San Fran Skate-a-Thon

March 29, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. 8a.m. to 11a.m. for a good cause.

Torrance, CA Skatepark - Closed

The Torrance Skateboard Park, which was closed last weekend, will remain shut down indefinitely.

City officials made the decision regarding the Wilson Park facility Tuesday, said senior recreation supervisor Carl Kaemerle.

"It's made out of wood and with the recent rains that we had, it took a beating," he said.

The decision isn't particularly surprising.

The 21,000-square-foot facility, built eight years ago by a now-defunct nonprofit group, has been deteriorating for years despite continuous efforts to repair and maintain it.

It's made out of wood and Skatelite, a wood and plastic composite more yielding than concrete, but designed for indoor rather than outdoor use.

Last year the skate park's large wooden bowl was closed because the wooden frame was rotting.

In 2008, there were 11,650 visitors to the skateboard park, which was open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Kaemerle said he's interested in hearing from users and residents, with the idea of forming a committee to discuss what should be

done.

He can be reached by calling 310-781-7590 or e-mailing ckaemerle@torrnet.com.

Anti-Hero Catalog

If you haven’t already spent some serious monitor time clicking through it, head over to DLX and check out the newly posted Anti-Hero catalog. Great stuff with killer content. And watch for new catalogs from Real, Krooked, Thunder and Spitfire to roll out this week.

Gatorade Builds Team, SIgns Chaz Ortiz

Looks like Gatorade is going to give Red Bull, Monster and Mountain Dew a run for their money. Gatorade announced today the addition of Chaz Ortiz to their action sports team. Rumor has it that Chaz has signed a multi year contract with a six figure salary, not bad for a 14 year old kid. Looks like Chaz won’t need to hit up his parents for allowance anymore.

With plans to sponsor skate events in 09 and add more riders to their team, it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more from Gatorade in the future.

1,546 Kickflips in a Row?

If you think you have kickflips on lock, think again! Fourteen year old Zach Krai recently set a new kickflip world record. I wonder if Zach took a lunch break in between kickflips.

Quicksilver Puts Forbes High Ollie Event on Pause

Since Quiksilver pulled out of ASR they were not allowed to host their previously touted Reese Forbes High Ollie event to be run by the SPoT crew. Bummer. Click here for the details

Fight For a Good Cause

What a better way to fight for a charitable cause that to host a big celebrity fight, right?

Apparently, the Sheckler Foundation supports violence on the UFC level with its upcoming Down For Life event in Anahiem, CA next month. Who’s ready for blood, delirium, and swollen eyes without the satisfaction of actually skateboarding? We aren’t.

New Roster in 09 - Sheckler, Beasley and Allen

In news that has surprised by many including himself, Ryan Sheckler has been released from his commitments to represent Volcom. After several months on the flowgram, Theotis Beasley has been officially welcomed to the fully sponsored Nike SB roster. Andrew Allen has stepped up to the pro ranks on Anti- Hero, but not without a series of good old fashioned pep talks with his elder teammate Frank Gerwer.

Listen and look at the situation via the team’s new 2009 spring online catalog right here, right now.

Epic Indoor Skatepark Scheduled to Open 2-09

The small Sierra foothills town of Rocklin is soon to become the epicenter for Northern California’s premiere plaza style indoor skate park, which is set to open in late February. The Epic Indoor Skatepark, currently under construction by Team Pain measures in at over 36,000 square feet under one roof.

The press release that dropped on our desktops cites that the park will include features for all abilities with an above ground pool, a 65 foot long mini-ramp and a plaza type street area with handrails, concrete ledges, grass gaps, and skateable concrete art. This skate venue could be good for those wet winter days, but when the sun is shining will the die-hards roll up and pay to play? Only time will tell.

Louis Vuitton Skateboard

If you thought $3,000 dollars was way too much for a bag or purse, guess how much Louis Vuitton is asking for their limited edition skateboard? How about 8 G’s! We think it’s time for Louis Vuitton to concentrate on handbags and leave skateboarding alone.

