Going deep in the concrete jungle
photos: budro
30 EDITORIAL - A time of transition
46 ARTIST PROFILE - Alex Yanes
48 LONGBOARDING FOR PEACE UPDATE - A battle for peace in Houston and more
74 DEPTH OF FIELD - A photo feature
82 20 QUESTIONS - Mr. Tibs
86 LONGBOARD GIRLS CREW REPORT
94 MANUFACTURING PROFILE - Chris Chaput of Liquid Trucks
97 GOT STEEZ - Max Capps
50 CONCRETE JUNGLE 62
Our associate editor explores the concrete jungles of Malaysia with friends, a camera, longboards and adventurous spirits.
Field notes for skaters taking on all that NYC has to offer.
A Look at how one family is finding skateboarding to be therapeutic
Amanda Powell offers insight in to what inspires her skating and how she finds balance in her life
Mark Nisbet captures a pensive moment as Amanda reflects on the days photo shoot.
Tom Weiss didn’t think the coping was high enough so he dropped in from the roof.
Photo by Christopher Vandervajt
When I asked our new photo editor, Jordan Langdon, for a shot that would dramatically illustrate the concept of transitions, he sent over this photo of Anthony Timmer, shot by Kyle Smith, in Penticton British Columbia. There’s no doubt in my mind that skateboarding is transitioning, as it always has done. It’s not just that skateboarding has embraced variety, but the entire industry is rethinking the type of products it offers skaters. There is a new generation of riders who seamlessly transition from street to skateparks to freeriding.
Even the rise of the plastic Penny board has made an impact upon skateboarding. My sense is that a number of people with plastic cruisers will eventually transition to wood once they grasp its capabilities.
Over the past number of months Concrete Wave has brought together a new team of people to help transition to the future. We’ll be working on a number of elements with respect to design and content. Our goal is simple: to celebrate the pure joy of riding, no matter what terrain you’re on. As many of us transition from what was a pretty brutal winter, we welcome you to the next chapter.
Michael Brooke Editor
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
MICHAEL BROOKE | mbrooke@interlog.com
ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER
Stacy Lowery
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Joey Bidner
PHOTO/COPY EDITOR
Jordan Langdon
I.T. Department Head
Rick Tetz of CalStreets.com
HEAD OFFICE
1136-3 Center Street, Suite 293, Thornhill, Ontario, L4J 3M8 Ph: 905.738.0804
Skateshop Distribution
Buddy Carr Designs PO Box 1895, Carlsbad, CA 92018 Buddycarrdesign@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
Mark Nizbet, Chris Vanderyajt,Kyle Smith, Alex Yanes, Greg Noble, Erick Barrandey, JJ Rudisill, Marybeth Vyain, Rob Rodrigues, Guto Lamera, Ryan Bregante, Michael Alfuso, Bruno Park, Alexandra Kubiak Ho-Ch, Valeria Kechichian, Matt K, Fifer,Mat Olszowy, Kurt Hurley, Jimmy Riha, Chad Hargrove, Jon Steele, Andrew Andras
Concrete Wave is published by North of La Jolla Inc. Subscriptions (6 issues) are US$26 FIRST CLASS or CAN$26. Address change? Mag not arriving? Contact usdon’t go postal. We can sort it out. mbrooke@interlog.com.
Publisher’s permission is required before reproducing any part of this magazine. The views and opinions expressed in Concrete Wave are not necessarily those of the publisher. Printed in the USA.
DUSTERS WAKE Green|34” x 9.125”|24” wb
DUSTERS CHANNEL Blue/White|38” x 9.375”|28” wb
photo: neftalie.com
Dusters drop through boards provide a strong mix of function and technology to put you fully in control. The lower center of gravity combined with our Slant 180mm reverse kingpin trucks and 68mm 78A wheels make for a stable, fast, and smooth ride.
DUSTERSCALIFORNIA.COM /dusterscalifornia @dusterscalifornia
DEALER INQUIRIES: Dwindle Distribution +1.800.500.5015 or +1.310.297.1500
Atlas Trucks offer the best of precision and cast with patent pending technology and standout features that set them apart from the pack. This includes a 10mm-8mm CNC Tapered Axle along with a massive Ball Pivot. The trucks also have a self-centering grade 8 Kingpin.
Atlastruckco.com
After years of R&D and extensive testing, the Turbo Wheels are finally here. The initial release features an all-new urethane formula with a CNC-machined aluminum core for precision bearing fit and superior alignment; giving the rider maximum roll speed and traction.
Sk8Kings.com
The Reaper is Neversummer’s new mountain-road tested freeride/downhill bomber. This board features molded base channels that give you a flush truck mount and a lower profile than standard top mounts. The “W” concave runs up the center of the deck adding stiffness and fits right into the arches of your feet giving you added control and stability.
Also introduced this spring is the Admiral. The deck is ideal for freestyle/freeride enthusiasts. The CNC-3D wheel wells provide you with plenty of different wheel options. Wheel flares and the ‘W’ concave under foot lock in your feet for laying thane.
Neversummer.com
HAWGS
Stone-ground and center-set, Boss Hawgs feature a wide FSU core that distributes your weight evenly across the surface of the wheel. This ensures more consistent wear. Available in Rare 76a (blue), Medium Rare 78a (red) and Well Done 80a (grey).
Hawgswheels.com
LEATHERMAN
The Grind and Jam skate tools are designed specifically for assembling and maintaining a board. Key features include adjusting/setting trucks, tightening bolts, filing grip tape etc, and fall into the company’s PocketTool line.
Leatherman.com
Landyachtz introduces a number of new products for the spring. The Hatchet features a symmetrical deck design, variable concave, and firm yet forgiving flex. Its bamboo core boasts a wet fiberglass layer for added strength and snap.
The Canyon Arrow is a simple yet sophisticated top-mount. It can handle the steepest and most technical roads with style. This top mount has multiple wheelbase options, from 24.75” – 28.5”, allowing you to dial in the exact feel you are looking for underfoot.
Also new for 2014 are printed Freeride Gloves. They are made up of Kevlar, nylon and suede to be lightweight, durable and breathable.
Landyachtz.com
You might have noticed that the team at Mindless have been stepping up their game recently, not only in product, but also with the addition of some new riders who will be participating in events up and down the country this year. They are still on the lookout for more riders to join the team, no matter what your riding style, so feel free to send them your footage
mindlesslongboards.com
The Bear Grizzly 8.52 truck has been revamped to focus on strength, versatility, and weight reduction. The 5th generation truck has a stronger heat treaded axle, revised and less restrictive bushing seat, as well as a laser engraved logo. The baseplate now features an 8 hole mounting system to accommodate both old and new school drill patterns.
Beartrucks.com
Taking from the popular Supreme and Rival decks, Rayne has rounded out the series with a smaller, more compact version; the Terror. With the new Terror comes updated kicks for not only the Terror, but Supreme and Rival as well.
Rayne has also made some updates to their Idle Hands gloves. The new gloves come with Rayne’s ergonomic Velcro system and puck design brought out on the High Society gloves. The split palm patch lets your hands move and breath, while the dished puck makes slides more comfortable.
Rayne.com
The Vapor was designed and manufactured in North America, alongside testing and feedback from team riders Mike Fitter, George Mackenzie and Tommy Watson. The Vapors have been engineered to blast standups and perform on technical downhill courses. Skoa Vapors have a flip-able hanger, 47 ° baseplate, and come with a tall bottom barrel.
skoatrucks.com
This company was created by skaters to address the need for holistic healing in our communities. Their first product is called ‘Road Rash Formula.’ It contains cold pressed organic sunflower oil and is blended with tea tree, lavender, neem and geranium.
