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THE BALANCE OF OPPOSITES VOLUME 02 | CHAPTER 02 MODROCKET SETS THE TONE OF THINGS TO COME Under age and under the influence of genuine artistic ability, ModRocket, NYC’s latest all girl rock sensation, are making a name for themselves amongst the people that count most, their peers. Head strong and mature beyond their years, the girls of ModRocket know their stuff. Belting out poetic lyrics and a unique tune, ModRocket has a distinct appeal that beckons attention. Guitarist Alex creates the tune, lead signer Alice wails out the libretto while drummer Sandra sets the pace and Bass player Alanna brings the mood. Hidden bars below the streets, dirty dive bars which speak to the underground, it’s the seedy underbelly of NYC that inspires them most.
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FOR THE BIG PICTURE TUNE IN TO W W W.GRAVISFOOT WEAR.COM
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Anya Janssen : Double Double, 2005 : oil on canvas : 31 ½ x 15 ¾ inches : Collection of Larie Smoyer : (From the Juxtapoz Facotor)
Editor-in-Chief nick kalionzes nick@blisssmag.com
Editor joey marshall joey@blisssmag.com
Creative Director mark paul deren madsteez@madsteez.com
Music Editor tim bergevin tim@blisssmag.com
SNOW EDITOR Jon Francis jon@blisssmag.com
OFFICE MANAGER zach baker zach@blisssmag.com
advertising ads@blisssmag.com
contributing Photographers Jason Kenworthy, Dominic Petruzzi, Daniel Russo, Toby Ogden, Tom Carey, Brian Beilmann, Jack Coleman, Andrew Mapstone, Adam Moran, Dave Nelson, Pat Eichstaedt, Andrew Miller, Julien Lecorps, Ryan Boyes
contributors Matt Patterson, Willie Marshall, Josh Spencer, Aaron Astorga, Daniel Russo, Liz Rice, Jason Arnold, Jon Francis, Tom Carey, Travis Millard, David Choe, Kai Garcia, Mickey Neilsen, Peter Townend, Hamilton Endo, Tawnya Schultz, Mike Murciano, Geoff Shively, Casey Holland, Steve Stratton, Robbie Sell, Andrew Miller BL!SSS Magazine
July 2008
413 31st Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 www.blisssmag.com Disclaimer: Although all best efforts are made to avoid the same, we reserve the right to publish unintentional mistakes and/or factual errors which may occur on a monthly basis. No responsibility is assumed by the publishers for unsolicited materials/articles/letters/advertising and all submissions will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright and/or appropriate licensing purposes subject to Blisss’ right to edit and comment editorially. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine reflect the opinions of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Blisss Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising matter which may reflect negatively on the integrity of the magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form [print or electronic] without prior written consent from the publisher.
Cover Art : Zach Johnsen
If your favorite shop isn’t receiving BL!SSS Magazine please contact zach@blisssmag.com
Bruce Irons and the Revolver, put your game face on.
nixonnow.com/revolver
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Basil Wolverton : Famine, 1958 : ink on paper : 14 x 21 ½ inches : Collection of Glenn Bray : (From the Juxtapoz Facotor)
For as long as International Surf Day has been around I haven’t paid much attention to it, other than glancing at a couple of photos in the glossy mags. These days it seems like International Surf Day has turned into international every sport day now, which makes it all a bit lame to me. But this year when I happened to be at Tavarua and Dave Wassel told me that he and Mark Healy were connecting with Scott Winer to get some shots for International Surf Day, it gave me an idea for my own little International Surf Day escapade. Actually, the idea didn’t come to me until the return flight and I was about to land at LAX. When we flew over 56th Street I saw some fun south swell lines rolling through and realized that I had surfed perfect 6-foot Cloudbreak that morning, and even though I left Fiji some 20 odd hours ago, after crossing back over the date line it was still Saturday, and if I could make it through customs and jump in the water back home in Newport I could claim a double session – Fiji and Newport all in the same day. So there you have it. I wound up zipping down to pick off a couple of fun ones at Prospect to top off an amazingly long International Surf Day in the truest sense. Tough to come close to the perfection of Cloudbreak, but it was still fun to get a couple back home. All in all the experience sounded way cooler in my head than it looks all typed out, which is kinda lame, but that’s all you’re getting out of me this month. We have a killer July issue, but I’m not going to call it’s content out this time, so you’re just going to have to check it out for yourself. Enjoy the mag! Nick Kalionzes
7 in 21 in
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5 in 25 in BL_anon_21x13.625.pdf Trim: 21 x 13.625 in
21 in 7 in PEETKEGLER ART DIRECTION & DESIGN
VOLCOM X THE BIG APPLE
VOTE FOR ANDREW REYNOLDS The Stone has invaded the Big Apple – that’s right kids, Volcom has just opened their first retail location in New York City. The 3000+ square foot store in Soho even boasts a brand new mini ramp in the basement, but good luck trying to go for sesh during business hours. Madsteez was in the city last week and thought he could just roll up, drop a few names and go for a skate. One word: Denied. He’s still hanging his head low, but don’t let that deter you from checking out all the Volcom love in NYC when you get a chance. Rumor has it there’s a serious grand opening party to come in mid August… we’ll see you there!
In Rainbows Download = $$$
No, he’s not running for President, but we all know The Boss would do a hell of a better job than Bush is doing right now. Reynold’s did however just get voted onto the Nixon Pro Team. He was the first addition in nearly two years, and with his name cred it’s no wonder that it was a unanimous vote from the rest of the Nixon crew. Reynolds joins an elite team including Bob Burnquist, Tony Hawk, Rick McCrank, Colin McKay, Paul Rodriguez, Ryan Sheckler, and Danny Way. Congrats to all!
BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO TAVIK The Tavik crew are pure madmen. These guys have been throwing the most raging parties almost every weekend and been pumping out new product every week. I gotta sneak peak in their production room this past week and man, do they have a lot of goodies in development. A favorite of mine is there neoprene laptop sleeve. Made out of the same material as your favorite wetty, these bad boys are water resistant and soft. Available now, go to your local shop and pick one up today.
GO BACK TO THE VALLEY! One of the better things I’ve seen lately is when my buddy forwarded me this clip of all these guys in Malibu getting in a full on brawl with a bunch of paparazzi on the beach who were trying to shoot photos of Matthew McConaughey. The video is pretty shaky and fuzzy, but it’s like a real live version of a Runman movie/Surf Punks song. I was laughing my ass off at some of the stuff that gets said, and in the end the roaches get a little beat down for talking back, just like they should. Another quality 2 minutes for you to spend on YouTube or storylords.tv.
FUN CLOTHING
SUPER!
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I just came across some really super surfboards that you should probably check out. This company is owned and operated by some really super dudes that are super good at what they do. They are so super in fact that they named their company Super Surfboards. In all seriousness, the crew at Super really are awesome guys and from what I hear the boards are insane so get down to your local Super Surfboards dealer and get one today! Super!
Sector
PARTY TIME
INTL GO SKATEBOARDING DAY
RTS So we’re finally teaming up with a couple select peeps and are sponsoring a little event going down at the Grove of Anaheim this upcoming month. During the same time the US Open is invading Huntington we thought it only necessary to show all the participants a good time over here on the West Coast. On July 23rd, Mickey Avalon and special guests come together at the Grove of Anaheim to celebrate his website release party, it’s an all ages show so bring your little sister. Log onto ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets or head to blisssmag.com for your chance to win a pair of VIP all access passes in an “I Know Mickey Best” trivia contest.
It sure seems like International Go Skateboarding Day has turned into a downright amazing worldwide event. I’ve seen so much rad coverage of June 21st in the past few days that I felt compelled to write a little sumthin sumthin about it. From YouTube clips of street runs in DC, sweaty stories from Chula Vista, the DVS crew invading Oslo, or chillin on the boardwalk with the Sector 9 crew this event has truly become worldwide. Still don’t believe me eh? Just check out goskateboardingday.org and see how many countries you can count that submitted proof of an international extravaganza.
RHYTHM LIVIN YA’LL
JUST INCASE Just in case you’re wondering the good folks at Incase have released a whole plethora of hard shells for your iPhone, iPod, iTouch… well, just about “i” anything that Apple has released. These cases come in a variety of colors and styles so I’m sure there is something for everybody. Incase always seem to be the first ones to bring some quality cases to the plate so be sure to check out their latest at goincase.com and bring a little protection into your life.
VANS X SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
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This summer, Vans joined forces with the Surfrider Foundation releasing a pair of Santa Rosa sandals featuring images from four of the world’s most endangered waves – Ma’alaea in Hawaii, El Gongal in Spain, Bastion Point in Australia and Trestles in California – with hopes of highlighting the need to protect our world’s surfing resources… At the mercy of everything from development to global warming, to protect these precious gifts, Vans will donate $10,000 from the sales proceeds of this special series to the Surfrider Foundation as it fights to assist them in their efforts to protect and preserve oceans, waves and beaches across the globe.
A fresh brand coming out of the Gold Coast of Australia, RHYTHM “The Sound of Change” will launch at ASR September for Spring 2009. Leading the charge in America will be Jye Townend after his five years stint at Ocean & Earth (O&E) in the Marketing/Sales department. The five-year-old Aussie brand, RHYTHM, is coming off a hot summer in OZ where their trunks and walk shorts were top sellers in key retailers like City Beach. If you’re looking to get an advance pair of something different and new there will be a small selection at the Katin Surf Shop in Surfside this summer. To see what this new brand is all about check out rhythmlivin.com or myspace. com/rhythmthesoundofchange.