Emerica's Braydon Szafranski Talks Shoes

Visit the Emerica site to watch a video with Braydon Szafranski talking about his new shoe. And not to spoil things but “they are like thick enough to jump down stairs…but at the same time they ain’t D3s”. Instant kick flips and holding down for the LV as well. View it all, including some skate footage, here.

Flip Team - Big Plans for 2009

The Flip team rocked 2008 with a summer jam packed with filming and traveling with the Zumiez Couch Tour, and closed up the calendar year with its Feast Southwest Tour. The crew’s highly anticipated video Extremely Sorry, is still in the works so sit tight it will be out sooner than you think. While you’re waiting for its release be sure to check out this TWSkateboarding exclusive clip featuring the skills of Flip’s young guns Luan De Oliveira, Curren Caples, David Gonzalez, and Louie Lopez.

Bob Kronbauer’s Mumble Mag - Mumble Blog

Bob Kronbauer’s Mumble Mag has evolved into Club Mumble, an online blog full of art, skateboarding, and street culture from the best in the business. Natas Kaupas, Thomas Campbell, Mike O’Meally, Sean Cliver and SkateDaily’s own Bryce Kanights are just a few out of the 100 contributors. If you’re into the art/skate scene you need to bookmark this site immediately.

Battle at The Berrics - Ladd and Bledsoe Face Off

The battles continue over at The Berrics with this week’s installment between PJ Ladd and Tyler Bledsoe. It was a heated game of skate that lasted over half an hour! Don’t miss this one, roll on over and check it out.

Marc Johnson Interview

Head over to 48 Blocks and check out their interview with one of the most stylish guys around - Marc Johnson. Marc talks about his days on Maple and the A team and what he plans on doing after skateboarding. Well worth checking out.

Peralta Finds Whopper Virgins

Legendary 70s professional skater and renowned film director Stacy Peralta traveled far from the soil of developed nations to produce an insightful infomercial involving a unique taste test between the Whopper and Big Mac. The results are quite interesting.

The Wall Street Journal Talks to Danny Way

Yes, you read correctly (who knew the WSJ even had a ‘sports’ section?) skateboarding ‘Champ’ Way is interviewed by the financial paper. The piece focuses on the Mega Ramp with questions also touching on the Olympics and Plan B. Nothing like some early morning mainstream media coverage to wake you up.

Sack Lunch

If you wanted skate industry news WAAAY back in 1999 there was only one place to go. Sacklunch. Then in February of last year…it just disappeared. Gone. Well, we’re happy to announce that it looks like the Sack is back. So click the link, set your bookmark and keep your eyes peeled. Glad to have you back…

DVS Releases Stimulus Plan

The DVS Council on Skateboarding Welfare announced today a bailout plan that aims to boost the morale of skateboarders nationwide. Recent studies indicate that skateboarders too are vulnerable during economic downturns - often citing razor tails, pressure cracks, and coned wheels as signs of the times. In addition, many skaters are now experiencing an overall lack of funds for post session sodas, chips, and candy - a snacking deficit DVS Skateboard Welfare Chairman Tim Gavin says must end immediately.

DVS’ proposed bailout plan aims to offset these economic hardships by delivering a healthy package of tour footage from DVS’ summer skate trips “A skateboard Bailout Plan of this magnitude is exactly what is needed during these difficult times,” says Gavin.

The Bailout Package includes footage from DVS tours including the Scandinavian Scandilous tour, the Eh To Z tour through Canada, and the Freaks and Greeks tour to Greece.

The DVS Bailout Package is being headed up by a long list of highly experienced committee members including: Torey Pudwill, Mark Baines, Daewon Song, Paul Shier, Andrew Brophy, Flo Mirtain, Keith Hufnagel, Lucien Clarke, Jeron Wilson, Russ Milligan, Kerry Getz, Bryan Wherry, and Chico Brenes.

