SKATE NEWS

Quiksilver is doing a digial zine of all the trips the guys go on this year. The first chapter is Brazil. It’ll have a second Brazil chapter added in a couple weeks, and a bunch of guys are in Australia to get footage for an Australia chapter.

Vista, CA& The Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza foundation is pleased to announce it has begun development of its first "Safe Spot, Skate Spot" in Los Angeles' Lafayette Park this January. The Lafayette Safe Spot Skate Spot will be completed by late February 2009.

The Safe Spot Skate Spot is a program developed by The Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation to support legal and safe skate spots for communities interested in developing skateable terrain for their skateboarders. Based from the skate plaza concept, the Safe Spot Skate Spot program will provide an alternative option for communities to develop real legal street skating locations given limited budgets or space restrictions.

The Lafayette Safe Spot, Skate Spot was developed in partnership with the Foundation, Newline Skate Parks and California Skate Parks. At just over 7000 square feet of skateable terrain the spot will contain ledges, benches and stairs that flow through the park's natural landscape. Funding from a generous donation by CKE Restaurants, Inc., parent company of the Carl's Jr.® hamburger chain to the Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation secured the development of the Lafayette skate spot.

"I'm excited to see the first Safe Spot Skate Spot come to life," said Rob Dyrdek, the Foundation's Founder and Director. "We realized that cities want to help their skateboarders but are often lacking funds or space and this concept provides the perfect solution for both. Skateboarding has always been defined by great spots and I hope that we are on our way to creating the next great, legal spots for skateboarding."

Lafayette skate spot is expected to open in late February 2009. For more information and updates on the Lafayette spot, the Safe Spot Skate Spot program and The Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation, visit the new updated website at www.skateplaza.com .

The Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation seeks to promote the sport of skateboarding by assisting municipalities with the design, development, and construction of locations that maintain the integrity of terrain occurring naturally in urban environments and where the sport of skateboarding in its purest form is encouraged rather than discouraged.

One of the perks of working in skateboarding is that sometimes little treats come across my desk. I get lots of crap, too. But every so often real collectible gems and memorabilia come my way as well.

Earlier this week, I got a great addition to my skateboard historian's library in the form of a new title, "Made For Skate." The book, systematically breaks down the history of skate shoes from our surf roots (surf brands like Makaha and Hobie made some of the earliest skate shoes) and winds its way through boom and bust and boom again to our present-day saturation of abundant footwear and its crossover appeal to street wear culture.

Best of all, the book is stuffed with nostalgic photos of skate footwear eras gone by. Does anybody reading this remember the Etnies Skrews or Sheep Shoes or even Airwalk Enigmas and NTS? Well, then you can relive your glory days on the coffee table with this bad boy.

Nike SB played a hand in getting this book to print and their influence shows in a strong Nike presence throughout. Haters can hate, but one the thing the book does do is show Nike's prevalence in skate culture from the '70s onward. The book doesn't shy away from Nike's ill-fated attempt to break into skating in the mid-late '90s either. It also gives even play to Consolidated's attempts at keeping the larger brands out of skateboarding. And ample respect is given to the originators and innovators like Vans who's Half Cab is still one of the best shoes to actually skate in on the earth (sure that's just one man's opinion but that doesn't mean it's not a correct one).

Overall, the authors go out of their way to be thorough, fair and balanced in their presentation of this unique and essential part of our history. It's a good read and will have a place of prominence on my shelf for years to come.

For those of you who don't have the coin to shell out for a serious hardcover book, you're in luck that the entire tome is available in pixel form here. If you do have the means though, I highly recommend picking one up. It is sooo choice.

SKATE NEWS

AWS Mind Field Premiere @ Vans Skateparks!

Head down to either Vans Skatepark in Orlando, FL or Orange, CA to watch the new Alien Workshop video Mind Field on Saturday, February 7th @ 7PM (local time). The event is free and there will be tons of giveaways. Check out awsfilmworks.com for more information about the video that features Vans Skate Team rider Anthony Van Engelen!

This just in from RVCA:

Raymond Molinar and RVCA have officially parted ways.

Raymond is a great skateboarder and an amazing person. We wish him
the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

SKATE NEWS

SKATE NEWS

Ambiguous has been a little quiet as of late, but they just got a lot louder today after officially announcing their new team. The lineup includeds Corey Duffel, JT Aultz, Jason Adams, Sid Melvin, and Sean Conover. Look out for the Duffman in our next vid, Right Foot Forward and look out for Ambiguous’ gear in a skate shop near you.

