SKBSG


SUPPORTS SKATEBOARDING IN SINGAPORE
WELCOME ALL SKATEBOARDERS

SPREAD YOUR LOVE TO YOUR SPORT.

NEVER TOO YOUNG TO START , NEVER TOO OLD TO SKATE.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES






éS footwear announced today that John Rattray has officially joined their elite team. After parting ways with long-time footwear sponsor, Osiris some months ago, there has been a lot of speculation as to where Rattray's feet would end up. The Scotsman with an advanced degree in Physics, a deep repertoir of video parts and serious style to boot is a welcome addition to the already stacked éS squad. Rattray joins Silas Baxter-Neal, Rick McCrank, Bobby Worrest, Justin Eldridge, Rodrigo Tx, Javier Sarmiento, Nyjah Huston, Danny Garcia, Mike Anderson and Cale Nuske. Busy filming for his board sponsor Zero's new video, "Strange World," Rattray is surely crushing terrain and stacking footage as you read this.


Nick Merlino joins forces with Tum Yeto.

Nick Merlino is an amazing skateboarder; those that have seen him skate in person know how hard he rips. Nick's lack of talent off a skateboard is what worries me and a lot of others out there. In the past year that I have known Nick I have noticed that he is socially retarded and not a day goes by without someone telling me something embarrassing about him. I honestly can't wait to see what's next. Whatever you see from Nick you can bet it's going to be shocking. — Mike Sinclair


In celebration of the launch of Zoo York's "Sky High" pro board series which features the NYC skyline photography of Alessandro Zuek Simonetti, Zoo is holding an opening and party at Brooklyn's own KCDC skateshop.

Monday, August 24, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES



You'll definitely want to read more about Mike Blabac, one of skateboarding's elite photographers, who took some of the first shots of Josh Kalis before he blew up, got photography tips form Lance Mountain, lived through SF's mid-nineties scene and witnessed Eric Koston's backside noseblunt on Hubba hideout. So, click here to see my interview picking his brain about those moments. When you're done, take a gander at some of the images from his book "Blabac Photo: The Art of Skateboarding Photography" in the gallery linked off the interview. Enjoy!

SKATEBOARDING SINGAPORE COMPETITION


SINGAPORE: More enthusiasts are expected to take up extreme sports following the opening of a new S$7.6 million, world-class facility called Xtreme SkatePark @ East Coast.

A hundred athletes from Singapore and the region will take part in the inaugural Singapore Xtreme Championship which will be held at the end of August.

Ng Chee Keong, 27, has won many accolades as a BMX rider, and among them are winning gold at the ESPN X Tour on three occasions, and coming in second at the Macau Asian Indoor Games.

Ng is hoping for a top three finish at the upcoming Singapore Xtreme Championship. But the ten-year veteran of extreme sports admits the going will still be tough.

He said: "This skate park is new. It has just started two months ago. Other countries have this type of skate park a long time ago, so when they (the overseas skaters) come to this skate park, it is not for practice, they are ready for competition."

Twenty-nine other Singaporeans will compete in categories like skateboarding and in-line skating, while 10,000 spectators are expected to attend the two-day competition.

Ryan Lee, parks manager, National Parks Board, said: "We are definitely looking at having this event every year, but you always need to start something small before you grow it into something bigger. So this year will… see how far we can push it."

Seventy athletes from the region will ensure that their Singaporean counterparts will be pushed to the limit.

Three renowned international professionals in extreme sports will be the judges.

The Xtreme SkatePark is divided into three parts - the streetcourse, which caters to amateurs, the combo bowl for intermediate or advance users, and the vertical bowl, which is the hardest course among the three.

Some of the best extreme sports athletes will be doing a demonstration at the skate park during the Singapore Xtreme Championship.

