Quick Hits Archive: February 14 - February 20, 2008

Mar 20 2008 / Los Angeles, CA

February 20, 2008

Clyde Singleton and WASSUP ROCKERS!!
Published: 1:51 a.m. PT by Mike

Check out this cool Day in the Life with the Wassup Rockers crew outside the Brooklyn Projects store on Melrose. Man these guys got really good. Check out the video and a few words from Clyde here



Mike Benson Wins Best Video At Video Wars
Published: 1:21 a.m. PT by Mike

I thought that I would give it a shot for the Best Video Award for this year's Video Wars at Mountain High. Unfortunately I got hurt on my frist trick attempt. Here's my video...

Anyway, Mike Benson had a pretty sick video for the contest. His moon man concept won him the overall best video award. You can check it out, along with the other videos at mthigh.com

Jenna Jameson Teams up with Zoo York
Published: 12:59 a.m. PT by Mike

Kama Sutra is an ancient Indian standard work in love-making. With me being an expert in the art of Kama Sutra, this gimmick really chaps my hide. Zoo York is putting out a series of these limited edition decks. I'm certain that neither Zoo York nor Jenna Jameson know a thing about the art, which I so passionately dedicate my life to. Check out this graphic promoing the decks and begin to agree with me.



YES! Officer Rivieri is back in the News!
Published: 12:31 a.m. PT by Mike

Just when I was beginning to miss Officer Rivieri, we find him making headlines again in the news. Remember this video? I most definitely do. I think about Rivieri everyday and how well he would do here in Los Angeles. We wouldn't have any more more gangs, corrupt politicians, and possibly put and end to global warming. It's unfortunate we can't have more cops like him. Check out this video where Officer Salvatore Rivieri gets medieval on a box.



We Dedicate Pennywise's Bro Hymn to You Carey Hart
Published: 12:11 a.m. PT by Mike

Most of us know what it feels like to be dumped by a totally hot chick. I don't know if i would consider Pink as hot, but I'm sure it still hurts all the same. Amidst recent reports that their relationship was on the rocks, Pink and Carey Hart have separated. And while their marriage is over, Pink's publicist (who I personally know) said that their friendship has never been stronger. Personally I would hope that they get back together. They married in 2006 in Costa Rica.



How to Switch Crooked Grind by Jereme Rogers
Published: 7:08 p.m. PT by Mike

February 19, 2008

AST Dew Tour Announced 2008 Schedule
Published: 3:28 a.m. PT by Greg

The good folks at the AST Dew Tour have announced its 2008 Dates. No surprises at all -- same cities as in '07 and dates basically on the same weekends though the Toyota Challenge will be a little later this year. You can read the release or see the dates below.

Three-time Dew Cup champs Ryan Sheckler and Jamie Bestwick are expected to defend their Skate Park and BMX Vert titles, which two-time winners Daniel Dhers (BMX Park) and Nate Adams (FMX) should be on hand as well. BMX Dirt has had three different champs (Ryan Guettler, Anthony Napolitan and Ryan Nyquist) and it should be a busy fight for the title again this year! Meanwhile, Shaun White will see if he can hold his title against two-timer Bucky Lasek and the always-tough PLG.

One thing not mentioned in the release was the Winter Dew Tour which has been previously announced as launching in December 2008.

AST DEW TOUR 2008 SCHEDULE
Panasonic Open June 19-22 Baltimore, Md.—Camden Yards Sports Complex
Right Guard Open July 17-20 Cleveland, OH—North Coast Harbor
Wendy’s Invitational Aug. 21-24 Portland, Ore.—Rose Quarter
Toyota Challenge Sept. 11-14 Salt Lake City, UT—EnergySolutions Arena
PlayStation® Pro Oct. 16-19 Orlando, Fla.—Amway Arena

That's D.O.P.E!!
Published: 1:41 a.m. PT by Mike

Most skaters today, including the youngin's, are good about knowing their skate history. Thanks to films like 'Lords of Dogtown', documentaries like 'Dogtown and Z-boys', and 'The Skateboard Kid' starring Willy Santos, most kids are familiar with names like Jay Adams and Christian Hosoi. So it won't be difficult for most of the skate population to appreiate this new documentary D.O.P.E. which comes out this Spring 2008. It's a story about the rise and fall of four major skate legends: Bruce Logan, Dennis Martinez, along with Hosoi and Adams. All of which succumb to either prison or death.

