Quick Hits Archive: August 16 - August 22, 2007
Aug 28 2007 / Los Angeles, CAAugust 22, 2007
EA Skate Demo Is Up And Running
Published: 12:31 p.m. PT by Me
First off: Did anyone tell you that Lat34 is running an 'EA Skate' contest where the winner will get an XBox 360, a copy of EA Skate, and a Chris Cole deck? Well if they didn't then: Hey! Lat34 is running an 'EA Skate' contest where the winner will get an XBox 360, a copy of EA Skate, and a Chris Cole deck!
Now on to what's really at hand...EA has finally released its demo for 'Skate' on XBox 360 through the XBox Live Marketplace. The 1.1 GB (so get ready to read a book while it's downloading kids) Demo will give gamers a chance to adapt to the new Flickit trick system that is integral to the gameplay for skate and which EA hopes will set itself apart from 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater' franchise. More on the release of the demo can be found here and a review of the actual demo can be found here.
Bula Presents Freeskiing's Cannes
Published: 1:36 p.m. PT by Me
For most action sports the lifeblood is the film/video. In it you get to truly see the best and usually the biggest out of each athlete. Freeskiing is no different. So it's no surprise to hear that Bula, the largest manufacturer of winter snow accessories in North America, will present the International Freeski Film Festival (IF3) from September 13th to 15th in Montreal, the surprise comes from the fact that it will be just the first of its kind. The festival will screen films that feature freeskiiers like Tanner Hall, Simont Dumont, JP Auclair, and Victoria Jealouse. But the festival isn't just about screenings, there will also be autograph signings, parties, and of course the awards ceremony which includes categories like "Best Handjob" (don't get any dirty ideas just yet...the award is for best camera work). For full details of the event as well as the films that will be playing check out the event preview. ...Oh Yeah And There Was That Thing Too: Snowboarding At The AST Vans Invitational
Published: 12:03 p.m. PT by Me
Hidden in all the commotion that was the Vans Invitational this past week was the fact that beyond Skate, BMX, and Moto X, there was actually a snowboarding rail jam competition at Portland (Mt. Hood to be exact). The winner was Jonas Michelot who faced a field of mostly up-and-coming riders to take the top prize, the details of which can be read here. As If You Didn't Know By Now: The X Games Are Big
Published: 12:00 p.m. PT by Me
According to a press release from ESPN, X Games 13 was not only the most watched X Games ever on television it was also its own small media empire, as it posted record high page views for EXPN.com as well as ESPN360.com as well as all the other digital media it was offered on. As mentioned in an earlier story X Games 13 coverage included Television, Interactive Television, Mobile Media, Digital Media (via iTunes), and Online Content...all intended for you to get as many shots of Shaun White as you could, and apparently it succeeded. Yet I wonder how much the Jake Brown crash and its subsequent viral-like coverage helped in producing these numbers. One almost has to wonder if ESPN magically pulled the board out from under Browns feet that night. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.
Crowds Come Out For Jason Jessee X-Dance Screening
Published: 2:18 a.m. PT by Me
An overflow crowd came out to see the Los Angeles premiere of “Pray For Me: The Jason Jessee Film” Tuesday (August 21) at Cinespace in Hollywood. The screening is part of the free monthly Lat34 X-Dance action sports film series.
'Pray For Me" is a documentary about legendary former pro skateboarder Jason Jessee who is also a custom chopper builder and artist/sculptor.
The film tracks Jessee’s life from being an irreverent teen skateboard sensation to his current status as cult hero -- a journey that reveals a wild personality that makes Hunter Thompson look tame.
David Rogerson, the film’s director, weaves the complex life of Jessee into an extremely well done documentary through interviews with his family, friends and associates. In addition to the gonzo "live life to the fullest" side that drives Jessee and attracts people to him, “Pray for Me” shows a vulnerable, creative person just below the surface that makes him likable.
Eric Barrett, X-Dance; Steve Nemsick, "Pray for Me" Editor/Co-Director; David Rogerson, Director and Producer of "Pray for Me"
“It’s a beautiful movie,” said Sean “Hellbent” Tarrant, who was in the film, “If you don’t know Jason, you may not get him. He’s so smart and brilliant.”
In addition to having many skateboarding fans Jessee has developed a huge following in the world of motorcycle choppers. Pro skateboarder, raising chickens, religion, huge following in Japan, family struggles, guns, motorcycles, classic cars, sponsorships, friends and more are all covered in this film. Professional photography, dozens of quotes from skateboard and biker magazines, skate film scenes, television and the Jessee family home movies help tell his riveting story.
Former tattoo artist-turned filmmaker Rogerson said it took him three and a half years to make the film. He was looking for a way to get into movies, knew Jessee and his incredible story and felt should make a film about him.
Among those featured in “Pray for Me” are Skip Engblom (of Dogtown/Z-Boys fame), world champion skateboarder Christian Hosoi, Vince Everly from hot rod and custom motorcycle club the Sinners, Hollywood tattooer Mark Mahoney, famed custom car builder Cole Foster and world renowned surf pioneer Christian Fletcher.
