Rob Dyrdek & Street League Break Ground At Kansas City’s 1st Safe Skate Spot

Having a good big brother is key in the development of kids with no direction or guidance.  Big brothers ensure that these kids grow up having someone to look up to in times when society has rejected them.  That is why I would like to take this time and thank my big brother. Actually I’m the big brother to my younger brother who I seriously hate and spent countless hours beating up as kids.  But because I didn’t have a big brother, I had to look up to sources outside the confines of the home.  My big brother was the skate magazine BIG BROTHER and man was he awesome.  He gave me a glimpse of what it’s like to be a teenager.  I got to see what hot skate girls looked like when nude, I learned that you can wear DEPENDS while out getting wasted, and I learned how to make home made bombs.  Those were the days.

The young skateboarders of Kansas City have a great big brother as well and his name is Rob Dyrdek.  He is really doing some great things for not just the skateboard community, but for the cities as well.

In association with STREET LEAGUE Skateboarding, the Rob Dyrdek Foundation will celebrate the official opening of Kanasas City’s first Safe Spot Skate Spot at Penn Valley Park.  Rob Dyrdek, KCMO Director of Parks and Recreation Mark McHenry and Jan Marcason of the 4th District City Council will hold a press conference at 4:00pm on Wednesday, May 15th at Penn Valley skate plaza, W. 29th St. & Pennsylvania Ave. in Penn Valley Park.

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Posted in Skate | Tags: Kansas City, Rob Dyrdek, Street League —| No Comments »

John John Florence wins Billabong Rio Pro

Florence, currently in his rookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of Billabong Rio Pro competition, topping prodigious Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, on his way to triumph over Parkinson.

“This is the best feeling in the world,” Florence said. “I had that bad heat at Arpoador to start and we had a couple of lay days and I had to just sit and think about it. I can’t even believe this right now. I’m in shock. I was just sticking to my game plan and not thinking about the other guys. I’m so happy right now.”

Florence, who now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today’s massive victory to the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

“This helps my confidence so much,” Florence said. “I have a lot of confidence going into events with barreling waves like Pipe. Obviously I have a lot of confidence in barrels from my experience at Pipe, but coming here, I wasn’t expecting a big result. I was just hoping to make a few heats.”

Michael Heath, Global Marketing Director at O’Neill, said: “Everyone at O’Neill is super-proud of John John after what he accomplished earlier today in Brazil. We’re just delighted for him and his family – congratulations John John!”

Posted in Surf | Tags: Billabong Rio Pro, John John Florence —| No Comments »

Pedro Barros & Cabalerro Win Pro-tec Pool Party

Do you remember a guy by the name of Koko?  I’m sure most you were not even a SPERM when he was around but let me tell you a little about this guy.  KOKO was one of the greatest wrestlers of our time.  He had impeccable moves inside the ring, and even more impressive style outside the ring.  He came from the heyday of WWF wrestling when cheap stereotypical characters were sprinkled with slight racial undertones were the norm.  This guy was like the black version of MACHO MAN RANDY SAVAGE, but in my opinion, a lot better.  While Macho man had nasty straw-like HAIR, Koko had a nice, slick, and beautiful Jheri Curl.  Plus Koko had a dope little parrot named FRANKIE who would ravage his opponents while beaten up on the ground.

Back in Koko’s day, nobody ever really took him seriously as a threat to win the belt.  But before you know it, Koko came out of nowhere and worked his way up the ranks.  Well, he never won the belt but he went down as one of the most recognizable figures in wresting history.  If you think that SISQO was an original act, well now you know where he ripped off his image from.  It was Koko B. Ware.  And you too better B. WARE of the up and come’n young’n from Brazil who just dominated at the Pro-tec Pool Party in Orange this past weekend.

Seventeen-year-old Brazilian Pedro Barros defended his first Pro-tec Pool Party hydrated by vitaminwater Pro crown to win $28,000 at the Vans Skatepark in Orange, California Saturday night as he again fought off Rune Glifberg in second place and Bucky Lasek who returned to the Pro-tec podium after missing last year with a broken wrist.

