SKATESLATE

12.5 EarlySummer2013

old school speedRacing at Sears Point

a career choiceTricks of the trade

catalina island classicDownhill racing, island-style

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SKATESLATE

skate[slate] crew Adam Auger, Billy Meiners, Brock Newman, Jordan Shepherd, Justin Readings, Marisa Nunez, Patrick Switzer, RJ Roush

PUBlIsHer Tim Cutting

eDItOr-IN-cHIeF& DIgItal DesIgNerJustus Zimmerly

PHOtO eDItOr& cOrresPONDeNtJon Huey

staFF PHOtOgraPHer& cOrresPONDeNtMax Dubler

INterNatIONal cOOrDINatOr Dan Pape

staFF PHOtOgraPHer& cOrresPONDeNt Ari Chamasmany

New yOrk cOrresPONDeNt Adam Crigler

Welcome to the future! Here at Skate[Slate] we’re always trying to push ourselves and this new .5 digital edition is the latest in our efforts to do so. This new edition will complement our bimonthly print editions to give you a total of 12 issues of Skate[Slate] every year. Some of the content will be pulled from our collection of original web content, while some will be exclusive to these new .5 editions. Regardless of whether or not you’ve already seen an article, you can

now enjoy these stories in a thoughtfully designed layout that shows off the excellent photography in a new light. Keeping up with the perpetual flow of media online is tough for even the most dedicated reader, so take this as an opportunity to catch up on some quality stories you may have missed. Grab a beverage, load this up on your preferred device, and enjoy!

letter from the editor

– Justus Zimmerly

5 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

Contents08 OlD scHOOl sPeeD Racing at Sears Point

13 scOOt smItH The Green Machine

17 majOr stOkem FIve East Coast spills ‘n’ thrills

20 HIttINg tHe rOaD A guide for summer travel

22 a Day at tHe DIscO High flying fun

27 a career cHOIce Tricks of the trade

31 catalINa IslaND classIc Downhill racing, island-style

This page: Cameron Frazier at the Catalina Island Classic.

photo Ari Chamasmany

Cover: Tyler Howell keeps it old school at Sonoma Raceway.

photo Justus Zimmerly

6 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

It’s easy to forget that skaters have been racing down hills for a few decades now, often on gear that would be laughable by todays standards. Road Rider and Santa Cruz decided to host a throwback race to remind all the young guns what racing used to be like, using the famous Sears Point Raceway (now known as the Sonoma Raceway) as the venue. Thirty inch boards, twenty inch wheelbases, and no reverse kingpin trucks meant that the simple, relatively straight track still offered a bit of a challenge as riders charged down the steep on their unstable skateboards.

Some people showed up fully in the spirit of the race, with authentic race boards from the 1970s while others used homegrown concoctions or simply hopped on their pool board and charged the hill. I wasn’t planning on racing at all until I was cajoled into borrowing a skateboard from JM Duran to compete on. I managed to hang on for three trips down the hill, but nonetheless was eliminated in my first heat. Some people couldn’t handle the speed on such a small board and summarily ate shit, while others handled it with no difficulty at all.

Only a few people had showed up with any intention of really competing, while the rest were there to hang out, ride skateboards on a famous car racing track, and enjoy the spectacle. At the end of the day, Max Capps took the top spot on the podium, followed by Kyle Wester, Zak Maytum, and Jimmy Riha.

Old SchOOl Speedwords and photos Justus Zimmerly

Kyle Wester

Racing at Sears Point

8 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

By putting limits on the skateboards that racers could use, the organizers found a great way to have fun and make a simple track a little more challenging. Keep that in mind the next time you and your homies decide to run a race. [SKS]

Heading for the finish Louis Pilloni hit the inside inside line

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Tyler Howell

10 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

Lou gets the podium shot with a guest appearance by John Hutson, OG downhill racer and creator of the Hut Tuck.

Scoot SmithWith Danger Bay [Scoot’s hometown event] being only a few days away, I thought it was timely to hook up with my man Scoot Smith for a little Q & A. I’ll always remember Scott as the guy with green hair that was, 1riders that come out of BC, some come and go like a whisper in the wind. Some hop on the band wagon, race for few years and then you never see them again. I’ve never really known why riders usually drop off but it’s racers, true speed freaks like Scoot, that helped really put downhill on the map. Soon to be iconic, if not already, this Pender Harbour local started racing years back …and as far as I can remember, he’s always in the top 10, if not standing on the podium along side the greats.

Dan Pape: Scott or Scoot, which do you prefer?

