The Snowboard World Cup took a hit this week as Kyle Mack and Lyon Farrell both tested positive for COVID-19 prior to this week’s Laax Open in Switzerland and will not be able to compete.
Mack and Farrell are asymptomatic, according to U.S. Ski and Snowboard on Monday. . . Other unnamed U.S. snowboarders who traveled and shared accommodation with Mack and Farrell, though they have not tested positive, are also out of the competition due to coronavirus policies and protocols.
Hopefully they stay asymptomatic. Shaun White had already pulled out of Laax for non-COVID reasons and Chloe Kim was “not impacted” and will compete for the first time since March 2019.
Legendary skateboarder Jeff Grosso (who died March 31, 2020) died as a result of “acute polydrug intoxication” according to an autopsy obtained by the Los Angeles Times. His accidental death was reportedly caused by the “combined effects of fentanyl and phenobarbital,” according to an autopsy report by the Orange County Sheriff Coroner Department.
Severe cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart) with dilatation, a clinical history of hypertension and anxiety, and obesity were listed as other conditions in the autopsy. . . The manner of his death was ruled an accident. . . A toxicological examination performed by the Orange County Crime Lab showed the Grosso had .0459 milligrams per liter of fentanyl in his system, an amount well beyond the typical minimum fatal concentration.
We knew he had a big heart, and while this information brings no comfort to the sadness felt by the entire skateboarding community, it is one more reminder. Be careful out there.
Top of Mason, is professional skater Walker Ryan’s new, self-published first novel. We’re looking forward to reading it, here’s what Walker says:
“I like to think that this is the first novel set in the world of modern professional skateboarding. But it isn’t really about skateboarding. It’s an adventure story about a guy trying to get over a break up—intersecting the worlds of skateboarding, contemporary celebrity, and homelessness—all the while dealing with a late-twenties identity crisis. All the characters are fictional, but it’s inspired by my love for San Francisco and my appreciation for the many unique individuals I’ve met through skateboarding.”
The cover was designed by Sebo Walker and $1 from the sale of each book is going to Glide in San Francisco offering meals and shelter services to those in need. To get a copy of Top of Mason, check the Old Friends site. For an interview with Walker by Michael Sieben check out Thrasher.
Creating these lists of news headlines is a lot like popping bubble wrap–it’s pointless, annoying, and yet so outrageously satisfying.
Here, enjoy the pointless, annoying fruits of our Monday Morning satisfaction. Click the link for December’s edition of action news from around the globe. [click to continue…]
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics haven’t been held yet, but that isn’t stopping the International Olympic Committee from confirming that surfing will be in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. They also announced that the surfing events will be held just a short 9,759 mile commute from Paris at Teahupo’o. Good for surf, bad for people who want to watch surfing and the decathlon in person.
“Surfing is perfect for the new era of the Games and selecting our sport for the Olympic Programme – with Tahiti as the venue – is testimony to Paris 2024’s creative and inclusive spirit. This decision also aligns with the IOC’s wider objective to apply new, innovative approaches to Games hosting,” said International Surfing Association President Fernando Aguerre. “We are excited to be part of the Olympic journey to 2024 with the IOC and Paris, and we believe we have generated great momentum now for Surfing’s long-term, permanent inclusion in the Olympic Programme. . .The conditions at Teahupo’o offer an amazing performance wave that will excite athletes and captivate fans. Elite surfers – men and women – compete here regularly and are eager to compete for Olympic glory at Teahupo’o. With 22 men and 22 women surfers, we are happy to reaffirm our total commitment to gender equality and fair sport.
Not sure how many countries have surfers who can brave the wave at Teahupo’o, but it will be fun to watch them try, that’s for certain. For the official word from the ISA, please follow the jump.
The London-based Turkish designer Dilara Findikoglu teams up with local skate crew, Yillar Ziyan, to show you the beautiful chaos of the country’s largest city in a new short film.
The world famous action hangout Pannikin Coffee & Tea in Encinitas, California has partnered with Jussi Oksanen and Tim Pogue’sMizu on a limited-edition holiday bundle featuring one custom laser-etched 14 ounce camp cup and a 12 ounce bag of Pannikin Blend coffee.
The camp cups come with a sip through lid. They are vacuum insulated, BPA free, recyclable and made from 18/8 food grade stainless steel.
Know someone who misses mornings at the Pannikin with all their action sporting friends? This may be just what they need. Click the link for more info.
December marks the 11th year that Jones Snowboards has kicked off the new season with Avalanche Awareness Month.
December is the perfect month for taking the time to focus on avalanche and rescue skills so you’re confident in your knowledge for the rest of the season.
And, to kick off the kick off, Jeremy Jones explaining his approach to the mountains and some safety lessons that he’s learned during his decades in the back country. Click play on the video below.
Shaun White has apparently sold his beach house in Malibu for a cool $8 million, according to a story in the LA Times.
The long, sloping lot covers an acre, combining two parcels perched just above the beach in Malibu’s Point Dume community. While many of the neighboring homes cram in as much square footage as possible, White’s house only spans about 2,200 square feet, letting a vast stretch of lawn take up most of the scenic estate.
Sound like he was a bit motivated. The Times reports he got $5 million less than he was asking, and appears to have lost $2.75 million on the property since he bought it in 2016. That might hurt a little. Click the link for more details.
The Snowboard World Cup took a hit this week as Kyle Mack and Lyon Farrell both tested positive for COVID-19 prior to this week’s Laax Open in Switzerland and will not be able to compete.
Legendary skateboarder Jeff Grosso (who died March 31, 2020) died as a result of “acute polydrug intoxication” according to an autopsy obtained by the 
Top of Mason, is professional skater Walker Ryan’s new, self-published first novel. We’re looking forward to reading it, here’s what Walker says:
December marks the 11th year that Jones Snowboards has kicked off the new season with Avalanche Awareness Month. 
