SKATE NEWS

SKATE NEWS

Stereo is proud to announce the first annual Stereo “Shop Video Contest.” All shops are cordially invited to submit ONE video entry produced between 2007 and 2008 to the film festival. All submissions must be received by January 30th, 2009. On February 6th, we will announce the shop with the best overall video and post it up on the Stereo website for all to see. The winning shop will also receive $1,000 worth of Stereo products. Goodluck to all and may the best shop video win!

MERRY XMAS

MERRY XMAS and Bests wishes to all BROTHERS and Sisters

HAPPY SKATEBOARDING

www.skbsg.blogspot.com

www.interstateboardshop.blogspot.com

www.healthylifesg.blogspot.com

SKATE NEWS

For the first time ever, this past April the Zoo Crew embarked on a week-long South African skate safari to session spots in Durban and Johannesburg. Making the lengthy transatlantic flight were ZY Officials Zered Bassett, Forrest Kirby, and Brandon Westgate. Also on tour were ZY team manager Seamus Deegan, photographer Sean Cronan, and videographer RB Umali who was filming for Zoo’s upcoming full-length video, “State of Mind.”

Check out exclusive footage from the South Africa Tour on the ZY Media Channel, and download a free podcast from the iTunes Store.

South Africa Tour on ZY Media Channel:
http://www.zooyork.com/media/

South Africa Tour on iTunes:

"Tony Hawk is my hero. He really is. He's amazing. I want to be just like him."—Andrew Reynolds in Thrasher Issue #339

Still killin' it…All 80s All Day Event
Birdman's got an interview up on ESPN Sports Nation, which is entertaining. I know, I know what you're thinking. For years, seeped in the all-consuming high horseness that is street skating, I remember really laying intoTony Hawk. I would tell people that he was not real skating and that I was not a huge fan and go off on long diatribes about how he was ruining skateboarding. I hate to say it, but no one person can ruin skateboarding. Sure, there's some question about how pure it can remain when there are so many alterior interests, like snack food and energy drink endorsements. But, it's easy to talk sh*t on these things when you're mom's still serving up Poptarts at your parent's house under the warmth of a fully paid heating system.

Pretend for a moment that, after two years of living in squalor on your friend's couch and skating so hard you nearly tear your meniscus, an energy drink calls you up and goes, "Hey so-and-so, we want to buy you a house if you'll represent our product…wear our hat and shirt with our logo on it." Do you think you could turn that down? Think about it.

In the fickle business of skateboarding, even if you do end up snapping that little meniscus of yours in a year or so and disappear into oblivion, you still own a house. Furthermore, you can rip as always. It's not like your big backer is so influential in the way you skate that you'll have to do the skateboarding equivalent of Modest Mouse throwing Johnny Marr in their band while some record producer keeps trying to beat another Float On out of you.

I think of that time I used to bash Tony Hawk and laugh. Some of the things he does are silly, but I don't necessarily blame him. If I had an amazing, eye-catching ability as a writer (and a company cared enough), I would most definitely accept a sponsorship from someone like, say, Monster (hint! hint!).

When it comes to Tony Hawk, the dude's just getting his and i's a little known fact that most skaters, even if you think they're the most down, underground dude, are exactly the same. They might not have Club Med knocking on their door, but Reynolds clearly would do what Hawk has done (see above). And, Ellington, for example, is the principle inventor of the handboard (click on the preceding link and read the "more info" on the right to read about it), the sort of mainstream toy store Tech Deck thing you would never associate with him in any way. But, I say f*ck it. Get it while you can. All of these guys rip and so does Hawk. After watching him recently at the n 80s Quiksilver event, he even swayed that small part of me, deep down inside, that still has the urge to talk trash. But, I don't care what you say, me, I think the Birdman's awesome.

King of Handrail ( Malaysia Skate comp)

King of Handrail

1st - Geng Jaarin (THA) - FS Bluntslide Shuvit Out (R)
2nd - Rasidil bin Rasem (SIN) - FS Tailslide Big Spin Out
3rd - Sutat Sirawat (THA) - Kickflip BS 50-50 Grind
*(R) = Round handrail


Mini Ramp
1st - Muhammad Feroze Abdul Rahman (SIN)
2nd - Muhammad Farris Abdul Rahman (SIN)
3rd - Johari Fitri Khairudin (MAS)

SKATE NEWS

Birdman's got an interview up on ESPN Sports Nation, which is entertaining. I know, I know what you're thinking. For years, seeped in the all-consuming high horseness that is street skating, I remember really laying intoTony Hawk. I would tell people that he was not real skating and that I was not a huge fan and go off on long diatribes about how he was ruining skateboarding. I hate to say it, but no one person can ruin skateboarding. And, sure, there's some question about how pure it can remain when there are so many alterior interests, like snack food and energy drink endorsements. I agree with that. But, it's easy to talk sh*t on these things when you're mom's still serving up Poptarts at your parent's house under the warmth of a fully paid heating system.