Scoot Smith: It really depends who it’s coming from. When I’m working my day job as a drywaller I don’t introduce myself as Scoot. If I’m at a downhill event I don’t introduce myself as Scott. I’m fine with Scoot or Scott…. I’ll respond to both.

I’m curious who gave you the name Scoot? I thought maybe Striker [Bricin Lyons]

Sandman from Team Green gave me the nick name Scoot. He actually started calling me Scoot before I was seriously into downhill.

What did you get up to this winter?

I’ve been making some changes to my signature model board Tiffany. I got a chance to make it out to Cali and stop by the Sector 9 shop to pick up the first prototype. I’m pretty stoked with what we’ve come up with. The weather in Van has been decent, we’ve had quite a few

interview Dan Pape photos Jon Huey

13 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

rad weekends of sunshine. Gotta feel lucky for that this time of year.

True, it has been nice recently. Nicer, and dryer than usual. Are you a hibernator or a type of skater that just deals with rain riding the best he can?

I just deal with it and get out as often as possible. I really enjoy riding in the rain with a small group. But making a trip to Cali and freeride events made the winter go by fast.

A little off topic but did you make it out to the Puerto Rico DH event this year?

Yeah, this year was my fourth time. I love the skate environment down there. What was that like?

It was out of control as usual. Spectators getting run over, racers running into vehicles, and random rain storms. Nothing out of the ordinary… The international turnout was much bigger than it’s ever been, it’s cool how much Guajataka has blown up in the past few years. I went to all three races and loved every minute of it, can’t wait for next year.

Yah I heard, did you race on when all the controversy went down?

Unfortunately I didn’t get to race on Monday, I was eliminated on the Sunday. I would have raced if I was in.

Hold up a sec, I forgot to ask, who’s supporting your racing?

The Sector 9 family, Abec 11 Wheels, Aera Trucks, Coast Longboarding, and Zak Maytum from Venom Bushings. Zak recently gave me an aero lid so he helps me go fast and turn corners.

Just want to let people know that you were one of the first people in BC to receive a “salaried” sponsorship. It was a big deal back then and I remember a lot of riders looked up to you as a rider that was getting paid to ride and basically travel all over to enter downhill skateboarding races. What do you think about how that has become much more common place for riders with a high skill level like yourself?

I think it’s important for companies to hook up their high profile riders with a travel budget or some cash and incentives. Lots of people from communities all over the world look up to these certain riders, and usually want what they’re riding. It comes full circle, before you know it the guy that looked up to you for so long is your biggest competition at the start line.I’m stoked longboard companies and community have grown this much.

Do you still live in the Sunshine Coast?

I moved off the Sunshine Coast in 2010 and got a place in East Vancouver.

Are you always going to live there?

I have no intention of leaving this city.

What is your favorite race to attend?

There’s so many rad events. My favorite is getting to new ones.

Which race has the best party?

Attack of Danger Bay has an awesome party. But from what I’ve heard Buffalo Bill’s party rivals it.

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Yup, your hair is still green. A few months ago someone told me you didn’t have green hair. Then I saw you and you did have green hair. Was there a period when you gave it up.

No, I’ve had green hair for seven years. That person must of seen me in transition.

What is Team Green and why was it formed?

It’s a bunch of high school skate friends getting together trying to make a name for themselves.

Recently I saw Bricin getting a another green suit, does that mean Team Green is on its way back?

Team Green was never gone. The only reason Striker is getting a new suit is cause he’s gained too much weight to fit in his old one.

The culture of longboarding in the British Columbia area have always been somewhat lax about drinking and partying and even smoking, what are your thoughts on people that get smashed either the night before the race or just before the race?

It’s up to you if you want to get trippy or drunk before the race. Those people are obviously not taking the race too serious.

When some guy is standing beside you at the start line and he’s hungover or looking blazed, what goes through your head?

Haha, this is going to be easy…

[haha haha] Nice answer……..Every year this type of skateboarding keeps growing and growing in size. Do you have any words of wisdom or ideas that you think the longboarding community should consider to keep, or at least help, the younger riders ride safe?

I just have some advice for the riders. Stop at stop signs, wear a helmet, stay in your lane, and don’t hit cars.

How is your local community dealing with Danger Bay being one of the largest and most successful races in the world?

Pender Harbour is a big supporter of Attack of Danger Bay. The town loves the event as a whole and it keeps the kids in the community a good reason to skate.

Do you think this year is going to be as big as all the years before that?