GEORGE CARLIN R.I.P. We were very sad to hear that one of our favorite comedians and probably one of the best potty-mouthed shit talker’s of the last century had passed away. For all you youngens out their in BL!SSS-ville, now is the time to get your hands on some old George Carlin material and laugh your ass off at his humorous take on what’s wrong with American culture. Any guy that says fuck as much as Carlin did is ok in our book and we sure will miss him.
VALIENT THORR KIDNEY GIVE AWAY Some people out there are givers and some people out there are takers – that’s just the human instinct in all of us. So we were pretty blown away when we heard that the lead singer of one of our favorite rock ‘n roll outfits, Valient Thorr, was giving up one of his kidneys to save the life of his ailing father. Do you realize how hard it is to be a rock star with both kidneys? Now try that with just one and you’ll really know the meaning of love and helping people you care about. As of press time, Valient Himself was healing up nicely and gearing up to rock out in Europe with Motorhead for the first time ever with only one kidney.
GOT TO BE CAREFUL
ART FOR YOUR FEET It’s no surprise that the art scene is alive and well these days, especially when it comes to slapping some good art on an everyday product and slinging it to the masses. Well now your feet can be as fashionable as you want them to be while walking around town. Our friend Robb Havassy has just launched his new line of ecofriendly sandals printed with his famous signature surf art, which you can get exclusively at havassyart.com. Check them out now cause word is they are going fast.
One of the very best things about my job is the people I work with. We have so much fun teasing each and playing pranks in the office that when a box of hair products arrived from Got2B I had to confiscate all the goodies immediately. Thinking I had it under control we just couldn’t resist testing product in a variety of unimaginable ways. You should what this stuff can do to your hair, absolutely phenomenal. If you’re that stylie person you better get your hands on some of this stuff right away.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS? It’s good to know what time is, and that is why everyone’s favorite rookie pro, Jordy Smith has just inked a deal with Vestal. The boys over there are stoked to add another top name to their impressive list of a surf team. No doubt a good reason to go out and celebrate; we’re sure Jordy is happy that he’ll now be hooked up with Marty, Derek and the rest of our favorite party boys from Vestal. Not that a strapping young guy like Jordy needs any help with the party scene, but anytime you’re with Marty the one man party, it is gonna be a good time.
ANALOG POP-UP Just a heads up for all you little surf rats out there, if you happen to see the Analog tent gracing some sand in Newps it may behoove you to go over and say hi. These dudes are doing it core, as they have been pitching tent every Thursday in Newport Beach and bringing down coffee and doughnuts for the masses. So bust out your shred sticks, hit the water and wash it down with some treats.
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iPHONE EXTRAVAGANZA Ok, so I’m finally caving in. After years of being a loyal crackberry advocate I’m switching on over to the iPhone. They got me, when Apple released their newest edition iPhone, G3, for only $199 there was no way I could resist. So yes, I too am now on the cutting edge of phone technology and driving around with some stupid Bluetooth earpiece thanks to the new law being enforced as of July 1st. So keep your eyes peeled for the guy in the truck who looks like he’s always talking to himself because you can’t see that he is actually having a phone conversation with someone he definitely doesn’t want to be talking to.
TATTOOS ARE GOOD
NOT SO SMART CAR While I was spending most of my lunch break carousing the internet instead of jumping in the ocean for a surf, I came across the 2 minute video of why the Toyota Prius is not the environmentally friendly ride that the marketing geniuses at Toyota make it out to be. The nickel for the batteries is mined all over the world and then shipped, refined and shipped again multiple times, actually makeing the Prius one of the most dangerous vehicles to our environment. Not to mention the 17 mile per gallon freeway consumption… Find it on YouTube and get shocked for yourself.
She & Him
VZ DREAMTEAM Even better than when the Lakers had Shaquille O’Neill, VZ has just officially signed on Mike Parsons as their new Surf Marketing Manager. Being in the trenches from day 1, Parsons brings with him the knowledge and experience that most marketing managers dream of. Best of all, GT has got yet another boy on the team to accompany him in the lineup on there never ending business trips around the world. Congrats Snips!
Bustin’ Down the Door The Newport premiere of Shaun Tomson’s “Bustin Down the Door” will happen at the Lido Theatre Friday July 25th with a BL!SSS “Happy Hour” and after party at Rudy’s Pub & Grill. The stars of the documentary lead by Shaun himself along with PT, Rabbit and others the will be in attendance and hanging out at Rudy’s throughout the evening. Get your tickets early, plus tickets in hand will get you privileges (ie: drink specials) at Rudy’s on the night. Check your local listings or go to bustindownthedoor.com for more information.
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Doesn’t it seem like tattoo artists are all the rave right now. Don’t get me wrong, these guys have some serious fucking talent but wasn’t it yesterday that people looked at you funny for even having a tattoo. And if you were the one giving the tattoo… man, the looks you must have got. Glad the change is finally coming full circle and it seems like Sabre is not the first to take note. In fact, Brooke wanted a tattoo from Tim Hendrix so bad that he gave Tim his very own signature sunny and threw him a party at the Don’t Panic headquarters. It worked, few days later I saw Brooke shuffling down the street with some fresh Hendrix ink of his mum on his forearm.
10-POUND MAGAZINES? I just got the latest issue of the Skatebook Quarterly – and if you haven’t checked out this “magazine” yet, you are not doing yourself any favors. This quarterly magazine comes in at a whopping 330+ pages of high quality material, bound in full hardcover book stock and is quite impressive to say the least. It’s a good thing they only come out every few month’s because it’s gonna take me that long to get through each one. Great photos, articles, and everything in between, good job boys.
BUSKETS Although it’s an obscure reference, for those of you who were lucky enough to see the 1997 comedic thriller “Suicide Kings” starring Christopher Walken and Denis Leary, you will certainly remember the scene where Lono (Leary) buys the “busket” from the bum. Well, it might just be a funny name, but it inspired Ocean and Earth to create: “the busket.” This ultra functional piece of equipment will keep your wetsuit, wax and other nasty items off your upholstery and in well… the busket, where it belongs. Go to oceanandearth. com or ask your local retailer.
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Mickey Avalon has been doing things his way and it seems to be paying off. The Hollywood Street urchin is now on the verge of being a household name all over the world. With a current Boost Mobile TV commercial playing religiously and a building fan base consisting of Bruce and Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, BJ Penn, Ryan Sheckler, Brian Deegan, Jordy Smith, Julian Wilson and many more, it is safe to say Mickey Avalon is on top of the music scene here in the action sports world. Rumors are even out that Bruce Irons is really retiring from the Dream Tour only to jump on The Mickey Avalon Tour for 2009. Recently, Mickey posted a bulletin to his myspace fans where he averages 25,000 hits a day saying he would love to go to the NBA Finals. Sure enough the Ave found himself sitting next to Will Smith on the floor for game 4 and even got tickets for game 5. Mickey loves his myspace and I would too if I got floor seats to a NBA Finals for free. With his highly anticipated new album almost wrapped up and his new website (mickeyavalon.com) in the mix things seem to be on the up and up for Mr. Right. To see the phenom in person get your tickets now for his show, July 23 at the Grove of Anaheim during this years’ US Open of Surfing. They’re going quick so get them now! Photo: Cobra Snake
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Words: Matt Patterson If surfing has contributed anything to the mainstream of sports it certainly has to be the achievements of Kelly Slater’s post retirement comeback. When compared to the boxers and basketball players that Slater was matched up against in his early winning years it’s almost embarrassing now. There was a time when putting Slater in Michael Jordan’s “league” was an insult. Just imagine if “Jordan” would have done a “Slater”. The Bulls would still be winning championships.
moment ten world titles looks not only achievable, it looks quite easy. Certainly one of the most interesting phenomenons surrounding Kelly is the bizarre reaction to his success elicited by his fellow competitors on tour. As Kelly has remarked on more than one occasion, when he is surfing a heat, the steady cheering and applause for his momentary rivals from the other competitors on tour are so powerful it boggles the mind. He obviously is the best surfer ever, no one has been more gracious of a winner and loser, and his generosity of spirit is unparalleled. So where’s the But it’s these mainstream sports comparisons between Kelly and his love? Obviously the fellow ASP members are allowed a tinge of jealousy, sporting counterparts that have never made sense to the surfing and we all like seeing David destroy Goliath, but Kelly ain’t no Goliath. community at large and rightfully so, Kelly is simply in another league. At the time this magazine went to press Kelly had won three of the four As he continues to re-write history over and over again, we are all events on the ASP World Tour. A feat not even accomplished by Kelly treated to a front row seat for the greatest show on earth. Thank God in his so-called “prime”. So what is his prime? Is it possible that he is most of us can appreciate him for what he is, simply the best, ever. just getting started? Is there a foreseeable end in sight for him? At the
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Words: Brian Iguchi The ramp flipped up and smashed the side of my hand as the smoke from the stale gas and oil billowing from my idle sled obstructed my view. My hand was bleeding as I reload the sled, getting it right this time. It’s 11:30 pm Thursday, the 12th of June. Mike and I had just got home from work. We decided to hit the road and drive to a lodge close to the trailhead in hopes of getting in another day of the most relentless winter I’ve experienced in Jackson Hole. Warm weather was forecasted for tomorrow and we’d have to get on it early to get it good. It was a panic decision but based on the weather being unseasonably cold with lots of precipitation, I had a gut feeling new snow had been piling up high. I could see the sky clearing as the moon lit up the mountains. My hand was throbbing as I drove with caution, it was a kinda of sketchy drive, dodging herds of elk scattered through valley. We arrived at the lodge at around 2:00 am exhausted, had a cold beer and went to bed.