Daveshippyoil.com
Safety Meeting Apparel developed a line of custom compression clothes for professionals and amateurs. For racers, they make a replica of the racing outfit on their under-suit, with their sponsors, design and colors. These under-suits add a compression garment to provide support for your muscles, helping to relieve muscle pain and soreness, thus reducing the time muscles need to repair themselves.
safetymeetingapparel.com
We asked Ryan Daughtridge, founder and president of Bustin Boards, to tell us more about their new ThermoGlass and ThermoCarbon construction process.
What’s the idea behind this new construction?
Our goal was to create a process that can be done here in the USA. A process that would allow us to produce a lighter, longer lasting board with more precise flex patterns and rigidity while sticking to materials, compounds and formulae that don’t hurt our employees or our environment.
We take 3 or 4 plys of choice Great Lakes Maple, by sustainable harvesting methods, and soak them in a proprietary thermo-active formula that is the magic behind these boards. Later, under heat and pressure, this formula will expand and absorb throughout the layers, taking the place of any glue or resin that would otherwise be needed.
From here, we individually layup the panels with several layers of a fiberglass or carbon fiber cloth so that each board gets equal pressure, equal heat, and equal perfection. Now the sandwich is stacked and ready for the super press. The wood and fiberglass/carbon layers meld together so intensely that the new product is neither wood nor composite.
The trimming process is next and is like a standard CNC process other than the specially developed carbide bit to handle the rock-hard ThermoGlass or ThermoCarbon composite that is created.
The beauty of this process is that it uses no glue or resin and is, at least, partially recyclable. Any of these boards can be melted down to liquid form and then the material can be separated. The thermo-active formula can then be re-used for more skateboards and the wood can be broken down and recycled as pulp.
Similar to varying formulae used in wheel urethane, the thermo-active formula that we use is really where the magic of each board happens. We essentially create a special formula for each board depending on what we want it to do. The fiberglass and/or carbon fiber layers help create stiffness and/or flex properties, but it is the formula interacting with the layers that dictates how each board feels. For our stiffer, race-ready, boards we dialed it to be very, very stiff both longitudinally and torsionally, while for some of our freestyle and pushspecific boards, we dialed it to be more lively, creating flex and/or pop depending on the board.
Sikk Shades by Eddie Bauer Jr. were designed for the action sports market. They have a patented padded nose cradle that keeps the glasses in place. What makes the Sikk Shades even more interesting to longboarders is the fact the brand has recently sponsored two of the most famous longboard skaters in the world. In February of this year, Sikk Shades decided to sponsor Patrick Switzer and Kevin Reimer.
Most professional longboarders have sponsorship through hard goods companies. These are deck, wheel, truck or hardware companies. Occasionally, a longboarder will pick up a safety gear sponsorship. For the most part, however, longboarders have been neglected by soft goods companies. So this is a unique marketing decision in the world of longboarding. We were curious about this move and contacted Eddie Bauer Jr directly to get his take.
Sikk Shades are based in Texas and sponsor a number of pro riders mostly from the moto-cross community. Eddie had recently witnessed the “Battle for Peace” in Houston and was inspired by the level of enthusiasm. “The longboard community has been ignored but when I was at the event in Houston, I knew that it would be a great fit for us” explains Eddie.
Eddie says he had a blast watching the competition. “I was hooked. I know we have a great product and thought our sunglasses would make a great addition to the prize packs, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that these longboarders would react the way they did.” He says the longboarders took him and his brand in like family. “They treated us like we had been with them for years and once the recipients put on and tested their new shades, they began to talk up the performance of the frames and made them part of their equipment as if they were helmets or pads.”
Eddie is passionate about the riders he sponsors. “We aim to empower the athlete and help them pay for their travel and gear and housing. We even have health insurance for these guys and girls and a matching 401k if they so choose.” The move by Sikk Shades opens up a new era of sponsorship opportunities. Sikk Shades didn’t stop with sponsorship of two of the best longboarders in the world. In March, Sikk Shades announced it was the “official eyewear of the Maryhill Festival of Speed.” Sikkshades.com
Wee Willie Winkels
July 9, 1956 to March 18, 2014
The skateworld lost a true legend this March with the passing of Wee Willie Winkels. He left a huge mark on both skateboarding and snowboarding. Willie had his own skate team in the 1970’s and performed numerous demos in that era. He developed the half-pipe and his company was the first to manufacture laminated skateboards. He worked with Tom Sims, producing tens of thousands of Sims Skateboards. Willie was also a pioneer in snowboarding and worked with Sims, and Lonnie Toft in 1977 on the “Flying Yellow Banana.” Willie was a well-known fixture at both Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna and Blue Mountain in Collingwood, where there is a run named after him.
When I was at my darkest point, it was my art that planted a seed of hope and allowed me to see all the color in the world. As an artist, creating different pieces of art is the one thing I have complete control over and the one thing that lets me give back.
My love of art began at a very young age when I discovered I loved to build things and draw cartoons. I was the only one of my friends who could draw, and it gave me a sense of individuality and purpose. Using reclaimed wood, I even built a tree house and skate ramps, which taught me how to take something and make it new again.
Despite all the warnings from people who told me that I would never make it as an artist because all artist starve, I have made it, and making art for a living is the one thing that I cherish above all others. My hope is that my art and my style convey that lighthearted freedom I encountered as a youth, and that my work inspires people to overcome their own adversities.
-Alex
Sometimes the only way to veer off a path of self-destruction is to set out on a road of creation and self-discovery.
While most of the longboarding nation was buried in snow and ice, only dreaming of the spring when they could get their longboards out, Houston was balmy and the race scene was as hot as usual. The NoBull Longboarding Team hosted its first “Battle For Peace” race. The race format was typical full contact Texas fashion, with a long distance push(LDP) race of 7 miles in the afternoon along Houston’s Bayou near downtown, followed by an outlaw garage race at midnight. The event brought out Texas’ finest in both disciplines and Team NoBull set another garage race attendance record of 99 racers at an outlaw garage race.
Houston happens to be home of one of Longboarding For Peace’s most active and successful chapters led by Mikey Seibert, Neal Roberts and Richard Supernaw. Every Friday and Saturday these guys teach a couple of dozen kids self-esteem through the sport of longboarding. Texas’ stoke and support for the longboarding scene through racing, huge garage sessions, downhills, and slide-jams, is reaching legendary status. We are excited to see the next
wave of talent which will come out of the Grom Army that is Longboarding For Peace Houston.
The LDP race was Houston’s first “pushing wood” race and was won by Kaspar Heinrici, a legend in the LDP discipline race, followed by Clayton Nalley, and third place was captured by Dave Angelus.
The garage race was a nasty, fullcontact, high speed adventure. The Open
class was won by Joey Specht, followed by Clayton Nalley, and Bobby Waldron. The top three were all members of Team NoBull. Clayton Nalley won the title of Triple “D” which was the Dual Duel Discipline Award for the best overall finish in both races.
The women’s title was captured by Kris Haro. Erika DiLalla came in a close second and Taylor Jandl took third. Taylor is a new shredder on the race scene and this was her first podium spot!
The race was successful due to the fantastic support of the sponsors:
Bombsquad Longboarding, Waterloo Wheel Designs, Revolver Board Co., Carve Skate Shop Houston, Iliffe Truck Co., Seismic Skate Systems, Big Myth Skateboards, RipTide Bushings, Magic Bearings, Evins Skateboards, Texas Skate Shop, Riot Boardsports, Insanity Longboards, Crossroads Skateboards, Klever Skateboards, NUKE Wheels, Geaux Meeshell Designer Skateboards, Rey Trucks, MuirSkate.com, Galaxy Urethane Co, Kandy Krush, Daves Hippy Oil and Sikk Shades By Eddie Bauer Jr.
