, but if I was to take a wild guess, I'd say he ends up back with old teammate, Ethan Fowler at Bummer High. Again, that's just a wild guess. Don't hold me to that one.

In other team news, Lance Mountain is riding for Spitfire Wheels. Look for Lance's newest pro wheel at your local shop. And when I say "Local shop," I mean not the mall.

In the skate world, no team change is official until a press release is issued or an ad comes out featuring a newly acquired rider. Ex-Lakai rider and newly turned pro, Alex Olson is featured in Vans' newest ad, so he must be on Vans. Now that Alex has the same shoe sponsor as his pops, Steve, could a signature line of goods be in the works? If it isn't already, I'm sure it will be soon.

Fourstar

Fourstar's "A Tribe Called Mapquest" Tour

There's a bunch of new online videos that just surfaced, worth checking out. Dwindle Distribution, the father company of brands like Enjoi, Darkstar, Almost, Blind, Speed Demons and Tensor just released an amazing behind the scenes video about how they make their boards. Vox Footwear has a little "Welcome" clip of their newest am rider, Tyler Surrey. The kid is super good. Adio has a newly vamped video page of exceptional footage from some of their riders. Gino Iannucci's Epicly Later'd episode 7 is up and running.

The entire Fourstar team will hit the road this October for a coast to coast barge that's been cleverly tagged, "The Tribe Called Mapquest" Tour. The tour will include 4 separate demo stops in Arizona, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina.

NEW PRODUCTS

OLD STICKER

OLD DECK

SKATE NEWS

Daniel Shimizu and Stereo have officially parted ways as of Friday, September 26, 2008. Daniel is an amazing skateboarder with a style so smooth, few come close to matching. We wish him the best of luck in his future and would like to send Daniel a big thank you for all his support over the last few years. Daniel will continue to remain a part of the Agency family as a HiFi Wheels pro rider.

OLD STICKER

OLD DECK

NEW PRODUCTS

A few weeks ago, NYC’s Recon was the first U.S. account to get the WeSC x Stash Collection. Now the full collection–full-zip hoods, a cardigan, crewneck sweatshirts, t-shirts, and denim–is up for grabs directly from Karmaloop (grimy hair and shady eyes not included). The word is officially out now, so don’t wait!

Hangovers and live shows aren’t the only things on Jim Greco’s agenda. Everyone’s favorite strung out rockstar skater designed this dope “Thunder” Jacket as part of his signature collection for Kr3w. It’s made of %100 PU (synthetic) leather and completed with roomy pockets. And you thought nothing matched those silver Skytops. Expect this jacket to hit official Kr3w retailers real soon. Check out the black colorway after the jump.

We showed you the upcoming “Gold Rail” Dunk Low and more recently the “Back to the Future” Tre AD, now Nike SB comes at us again with a Star Wars themed “Boba Fett’ Dunk Hi. You can be sure that Star Wars fans will be hunting after these just as hard as dedicated SB heads. These kicks also have a high bounty on ‘em because they’re online hitting a few Nike SB accounts–keep your eyes peeled.

If the purpled up Supra Vaider is a bit too Prince for your taste, settle with this black/purple Skytop. It features accents of crackle-print purple, perforated gray, and areas of faux croc. Expect this sneaker to be hitting authorized Supra dealers for October.
Some more Supra NS sneakers have dropped for this Fall/Winter season. The first is Steve Aoki’s signature Supra Sneaker, and the other is none other than the Lil Wayne Skytop. Head over to Daily Drop for more information and how to purchase these sneakers.
We recently gave you the heads up about Bigfoot’s new site, now he updated the online store with this limited edition customized art skateboard deck. There’s only twenty available and they feature professional art print on base with the top side being custom hand-drawn by Bigfoot, with signature, character, and number. 9″ x 32″. If you’re not into decks, you can also grab some of his new artwork. Give your walls a Bigfoot-sized makeover!The Supra Vaider’s been giving the Skytop a run for its money, and with this royal purple/gold color-up, Skytop fiends may be leaving their first love. Expect these to hit accounts next month. For all of us who skate, the game S.K.A.T.E. is like the basketball version of H.O.R.S.E.–someone does a trick, you have to match the trick or you get a letter. Well, skaters Robbie McKinley and Kevin Lewis put their heads together and invented Sk8 Dice, an actual group of 4 die, each with different symbols/skateboard terms. The jist of the game is you roll the dice and do the trick the dice represent. Head on over to the Sk8 Dice website for a full set of rules and order your dice today! Your local skate shop should also be stocking them for fall.