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Photo: Mike Parillo
FRIDAY JUNEUARY 13th We hit the trail at sunrise, breaking deep into winter snow. The snow shimmered in the morning light and the cold plumes of snow froze on our smiling faces. We were in disbelief at how good the conditions were and it was getting better the higher we climbed! I dropped Mike off on top of a high north-facing bowl. He slashed a windlip and made deep turns down the face. The snow from his first turn was still lingering in the air as he stopped at the bottom, yelling back to me with stoke, IT WAS ON! As the session progressed we hit rollers, windlips and kickers alone in the vast high Absaroka Range. We rode for hours and took photos and if I hadn’t witnessed it myself there is no way I would believe this was happening in the middle of June; Friday the 13th, nonetheless.
INVITE
Rune and Nicky win 2008 Bowlriders Battle! :: Words: Dave Duncan The Danes dominated the Bowlriders Battle in Malmo! Nicky Guererro wins the first ever Bowlriders Masters comp and once again Rune Glifberg won every heat including the action packed and explosive final, in another hard fought battle at the Quiksilver Bowlriders event. This is hands down one of the most exciting events on the WCS concrete series. For the 3rd year in a row Malmo, Sweden hosted the event and this year was definitely the best comp ever. All weekend under sunny skies, it was clear that a lot of riders had the talent, the lines and the tricks to put the
Nicky Guererro : F.S Crail in the Big Bowl
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heat on last years’ champion, Rune Glifberg. Alain Goigoetxea from Spain and the local John Magnuson were both on the podium in 2007 and they both won their heats filled with lots of exciting action in Saturday’s Quarterfinals. Last years 4th place finisher Ross McGouran also won his Quarterfinal heat against Benji Galloway and they both were looking strong all weekend long. Placing 3rd in that heat was ‘Jaws’ Aaron Homoki from Arizona who also skated hard enough to make it all the way to the finals finishing in 2nd against Rune in his first big pro comp!
Rune Glifberg : Massive F.S Ollie hip onto extension
Going back to Friday against 48 invited riders, congratulations to the following riders for winning their tough qualifying heats; Alex Giraud from France, Jimmy the Greek- US, Jurgen Horrvarth- Germany, Kevin Kowalski- US, Corbin Harris- Australia, Chris Senn- US, Tim Johnson- US, and also Rion Linderman from Oregon who also won a free trip by winning the LibTec ‘Pack Your Bags’ comp in Port Angeles, Washington just weeks before. Also Chad Bartie and Lance Leisher both won the second last chance qualifier heats on Sunday morning before the Quarterfinals began. The relief for Rune came early on Sunday when surprisingly his two biggest threats, Alain, and John Magnusson got knocked out of the comp, both finishing 4th in their heats, (top 3 advanced) in the crisscrossing craziness of the semi-finals. In the finals, Rune dominated the 12-minute session with big tricks in the big bowl like blasting airs, liptricks and a cab heelflip. Flying around the park like a local with big moves like backside tailslides and frontside tailslides
to revert on the big bank, and fast styling lines and transfers all over the whole park including a HUGE transfer from the teardrop into the spine bowl which he had never done before! On his heels was ‘Jaws,’ the young ripper Aaron Homoki who put together long runs filled with a variety of 360 transfers the park, flip tricks, etc... on the spine, a Mctwist in the big bowl, etc...., so many amazing combinations of difficult tricks, etc, etc... to come in a very close 2nd place. Always a threat, Rune’s old teammate on Flip, the veteran UK rider Andy Scott, who has been competing in all 9 years of the Bowlriders comps since the Marseille days. He still gets better every time I see him, and he skated strongest in the finals, pulling lots of lines all over the park including transfers to fakie and kickflip indys, airs, eggplants etc.. in the big bowl to finish in 3rd. Ross has super stylish moves and flip tricks which helped him finish strong in 4th. Benji rode hard as always to take 5th. And after receiving a black eye during a hard slam attempting the biggest transfer into the deep bowl, Mathias would end up in 6th.
Chris Miller : F.S Ollie from bowl to tight extension
Mathias Nylen : Eggplant
Aaron Homoki : Lein Disaster banked wall
Christian Hosoi : F.S Ollie roll in
In the Masters it was a big day for the local ruler Nicky Guererro. In April he was in the finals at the Asian XGames in Shanghai and last month he finished 3rd on the podium against Chris Miller in the ProTec Pool Party at the big and gnarly Combi Pool. Since it opened a little over three years ago, Malmo is his local park, about 45 minutes from his home in Copenhagen. Chris Miller came to Sweden a few days early to figure out some lines in the massive park. In Miller’s first ever Bowlriders comp he put on a great show with long runs and big tricks in classic Miller style to finish next to Nicky in 2nd. Third went to world traveler Pat Ngoho who was on fire all week long. 4th was Christian Hosoi in his first big comp in over 10 years. He pulled long rock-n-roll boardslides through the deep end corners, bodyjars, super stylish layback smith grinds, ollies etc... It was great to see Hosoi flying all over the park putting on a great show for all the lucky fans. 5th place went to old Del Mar local
Reese Simpson (he’s been busy being a Dad in Tahoe the last 15 years.) Reese always had it, smooth moves and a cruisin’ style! It was great to see him again. Sasha Steinhorst qualified 2nd behind Hosoi in the semis looking strong, but had a bad leg cramp during the finals to finish in 6th. In the 15 and under division it was Florida’s 10-year old Alex Sorgente who dominated the finals to take the win against the local love child Rydstern who finished a close 2nd and France’s stylish Werner Santos who was on the podium in 3rd. It was a Perfect weekend, great skating, good weather, good vibes, good parties, free food and free beers! Thanks to the DJ Toby for keeping the music rockin’. Also Dinosaur Jr. played a great live set of classics just before the (Dinosaur Division) Masters semis. On behalf of World Cup Skateboarding a big
Ross McGouran : alley oop lien from 1/4 pipe to banked wall
Pat Ngoho : Ollie from 1/4 pipe wall to 5-0 banked wall
Alain Goigoetxea : Huge F.S tuck knee transfer
thanks to all of the skaters who came from all over the world to make this a world class event. The park is a of world class design that seems to have new lines discovered every year. Also special thanks goes out to local ripper/park builder John Magnusson who came together with the city of Malmo to make the park and the event happen. Also thanks to Tomi Toiminen and the whole Quiksilver staff and crew to continue to keep bowl skating alive with the production of one of my favorite events on the tour. They are truly a pleasure to work with and we are already looking forward to next year. See you all at some of the comps this summer. Next stops back to back, Baltimore AST Dew tour, Rome and Prague for the 15th annual Mystic Cup. Let the good times keep on rollinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, rock on.
Benji Galloway : Stalefish roll in deep bowl
Rune laughing about what he just won
Awards : Pro
Masters, Nicky and Chris
Pro’s Final Results
Master’s Final results
1. Rune Gilfberg
DEN
1. Nicky Guerrero
DEN
2. Aaron Homoki
USA
2. Chris Miller
USA
3. Benji Galloway
USA
3. Pat Ngoho
USA
4. Andy Scott
UK
4. Christian Hosoi
USA
5. Ross McGouran
UK
5. Reeese Simpson
USA
6. Mathias Nylen
SWE
6. Sasha Steinhorst
USA
7. Alain Goigoetxea
SP
Jai wears 50c-SupaShort
For all things Rhythm, visit us at:
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Neal Purchase Jnr - Rique Smith - Kieren Perrow - Jai Lee Ryan Hipwood - Adam Bennetts - Harrison Roach
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If you recognize the face of this months’ Super Taste there is good reason. Fact of the matter is, Chelsea has received more ink in BL!SSS Magazine than any other human to date. Why, you might ask? Duh... First, she is ridiculously good looking and second, I have some strange notion in my mind that the more images we run of her, the more she’ll like us. And if that doesn’t work, at least I know that you’ll be liking us more for continuing to run photos of her. And c’mon, how could you not want to see more of Chelsea. So wipe the drool off chin and turn the page already… or not.
Photo: Dominic Petruzzi // dominicpetruzzi.com // Model: Chelsea :: Ford
All Photos: Jason Kenworthy
“THE KID RIPS, HE’S ONLY 18 AND HE’S CHARGING BIG TEAHUPOO” - BRUCE IRONS
Name, age, where are you from? Kai Barger, 18 years old from Haiku, Maui. Tell me about where you live Kai Barger? I live on the North Shore of Maui in Haiku, it’s the countryside. I was born and raised there. We make a short, little drive to Ho’okipa everyday and that’s how I started surfing. That’s about it. A lot of good surfers come out of that part of Maui, who did you grow up looking up to? Growing up I would always look up to Ian Walsh and Tom Dosland, those are the kind of guys that were ripping ahead of me. Then I could go out to Hana and go out to the East Side and watch Hank and all those guys ripping out there. Alright Kai Barger tell me what you like about Maui, what’s killer about living there? Umm… the best thing is just hanging out with all my friends and all the guys that like to have a good time. I like how we have a bunch
of mean house party’s on the weekends and good waves all day during the week and now that I don’t have school anymore I can just surf all day then wait for the weekend. It’s like my new school; it’s down at the beach at Ho’okipa. So you just graduated from high school how’d your graduation go? It went good. Actually, I was in Tahiti with Casey, Dusty and Kenworthy and we got a mean swell. Probably one of the better trips I ever had in my life and the day I was actually supposed to graduate or be walking it was just me, Casey and Dusty out. It was amazing; it was probably one of the best sessions of my life. So Raimana towed you into a couple waves out there, care to break that experience down as your first time towing there, talk about it. Yep, actually we showed up on the boat and Raimana said wax the board cause he’s always like, “you got to get ready to go.” Right when I got in the water I just jumped in and I was surfing just
regular and I got blasted into the lagoon on my first wave. I came back out, and that took like an hour, and I went to wax my board or maybe I went to get some water from the boat and Raimana just got done towing Bruce pretty much all morning. I saw my friend Kami from back home and he was screaming and yelling at me “Why you no tow, why you no tow?” I was like, “Oh, I don’t know. Fuck, I want to.” And right then Raimana came back out and he told me let’s go. I was like all right, grabbed onto the rope and that was it. It was amazing bro, it was a trip getting to tow in with Raimana. So after your first wave when you just got swatted you came up and right away yelling, “I want another one” all super hyped. Break that down for us, what was going through your mind and did you get pounded on that wave?