Tony Rogondino, a fan from Los Angeles who saw and enjoyed the movie summed it up, “Jessee is ahead of his time as an athlete, artist and a lunatic.”
Check out our photo gallery from the screening or click here for more about the movie. Oh, and feel free to check out the trailer below!
What...More Shopping In L.A.?!??! Thanks Burton
Published: 12:56 a.m. PT by Me
Wow -- 11,500 square feet of Snowboarding, Skateboarding, and Surfing enjoyment, that's what Burton Snowboards is promising with the announcement of a flagship store to be opened on Los Angeles' famed roadstop of decadence, Melrose Avenue. The store will be separated into three distinct areas for each of the disciplines with the focal point for each area being on the boards themselves. Their friend Channel Islands has decided to pitch in by acting as the supplier for the surf area of the store, while Burton will take care of the snow section of course.
For more on the planned store check out the press release here then start saving that hard-earned cash from your hard-worked paper route.
Man Hopes Surfboards Will Bring Peace To The Middle East, Kinda Makes Me Smile
Published: 12:22 a.m. PT by Me
Taking a page from the Seeds Of Peace and the Playing For Peace gamebook an elderly American has decided to do his part in helping bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide by donating a dozen surfboards to Palestinian surfers. Dorian Paskowitz says he was inspired by a TV program showing Palestinian surfers living in the West Bank using beat up boards to take advantage of Gaza's bountiful beaches. The 86-year old surfer then partnered with the "One Voice" organization to launch his "Surfing For Peace" initiative, which beyond donating boards also hopes to bring Israeli and Palestinian surfers together in events to be held in Israel.
As Paskowitz puts it, "Surfers are ambassadors of health and well-being and they are also men of peace." Right on brother, right on.
For the full story check the Reuters write up on Paskowitz.
August 21, 2007
Scotty Cranmer To Be Profiled On Fuel TV's "Firsthand"
Published: 4:57 p.m. PT by Me
The programming keeps coming eh? Fuel TV (which by the way announced CJ Olivares as their new General Manager) has decided to shine their spotlight on BMX pro Scotty Cranmer for their original series "Firsthand". Cranmer will be taking them to in-stores, grand openings, and contests as part of the show, the details for which can be seen here.
Associated Press Profiles "Dirty Ghetto Kid"
Published: 4:57 p.m. PT by Me
In anticipation of the DGK Skate Tour's stop in London the Associated Press has done a short profile on DGK founder and self-proclaimed Dirty Ghetto Kid, Stevie Williams. In it he talks about his move from his hometown of Philadelphia to San Francisco at the age of 15, and of course the origin behind his company's name (as if there weren't enough clues). Usually we wouldn't peg the AP as the type of media that would cover Williams but with the type of jewelry Williams is now rocking it's not a surprise that he gets added attention.
Volcom Offers Skating As a Sidedish To Surfing
While surfers are getting their business side of life taken care of at the Surf Expo, Volcom is gonna offer skaters a chance to have some fun alongside the event. That's because Volcom has just announced that they're hosting a mini-ramp jam at the Surf Expo, to be held September 14 - 16, 2007 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center. The Jam will feature a pro and amateur competition with a nice purse attached (for the pros at least) which you can see below along with the rest of the details. The guys from Skatepark of Tampa helping put it on...
And just to be fair, the Surf Expo does cover more than just surfing, but with a name like that...
$35,000 Purse
Pro / Am
1st $10,000 / 1st $500
2nd $7,500 / 2nd $400
3rd $5,000 / 3rd $300
4th $3,000 / 4th $200
5th $2,000 / 5th $100
6th $1,500 / 6th $100
7th $1,000 / 7th $100
8th $1,000 / 8th $100
9th $1,000 / 9th $100
10th $1,000 / 10th $100
Demos and Contest Schedule
Friday - Demos
11am - 12pm - Am & Pro
2pm - 3pm - Am & Pro
4:30pm - 6pm - Pro Only
Saturday - Pro Contest
11am Practice
12pm Contest - Invite Only
Sunday - Am Contest
11am Practice
12pm Contest
August 20, 2007
Atherton Wins WQS Billabong Pro Itacare, Will Battle Beachley In The WCT Billabong Pro Itacare
Published: 6:09 a.m. PT by Me
Aussie Nicola Atherton has pulled a winner Sunday at the 2007 WQS Billabong Pro at Itacare, Brazil. Having not finished first in any heat prior to Sunday Atherton scored a 9.25 in her first ride of the day which proved to be a score that couldn't be topped by the rest of the field. Finishing behind her was Brazilian Silvana Lima in second and Sofia Mulanovich in third. What this means is that Atherton will be able to stay at Itacare to compete in the WCT Billabong Pro to face a tough field including last years winner, Layne Beachley, Stephanie Gilmore, and Claire Bevilacqua, a preview of which you can read here.