The Masters division took on the look of a Bones Brigade reunion as Steve Caballero returned from recent injury to claim first place and $14,000 ahead of fellow Brigade alums Tony Hawk, the runner-up, Lance Mountain in third and Mike McGill in fourth.  It was the first time that those four had competed in the same contest since the early ’90s and Stacy Peralta and George Powell were on hand for the occasion.  Cab, who six weeks ago broke his collar bone in a motorbike mishap, was not expecting to compete until being cleared to begin rehab just a week ago.  He also won in 2010 and is the only Masters competitor to unseat 6-time winner Chris Miller, who placed 9th this year.  The night was capped off with Hawk receiving a huge cake in honor of his 44th birthday today.

Masters
Name (Hometown)         Purse
1. Steve Caballero (San Jose, CA)     $14,000
2. Tony Hawk (San Diego, CA)         $7,000
3. Lance Mountain (Arcadia, CA)        $4,000

Pros
Name (Hometown)        Purse
1. Pedro Barros (Florianopolis, BRA)   $28,000
2. Rune Glifberg (Copenhagen, DEN)   $14,000
3. Bucky Lasek (Baltimore, MD)        $7,000

Posted in Skate | Tags: Bucky Lasek, Lance Mountain, Pedro Barros, Rune Glifberg, Steve Cabalerro, Tony Hawk —| 1 Comment »

Street League 2012: Winner of EU Selection Announced

With so many exciting competitions currently going that decide the winner based on fans’ votes, I don’t know if my text voting fingers will be able to sustain the rest of the summer season!  ZOWEE!  I’ve already lost my voice screaming in anticipation at the end of every American Idol episode.  So much so that I’ve had to employ my favorite blogger from TIGER BEAT to help me spread to the word to my friends on who to vote for.  In addition, the last remaining episodes of Dancing With The Stars is coming down to the wire and because I just can’t stand not knowing the results once they go live, I’ve been going down to CBS Studios where the show is shot live to wait in line for the TV taping.  I should have worn sun block while OUT THERE.

And finally, who could not be excited for the battle going on in Europe right now for who gets to represent the entire continent at this year’s Street League 2012.  Well the voting was tight but we now have a winner and I know you won’t be disappointed (unless you’re a huge fan of THE WANTED.

(The Wanted are coming for you)

STREET LEAGUE has announced the name of the pro to take the final open spot in the 2012 series; Bastien Salabanzi. The 27 year-old French pro has been selected as the result of the first international voting-based qualifier for Street League at the DC Embassy Park in Barcelona, Spain entitled “The EU Selection.”  The EU Selection gave 13 European pros, 12 continuous hours each to film footage at the park and create a video submission for consideration.  The EU Selection videos were then subject to a three-pronged voting process with equal weight given to the fans, STREET LEAGUE judges, and the current Street League pros.

At age fifteen, Bastien burst on to the scene with his breakout part in the Flip video, “Sorry” followed by parts in “Really Sorry” and Lordz’ “They Don’t Give A F#&k About us”. In 2006, Bastien returned to France where he joined Jart Skateboards and dominated the European contest circuit, becoming notorious for his insane tricks and ability to pump up fans while he skates.  Salabanzi has an impressive arsenal of tricks, but most notably are his Caballerial Kick Flip variations – which are sure to be seen in probably more than one big section finals in this year’s tour.  Salabanzi’s qualifying video highlights included a Caballerial Double Kick Flip, an Alley Oop Backside Flip over the Embassy big rail, a Double Kick Flip Frontside Boardslide & a never-been-done Caballerial Kick Flip Backside Tail Slide to forward.

Posted in Skate | Tags: Bastien Salabanzi, EU, Street League —| 1 Comment »

Independent Trucks: Andrew Reynolds

This Independent Trucks advertisement is exactly how I like my Broadway shows: SHORT AND SWEET

This Independent Trucks advertisement is exactly how I enjoy my root canals: LARGE AND IN CHARGE

This Independent Trucks advertisement is exactly how I t-shirts: TIGHT AND NIPPLY

This Independent Trucks advertisement is exactly how I slogans: 2ND PLACE IS THE 1ST LOSER

This Independent Trucks advertisement is exactly how I eat my food: GIRTHY

Posted in Skate | Tags: Andrew Reynolds, Independent Trucks —| No Comments »

Real Skateboards Made For Everywhere – Made By You

Design goes through phases like MUSIC or FASHION, except the turnover for design is at a rapid pace. Tomorrow’s artwork is already gaining steam today and can be seen as early as tomorrow.  Literally.  Some designs aren’t exactly innovating a new path for the way we look at things, but they still create a stir that makes people excited.  Just like the KONY video.  Even better than Kony 2012 is what REAL SKATEBOARDS is doing to get you, the twerp involved!

