SKATE NEWS

Ever since the announcement was made that Anthony Pappalardo had bounced from Lakai, the rumor mills have been churning, mixing and overflowing with speculation about Converse's entrance into the skate market. And while the hype was built up like the scaffolding of the g'damned Scream Machine, much of the unconfirmed babble was put to rest when Converse Skateboarding debuted at the most recent ASR tradeshow. While the industry folks had their curiosity quenched, skaters around the globe without San Diego plane fare and an all-access tradeshow badge remained thirsty. After a long-ass wait, Converse Skateboarding has opened its doors to the world via Converseskateboarding.com.

The site showcases the brands official team...Anthony Pappalardo, Sammy Baca, Ethan Fowler, Raymond Molinar and Nick Trapasso. That's a diverse as hell roster. But you already knew that. God bless you, Slap Forum. Alongside team photos and video, there's a look book for their Spring '09 Line, a blog and a skate map, where when can locate some parks and shops all around the U.S. of A. It's been a long wait, but dammit, it was worth it. Now that we've seen it with our own eyes, the future of Converse Skateboarding looks good. —Jay Riggio

Jamie Thomas front feeble to fakie.
This past weekend hundreds of skaters converged on Houston Texas's Southside skatepark to celebrate the life of Johnny Romano and raise money for a worthy cause. The Johnny Romano Skate Jam was held as a benefit for the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation, a non-profit group that strives to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses.

After Johnny's passing earlier this year, Southside's annual Make A Wish benefit skate jam was renamed in his honor. All proceeds, ticket sales and even prize money won by the skaters was donated directly back to the Make A Wish Foundation. What better way to celebrate the life, spirit and memory of Johnny Romano than a day spent skating, smiling and giving back. Our friend and Black Box staff photog, Joey Shigeo was on hand to capture some of the magic from this special event.

In an attempt to slow the impending and too rushed arrival of Christmas marketing crap, let's take a step back a little over a week and remember the fun we had on Halloween. Here's the Toy Machine team ripping at Active San Dimas (where Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure was set). People skating in costumes is quite hilarious.

Skateboarding can be a fickle business. Some guys who should be financially sound and well known are not and other guys who got in on a likeability factor are living off some nice shoe checks. It's just how it is. But, some guys are out there making it happen on their own, "it" being something that I cannot exactly define or understand. One example of this is "The Ger" himself, Jereme Rogers.

The skater, turned rapper (still think they should bring back that one song that goes "tell me suminsuminsumin I ner heard of, tell me suminsuminsumin I aint ner heard of"), turned Famous Stars and Straps rider has mastered the art of self promotion.

If you go back and watch the credits to Osiris' The Storm there's a clip in there where one of the dudes gets a D3 dipped in gold…in gold (I can't remember who it was, but I always wonder if he still has that golden shoe somewhere). J.R., seems to be taking tips from that era of "get it while you can" with a little hustle. Perhaps not in the way intended, but I, for one, am entertained.

Given Skateboards

Markovich Skids A Backside Tailslide, Jersey Barrier Style For Given.
A while back Kris Markovich parted ways with Crimson Skateboards, the company he founded, rode for and branded, via his own signature artwork. It was reported that Kris was taking with him most of the Crimson team to start a new outfit...this one called Given Skateboards. It's been a little while now that the Given website has been under construction, but as of recently, the company's brand new site has launched. Included so far at GIVENSKATEBOARDS.COM are rider profiles, video and photos, as well as an extensive product page, featuring the latest pro boards from Kris, Richie Belton, James Atkin and the legendary style-king of SF, Nate Jones. But wait, what about Ragdoll? From the looks of things, Rags is missing from the Given roster, aka, no longer skating for Given. It'll be interesting to see where he ends up. Any guesses? Could there be a Black Label reunion in the works in a move similar to the Jason Adams team revisitation? We'll just have to see, now wont we.