**UPDATE** The WCT Billabong Pro Itacare actually kicked off earlier today with a full round of action in tow. Check below for results and Round 2 matchups.
Round 1 Billabong Girls Pro Brazil Results:
Heat 1: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.10, Samantha Cornish (AUS) 10.90, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 6.50
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.00, Caroline Sarran (FRA) 8.60, Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 8.35
Heat 3: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 18.50, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 10.60, Nicola Atherton (AUS) 8.25
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS) 12.75, Megan Abubo (HAW) 9.85, Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 8.75
Heat 5: Amee Donohoe (AUS) 11.65, Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 9.75, Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) 7.50
Heat 6: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 14.25, Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.45, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 11.80
Round 2 Billabong Girls Pro Brazil Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER, Roseanne Hodge (ZAF), Jessi Nicola Atherton (AUS)
Heat 2: Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Miley Dyer (AUS), Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Jordy Smith Wins in France, Jumps to Top of WQS
Published: 1:56 a.m. PT by Me
There was more happening in the action sports world this weekend than just the Dew Tour. On the WQS, South African Jordy Smith won the Sooruz Lacanau Pro in France, a six-star WQS event that featured a very international final eight, with two Brazillians, two Australians, a Hawaiian and a Spaniard. Read more about his win.
August 19, 2007
FMX: Adam Jones Tops Nate Adams in Portland
Published: 6:20 p.m. PT by Greg
The FMX finals closed out the Vans Invitational on Sunday in Portland, OR, and Adam Jones followed his win at X Games 13 with another win over Nate Adams. Adams set the bar high with his first run of 90.83 but Jones bettered that with a 91.17. That was good enough to secure the win as Adams couldn't top that with his second run.
Photos and more to come!
FMX - FINAL RESULTS
1st Jones, Adam 91.17
2nd Adams, Nate 90.83
3rd Mason, Mike 89.57
4th Bamburg, Beau 88.67
5th Stenberg, Jeremy 88.17
6th Lusk, Jeremy 88.00
7th Fullmer, Wiley 86.67
8th Rebeaud, Mathieu 85.33
9th Miller, Dustin 83.33
10th Richmond, Myles 82.00
Surfers Find Great Tow In Waves, Mother Nature Weeps
Published: 1:36 a.m. PT by Me
In the Spike Lee film "Inside Man" Jodi Foster speaks of an old saying: "When there's blood on the streets buy property". Well it seems some surfers took the spirit of that message to heart as they've become the first known surfers to have surfed the waves caused by crumbling glaciers. Garrett McNamara and Kealii Mamala made the trek to Alaska in order to take advantage of the huge waves caused by the breaking of glaciers, a feat which they videotaped and then posted on youtube.
The surfing itself is pretty amazing (check the footage below) with McNamara actually fearing for his life prior to getting towed into the wave by Mamala, but one has to wonder if it's as equally sad, see the phenomena of crumbling glaciers have been a result of global warming according to scientists. So while the bigger picture is one of tragedy the surfers have focused on the smaller picture that relates to them. For more on the actual story check the news report.
August 18, 2007
Mike Spinner is BMX Park Champ in Portland
Published: 8:56 p.m. PT by Me
Mike Spinner has finally done it -- after breaking out in a big way last year in Portland at the Freeflow tour (which took place at the same time and location as the Vans Invitational) he came back one year later to win BMX Park after some close calls. In doing so he knocks off Daniel Dhers, who had won three contests in a row (dating back to last year). Dhers did have a fall that kept him from being 100%, but he still ended up in third while legend Dave Mirra took second.
Want to see more? We have a huge photo gallery for you...
Check out our full Dew tour coverage...
Simon Tabron helps Spinner celebrate. cr. Rich Clement
Man Has A Breathtaking Experience With Red Bull
Published: 9:08 p.m. PT by Me
After drinking 8 Red Bulls within the span of 5 days an Australian man felt something funny happen: his heart stopped. Matthew Penbross was competing in a Motorcross event when the incident happened, leading ambulance officers to use a defibrillator on Penbross. Now Penbross is asking Red Bull to have a more detailed warning label on each can. Currently warning labels warn against excessive consumption but Penbross is looking to have them include more detailed possible consequences kinda like those medication commercials that warn of possible low blood pressure and diarrhea. To read more on Penbross and his adventures in Caffeineland check out the full story.
Skateboarders Involved In Hot Springs Incident Plead No Contest
Published: 7:56 p.m. PT by Me
As an update to a story we have been following previously, the two Hot Springs skateboarders who were
Shaun White Wins VertPublished: 5:37 p.m. PT by Greg
Shaun White has won his third AST Dew Tour event in a row, taking the Skate Vert title at the Vans Invitational in Portland today.
Second place went to Pierre-Luc Gagnon and third was Bob Burnquist. Bucky Lasek was an uncharacteristic ninth.
White secured the win by scoring a 91.25 on his second of three runs.
"I was just watching everyone else and after my first run, I just focused and landed it (his second run)," White said. "I didn’t want to pull another X Games and wait to the last minute (to pull out the win)."