In a large and new exciting way to get people stoked on skateboard graphics, REAL SKATEBOARDS wants you to help design their upcoming “Made For Everywhere” deck.  All you have to do is hashtag (okay if you don’t know what a hashtag is because I didn’t until a few weeks ago when I joined Instagram, it’s the number (#) symbol that when attached to a word like “#jonathantaylorthomas” will link to a page under the same hashtag.  I think that’s primarily what it’s used for) #REALSKATEBOARDS on Twitter or Instagram, and that photo will be included to create a mosaic for their new deck.  If you don’t use either of those social networs, you may also do @REALSKATEBOARDS for Facebook.  And if you don’t use Facebook, just search REALM4M on GRINDR and someone on there will help you with your dilemma.

On May 23rd, 20112, Real Skateboards will pick their favorite tagged photos to include in the design of the deck.  Check out the video below if you’re hopeless and still don’t know what to do.

Posted in Skate | Tags: Facebook, Instagram, Made For Everyone, Real Skateboards, Twitter —| 1 Comment »

Epicly Later’d: Arto Saari – Part 1

“Arto Saari’s story is nothing short of miraculous. Obviously he’s naturally gifted and skated his ass off as a kid, but his rise to prominence is like no one else’s. If you wanted to describe it to someone who doesn’t skate, you could say: Imagine a boy from a faraway country showing up at the World Series and asking if he can play. And not only does he play, but he hits four home runs and becomes the MVP. That’s basically what Arto did; he showed up at the best place to show off your skills as a walk-on and kicked off one of the most apex (that’s Arto’s word for amazing) skate careers of all time. “

That is how Epicly Later’d and Patrick O’Dell describes Arto’s story.  Obviously though, nobody can just show up to an MLB World Series, join a team, and become this overnight phenomenon.  It takes years of scouting, getting signed onto a team through a draft, and playing an exhausting 162 game in an entire season.  Only one person in the entire history of baseball has achieved such an enormous feat.

(Rookie Of The Year: Henry Rowengartner)

Arto was in 10th grade when his story went down?  Well the story of Henry Rowengartner started at the tender of 12.  Henry was the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR.  Arto skated against some of the biggest names in the league: Brian Anderson, Chris Senn, Eric Koston.  Lil Henry went up against Barry Bonds!  A skinnier, not juiced version of BARRY BONDS.

Another young athlete who could be compared to Arto was the unknown star athlete of the 2003 World Series.  The World Series Of Poker that is.  His name was Moneymaker.  CHRIS MONEYMAKER and he took the poker world by storm when he consistently lucked his way to the world title.  He sure had what it takes to challenge some of the best ATHLETES in the world.

Now enjoy the first part of Arto Saari’s Epicly Later’d.

Posted in Skate | Tags: Arto Saari, Epicly Later'd, Episode 1, Flip, Geoff Rowley, vice —| 1 Comment »

X Games “Real Street” Returns To X Games 2012

REAL STREET skating happens on real streets, by skateboarders that don’t necessarily fall into the standard competition paradigm. Typically presented and packaged in videos and presented by skateboard brands, street skating is less about competition and more about self-expression, creativity and how skateboarders relate to their surroundings in cities, suburbs and occasionally, in the parking lots of fast food restaurants.

It was an important component of skateboarding that was absent from X Games, until the arrival of REAL STREET in 2010.

At X Games LA 2012 — June 28 – July 1 in Los Angeles — Real Street returns for its third year. Sixteen of the world’s best street skateboarders will submit 60-second video parts for a shot at $50,000 and an X Games gold medal. Competing this year are: Silas Baxter-Neal, Nyjah Huston, Chad Tim Tim, Matt Bennett, Collin Provost, Aaron “Jaws” Homoki, Manny Santiago, Daryl Angel, Taylor Bingaman, Bobby Worrest, Cory Kennedy, Chris Haslam, Nick Merlino, Joey Pepper, Dan Murphy and Fred Gall.