I'm also willing to bet that most people in other extreme sports (like Rollerblading for instance) are not as familiar with pioneers in their sport. Guys like Arlo Eisenberg, Chaz Mcentire, and the high flying act of the Yasutoko brothers (Forgive me for knowing these people). I'm just glad that skateboarding has a deep and rich history. Check out the trailer for D.O.P.E. here...
"Broh! You See Sheckler's New Ride!!"
Published: 1:19 a.m. PT by Mike

Taylor: Brah! I was like totally on the skgfiles.com website and caught a gnarly glimpse of Sheckler's new pimped out Jeep Grand Cherokee!

Zack: Wicked Broh! What kind of mondo specs are on that piece!?

Taylor: Dude, there's like increased horsepower, and Fox Racing SHOX 2.0 emulsion shocks to smooth out the ride on his 26 inch dubs, and a cold air intake system by AFE and an exhaust system by Gibson!

Zack: Brocious! I don't know what all that stuff is but that's so extreme!

Taylor: I know! I'm totally going to save up all my mondo paychecks from Yoshinoya to do the same to my Pinto

Zack: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, I stand by you 100%, my brah from a different ma!

MORE PICS!!


South African Surfing Awards Honors Jordy Smith
Published: 12:59 a.m. PT by Mike

It must be nice for surfers to once in a while attend a black tie event when they're in shorts most of the time. But then again, probably not. The South African Surfing Awards took place at the International Convention Centre in Durban last Saturday night. 250 of surfing's stars were in attendance for the affair. Read more about it here here. BTW, Jordy Smith won the top honors for the second year in a row...

White Wins Laureus Award
Published: 12:31 a.m. PT by Mike

If I saw Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Ryan Sheckler, and Shaun White, all on a ballot for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, I would totally vote for Paul Higgins, the ESPN Asian X-Games announcer. Unfortunately, he's not on the ballot. So my second choice would have to be the kid with the bright shining smile, SHAUN WHITE! And YES! He did win the Action Sportsperson of the Year Award. I hope he celebrates with honor, by inviting Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Ryan Sheckler to his celebration party. And if possible, Paul Higgins. In other news, Roger Federer of Switzerland won the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year Award. Too bad he couldn't win the Aussie Open.


More here.

Don't Forget to Draft Your Fantasy Surf Team
Published: 12:12 a.m. PT by Greg

Surfer Magazine, in conjunction with the ASP, has its latest edition of Fantasy Surfer ready for the season. You can play it for yourself here.

I've already got my first team picked out for the Quiksilver Pro and have lined up Kelly Slater, Bobby Martinez, Damien Hobgood, Bebe Durbidge, Ben Dunn, Luke Munro, Dane Reynolds and Roy Powers. You can change your lineup after every contest as long as you stay within the funds you have (you start with a $50 million budget).

I know I am a little American heavy for now, but Mick Fanning is going for $12M and Taj Burrow for $11.5M so Kelly Slater's $10.5M is a relative bargain. Team name is the SoCal Swell if you care.

Good luck everyone!

February 18, 2008

Getting Ready For the '08 ASP World Tour
Published: 1:28 a.m. PT by Mike

Some of you may know that the ASP's President Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew has a semi-regular column on the ASP Website. Usually they're a good read but this week's column is a must-read because Rabbit breaks down the whole season, what to look forward to, etc. Don't miss it!

Girls-Only Skate Competition...  In England
Published: 1:00 a.m. PT by Mike

Here in the United States, we are holding witness to an unprecedented and groundbreaking moment in history by having a female as one of the front runners for the presidency of this country. But folks in the city of Manchester, England have one upped us by having a free Girls Only Skateboard Competition this upcoming March 8th for female skaters everywhere!

The competition will be broken down into three separate categories: Under 16, 16 and Over and of course Sponsored. First prize will win 600 Euro, which is about $1180 and a bunch of other prizes. Not to mention free "Girls Only" skateboarding coaches for beginners. Check out the flyer...