Pretend for a moment that you have this amazing, God-given talent (or, alternatively, you have worked to be really good) at skating and you're sleeping on your friend's couch, eye-level with a coffee table piled high with beer cans and cig-laden ashtrays. The next day, you go to a contest. Then you go to another and another. You work your ass off to get a really good video part done (nearly tearing your meniscus in the process). Then, when you've spent a year, maybe two living on a couch that stinks of cigarette smoke, an energy drink calls you up and goes, "Hey so-and-so, we want to buy you a house if you'll represent our product…wear our hat and shirt with our logo on it." Do you think you could turn that down? Think about it.

In the fickle business of skateboarding, even if you do end up snapping that little meniscus of yours in a year or so and disappear into oblivion, you still own a house. On the brighter side, you can rip as always. I mean, it's not like you're Modest Mouse. Once you get a lucrative backer, you don't have to put Johnny Marr in your band or anything (side note: Johnny Marr and Modest Mouse from Good News… on backward—great. Together. Not so much). It's not like you have to submit your creative control to some record producer that keeps trying to beat another Float On out of you.

So, years later, I think of that time I used to bash Tony Hawk and laugh. I mean, I still think some of the things he does are silly, but I don't necessarily blame him. Obviously, there are questions of just how far you can take these odd endorsements, but, dude, Bagel Bites are delicious. If I had amazing, eye-catching ability as a writer (and a company cared enough), I would most definitely accept a sponsorship from someone like, say, Monster (hint! hint!). I don't intend to unecessarily ride my high horse to a van down by the river. Sh*t.

When it comes to Tony Hawk, the dude's just getting his. It's a little known fact that most skaters, even if you think they're the most down, underground dude, are exactly the same. They might not have Club Med knocking down their door, but Reynolds clearly would do what Hawk has done (see above). And, Ellington, for example, is the principle inventor of the handboard (click on the preceding link and read the "more info" on the right to read about it), the sort of mainstream toy store Tech Deck thing you would never associate with him in any way. You know what I think about all of this? F*ck it. Get it while you can. All of these guys rip and so does Hawk. In fact, I just saw him at an 80s Quiksilver event and the dude is better than I ever imagined. He even swayed that small part of me, deep down inside, that still has the urge to talk trash. But, I don't care what you say, me, I think the Birdman's awesome.

Don't Fear The Ripper

Skate One Presents "Rip The Ripper" Art Show

Skate One
The Powell Peralta "Ripper" graphic not only helped define the legendary brand, it defined a generation. The iconic skeleton ripping through an undefined surface found its way on to countless boards, tee's, stickers, banners and tattooed body parts. Now, Skate One, the umbrella company which runs Powell alongside a bunch of other brands, has appointed a long list of skate artists (40+) to compose their interpretation of the unmistakable graphic. So far on board, are dudes like Todd Bratrud, Dennis Mcnett, Dune, Don Pendleton, Keith Meek, Bigfoot, Fos, Jason Adams, Cab, Russ Pope, Esao Andrews, Shepard Fairey, Michael Sieben, Kevin Ancell, Lance Mountain, Jimbo Phillips, OG Powell Peralta graphics man, VCJ and many, many more. It'll all happen at January's ASR in meeting room 288, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And if you can't quite make it out to ASR, don't sweat it cause a book will be made of the art sometime after the show wraps. This one's gonna be sick. Check it out any way you can.

Girl's Clandestine Beginnings

Mike Carroll's Part in One of Skateboarding's Best Companies

Now that we've gotten over all of the dirty, dirty poopy mouth bad word, gross, gross H-E double hockey stick inappropriateness, it's time to watch Carroll grow into a man as Girl Skateboards secretly peels away from Plan B and Rickk and Mike nurture their skate companies into existence.