It’s hard to say. Last year we didn’t see as many riders as 2011. There’s so many races these days people have a lot to choose from. Almost everyone has been to Attack of Danger Bay so they might be saving their money for an event they haven’t been to.

True true, over the years so many races have been added to racers & freeriders bucket lists. Do you like or dislike having that much excitement in your neighborhood all at once?

All skateboarders love it when there’s out of town skaters visiting. That’s the best time of year.

Did you want to give any props anybody coming up or that have helped you immensely in the past?

Really stoked to be apart of the Sector 9 family, they’re a rad group of real people. I’d like to thank Chris Chaput for supporting me all these years. Kevin Reimer for hooking me up with trucks, food, paper, and always being down to skate. I would also like to thank the IGSA for putting on events all over the world for the last 10+ years. Most my epic road trips and skate memories were made possible because of those guys.

Last chance to say whatever the hell you want…

I’m looking forward to the future of downhill and the start to this year’s race season. Thanks Dan, and Skate[Slate]!

The pleasure was all ours. Good luck at the race this weekend! And throughout the summer. [SKS]

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Jordan Riachi - Steezestokerphoto:Animal House Reference

majoR Stokem fiveby

adam cRigleR

17 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

Most memories of Major Stokem are broken helmets and bloody knees. The iconic Carnage Corner put the NY area DH scene on the map (MS3). The “Major” of Stokem Adam Dabonka made sure riders were safe this year by bringing in hay bales and covering the deadly curb with foam. I called him up for a quick Q & A about his event.

What’s up Adam? Tell me about Major Stokem.It’s a crappy hill in New Jersey and everyone falls on it.

How was the turn out this year compared to the first Stokem?Major Stokem 1 had zero spectators with only 25 racers and the road wasn’t closed. Major Stokem 5 we had the city close the road for us. Eighty eight racers registered and raced with about 200 spectators.

So there is no question that there will be another Major Stokem?Everyone keeps asking me when its gonna be. I am looking forward to doing it again. I’d rather skate it than organize it but definitely doing it again.

Any shout outs?Yes. Thank you Scott Imbrie from Original for not only supplying the hay bales but also racing.

Congrats on such a great event!Thanks, glad you came out.

The Shralpers Union was out in force to spot the runs and keep everything running smooth. The races started at 10am and ran till the semi-finals, then Bustin Boards held a high ollie contest hosted by Luis Tolentino (Shut Skateboards). Dave Aparicio (Bustin Boards) took $300 cash money for being the only one to ollie 35 inches. The Union quickly brought everyone back to racing order to finish the races. A few crashes and some close calls later, Dejaune Jones (Bustin Boards) came through with first place. [SKS]

Adam Dabonka

Jeff from Uncle Funky’s18 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

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hitting the ROad: a guide fOR SummeR Skate tRavelwords and photos Max Dubler

The summer skate-trip season is fast approaching, and many new travelers have questions about hitting the road to hit some roads. This post is intended to answer some frequently-asked questions about traveling with big skateboards.

PLANES, TRAINS and AUTOMOBILESPlanes: To answer a frequently-asked

question, yes, you can usually bring your skateboard on the plane with you. If you get to the gate and the gate agent doesn’t want to let you bring your board on, they’ll check it through at the gate for free or reduced cost.

Obviously, you want to get the best deal on your flight, but the lowest fare price on Orbitz or Kayak.com isn’t always the cheapest trip. Beware hidden baggage fees. Most international flights include at least one bag for free, but domestic fares usually don’t include checked bags and some even charge for carry-on. Your best bet is to check your airline’s baggage policy before you book your trip.

Air travel involves tons of waiting around. Bring a book to pass the time.

I usually fly with Southwest because they’re pretty cheap, the fare includes two free checked bags, there’s no charge for changing your flight, and the people who work there aren’t total jerks who enjoy ruining your day like the folks at United, US, and American. I’ve also had good experiences with Jetblue, Frontier, and Virgin. Don’t fly on Spirit airlines—they charge $50 for a carry-on.

Trains: I’m told trains are a sick way to travel, as you can take as much stuff as you want without extra baggage fees, then just chill on a train and watch the scenery go by. I’m definitely trying to take a train somewhere this year.

Automobiles: The key to a good road trip is finding a dependable vehicle and filling it with a solid 3-5 person crew that shares similar skate and travel styles, with a competent leader to hold everything together.

In my experience, full size vans are the best way to travel. You’ve got enough space to stretch out and can still shuttle hills without a problem. That said, I’ve been on rad trips in everything from compact cars to pickup trucks. If you’ve got a car that runs, get that hoopty on the road and go skate some new spots.