- CNA/yt

Saturday, August 22, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES




SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES




Flip has been doing massive team and video updates every day as it gets closer to the release of Extremely Sorry. Flip will also be doing lots or random giveaways and sneak peeks into the world of the Flip team. Live updates from the Extremely Sorry premiere too! Stay tuned for more info about the world premiere…

Friday, August 21, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES






The IPATH crew continues to tour, this time taking the van up to Northern California to hit some great spots and support shops in the area. Dubbed the Norcaliente Tour, this adventure begins on August 20 and comes on the heels of recent tours through the Midwest and Canada.

The crew on the Norcaliente tour represents a true mix of IPATH OG’s and new blood alike, including: Matt Rodriguez, Fred Gall, Nilton Neves, Matt Pailes, Ryan Lay, and Danny Dicola. In addition to the team, IPATH is bringing along filmer Thad Croskey and photographer Matt Price to document everything that goes down through video and pictures.

The IPATH Norcaliente Tour will be rolling on the following path:
8/20 Atascadero. A-Town @4pm
8/21 Santa Cruz. Bills Wheels @3pm
8/22 Sacramento. Nine16 @1pm
8/22 Sonoma Old School @5pm
8/23 Santa Rosa. Brotherhood @3pm
8/24 Berkeley. Destination 1440 @4pm
8/25 Chico. Boards On Nord @12pm
8/26 Grass Valley. Goodtimes @4pm


Air Speed just added Kristian Svitak and Brian Sumner to its footwear team. There is also an updated Web site right here


Jeff Goforth of Reno, Nevada correctly answered New Deal as the board company Element founder and president Johnny Schillereff rode for before starting Element to win the Make It Count Giveaway. Congrats Jeff, you’re decks, tees, and shoes are on their way. And if you haven’t seen it yet, check out PART 1 of Make It Count, online now.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES








After being rained out at Plus Skateshop in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the éS Game of SKATE headed to Rukus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The skies were blue and the sun was shining down on all 56 skaters that came out to play SKATE. The southern hospitality from the kind folks at Rukus was a highlight with water and pizza for everyone.

Despite the modest amount of skaters, the talent throughout the crowd was impressive.

The four that survived 5 rounds and found themselves in the finals were Adam Barousse, Justin Higgins, Zach Kuehne and Jordan Trahan. Jordan was skating well all day making tricks look the way they should, but he ended up getting taken out first in the finals leaving Adam, Justin and Zach.

With the game tied at T, Justin took 3rd place by missing a frontside flip. Adam ended up in 2nd by missing a switch varial heelflip making Zach Kuehne the winner. Congratulations to Zach and a big thanks to Ronnie at Rukus for everything!

Monday, August 17, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES



Pierre-Luc Gagnon dominated the vert ramp once again and took home first place at the Wendy’s Invitational Dew Tour stop in Portland. Here’s the photos from the finals.

FINAL RESULTS:
1. Pierre-Luc Gagnon
2. Andy Macdonald
3. Sandro Dias
4. Bob Burnquist
5. Adam Taylor
6. Bucky Lasek
7. Rob Lorifice
8. Alex Perelson
9. Anthony Furlong
10. Danny Mayer


The second event in the 3rd Annual Supergirl Jam takes place on Wednesday, August 19, at Woodward West action sports camp in Tehachapi, California—the Supergirl Pro-Am Jam Skateboard Street contest. The Pro-Am Jam is the new contest added this year to the Supergirl Jam, the action sports industry's only large-scale, all-female action sports competition and lifestyle festival, featuring more than 100 female pros in surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and inline skating. Designed to support female empowerment, creativity, independence and strength, the Supergirl Jam provides these young ladies with a platform on which to showcase their skills and infuse the action sports industry with new talent. The Supergirl Pro-Am Jam lends itself specifically to that goal.



Not only is a prize purse of $7,000 up for grabs at the Supergirl Pro-Am Jam, the top amateur will receive entry into the Supergirl Jam finale event at Venice Beach on Sunday, September 6 in the pros' Skateboard Street contest where more than $15,000 in cash and prizes is at stake.



