Gregory “Scott” Starr, the Santa Barbara, California based skate, surf, snow photographer and boardsports historian died October 9, 2022 one day following his 61st birthday, according to a story in the Santa Barbara Independent. Most will remember him from his years shooting for Thrasher Magazine during the 1980s and 90s.
Scott loved photography, surfing, skateboarding, frisbee, snowboarding, his beach home, researching the history of all he loved, and weaving stories of it all. He was a respected film historian and archivist of surf/skate/frisbee/snowboarding sports and cultures, but above all that, he was an extraordinary person who always made others feel at ease. His family and many friends meant the world to him. Most important was his faith in Jesus.
The community will hold a paddle out to remember Starr’s life at a “local beach” on the afternoon of Friday, October 21, 2022.
Don’t you love athletic complex mock-ups? They are optimistic, and forward thinking, and gleaming with earnest thoughts about a beautiful tomorrow. Perfect people lounging in chairs, drinks in hand surrounded by blue skies and palm trees. Yet, sadly, these plans almost always fail to become reality. The newest high-minded hopefulness is coming from Houston, Texas. HTX Surf is a Wavegarden technology powered wave in a 4,200 acre multi-use development called Generation Park.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this innovative, world-class surfing destination to Generation Park. Such a unique amenity is a great asset for Houston and will attract a wide range of personalities–from professional surfers, amateur boarders, families, and corporate groups among others,” said owner/developer of Generation Park Ryan McCord.
Construction is set to begin in “early 2023” with an opening in 2024. Please don’t take our negativity as hoping this project fails. We hope beyond hope that Texas gets another fake wave, we’re just not betting on it.
We’ve said it for years, but here’s a little reminder about author/skater Walker Ryan from Old Friends. And, if you want to read a great skate book, click here for Top of Mason.
Anyone who has been truly injured and fought their way back can feel every single one of Tony Hawk’s feels in this video. Too soon? Maybe. But, congrats anyway. Good to see Tony getting back on the roll.
Apparently, Buried is a great documentary on what can happen when falling snow and avalanche prediction/control are at odds. It’s also a compelling reminder of something an old Mammoth Mountain ski patroller used to tell us: “This isn’t Disneyland. It’s the great out-of-doors.”
Yeah, so how does a desert nation host an “Asian Winter Games“? They do it with an overwhelming blast of design, technology, and most importantly money ($500 Billion). The games are scheduled for 2029 and the venue will reportedly be completed in 2026, according to a post on dezeen.com.
The resort, which will “offer year-round outdoor skiing” is being built around 50 kilometres from the Gulf of Aqaba coast in a mountainous area that has elevations ranging from 1,500 metres to 2,600 metres. . .It will be the first location in the country where outdoor skiing will be possible. Named Trojena, the development is being designed by a team of architects from all over the world including UK studio Zaha Hadid Architects, Dutch practice UNStudio, international studio Aedas, German practice LAVA and Australian studio Bureau Proberts.
Too many cooks in the snow kitchen? Maybe. The resort will reportedly include 3,600 hotel rooms and 2,200 homes. How many times have we heard the promise of year-a-round snowboarding? Does Xanadu ring any bells? How about the Gotcha Glacier? No? Well, maybe this time it will be different. Fingers crossed. Not holding breath. Oh, and the IOC is apparently not too happy that they weren’t consulted about any of this. But aren’t they always.
And no, we have not forgotten about Jamal Khashoggi and neither should anyone else.
Hey, with snowboarding being what it is, why not branch out into. . . well, camp trailers. That’s exactly what Never Summer Industries is doing with their line of Skyview camp trailers.
An entirely unique, innovative, and lightweight pull behind tiny home camper. Inspired by mid-century modern architecture contained in a minimal footprint. The SkyView’s design boasts a modern shape that makes the most efficient use of space. Completely different than anything else available.
Do you like a luxury home the size of a tent that you tow behind your car? Then the Skyview is just right for you. The Skyview will reportedly start delivery in “early 2023.” And they start at $24,900. Click the link for all the details.
Master lensperson Atiba Jefferson has agreed to host a free online Canon photo event live from the Primitive Skatepark in Los Angeles October 21, 2022 from 3 – 5 PM PST.
Watch live as photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Atiba Jefferson captures incredible skateboarding images, discusses the cameras in his gear bag, and gives tips for getting the look you want. . . .As part of the Canon Creator Lab program, this FREE event will provide you with a unique experience wherever you’re at with your content creation.
Some event visitors may win a chance to hang with Atiba live on October 22, 2022. If that’s something you’d like to do make sure you select that option when you sign up right here.
The snowboarding community lost one of its original innovators on Wednesday, September 15, 2022. Adam Merriman died while riding an electric skateboard on the North Recreation Path and Red Sandstone Park in Vail, Colorado, according to a story in the Vail Daily. Merriman was 50 years old.
Officer Brad Porter said it was a Halo Board Beast 2 electric skateboard. “I observed one end of the board to be completely broken, with both wheels on this portion of the board to be broken and completely severed from the rest of the skateboard and skateboard’s deck,” Porter said in his report. “These wheels were still attached to the board, connected by wires that led to the battery pack. I observed these severed wheels to be the driving wheels (mechanism) that powered or moved the skateboard.”
Merriman had reportedly gotten the e-skateboard the day before his crash. He is remembered by the staff at Slush Magazine in a glowing eulogy. Here’s a piece, but you should read the entire story by clicking here.
Adam Merriman’s impact on snowboarding is immeasurable and the loss on his friends and family is inconceivable. Perhaps a sliver of solace can be found in the faith that Adam is likely laughing and conjuring new adventures on the other side alongside J2 and the rest of our snowboarding community who we have lost too soon.
We grieve with the entire snowboard community. A memorial for Adam is planned for October 1, 2022 at 4pm at the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail, Colorado.
Patrick O’Dell chases down the story of an East Coast BMX kid who became the most innovative, influential image grabber in skateboarding and, arguably, the world in general. Yep, it’s Spike Jonze. The nicest, kindest, coolest, creative genius we’ve ever had the chance to hang out with.
The snowboarding community lost one of its original innovators on Wednesday, September 15, 2022. Adam Merriman died while riding an electric skateboard on the North Recreation Path and Red Sandstone Park in Vail, Colorado, according to a story in the 