NEW PRODUCTS

Peep this surprise drop from Emerica. Designed by Andrew Reynolds and dubbed the Nailer, this shoe comes in black patent leather with an array of stitch detailing along with a clean white sole–one of the finest sneakers we’ve seen this season. The Emerica logo is neatly stitched on both the inside/outside of each shoe and printed in green on the lining. These kicks are also available in white suede with gold detailing. See detailed images of each shoe below and order direct through Active. $65 ain’t bad for some black patent leathers.

While most brands/artists/shops are milking the whole PEACE/LOVE thing, NYC artist Ruslan Karablin aka SSUR actually lives with his eyes open and sees that Armageddon is inevitable. So he teamed up with DC Shoes to hook up these war torn kicks, which feature unique camouflage prints from around the globe to represent war between the first, second and third worlds. If the world is still around, look for these to hit shops December 1st, until then…repent. $140

With an unofficial tag name “Soda Cup”, here we have an upcoming Nike SB Dunk Hi. Like the tag name, the outside of the shoe has colors resemblant of a Coca-Cola cup–red/white–and the inside color is brown, perhaps resembling soda. Expect a release for Spring ‘09.

A little over a month ago, HUF dropped the first installment of their Fall ‘08 Collection. Among many other hats, HUF is known for their go-to classic Tonal H New Eras. Now for all of you east coast/mid-west’ers, you can purchase these fine fitteds directly through HUF’s Online Store. Choose from cardinal red, black, white, gray and camouflage. $50

We just saw the Armageddon-ready DC x SSUR Sneaker this morning, now we have a new colorway of the same shoe. Unlike the first, this DC x SSUR shoe features a range of natural solid colors–brown, green, beige–and a bit of orange to accent the ultra air cushioned heel and lining. We also have detailed images of the shoe which reveal the iconic “SSUR” tag embroidered on the back. View the photos below and stay tuned for more info.

RVCA and the Aloha Army have teamed up to bring you a limited edition t-shirt featuring the artwork of George Thompson. Thompson, aka EWOK, is a talented multimedia artist from California and a member of RVCA’s Artist Network Program (ANP). Thompson incorporated the Hawaiian Islands, No. 50 and ‘Aloha’ in the design of the RVCA X Aloha Army T-Shirt. Only 150 of these shirts are being made and will only be available at Aloha Army.

With a pro team made up of 21st century skate legends Josh Kalis, Arto Saari, Anthony Van Engelen, Heath Kirchart, Steve Berra, Rob Dyrdek, Mike Taylor, Omar Salazar, Dylan Reider, and Jason Dill along with ams Tyler Bledsoe, Grant Taylor, and newbie Jake Johnson, it’s no wonder we’re flabbergasted over the upcoming Alien Workshop video Mind Field, one of the most anticipated skate videos since the dawn of the new millennium. Although we were just learning to tie our shoes for Alien’s first two vids Memory Screen (1991)and Time Code (1997) (yes, it took us a while to get the knot right), we grew up watching Alien’s third video Photosynthesis (2000), which is regarded as one of the greatest skate videos of all time (opinions may vary).

Now, apart from an official DVD image pictured above, we have an official release date. Mind Field will be available through the Skate Park of Tampa’s Online Store February 2nd, 2009. We’re not sure if SPOT gets first dibs or exactly what the deal is, but it’s the first official news we’ve heard about the release thus far. If you haven’t seen the trailers yet, click “Read more” to get a taste of the skate madness to come….

If Diamond Supply Co. looks this good lying on a grimy bathroom floor, just imagine how it’d look around ya waist. Pictured above are the new Fall ‘08 Belts that just hit Reed Space. Peep the other goods below and swing by the Space to pick up.

Last week, we were the first to give you word on Nike SB November Sneakers, now we have the apparel. Letting freedom ring, most of the goods, including fitteds, tees, and hoods, are decked out in the good ol’ Red, White, and Blue. Also in the mix is a beefed up duffel bag. View the lineup below and stay tuned as we’ll keep you posted when this gear hits retailers.