To date, the following pros and amateurs are currently scheduled to compete in the Supergirl Pro-Am Jam:



Pros: Ams:
Abisha Alshebaiki (Temecula, California) Abby Zsarnay
Elizabeth Nitu (Los Gatos, California) Taylor Beatty
Leticia Bufoni (Hollywood, California) Amanda Castillo
Alize Montes (Seal Beach, California) Morgen Lester
Esther Godoy (Melbourne, Australia) Kerri Reichard
Sophie Poppe (Destelbergen, Germany) Annika Vrklan
Alex White (Los Angeles, California) Anna McLerran
Vanessa Torres (Los Angeles, California) Evelyn Abad
Racine Hopkins (Venice Beach, California) Chelsea Castro
Amelia Brodka (Linden, New Jersey) Brooke Whip
Lyn-z Adams Hawkins (Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California) Jennifer Miles
Amy Caron (San Francisco, California)


The contest wraps Sept. 6 with a snowboard rail jam and skate street contest at Venice Beach.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES


It's almost too easy to call this gallery the "Dirty South," I know. But, have you ever been down South? The skaters, like the spots and the overall environment, are rawer. A good analogy is southern rap—you've heard it. It's tight as hell, but it's just straight trash talk and strip clubs and the same words over and over. It's simple and grimey, but you can't help but bob your head. It's no coincidence it's from the south—the south's like that (I'm not saying it's like a rap video, I'm saying it's oddly simple and complex at the same time with a nice dingy sheen). There have been plenty of southerners in skateboarding. But, with skaters like Crockett, Hardy, Brock, Clark, Taylor, Newport, Plunkett and a slew of others born out of that rawness coming up in the scene over the past few years, the Dirty South (cities, spots and all) is gaining it's place in skateboarding. And, well, Ryan Flynn will be down there in Atlanta to cover it all. Peep his gallery: The Dirty South

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES




$10,000 donation to the Vancouver Parks board for restoration and repairs of Vancouver Skate Plaza


The DC King Of Vancouver contest is a week away and 50 of Canada’s top amateur skateboarders will face off on August 22 & 23, 2009 at the Vancouver Skate Plaza, located under the Georgia Street Viaduct. Selected street features in the Plaza will be skated, as the 50 pre-qualified skaters compete for part of the $10,000 cash purse.

The King Of Vancouver is serving as the finals for this summer’s DC Nationals. Seven City Qualifiers were held across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax. The top 5 contestants have received invites to complete alongside Canada’s best.

Not only will the winner be crowned the King, they will walk away with instant global exposure throughout the skate world, a piece of the $10,000 cash purse and a spot on DC’s newly formed DC Kings Team, DC’s latest skate squad based completely of DC King Of contest winners. They will also have a chance to receive a SHAZAM feature in Color Magazine, where they will be partnered with some of the best photographers and writers in the industry.

As part of the event DC will match the weekend’s prize purse with a $10,000 donation to the Vancouver Board of Park and Recreation for some much needed repairs and restorations of the Vancouver Skate Plaza. The cheque will be presented to a group of Vancouver Park Board Commissioners on Sunday, August 23, 2009, at 4:00PM at the Vancouver Plaza. “These funds will be used for much-needed improvements to the Vancouver Skate Plaza including the repair of the granite ledge and resurfacing of the brick bank,” says Sarah Blyth, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner. “On behalf of the Vancouver Park Board I would like to thank DC for this generous donation.”

“Since the Plaza opened it has been skated hard every day by so many people,” says Trevn Sharp, Canadian Skate Team Manager. “We are excited to help the Vancouver Skate Plaza with some necessary maintenance. As a company within the skateboard community we need to make sure we are investing to keep our skateparks as pristine as the day they opened. This contribution will help with the restorations so skateboarders can enjoy the Plaza for years to come.”


