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 .

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR.

GONG XI FA DA CAI.HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR.HUATSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

SKATE NEWS

Jamie Thomas Talks Trade Show

Deathwish's Lizard in the Zero TF: Proof of the kind of collaboration the Crossroads Retail Event hopes to achieve.
In his characteristic fashion, Jamie Thomas has stepped up to hold an event that he hopes can better meet the needs of the skateboarding community. As ASR has grown less and less relevant to the world of skateboarding (some say it has never been relevant), major companies have become disenfranchised. Now, The Chief hopes to change things and hold a skate retail show on the Blackbox Premises, with the most vital companies in skateboarding in attendence. The event hopes to bring skate companies and only skate companies in to guide the industry's direction in these tough times and provide some entertainment in the form of a best trick contest and friends. Here are a few questions I asked him about the event.

What was the genesis that led to holding the Crossroads Retail event at Blackbox?
Well it actually came about pretty naturally; there seems to be fewer and fewer skate brands attending ASR, and we've held open houses for the past few years, so we felt we could facilitate the need for a skate specific show. Our goal is give everyone a place to get together in hopes to create excitement for retailers…and at the very least provide food, good times and skateboarding.

Are most companies participating or have some still chosen to go to the ASR show in downtown San Diego?
Almost every relevant skate brand is attending and some of the brands are at ASR as well.

The Chief lays into a feeble and talks some business.
On the flyer for the event you're qouted as saying, "Our industry is at a crossroads and it's time for us to take action to keep it thriving". What did ASR lack for the skate community? What do you hope to achieve with the Crossroads event?
ASR just caters to the surf community first. Understandably so, it's a bigger industry. The main points are that the timing and environment of the ASR aren't that conducive for the skate industry.

On a less serious note: the trade shows you have had the last two years have included a best trick contest open to skaters trying to get noticed. They've been a mix between a cring-enducing huckfest and a demo of raw talent. Is there a harshest, most memorable slam that you can recall? Are there any relative unknowns that impressed you?

Yeah, a few dudes got taken out at the last open house. A few times people bailed and landed on someone else's board. That's always a harsh scene.
Is the dunk tank gonna come out again this year?
Nah, I think we're gonna skip this one, maybe next time.
The show will be held on January 21st and is open to the public from 6 to 10 pm. To find out more about the event, check the flyer above and catch up at www.blackboxdist.com

SKATE NEWS

Whoa, looks like IV SK8 just added a third member to their team, NYC’s incredibly talented Jake Johnson. Good call. So does that mean there’s one more spot over there? I wonder who’s it gonna be.

SKATE NEWS

SKATE NEWS

January 1st, Dave Patri president of the newly formed Life Distribution opened its doors this month and proudly announces its acquisition of Ambiguous Clothing. The company’s head quarters are in Santa Ana, California, which will house a small skate facility and art studio.

Ambiguous Clothing has new energy with new designers and a new marketing team that will evolve the brand into the must have label. The new clothing lines will feature a full range of apparel and several T-Shirt series from the newly formed “Ambiguous Addicted Artists Association” or “4A”. We are encouraging artists to come up with there own unique vision rather than steering them into a single direction. The line will also include array of denim and jackets along with classic flannels and button-ups.

The marketing will be focused on the core skate market with advertising in every major skate magazine and website; details on the all new skate team will be released in our upcoming press re-lease’s and ads.

Ambiguous will be launching their new Fall ‘09 line this January at the Agenda trade show in San Diego, Bright show in Frankfurt and SLATE in Las Vegas, February 17th. The brand also has an extended T-Shirt line available for “at once” that is fresh and highly creative.

Ronnie Creager was one of my all–time favorite skateboarders growing up. A few years back, in 2005, when he rejoined etnies, I couldn’t have been more excited. And a few months later, watching him win etnies GvR… completely killing it, was one of the more memorable contest moments for me in skateboarding. Shortly thereafter, he won the first Lord of the Lines and Manny Mania contests as well, which, to anyone who knows Ronnie, wasn’t a surprise at all.

Ronnie and I got to know one another and skated together and made silly video clips for the etnies website and so on. Strangely enough, this extremely gifted technical innovator, whose incredible video parts, like Super Conductor Super Collider, 411, Life in the Fast Lane, Menikmati, 20 Shot Sequence, Trilogy, Rodney Vs. Daewon, What If?, etc. I marveled at for so many years, was now someone I got to skate with all the time. To this day, I still fan out a bit when he shows up to skate, as is probably obvious from this blog posting already.

Friendship doesn’t really know words like “sponsor” or “press release.” It doesn’t expire or renew or cost money like a contract does.

Friendship is instinctual and friendship is natural, fun and priceless, much like skateboarding is for many of us.

Unfortunately, Ronnie and etnies recently parted ways. This may be the first you’re hearing about it. After the news was broken to me, I saw Ronnie the Damn Am Costa Mesa contest and he said, “Have you heard?”

I instantly knew what he was referring to and I looked at his feet, still etnies-clad. To be honest, I didn’t really care the he wasn’t going to be on etnies anymore. I didn’t see Ronnie as some guy who rode for etnies. I don’t care what shoes are on his feet. He’s an amazing dude. He’s fuckin’ Ronnie Creager, ya know?

He explained the story, the conversation moved on and we continued talking like friends do. And that’s the way it should be… at least I think so.

I can’t wait to see Ronnie’s part in the new Blind video. A lot of people feel that way. I know he’s working really hard on it, especially since coming off surgery a year ago. I know watching it will reinforce to me why Ronnie’s remained at the top of my list of favorite skateboarders for over 15 years now. I’m happy that through etnies, he and I got to know one another and now I have a friend in him. I, and everyone here at etnies wish the nothing but amazing things for Ronnie and we know we’ll see him ripping for a long time to come.

Best of luck, Ronnie, from myself and from all your friends at etnies. Still waiting for you to teach me proper frontside flips too!