GEARAs you would assume from the name,

longboards tend to be long and bulky, which makes them tough to fit in standard luggage. Fortunately, a few companies make good longboard-specific bags and riders on a budget can easily make do with a golf bag.

The Decent Hardware body bag is the best skate bag I’ve used. It’s roomy enough to hold everything you need to go to a skateboard race (mine fits a full-face helmet, park and downhill boards, leathers, sneakers and 7 sets of wheels with enough room left over for all my clothes, a sleeping bag and my toiletries) and durable enough to stand up to a full year’s

worth of skate trips. They’re a little spendy, but definitely worth it if you travel a lot with your skateboards. Sector has a new line of bags out, including one that rolls. I’ve never used ‘em, but they look good.

In general, you want to pack light and avoid bringing too much stuff.

If you’re on a more limited budget, most golf bags work well enough for skate stuff and have the added benefit of being exempt from airline oversize bag charges (when asked, always say your skate bag has “sports equipment” inside). Riders worried about their helmets can get some peace of mind with hard-shell cases.

Most skate backpacks with external board straps work just fine with longboards, but I wouldn’t recommend strapping your board to the outside of a checked bag because they have a habit of disappearing enroute. When in doubt, carry it on.

GENERAL ADVICESelecting your crew is one of the most

important steps in the planning of a trip. I find a 3-5 person group ideal for skate travel. You’ve got enough people to get a good session going, but not so many that it’s impossible to get out the door. More people is cool in a van situation, but four dudes in a passenger car works well.

Travel styles vary and it’s crucial to be on the road with people that have similar routines, budgets, and tastes. Some folks like to take a shower, get coffee and enjoy the scenery in the morning, while others are all about staying dirty and getting up at 6 to hit every single spot and get tons of runs. It’s also good to be with a group of folks with similar budgets. You don’t want to be that guy with $50 to last him the whole trip if you’re in a car with dudes that want to eat out and go to the bar every night. Similarly, it’s harsh to be in a van full of raging partiers if you’re just trying to sleep after a long day of skating.

You don’t have to skate the exact same way as your crew, but it sucks to be the downhill-only dude standing around at the skatepark for four hours while everyone else skates.

A competent leader can make or break a trip. Leadership comes with responsibility. A good Trip Dad has a plan for the trip, with skate spots mapped out and sleeping arrangements settled before the trip begins. Trip Dad also needs to be a decisive decision maker–a waffling, indecisive Trip Dad won’t command the respect and cooperation of his skaters, which can lead to disagreements and tense situations.

You are likely to find yourself in a miserable situation at some point in your travels. When that happens, it’s best to remember that you’re on an adventure and today’s misfortune is tomorrow’s cool story. Just roll with it and you’ll have a good time. [SKS]

a day at the disco

words and photos Ari Chamasmany

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Since 2010, the Muirskate Downhill Disco has served to act as a yearly bench-mark to the incline oriented skateboarder. A sensational display of mastery from the who’s who in the downhill skateboarding arena. Every year the Downhill Disco comes along, and every year things get more and more serious. Competitors go bigger, ramps get larger, obstacles more intricate, wounds more severe, and this year did not disappoint. With five or six hundred people in attendance, the 2013 Downhill Disco was the biggest I’ve attended to date.

To understand the appeal of the Downhill Disco, one has to understand the appeal of the thrill that comes along with skating in front of a large crowd of your peers and spectators. Like a high stakes poker game, skating in front of a seething mass of people suddenly makes you realize that there is a lot more on the line than just pride. A mental game ensues, a mind over matter battle of extreme focus and skate-inspired courage. Like skating under a microscope, the test of skill comes with being able to perform despite the fine tooth comb like observation, a talent in itself.

Events like the Downhill Disco stand to represent something of a showcase. An exhibition of skill, courage, and creativity under fire. Your competence as a skateboarder measured entirely by your ability to land your tricks and appease the audience. The risk all the greater, the reward like a drug. There is no sensation I can convey that comes close to emulating the rush of a cheering crowd. Tyler Howell, trying his hand at the big air ramp

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Disco flair from Daniel Luna

A roaring verbal affirmation of your achievement. The knowledge that you accomplished a feat worth the howling elation is a something of a dream. A momentary high that resonates from deep within, a string of memories that will undoubtably last a lifetime.