For all of us who skate, the game S.K.A.T.E. is like the basketball version of H.O.R.S.E.–someone does a trick, you have to match the trick or you get a letter. Well, skaters Robbie McKinley and Kevin Lewis put their heads together and invented Sk8 Dice, an actual group of 4 die, each with different symbols/skateboard terms. The jist of the game is you roll the dice and do the trick the dice represent. Head on over to the Sk8 Dice website for a full set of rules and order your dice today! Your local skate shop should also be stocking them for fall.

SKATE NEWS

The Kayo Corp is the umbrella company that covers such hard hitting brands as Expedition One, DGK, Organika and Gold Wheels. I'd been a big fan of the Kayo family since seeing their all encompassing video, It's Official.

DGK

DGK Motivation (Black) 8.0 X 31.06
The DGK "Motivation" board featuring the reversal of psychology slogan, "I Love' Haters" comes in two distinct colors and sizes. The 'White' one being the smaller of the two, sizing in at 7.5 X 31.06. I was sent the 'Black' model, which at 8.0 X 31.06, is much more my style. With most boards I ride, I have the tendency to get stuck with either too much kick or not enough. This board has a clean shape and just the right amount of kick. Not too steep and not too flat. I skated this board for close to a month without any complaints. It's stiffness remained, as did the over-all shape of the board. Solid pop all the way through and DGK.

Organika

Organika Full Flavor Red 8.06 X 32
Next up was the Organika team "Full Flavor Red" board. The "Full Flavor" team decks come in blue, black and red, and all feature different lengths and widths. I received the biggest of the three, the 'Red', which clocked in at a nicely measured 8.06 x 32. This board features a super unique shape. It was much more stubby than I was used to, with a real bulbous nose and tail. After I got used to the unconventional width of the nose and tail, this board felt real comfortable under my feet. Its nice, medium sized kick lasted a while, even after I shaved down my tail to a sharp little razor. I should mention the overall quality of Kayo's wood. They use nice thin plys that somehow minimizes the weight of each board without compromising any strength whatsoever.

Expedition One

Expedition Stripe (Yellow) 8 X 31.2
The last board I rode of the bunch was the Expedition One "Yellow Stripe" deck. Like the Organika team series, this board is part of a group of three sizes, made up of a blue, green and yellow. The "Yellow Stripe" I rode is 8 X 31.25 and features a clean, straightforward shape. While riding this one I couldn't get over how resistant it was to my hard landings. I tend to land all my tricks real hard, slamming my board down to the ground, like an impatient dipsh*t. Back in the day, breaking boards on flatground was a ridiculous notion reserved for fat guys and giants like Brian Anderson. But in the recent years I've found myself breaking tons of boards on flat, especially with switch frontside shove-its (I've K.O'ed more boards with this trick than Kimbo's straight knocked out suckas). I guess I land hard. Anyway, with everyone of my forceful landings that should have snapped this board like twig beneath, it remained solid, just as the other Kayo boards had. I'm backing Kayo 100%, so that means you should too. Demand your local shop order some of their decks right now. If you're impatient like me, go here to buy direct from the Kayo crew.

The Final Flare
Lakai Footwear

It's Coming...
When Lakai's Fully Flared hit the streets, I nearly sh*t my pants. Why would you do such a thing, you ask? Because the flick was that good! That's why. And now, after it's highly succesful release, Fully Flared will be coming out in the form of a Deluxe Edition Box Set. The Final Flare Deluxe Bonus Edition box set will contain all kinds of special stuff, including 1 Blu-Ray disk and 2 SD DVD disks featuring the original Fully Flared release, photo galleries, alternate edits, unused footage and a 60 minute documentary entitled, Behind The Flare. If that wasn't enough to make your butt pop, the set will also be packaged with a 48-page photo book. Oh hell yeah, son! And the best part is, this bitch will retail for only $49.95. To celebrate this highly anticipated set, Lakai has issued an official countdown on their site. You can stare at the depleting numbers like a fool all day, or get a solid taste of what's to come by sampling the new extended trailer below. All you need to do is click away
If you thought Lakai’s Fully Flared was the best skate video of the year, wait until the Final Flare drops. Lakai Limited Footwear presents the Fully Flared Deluxe Edition–a three-disc box set with one HD Blu-Ray Disc and 2 SD DVD Discs. This must-have box set comes with a whole slew of goods featuring “Fully Flared”, a photo galley, a photo booklet, alternate edits, unseen footy, and an epic 60-minute documentary they like to call, “Behind The Flare.” The countdown has begun.

While we’re struggling over here on the east coast for warmer weather and a dry skate park, big things are going down in Los Angeles this weekend. Tomorrow, Saturday, September 27th, LA’s first-ever street skate plaza, dubbed Ambassador Plaza, will officially open. For those of you who don’t know, a skate plaza is the equivalent to skate heaven–it has every skate-able thing you could want/imagine. Visit The Ambassador Series for a full run-down on the event and watch a video featuring Raekwon the Chef, Paul Rodriguez, Daewon Song, and other ambassador-minded folks explaining the idea behind the epic plaza. Be there Saturday at 4pm to be part of the grand opening, which is sure to be chalked full of pro skaters.

