Tony Hawk is back at it again. As he does every year he’s asking (yes, asking) people to hit up the Tony Hawk Foundation for free money (up to $25,000) to be used for building skateboard parks. There is a catch: eligible parks must serve at-risk youth in low-income communities. And he’s done a lot of this.

Having awarded more than 500 grants since 2002 to skatepark projects in all 50 states, the Tony Hawk Foundation has seen 80% of the skateparks it’s helped fund open and begin serving almost 13,000 youth daily. In addition to its domestic Grant Program, the Tony Hawk Foundation has also provided critical Technical Assistance to thousands of skatepark projects around the world. In many instances, the foundation’s Technical Assistance has helped communities avoid costly mistakes and delays. Tony Hawk Foundation staff assisted over 1,000 communities in 2012 alone.

The Tony Hawk Foundation is doing great things in this world. To find out how you can help support, or apply for some funding for a skateboard park in your neighborhood follow the jump. One more thing: applications must be turned in by July 1, 2013 to be considered.

Continue reading ‘Hit Up The Tony Hawk Foundation Now’

World Industries has just dropped a new line of Plyagra decks that feature North American maple veneers with a carbon fiber inlay in the top layer to help the boards say stiffer and stronger for longer.

If you’re facing embarrassing performance anxiety the Plyagra just might be the right board for you. They apparently work for Andrew Cannon. Plyagra decks are currently available in fine independent skateboarding shops for $59.95, but we don’t know how long they’ll last.

Brandon Brubaker, the former Cons Skateboarding and Vans designer has accepted a new position at Supra Footwear as the vice president of design and merchandising.

“SUPRA has always been a design driven brand,” said Scott Bailey, ONE Distribution’s CEO, “and Brandon’s commitment to pushing design make him uniquely suited to lead our young team. Bringing Brandon back home to Southern California after years of experience with some major footwear brands is something we’re really proud of.”

For the official word from Supra follow the jump.

Continue reading ‘Brandon Brubaker Moves Up To One’

Sure, it’s Monday morning and we’re still trying to recover from a white hot action sporting weekend, but still, we haven’t laughed this hard watching a skate edit since, well, since 1969. And we owe it all to The Amazing Richie Jackson Skateboard Show.

The Extension Gallery in Allston, Massachusetts is hosting a collection of all of Dennis Mcnett’s artwork for Antihero Skateboards Saturday evening, May 18, 2013. The event is a celebration of the Antihero + Orchard Capsule Project release.

The show will feature the entire collection of skateboard graphics that Dennis Mcnett has created for Antihero, including the original wood relief cutouts and insight to this amazing artist’s process. . . That evening we will also be releasing the Orchard X Antihero “Off Campus Housing” capsule including a board designed by Dennis and a limited edition “Care Package from Mom” collection of co-branded goodies.

The opening begins at 8 PM. Extension Gallery is located at 156 Harvard Ave. in Allston, Massachusetts.

[Link: Orchard Skateshop]

Skateboarding doesn’t go much deeper, kinder, or funnier than with Jason Lee and Chris Pastras. Just watch this edit and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.

Real Skateboards co-founder Jim Thiebaud has partnered up with the guys from Green Day on a skateboard collaboration that will help raise funds for the Children’s Hospital & Research Center in Oakland, according to a story in the New York Daily News.

“It’s a true collaboration with Green Day,” Thiebaud told the Daily News. “I’ve been friends with Billie Joe for more than 15 years. I grew up in Berkeley and Oakland. When you were a punk rocker or a skateboarder, you stuck out, so you got to know everyone in the scene.” . . Mimicking the graphics for Green Day’s latest, multi-album release, “Uno!,” “Dos!,” and “Tré!,” Real is issuing custom skateboards that the company will sell in skate shops and online. Proceeds will go to Children’s Hospital.

For the rest of the great story behind a group of really good guys, click the link.

[Link: NY Daily News & Green Day]

Kilwag, that smarty pants editor of Skate And Annoy, linked up a great story from Salon.com by Matt Reevy titled: Authenticity and the X Games: Why ESPN just doesn’t get it.  In it Reevy gets right down to the heart of the action sports/mainstream media conundrum. We’ve always said that the mainstream doesn’t care, won’t care, and never has cared about action sports. But Reevy makes a much more complete, compelling argument:

Essentially, what ESPN seems to miss,, is that that the statement “I am a skateboarder” is a far different one than “I am a basketball player”. There’s no such thing as the best skateboarder, BMX rider, snowmobiler, skier, or snowboarder. Placing in the X Games is a reflection of a high level of skill, certainly, but it doesn’t make you the best.

Reevy finishes his article off with the statement that Shaun White is neither a snowboarder nor a skateboarder, “he just happens to ride them. Until that changes, no one is going to care about the X Games, regardless of where they’re held.”

While we’d never take anything away from Mr. White’s snowboarding and skateboarding, the larger point is made — X Games? Who really cares? Aside from the people who are getting paid, no one.

[Link: Salon.com via Skate and Annoy]

Gary Rogers just keeps those laughs rolling. And yes, you’re right, it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Another artistic behind-the-action-sports-star profile is on its way from Disillusion Mag. This time with Eric Koston of all people. The full edit drops on May 25, 2013. Can you wait for it? Guess we’re all going to have to. Silly teasers. . .

[Link: Desillusion Mag]