Yep, that was like probably the worst beating of my life followed by the next two. But yeah, I don’t know what happened. I got whipped in and I thought I was in the spot but I guess I was a little bit too deep maybe. As soon as the barrel came over me I was like OOHHH, my heart sunk and exploded. I fell off my board, caught donuts but I came up right in the channel. I was just ready for another one cause I wanted to make one so bad. I never ended up making one though, but I got two or three bigger ones and it was good fun. So you got back home missed graduation and decided to throw a graduation party. We heard there was gonna be jello wrestling or something like that? Yep, we actually had this big jello wrestling booty drop contest planned for my graduation down at Ho’okipa and what actually
happened was me and my friend Nalu went to Costco in the morning and dropped about $600 on party stuff. By the time we made it the beach, we actually had our friend Jado come over from the Big Island to M.C. the jello wrestling contest for the chicks, but by that time it was too late. I think everybody was too faded.
(Laughing) Uh, yep, I can’t. I got barreled, man I was tripping. It was firing Newport and it was this little double up right, I mean it was only like a 2, no 3-foot wave but a long barrel. I was just tripping, I didn’t think I was gonna make it out and I did. Fuck, I just through my hands up on accident.
Alright, alright the graduation party sounded like fun at Ho’okipa and we have a couple people that have told us some stories about you and it’s been rumored that during the fire swells in California that you claimed a barrel in Cali. Would you care to comment on this?
So did anybody see it, how heckled did you get for that? Nobody saw it but I ended up blowing it for myself on Surf Magazine or whatever it was. I just had to tell the guy something, you know. So you are here for the Nationals and it’s your last year for
Nationals, so what’s next? Right now I am in contest mode for Nationals, looking to do good there. It’s my last year and it’s probably the most important contest I have had to do so far as an amateur. After that, I mean… I dunno, Bali maybe? I could either go to Bali or Nike week but I think I’m going to Bali. Stay at the Hurley house and film some stuff for Hurley, I think they are making a new movie. Then yeah, I’m coming back to California to cruise at Kenworthy’s to party with his little sister’s friends. What is the best trip you have been on? Tahiti was probably the best trip I think, I don’t think we could have had it any better. We had Raimana with the boat and we were staying right there at Mommy and Papis at Chopes, it was unreal. They had food for us every time we came in and Hinanos every evening. Yeah, it was amazing, Tahiti for sure. Got any thanks and sponsor’s, all that kind of stuff? Yep, yep, thanks to all my sponsors: Hurley, Nike, Matt Kinoshita back home for shaping me a bunch of good boards lately, Dragon, Da Kine, thanks to Micah for hooking up a bunch of good pads all the time, and GO211.com… yeah, stoked - thank you guys. Any words of wisdom or words to live by? Uh… I don’t know… “Shit happens when you party naked!” Hahaha, right on Kai, thanks.
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Photos : Ryan Boyes :: Interview : Billy Anderson
“Of course I fly first class. I am the American dream, bitch.”
Just to kick start this, share with us where you’re from, where you call home? I’m from Norwich, Vermont - born and raised. This past year I got a crib in Carlsbad. It’s hard to call Cali home but it’s pretty dope here. Where do you see yourself living in 5 years? Not Carlsbad. Which airlines did you stack up the most mileage from? Any first class upgrades? Fuck off airlines because that is a stupid ass question, of course I fly first class. I am the American dream, bitch. This winter did you travel to any new locations? Yeah, this year I got to go to Alaska with the Absinthe crew. It was crazy, we posted up for a month and although the weather wasn’t all that rad, it was a really dope trip. The Ticket To Ride (TTR) is the governing body for competitive snowboarding, consistently changing from Big Air to Pipe to Slopestyle to Quarterpipe. The reality is you’ve won all 4 different events, which do you prefer to ride during a noncontest day? None, if I’m not doing a contest I prefer being in the backcountry. This year I really got into the backcountry and got a good feel for it. Who would you like to share a chairlift ride with? Ray Allen, I hear rumors that he rips. Is Terje Haakonsen easy to compete against? Yeah, the dude’s like 42.
Does he have any scare tactics on top of the drop-in ramp at his signature contest, The Artic Challenge? Yeah, he drops way below everyone else and somehow goes way bigger than all of us. That’s pretty scary. What is the FRENDS crew and how do you become a member? It’s just a crew. Everyone is pretty good at shredding and we all get along pretty well. It’s a cool thing to have and it’s something we have full control of, no one telling us what to do. Apparently you’ve acquired a shit load of new nicknames. We await your explanation and your friends interpretation of the below names: The American Dream? KP- Those Japanese kill it. Every year I go back to Japan I have a new nickname. This year was no exception. KP’s friends- Arigato Gozimas. Enough said. The Hurricane? KP- What Can I say. The Hurricane is back baby! KP’s friends- The Hurricane Spin was created in the 2007 Nissan X Trail in Tokyo, Japan. Hercules? KP- I came across this one some point last year when I took my shirt off. It was crazy, I was walking into the house and Jack looks at me, stops in his tracks and yells Hercules! It has stuck ever since. KP’s friends- After a bench press at Gold’s gym Kevin literally took a
bite out of the metal bar he was done lifting. Dragon Breath? KP- That ain’t my nickname. Shit is weak. KP’s friends- Actually, that’s Kevin’s Dad, Simon’s, nickname. Who else do you know that can blow glass like a fire breathing dragon. Simon Pearce Glass is indeed man made. MOHA (Master of all heads)? KP- That one kinda speaks for itself. Take a close look at the kid. KP’s friends- If Kevin was around during the age of Buddha himself we would all be rubbing little glass Kevin’s for good luck, if you dig what I’m sayin.
On any given day how often do you look at your phone and why? Too many times for sure. Maybe 30 or 40… I have no idea, I’m gonna count tomorrow. A lot is because I have an iPhone and always look at my emails. Also to check the time and read and send text messages. That foreskin is destroying our brains. That should give us enough to chew on for a bit. Kevin, you’re a really nice kid your very talented and seem to be honest. Give us the dirt. Danny Davis sucks at Mario Kart. Jack is good but not as good as me. I am the king of Mario Kart. Okay fine, Jack is the all time master of Mario Kart and is ranked 2nd in the world next to the leader Yukomoshi Sakatooshi.
MAGAZINE: BL!SSS
CONTACT:
Words: Nathan Spoor Growing up in Houston, Texas, skateboarding and drawing were the things to do. Thanks to the visionaries behind “Future Primitive” I had an entire universe to explore, as it opened my brain to the amazing world beyond my reach, but accessible at all moments. It wasn’t just their world, or my world; it was ours for the taking. Stacy Peralta and CR Stecyk III had, in essence, turned a page of history and revealed something that was there all along. Freedom. Hell, it went so far as to influence every major outlet at the time, including MTV. And how had I come by this piece of magic, you may ask? Thrasher Magazine. Thrasher was the kind of raw energy that actually made up skateboarding and art. It was put together and presented with the same ferocity and sincerity that was at the core of any skateboarder of that second surge in the 80’s. Around that same time, my best skate bro handed me a cassette tape of a new hair metal band that was shredding everything within earshot. The skatepark would put it on loop, and Robert Williams’ artwork inside Guns n’ Roses “Appetite for Destruction” would send my brain reeling. I now had a vision of where my Pushead and Jim Phillips inspired ink drawings could grow. Surviving car wrecks and physical therapy will reset anyone’s mind about whether to catch up with sponsors or heal. And anyway, I was about to go to college to search out more meaning in the path to pursuing the arts. As a beginning painter, I started looking for more like-minded creations in art rags of the day. But the art magazines of the 90’s were pretty slim pickings if you wanted inspirational visual content. No, what you’d get was the sort of thin excuses for insult that Artforum (theoretical, overly intellectual, snobbish, condescending to the point that when it comes in the mail you end up just getting mad at it) could snob up. Art in America had some interesting things and some good art, but the stories put you to sleep. It wasn’t as snobby or theoretical or brutal, but it was boring. And ArtNews was just sensational. Even with its heists and updates it was more about how much art cost and how rich collectors were and, sadly, less about the art or the artists.