Read a full recap of all the action and be sure to check out our photo gallery.
Skateboard Vert Finals
1. Shaun White, Carlsbad, Calif., 91.25.
2. Pierre-Luc Gagnon, Canada, 89.00.
3. Bob Burnquist, Brazil, 87.75.
4. Andy Macdonald, Boston, Mass., 86.25.
5. Alex Perelson, San Diego, Calif., 85.00.
6. Rune Glifberg, Denmark, 84.50.
7. Jean Postec, France, 84.50.
8. Rob Lorifice, Carlsbad, Calif., 80.25.
9. Bucky Lasek, Baltimore, Md., 75.75.
10. Danny Mayer, Omaha, Neb., 64.50.
Check out our full Dew tour coverage...
White is a happy man... cr. Rich Clement
Bestwick Tops Tabron in BMX Vert Finals
Published: 1:17 a.m. PT by Greg
Simon Tabron came close for winning his second AST Dew Tour stop in a row but Jamie Bestwick saved the best for last, winning the BMX Vert finals in Portland at the Vans Invitational with his final run scoring a towering 94.67, bypassing Tabron's 92.67. Kevin Robinson came in third with a 92.00 on his second run, followed by Steven McCann and his 90.83. Jay Eggleston rounded out the top five with an 89.17.
Bestwick was determined to win this event after finishing a distant 7th at the Right Guard Open in Cleveland last month.
"I wanted it really bad tonight and I think I put a little bit too much pressure on myself on that first run," Bestwick said after the win. "It took one run for me to realize just to stop being such an idiot and just get on with having a good time with riding."
Whereas Bestwick fell on his first run, Tabron nailed his, putting down the 92.67. Tabron chose to play it safe with his second run, hoping Bestwick wouldn't come through. However, Bestwick had no trouble and his second run was smooth and jammed with tricks like an ally-oop tailwhip, flair turndown and a tailwhip flair.
After the run Tabron and Robinson greeted Bestwick and waited for the score, knowing that he was going to have a big score.
In Portland the vert ramp was located inside the Rose Garden and Bestwick received a rose along with his Vans Invitational trophy. The first two Dew Tour stops had outdoor ramps, which meant that weather played a pivitol role in the competitions.
With the win Bestwick holds a 30 point win in the Dew Cup race ahead of Simon Tabron.
Be sure to see what went down by looking at our full finals photo gallery....
Check out our full Dew tour coverage....
cr. Rich Clement
August 17, 2007
Lutzka Wins Skate Park; Sheckler Second in Portland
Published: 11:18 p.m. PT by Greg
Ryan Sheckler was clear back in June as the AST Dew Tour kicked off in Baltimore: he wanted to win all five Dew Tour stops after winning three of five the past two years. After Friday's Skate Park finals in Portland's Vans Invitational, the best he can hope for is four out of five as Greg Lutzka edged Sheckler for the top spot. Fabrizio Santos was third.
It's not only Lutzka's second Dew Tour victory, but also his second at the Vans Invitational, where he won in 2005. Lutzka has placed second at three Dew Tour events, including this year's Panasonic Open, so a win was possible, but still unexpected as Sheckler has been so dominant in the event this season. True, Sheckler did have a poor performance at X Games 13 only a couple of weeks ago, ending up in fourth while Lutzka was a close second to Chris Cole, but Sheckler's strong showing at the prelims Thursday made it seem like he was in pretty good shape to repeat.
Through the opening runs, Sheckler seemed well in control. His strength is the jam session that follows the individual runs but he fell several times while Lutzka was strong and consistent, scoring a 95.50 in the final Jam for an overall score of 90.67. Sheckler's final score was an 89.83, giving Lutzka the win.
After the loss, Sheckler didn't seem to take it well, reportedly refusing to talk to the media and "running away from Dew Tour staff," according to a report on OregonLive.com. He left in a minivan, his MTV TV crew following close behind.
Even with the loss Sheckler holds a commanding lead in the race for the Dew Cup, 275 points to Lutzka's 218. If Sheckler is healthy and takes part in the next two events, Lutzka must win those events outright and hope that Sheckler finishes worse than second in at least one of them. Any other result means Sheckler is pretty likely to win the Dew Cup for Skate Park for the third consecutive year in a row.
Check out our full Skate Park Finals Coverage and the Skate Park Finals photo gallery, a taste of which is below!
Lutzka celebrates - Sheckler does not. cr. Rich Clement
Sheckler during the comp. cr. Rich Clement
Dennis Enarson Tops BMX Dirt at Vans Invitational
Published: 10:36 p.m. PT by Greg
Dennis Enarson came virtually out of nowhere to claim a win on the AST Dew Tour in only his third event. The 16 year old Enarson didn't compete in the Dew Tour last year and made waves at the Panasonic Open where he finished in 3rd in BMX Park (he didn't make the finals in Dirt). At last month's Right Guard Open, he again missed the finals in Dirt while finishing 10th in Park.