King Of Vancouver Schedule
Saturday, August 22, 2009 – Day 1
11:00AM – 1:00PM Practice
1:00PM – 3:30PM Contest
4:00PM Awards

Sunday, August 23, 2009 – Day 2
11:00AM – 1:00PM Practice
1:00PM – 3:30PM Contest
4:00PM Awards and Presentation of Donation to Vancouver Skate Plaza


Friday was the beginning of the Wendy’s Invitational, the second stop on the Dew Tour in Portland. The skatepark prelims kicked off on Friday with Chaz Ortiz nearly landing every single trick he tried, leaving no one surprised when the dude qualified first. Tomorrow the finals go live on NBC, the TWS Best Trick wrap up is on Sunday, and we’ll be featuring it all here on skateboarding.com. Here’s the top twelve advancing to the finals.

1. Chaz Ortiz
2. Paul Rodriguez
3. Rodolfo Ramos
4. Greg Lutzka
5. Dave Bachinsky
6. Carlos De Andrade
7. Kurtis Colamonico
8. Milton Martinez
9. Fabrizio Santos
10. Timmy Knuth
11. Jordan Hoffart
12. Chad Bartie

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES




Join Vans this Saturday, August 15 to celebrate the grand opening of the newest Vans Store located in Belmont Shore in Long Beach, CA. Johnny Layton, Christian Hosoi and Ray Barbee will be signing autographs followed by a live acoustic performance by Ray Barbee. The Vans “what if” skate bus (vans.com/whatif) will also be parked outside the store all day long, so bring your board and try out the mini ramp! Visit vans.com for more info.

Friday, August 14, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES




The Dew Tour is making it’s next stop in Portland this weekend for the Wendy’s Invitational. And just like the Skate Open in Boston, we’ll be back with another Best Trick contest to top the weekend off. Below is the list of the skaters confirmed to skate and make sure you check back to skateboarding.com for all the coverage. It looks like it’s gonna be another good one.

Dave Bachinsky
Chad Bartie
Kurtis Colamonico
Chris Cole
Carlos De Andrade
Ryan Decenzo
Danilo Do Rosario
Jake Duncombe
Adam Dyet
Danny Fuenzalida
Tyler Hendley
Jordan Hoffart
Terry Kennedy
Timmy Knuth
Greg Lutzka
Milton Martinez
Chris Mendes
Robert Lopez Mont
Nilton Neeves
Tulio Oliveira
Chaz Ortiz
Rodolfo Ramos
Wagner Ramos
Paul Rodrguez
Fabrizio Santos
Austen Seaholm
Christian Sereika
Ryan Sheckler


Sessions is holding the 11th Annual Tim Brauch Memorial Contest September 26 and 27 at the Tim Brauch Memorial Skate Park in Scotts Valley, California. The street comp will be held on Saturday, September 26. The Annual Bowl Contest will be held at Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park in San Jose on Sunday, September 27. More info at sessions.com and timbrauch.com.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Singapore Xtreme Championship 09







HELLOOOOOO. SINGAPORE

Singapore Xtreme Championship is going to be held here in Singapore at the newly opened East Coast Extreme Skatepark, 29 -30 Aug 09.
Dont miss all the great action by the Local and international skaters and riders
in the house.
The winners will get a coveted spot in next year, 2010 Kia X Games Asia in Shanghai,China.

See YOU there.


Bio:
Born and bred in Massachusetts, thirty-four year old Wilkins has been skating with reckless abandon for over twenty years, all the while, placing a constant emphasis on giving back to the skate community by designing and building skateparks, judging contests, running skate camps and perpetually striving to be a positive role model for young skaters to emulate. Since getting sponsored in 1993 and turning pro in 1996, Charlie has endorsed a variety of companies throughout his career including Powell, Transit, Maple, 5boro, Sheep, DVS, Etnies, Este, Pig, Krux, and Mercury.

A life-long East coast resident, Charlie decided early on that he would remain true to his roots and refrain from making the West coast skateboarding exodus. He knew his decision to stay in the Boston area might take a toll on his skateboarding career, but none-the-less, he was not willing to compromise his ideals and priorities in pursuit of skateboarding fame and fortune. Instead, he blazed his own path; shaping a solid career and a fulfilling lifestyle along the way that he is extremely proud of and thankful for.