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It was in late 2000 that I would find a light with Juxtapoz #29. It was the Todd Schorr cover and boasted R. Crumb, HR Giger, Mark Mothersbaugh, Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse (not a bad place to start, looking back). Finally there was a voice. The kind of art that I’d always wished would exist did in fact exist! Fausto Vitello did a serious solid for the whole industry actually. Here was a magazine that was about guys that could relate to you. Yeah you - the artist, the surfer, the skateboarder, the big dreamer. They weren’t trying to snob us out or pull one over. Finally, there was a magazine that showcased some of the most amazing artists and ignited imaginations nationwide and quickly, worldwide. Juxtapoz has grown since it’s inception in ‘94. Visionaries Robert Williams, Fausto Vitello, CR Stecyk III and Greg Escalante made sure of that. They infused it with the art and culture that spawned a new generation of talented thinkers and doers. Arguably, the action sports industry would never be the same again. Ripples were being made. And not just ripples, but splashes. Some are large splashes that left giant pools of thought and integrity across the land. While some smaller splashes were capable of soaking an entire community with a single image and several strokes of brilliant brushwork. And so it goes that the counter culture would eventually find itself in the grips of being recognized for what it was – effective and brilliant action. There was a need, and whether it was small at the time it would be a seed that would grow into a pretty impressive organism. An entity that is finally recognized at a major museum of documentary importance – The Laguna Art Museum. The current exhibition at the Laguna Art Museum, curated by Meg Linton (Director of the Ben Maltz Gallery and Public Programs at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles) boasts a good range of the artists that Juxtapoz has featured in its 14 years. The magazine’s curator, Greg Escalante, comments on the progression between standup paddleboard sessions: “I first noticed this myself when I got a Thrasher in ‘87 with Williams on the cover. It was like Salvador Dali
Robert Williams : In the Land of Retinal Delights, 1968 : oil on canvas : 54 ¼ x 43 ½ inches : Collection of Mark Parker >>
>>
Zhi Lin : Five Capital Executions in China: Drawing and Quartering, 2007 : mixed media painting and screen printing on canvas and ribbons : 106 x 74 inches : Collection of the Frye Art Museum, Seattle
<< Laurie Lipton : Leashed Passion, 1990 : Lithograph : 27 ½ x 39 Ÿ inches : Laurie Lipton, www.laurielipton.com
Laurie Hogin : Indicator Species, 2005 : oil on canvas : 60 x 60 inches : Collection of Cynthia and Michael Sitton
was reincarnated into some Hollywood surrealist. I opened up the pages and was in awe. There was nothing else like that anywhere. It had all the pulp references, and it was retro with conviction. I collected Robert Williams and then followed the trail of artists and found Chaz Bojorquez and a bunch of other artists being featured at La Luz and ended up showing them in Jux as well. There was an art movement really taking place in LA, but if only we could come up with a name. Well, Williams came up with “lowbrow”, which actually stuck. No one really liked it, but I understood what his meaning was. “Lowbrow” carried so much baggage with it at the same time, like it was dumb or low culture. But what I saw was the new culture, like it was Newbrow. The name with the most weight recently is Pop Surrealism.”
and are giving them credit by hosting this amazing art exhibition and documenting it as it has been grown and nurtured into what it is now. It’s not just about California, it’s more global and the museum is putting its stamp on it as a real art movement.”
He takes a minute to adjust his longboard on the car and continues, “Fast forward to now to Juxtapoz being the #1 selling art magazine in existence. Now there’s a major museum in California, the oldest cultural institution in Southern California actually, with a history of documenting and collecting California art. And they get this new art movement
“In the Land of Retinal Delights - The Juxtapoz Factor” is on view at the Laguna Art Museum from June 22 through October 5, 2008, and is accompanied by a full-color exhibition catalog. For more info, go to lagunaartmuseum.org
The exhibition truly is the magazine come to life, as the museum showcases the real originals of the art that started it all. If you want the proof it’s there for all to see in all its grand glory and shame. Whether you’re an art appreciator, an action sports participant or a sideline cheerleader, you’ll want to get your eyes on this exhibit and find something to wrap your mind around. The waves are all in there. Make one or ride one, it’s your world.
<< Alex Grey : Journey of The Wounded Healer, 1984-85 : oil on linen : 224 x 90 inches : Collection Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Gift of Linda and Stefan Stux
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Words & Photos: Mike Endo Welcome to our “Ezekiel Southern HOTSPOTality Tour Advanced Program”. My name is Mikendo and I will be your host today, as I walk you through the world of skateboarding, drinking, smoking, debauchery and just plain tour van lifestyle. We have condensed these lessons into a one-week seminar in which we will educate you how to deal with the presence of a skate tour van in your town, as well as how to join in on the fun. We will also share with you timetested procedures that will allow them to pass you by unscathed, if you choose that route. Also as an added bonus, if you’re ever asked to hop into the van (especially if you’re a hot chick from a small town) we have an extra seminar on how you can handle tour van lifestyle and your new skateboarder friends.
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Professor Robert Lim P.H.D Robert Lim is our tour veteran, and the chief of operations here at the Southern HOTSPOTality Tour program classes. Mr. Lim comes from a background of many teachings such as: “Moral Values and Bible Studies”, “How to be the Wisest” and “How to Laugh it off” He’s very popular with the older students. He has not only has taught these lessons for many years, but also has implemented them in many settings throughout the world. He earned his masters at the illustrious school of the 5 Boro’s and is very proud to be one of the select few who graduated. Robert also enjoys dabbling in graphic design, reading lawnmower instruction manuals and building castles in Scotland.
Robert Lim : Switch F.S Flip :: Houston
Sean Conover : F.S Crail Tail :: Texas
Sean Conover Sean Conover is one of our prodigies at the Southern HOTSPOTality Tour Program. He has rapidly advanced since joining our seminars and will be graduating soon. Sean specifically excels at the lack of time spent at each class. To my knowledge, he has passed the required classes of “How to Clean up your Shit” and “How to Meet a Girl in Wal-Mart Parking” in an unheard of record time. I believe the secret to his success is the quickness of realizing what he needs to do, implementing the new required talent, then relaxing till further notice. In his spare time, Sean also likes to finger paint, build boats and tend garden.
Evan Smith : Kick Flip F.S Nose Slide
Evan Smith Speaking of child prodigies, Evan Smith has just joined us for his first class and passed with flying colors. Not only was Evan completing standard class work, participating in discussions with his teachers and working well with the other students, but he was also completing extra credit work daily. This is a student who is going places. Next year, he has packed his schedule with the Advance Placement classes of, “Dating a Rollerblader” and the exceptionally difficult, “Team Managed by a Hater and How to Comeout Alive”. During weekends, Evan also likes to fix motorcycles, knit and do archery.
Ivan Lavinge : Nose Blunt :: Texas
Derek Fukuhara & Ivan Lavigne. Here at the Southern HOTSPOTality Tour Program, we not only like to group educate, we also like to “one on one time” between the students and their teachers. This was our first trial of this sort of theoretical complex education. We placed long time Tour Veteran Dr. Derek Fukuhara, with newcomer Ivan Lavigne. Correct to our calculations we were a success! Ivan breezed through his homework of “Proper ways to use SKEES in a sentence” and the difficult lesson of “How to Handle Criticism”. Ivan has broken off solo, and will be joining us in the future as a full-fledged member. Derek has taken time off from his busy schedule of classes to travel abroad. We wish the best of luck to both of them.
Derek Fukuhara : B.S Lip Slide :: Austin
John Lupfer One of our more advanced, yet younger students is our own John Lupfer. Mastering the arts early, he opts to join in on classes as more of a refresher course. Time after time, he adds his opinion as more of a student who isn’t a teacher, but more a teacher’s pet. Some of the classes he has mastered, yet chooses to revisits are: “Smoking in the Van and not getting caught” to the popular “How to be a Drunk in Public and Not Get Punched”. It’s funny how that class always fills up first. During downtime, John likes to drink, smoke and fornicate.
John Lupfer : Ollie :: Starz Strip
Randy Ploesser Our newest rookie Teacher here at the Southern HOTSPOTality Tour Program, is Mr. Randy Ploesser. A fine person of excellence and stature, Randy teaches two of the fanciest classes in our program. These are not for the light hearted, or empty pocketed students. His world famous classes are “Consuming Ten PBR’s Before the Bar” and his second renowned class of “Roadtrip Music, a step-by-step History Lesson.” Title “Rookie of the Year” is just the beginning for this world-class educator. Rumor has it a third class is forming called “How to Sleep on your TM’s couch for three months” Randy fiends for coffee, basket weaving and is currently working on his dissertation: “The Making of Tampons”.
Randy Ploesser : B.S Nose Blunt :: Texas
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Bra â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pull In pull-in.com Top â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Geren Ford @ Elle H
Photography: Dominic Petruzzi
dominicpetruzzi.com
Styling: Conor Graham conorgraham.com Makeup: Audrey Starn makeupbyaudrey@gmail.com Asst. Makeup: Molly Wilson Hair: Christie Walker christiemwalker@gmail.com Models: Christy :: Otto Models
Tee – RVCA rvcaclothing.com Ring – Anna Beck @ Patina Vintage Boots – Stylist’s own
Swimsuit – Guess guess.com Wrap – Maren & Ruby @ Elle H Vintage Boots – Stylist’s Own
Bra – Pull In pull-in.com Shorts – Fox fox-girl.com Vest – Lauren Conrad @ Elle H
Shorts – Vans vans.com Blouse – Tucker @ Patina
Jeans – Rusty rusty.com Belt Buckle – Silver Star silverstar.com Vintage Hat – Stylist’s Own
Andy Irons : Jbay I was already out in the lineup shooting water shots, when Andy paddled out. I asked him to give me an air, and he did. These guys can do any move at a drop of a hat.
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Captions: Jack English :: Interview: Matt Patterson Without a doubt the dodgiest and slipperiest group of inhabitants on this planet are surf photographers. Their quirks and perversions range from the mildest of fantasies to the hairbrained exploits that are the things of legend. We all have heard stories, true and false, about the lens men whose names appear in the magazines as frequently as the surďŹ ng heroes who are their subjects. One of these great characters is a human being who is so unique he deďŹ es description. Jack English is the modern day surf photographer. Jack was born in San Luis Obispo, raised in Arroyo Grande and was a Pismo Beach rat as a kid. He is riddled with talent and totally nuts. The proof is in this interview you are about to read. Enjoy.