Additionally, the race could not have happened without assistance from the following people: Greg Noble, Dawson Noble, Richard Supernaw, Neal Roberts, Shannon Cox, Anthony Bernabeo, Mikey Seibert, Gillian Seibert, Clayton Dalme, Angela Meckle, Darrion Meckle, Danny Schultz and Humberto Salcedo
Alex Grundy originally hails from California, but currently lives in a city called Soacha in Colombia, South America. Soacha is a poor and dangerous city about an hour south from the capital of Bogota. We met Alex via Wayne Gallipoli of Surf Rodz. “I was first introduced to Soacha in 2010 when I was doing an 8 month volunteering trip here in Colombia” explains Alex. “While with the volunteer organization I was teaching English as a second language as well as an after school sports program I started.” Alex says he quickly fell in love with the community and is currently working on a number of projects. About a year ago he founded a longboard class. He purchased all the boards and gear out of his own pocket. “The kids are all learning really fast and it keeps them safe and out of trouble.” The class has about 15-20 kids depending on the day. There are boys and girls ranging from 5-17 years old. And the class is steady growing. As for the future, Alex is planning on co-founding his own elementary school here in Soacha.
Longboarding for Peace is working in conjunction with Swipe 4 the Kids. They sponsored a luncheon during the Agenda Trade Show as a way to introduce themselves to the industry. They have introduced a fantastic service for local business; whereby a portion of merchant fees are redirected towards community youth programs. If you’re a shop looking for a great way to help your community, contact swipe4thekids.com
A number of companies are helping out with our second gun buy back in San Diego. It will be taking place this spring and promises to be four times larger than our first buy back in San Pedro. A huge thanks to Landyachtz, Carver, Madrid, Abec 11, Jet, Buck Trucks Ladera, Rainskates, Tracker, Paris, Globe, Silver Trucks, Buddy Carr Designs, Loaded, SDS and Primitivo. You will be hearing more about this buy-back in the June issue.
The Urban Street Wear brand, sPACYcLOUd from Washington DC released A new collection of jackets with Longboarding For Peace patchwork on the back. The visual aesthetic comes from the urban influence on skateboarding, longboarding, and the skate lifestyle. sPACYcLOUd.com
Ride for Shift is a movement of positivity, love, responsibility, and community that shares elevating and inspiring stories. The project is the brainchild of Coco Tâche-Berther, publisher of 7 Sky Magazine. The magazine’s focus is on snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding. Learn more at rideforshift.com
by Joey Bidner
Leunam Segura, Mikey Ortiz - photo Joey Bidner
Malaysia is an amazing place to skate. I was lucky enough to go on this tour with Tim Del Rosario from California, Leunam Segura from New York city, and Micky Ortiz from Puerto Rico along with our host, Jes M. Izman and his local skate crew; the Malaya Street Bombers. Traveling and skateboarding really go hand in hand. It has an ability to place you in touch with a very honest and raw version of the destination you’re visiting. Most sports are practiced in an arena or controlled environment which tends to insulate you, skateboarding throws directly into the mix, which can give you a depth of understanding and a culture shock you don’t get traveling between a hotel and an arena. Whether it’s the other side of the world or simply a skate trip to your neighboring town, traveling brings adventure, insight, progression and spontaneity to your life and ride style.
Myself, and the three others from different corners of the world were fortunate enough to be taken out of our element and placed in the concrete jungle of Malaysia. Our hopes were to skate hard and absorb the culture, and with any luck, positively influence the skate scene, as well as learn from it to bring back to our own communities. It was a month of shenanigans, Longboard for Peace clinics, jungle jams, temple sessions, midnight bombs and tropical sunburns.
Malaysia is most definitely one of the most diverse places I have ever ridden in terms of types terrain within a close radius. Only about 45 minutes apart from each other you have the financial capital, Kuala Lumpur, and the Malaysian jungle; one of the oldest rain forests in the world and home to some unbelievably unique terrain. We began the trip by spending time in the city, Kuala Lumpur (KL), which is home to most of Malaysia’s scene and community. This incredibly dense urban area has an abundance of big hills but required a bit of adjustment; adopting a lifestyle built around riding from 2am-6am for it to be safe enough for us to go buck wild. That gave us the
Mikey Ortiz - photo Joey Bidner
freedom to bomb highway passes, and hit roads that would normally be plastered by traffic. Not every area of Malaysia is like this, the locals have a lot of great spots where you can ride anytime of day which goes a long way in building a community. But it was obvious that there are some limitations and obstacles facing longboarding in this area due to its urban setting and design. The closely knit roads, lack of sidewalks, overabundance of speed bumps to control street racing, erratic drivers and districts only connected by highways make it particularly difficult to commute on a longboard. Most of us first got introduced to longboarding through its ease of transportation, or simply cruising on a dead residential road or quiet bomb spot. In KL, unless you know a really a safe place to practice, or know of the few fortunate areas where traffic is low, it’s quite difficult to adopt the sport as a regular recreational activity.
You may see this as bad news, however it has its advantages. This constraint has helped in gaining social acceptance, as its slow growth gives breathing room for the community to become publicly aware of our sport with ease and little tension. Because the sport is slightly less accessible, there is not a major flood of longboarding demanding instant social recognition and public acceptance, like you see within North America. You don’t get a clash of cultures battling for their place in society and on the road. One of the biggest issues with our sports failure to gain public acceptance, are kids rushing the streets and blindly bombing without an education of how to do so safely. They get hurt and our sport takes the wrap by being coined ‘dangerous’ and unsuitable for road share. In Malaysia kids tend to reach out to the established communities out of necessity and get taught right from the start how
and where to ride. This slow growth gives time for the culture to form a solid foundation, creating a socially responsible community capable of properly representing the sport. This gives Malaysian longboarding a great chance to negotiate the pitfalls of growth that plague other areas.
The time spent in the jungle of Malaysia was easily the most memorable. We traveled down to a locally known, legendary spot coined “3K”. This 3 km, evenly pitched, winding road meanders down a mountain ridge in the dense jungle which was only a 5 minute drive from where we were staying. Riding in the jungle is not only intense because of the tropical heat, left sided roads and erratic banana trucks, but one slip and you’ll find yourself swallowed in a deep, billowing, forest canopy. The Malaysian rainforest is one of the world’s oldest and its canopy’s density is by far more intimidating than the pavement and anticipated road rash. With foot long centipedes, Hungry dogs jumping out of nowhere, poisonous insects, and howling monkeys at every corner, you have to be on edge, prepared for anything to come out at you, or to fight off what you fall in to. This seemed like the true definition of the concrete jungle. We spend days here running draft trains and follow cam runs until our legs could not take anymore.
The best part of this area was, in fact, a few minutes down the road from 3K; a small mountain village with Brazilian style favellas along the mountain ridge. We called it “little Brazil”. With the whole town surviving on a single strip of road, this 15% grade pitch with a heavy chicane got our teeth clenching. It was their main road, with little businesses up and down the whole strip so we had to deal with heavy traffic. Locals got so stoked on us, having never seen a longboarder before, many of them stopped cooking for their customers at the restaurants and came out to watch and hold traffic for us. Right next to this insane pitch were small walkways between the housing of the area. This was by far the most fun to skate as it was completely counter intuitive and
“...you have to be on edge, prepared for anything to come out at you...”Leunam Segura - photo Joey Bidner Ayip Otomen photo
“These 3-4 foot wide walkways were considered to be the locals residential roads as scooters zipped through the sketchy spots we were trying to skate.”