After the videos air during the X GAMES broadcast on ESPN2 on Sunday, July 1, a panel of judges will pick the winning X Games medal parts. But first, all 16 videos will debut on xgames.com/realstreet on June 5, and you, the fan, will be able to vote in a tournament-style bracket for your favorite part each week leading up to X Games LA 2012. The skater who racks up the most fan votes wins $50,000.

Get your voting finger ready, prime your eyeballs and check back June 5 to watch and VOTE.

Posted in Skate | Tags: 2012, Aaron “Jaws” Homoki, Bobby Worrest, Chad Tim Tim, Chris Haslam, Collin Provost, Cory Kennedy, Dan Murphy, Daryl Angel, Fred Gall, Joey Pepper, Manny Santiago, Matt Bennett, Nick Merlino, Nyjah Huston, Real Street, Silas Baxter-Neal, Taylor Bingaman, X Games —| No Comments »

Skate For A Cause Video

etnies presents the Sheckler Foundation’s 3rd annual Skate For A Cause at the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest, benefiting the A.Skate Foundation.

Cinco De Mayo at the skatepark was a full day of Pros & Ams competing, including Aaron Astorga, Aiden Campbell, Adam Dyet, Alex Midler, Andrew Brophy, Billy Marks, Brandon Biebel, Bill Weiss, Colin McKay, Colin Provost, Dave Duncan, David Hackett, Devine Calloway, Fabrizio Santos, Felipe Ortiz, Greg Lutzka, Jake Brown, James Craig, Jason Ellis, Jay Adams, Jeff Wright, Joey Brezinski, Jordan Hoffart, Kevin Romar, Kurtis Colamonico, Kyle Leeper, Lance Mountain, Leticia Bufoni, Lincoln Ueda, Manny Santiago, Neal Hendrix, Neal, Mims, Nick Garcia, Nyjah Huston, Omar Hassan, Pat Channita, Pat Ngoho , Pierre Luc (PLG), PJ Ladd, Ronnie Creager, Ryan Decenzo, Ryan Sheckler, Sasha Steinhorst, Sean Sheffey, Sergie Ventura, Shane Sheckler, Steve Olson, Tony Tave, Torey Pudwill, Yuri Fachinni.

Tons of fun in the carnival village with games, prizes, food & bevs by CCS, Casey’s Cupcakes, Chronic Tacos, Duracell, etnies, Fred Water, Ford, Independent Trucks, K1 Speed, Metagenics, New Era, Nixon, NMCA, Oakley, Plan B, Red Bull, Rock N Bounce, Tilly’s, Skateboarder/Grind Media, Woodward, A.skate, Lemonade for Autism, Ocean Festival, Thrive, Us Too Gym, Autism Speaks U.

Posted in Skate | Tags: A.Skate Foundation, etnies, Lake Forest, Ryan Sheckler, Skate For A Cause —| No Comments »

Kelly Slater & Stephanie Gilmore To Host Int. Surfing Day

THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION announced this week that World Champion surfers Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore have signed on to be this year’s International Surfing Day Ambassadors. Observed globally on June 20th International Surfing Day celebrates the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness about issues facing our oceans, waves and beaches.

Kelly Slater has dominated competitive surfing for two decades, garnering an unprecedented 11 ASP World Championships, 48 Elite Tour wins, two ESPN X Games gold medals, 14 Surfer Poll Awards, a four time Laureus World Action Sportsman of the Year Award, and induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame. He has also received high praise from the U.S. House of Representatives with a (unanimous) bipartisan resolution passed in May 2010 recognizing his outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the world of surfing and for being an ambassador of the sport and excellent role model. Kelly’s professionalism, philanthropic work, character and style have also redefined the archetype of a surfer. He is committed to protecting the world’s oceans and its marine habitats, using his influence and status to educate the public about important environmental issues.

“International Surfing Day is a day to take some time to appreciate this wonderful world we have and this incredible relationship we each have with the ocean,” says Slater. “It is a day for environmentalism, family, friendships, travel and, most of all, riding waves. For us, this should be our big holiday right up there with Christmas and Halloween and Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. It is a good time to remember all we’ve done and all the people and places we’ve gotten to know and reflect on where we’re going to be in the future. Every day is a good day for all of these things, but this one just reminds us how good we have it and to not take it for granted.”

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Posted in Surf | Tags: International Surfing Day, Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Surfrider Foundation —| 2 Comments »