There are some great stories about that time in the book Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art about the graphic wars everyone had, hating on all the guys who started Girl. Also, there's some interesting history of the Girl beginnings in this interview with Steve Rocco on the World Industries site (toward the bottom). Interesting stuff.

Can't blame them for starting such a sick company, though. You gotta love Girl and the whole family. I only wish I could ro-sham-bo for vice-president at my job. That would be quite a salary change.

NEW PRODUCTS

On Saturday, December 20th at 12pm PST, Diamond Supply Co.’s world famous Mystery Box will be available online. For just $100, you’ll get two Hooded Sweatshirts, one Crewneck, and a Scout Belt - just what ones is the big mystery! Sizes available are S - XXXL, so there’s no shortage of gear. Peep the full flier below. Oh yeah, the last mystery box sold out in a day.

After a recent team-up with adidas, FTC now linked up with ACE for a special pair of orange/white trucks. The trucks feature “33″ engraved on the right side and “FTC” on the left (above). Style points on skateboards are more important than kickflips anyways, right?

Pants down, the Diamond Supply Co. Scout Belts are the top scout belt drop this year. One belt features a high-end/Christmas-y color-scheme (above) while the other is red/black with a painted-in logo on the buckle -stocking stuffer or full-fledged gift, these are a win-win. The Diamond Supply Co. Scout Belts are now available at In4mation. Call up for a phone order if need be.

These joyous Volleyball 5-Panel Hats by HUF will add some Christmas cheer to the receiver, even if it’s you. Choose from red/yellow plaid (above) or navy/green plaid (after jump). Available now through HUF’s online store. $38

Limited to 1,000 units and said to be the last Frogman model ever produced by Casio, the LRG x G-Shock Frogman is the latest watch craze. We told you earlier that it’s available at Karmaloop, but now MAJOR got a shipment in and provides a look at the box, which displays the lovely animated lady you see above holding a 10th anniversary cake - sweet. Check out more images below and stop by MAJOR to be king of the G-Shock.

While you’re waiting for Terry Kennedy’s pro model to drop (unless you cop this pair on eBay), get your flash on with anti-skate park skater/punk rocker/ex-druggie Jim Greco’s pro model, the Suprano High, in this purpled up colorway. Expect it to hit Supra/KR3W flagship store Factory 413 and other Supra retailers early January.

Put the SB’s on the shelf and grab a pair of Converse Skateboarding shoes, or Cons. Pay tribute to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the CTS model in black/yellow color-up that just arrived at In4mation, one of the first accounts to get them in. Call up for a phone order if you can’t get over to the Pineapple State.

Skateboarder Mag recently did an interview with Lakai head designers/team riders Eric Koston and Lucas Puig and provided images of two upcoming limited edition Lakai shoes. First off, we have the Lakai Koston SP LTD shoe ($70) in a Crailtap colorway - featuring neon pink and green highlights along with Crailtap’s logo on the tongue and the classic cloud pattern on the back heel. Anyone who knows about Crailtap will be super psyched on this shoe. Also check the Lakai Lucas Puig SP LTD ($55) model below. Expect these to hit select accounts soon.

Now we not only have very detailed look at the super hyped Supra TK model in a rose gold foil colorway, you can purchase a size 9 sample on eBay for $299 right now. The shoe is hi-cut and features two straps, “TK” embossed on the back heel, and “TK” printed on the footbed, just to name of few details. Check detailed images below and get the jump on the Spring ‘09 release.

Emerica Braydon Szafranksi pro model in four colorways, but there’s also a hi-cut version of the shoe which just may be the nicest of the bunch. Click the link below for a list of specs and expect a release shortly.

For the Winter season, IPATH will be releasing updated version of their popular Kenny Reed pro-model and Cats Sneaker - both with winter-specific linings. These will be hitting IPATH dealers within the weeks to come, hit the link below to catch a glimpse of the Kenny Reed Pro Model.

We finally have official images of party animal skater Braydon Szafranski’s pro model for Emerica. Fully designed by Braydon, the shoe features key skate specs like a G2 heel and STI foam footbed along with a well-crafted silhouette. The red/black/gray (above), black/silver, and green/black colorways will come in suede while the white/silver will come in white leather. The shoe is part of Emerica’s Holiday ‘08 lineup so it should be hitting retailers very soon.