Click right here to get bailed out.

Quiksilver’s “All Day All 80s ” Vert Challenge Recapped

Wanna travel back in time and see what skateboarding was like in the mid to late 80s when vert skating was still king? Well, just sit back and push play on the video piece below and you’ll witness yesterday’s vert stars mixing up an afternoon with the horrible kits, bulky, flat skateboards and progressive moves for then (and now). Hosoi in tights and a wig? Caballero with his hanging suspenders and Flyaway helmet? Hawk and others decked out in day glow?

Be sure to check out the full report from Concrete Disciples with additional video clips, a photo gallery and all of the final results.

Vans Presents ICONoclasts Photo Show

Tomorrow, Thursday the 11th, in Los Angeles Vans is having a photo show based on their ICONoclasts series. Some seriously great images of Cardiel, Rollins, Wes Humpston, Lemmy, Robert Williams, Peralta and many others. Looks to be a great time.

Click here to view the flyer and get all the details and how to RSVP. Then check out the ICONoclasts site and watch the videos.

2008 has been a heavy year for Danny Way to say the least. With his spectacular falls on the Mega Ramp at X Games 14 and more recent back injury during a warm up mishap in Brazil, Danny has been relaxing and laying low for the most part. The heads at DC caught up with him for this online interview where he recalls those unfortunate moments this year and his mindset and inspiration moving ahead to produce a groundbreaking part for Plan B’s full-length video.

Although the video is still over a year away from completion, we’re absolutely confident that Danny will deliver beyond expectations, set new benchmarks, and blow our collective minds. Stay tuned for 2010.

Black Box Distribution to Host Crossroads Retail Show

Black Box is set to host its first-ever Crossroads retails show on January 21st and 22nd at its headquarters in Vista, CA. Retailers and skaters making the trip out to the ASR tradeshow are welcome to stop by. There will be a BBQ from 11-2 pm, and the Black Box skatepark will be open for all to skate.

New to this year, the Crossroads retail show will be open to the public on the second day, and will include a demo and Best Trick contest, featuring top pro and am riders from all of the participating brands.

On site, the show hosts will provide burgers and refreshments, skateboarding and the newest products from many of the following 40+ brands confirmed to attend: 1031, Ace Trucks, Adio, Baker Boys Distribution (Deathwish, Brigada), Black Box - Zero, Mystery, Slave and Fallen, Black Label, Bones, Circa, Cliché, Consolidated, DC, Deluxe - Real, Anti Hero, Krooked, Thunder, and Spitfire, Destructo, Speed Metal, Dwindle Distribution - Almost, Blind, Darkstar, Enjoi, Speed Demons, Tensor, Element, One Distribution - Krew, Supra, Podium Distribution - DVS, Matix, and Lakai, Skatebook, Slap, Street Corner Distribution - City, Think, Venture, Hubba, and Lucky, Stereo, Thrasher, Tum-Yeto - Foundation, Toy Machine, Pig wheels, Rukus and Dekline.

Check this TWS Business report for more information.

Merry Christmas

Sidelining skateboard politics with festive flavor, Sole Technology’s VP of Marketing, Don Brown showed just why he is truly one of the skate industry’s MVPs last night. Hey, he didn’t get on the Skatepark of Tampa’s official “Party Team” for nothing right? In true form, he showed up in the City of Roses backed by one boozy Santa, a trio of excited elves, some gifts, and delivered an evening of holiday cheer, free drinks and camaraderie amongst those who decided to show up - all in the good name of skateboarding and the “fuck the rules” lifestyle that it was revived with back in 1981. It was truly one of the best high-spirited holiday parties that I’d ever attended, that’s for sure.

Rob Brink was on the scene and captured the action. Check out his reportage brilliantly titled Three stripes, a Swoosh and an “e” for an inside peek of the harmonious evening of wildness (and more) that consumed the evening.