Contest To Take Place June 26, 27, And 28

For the third consecutive year, DVS Shoes and the Copenhagen Skatepark have teamed up to produce one of Europe’s fastest growing contest events—the CPH Pro. Boasting one of the largest prize purses in Europe, this year’s contest is set to take place on June 26, 27, and 28.

Once again the best pro skateboarders from around the world will converge on Copenhagen, Denmark for a weekend of heated pro competition on an all new course—great food, free beer, and tons of good times. Save the date!

For more info and updates:
www.myspace.com/cphpro
www.facebook.com/cphpro

SKATE NEWS

People copy skateboarders. It's a fact. And every time mainstream culture gets a little too close to the skate subculture, we go and switch things up, always staying one step ahead. Remember big pants in the '90s? That was us way before it was rave culture. And skinny jeans with high tops in the '00s? Trendsetters like Chad Muska were rocking that gear long before you saw Lindsay Lohan in a similar getup on the cover of the latest tabloid. (Photo: Marc Falkenstien)

Action Sports and energy drinks have gone hand-in-hand for a while now. But only recently has Gatorade stepped into the game. The sports drink giant has chosen wunderkind, Chaz Ortiz as one of their premier athletes to represent the brand in 2009. Not yet 15, Ortiz stands between Michael Jordan and Peyton Manning on the elite roster; he's surely making grown-man money from the deal. When the world's original sports drink has its eye on skating, shouldn't you, too? (Photo: Sean Cronan)

The most respected brands associated with skating are still the ones run by, and for, skaters. Jamie Thomas, a dominant and celebrated skater has successfully transformed his pro career into that of a highly successful businessman: he owns and operates three skateboard companies, a shoe brand and a distribution company. Skaters the world over admire Jamie's prowess on board but his business acumen has earned him honors off it. He won a regional "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" in 2006. (Photo: Joey Shigeo)

Skateboarding's early years were as a predominantly white, suburban, middle class activity. But its ever-increasing popularity has grown the sport in so many directions its demographic is now impossible to pigeonhole. Street skating is thriving in all kinds of communities and gaining popularity the world over. In the '80s, a scene like this one might have been an anomaly. But today skaters like Darrell Stanton, skating spots like this bank deep in the Bronx, are closer to the rule than the exception. (Photo: Allen Ying)

More than just great exercise, skateboarding makes you look at the world in such a way that you're always seeing new potential. Every street, every bench, every pool has a new line and something you can try for the very first time. This attitude of continual discovery keeps everything fresh from the feeling in your bones to the grin on your face. 44-year-old pro skater Lance Mountain knows that if you live in a world of possibilities, you'll always be young at heart. (Photo: Jon Humphries)

NEW PRODUCTS

During the week, we gave you the heads up about the Diamond Supply Co. x Puro Pari Power 106 tee. Now we have images of the first ever Diamond Supply Co. Custom Fitteds. These will be the colorways of the final production and will release soon. Hit the link below to view the detail of the inside of the fitted as well as the back crest.

Converse Skateboarding has been making a huge commotion in the skateboarding industry. Now, Atlas has received the classic Converse CTS in a black canvas colorway. Hurry though, these classics are sure to sell out and you never know when these will re-release again.

Plan B is coming out with its very own line of skate shoes. Obviously, some will hate, while others, who are unaware of Plan B’s respectable roots (Questionable) and more hyped on Shecks and PJ Ladd, will be excited over this new endeavor. These Converse Chuck Taylor ripoffs lookalikes will be hitting shelves at some point. See some close-up shots below and visit Skatewarehouse to view all the hate/love comments.

HUF dopped this tough ripstop nylon New Era a few months back, now it’s available through their online store at a discounted price of $25 (original price $42). Choose from four colors - red, white, navy, and aqua.

Chocolate brings us their classic “Chunk C” New Era in all red and adds pinstripes for a bit of class. See more images below and pick yours up now at In4mation’s newly opened skate shop.

As the anticipation for Terry Kennedy’s first-ever Supra pro model, the Society, begins to boil over, TK is still flossin’ the shoe hard via Myspace. In this set of photos, you can get a better look at the Gray Patent Leather color-up (see a high resolution image HERE), which features “TK” embossed on the tongue. Get a closer look below at the shoe (and TK’s ice) below. These are said to release 5/1/2009.

Diamond Supply Co. has been delivering bangers for the past few weeks. Their “Diamond Eyes” crew sold out within an hour and now we have images of the upcoming “Puro Pari Power 106″ tee. This tee comes in three colorways and will release sometime next month. Hit the link below to view more images.