So to see Enarson totally dominate the competition was a bit of a surprise, but dominate he did, scoring in the 90s for each of his runs. Included in those runs, a variety of whips including two triple whips, two double whip 360s and more. Diogo Carina, 24, of Brazil, ended up in second despute running into some problems with his rear wheel before his third run. His tricks included a no-handed frontflip and a first-in-competition opposite double tailwhip. Last year's Dew Cup winner Anthony Napolitan stepped up for the first time this season, landing several new tricks and ending up in third.
Two riders, TJ Ellis and Ryan Guettler, performed double backflips, the trick that Stephen Murray crashed attempting in Baltimore during the Panasonic Open. Ellis ended up in fourth while Guettler ended up in sixth, partially due to crashing during his final run while trying another double backflip.
Ryan Nyquist, the dirt champ at the first two stops of the Dew Tour, finished in fith place. Morgan Wade, who led the qualifiers on Thursday, ended up in 12th place.
BMX Dirt Final Results
1st Enarson, Dennis 93.17
2nd Canina, Diogo 92.92
3rd Napolitan, Anthony 92.00
4th Ellis, TJ 91.42
5th Nyquist, Ryan 90.84
6th Guettler, Ryan 90.17
7th Doyle, Chris 89.00
8th Nastazio, Cory 88.25
9th Mackay, Colin 88.17
10th Foster, James 85.84
11th Bohan, Corey 84.67
12th Wade, Morgan 82.83
Check out our full BMX Dirt coverage and then check out our photo gallery of the BMX Dirt finals including the photos below!
Dennis Enarson gets doused after his win. cr. Rich Clement
After getting doused, Enarson talks with Anthony Napolitan. cr. Rich Clements
Latest From the Dew Tour:
Bestwick Wins BMX Vert Over Tabron
Enarson Shocks With BMX Dirt Win
Lutzka Tops Sheckler At Skate Park Finals....Wow
Published: 7:01 p.m. PT by Me UPDATED: 9;03 p.m.
Quick update: It seems the top dog of this year's Dew Tour, Ryan Sheckler (who has won the two previous Skate Park competitions on the Tour), has been upset by Greg Lutzka at the Vans Invitational. Also Dennis Enarson grabbed first in BMX Dirt.
And just in -- Jamie Bestwick came back after last month's poor finish in the Right Guard Open to beat Simon Tabron in the BMX Vert finals...
Complete event details and photos to come soon...
Skate Park Final Results
1st Lutzka, Greg
2nd Sheckler, Ryan
3rd Santos, Fabrizio
4th Seaholm, Austen
5th De Andrade, Carlos
6th Fernandez, Chad
7th do Rosario, Danilo
8th Fuenzalida, Danny
9th Rogers, Jereme
10th Ramos, Rodolfo
11th Ramos, Wagner
12th Rodriguez, Paul
BMX Dirt Final Results
1st Enarson, Dennis 93.17
2nd Canina, Diogo 92.92
3rd Napolitan, Anthony 92.00
4th Ellis, TJ 91.42
5th Nyquist, Ryan 90.84
6th Guettler, Ryan 90.17
7th Doyle, Chris 89.00
8th Nastazio, Cory 88.25
9th Mackay, Colin 88.17
10th Foster, James 85.84
11th Bohan, Corey 84.67
12th Wade, Morgan 82.83
Quiksilver And Roxy Camps To Host "Let's Go Surf, A Charitable Day of Surf"
Published: 4:53 p.m. PT by Me
In a bit of info that is sure to bring a smile to your face (except probably Rupert Murdoch's) children from chapters of the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, The Make-a-Wish Foundation, Woodcraft Rangers and various autism organizations will have a chance to hit the waves in a memorable day of surfing courtesy of the Quiksilver family of surf camps tomorrow, August 18th.
The event is intended to help introduce disadvantaged kids to the enjoyment of surfing, or in the (better) words of Kathie Amrstrong, Executive Director of the Quiksilver Foundation: "The empowerment and personal achievement of standing up on a surfboard is something most of us take for granted in the surfing industry. But the benefits and joy of surfing cannot be underestimated. It is exciting that the QS Foundation can help to sponsor this one day where disadvantaged kids can participate in the life-changing experience of surfing in our Quiksilver and Roxy camps across the country." Bravo Quiksilver.
For more information on the event and contact information for some of the camps involved head over here.
Sloppy Thirds At The Sooruz Lacanau Pro
Published: 4:19 a.m. PT by Me
As they say with every good comes a bad. After a day of great conditions for round 2 the third round featured rough conditions that led to the officials calling the round off after heat 16. That's not to say that the day was uneventful though: CJ Hobgood won his heat, Dayyan Neve scored a 9 to win his heat, and Jeremy Flores made a forceful return.
For the full day's report check this link.
Fuel TV Programming Update For This Weekend
Published: 1:06 p.m. PT by Me
Another day (or weekend that is), another Fuel TV update. This time surfer Dave Rastovich will be on "Firsthand" (airing Sunday at 8:00 EST) letting the camera get up-close and personal with him in his own setting, while Matt Kechele will be on "Daily Habit" (airing August 20th at 9:00 EST) to talk shop. For full airtimes and more details check the press release.