We present to you this re-released Nike SB Dunk Low in a brown/tan color-up. Lately, Nike’s been toning down their shoes in a good way, as seen by the Nike SB November ‘08 Releases we showed you last week, and these sweet suede kicks will suffice the pickiest Dunk fiends.

Skate posterchild of bowls and brews, Tony Trujillo’s Vans pro model, the TNT Mid II, arrives in three new colorways for the cooler months. Choose from blue/orange, black/purple, and Green Bay Packers green/yellow. Expect these to hit Vans accounts in a couple weeks. $65

While we’re waiting for word when the Airwalk “Jim” Shoes will drop, we came across these Airwalk Canvas Hi’s that feature Airwalk’s custom Skull Ollie Vuitton print–a high-end rippin’ chocolate/gold pattern that features skulls & crossbones mixed with Airwalk’s logo. Is Airwalk the next comeback brand to make it big in our industry? Visit Airwalk to view the other kicks that this reemerging skate label designed and hit up a select retailer to purchase.

Marisa Dal Santo

Marisa Dal Santo has got it going on. Over the last few years, she's been casually laying down a pattern of destruction not unlike a tropical storm that gathers energy before anyone notices it's becoming a hurricane.
Marisa's skills caught the eyes of the right folks (like Jamie Thomas), and she started getting product from some of the most respected names in skating. She's gotten photos in the magazines and a solid independent video part has popped up on YouTube, grabbing her more attention. She even nabbed some contest wins (First place in Women's Street in X Games 13, where she took home $20,000 on her 20th birthday). So when is the world going to start taking her seriously? Weather permitting, she should be landing any minute now.
We had Mike Sinclair sit down with Marisa to get the latest from this natural disaster.

SKATE NEWS

It's official...The skate king of the THUG NIGHTIE/GHETTO GOWN himself, has teamed up with the Sactramento Kings. Girl Pro, Brandon Biebel, aka "The Sactown King" has joined forces with the Sacramento Kings to produce a very special Brandon Biebel Kings jersey. Brandon's a Sacto local, a diehard Kings fan, is down with the Maloof Brothers (owners of the team) and when not nollie flipping out of nosegrinds, can be found dunking basketballs on the regs (yeah, dude can dunk). The Brandon Biebel Kings jersey is available for $54 bucks at the Sacremento Team Store.

It looks like Mike V. may have set something off with his recent partnership with the Anaheim Ducks. If it's extracurricular interest that's spawning these collaborations outside the realm of skateboarding, then I'm claiming next to come is, the Dan Drehobl, Marboro Red Signature Collabo Box. Can I get a witness?!

Thunder Trucks

Front Board, 270 Nollie Heel Out. MJ Keeps Creativity In Skateboarding From Falling Completely Off.
...how ill is Marc Johnson? Did you see his newest Thunder Ad? Yep, that's a frontside boardslide, nollie 270 heelflip out. When's the last time you saw one of those go down? How about, never. I know MJ got Skater Of The Year last year (2007), but is it possible to give it to him again? I'm asking a lot of questions I know, but you can handle it. What I'm getting at here is, Marc Johnson has been pro since the mid-90's and continues to push skateboarding beyond everyone's expectations. Check out Marc's part from an old 411. There's a strobe light, a hoola hoop, some Stereolab, a few burly rails and a sh*tload of buttery techness thrown in for very good measure. Sick back and just think, "He was this good back in '97, imagine just how good he actually is now?" Yeah, dude is that good.

And while you're lazy and into having moving images stimulate your brain, check out Marc speak in the second installment of Epicly Later'd's Lakai Episode.

Ice Cream

TK Salutes His Former Employer
While many rappers are quick to claim skateboarding as their own, there aren't many that can back up their claims. Remember that controversy about Pharrell a little while back when he started calling himself "Skateboard P?" Many were hating and the words "Pharrell Can't Skate" soon the phrase was as prominent as the eye peircing colors schemes of the Ice Cream footwear line. Under Pharrell's wing at the time, riding for Ice Cream, Terry Kennedy was quick to back his boss while countering the widespread claim of "Skateboard P's" inadequacy on a board.