Mikey Ortiz- photo Joey Bidner
riled up Mikey to step out of his comfort zone. These 3-4 foot wide walkways were considered to be the locals residential roads as scooters zipped through the sketchy spots we were trying to skate. Barely paved, but with interesting side hits and rollers Micky laid it out and got creative. We found small drops, gaps, and sketchy patches of stairs all bundled into these steep narrow alleys. Mikey rode hard and fast just to make it down alive. Sessions like these are the ones that get us excited to skate. Ones that put you out of your element and into a place that gets you to dig deep to see what kind of terrain you can handle. The versatility of long boarding especially allows us to approach some interesting terrain that may seem untouchable, but with a bit of curiosity you can spark creativity into your session, making it worthwhile; not just another session doing the same toe and heel sides the whole way down a run. The vibrancy of our sport lives on creative journeys, and sometimes we need to displace ourselves to experience it. Let me ask you how often do you hit the same local runs at home? It’s really easy to fall into somewhat of an invisible rut with your skating and this can be broken simply by switching your surroundings to experience something new. Being forced to find new spots is not only what pushes you, but what inevitably defines what is possible as our sport grows. So take charge of your wheel base and explore what’s the potential of your board!
It’s needless to say that our trip to Malaysia was especially memorable. The jungle bombs were impeccable, late night open road sessions blew our mind and all that we were forced to adapt to, truly pushed us as skaters. With the growth of the longboard community in Malaysia and strong diversified terrain, I would not be surprised to soon see some very strong skaters and more coverage to come out of the area.
“The vibrancy of our sport lives on creative journeys, and sometimes we need to displace ourselves to experience it.”Mikey Ortiz, Leunam Segura - photo Joey Bidner
Looking back, I feel so blessed to have been part of a skate scene with such diversity. To have experienced that much longboard love from one of the best cities in the world. So many skaters, from so many backgrounds, with so many stories, of all different ages and various walks of life. We all somehow fit together and connect like family. For myself and many others, it is the birthplace of unity for longboarders. If you’ve ever visited the NYC skate scene then you know, and your life was probably touched by an unbelievable amount of love and acceptance. I was greatly influenced by many of those people on a daily basis. One in particular stands out in my mind, and I am forever grateful for the lessons she brought to my life through skating
I met Salome two summers ago. I was teaching for Sure Skateboards “boarding school” when I got a call from a father interested in taking skate lessons with his daughter. He was what we call “stoked”, and I was rather excited to be teaching a father daughter duo. A week later, I stood face to face with an 8 year old girl that I will nm act the same. Different people are affected in different ways. For almost all children with the disorder, their ability to communicate is greatly challenged. However, contrary to what people may think, those with autism respond to their environment like anyone else. If an activity interests them, they have the ability to fully focus and concentrate on that area without distraction. This is why a physical activity like skating can be a beneficial therapy.
Week after week, I hoped to teach this little girl something. Anything at all. A basic slide, foot breaking, or even carving. Instead, she would push circles around me so contently, almost as if she was in her own universe. She was comfortable and had such natural movements--such peace. Just going with the unseen flow, and I enjoyed watching her experience this flow. As for the lesson, it soon became clear that she would learn these things on her own time, in her own way, most likely by herself.
As time passed, I really got to know Salome, her mom Lorena, and her dad David. They began to offer me rides home to my Brooklyn apartment after lessons on their way to the beach to go surfing. Those drives gave us all time to talk and get to know each other on a more personal level. Salome’s parents told me all about her love and dedication to ice hockey and how in tune she was with capoeira, a Brazilian martial art. I found out that when she was diagnosed with autism, she wouldn’t look anyone in the eyes. Salome spent most of the time in her own world, tapping objects, spinning them, or putting them in her mouth. She would have two hour tantrums when Lorena would try to put on her shoes. She screamed frantically at the sound of a vacuum, lawn mower, hand dryer, or drill. It was in these times that some sort of outlet was a must. Because of her love of, and connection to, movement, her parents devoted their free time to Salome’s swimming, surfing, capoeira, and ice hockey. Salome found these activities to be fun and therapeutic, and they taught her parents many things as well. Their passion grew together.
After a little stop by Uncle Funky’s Boards in NYC’s West Village, they picked up a Penny board and their interest in
skating started to become a large part of their everyday life. A few skate lessons followed, and David and Lorena were hooked as well. They upped their board collection and started skating to and from work on the daily. They all found the kick-push way of commuting to be a huge release of frustration and stress. It was a wonderful activity their family of three could do together. Watching their daughter smile as she cruised around was an unbeatable form of therapy, and it became a large part of everyday life for the entire family.
Through watching Salome and spending time with her mom and dad, I began looking at our differences as not a barrier between us, but something to be celebrated. Autism is just adding to the diversity that forms the human chain; a lesson to appreciate those who experience beauty in different ways. The rest of us often fail to notice the little things by letting the voices in our heads take over. We over think, and we miss out on the natural flow of the moment. This little person finds joy in the simplest of tasks by being right here, right now. God knows what she is thinking, but whatever it is, it doesn’t seem to get in the way of her feeling. The flow of each wave of the ocean, the rhythm and melody of a song, skating with the wind through her hair, and the sun beating on her little nose. It’s not a competition to her. The reward is in every push, and I believe we can all take something from that. To let go, and just enjoy the simple act of riding a board, using our bodies to
free ourselves from anything but the here and now. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Salome about autism, it’s that her condition is not a misfortune, but maybe more like looking at life from a new and different perspective. Sure, she has a different set of challenges from the average person, but to take Salome away from her autism would make her someone else. For whatever reason, or maybe none at all, she is the way she is, and it makes her beautiful. I think the most important part of all of this is that she seems to be perfectly content with marching to the beat of her own drum, and I consider myself lucky to have been exposed to her song. To dive into unknown territory, join her in an alien world. No judgment, no assumptions. Not even any language. Just sharing this passion for fun and skating, here and now.
Salome now tolerates the loud noises of everyday life. She connects to others more easily and has a better understanding of the world around her. Although her responses are still silent, she communicates in her own way, by smiling. She has become centered and more relaxed as a result of skating and her various other hobbies. They have incorporated balance into her life and taught her parents many new things as well. “The only one setting the limits on what you can do is yourself”, her mom says.
Watching their daughter smile as she cruised around was an unbeatable form of therapy, and it became a large part of everyday life for the entire family.
Amanda is a good friend of mine, as well as my teammate. Amanda is always a happy and positive person to be around. She’s a beautiful girl, but knows how to kick it with the guys! She is truly multi-talented, whether it’s skateboarding, surfing, or snowboarding; Amanda is passionate about what she does and an all around rad person to be around. I’m stoked to have her as a friend and teammate.
- Kody Noble
I come from a small beach town south of Boston, Massachusetts. At age ten, I became very intrigued by skateboarding and wondered why more girls weren’t into it. I decided to give it a try and was instantly hooked. I skated, surfed, and snowboarded for the next eleven years. At twenty-one, I was introduced to bigger skateboards and that’s when the magic really happened. I became infatuated flowing on a skateboard, and my passion led me all the way across the country to California – where I could skate and surf all year long.
My hometown friends were ripping on local hills and I saw it as the perfect hybrid of surfing, snowboarding, and skating. My first big board was 55” and the smooth ride felt so natural to me. I also started seeing videos popping up of more ladies skating longboards, and the inspiration of other females always provides a huge drive for me. I think a lot of girls have the, “If she can do it, so can I!” attitude.
Loaded and Orangatang contacted me after seeing my very first video, and I gratefully became involved with them when I was still living on the east coast. Shortly after that, Daddies Board Shop saw a lot of potential in me as a skater and decided to sponsor me, and they continue to support me today. When I moved to California I was working long hours at a gourmet cookie bakery with hardly any days off. I realized that I needed a job within the skate industry in order to pursue my dream to travel and grow the female community. After some patience and shuffling around, a position opened up at Resource Distribution for me to work with Riviera Skateboards, Paris Trucks, and Divine Wheels. I work with them on research and development of products, social media, and traveling the world as a brand ambassador. They
are my sponsors, my friends, and my family. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity they have given me to live life doing what I love.
I know that you love to surf. How do you think surfing influences your skateboarding, and your style?