Kelly Slater : Jbay Hands down Kelly is the best at Jbay. A lot of times he rides some weird fish boards, but this day he brought out a normal board, in which turns into moves like this. So powerful, I love it.
Alex Knost : Blackies Sir Knost always has some trick up his sleeve for me. You never know with this cat. I wish we lived closer together, I would like to shoot with him more.
Where are you from? I was born in San Luis Obispo in 1974. I lived in Arroyo Grande for 20 odd years and then made the move to Encinitas. That is when Nick Carroll (the editor of Surfing Magazine at the time) phoned me up one day and said, “We want to bring you on board, but you have to move to Encinitas.” That day I packed my truck and left. Pismo Beach was my local spot and I will always be a Pismo guy, it’s in my blood. When did you first get into photography? I would say high school. My first love was fashion photography. I would sit in the library and flip through magazines like Elle and Vogue. God, I loved looking at those amazing images. I really didn’t have any passion of being a “surf” photog, but I just thought, I am a surfer, and I love photography so I might as well shoot surfing. What type of equipment do you use? I use digital and film. I am not one of those guys who have to have the newest camera cause it shoots 1 frame faster then the previous camera. It’s not the gear that makes a photographer. Give me a shitty camera and I will outshoot you any day… My favorite camera that I have is the Contax 645 (2 ¼ film camera). I love shooting portraits with this camera. It just makes you slow down and I am from the film era, so I still have a thing for film.
Chris Ward : Mundaka This day was crazy. Mundaka rarely breaks, so all the locals were dropping in on the top 44. It was every man for themselves. After a while the top 44 just started dropping in on each other. A lot of yelling at each other, but I didn’t see any fights. You can see Wardo is seconds of getting dropped in on.
Johny Craft : El Salvador If there were a top 10 for hardest working surfers I would put Johny in there. He isn’t one of those hard workers who can’t surf - he rips!!! I would say he has some photo slut in him, but that is what he gets paid to do.
Xanadu : San Diego A man that is very into his clothes and looks. I should shoot more portraits of certain people in the industry; we’re only getting older.
Alex Knost : San Diego This was my first time seeing Knost play with his band. I didn’t expect him to sound so good but he fooled me. I hope he makes it big.
Flea : Santa Cruz Flea fell off a 25-foot cliff and broke his arm and when the rescue airlifted him up, they split his head open against the cage. This guy has way more then 8 lives. Flea is a warrior.
Kolohe Andino : San Clemente One of America’s next big hopes. He surfs so ahead of his peers. He has that pretty boy surfer look and surfs amazing, a companies dream. I hope the pressure doesn’t hurt him in the mean time.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would love to shoot Kate Moss; that would be a dream.â&#x20AC;?
Brett Simpson : Salt Creek Another guy I wish we lived closer together. He is kind of a pre-Madonna to get to go shoot with, but once he shows up, he knows what to do.
Ben Andrews : Mavericks You see all these shots of Mav’s, but in reality there are only maybe 5 big waves that come in all day. You sit out there for 8 hours and will only come back with a handful of big wave shots. It’s a rush for me seeing it.
Donavon Frankenreiter : Galapagos Yes, I am a Donavon slut. For sure he’s one of my top 5 guys’s to work with. It’s sad to see these guy’s getting older, I want to freeze them at a certain age, so I can continue to work with them at their peak.
Nathan Fletcher : Hollywood Nathan asked me not to shoot fish-eye this day, and I told him, trust me on this one Nathan. We walked away from this session with 2 covers. I guess you can say we were both very stoked.
What is your favorite stuff to shoot? I would love to shoot Kate Moss; that would be a dream. I love her. Not in sexual way, but her look is so unique, I love it. I would also like to shoot portraits of Marilyn Manson; he inspires me in a weird way. Also Dale Earnhart Jr., I am a HUGE Nascar fan, and he being my favorite driver. Who are your favorite surfers to shoot? I like guy’s that attack the wave. Guy’s like Taj. He surfs like a skateboarder to me. You watch him surf and he just is always looking for the lip and then just smashes it. I think the next surfer is Kolohe Andino. I think he surfs like a Taj. He is going to be one to watch. The kid is 13 and already attacking the lip, I love that effort. I think that is what sets surfers apart. There are guys who have no idea how to surf for the camera. It drives me nuts. I just don’t like soft surfers. What is the best trip you have ever been on, why? There hasn’t been one in particular. There is something great about every trip that I have been on. I love the Indo boat trips because you’re out in the middle of the ocean and it’s just so beautiful. Then you have J-bay, there’s just something magical about the place. You know each place has its own unique flavor. It could be in the air, food, people, wave set-ups, etc. There are so many variables when it comes to a great surf adventure. What is the future of surf photography? I don’t know. Digital on one end has ruined photography to me and on the other, I have got some of my best images ever (not having to re-load a roll of film) and being able to take chances. Before you only had 36 frames and you had to be so cautious to just hold the trigger down. I will always shoot photography until the day I die, but hopefully not have to rely on it as an income. I am picky on who I shoot. There are only so many surfers that I really want to work with. Everyone has their favorites. I will continue to shoot the surfers that inspire me until the end.
Scotty Stopnik : Bolsa Chica I have a love/hate relationship with longboarding. I just thought, “I’m going to shoot Scotty, but how can I mix it up?” So I broke out the American Flag, and said, “I want you to surf with this.”
Interview: MADSTEEZ One of the best things about being BL!SSS’s creative director is that we get to feature artists that I personally respect. I first found Zach’s art while deep sea trolling for naughties on myspace of all places. I was blown away by Zach’s pen work and truly unique watercolor techniques. Upon further research, I was impressed with his versatility from paintings to sketches to graphic design to consumer products. After several months of email laser-tag, him moving from NYC to Portland and the unsuspecting after effects of dragonfly residue, I was finally able to lock him in as one of my favorite featured artists. I wanted to rock his shit big and full bleed which meant I had to leave out a bunch of his work that still needs to be seen. So go to www. zenvironments.com to peep the rest of Zach Johnsen’s artistic brilliance. You’ve recently made the move from New York to Portland. I know Portland has a fresh underground art scene but that was a really interesting move to me. Why did you move away from the Mecca of New York City to Portland? Man, nowadays I’m not really concerned about meccas of culture or hotspots in art. I work for myself and work mostly from home so for me, having space is just about the most important thing I could give myself right now. In that sense New York (Brooklyn & Queens) just wasn’t filling the bill. Above all else, rent in NY is stupid expensive and I was paying way too much money to live in a crowded apartment in a crappy part of town. I mean, I was living literally underneath the elevated train in Queens right before I decided to leave New York. It was kind of like a funny, but bad, movie scene. Plus, I’m a country boy really, having grown up mostly in rural NH for much of my formative years; I guess I’ve just been itching to stretch my legs out so to speak… To go somewhere where I could have a full-blown studio, make a mess and build stuff. I’m almost 30 now and after 12 years plus of city life, I’m just ready to get out and do some exploring… ya know for gold, god and glory. Besides the obvious, what are some major differences between the two? Portland is a bit of the “anti-New York”. Everybody moves and talks much more slowly and takes everything much more leisurely. For the most part people are in no great rush, which I kind of enjoy. Car traffic is a hell of a lot less and a hell of a lot more courteous. I mean, if you are waiting at a cross walk sometimes cars will stop for you even if they have a green! I mean, can you imagine that in New York! Overall, people seem to place a lot more emphasis on quality of life in Portland… good food, a down to earth outlook, and a lot more patience! Plus, Portland has way better beer and coffee than New York.
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As an artist, what are some advantages and disadvantages of living in Portland?
important do you think it is for artists these days to be skilled in both mediums?
The main advantage: space. The next best advantage: cheapness. In other words, you can get an apartment, house, studio, workspace etc for way bigger and for way cheaper than you ever could in other cities. Plus, people here are very supportive of artists and always hungry for new work.
For me, it’s important being able to take my own work, scan or photograph it, bring it onto the computer and being able to present and disseminate it to other people, either via my website or through email, etc. Plus, I do a lot of freelance and commercial projects that require me being able to create, change and manipulate my work for clients. But probably the main reason I’m proficient in using the computer is less my fine art work and more in my role as art director for my t-shirt brand, Tank Theory.
The main disadvantage would be that everybody is an artist. So right from the jump, you kind of find yourself lumped in together with all the other sponge printers, quilters, hand bag makers, painters, performers and would be craftsmen that inhabit the city. This can be a pain in the ass when trying to explain to people you do more than decorate recycled wood with painted flowers. You seem to be quite proficient in using Photoshop, Illustrator, ect, as well as in fine art. How
So for me, it is very important to have both skill sets. But for others, who maybe do paintings on canvas, this is probably less important. This is a pretty stock question but are there any out of the ordinary things that influence you?