About thirteen years ago, Charlie started judging local contests like the annual Fall Brawl. World Cup Skateboarding has since given him the opportunity to both judge and participate in their international events. His judging credentials include the X-Games (US, Latin, and Asian), Gravity Games, Vans Triple Crown and Dew Tour (as head judge) to name a few. Sitting behind the judge’s table has not hampered Charlie’s competitive abilities. In both 2002 and 2003, he was Overall Points Winner of the Mobile Skatepark Series, placing no less than second at any single event. In 2004, he continued to rank in the top three throughout the series. This contest series airs both on Fox Sports and ESPN 2.

In recent days, Charlie finds himself extremely busy. When he’s not doing
demos and filming/shooting for his sponsors or judging for WCS, Charlie
designs and builds the skate and BMX courses for AlliSports Dew Tour as well as other skate related design projects. He also hosts Charlie Wilkins Ramp Camp at Rye Airfield Skatepark in New Hampshire. This is a day camp that runs the entire summer and awards weekly scholarships in his name to less privileged applicants.

Charlie enjoys giving back to the community in ways such donating his time & expertise to cities trying to build skateparks and auctions free lessons for causes such as the Charles River Park Fund. Also, He is currently on the board for USA
Skateboarding, an organization responsible for promoting skateboarding through out the world as well as helping to bring skateboarding to the
Olympics. He is honored to participate along with other board members
Such as Tony Hawk, Eric Koston, and Andy MacDonald. Charlie was also is one of few to hand pick the athletes participating in skateboarding at the X Games each year.

Current sponsors:
Shut Skateboards (www.shutnyc.com)
Krux trucks (ww.krux.com)
Eastern Boarder skate shop (www.easternboarder.com)
DVS Shoes (www.dvsshoes.com)
Other related companies:
World Cup Skateboarding (http://www.wcsk8.com/2005/bios.html)
Rye Airfield Skatepark (http://www.ryeairfield.com/rampcamp(info).html)

Other noted sites:
Focus Magazine interview (http://www.focusskatemag.com/pub/874)
DVD Review (http://www.skateboardermag.com/videos/wordOfMouth/)

Media Coverage:
Transworld Skateboarding (including cover), Thrasher Magazine, Slap Magazine, Warped (including cover), Big Brother, The Skateboard Mag (guest editor of issue #13, The East Coast Issue), Bikini, 411 Video Mag, past and present sponsor videos, magazine videos, ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, NBC, OLN, Fuel, 54321.



Adam Banton
34 yrs
Sponsors: Eastern Bikes, Odyssey, DuFFS Shoes, Fender Guitars, Xblam, C.t.i Knee braces

Loyal, experienced, consistent, and original are a few words that can be used to describe BMX rider Adam Banton.

Adam is a true veteran to the sport. He’s been riding for over seventeen years and isn’t slowing down one bit. He’s at the top of his game and his level of devotion is as high as ever.

Although Adam’s main focus in riding isn’t contests, he still has a few respectable finishes under his belt. Adam excels in balancing big tricks like tail whips and 360’s with tech tricks like hang fives and nosepick variations.

He is no stranger to coverage as well. Many of Adam’s sponsors (Odyssey, Duffs Shoes, Eastern Bikes, Fender Guitars, etc.) run regular ads in all of the major BMX magazines (Ride BMX, Ride UK, BMX Plus!, etc) so Adam is regularly representing his sponsors in print. He also regularly receives editorial coverage.

The average BMX rider films at most one video section a year. In the past year, Adam has filmed two major video sections (Brian Purdy’s F This S and Odyssey’s Electronical) along with some internet coverage (Eastern’s Inside/Out video and a VitalBMX interview).