I do love surfing, just as much as I love skating. I think how I surf a wave and how I skate a hill or a sidewalk both stem
from me just trusting my body to flow on the board and on the terrain, however feels best. I’m completely addicted to that feeling of getting shacked without thinking about anything but the pure bliss of gliding, whether it’s on the ocean or the street. How good it feels comes out through your body language and that is your style. By adding a lot of surfing to my diet I think I diversified my style because I’m now familiar with maneuvering an even bigger board on
Mother Nature’s ever-changing water ramps, using similar movements that I do on a skateboard. So my styles certainly intertwine - I pretty much skate waves and surf downhill.
Describe a typical day.
A typical day when I’m home in Los Angeles starts with waking up around 8AM. I require a lot of coffee and stretching in the morning to get the day going right. Typically I handle work emails for a couple of hours from home but some days I drive down to Resource Distribution to have meetings about various happenings with the brands. Then I have a skate, typically in Venice Beach or the Malibu Canyons. Sometimes photographers and filmers come along
to keep media flowing. After the skate I head to one of my favorite breaks in Malibu to surf until just after sunset. Then I lurk at SkateHouse and chat with the house-mates and the slew of guests that roll through from all corners of the world. By the time I get home, I’m exhausted and I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow…just to do it all again the next day.
What was your most memorable road trip so far?
I’d have to say my most memorable road trip to date was the “Endless Roads” Longboard Girls Crew trip throughout Spain in 2011. It was the first time I had ever skated with so many girls, and the first time I had traveled out of the country for a skate trip. We had a classic VW van,
seven radical chicas, and a trip planned around beautiful Spain to see and skate as much as we could. There was a magical vibe between us girls, and I’m so thankful for my invitation to that trip and to have had it documented so beautifully. It’s so cool to have those memories immortalized on film, I can look back at the videos on Vimeo whenever to relive that special trip.
What are some of the things you have been doing with the Longboard Girls Crew?
The Longboard Girls Crew is an organization that has fostered the growth of women’s skateboarding like no other, in my opinion. It is thanks to the founders’ tireless efforts to grow the
lady skate scene – virtually connecting skatergirls from all over the world on Facebook and developing inclusive communities in so many ways. Their Facebook page is riddled with girls constantly sharing inspiring photos, videos, and stories of stoke. They also have sub-divisions of LGC for each country that has a girl skate crew, to further network these ladies and get them skating together! I’ve personally collaborated with the LGC on a couple video projects, “Endless Roads” which is a web-episode series of LGC skating in Spain and recently “Open” which is a full-
length feature of LGC skating in Israel to be released soon. I hope to become more involved with the planning of their projects this year.
How do you think we can encourage more females to take up longboarding?
As much as I think it’s going well within the lady skate scene, it could always be better. I think brands could focus their attention on shining the light on their female skaters with more high quality media of girls shredding and more female-designed product. I designed
my Riviera pro-model with a narrower version (the Ursa Minor) that I think is much more comfortable for a smaller lady-foot. Some girls just need to see that skateboarding isn’t a boys club, and they also need to understand that it doesn’t make you any less of a girl if you want to try skateboarding. We need all the estrogen and lady-grace we can get to keep the scene balanced.
Where do you see your career in longboarding going?
I hope my professional skate career
“I pretty much skate waves and surf downhill.”
continues to grow steadily as it has, growing with the industry. I aspire to do more of what I’ve started to dotraveling the world to race and represent my sponsors, developing product, and inspiring ladies and guys alike to ride a skateboard however they want to. I want to continue to be super involved with product development for Riviera, Paris, and Divine – it’s exciting times right now, as my pro-model Riviera downhill decks just became available to buy and my pro-model Paris Trucks will be available in March. I’m endlessly grateful for this unique and amazing ride that Resource
has given me, and I look forward to the future with them - exploring new places, meeting new skate communities, and creating new product and media.
Being from the East Coast, how much do you miss your family, and how do they feel about you downhill racing?
I definitely miss my whole family a ton. They’re 3,000 miles away in Massachusetts and it’s been a trip to watch my niece grow up just through photos and my occasional visit home. I keep in touch with my parents a lot through texts and phone calls. They admire everything I do with skateboarding, including downhill racing. They’ve been supportive of me skateboarding since the first day I decided I was going to try it, and have been supportive every day since. My parents were for sure my first sponsor - my father bought me my first pair of skate shoes, a pair of Globes from Ski Market. Fourteen years later, he stops every skater he sees to pull out his phone and to show off photos of me skating. My mom shares everything I post on Facebook. We miss each other heaps but everyone in my family is extremely proud to see me supporting myself by doing what I love.
What’s it like to be the only girl in the van, on tour with a bunch of guys?
It feels pretty natural to me because I was a tomboy as a kid and I always had more guy friends than gal friends growing up. I’ve definitely embraced femininity in my adult years but I still often find myself as the only chick in the van and it can get pretty damn dirty…in multiple ways. I’m definitely spoken for, and a lot of my team mates have become like brothers to me, so as far as they’re concerned I’m just another skater in the van. Skate trips with dudes have a different feel than ones with girls, but not in a bad way. I think that guys are just always looking for a really good laugh and a lot of them live uncensored, which makes being in the van with them hilarious.
When your active skateboarding career is over, what do you think you’d like to do next?
I have a few ideas of some other career paths I could see myself taking, but I hope my skate career never completely ends. I wish to stay forever involved in the skate industry in one way or another. I know that there will be a day that I won’t physically be able to push my body and my skating to the professional level, but I want to for as long as I possibly can. The work that I do now with Resource has brought me to so many amazing destinations - Israel, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Colombia - I’ve had the extraordinary opportunity to skate the beautiful landscapes of these countries and also be a sponge to their cultures. If life works out that I grow into a bigger position at Resource, be it Social Media Management or Team Management or something of the sort, it would be ideal to continue this kind of lifestyle and job of skating and exploring the world with my skate family. If a day comes that I need to find another career outside of skateboarding, there are a few professions that I could see myself being happy with. I’ve considered Massage Therapy. I think that holistic bodywork seems like a really rewarding and fulfilling profession. I’ve played with the idea of going back to school to be an English teacher some day. The possibilities are endless, really. I’m not much of a planner, and I know that however my life pans out is exactly the way that it’s supposed to. I’m thoroughly enjoying what I fill my current days with and that’s what matters most to me.
What so far has been the favorite part of your career? Is it touring, filming, creative collaborations or something else?
Touring is my favorite - to go to foreign places and completely immerse myself in different cultures is an experience like no other. To learn about a place’s origins and traditions first hand from locals doesn’t remotely compare to studying about it in a book. Every experience that
I have abroad influences me somehow, it makes me look at life with a widened perspective. I also enjoy collaborating with like-minded skaters, artists, and dreamers to make each other’s visions a reality in video or photo form. I find that to be so gratifying. Whether I’m in front of or behind the lens, I think it’s so important to stay creative and inspired. As Kurt Vonnegut has said, “Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow.”
What is the story behind your latest graphic?
I’ve known that I belonged in California for a long time, and it’s been a journey to get here. I remember when I was in kindergarten people called me a California girl, it must have been my blond hair and free spirit, but I had no idea what it meant at the time. As I grew up, I started to feel I was born in the wrong zone. There’s a special place in my heart for my hometown and the east coast, but I just can’t live my life how I want to over there. I need the endless summer of California - sunshine and waves every day. So, I chose the iconic California Grizzly Bear as my first promodel graphic because I worked hard to move my life all the way across the country and I genuinely love living here. Tim Clark, the Resource Art Director was the artist that put together the graphic and he did a stellar job at making it unique and personal. The style is influenced by pen and ink and watercolor, a medium that I’ve always been fond of because my father is a talented artist and for a long time those were his favorite materials to work with. I also appreciate all types of body art, so the style is also inspired by Peter Aurisch’s gorgeous and unconventional tattoos, as I plan to some day have a piece of his stunning artwork on my body.