Mountain High Names 'Video Wars' Winners
Published: 12:41 a.m. PT by Mike

SoCal resort Mountain High had a video contest closing this weekend named "Video Wars." The competition highlighted videographers shooting at Mtn. High focuing on snowboarding and awards were handed out for Editing, Riding and Overall Video. Winning were Mike Benson, Gregory Scott, and Mark Biggins... Congrats to the three -- not sure of who won for who (Mtn. High hasn't let us know yet) -- when the video is available we'll show you. They get a 2008/09 Mtn. High Season Pass for their trouble...

Check out the entry page for more info.

Clash At Clairemont Part 2
Published: 12:19 a.m. PT by Mike

For those living in the greater Los Angeles area, check out this event benefiting Grind for Life coming up on March 8th called in Clairemont, California. Some of skateboarding's top pros will be in attendance. Tony Hawk, Bucky, PLG, Andy Mac and many others will be there to support the cause. There will also be a best trick competition sponsored by Thiesnuts and Awkward Skateboards. A $10 donation to Grind for Life gets you in the gates which open at 11am.

Check out the Clash2 website for more information.

February 17, 2008

Shaun White and Elisha Cuthbert? No! Yes.
Published: 1:33 a.m. PT by Me

I'm pretty sure last year we had a headline on the site saying something to the effect of "why is Shaun White smiling?" It was because he was presenting an award at the Red Bull World Stunt Awards back in May and was standing next to "24" hottie Elisa Cuthbert while doing it. Cool, we thought. Case closed.

Then in December White was celebrating at the GQ Men of the Year party in Hollywood and who should be pictured with the great red hope but... yes, Cuthbert. And she looked pretty saucy. Hmmmmm.

Now comes the following pic from last week in West Hollywood at the sushi place Katsuya. Here comes Elisa Cuthbert coming out to her Porsche at the valet and who's a few steps behind her? That's right.

Now, to be clear, everyone seems to say that the two are just friends (except this blogger), but Shaun's got a chance to really ratchet up his "dude" quotient... Don't let it slip through your grasp, man!



Bear Mountain Hosts Wide Open #5 Including GvR
Published: 12:12 a.m. PT by Mike

The Wide Open #5 is hitting Bear Mountain in SoCal February 21 – March 1 and will include the first-ever etnies Goofy Vs. Regular pro snowboard contest on 2/23. Also showing up will be Ghostface Killah to play. There are also a couple of contests on the 34th and March 1.... Find out more here about Wide Open and more about GvR Snow here -- and if you can be there in person there will be a live webcast.

February 16, 2008

New PLAN B Am: Scott Decenzo
Published: 1:33 a.m. PT by Mike

Man, watch this kid's video. You will most definitely be impressed. Especially with the trick at the end, which includes a cameo by Colin McKay.  Decenzo won the Volcom Damn Am 2007 last October and has been a hot property since.


DCskateboarding.tv Site Now Up
Published: 1:20 a.m. PT by Mike

DC just introduced brand new clean looking new .tv site at dcskateboarding.tv that includes everything from clean flash videos, picture galleries, news, blogs and rider profiles.


The Greatest Sports Movies of All Time? We Think Not.
Published: 1:11 a.m. PT by Me

Let's see, the London Times has rereleased its list of the top 50 "sporting" movies of all-time. They first put it out in December '05 and I guess nothing good has come out since then. If you want to go through the list be my guest, but you won't find any action sports films on the list (which is topped by "Raging Bull") but in the "shoulda" column are "Dogtown And Z-Boys" and "The Endless Summer." What, no "Blue Crush?"

Some blogger at the Sporting News actually has an even better omission: the classic Bones Brigade skate movie "The Search for Animal Chin."

See the first 20 minutes below. The whole thing's YouTube in four parts. Gotta love the Internet.



Kelly Slater, Jack Johnson and Eddie Vedder Support Benefit
Published: 12:22 a.m. PT by Me

When one local surfer in Waimea Falls, Hawaii, needed help, she had some vmajor names chip in. From Kelly Slater and Eddie Vedder donating signed surfboards to Jack Johnson chipping in an autographed guitar, people are looking to support Jeannie Chesser, who has been a staple on the scene for decades.