SKATE NEWS

Legendary Birdhouse Pro and the man behind Willy's Workshop, Willy Santos, may be lying low as of the last few years, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been making power moves. It's just been announced that Willy is the newest pro rider for Satori Movement.

World Industries just added a new amateur to their already impressive and ever growing roster. Big guy and unsuspecting flip technician, Andrew Cannon is officially riding for World. Mighty Healthy, the lifestyle, clothing brand out of New York, looks be be delving directly into the skate arena. Some guy I never heard of, named, George Jadelrab is on the Mighty Healthy team.

Corny As Hell

Active

Foundation Visits Active
If you thought that signings and demos were designated just for the summertime, you're sadly mistaken my hombre. These events are alive and breathing well, with the organizational help of Active Ride Shop. On Sunday October 12th, Foundation Skateboards will be cruising by two Active locations in order to bring their handpicked talent straight to the adoring fans. The first demo and signing will happen at 1pm at Active Orange. The second will happen at 4pm at Active Chino. In attendance will be Corey Duffell, The Nuge, Gareth Stehr, Sierra Fellers, David Reyes, Alex G, Abdias Rivera and the teams newest pro, Angel Ramirez. And for extra incentive to get your ass out for the day, Active will be selling Foundation decks for only $34.99 (Only on October 12th and only at event locations of course, silly one).

If you're a fan of Rob Dyrdek, you're gonna want to check out his one-on-one drinking sesh with Johnny Knoxville over at Jackassworld.com. Watch on as Mr. Knoxville probes Rob about the demise of Rob & Big, meeting Jeff Tremaine for the first time and peeing the bed. Parental guidance is suggested, kids.

Remember that dude named Moose who backside 360'ed down that more than healthy set of steps at Thrasher's recent "Bust or Bail" contest? Well the dude is back and apparently he filmed all of this footage only an hour after the contest had wrapped. Impressive, Mr. Moose. Very impressive.

Strange Notes just unleased a "Movin' Up" part from some dude I never heard of, who goes by the name of Mikey Curtis. Whoever this bastid is, he's got some chops.

Active

Fallen Visits A Couple Active's
Seen Ride The Sky yet? Me neither, but I heard Chris Cole's got the last part and sh*t is bananas. Instead of waiting around to see the video like me, go check the Fallen team at Active Mission Valley and Active Escondido on October 19th. I'm sure most, if not all of the Fallen team will be on hand to sign whatever it is you put before them, even if that includes product not endorsed by any of the Fallen riders. They'll most likely understand.

Given Skateboards am, Danny Scher has been one of my favorite underground rippers for a long time now. The kid straight up, rips. Here's a short but sweet video that's just been posted over at The SkateboardMag

SKATE NEWS

One of skateboarding’s most inventive (and watchable) contests finally announced some details today. The 2008 Vans Downtown Showdown will be kicking off on October 11 at the Paramount Studios Back Lot. Over $85,000 in loot will be given out this year, so expect some serious rippage from the Deathwish, Foundation, Toy Machine, Girl, Real, Element, Habitat, Creature, Black Label, Blind and Flip teams. Keep on readin’ on for the full press release…

2008 Vans Downtown Showdown Coming October 11
All the Details on This Year’s Epic Event Including
Where to Get Tix and Where to Watch!

Join Vans on Saturday, October 11 to see skateboarding’s top pros and ams shred for their chance at $85,000, as the 4th Annual Downtown Showdown invades Paramount Studios’ Back Lot. We’ve invited top skateboard companies and their riders to submit designs for one of four custom obstacles that will be chosen and built as part of the Showdown course.

You have a chance to watch it live by entering to win tickets at select Southern California Vans stores now through Saturday, September 27. For a list of participating stores visit www.vans.com/showdown.

Those that can’t make it to this year’s Showdown can catch all the action at www.vans.com, including a live webcast of the entire event and a chance to win great prizes! The Downtown Showdown will also air on Fuel TV, dates and times t.b.d.

Who: The top teams in skateboarding including Deathwish, Foundation, Toy Machine, Girl, Real, Element, Habitat, Creature, Black Label, Blind and Flip.

What: Each team will session four unique, custom-made obstacles in a round-robin format with awards going out for top team, best pro, top am and best performance by obstacle.

When: Saturday, October 11 at 5 pm (doors open at 4 pm)

Where: Paramount Studios Back Lot

Prize Purse: $85,000 in cash and prizes for individual and team winners

The Vans Downtown Showdown is made possible by the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Scion, Epiphone and Skateboard.com.

SKBSG