The Downhill Disco has therefore fostered the birth of a very unique sphere of competition in our incline oriented world. An environment crafted solely for competitors to achieve that momentary state of skateboarding bliss. An event that brings together the best of the best for a skateboarding shoot out of epic proportions. Each year the crowds get bigger and the stakes get higher; and each year we as the audience, as skaters, are woo’ed and wowed once more. The Muirskate Downhill Disco is a dance with the extent of one’s own abilities, and a place where stars are born. [SKS]

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a career choice: tricks of the tradewords and photos Ari Chamasmany

Dustin Hampton, riding the clouds27 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

I’ve found myself at an interesting point in my career, I must say. Like being in the eye of some immense hurricane of life and stopping for a moment to open the front door to take a look around. What’s the status? How are things doing? I did the college experience, trained in a specific field to be a specific thing. Finished my schooling, began working in my chosen trade, and then thought, “Here we are, this is it, your career, the rest of your life”. I dunno about you, but there was something largely unsettling about that thought for me. Maybe it had to do with the times, maybe my own crazy personality? Whatever it was, there was no way the confines of the drab grey cubical walls could keep me contained for long, I knew this before taking the job. Like going through the motions to appease your conscience, it was something I had to do for myself, just to know for sure whether or not it was somewhere I felt I could belong. It took me just under two years to come to the conclusion that I wasn’t built to spend my days slowly melting into a Herman Miller desk chair. I may have worked well within the sphere of advertising, but I could only fight off my passions for so long. The adventure beyond the temperature controlled work environment had come calling.

Being completely honest however, I had always wanted to be a documentary combat photographer. The thought of existing to capture a moment that most would shy away from stuck me as something special. I had been to photography school, I grew up with cameras, but a career seizing a moment most others feared put you beyond the gear and the schooling. Your camera was no longer a Canon or a Nikon, your college where you learned photographic theory no longer applied. Out there, in those situations, your knowledge and your gear were no longer brands, but things you relied on. I guess overall there was something about that whole situation that enticed me, the thrill of danger and adventure that woo’ed me on. However, while the idea of hanging out of a helicopter door strafing the sands of foreign lands may have appealed to my fantasies, there was something else that came into my life around this same time that had just as much appeal and allure… skateboarding.

Skateboarding had always been there, sitting in the far back corner of the room waiting for its moment to speak. It only ever took one run blasting down a slope for me to fall head over heels in love with the thrill and charm of the sport. It was something that just felt natural from moment one, something that

ultimately usurped everything else I had been involved with. Love on wheels, a tributary redirected. So while combat photography may have been an enticing concept, skateboarding’s voice was louder. A sphere that encapsulated all the elements of travel and danger, without the potential for PTSD.

I always found it funny to hear those infamous one liners in college coming up. The “follow your heart and make your passions your career” kinda phrases. The ones that were suppose to inspire you to want to do something you actually felt like you wanted to do. Well, this phrase has always hit pretty close to home for me. The idea of spending your whole life slaving away at a job that you didn’t necessarily feel connected to felt more like a death sentence then a career. A wasted existence trading the hours of your life for a paycheck never made sense to me. So while I’m still figuring it out, making it up as I go, I just know that there is one golden truth behind all of my trials and tribulations; to be happy. As long as you have that little element of joy in your life, then there are no wasted days. Photography and skateboarding are my passions, and while I may never be a rich man, I know that I’ll be happy, and that is worth all the money in the world. [SKS]

Daniel FissmerBrian Bishop knows a thing or two about finding his bliss

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Ben Desnyder squeaks out a squat check in a corner in Malibu.

Adam Stokowski, slashing at mother earth

Amanda Powell, gettin’ elegant under a cloud covered sky

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Catalina Island Classic

words and photosAri Chamasmany

31 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

To be completely honest, I didn’t really know how to begin this article when I first sat down to write it. I mean, how do I go about explaining the take over of an island by an international swathe of rowdy adrenaline fueled skaters without it sounding like some kind of elaborate terrorist plot? It’s a tough line to walk, but in so many words this is basically what transpired; minus the guns, bad vibes, and odious intentions. However, this isn’t the first time Catalina Island has seen such a take-over. In fact, Catalina Island has felt the burn of urethane wheels a few times before. The original event, taking place way back in 1977, has served to act as the foundation for what has become an annual event of epic proportions. This year’s Catalina Classic was no exception, with the largest rider / spectator attendance recorded to date, the Catalina Island Classic has without a doubt been fully resuscitated by the good folks at Riviera Skateboards. Once a distant memory, revived by the nu-skool, and rockin’ a little bit harder now.

