A 25-year-old who was waterskiingskateboard towing behind a white pick up truck on the Pacific Rim Highway on August 31, 2012 ended up in Vancouver General Hospital after suffering “serious head injuries,”, according to a story in the Westerly News.
The man was allegedly riding a skateboard while holding onto a rope attached to the back of a white pick up truck when he lost control and fell. . . The incident occurred between Ucluelet’s cemetery and Surf Junction Campground at about 7 p.m.
Owned by VF Corporation, Vans shoes contracts with factories that use sweatshop-style labor but show signs of improvement. A study done by corporate responsibility group As You Sow said that VF’s transparency is bad, but it is working toward bettering the lives of its factory workers. Social Grade: C.
Although it still uses dangerous chemicals in the manufacturing of its shoes, Vans is starting to move in the direction of becoming an eco-friendly company, by participating in events with the organization Beach Clean Up, as well as hosting e-waste disposal. Environmental Grade: C.
Nike did even worse, of course:
Nike, the world’s largest sporting-goods maker, has had a long and troubled history of sweatshop conditions and employee abuse at factories that make its products. . . . There are several third-party reports that corporal punishment is used in some factories that make Nike products and that in the primarily female work force, workers who become pregnant are fired. . . Social Grade: F.
Nike does, however, have several environmental programs, which include the use of organic cotton and recycling used rubber. Environmental Grade: B.
Nice to know that even the high schoolers know what’s up when it comes to footwear.
Westlife Distribution, the new owners of the Matix Clothing brand, are keeping the family together by re-signing Daewon Song, Marc Johnson and Mike Anderson. They’ve also added surfers Turkey Stopnik and JJ Wessels.
Daewon and MJ have been with Matix since the beginning and it was only natural to continue on with the relationship. Mike Anderson plays a key role as well, and each of their signature collections and personal style add a different flavor to each season.
The huntin’, fishin’, campin’ and skatin’ crew at Bohnam kicks it off in the woods with some fly fishing and then brings it back to the streets with Austin Lycans, Cameron Wetzler, and Sheehan O’Connel in their fall 2012 video. You long haul skaters may want to check out their Port-a-Pisser for those times you just can’t pull over follow the jump to see what were talking about. . . [click to continue…]
In the sprit of mongoose vs. cobra, and honey badger vs. everyone comes Corvette vs. electric skateboard in a 60 foot race off the line. [Editors’ Note: This maybe be our worst post ever!]
The Vans Third Annual Concrete Weekend is coming to the Annecy Pool in Francelandia September 15 -16, 2012.
Nestled between mountains Annecy is famous for its lake, its beach and its girls, a perfect location to soak up the sun. . . . Prize money of €7000 will be on offer alongside some impressive prizes from our partners and the opportunity to win even more stuff with ProTec, Analog & Monster Best Tricks. . . The event is part of the VANS Bowl Series, an international series of events focusing on pool riding. The overall winner will receive a trip to the series finale in the UK later in the year.
Click the link for more info while we watch this clip one more time. . .
Not only can he skate, Leo Romero also blows harp and plays guitar at the same time. And does it well. Here Leo plays live with Chris Segura at a San Deigo benefit for Milk & Honey – Hope For India.
Two skateboarders were arrested August 24, 2012 in Everett, Washington for skateboarding where skateboarding is not allowed. The best part of the story is the write-up the event got in the police report, according to a story on Heraldnet.com. Here’s how the overzealous, pistol-waving bicycle cop described the interaction:
The officer grabs his bicycle, and the chase is on. While additional officers converge on the area, the officer catches the boarders. Surprisingly, they refuse to comply with his order to stop and a struggle is on. The officer takes one boarder to the ground, but looks up as the second pulls his board back to use as a bat. The officer transitions to his sidearm, and it is a skateboard versus gun standoff. Supporting officers arrive and immediately assist the second boarder to the ground.
Always be cautious when an officer “transitions to his sidearm.” As for the skaters, they’re “in county lock for investigation of obstruction.”
Penny Organic(the boards we saw at Agenda NYC) are going nation wide on September 1, 2012. These plastic fantastic decks, which feature an ingredient that makes them completely biodegradable, will come in a slew of new color ways.
Penny Founder Ben Mackay said, “We’re continually trying to raise the bar with our products and the Penny Organic range is no different. We’ve put a lot of time and energy into making sure the boards ride well, are durable, and of course look good. Every Organic Skateboard comes wrapped in a custom burlap tote bag that perfectly complements the range. The result is a product that really challenges just what truly is possible with plastic skateboards”.
Spy announced today (August 29, 2012) that they have signed legendary skateboarder and musician Ray Barbee as an ambassador for their Crosstown Collection of handmade acetate sunglasses.
“Very few people possess a truly infectious persona like Ray, and I really appreciate his point of view on life,” says SPY President and CEO Michael Marckx. “Ray’s parts in the Powell Peralta videos, Public Domain and Ban This, allow him to easily carry the weight of the title icon, but it’s his open and innovative approach to everything he does that makes him a standout, whether its behind his camera, in front of his Fender or on his board. Beyond his skate style, I happen to be a really big fan of his music, which makes this such a fun connection for me, and SPY.”