Karmaloop’s shipping boxes are always designed nicely, now Karmaloop is teaming up with WeSC and Stash to create these tagged up boxes! These Karmaloop shipping boxes feature the WeSC x Stash print that was released for the Fall WeSC ‘08 season. When order off Karmaloop, your orders will be shipped in these limited edition boxes. Hit the link below for a full view.

Keep your tot fresher than you with a pair of Baby Shoes by Vans. Go with the classic slip-on or get a little lace action with the checkered Old Skool (above). Available now at In4mation.

SKATE NEWS

You may have seen the bangin’ ads the two have just had, but Nike SB just sent out the official announcement (and welcome video) that Beach and Theotis are the newest members of the team. We saw both strapped up in SB’s at last night’s Mind Field premiere, and if you didn’t know Matt Beach was in our next video Right Foot Forward, it’s bout time you got with it.

Volcom will be at the Riverside skatepark in Melbourne, VIC tomorrow for Stone’s Wild In The Parks Tour Stop #10. Wild In The Parks is for young up and coming skaters to come out and showcase their skills. With this in mind, the series is entirely free. There are absolutely no entry fees, so anyone can enter.

SKATE NEWS

Los Angeles, CA — Starting now, Altamont will be bringing the unlikely stories of our team and contributors to the forefront on our recently overhauled home page with brief video clips filmed and directed by Patrick O'Dell. Visit it now to view the first installment, featuring skateboarding legend and Altamont co-creator, Andrew Reynolds, as he shares his philosophy on pursuing his interests to the fullest, the state of skateboarding today and his perception of where Altamont fits into the equation. Basically, it's a quick glimpse of how Andrew is cut from a different cloth from the run-of-the-mill pro skateboarder.

Be sure to check back frequently for more uncommon thoughts from uncommon peoplelike our diverse skate team, as well as seasonal brand contributors like renowned street photographer Boogie, post-punk noise architects No Age and guest designer Humberto Liechty—as we get around to posting them over the next few months.

Go to: www.AltamontApparel.com to watch the videos of Andrew.

Converse Welcomes Rune Glifberg to the Team

SKATE NEWS

Although skateboarding means many different things to many different people, most could agree that it is an escape from the daily stresses of life. Motivated by a desire to see Afghan youth “freed” from the violence and struggles of their war-torn country, 34-year-old Australian Oliver Percovich became the unofficial ambassador of skateboarding to Kabul, Afghanistan. Besides handing out boards to disadvantaged youth, this skate hero is hoping to open “Skateistan” by this spring, a school where kids can learn how to skate.

SKATE NEWS

A big congrats to our longtime friend Willy Santos on the birth of his first child.

The Kayo Corp and S & J comes with the Keh’O Canada Tour. Chronicling the life and times of 10 days on the road with Expedition,DGK, and Organika skateboard family.

Featuring: Expedition team riders:Chany Jeanguenin, Rob Welsh, Kenny Hoyle, Joey Pepper, Kelly Hart

Organika team:Karl Watson, Adelmo Jr, Zach Lyons

DGK team: Wade DesArmo

SKATE NEWS

SKATE NEWS

SKATE NEWS

Well, no new records were set on Saturday at DVS's "Hands Free Big Air Challenge" but some seriously popped ollies did go down. The official world record, which was set back in 2000 by Britain's Danny Wainwright still stands. The 44 inch blast has yet to be overcome in an official setting though rumors swirl about the legitimacy of Luis Tolentino's unofficial record breaker this past fall at the Rooftop Rampage in NYC.

Luis won the Grind For Life High Ollie challenge on Friday, though the field of competitors didn't seem to be very competitive.

The marquee status of this year's high ollie challenge was somewhat diminished when the much hyped return of the Reese Forbes High Ollie Challenge was postponed when the title sponsor, Quiksilver, pulled out of ASR. The powers that be at the Action Sports Retailer tradeshow didn't see it fit to allow Quik to hold the comp since they were no longer going to pony up the serious dough to have a booth at said tradeshow.

Filling the void, DVS stepped up to hold a high ollie event at their traditional tradeshow beer garden, circumnavigating the legality of the naming rights by rephrasing "ollie" into "Hands Free Big Air." DVS also playfully named their event for their most diminutive rider, Daniel Castillo, poking fun at the seriousness of their own comp. Since Castillo clocks in at a total height not too much taller than the set record, there may have been some confusion over whether entrants would be ollieing over a measured barrier or Castillo himself. Though Tolentino easily won Friday's comp, he was defeated by Cliché's Andrew Brophy at the DVS event. While Brophy didn't break the World Record, he made those massive leaps look so easy it seems it's only a matter of time before his name winds up in the Guinness Book .