SKATE NEWS

It's been hard to tell what's going on with SkateMental, but its tough to hear news that's kind of bad. Some might call them another Enjoi or whatever, but SkateMental made some choices as far as riders that definitely differentiated them. John Motta for example is the epitome of weird—that kind of weird that you can't fake (and if you read his interview with Nieratko, you know why). Plus, he rips. Nate Broussard was one of those choices, too, with a part in the most recent Static III. Dude is a graceful giant. But, sadly, SkateMental has parted ways with the large man. In his place, they have added Shane O'Neill to the squad. I'm sure Broussard will find a good home somewhere. I'd like to keep watching him rip.
Nilton On Santa Cruz

Nilton Neves Leaves Rasa Libre For A Spot On Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

Nilton Appears On Fuel's Daily Habit. And Yep, That's A Santa Cruz Tee He's Wearing.
To my knowledge, there's been no official press release stating that Nilton Neves is officially on Santa Cruz. However, if you drop by the Santa Cruz site, his team member status has been thoroughly documented. Brazilian ripper, Nilton has officially left Rasa Libre and taken up a spot on the SCS pro team. For a sneak peak at Nilton's first pro board as a Santa Cruz rider, skim through the "news" section of their site. And to see what Nilton's been up to as of late, swing by Strange Notes to see his installment of Checkin' In or just peep the YouTube version below. Either way, you're winning.

The Berrics
Everyday, cynics around the earth are quick to pinpoint the conformity in skate tricks being done. "How many kickflips, nollie flips and 360 flips can you watch before you want to launch yourself into a pond of venomous sea urchin?" some say. Well, the truth is, there is without a doubt a degree of likeness when it comes to tricks of choice among the masses, however it's all about how each trick is done that will forever keep the basics fresh.

One staple that differs drastically from one skater to the next is the almighty kickflip. Whether it's Greco or The Gonz stomping down a mobbed-out flick or it's the rising leg extending flick of a Bryan Herman or a PJ Ladd, everyone has got their own brand of ollie flip. For me, I've always had my personal favorites. I've always thought Ryan Gallant had a nice looking kickflip. Zered Bassett has a lofty one too. Mike V.'s even got a sweet one.. But probably one of the best, most snapped, flicked, caught and slammed down kickflips I've ever witnessed, comes courtesy of Michael Plumb, AKA The Lizard King. If you've failed to notice just how ill his kickflips are in his past Pig Slaughterhouse and Baker Has A Deathwishparts, head over to The Berrics and study his powerful flick at the sites latest installment of Trickipedia to see just how a kickflip is done.