DC Teams With Moto X Athletes To Launch Line
Published: 12:34 p.m. PT by Me
Despite all the dirt and dust they kick up during competition Moto X athletes also wanna stay fresh to death like the rest of us. So in that light DC has teamed up with their Moto X riders (specifically Travis Pastrana, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael and Nate Adams) to come out with a new line of gear personally designed by the riders themselves under the DC TeamWorks banner. Each athlete will have a hat, shoe, and shirt with a matching color scheme so in case you really wanna be like these guys (maybe to the point of obsession?) you can wear the whole set together, as opposed to separately so that you wouldn't look like such a fanboy. For more info about the line as well as the whole TeamWorks project itself go here.
eS Team Update
Published: 1:56 a.m. PT by Me
Head over to the eS blog because they got a pretty thorough update on their skate team which is worth paying attention to 'cause it includes updates on skaters like Rodrigo Tx (who's filming his part for the Flip video), Nyjah Huston (right, who's in the Southwest), Rick McCrank (who's taking a break), and Danny Garcia who coincidentally just had an interview published on Crossfire Skatezine where he talks Europe.
Kelly Slater Gets His CEO On With Kommunity
Published: 12:22 a.m. PT by Me
In this day and age is it not enough to just say you're one of the worlds greatest (if not the greatest) surfers. I mean hell I would take that title/role right this minute if I had the chance. But Kelly Slater (like most successful people) thinks bigger than me. See, Kelly is coming out with his own surf accessories line called Kommunity Project with products designed by the company's riders including leashes, bags, and pads. The company will be under the Quiksilver umbrella so it'll definitely have the quality of its greater namesake, and as the Transworld Article notes the company is already planning big things ahead for itself.
August 16, 2007
Jamie Bestwick Leads BMX Vert Prelims in Portland
Published: 10:47 p.m. PT by Me
Jamie Bestwick bounced back with ease after losing in last month's Right Guard Open by taking first in the BMX Vert prelims held Friday at the AST Dew Tour Vans Invitational. True, he won gold at X Games just two weeks ago but still he's got to be anxious to prove last month's results were a fluke that won't be repeated.
With Chad Kagy injured (during X Games Big Air BMX earlier this month) and Francisco Zurita also not comepeting, the field opened up slightly and Zack Warden (5th) and Austin Coleman (10th) were happy to come on in to the finals. Otherwise, it was familar faces all the way around, including Jay Eggleston, Steve McCann and Simon Tabron landing in the 2nd through 4th slots).
Get the full lowdown on the BMX Vert Prelims here then check out photos from the event here.
Full results of the prelims -- top 10 make it to the finals:
1st Bestwick, Jamie 90.17
2nd Eggleston, Jay 88.33
3rd McCann, Steven 87.33
4th Tabron, Simon 86.83
5th Warden, Zack 86.67
6th McCoy, Dennis 85.17
7th Robinson, Kevin 85.00
8th Walker, Jimmy 84.50
9th Parker, John 83.33
10th Coleman, Austin 81.67
11th Jovel, Jorge 80.67
12th Kraft, Koji 79.83
13th Branham, Jason 79.67
14th Williams, Danny 79.33
15th Snowden, Ben 78.67
16th Cunningham, Brian 78.67
17th Mancuso, Mike 78.50
19th Haugen, Tom 75.33
Check out our full Dew Tour coverage.
Surprise: Sheckler Leads Skate Park PrelimsPublished: 10:38 p.m. PT by Me
There were few surprises in the Skate Park prelims held Friday at the AST Dew Tour Vans Invitational. Ryan Sheckler, who easily won the first two tour stops, seems to be in fine form at the third one, scoring a 90.25 to second-place qualifier Greg Lutzka's 85.75. There were a number of familiar faces who advanced to Saturday's final, including Paul Rodriguez (who missed the cut the first two tour stops), Carlos De Andrade, Jereme Rogers and the Ramos brothers, Wagner and Rodolfo. It was also nice to see Chad Fernandez make the finals in the 10th spot.
Get the full update on the Skate Park competition here.
Full results of the prelims -- top 12 make it to the finals:
1. Sheckler, Ryan 90.25
2. Lutzka, Greg 85.75
3. Seaholm, Austen 85.50
4. Ramos, Wagner 83.75
5. do Rosario, Danilo 83.75
6. Santos, Fabrizio 82.25
7. Fuenzalida, Danny 82.25
8. Rogers, Jereme 82.00
9. De Andrade, Carlos 81.25
10. Fernandez, Chad 80.50
11. Ramos, Rodolfo 80.25
12. Rodriguez, Paul 79.25
14. Therres, Mathieu 77.75
15. Colamonico, Kurtis 77.00
16. Cudlipp, Chris 75.75
17. Barr, Jason 75.00
18. Jones, Rodney 75.00
19. Peterson, Mike 73.25
20. Neves, Nilton 72.25
21. Pageau, Dan 71.00
22. Brummet, Dayne 68.00
23. McDonald, Casey 66.75
25. Parent, Thomas 64.75
26. Eldridge, Pete 63.25
27. Landen, Jesse 62.25
28. Etheridge, Julian 62.00
Check out our full Dew Tour coverage.