Adam Banton is a man of many talents. Along with being one of the most influential BMX riders in the sport, he’s also an accomplished musician. He has released two studio albums and his music has been featured in numerous outlets. Fender took notice to his talents and he became the first BMX rider on their team.
At the Fender Sports & Music Festival, Adam was able to show off his two passions by riding a demo and then playing a concert for thousands of fans. Playing as an athlete/ musician at this years E.S.P.N’S summer X-Games with Fender Guitars.
Adam is very loyal to all of his sponsors and everyone that supports him. In an industry that frequent sponsor changes are very common, Adam has stayed with the same companies for many years.

With his experience, skills, respect, loyalty, and hard working demeanor, Adam Banton is a force to be reckoned with in the BMX industry.




Mike Opalek

Mike Opalek started skating over 15 years ago in Cleveland, Ohio where he landed a stunt skating part in the underground epic skate film “Airborne”.

Competing since 1994, Mike has placed 4th in the 1995 Lausanne International and 10th in the 1995 X Games Street.

Proficient in both street and vert, he considers street more dangerous due to the jumping and grinding on handrails. He’s had two wheels named after him: the Mike Opalek American Dreams from Senate.

Although not in competition, Mike is still much a part of the rollerblading industry. He’s a freelance writer and photographer and judges competitions all over the world for the Aggressive Skaters Association.

Tags: aggressive in line, bmx, boards & stuff, charlie wilkins, dance, east coast skatepark, extreme, singapore, skateboard

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES





RIP


Andy Kessler, a prominent figure on the New York skateboarding scene of the late seventies and early eighties, has died, according to Skateboarder magazine, which reports that the cause was an allergic reaction to a hornet sting the skateboarder suffered in Montauk. Kessler, who designed many of the city's skate parks, including those at Riverside Park, Pier 40, and in Brooklyn, was profiled in New York in 2005. "Everyone has their choice Kessler story," David Browne reported. "Like the day he refused to move to the back of a crowded bus, telling the driver, “You move to the back. This place is a sardine can. I’ll drive the bus.”

The skaters aimed full speed at the concave wood. “They were these sick, sick guys,” recalls Ricky Mujica. “Fifty percent of the time they’d kill themselves.”

“The next thing we know,” recalls Mujica, “Andy is thrown out by the driver, and his skateboard comes flying out after him. People didn’t like skateboarders back then.” After chasing the bus for four blocks, Kessler smashed the window with his board. Then there was the time Kessler refused to don a helmet at a skate park in New Jersey and was chased by guards trying to force him to wear one. Fights were commonplace. “I was a good skateboarder,” Kessler admits, “but a real prick to most people.”


Not really, though. Per Skateboarder: "He will be greatly missed."

ANDY KESSLER RIP [Skateboarder]

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

SKBSG SK8 NEWS UPDATES





Submit your footage to Gnarled.com and win $1000’s worth of merchandise Gnarled.com, a new online and brick and mortar skateshop based in Cleveland, Ohio, is giving away more than $4000 worth of merchandise to skaters who submit the best skate footage.
Upload 1 - 3 minutes of your best footage to YouTube. Then, go to gnarled.com/#get_sponsored.php and fill out the form including the link to the YouTube video.
On August 31st, Gnarled will announce 6 winners who will get the prizes listed below plus their videos posted on our site.
The prizes are:
1st place: 4 decks, 4 pairs of trucks, 4 sets of wheels, 4 pairs of shoes, 4 t-shirts, 4 hoodies, 4 hats, and 4 pairs of pants.
2nd place: 2 decks, 2 pairs of trucks, 2 sets of wheels, 2pairs of shoes, 2 t-shirts, 2 hoodies, 2 hats, and 2 pairs of pants.
3rd place: 1 deck, 1 pair of trucks, 1 sets of wheels, 1 pair of shoes, 1 t-shirt, 1 hoodie, 1 hat, and 1 pair of pants.

4th - 6th place gets you a deck.

Gnarled will also consider adding one of more winners to its Am team. The riders will then receive free merchandise on a regular basis and have their profile and footage on Gnarled’s site. Besides this contest, Gnarled also runs other promotions on a regular basis, such as its $1 deck Fridays, when skaters can find 5 brand new decks available for $1 each.