Pulling up to the ferry landing made it plain to predict the outcome of the weekend. Like a roll call for all of your good friends and colleagues, you didn’t need a crystal ball to tell you that things were going to get wild. A cast of international riders from all over the globe, all gathering curbside to board the same boat, bound for the same weekend party, on the same island. Like some kind of proverbial skate inspired perfect storm, the stage had been set, the Second Annual Catalina Island Classic was rapidly shaping up to be one hell of a humdinger.

Our Friday afternoon arrival on Catalina very quickly became an island-wide party. With practice runs scheduled for tomorrow’s AM, skaters culminated then dispersed to their various lodgings about the Pacifically situated archipelago, soaking away the remainder of the afternoon with healthy helpings of spirits, stoke, and smiles. Everyone you encountered on a skateboard was a comrade, an agent of good vibes. Each individual ensuring that everyone else had a good time. An island-wide insurance policy that made certain that you were gonna be hyped to be there, skateboarder or not.

After a thoroughly raucous evening of decadence and debauchery, Saturday’s vibe quickly became one of seriousness. Riders relinquished their steins for skateboards and leathered suits, transforming

the day from one of soggy over-saturation, to incline oriented seriousness. With shuttles transporting competitors to and from the top of the hill, a good solid afternoon of practice was to be had. Multiple runs lent to the repetitious learning of the Catalina track’s technical curves and bends. A slithering snake of hairpin lefts and rights tracing a line along the southern most ridge of the city of Avalon, the course’s technical layout lent itself to countless crashes and washouts. Just being fast was not enough, this course demanded technical prowess as well. As the afternoon of thrills, chills, and spills speedily melted away, the party promptly picked up where it had left off, and yet another night of whole-hearted indulgence began anew.

Sunday morning, race day. An evening of blurry memories quickly dissipated into total focus. Once again, riders relinquished their brews and climbed back into their sponsor laden skins. An air of anxiousness permeated the island, it had all come down to this. The jest and cheer on the faces of riders had been replaced by a demeanor of determination and true grit. Full face visors down, fresh wheels after every run, the race was on. Over the course of the afternoon I frantically sprinted up and down the track, capturing as much of the shoulder to shoulder action as I could. The racers battling tooth and nail to hit that inside line, stick the inside corner on the edge of grip without washing out. It was like watching some kind of ferocious organized ballet with the penalty for error being a straight line into the blocks. Despite all the viciousness however, despite the side by side, wheel to wheel combat, the thrill became the ultimate reward. Sure, some will object, claiming the time honored phrase “winning is everything”, but at the end of the day there was something else to encapsulate the occasion. Something much greater then a spot on the podium, or a big foam board check. In the end, there was thrill and there was camaraderie. Sure, winning may mean something, but the experience meant everything.

The Catalina Island Classic is something of a rarity within our sport. An event that is based upon a race, but at its core is all about an experience. It’s not about just venturing to another odd little corner of the earth to compete in a competition, it’s about celebrating what we have grown up on this

Team rider perks

32 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

little spec of mud in a sea of darkness to do: live. The Catalina Island Classic experience is therefore something beyond skateboarding, as skateboarding-centric as it may be. It is a moment of reprieve from the push and pull of our daily existence to remind ourselves and everyone else why we do what it is that we do. That at the core of all our competitive lives, lies one very simple often overlooked thought. That thought ultimately being, to live, and to live boldly, vivaciously, and to the fullest of our own potential. To exist genuinely and purely for the experience that is life itself. This, as a whole, is skateboarding, this is downhill.

A sincere thank you to Resource Distribution and Riviera Skateboards for getting me there, housing me, and for throwing such an epically fantastic event. Additionally, a huge thanks to all of the sponsors of the event, Loaded, Otang, Abec 11, Resource Distribution, Paris, Divine, Riviera Skateboards, and anyone else I missed. Also a proper nod to Brent “Dubes” for all of the organization before, during, and after the race. We owe you a lot for making the scene a better place. An additional thanks to all of the course workers, the people of Catalina for putting up with our raucous behavior over the weekend, and to everyone who skated, partied, or otherwise had a hand in making this weekend simply incredible. Thank you. [SKS]

Final standingsWomen’s

1st. Elena Corrigall2nd. Tamara Prader

3rd. Anna O’Neill

Men’s1st. Patrick Switzer2nd. Byron Essert

3rd. Jomar Guzman

Team S9, style and grace

Sinjin battles for the lead

34 [SKS] .5 Early summEr 2013

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