Dirt is Good at Portland Dew Tour PrelimsPublished: 10:22 p.m. PT by Me
Morgan Wade (right) was at the X Games a couple of weeks ago but he wasn't there to compete in BMX Dirt. That's because that competition canceled the event -- something that didn't make him too happy.
"I think it's completely ridiculous," Wade told Lat34 at X Games.
Well, Wade can celebrate in Portland where he took the prelims of BMX Dirt at the AST Dew Tour Vans Invitational. It may only be the prelims, but it's still pretty good to land in first among a field of 29 that includes some of the best riders in the world.
The course in Portland was built inside the Rose Garden and has some tricky elements -- a set-up that worked for riders like Wade, but made it hard for others to stand out.
Making the finals were some familiar faces, including Ryan Guettler (ranked fourth) and Ryan Nyquist (ranked fifth), who has won two Dew Tour stops in a row.
Five riders were one point from the cut-off of 86.17 (set by Corey Bohan), including familiar finalists Luke Parslow and Cameron White.
The BMX Dirt finals will take place Friday afternoon.
Get the complete recap of the BMX Dirt prelims here.
Full results of the prelims -- top 12 make it to the finals:
1. Wade, Morgan 92.33
2. Foster, James 90.67
3. Canina, Diogo 89.33
4. Guettler, Ryan 88.50
5. Nyquist, Ryan 87.67
6. Napolitan, Anthony 87.67
7. Nastazio, Cory 87.67
8. Doyle, Chris 87.00
9. Mackay, Colin 86.67
10. Enarson, Dennis 86.33
11. Ellis, TJ 86.33
12. Bohan, Corey 86.17
13. White, Cameron 85.83
14. Parslow, Luke 85.83
15. Gerber, Chris 85.67
16. McCann, Steven 85.33
17. Wirch, Scott 85.17
18. Cooke, Allan 85.00
19. Dosch, Brandon 84.33
20. Cleveland, Michael 84.00
21. Darden, Rob 81.33
22. Marks, Joey 80.83
23. Lavin, TJ 79.67
24. Searls, Dane 79.33
25. Laguna, Ricardo 79.00
26. Dillewaard, Dave 78.33
27. Stead, Josh 76.67
28. Clark, Michael 75.00
29. Young, Gary 60.00
Check out our full Dew Tour coverage.
Shaun White's Hot Streak Continues With Portland Prelims
Published: 9:29 p.m. PT by Me
Shaun White isn't taking any chances, treating the prelims of Skate Vert for the AST Dew Tour's Vans Invitational as if it were the finals. A jam-packed run including a heelflip indy to fakie, a half cab heelflip and a big backside 360 led to a solid 90.00 score, more than five points ahead of second-place skater Pierre-Luc Gagnon (who finished second to White at the X Games two weeks ago).
The skaters that made it through to Saturday's finals include the very familiar (Bucky Lasek, Bob Burnquist, Rune Glifberg). Alex Perelson, Danny Mayer, Rob Lorifice and Jean Postec were among the other skaters to make the finals.
Some familiar names missed the cut, including Sandro Dias, Lincoln Ueda and Mathias Ringstrom.
For complete details of how it went down check here, and for photos from the day's action go here.
Full results of the prelims -- top ten make it to the finals:
1. White, Shaun 90.00
2. Gagnon, Pierre-Luc 84.50
3. Macdonald, Andy 83.50
4. Burnquist, Bob 82.50
5. Lasek, Bucky 82.50
6. Lorifice, Rob 80.25
7. Mayer, Danny 79.75
8. Postec, Jean 79.75
9. Perelson, Alex 79.50
10. Glifberg, Rune 79.25
11. Dufour, Max 78.25
12. Furlong, Anthony 78.00
13. Dias, Sandro 77.50
14. Ringstrom, Mathias 77.50
15. Hendrix, Neal 75.25
16. Halterman, Buster 66.50
17. Gentry, Chris 64.00
18. Taylor, Adam 58.75
19. Ueda, Lincoln 51.00
Check out our full Dew Tour coverage.
Shaun during the prelims. cr. Peter Kim (c) Lat34
Early Prelim Results For Vans Invitational (Skate Vert & BMX Dirt)
Published: 6:16 p.m. PT by Me
Well the early results are out for some of the prelims at the Vans Invitational (an AST Dew Tour Event) and it doesn't look all that much different from the results we've seen at the previous stops ***cue drum roll*** Shaun White is atop the leader board in Skate Vert. At this point shouldn't that be a given? In terms of BMX Dirt we got Morgan Wade leading the field. Here are the current prelim results:
Skate Vert Prelims 1. Shaun White
2. Pierre Luc-Gagnon
3. Andy Macdonald
BMX Dirt Prelims
1. Morgan Wade
2. James Foster
3. Diogo Canina
Further updates as more results come in.