Are their aspects of meditation that you bring to longboarding…or are there things that you do in longboarding that help with meditation?
Breathing and stretching are the
common denominators between skating and meditation, I think. When I skate down a hill or am sitting in meditation, I’m very much focused on breathing. It’s so important! We do it all day long to keep our bodies ticking and we hardly think about it. I have asthma, so I’m acutely aware of when I’m getting enough oxygen or not. Deep breathing relaxes your muscles, relieves stress, and is beneficial for various systems in your body. If you remember to take deep breaths while skating, your body will perform better. Stretching is key as well, whether it’s before a skate session or just to mellow out. Striving to be more in tune with my body and mind while meditating benefits my skateboarding and vice versa.
Thank you for all the questions and giving me another platform to express myself. All in all, I just hope to remind people to keep skateboarding silly. We’re all just playing around with wood and wheels under our feet and there’s definitely no rulebook. Skate however feels best to you. I dream that more girls continue to realize how much fun we’re having and the skate community continues to flourish and evolve. I owe many thanks to my sponsors for keeping me rolling all over the world – Riviera Skateboards, Paris Trucks, Divine Wheels, Daddies Board Shop, S-One Helmets, G-Form, and Ojoom Pucks. I couldn’t do any of this without your support - I promise I’ll pay it forward.
I need the endless summer of Californiasunshine and waves every day.
by Michael Alfuso
Tibs Parise grew up in Nice, France. He’s ventured over to the shores of Southern California and has begun to make quite a name for himself. Tibs has no problem tackling a wide range of terrain from downhill to transition. We caught up with Tibs while he was hanging out in Mexico.
Who are some of your key influences when it comes to riding?
I started skateboarding when my friends and I watched the X Games on TV for the first time! So, Bob Burnquist influenced me initially. A couple of years later, it was a sick shot of Jimmy Rao on a handrail in an ad for Sector 9. Jimmy definitely changed my skateboard vision. For downhill, Rob Molt influences me and Louis Pilloni has style for miles.
Describe your first experiences when you first came to California.
I came to California for the first time when I was 17. Everything was so big for me (skateparks, transitions, etc...). Being with Jimmy Rao was like being with Tony Hawk for me. He is why I was
there. So that first trip gave me my goal; to come back and live here. But honestly, that trip was so short that when I realized I was in California, I already was in the plane on the way back.
There are many people who see that the blending of longboarding with street skateboarding as being inevitable. What’s your take?
Look at the 80’s, people were riding hills, pools and street. They called that skateboarding! Today some shortboarders don’t understand that is skateboarding. The point is that I see more and more people who ride longboards getting into street skateboarding with boards like mine. So for me, if you have a deck, plus trucks, plus wheels, you are definitely
skateboarding. The size is just a question of taste.
Are there some things about France that you miss?
I would say all of my friends, and the European Nineball Truck. I have everything else I need here in California!
Can you share with us a story about the Nineball truck?
There’s so many bro! We cruised Europe together! But the best and trickiest one was when I broke the transmission pedal in a traffic jam in the highway. I was lucky I didn’t hit the Porsche in front of me. Then I pushed the truck by myself down the shoulder to the next exit. I always drove the Nineball Truck with the
heater on during the summer - it’s an old engine you know!
What’s one thing about the USA that surprises you still?
That it’s the only country (I think) who do not use the metric system! What is a quarter pounder with cheese?
Where are some of your favorite places to downhill?
Since I have discovered Tuna, it is definitely the best place to ride, practice and push your limits!
What about skateparks? You’ve got many to choose from in SoCal. Which ones do you keep returning to? It depends, for vert I like to go to the YMCA in Clairemont, San Diego. For bowls and pool, the new Carlsbad skatepark is the one. But don’t get me wrong, I love the Bread Bowl at Sector 9.
What is it about the new Carlsbad park? I love the pool, it’s deep (not too much), and it’s rad. The other bowl is huge and the transitions are not really small. The street park is complete. There’s everything we need. It might be missing a vert ramp, but whatever.
What advice would you give to a freerider looking to use a longboard for street skating?
I will advise to get one with kick tail (and nose too) with hard wheels and no reverse kingpin trucks. Choose a size you feel comfortable with. But the size is not the most important thing - it’s how you use and like it!
How did you wind up getting sponsored by Sector 9?
I have been riding for Sector 9 for 13 years. I worked with them in Europe (sales in France). I decided to quit my job and living the dream in California.
Was it difficult to gain other sponsors?
I did wind up getting other sponsors like Paradox Grip, Black Flys and Gullwing Trucks. But it’s hard for me to get some because my board is bigger than shortboards and brands don’t really
“
...I broke the transmission pedal in a traffic jam in the highway. I was lucky I didn’t hit the Porsche in front of me.”Backside Air -Jon Steele photo
support longboarding Anyway, I consider myself a skateboarder and keep fighting for this.
Are you able to manage financially or do you have to work a day job?
To be honest, the money side is not the most important for me. Even if it’s not easy right now, I’ll keep fighting to live this dream! Don’t ride for money, or to be sponsored, just ride for fun!
What happens when you find yourself injured?
The problem is I can’t ride, so you’d think I am not able to work. But you should know what makes a skateboarder a professional is not just being a good skateboarder, it’s everything else. This includes photos, videos, exposure, being social. So, when I’m injured, I keep doing all this stuff. I spread stickers, go to events, talk to people in the industry to get ideas, try to gain exposure and organize my schedule. There’s a bunch of things to do –only the skateboarding is missing! It´s frustrating not being able to ride. I try to do my best to be back as soon as possible. I have massages, I do exercises and use creams. I want my knee back at 200%
How does music fit into your skateboarding?
I listen to everything: Maniacx, Slightly Stoopid, AC/DC and some jazz. It all depends on my mood. For a bowl session it’s
more like Iron Maiden, AC/DC. For downhill I prefer something smoother if I have my iPod on. Music is a part of skateboarding, the lifestyle, so it’s important to me.
Are there are some things missing in your life right now?
Yes, there’s things missing: my own place to stay, and an awesome, lovely, great girlfriend! Hahaha
So there could be a Mrs. Tibs in your future?
Hahaha! We will see, I wish. If not, it will be okay!
Where do you see yourself in a decade?
Since anything is possible, I will say that I’ll be still in California, living the dream.
And what is your definition of living the dream?
We all have a different definition, but here is mine: Living the life you love, in the place you love, doing what you love.
Any final thoughts?
Do what you love, and your job will not feel like work.
“Don’t ride for money, or to be sponsored, just ride for fun!”Hill Bomb -Jon Steele photo
by Valeria Kechichian
Ifyou’ve been paying attention for a few years, I’m sure you’ve noticed the evolution that women in this sport have been going through. It’s not simply the number of women involved, but also the level of the riding. This high level of performance is setting the bar for the new generation of women, and they are rising up to meet it.
Kim Woozy is the founder of Mahfia, which is a network of female pro athletes, artists and in action sports culture. She recently wrote an article for Groupy a few weeks ago exposing how females are the most underrated, yet fastest growing, demographic in action sports. We are changing, and so is the market. Brands
are beginning to respond to this growing need, and it’s exciting to watch happen.
Our most ambitious project to date, OPEN – LGC skates Israel, is about to be released. With projects like these we want to show the level that female longboarding has reached, and also the drive women have to do epic projects; things that have never been done before. I hosted an exclusive preview of OPEN in Munich during ISPO for all our sponsors and attendees. By the time this magazine is printed, OPEN should be about to be released so make sure to check all the premiers happening worldwide to see if there is one near you.
