Skateboarding

ASR 09: It’s Smaller But It’s Good

by The Editors on January 22, 2009

Overview

We’re not saying that this is all of the January ASR Show, but it certainly is most of it. The space felt really small, but the mood was actually up considering the economy. It may not look like it, but there were quite a few people in the isles.

Follow the jump to view more photos from the floor the morning of day one.
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The Crossroads Gets Crowded

by The Editors on January 21, 2009

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Anyone who questioned the validity of The Crossroads Skateboarding Trade Show, got a quick slap of reality today. The turnout reminded everyone that collectively the skateboard industry really can do whatever it wants.

At 10:15 AM it was difficult to find a parking spot anywhere near Jamie Thomas’ Black Box Distribution headquarters on the outskirts of Carlsbad. And by 11:30 AM when the free burgers began rolling off the grills the booths were packed with retailers, distributors, and Industry friends.

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Kr3w’s Steve Clare doing double line shows with Pharmacy’s Patrick Kudrle and Asylum’s Pablo Aponte.

(Follow the jump for the rest of the story and all the photos.)
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Jason Lee: Fear Of Skateboarding

by The Editors on January 21, 2009

JleeDifficult to believe this is a news story out on the wires, but because it is, were on it. Jason Lee has decided to take it easy on the skateboard these days. Here’s what he says:

My son is five now and he’s skateboarding. On the weekends we cruise around together but we don’t do anything hard because I don’t want to get injured. But I still cruise around on the old skateboard, yeah.”

NIce to know we’re in good company when we’re not doing “anything hard” on a skateboard.

[Link: Press Association]

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Gamers Loving EA’s Skate 2

by The Editors on January 21, 2009

Skate2 ShotThe reviews coming in from the video gaming world kind of make us want to break out the console and pick up a copy of Skate 2.

Brian Rowe at Planet Xbox 360 gives Skate 2 a score of 9.1 out of 10, claiming that the title succeeds in areas that the Tony Hawk series never explored. “Once again, Skate 2 isn’t EA’s response to the stagnant Tony Hawk series,” he begins. “It’s the Tony Hawk destroyer, so long as you believe in working for your reward instead of button-mashing for instant gratification.” . . . Skate 2’s complex control scheme provides depth that other franchises lack. “Every board trick is mapped to a movement of the analog stick, with the shoulder buttons managing the myriad of grabs,” Rowe explains. “Forget about spinning ollies and blind grinds, because precision and flow are everything. A simple line like a heelflip-to-tailslide on a rail can quickly become an hour-long session of fumbling fingers and horrifying bails that’ll execute your manhood.”

Yeah, we’re in.

[Link: Gamasutra.com]

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Bryce Kanights Renegades And Role Models

by The Editors on January 21, 2009

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No reason to miss this on Friday, January 30, 2009 no matter where you live.

[Links: Bryce Kanights and Department of Skateboarding via The Skateboard Mag]

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Peralta And The Art Of Caffeinated Sugar Water

by The Editors on January 20, 2009

Amp LogoIconic skateboarder/film director Stacy Peralta has been on the commercial rampage lately. First with a documentary ad for fast food chain Burger King that stirred up a commotion for introducing third world citizens to crap American food.

Now, he’s shilling caffeinated sugar water for Amp Energy Drink with commercials featuring NASCAR drvier Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

PepsiCo and BBDO wanted the commercial to have a documentary feel to it, so once the groundwork was set, they reached out to director Stacy Peralta. . . . Peralta’s documentaries had the kind of lifestyle feel that Amp wanted for this commercial.

Apparently, authenticity is important when energy drink sales are on the line.

[Link: Sporting News]

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VF Corp Slice Up Brands, Gatto Gone

by The Editors on January 20, 2009

Dave Gatto is leaving VF Corporation as part of a reorganization according to a story in the News Record.

VF said its Outdoor Americas unit will include the North Face, JanSport and Eagle Creek brands. It will be overseen by Steve Rendle, 49, currently president of The North Face. . . . The second unit, action sports Americas, will include Vans and Reef brands. It will be led by current Vans president Stephen Murray, 48.

Wonder if this is in preparation for any footwear acquisitions.

[Link: News Record]

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GrindTV Moves To The Money

by The Editors on January 19, 2009

Grindtv-1We’re never been big fans of GrindTV, but apparently they are moving from El Sugundo to Aliso Viejo’s TechSpace to be closer to potential sources of action sports revenue, according to a story in the Orange County Business Journal.

“We work with a lot of folks in the action sports industry who are headquartered in Orange County and it made sense for us to bring GrindTV to Orange County,” said Erik Hawkins, the company’s chief executive.

Yeah, the move makes sense. The GrindTV site? It is actually getting much better lately. We’re kind of surprised.

[Link: Orange County Business Journal]

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Where The Wild Skateboards Are

by The Editors on January 17, 2009

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Last time we spoke to Spike Jonze he was speeding down Melrose on an old beater ten-speed with a bunch of his friends. He said he was taking a break from editing (or re-editing) Where The Wild Things Are. That was a while ago and we still haven’t seen many images from the movie, but according to Slash Film, Girl Skateboards will be releasing a few Wild Things boards.

The skateboard company that Jonze co-founded, Girl Skateboards Company, will be releasing a limited series of skateboards featuring the monsters from the film adaptation.

We’ve got no confirmation and it seems kind of strange, but we’re hoping they make some micro-minis, you know, for the kids.

[Link:
Slash Film]

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The Damn Am Awards At ASR

by The Editors on January 17, 2009

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Who will take home awards in all the amateur categories? The only way to find out is to be in San Diego Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 6 PM at the San Diego Convention Center as The Skateboard Mag, Nike SB, Skate Park of Tampa, Damn Am, and ASR present the Damn Am Awards

The best part? This whole event is free and open to the public. Thanks, Nike SB.

[Link: The Skateboard Mag via Club Mumble]

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