Science and nature have always been a pretty large influence on me. Like medical journals and scientific field notes, that type of thing... I love the idea that the scientists of yore, studying in the field, also had to be artists of sorts, drawing nature and cycles, cataloging species, taking notes on characteristics and behaviors, I also love old Sears & Robuck catalogs and magazines from the ‘40s and ‘50s. There is nothing quite like spending two hours in a thrift store, garage sale, or flea market sifting through old periodicals and magazines. The smell of old paper is kind of intoxicating in a way and something about that act of digging is like rummaging through the past. The characters you draw seem devious and appear to have an evil side to them. How would describe their demeanor? I like to consider it less of an evil side and more just plain pissed off. Most
of the characters I create represent an unseen side of man or nature and that side is pretty pissed off at being buried and ignored. You’ve done some sweet collaborations with brands like K2 Snowboards, Ecko and Osirus. Are you ever approached by companies that you wouldn’t work with? I mean I grew up skateboarding and snowboarding so almost any company that works in skate & snow I love to work with just because I have always wanted to design boards and stuff since a youngin… I think I would hesitate to work for any type of cosmetic company or any fast food chain if they were to approach me. Not that I think they would. With that said, do you feel like there is a line that can be crossed that makes an artist a “sell out”? That’s a tough question these days.
I’m not even sure “selling out” is valid anymore, as almost every artist I know works individually and commercially. Hell, the first time I worked on a pair of skis I considered myself a sell out because I don’t even ski. That was almost like working for the enemy for me considering I grew up skating. But the project was also really fun to work on and a got a couple pairs for free that I gave away to good friends… so it was also awesome. So to be honest, I really don’t know how to answer that one anymore… I mean art & commerce are only getting closer and closer together. We are in an interesting time with the web and being able to discover new artists online without even seeing the work in person (that’s how I discovered your art for the first time). How important is the web to you and how do you make yourself relevant and stand out from the rest? Yeah, the internet is pretty important to me because it affords me from working a full time job or working in an office… I really enjoy working from home and at my own pace on things and the internet has made that possible for me. I am working on projects here in Portland for clients in New York. That’s great and something I
don’t think would be possible without the internet. But it is also an isolating factor and that bugs me. I mean, the same tool that allows my work to be seen by thousands more people than would ever see it in person, is also the tool that kind of isolates you from the outside world and gives you a false sense of camaraderie. I mean look at myspace and facebook and all those ‘friend’ sites. How many of those people do you actually know? But I guess as long as your work is fresh and unique, there will be an audience for it. And the internet basically broadens that audience. I was just at a Hollywood Banksyesqe type show (without knowing, you’d swear it was his burnt twin brother without his own identity) and pieces were flying out the door for thousands of thousands of dollars. What’s your take on the whole Banksy craze and the people who are riding his coattails? Yeah, well I know this other artist Blek Le Rat was actually his protégé and doing very similar work. I think he just resurfaced and is getting the attention he finally deserves for doing very similar work. Regarding
other artists who are riding the stencil street level artwork, I don’t really have an opinion to be honest. It isn’t particularly new getting up on the street. I just think it’s an extention of bombing and wanting to get up and noticed in a public space. But then again, if somebody is straight up copying, then that’s never cool. The art world is a business like everything else but what to you equals personal success? Creating work that makes YOU happy. Like when you do something and it just clicks and you’re like “yes!” It’s awesome to get recognition for your work and your style, but it often times turns into pigeonholing because people kind of demand to see more of that same work. That’s what is happening to some degree in my case. I’ve found myself stuck because galleries and clients are offering jobs to me for work I don’t necessarily want to do anymore. So for me success is doing what you want to do and still being accepted for doing it, even if it is constantly changing and evolving. What do you want to accomplish when it’s all said and done?
Shit, I’m honestly still trying to figure that out. My main goal with my art and design is to travel through it and meet new people and see new places. Once I have traveled the globe, learned some new languages and gone as far as I can go, I’ll probably find my perfect mountain, climb to the top, turn, wave at the crowd below, then retreat forever. Or maybe just merge with the infinite. Any shout outs, projects or future shows you want to plug? Big shout out to Tank Theory and the new season called Sign Language that is just dropping now. Check out www.tanktheory. com when you get a second. Also, make sure to check out www.zenvironments. com. By the time this interview comes out, I should have a bonafied shopping cart on there, selling new silkscreen prints I just had made, amongst other goods. Plus, keep an eye out for some new Wanderer series to come out shortly too. Otherwise, I am doing an installation show at Thinkspace gallery in LA this September and a big show in NY at the Jonathan Levine gallery in February of 2009. Keep an eye out! And thanks very much for the opportunity!
Photos: Bob Plumb
There are a million things I could say about Keegan Valaika but let’s just start by saying that this kid is one of the most amazing snowboarders I have ever seen! Keegs is the funnest kid to ride with. He pushes you to try new things but still keeps it fun. Keegan always has so much energy and is always down to hit any spot. Every time he is in town or we are riding he tries to turn me into a gansta! I find myself listening to Lil’ Wayne even two weeks after he has left. He has some of the best style that I have ever seen and never gives up until he has stomped his trick. Having Keegan on the Bozwreck trips made it five times better. He is just as stoked on everything in life as he his on snowboarding. If I had to describe him in one word it would be “G-Code”. I am looking forward to riding with him next year. See you in SLC son! -Cale
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Cale Zima is simply the shit. I always tease him and call him emo because of his pants but deep down this kid is gangster as hell. Cale’s knees are built of rubber. I swear you could throw him off a 50 stair and he’d stomp it first try. In Quebec we decided to call it his landing gear, and from that point on he just stomped shit. FS 180’s over a huge ass railing to drop like nothing. Aside from his God-like snowboarding, which everyone will soon see in BozWreck 2, Cale is one of the mellowest kids you will meet. He’s always down for whatever. When we were in Canada I found myself trying to hit something that no one else wanted to do more than once. Everytime Cale would rally and hit it with me. No matter how bad he was over it deep down. And more often than not he would come away with a banger. If you ever see Cale in the streets don’t be afraid to say what’s up. I guarantee you’ll walk away thinking he’s one of the nicest kids you’ve ever met. I’m hyped to call Cale one of my homies for life. -Keegan
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Keegan Interviewing Cale: Where did you grow up? I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and have lived there my whole life. Are you Mormon? Nah. How did you start snowboarding? I went up with my Pops and then just went riding a bunch with my neighbor Joe. Since you pretty much filmed with Bozwreck all year, what’s your best story? Probably Bob Plumb trying to go home with Baby Spice. In general, Bob is just the funniest dude and one of the best people to travel with!
How’s Megan doing? She is doin’ good. Thanks Keegs. What’s hot dog in the bun? Mind your business son! Who were your favorite snowboarders growing up? I would have to say Mikey LeBlanc and the whole Love/Hate crew. Who are your favorite snowboarders now? The whole Love/Hate crew, hahaha. But for sure everyone in Bozwreck 2 and the team thunder kids. There are just too many to name. Remember when we drew all over your pants? Ya, the best night that I don’t remember.
Then you got bummed and tried to throw them away. Good thing Matty was there, haha. Ya for sure, Uncle Wreck is the shit. What were those rooms called at the hotels that I hated? The lung cancer rooms. Yeah, smoking rooms. Thanks for the second hand death wish. Word. What kinda music you listen to? All kinds. Except country, that shit is lame. Why are you vegetarian? Not really sure, it just happened. Cale Interviewing Keegan: How old were you when you started snowboarding? Around ten. I just remember rocking a board that was way too big and ski boots because my feet were too small for snowboard boots. What do you do when you’re not snowboarding? When I’m in Laguna I skate with my homies, try to help edit footy, listen to some tunes and play pool. When I’m in Salt Lake I just kick it with Bob and bake brownies. He’s the shit at makin’ brownies. I know you’re an amazing skater and a sick rapper, are there any other hidden talents we don’t know about? Those first two are false statements. I can’t really skate but its fun as hell to try.
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Do you think your and Bob’s rap group will ever get to spit with Lil Weezy? Oh yeah for sure. G-Code posse is on the rise. Hahaha. Have you ever considered wearing tight pants? Kinda? When that whole scene first started I thought about it. But then I kinda just decided it wasn’t for me. There’s definitely homies out there that it works for, just not me. I usually just run the same pants all year. Plus all the stitching and shit you gotta do to make em look like that... way too much work. Haha. What is your best memory from the Bozwreck/Absinthe Canada trips? Going to the Diego bar with Butters. The kid kills it at dancing haha. Other than that, the phone calls we would get from people telling us how “played out” Canada is. Screw that fool, as long as snowboarding keeps progressing nothing’s ever
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gonna be played out. Who are your favorite snowboarders? Nate Bozung, Lane Knaack, Nicolas Muller, Bradshaw, Gus Engle, there’s too many I could go on forever. Basically, if you have smooth style and look like you’re having fun, you’re one of my favorites. Will you define G–Code? Only if you define hot dog in the bun… What is your favorite movie? BozWreck 2. Love-Hate. Burning Bridges. And all the Robot Food movies. Who do you usually ride with at your local mountain? When I go up to Bear I usually shred with my homies from Laguna. Sometimes we’ll shred with all the Midget Mafia fools and Bradshaw.