“Females are the most underrated, yet fastest growing, demographic in action sports”
-Kim WoozyOride
SKATERS HELPING SKATERS
All the crews around the world are doing amazing things to support and promote the riders and the sport. They have also been going well beyond, creating humanitarian activities to help relieve natural and humancaused catastrophes. LGC Japan ambassador Ayumi Oride, and her partner Fifer, visited the Philippines to attend a longboard event a couple weeks following the disaster cause by typhoon Yolanda. They met people from the most devastated area, the Visayas, and found out that a lot of skaters and skimboarders (Visayas has some of the best skimboarders in the world) lost their homes. They realized that a good way to help them keep optimistic through the adversity was helping them getting back to the board. Ayumi not only donated her prize for winning the competition, but also helped organize a way to help even further. She and Fifer are now collecting
new and used hardware to send over to the Philippines. In order to cover the expensive shipping costs they’ve created a PayPal account: keepemshredding@ gmail.com Please contribute if you can and help skaters help other skaters regain their joy.
Kat Augusto, Trina Rose and the rest of the LGC Philippines staff are still working hard in the calamity stricken areas with their relief operations. Boarders For Hope is doing the same from Sweden and so is the entire community. Visit our web for more info on how to help or get involved.
Anna-Selina Kager keeps working spreading the stoke in Vietnam as a LGC ambassador and Founder of Viet Shred. I’m sure there are plenty of things you can do in your own community, so just think about something and get rolling!
So what’s going on in the female longboard scene worldwide?
South American female crews keep growing fast. It’s insane how big the communities are in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and even Uruguay. These countries are usually underexposed but the female skating level is amazing and they deserve way more attention than what they are getting.
Katie Neilson won the Guajataka race in Puerto Rico so I slipped some questions about it in between our usual cars/boys/ party conversations:
LGC: How does it feel wining a race now that the level has improved so much and the number of women racing is higher than ever?
Katie: It felt pretty good winning a race again now that the level is higher amongst the girls. I’ll be honest, there is some very tough competition in North America that wasn’t present in PR but that’s not to take away from the true talent that still is there. I’m excited to get into it again this season with everyone that’s getting involved.
LGC: What did you think about the track?
Katie: Guajataka is one of those tracks where it’s not quite super fast so the competition can be very high. Ponce, on the other hand, is a very fast track with sketchy pavement so it takes a rider with a bit of a death wish to stay in their tuck the entire way down the hill.
LGC: General impressions of Puerto Rico? Do they know how to party?
Katie: Puerto Rico does indeed know how to party. Their entire culture seems to be built around networking and socializing, so as a result they have huge crowds everywhere with a lot of promotion. We’re stoked on Katie and on every girl that raced in Ponce and Guajataka. Congrats to you all! Local talents were exposed and some of our favorite girls stayed longer in Puerto Rico to enjoy the beer... I mean the country.
“Visiting the Philippines we realized people can shred on any board or equipment, they remind us that the most important piece for skate is yourself”
-AyumiAyumi Oride - photo by Fifer Katie Neilson - photo by Khaleeq Alfred
Coming back to the old continent, the girls from LGC Poland did an amazing trip to Tenerife, got wonderful footage and are editing their own trip video. A bit further away, Emmanuelle Daigle met with Gemma Holland and they ripped New Zealand during the ntensedcentz tour. Girls from every part of the world are ripping, traveling and having fun. Are you? Just go for it!
Remember to send us your skating pictures to info@longboardgirlscrew.com and always have fun. Skate safe!
“We are changing, and so is the market. Brands are beginning to respond to this growing need, and it’s exciting to watch happen.”
This year marked the second time Ultra-skate invaded Homestead Miami Speedway, though this race actually has a colorful history going back to 2007. That’s when endurance athlete James Peters took it upon himself to find out exactly how far he could push and pump his longboard in 24 hours. Since that Seattle summer day, Ultra-skates have been popping up all over the world: the UK, New Zealand, France and the Netherlands. While they are performed over all kinds of courses and terrain, they all having one thing in common; 1,140 nonstop minutes on a board and four wheels.
When the IDSA decided to jump on board and sanction this grueling 24-hour competition, they found the perfect venue, an actual racetrack. Level elevation, smooth surface, measured distance and a controlled environment; perfect for what’s considered the greatest endurance challenge longboarding has to offer.
It seems the word got out about this perfect setting, as the number of participants doubled from year one. Who knows how many more there will be next year. James Peters, who’s been right there competing in both Homestead Ultra-skates, was blown away by the professional level the race has achieved. What started out with a cooler and a few friends at Seattle’s Green Lake Park, has grown to a racetrack with chip timing, infrastructure, facilities, hot meals, support crews and an intense competition of individual and four-person teams.
with a commentator on a (very) loud speaker, IDSA founder Joner Strauss, calling it play by play.
“Skate a little or skate a lot” is the motto for the 24-hour Ultra skate. Make this event what you want. Test your limits and reach 100 miles or punish yourself to earn passage into the 200-mile club… it’s all up to you.”
This year, the “Ultra” was set on January 20th, MLK day. 67 individual participants, 3 teams and a lot of support crew on hand. Ages ranged from 8- to 54-years-old.
Pushers, pumpers and a new influx of street stand up paddlers (SSUP) were all here ready to go at it for one, full, earth rotation. Just in case anyone forgot that this was the stadium where the big boys played, the start was delayed when an actual Formula-1 car and its pit crew hogged the course with 200-mile-per-hour laps, finely tuning their machine in preparation for Daytona the next weekend. Eventually the deafening noise stopped, the Ford team was satisfied, and the track was cleared for a very different kind of racer. Almost four hours later than originally planned, the Ultra was ready to start.
As one might imagine, there are lots of stories and happenings to report from the trials and tribulations of 67 racers over a 24-hour period. Here are the “Cliff’s Notes” version of what went on, and how it all played out.
60 guys deep, with some notable top pushers on hand to test themselves against time and each other. Towing the line were the likes of marathon beast Jeff Vyain, one of NYC’s best speedsters Kiefer Dixon, as well as two guys frequently atop the podium, Eric Palmer and Will Frank. Distance veterans like Conan Gay and Rick Schorr were here to make a statement as well. From abroad, Alex Bangnoi and Giovanni Barbazza, came to rep the French distance scene, as well as Ralf Merz from Germany. Each making the long trip to Miami, refusing to be denied in their quest of the monster race. A couple of longboard manufacturers; Scott Moore from Subsonic Skateboards and Mark Groenenboom from G-bomb, who not only wanted to see their products in action, but also wanted to test them out over 24 hours. Oh, and let’s not forget world record holder, Andrew Andras (that would be me!), coming back to get in the mix and defend my title.
Seven women competed in Ultraskate as individuals. Colleen Pelech set a women’s world record last year and was looking to get the record back, since Lonoke Pollepel from the Netherlands had beat it over the summer. Melanie Castro, who skated across America with Colleen over the summer, was ready to chase glory. Another distance vet, Jordi Ensing , owner and operator of Jords Boards, was ready to put her pumping Howler deck to the test. Newcomers, Claudia Clase (repping the NYC Krytochrinic Crew), and 55-year-old Annie Palmer (mother of Eric Palmer), both wanted to see what all the 24-hour fuss was about.
At most push races you’ll find a lone SSUP somewhere in the mix, but this year at Ultra we found a sizable group ready and willing to go the distance. While most SSUP use a mix of paddling and pushing to get around, founder and rider for West Street Stand Up Paddler, Deejay Pascua, came out from Los Angeles determined to be the first to make the 200-mile club by strictly paddling. Jeremiah Pascua, Daniel Cambay, Herb Mooney, Brian Cui, Shane Parrin and Donkboards creator, Ronal Lewis, are names to mention in this SSUP category.