Chesser has been fighting cancer and the benefit is meant to raise money toward her medical bills. If you live in the area, you can go to Waimea Falls Park between noon and six to take part. No word on if those elsewhere might be able to take part via the internet at some point...

Check out this story for more!

A Dominating Day for International Surfers: The Hang Loose Pro
Published: 12:09 a.m. PT by Mike

The 5-Star WQS Hang Loose Pro contest is underway in Cacimba do Padre Beach. In the latest action, international surfers took command led by Spanish surfer Hodei Collazo (who earned himself the highest heat score of the event with a 18.40 points) but it was South African surfer Greg Emslie who had the highest single-wave score with a 9.97.

For more about the event, check out the full article at ASP World Tour. You can also go to the official site to watch the action live.

February 15, 2008

Epicly Later'd Keeps On John Cardiel
Published: 1:59 a.m. PT by Mike

The fifth and sixth installments of Epicly Later'd on skateboard legend John Cardiel are now up on vbs.tv  Episode Five is about John's first encounter with Gonz and also includes some pretty amazing archived 8mm footage shot by Tobin Yelland in S.F.

Here are a few words from Epicly Later'd producer Patrick O'Dell

Now we reach the early middle stretch of the John Cardiel series. Originally we were going to call the whole thing “Trip on This: The John Cardiel Story” because of how many times he says “trip on this” during the interviews, but it kinda didn’t fit since the show is already called “Epicly Later’d.”

Anyway, I have to thank two photographers without whom this episode would be far less epic. Bryce Kanights hooked me up with tons of photos of Cardiel back in the day, like the Boreal pictures, Ft. Miley, Studio 43, etc., so thank you Bryce! And Tobin Yelland actually gave me hundreds of photos and let me just go through all his raw footage from F*cktards and everything. He just handed me a pile of high-8 tapes and said “help yourself.” So all the weird bits of 16mm footage and shots of Julian driving around, those are from Tobin. Thanks!

I’m trying to save up some money to by some prints off those two right now. I think from Tobin I want the shot of Julian stealing the fruit and from Bryce I want either Gonz skating Alcatraz or Mike Carroll going over the hip at Boreal. Anyhow, enjoy the shows... when John gets on Anti-Hero, that's when sh*t really starts to pop off.

Hmmm.  Sounds good.  And that's just #5 -- both episodes are below for you to check out...





Brand New Team Ice Cream Blog
Published: 1:25 a.m. PT by Mike

Hopefully these guys will update their blog on a daily basis or at least a few times a week so that the skateboarding public can keep up with their shenanigans. Check it out here.

WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy + Darrell Mathes: Weactivist = TRUE!!
Published: 12:57 a.m. PT by Mike

Straight from the WeSC site:

WeSC is proud to announce that what once was a mutual and distant admiration, has been made a formal affair, with the one and only Darrell Mathes welcomed as WeSC’s latest Weactivist! Chosen to represent WeSC and their Street Fashion program, Mathes will act as an informal ambassador for the brand flying the flag of WeSC near and far! Yeah!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with WESC, they are a Swedish based clothing brand who pride themselves in integrating lifestyle with fashion. A WE activist can be a photographer, an artist, musician, a writer, and as seen here, a snowboarder. Other WE activist also include skateboarder Jerry Hsu, and skater/actor Jason Lee. The addition of Darrell Mathes just adds to the growing influential list of WE activists.

Here's the rest of the update from the site:

“Now that I’m officially a Weactivist, all I can say that I’m very happy to be onboard. I’m definitely stoked to be with a company that understands street fashion in a way that reflects my identity and style of living,” says Darrell, who was invited to join the Superlative Conspiracy by fellow Weactivist and snowboarder, Jussi Oksanen, who ads, “If there was ever a “right guy” to ride for WeSC, it’s Darrell. It’s great to have him as a part of the WeSC family!