All 80's All Day

While we’re waiting for actual contest footage from the All 80’s All Day Contest that went down this weekend, we’ll have to make due with this killer qualifying clip. Skaters include Cookiehead Jenkins, Lester, Staab, Tony Mag, Cab, Bucky Lasek, Eric Nash, Grosso, Hosoi, Hawk and many others. And get a load of that killer fashion. So good.

Document mag calls it quits?

Can it be true that the UK’s Document magazine is sadly going out of business?! Document has been bringing the best Europe has to over for the last ten years! We’re very saddened to see it go. Make sure to hit newsstands and pick up their latest issue, (ironically its 10th Anniversary - Interview issue) most definitely to become a collectors item.

Ray Underhill Memorial Wheel

Attention all of you Ray Underhill fans, in co-operation with George Powell and Skate One, Momentum has just released a memorial wheel for Ray! All proceeds go directly to the family to help with the large medical bills that they’ve incurred. Skateshops, please head over to Ultimate Skateboard Distribution and Eastern Skateboard Supply and order a few select sets to offer to your customers and perhaps roll on a set of your own.

15th annual Tampa Am - Brazilian phenom Luan de Oliveira

At the 15th annual Tampa Am this afternoon Brazilian phenom Luan de Oliveira edged out Andrew Langi to take home the win. Hit up the Skatepark of Tampa site for a full list of results and photos in the next day or two.

Final Results - Top 5
1. Luan de Oliveira
2. Andrew Langi
3. Nick Merlino
4. Taylor Smith
5. Kechaud Johnson

Reese Forbes Ollie Challenge at ASR

It’s hard to believe that the original Reese Forbes Ollie Challenge took place close to ten years ago. Well, don’t sleep because it’s back. Yup, it all takes place for round two at ASR on January 23-24th in San Diego. Who’s got that pop to break the record of 43 inches?

Element and Nyjah Huston Brokeup

It's not me, it's you!

It has been announced that Element and Nyjah Huston have officially parted ways. Will the young professional quickly find sponsorship elsewhere or have a tough go at it much like other former Element riders such as Cannon, Townend, and Rupp? It appears that Rodrigo Peterson has linked up with Organika as he has an introductory part in the brand’s upcoming video “Zach and Walker’s Concrete Jungle” which premieres at Pitcrew early this week. After jumping on board earlier this past summer Nate Broussard has been let go from the Skate Mental camp while Aussie powerhouse Shane O’Neill has been brought onto the am roster.

Toy Hall of Fame Welcomes the Skateboard (BOUT F'N TIME!)

November 9th was a good day for the Skateboard, as it finally got the recognition it deserved when it was welcomed into the Toy Hall of Fame. Other excited toys that received this prestigious award - the Baby Doll and the Stick. No, I am not making this stuff up.

Maybe if we are lucky next year's event will recognize Glue!

Gummi Bears and Skateboards. What more could a real man want!

UK-based candy maker Haribo, famous for their delicious and nutritious Gummi Bears, launches a skateboard competition. Not like a real competition, just a chance to win 100 limited skateboards and helmets. No purchase necessary!

Just what the kids want - a skateboard and helmet with Gummi Bears on them!

This is the second promotion Haribo has run this year. In April it launched a competition offering consumers the two dance lessons for the price of one. The promo ran alongside Maoam Dance Mayhem, a dance competition for 12 to 18-year-olds.

PAAAA LEASE!

Class is in session! Skateboarding for Gym Credit

Tired for getting your ass kicked in Kickball? Always last the last one to be chosen for any sport in gym? Then give skateboarding a try! That's right, a school in New York City is offering a Skateboard class for gym credit and the class is taught by pro skateboarder Billy Rohan. Among local skateboarders, the spot on 12th Street between First Avenue and Avenue A where wooden ramps and metal-topped ledges are set up most afternoons is known as 12A. For the 9th and 10th graders of East Side Community High School, it is gym class.

It's not just for the guys, as many of the students that are participating in the class are girls.

More schools should be doing this!

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