Now, off Ice Cream and on Supra, TK has as most know, entered the rap game, just like MC JR, AKA Jereme Rogers. While for some, Terry's lyrical potency may be debatable, his skills atop a skateboard are a sure-ass thing. And to make certain there was no confusion on the matter, Terry mixed some footage of his venemous studio spitting, alongside some of his own skating for his newest Fly Society track, "Swagga Like Us." For more skating from TK and his boys P-Rod & JR, visit Sk8site.com

MALAYSIA SKATE COMP

Date : 15th - 16th November 2008
Location : Kampar KBS Complex SkateparkKampar is located in Perak states. Just after Tapah n Bidor exit tolAccommodations provided for all contestants or u can book at Kmapar's 4 star hotel - http://www.grandkamparhotel.com/

PRIZES: 1st - RM1300 + accessories from crazeecausa 2nd - RM950 + accessories from crazeecausa 3rd - RM750 + accessories from crazeecausa
Junior Best Run (below 17 of age) 1st - RM300 2nd – RM200 3rd – RM150
Best Trick RM350

SKATE NEWS

The Vans Skatepark The Block in Orange, California is turning 10 years old, so come out and celebrate this Saturday. Mystery Vans pros will be showing up to shred, plus there’ll be free food, drinks, product tossings, and skate sessions. Click the flyer for the full details…

Cheer up Arizonans, The GOAT & The Occasional Others will be performing tomorrow night in honor of Aaron Pearcey’s 35th birthday. Andrew Reynolds, Kevin Long, Shane Heyl, and Beagle oneISM will be there with the Cowntown crew too, so get those seven bucks right and ready.

Aaron Pearcey’s 35th Annual B-Day Bash
Friday Nov. 7th @ 9PM / $7 Cover
Chasers Lounge (SE corner of Hayden & Roosevelt)
All Ages / Bar with ID

Krooked just fortified its am squadron with Floridian ripper Brad Cromer. Don’t worry, there’s more to the story than this little web posting.

That’s right, Flip’s finest stopped by TWS today and answered all your juiciest queries from this article. Stay tuned for the edited video and to find out who is winning the Extremely Sorry pack of goodies.

If, by chance, your gonna be en Mexico between the 5th to the 13th of November or you live there already, know that all the skaters from RVCA will be doing a few demos around those parts. Also, they will have an autograph signing at Pop Shop in Guadalajara.

Long Way Alf

We've had some extensive coverage of all things Adam Alfaro in the last two weeks, but it's because he's a hell of a character. He's come a long way (haven't we all?) from his part in Label Kills to his skating of today and the heavy experimentation he's been getting into in his bedroom. But, he's still just cruisin'. This clip of him rolling through Yalta is a reminder of what you can find when you hop on and let your board carry you where it wants. As I always say on Friday, it's Friday. Go out and skate.—Joshua Brooks

éS x Justin Eldridge x Evan Hecox Collaboration

éS

éS x Justin Eldridge x Evan Hecox Collaboration
This one's just in. For the launch of Justin Eldridge's new style kick, éS has teamed up with Chocolate Skateboards and internationally acclaimed skate artist, Evan Hecox. Evan's work has been featured all over the place, including some of the most memorable Chocolate decks ever. Be sure to get all over a pair of these soon, because according to the almighty rule of "the collabo," these things will be gone before you know it.

Whoop That Trick

It's no secret that Mark Appleyard is winning at the skateboard-game. I mean, there's probably not a g'damned thing the guy can't do trick-wise. It's now apparent that Mark is killing the life-game as well, with the addition of a shiny new BMW X5 into his world of luxury. And with that said, what better way to introduce that whip than with a couple lazer flips on one of those ridiculously hard to flip, Creature "Ripriders".