Get Ready For a Slaughter At The Opera
Published: 12:37 a.m. PT by Mike

We may have talked about this before, but it's so good we probably need to bring it up again, plus we're looking at it coming down pretty soon. The guys at Globe are following up last year's Double Stack Cash Attack on the Gold Coast with Slaughter At The Opera -- Opera as in Sydney Opera House. Nice! It also has a sweet $50K payout (1st= $25,000 2nd= $15,000 3rd= $5,000 4th= $3,000 5th= $2,000). Now that ain't Maloof Money but it's pretty good.

Here are the details:

Date - Saturday, March 1, 2008
Time - Sydney Opera House gates open at 10:00am, Slaughter starts at about 2:00pm, crew will be warming up all day
Cost - nothing, it's a free event for spectators, no charge
Rails - spec perfect recreations of the Outback (El Segundo) and UCI (University of California, Irvine) rails built in a line
Prize Purse - $50,000.00
Commentators - Jake Phelps, Bryan Schaefer, Ryan Clements, special guests
Confirmed Tours - Globe, Girl, Enjoi, Creature, Independent
Live Webcast @ www.globe.tv/slaughter Will begin 7pm FEB 29th in the U.S. (P.S.T.)
Confirmed skaters - Mark Appleyard, Eric Koston, Andrew Reynolds, Paul Rodriguez Stefan Janoski, Rick McCrank, Chris Haslam, Ryan Sheckler, Erik Ellington, Greg Lutzka, Nick Dompierre, Paul Machnau, Jake Duncombe, Brad Staba, Lewis Marnell, Cale Nuske, Jereme Rogers, Darrell Stanton, Adam Dyet, Matt Mumford + more...


Alfy Cater Wins Oakley ASL Big Wave Title
Published: 12:01 a.m. PT by Mike

The best in big-wave surfing in Australia were honored in Sydney a couple of days ago and taking home the top prize was Alex "Alfy" Cater of Western Australia. He was the runner-up last year and took the win this year thanks to an amazing ride on a deepwater break known as "Cow Bombie" near Margaret River, Western Australia. The wave was judged at 45 feet. There were two additional awards handed out, one for top Shooter (which went to Jamie Scott for his image of Cater's winning ride) and one for Best Overall Performance Award for the season to Tasmania's Marti Paradisis.

For his win Cater took home $20,000 in cash and a brand new Sea-Doo. Check out a photo of the winning ride below.

Get more info about the awards at official site.

February 14, 2008

Rob Dyrdek's Sweet New Ride
Published: 1:21 a.m. PT by Me

Everyone should remember last year when Rob Dyrdek gave away his truck as part of a stunt that later made it onto "Rob & Big" -- I guess he decided he needed a new car because All Speed Performance has been rebuilding a '69 Camaro Rogue Status for the skater and now there's video of the new ride (see it below). No word if it will sneak on to his show this season.

You can see 'before' photos here.



Surfer Rastovich Like Dolphins, Hates Fisheries
Published: 12:51 a.m. PT by Me

Awhile back we told you about pro surfer Dane Rastovich (among others) protesting against the commercial slaughter of dolphins off the coast of Japan. Well, apparently since this happened "thugs" have been threatening surf shop employees and anyone who may have helped the protesters and as a result the story has been squashed.

Rastovich made some comments about that and out comes an article where he apparently says the Japanese Yakuza is behind the intimidation. Oops. Rastovich is now telling anyone who will listen that he was misquoted or misunderstood. No doubt the Yakuza wouldn't take too kindly to being called out over Dolphins.

The end result is the slaughter of dolphins isn't going to end any time soon and these bad guys are probably just tough fisherman guys. No doubt the protestors may come back but maybe next time they'll be packing.

You can read more about Rastovich's comments here..

Forbes Rates Top Snow Spots
Published: 12:19 a.m. PT by Me

Yes, what magazine is better suited to rate the best snow and ski spots across the world than Forbes? Most of the locations are pretty familiar and obvious, including Park City, Beaver Creek and Tamarack. But a few are probably great places for the more, ahem, affluent readers of the magazine. Those include Holmenkollen, Norway (which is really more a ski jumper's dream), Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy and Kitzbühel, Austria.

Get the full story here..

View Previous Quick Hits Entries From February 7 - February 13, 2008