SKATEBOARD PARK DUE TO OPEN SATURDAY - WHERE IN THE HELL IS THUNDERBAY?

Big props for the good folks in Thunder Bay, ON as they have successfully rallied to get a brand spanking new skatepark! Although the skatepark is not complete it is scheduled to open this Saturday, Nov 1. (Just in time for all of the snow that is heading their way!)

Based upon the article it sounds like a bunch of townsfolk have been complaining about the project ever since it was just a dream, as they say, "Supporters argue that giving skateboarders a place to go would prevent the street skating that many believe is problematic." Is this really problematic? How about the current unemployment rate or the state of the economy - now that's problematic, not kids skateboarding around town.

www.skateboard411.com

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? SKATEBOARD, OF COURSE!

In sleepy Holland, MI skaters are welcomed at the Faith Christian Reformed Church on 85 W. 26th street. That's right, God has finally blessed the good skaters of Holland MI with a place to shred. Can I get an "Amen"?

No swearing, no fighting — just smiles.

This kind of atmosphere is what attracted Chris Aguilera to the weekly gathering at the church and has kept him coming back.

“It’s not dangerous,” said the 13-year-old who lives across the street from the church. “At the skate park, there’s a whole bunch of gang fights and stuff.”

Aguilera is part of a new skateboarding ministry that is offering an alternative place for Holland skateboarding teens to hang out, organizers said.

Each Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., the growing group gathers at Faith Christian Reformed Church just east of Holland Hospital.

If you are in the neighborhood - skate by and make a donation: http://faithcrc.org/

P.S. They appreciate the kind that jingles, but they prefer the kind that folds!

www.skateboard411.com

ANAHEIM DUCKS TEAM UP WITH PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDER MIKE VALLELY

Yes, you read that right - The Mighty Anaheim Ducks have just inked a deal with professional skateboarder Mike Valley, or better known by "Mike V".

Here is what Mike had to say about the deal: "In my mind hockey is the original action sport," said Mike V, a Ducks season ticket holder "Before the fame of action sports, hockey players were generally regarded as the toughest and craziest athletes on the planet. I think they still are. Of all the traditional and action sports, hockey and skateboarding are the only ones that are truly compatible."

And here is what the Ducks had to say: "Both skateboarding and hockey are fast-paced, athletic sports that are proving to be the activities of choice for today's youth," Anaheim Ducks Executive Vice President/COO Tim Ryan. "Teaming with professional skateboarder Mike Valley and his core following of sports and music enthusiasts is a demographic fit that benefits both parties and provides us a unique opportunity to extend our brand."

This seems like a really strange team and another attempt of Corporate America trying too hard to be cool. Many props to Mike for getting P A I D, but I just don't see the fit here. Now, if Mike was hired to perform during the intermission, then you would have something sweeter than Yahoo!

What do you think?

www.skateboard411.com

SKATEBOARD411.COM - WEBSITE LAUNCHES

Skateboard411.com has officially arrived! The website has been in development since March of 2008 and we are excited to launch the site after months and months of hard work. The website is our take on what we feel skateboarders want, all in one location. The best way to describe the site is 'Everything Skateboard - All of the Time"

The website boasts one of the largest online skatepark and skate shop directories with a google maps feature that displays the location of each listing. The coolest feature is the ability to upload, share and watch videos and photos. It also has a forum and an online shop will be coming soon. Sign up, upload and become famous!

www.skateboard411.com