Jeep King Of The Mountain Contest To Air SaturdayPublished: 5:56 p.m. PT by Me
Along with eating your brussle sprouts and helping old ladies cross the street we recommend you don't forget to tune in this Saturday at 5:00 EST to see the Jeep King Of The Mountain World Pro Championship broadcast on CBS (check your local listings to make sure of course). The contest boasts the richest purse in professional mountain biking so you know the competition will be fierce. For more details on the Jeep King Of The Mountain series check here...and oh yeah Tara Llanes (pictured) will be competing, her injuries be damned!
Fathead Sponsors AST Dew Tour
Published: 3:50 p.m. PT by Me
Like a post-puberty high school student out on his first date Fathead is moving fast. After announcing just a couple days ago that it was getting into the action sports game by printing up their signature gigantic posters for action sports athletes like Ryan Sheckler, Dave Mirra, and Travis Pastrana (which we covered here) Fathead today announced that it was going to become a major multi-year sponsor for the AST Dew Tour.
The deal is meant for both Fathead and the Dew Tour to mutually promote each other on and off the tour. Or as CEO of Fathead, Brock Weatherup, puts it: “The AST Dew Tour and Fathead are a great fit. Our vision for the Fathead brand in Action Sports is big and this is simply the first step in a long-term commitment to the athletes, the sport and most importantly, the fans. When we put this incredible line up of Action Sports stars together, we knew the AST Dew Tour would be an ideal platform from which to launch this exciting new product line. The AST Dew Tour provides an incredible backdrop of energy and fan support that fits well with Fathead’s ‘put it all out there’ attitude, what we like to call ‘Fattitude’.”
'Fattitude' eh? I'm pretty sure that'll catch on like wild fire...a raging hot wildfire in a forest nobody knows or cares about. No but seriously this collaboration is actually a pretty good idea right. Just think about all those middle-aged taste-lacking New Jersey-ites who walk out of Bon Jovi concerts with brand new Bon Jovi tour shirts purchased at the concession stands. Fathead and Dew Tour are just placing that idea into a waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better context. Check out their site to get a better idea of what the posters might look like.
"Life Of Ryan" (Sheckler That Is) Trailer Is Up
Published: 1:52 a.m. PT by Me
Uh oh...teenage girls around the country are about to put their Tivo to work soon. That's because MTV is this close to premiering its Ryan Sheckler reality show, "Life Of Ryan". Come 10:30 EST August 27th it'll be like the kickoff to the Superbowl for girls that are into skateboarding. In the meantime they can hold themselves over with the trailer MTV just released for the show which features family drama, girlfriend drama, a possible prom (?), and of course Ryan with no shirt on. Props to Ryan though 'cause if I coulda lived it like he lives it I swear to God I woulda. Oh I swear.
BTW, we posted the trailer from You Tube below -- MTV may get it shut off so if it doesn't work, go ahead and see it on their site.
Square One Commercial Featuring Dennis Enarson
Published: 1:28 a.m. PT by Me
In preparation for the Vans Invitational (part of the AST Dew Tour) this weekend where he'll be competing in BMX Park Dennis Enarson has released some footage as a commercial for his sponsor Square One. This'll definitely be something you wanna watch if you've been keeping an eye out for him since his 3rd place finish at this years Panasonic Open, now if you're keeping an eye out for him for other reasons you might wanna do something else.
US Snowboarding Names 2008 Team. USA! USA! USA!Published: 12:43 a.m. PT by Me
Remember when you used to play dodgeball in Elementary School and you would line up with the rest of the players to get chosen by the team captains? Well US Snowboarding just played the role of team captain in releasing its 2008 roster. Peter Foley will assume the position of head coach (aka the guy that yells at you telling you where to go therefore making the game of dodgeball un-fun) while the halfpipe lineup will include heavy hitters like Scotty Lago, Tommy Czeschin, and Louie Vito on the men's side and Gretchen Bleiler (pictured), Molly Aguirre, and Hannah Teter on the women's side.
First up for the team, the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup Event in Cardrona, New Zealand from August 31st to September 1st. For full details including full rosters for the Halfpipe, SBX, and Alpine teams check the US Snowboarding website link. For full details on my various dodgeball experiences check my tear stained diary.
Round 2 At Sooruz Lacanau Pro Finished
Published: 12:11 a.m. PT by Me
For all you surfing fans, the pros from Europe wanna say hello in a big way over at the Sooruz Lacanau Pro in France. Round 2 saw the surfers take full advantage of the clear conditions with 48 heats going off for the day. Notables who made their mark include TJ Barron (who scored higher than 14), current ASP European Tour leader Eneko Acero, and 16 year-old Charlie Martin. In terms of upsets Darren O'Rafferty, who had previously made it to the quarterfinals at Newquay, was sent home early. Get the full details of the busy day of action here.
