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DONTAE OVERTON age 10 WORDS AND PHOTO: MIKE MILLER I met Dontae more than a year ago at a backyard bowl event. He started skating at the age of 7, when his uncle bought him his first skateboard. Since then he has been skating every day, and his father, Dale, likes to think he has taught him everything he knows (like most proud dads). Dontae is now 10 years old and has been skating vert for three years. This young, exciting, up-and-coming amateur has placed in the top five in multiple competitions in over the past two years. He resides in Victorville, California but travels all over so he can hit the biggest bowls and largest ramps. Dontae is a very passive person until he gets to the edge of the bowl. He’s referred to as “The Snake” at most skateparks because of his style – thus the custom design on the bottom of his board, courtesy of USL Skate. (Dontae came up with the design concept) Dontae is an A student at Discovery School of the Arts and part of the Gate program for students that excel in academics. He is very much involved and concerned in the environment and participates in the “Go Green” cause.
NORA VASCONCELLOS age 16 WORDS: SYDNEY GOLDBERG PHOTO: DANIEL VASCONCELLOS With her plush pink helmet and safety pads in check, this Massachusetts native is taking over the world one trick at a time. Nora made history as the first female skateboarder to land a 540 in a contest and the first to compete in Volcom’s Wild in the Parks Championships in Austin, Tex. Her versatile and consistent style landed Nora 2nd place overall in the 2009 Florida Bowlriders female division. Conditioned by the brisk New England shoreline and the healthy competitive nature of Rye Airfield Skatepark in Rye, N.H., Nora was bred to be the best at both surfing and skateboarding. She is one of the most humble girls I’ve ever talked to, and she exudes positive energy. “Drugs, going against the police, the rebellious nature of being a teenager, I never found that attractive,” she stressed. The phrase “Role Model” is written all over her, with interests that go far beyond board sports. An honor roll student, swimmer, model, babysitter and artist, she is an example of a true renaissance woman. Sponsors: Levitate Surf & Skate, Guy Skinny Jeans, West Wetsuits, Freestyle Watches, D-Surf, Bern Helmets, Spy Optics, Girls Riders Organization.
JACKSON STERN age 9 WORDS AND PHOTO: JEFFREY STERN Jackson has been skateboarding since he was 5 years old. One day Jackson picked up his brother’s skateboard in the garage and rode away on his knees. Within days he was standing on the board, and something special was happening. He started to compete in skateboarding at age 7. By the time he turned 8, he was recognized as one of the top skaters in California (8 & under). Jackson skates all different terrains, but loves bowls and vert ramps. Sneaux Shoes is one of Jackson’s sponsors, and they have been a great support. Jackson’s home park is Skatelab in Simi Valley. If you’re in Southern California, stop by Skatelab, go to the bowl and you will probably see Jackson busting backside airs. Ask Jackson what he wants from skateboarding and he will tell you, “I want to have fun and be professional someday.” Keep an eye out for this kid; you will be seeing much more in the future.
GEORGE WILLS age 14 WORDS: TONY COWL PHOTO: JANET JOHNSON George is one of the United Kingdom’s most up-and-coming young riders. He has achieved a huge amount of success at downhill events. In 2008 he entered the GoFast! Speed Days race in Eastbourne after only skating for eight months and placed 66th, which made him the third-fastest rider under age 16. This year George is going to be attending a number of European and many more U.K.-based events, so look out for him on a hill near you!
94 CONCRETE WAVE FALL 2009
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