The #1 stocking stuffer. HUF restocked their online store with their Script Logo ankle socks. Keep your socks cooler than your kicks. $8

G-Shock connoisseurs look out! Following the success of LRG X G-Shock “Time is Money”, Casio and LRG have teamed up once again to celebrate LRG’s 10 year anniversary with this exclusive G-Shock Frogman. The Frogman is the flagship model for G-SHOCK and features a patented shock resistant design along with unique features including 200M water resistance, a dive timer and tough solar technology. “10 Years of Playing” will be Casio’s first special brand collaboration using Frogman model and will likely be the last. Only 1,000 units of this watch will be produced making this collaboration extremely limited. Now available for pre-order at Karmaloop and guaranteed to ship before Christmas. $600

A couple weeks ago, Vans dropped the Chukka LX Fleece in four colorways. Now they hit us with this Fleece LX Slip-on, which features a suede outer and cozy fleece liner. For disgruntled early morning wake up calls or sneaker indecision, a good pair of slip-ons is a necessity. Choose from dachshund (above left), black (above right), tan and coffee. $90-$100

The Supreme x The North Face “Denali” Jacket is now available through Supreme’s online shop. And yup, sizes/colorways are being snatched up quick. $198

We first saw the black/tan colorway of Terry Kennedy’s upcoming Supra pro model, then purple, then gold. Now we get a good look at a black/red colorway (that will still go through “some changes”) and a release date of May 1st 2009. These images are from the video shoot for Fly Society’s song “Superstarz” - more info on that HERE. See a detailed shot of the shoe below. And yes, you still have plenty of time to save money for a pair.

Here, boy! HUF just added their new Leather Dog New Era to their online store in sizes 7″ - 8″. This black-on-black hat features a shiny leather outer, HUF “H” logo, and a bunch of cuddly doggy faces on the under-brim. Buy yourself a puppy for Christmas. $50

Last month, the motorcycle-friendly Vans Syndicate Max Schaaf Pack dropped at Robust Flavor, now HUF got their hands on the pack and gives us a closer look at the shoes, shoe boxes, and matching handle bar grips - yup, match your bike (no fixie) with your kicks. And hey, if you didn’t get the Vans x Supreme Mountain Edition in red, this is the next best (or better) thing. See the Era in both red and black below and stop by/call up HUF Sutter to get a pair.

SKATE NEWS

This week’s Sk8mafia Saturday is going down at San Diego’s Memorial Skatepark in conjunction with the Doogood Conservatory. Skate for free if you bring canned food or make a holiday card for the homeless.

SKATE NEWS

With the re-release of the 1988 Sick Boys, Red Bull did a nice interview with Bryce Kanights about the making and significance of the film. To get the scoop on everything from BK’s Wheaties intro to Julien Stranger pulling the first frontside boardslide on a handrail ever, give it a read.

We just got word that one of Tilt Mode’s finest, Jose Rojo, is now totally officially on etnies. So, now that his shoe deal is signed and sealed, could that mean enjoi has a pro board in the works too? We’ll have to wait and see…

Stereo is proud to introduce part 1 of Jason’s new segment on the Stereo website called, “The Earl Files.” In this episode Jason takes us for a tour of the set, with special guest Chris Pastras. Stay tuned for monthly Earl Files episodes starting in 2009…

Stacy Peralta, maker of the Dogtown & Z-Boys documentary has a new project focusing on the Bloods and Crips of Los Angeles, California. Check out this interview and a heavy trailer from the film. Some funny stuff about his Burger King Whopper Virgin commercials, too.

SKATE NEWS

Tony Hawk Foundation Supports First Concrete Skatepark In South Carolina
Organization continues growth with addition of Jamie Thomas to Board of Directors.

12/16/08 (Vista, CA) – The Tony Hawk Foundation Board of Directors met in December to select the recipients of its Fall 2008 Skatepark Grants. Among the 27 communities to receive a grant is Columbia, South Carolina, whose proposed 16,000-square-foot Owens Field Skatepark project will be the first custom-concrete skatepark in South Carolina, and also the first skatepark project in the state to qualify for a Tony Hawk Foundation grant.

The Board also welcomed new member Jamie Thomas, whose long history as a pro skater and industry leader had an immediate and positive impact on the group, which also includes Tony Hawk, Lenore Hawk Dale, Pat Hawk, Steve Hawk, Kent Dahlgren, Sandy Dusablon, Bobby Kotick, Jared Levine, Mike Vallely, Erica Zohar, and Lior Zohar. Each Board Member brings a unique background to their work with the Foundation, and the addition of Jamie further diversifies the Foundation’s governing body.