“Skate a little or skate a lot” is the motto for the 24-hour Ultra skate. Make this event what you want. Test your limits and reach 100 miles or punish yourself to earn passage into the 200-mile club… it’s all up to you.”James “Paved Wave” Peters
RACE RESULTS:
The next generation of long-distance skaters would not be ignored. Leading the charge was Julian Rodriguez, at age 15, with his brother Adrian (age 9) by his side. Harrison Tucker and Gavin Moore are a couple of spunky teens that brought a good energy and competition to the group as well. About to make that leap into the big boys league later this year, 17-year-old Gustavo Amarchand came to get some Ultra experience under his belt.
Last year IDSA added a four-person team format to the race. It’s a relay style with one team member skating at a time. Teams are free to use their riders in any schedule they choose, which brings a lot of fun and strategy to the game. Since the start of this new team format, we’ve steadily seen camaraderie and competitiveness, you can definitely hear the trash talking and fun energy the team format brings. This year we had three teams chasing each other. Bikes and Boards Shralpers Union Team (BNBSU), headed by team captain, Andrew Walker, out of North Carolina, Unicycle Ninjas with team captain, Ed Francavilla, and Skateful Dead, led by the owner and creator of the best bearing lube in town, Ken Knauf of Skanunu brand.
No good rider shows up without their homies! The Subsonic riders had a great tent set up with all the creature comforts of a good camp. Heat lamps, coffee maker, sleeping bags and coolers filled with food and water. Robin Rosenbaum-Andras and Rachel Andrew Maida held the role of super helpers; keeping not only their team going, but assisting other riders too. The Rodriguez family also had their setup going with mom, Rosanna, and dad, Francisco, helping out and cheering everyone on. No one could forget the turbo charged super-stoker, Sharlpers Union President, Noel Korman. Noel was passing out high fives and positive vibes while spearheading all the feedings that would be needed to keep the calorie count up for the riders. Overseeing it all was the IDSA representative and event coordinator, Joner Strauss. Thank you, Joner and the IDSA, for another amazing event with lots of memories for everyone to cherish for years!
Men’s:
1st: Andrew Andras, 283.2 miles
2nd: Conan Gay, 246.7 miles
3rd: Rick Schorr, 245.2 miles
Fastest Lap: Kiefer Dixon, 5:29
200 mile club: Kiefer Dixon, Mark Groenenboom, Ehren Mohammadi, Will Frank, Kyle Yan, Borja Estrada, Joao Morales
Women’s Results:
1st: Claudia Clase, 194.1 miles
2nd: Colleen Pelech, 185.4 miles
3rd: Melanie Castro, 151.8 miles
Honorable mention::
Anne Palmer, 141.6 miles, raising $4100 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Jodi Ensign, 100.7miles
SSUP Results:
1st: Share Perrin, 211.7 miles
2nd: Deejay Pascua, 200 miles
3rd: Jeremiah Pascua, 156.2 miles
Honorable mention:: Herb Moony, this 47-year-old Floridian hit his century mark (100 miles), and raised $2,000 for the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute for the Children Fund.
Youngster’s Results:
1st: Julian Rodriguez,173.7 miles
2nd: Harrison Tucker, 135.7 miles
3rd: Gustavo Amarchand, 110.9 miles
Team’s Results:
1st: BNBSU, 255.5 miles
2nd: Unicycle Ninjas, 201.4 miles
3rd: Skateful Dead, 154.7 miles
“It seems the word got out about this perfect setting, as the number of participants doubled from year one”Adrian Rodriguez
Chris Chaput is a rare breed. It’s not often that someone so talented on the board is also so gifted in designing each and every aspect of the board itself. On the board he has been the World Freestyle Champion in 1976, the IGSA World Cup Downhill Champion in 2001, and both the World Longboard Champion and Best All Around Skateboarder in 2002. Off the board you know him as the founder of Abec 11 Wheels and a partner in Jet Skateboards. Self-described as a “computer geek and teacher trapped in a skater’s body”, he’s been one of the busiest guys in the industry and is preparing to launch The Liquid Truck Company’s impressive new line of products. We got a chance to pin him down to see what in the world is in store for remainder of 2014
How long have you been working on these trucks?
I’ve been working on building and improving trucks nearly as long as I have been on wheels. I’ve produced countless prototypes and small production runs but it’s so insanely expensive that I couldn’t share them with more than a handful of top skaters. It’s been a long, arduous, journey, but has definitely been time well spent. I’ve been competing and skating recreationally since the seventies but since 1999 it’s been racing that’s driven me to build a better mousetrap. Don’t get me wrong , freeriders and cruisers also benefit greatly from having a well-designed truck, but racers want to win and need the highest performing gear out there.
So what exactly was your “aha” moment in the development of the trucks?
I’ve been skating on loose trucks and throwing around longboards for so long, I used to think that “slop is your friend”. It’s fun and feels more like surfing. But slalom racing changed all that. Conventional wisdom tells you that wheels are important for traction and control, but when I was riding some precision slalom trucks, the light bulb went on. I discovered what a huge effect your trucks can have on traction. As it turns
out, slop is not your friend. Race trucks need to steer on a precise axis of rotation and to have a great range of motion to keep your wheels in contact with the ground. It’s easy to get a board to drift and slide, but I don’t cater to one-trick ponies. The team and I love so many different types of skating that we want boards that we can setup to either stick like glue or to drift like mad. Enter the Liquid Truck Company.
What makes these trucks so special is the mindset behind our entire line. Most truck companies look at what sells, copy it, and then produce one or two sizes in a bunch of different color ways. That’s fashion. We don’t care as much about making money as we do about making trucks. We are skaters who skate. We want what we want. If we want some steep or shallow baseplate angles, we don’t want to be handed some middleof-the-road baseplate and some freaking wedge pads. We don’t think that skaters should have to modify what’s available. Instead we give the skaters what they want. We give them hanger widths from 100mm to 200mm, baseplate angles from 5° to 60°, and the level of precision they want (Attack, Liquid, or Fyre). Our cast hangers and base plates are fully compatible with our machined hangers and base plates. Our ultra-
precision Fyre Trucks use the same exact hangers as our Liquid Trucks – only the base plates are different. We have raked hangers as well as rake-less hangers. Our trucks ship stock with Abec 11 urethane bushings. All of our base plates allow for both .750” (tall) bushings as well as .600” (short) bushings and ThikCups. This way you can dial in your setup for Extra Lean and traction or for Standard Lean and drift. We’re aiming for skaters with that “quiver” mentality - skaters who are tired of settling for less. Our wheel program proves that we don’t believe in “one size fits all”, and the same is true with our trucks.
What do you feel is the future of these types of high-end CNC machined trucks and what do you see as the state of longboarding in 2014?
I think that the future for our high-end CNC trucks is very bright, but that the future for many others is pretty bleak. Does that sound like a dick thing to say? Allow me to explain. The market for machined trucks is relatively small and it simply can’t support another new CNC truck company every week. Skaters tend to reject the “me too” guy with a machine shop who looks to profit off of the success of others. If I never make a dollar producing CNC trucks, I’m still a happy man, but that’s only because of how I see the role of machined parts. I see CNC as a way to produce fantastic niche products in limited quantities. The trick is to do it without breaking the bank. It’s cost prohibitive to produce a ton of molds for a truly comprehensive line of cast hangers and base plates. Our Attack Series of cast longboard trucks is by far the most ambitious with its 6 unique hangers and 7 unique base plates. By having our own in-house CNC machines and CAD/CAM software, we’re able to release an array of 21 different hangers using 5mm width increments and 12 machined base plates using 5° angle increments. Whatever you can’t get in the cast series you can get in the fully compatible machined series.
You’ve spent a lot of time and money on this. What makes it worthwhile?
Yes, it’s a heavy investment, but longboarders are stoked. It’s taken a lot to get where we are today but skating has been a blessing to me for forty years now and it’s time to give back. The single most satisfying thing for me is watching a new generation of skaters progressing and taking it to a whole new level. I have a shared vision with an awesome crew and a badass team and collectively we say, “Power to the Skater!”
As it turns out, slop is not friend.your