Since its inception in 2002, the Tony Hawk Foundation has awarded 427 grants worth over $2.7-million to help construct free, public skateparks in 48 states. The latest recipients of Foundation grants include both urban and rural communities in 18 states.

The newest video that everyone's been sh*tting their pants over in nervous anticipation, now has itself an official release date. Alien Workshop's Mind Field will be released around the world on 02/06/2009. That's February 6th, 2009 for all you scholars. In addition to full-length parts from Heath Kirchart, Arto Saari, Mikey Taylor, AVE, Josh Kalis, Dylan Rieder, Jason Dill, Omar Salazar, Rob Dyrdek, Steve Berra, Grant Taylor, Tyler Bledsoe and Jake Johnson, the DVD packaging of this one will include a 60+ page photo book featuring images from the extensive making of the video. If you're into torturing yourself and want to take part in a day to day countdown til' its release, go here. If you're a patient, reasonable person, check the Workshop-released statement about the video below and sit your ass tight.

"Filmed and built over the span of 2005-2009, Mind Field is the 4th full length audio/visual offering by AWS. A document of the team's raw ability and eclectic personalities interlaced with The Workshop's undying pursuit of visual individuality and creative freedom."

SKATE NEWS

Despite being virtually unknown beyond the imaginary East Coast line, Substance Skateboards has been making quite a name for itself, especially on its NYC home turf. With a solid team of rippers, the brand has taken mostly a grass roots approach to spreading it's name via tours, demos and skate event appearances. Now, Substance has upped the ante by releasing a promo to a worldwide audience thanks to the world wide web.

Substance Abuse is the short but impressive promo that's running on their site right now. It features the entire Substance team and showcases stand-out parts from up and comer Nick Sassa, Rob "Manimal" Campbell, Phil Ladjanski and the beastly skating of Robert Mont-Lopez. In my opinion, online promos are usually hit or miss, especially if the company is an independent one. However, Substance Abuse is good. It's actually real good. Check it out right now and discover a company that may not have the advertising budget of Mountain Dew, but has the chops to hang with the big boys.
thing about skateboarding, hands down, is the resourcefulness of each and ever one of us. Sometimes it's a chore just getting a few bucks in gas money, for driving your friends to a spot. Many skaters are either too young to have money or too caught up in making due at their job that they don't have enough cash to stretch anywhere else.

But, when we can give, for the most part, we give, whether it's half your meal to your homie, an IOU from your local skate shop for a set of bearings or an old deck to the kid just starting on the corner. Recently, the whole crew over at Bordertown made an internet plea and multiple friends and companies answered. Fallen and Thrasher with DLXSF, 510 Skateshop and Caliskatz teamed up to hold a raffle to raise money for the project. Also, the Ferocious Few and Hightower are holding a benefit show this Thursday, December 18th at Thee Parkside. If you want to win some new gear or see two ripping bands, go forth and enjoy. To donate in any way, go to www.oaklandskatepark.com.

BlackBox Sale

"Fallen jacket jacket humdida humdida jacket, fallen jacket going once, going twice, gone…Slave beanie beanie humdida humdida humdida slave beanie, in the back there, slave beanie humdida humdida, sold!"

Stereo had a little product sale and now Blackbox is following suit with a warehouse sale of all four hefty brands—Slave, Mystery, Fallen and Zero.

SKATE NEWS

Looks like the MMC will be bigger in 2009, airing on NBC and MTV2. Read on for the official news:

The Maloof Money Cup (MMC) announces a media partnership with Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, to bring MMC to NBC and MTV2. On the heels of a very successful first year, the new partnership expands the 2009 MMC broadcast coverage to 3 1/2 hours in original content, from its initial one hour of programming in 2008. This extended coverage allows MMC to better showcase the competing skaters while highlighting their histories and accomplishments in skateboarding through individual profiles during the broadcast.

“Because of the great success we had with the inaugural Maloof Money Cup, I am very excited to announce that our 2009 TV coverage has more than tripled between NBC and MTV2,” said Joe Maloof, president of Maloof Companies. “The Maloof Family is thrilled and honored to be associated with Alli, NBC and MTV. Although we will continue to maintain all creative rights and autonomy, we will work closely with Alli to continue to deliver the world’s greatest skateboarding event.”