Cale
Keegan What is it like living in Laguna Beach? Pretty sweet. I’m definitely stoked to have grown up in such a sick place. There’s definitely a fare share of spoiled dumbass kids like the TV show, but more often than not kids are pretty mellow and laid back. Besides Ryan Sheckler who is your favorite skater? Hahaha. Sorry Cale but just cause you’re a huge Shecky fan doesn’t mean I’m on the bandwagon with you. My favorite skater of all time is Tom Penny without a doubt. Right now though, I’d have to go with Nick Trapasso, kid’s bringing buttery style back into skateboarding. What is your favorite thing to get at Timmy Horton’s? The combo meal - bagel, sandwich, and a drink. It’s the shit cause we usually get there at 12 and haven’t eaten breakfast. So the combo meal fixes the tough decision of lunch or breakfast by giving you both! Did you enjoy drawing on my pants and face? Of course Cale, how could we not enjoy that? I was even more stoked on how you tried to throw the pants out and Matty found
them and ran them for the rest of the trip. Haha. Besides Bozwreck did you film with anyone else this season? I filmed for the Burton movie. I went on a trip to Idaho for two weeks and we only shredded two days. It was a combination of shitty weather and too many film crews at the same spot. The movie should be really sick though, my parts gonna be mostly powder jumps and stuff like that. I’m hyped those guys gave me the opportunity to hit some jumps and ride some powder finally. Should we fight Brock? You mean Butters? Butters is a pussy but the best filmer ever. I think girls like him because he’s so innocent. Haha. What are your expectations for next year? Next year I’m moving out to Salt Lake. I’m finally gonna be able to snowboard whenever I want. I’m just praying we have another good winter. As far as expectations go… I’m expecting you to be swimming in a pool of sponsors trying to hook you up after they see how dope your BozWreck part is! Haha. It’s gonna be like Spanky after the Tampa Am.
Photos: Jeremiah Klein :: Words: Crystal Garrett // David Price : SCHS // Gabe Garcia : CHS // Riley Metcalf : SCHS // Final Score // Conner Coffin : Carenterial HS // Carlsbad HS // Brent Reilly : Carlsbad HS // David Price : SCHS // Carpenteria HS // Gabe Garcia : Carpenterial HS
Red Bull Riders Cup High School Title Held on a cobblestone point known to the masses as “Churches”, swell poured through the weekend of June 14th and 15th, granting an opportunity for the best high school surf squads from around the country to test both their mettle and manhood. It started with eight. Eight teams, eight of the best and brightest from every corner of the continental U.S. came on Sunday with one thing on their minds. And while all the coaches gave their disciples fitful sermons, deeds done in the lineup were anything but holy. Jersey’s Ocean City High, Florida’s Satellite Beach High, and Santa Cruz’s Soquel, all arrived with a willingness to sin. By the time the final rolled around at 4:00 on Saturday there would only be two teams
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left. Local knowledge—and a fair bit of talent—saw San Clemente High and Carlsbad High square off for the fortune and glory of it all. It was Carlsbad, thanks in large part to the brilliant surfing of Gabe Garcia (which earned him MVP honors) who upended San Clemente, 78 to 83. “We had a solid team, you couldn’t ask for better surfing conditions. The kids surf traditional contests all the time, but they really look forward to working as a team and competing at Red Bull Riders Cup,” said Carlsbad coach, David Barr, of the unique “Game” format of the event, which utilizes everything from time outs and refs, to hokey introductions and substitutions. So, in the end Carlsbad High goes home the national champs, and with it comes an entire year’s worth of bragging rights, which ain’t half bad. But considering the talent level, repeating could prove to be a dicey proposition come next season.
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Photos: Cozad // Spencer Regan // Cory Arrambide // Winners Podium // Matt Mohagen // Naughties // Michael Dunphy // Stage // Andrew Doheny // Noah Erickson // Notorious // Blake Jones The 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America Pro Junior Series returned to action at Newport Beach’s 54th Street for the inaugural Arnette Pro Junior presented by Jack’s Surfboards on June 7 & 8. Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior Series, the Arnette Pro Junior boasted an ASP Grade-2 rating, attracting the region’s top seeds in their efforts to qualify for the prestigious ASP World Junior Championships. A competitive machine, Cory Arrambide scalped the Arnette Pro Junior in clean twoto-three foot surf. The young goofy-footer was the in-form surfer on the final day of competition, and Arrambide wasted no time in the final, quickly comboing opponents Spencer Regan, Matt Mohagen, and Bruno Rodrigues in the opening minutes of the heat. The victory at the Arnette Pro Junior put Arrambide into the lead on the 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior ratings going into the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure, a spot he held
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for the majority of the 2007 season. Mohagen came from behind in his Semifinal heat to take 2nd and advance into the final, the first of his ASP Pro Junior career. Rodrigues, who opened up the 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior Series with a win at the ASP Grade-2 Ezekiel Pro Junior in March, collected another solid result this afternoon, finishing 4th in the final and moved up to 3rd on the ASP North America Pro Junior ratings. Regan (Ventura, CA), who earned the first finals berth of his career, did so by scoring the events only perfect 10 for an unbelievable double-grab aerial in his Semifinal heat. For video highlights log on to arnetteprojunior.com
FINAL RESULTS
1 – Cory Arrambide (USA) 16.25, $2,500 2 – Spencer Regan (USA) 12.95, $1,500
3 – Matt Mohagen (USA) 10.35, $1100 4 – Bruno Rodrigues (USA) 7.85, $900
San Clemente HS Champions // Center Stage // San Clemente freshman // Runway // HBHS’s Kimono made of trunks // Anna Le of Mission Viejo HS // Capistrano Valley HS // Bobby Alt of Street Drum Corps // Edison HS flips for Hurley // Fans await the judges decision
Thousand of people packed into the Irvine Spectrum Center to witness creative presentations from five participating high schools: San Clemente (reigning OC champion), Mission Viejo, Capistrano Valley, Huntington Beach and Edison. After equally unique performances, the judges awarded San Clemente High School as the Orange County “Walk The Walk” champions for the second year in a row. Students were surprised with a $10,000 donation to their art and music
The crowd was entertained between shows with special performances by Party Squad, Street Drum Corps, and The Maine. AND… the student’s were treated to two special guest judges: Sports Illustrated and international supermodel Bar Refaeli and Bert McCracken of The Used.
program, plus a plaque honoring their victory. The other participating schools each received a $5,000 donation to their programs, along with Hurley “Walk the Walk” T-shirts and DVD copies of the show.
event. Schools were tasked with creating head-to-toe Hurley outfits from scratch. When the total points were tallied, Mission Viejo took home the prize for best girl’s look, and San Clemente won for best guy’s design. To see even more photos and video of the event, log onto hurley.com.
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Additionally, Hurley’s Walk The Walk incorporated a design challenge within the
Photos: Quang Le & Cobrasnake // Movie Shot // Alex Knost // T-Bone // Mitch Abshere & Pat Tenore // Jared Mel threading the needle // Punker practicing his newly learned moves // Little Nate // Dave Mushegain & Friend // Casey Holland // Cobrasnake & Friend // Party Peeps
Another bitchen RVCA parking lot party went down this past month. Mitch Abshire brought a projector over and premiered his new log movie, “Tales From The Black Van.” Like all RVCA parking lot parties, there were tons of beautiful girls (young and old), crazy kids, classy adults, free booze, fixed gear bikes, motorcycles, mustaches, muscles, nice people, cool clothes, and the Japanese Motors. The evening started off slow but once the sun fell below the horizon, the lot was at maximum capacity and the show began. People hooted and hollered as “Tales From the Black Van” had the audience captivated, or perhaps it was all the free booze that was causing them to drool and scream like hyenas. After the movie people smoked cigarettes and discussed the complex aerodynamics and hydrodynamics that makes
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surfing possible, along with the finer points of the correlation between surfboard design and modern fine art. It was really quite interesting… After which people stripped off layers of clothing so they could move and shake to the soothing sounds of the Japanese Motors. People were thoroughly impressed with some of the new tracks, which will appear on their new album Vice Records will be putting out in the near future. In the end it was time for everyone to go home and sleep, so they got in their cars and drove home. But don’t forget to buy “Tales From The Black Van” when you wake up.
Photos: Don Leach :: Words: David Strong // Jon Rose // Steve Hurst // Watto // Wonder Twin Powrs Unite // Hans Hagan // Grom Fun // Hey Now! // Laguna is Full of Flags! // Eli Vizolay // Taylor Pitz
2008 “SPRING FEVER SURFABOUT” PRESENTED BY LAGUNA SURF AND SPORT
him to buy you a cold one since he took home the gold.
They say that patience pays off, and after three weeks of being on hold due to poor surf, the 7th Annual “Spring Fever Surfabout” finally went underway and believe you me, it was worth the wait. With a 7:30 am Sunday morning check, we had a low tide and a lot of groms pleading for the contest director to just say “GO!” Sure enough the waves turned perfect.
Thanks to everyone that came out and congrats to all the competitors and the winners. An extra special thanks to all of the sponsors: Electric, Volcom, DVS, Hurley, LRG, Orange Inn, Ocean Ave. Brewery, Matix, RVCA, Turkey, Sector 9,Billabong, Nixon, and XS Energy.
All of the finalist received crazy goodies bags that would make anyone jealous. Then there was the Pro Division, which had $1000 going to the winner. It was the most action packed heat of the day with 4th going to 16-year-old Eli Vizolay, 3rd to Jason “Watto” Watson, 2nd to Hans Hagen, and next time you see Jon Rose, ask
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Winners:
Girls- Taylor Pitz 14 & Under- Hunter Smith 15-18 – Porter Hogan
19-34 – Bobby “Bru” Cherry Legends- Eric “Frog” Nelson Pro- Jon Rose
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Photos: Josh Hartley :: Words: Bob Cherry & Matt Shadbolt // SD Crew // LA Crew // Captain Sea Shepard & Crew // The Venue // Nick Eye // Bruce Beach // Electric Crew // Kyle Cadem & Mikey Rencz // Wenches // LSS Manager Jason Watto // Captains Canon
Laguna Beach Theatre hosted the West Coast premier of Save the Big Fat Whales by ELECTRIC VISUAL. To ensure that there was not a dull moment, ELECTRIC had their pirate ships sail to San Diego and LA where they picked up key retailers and drunken sailors. Once docked in Laguna Beach, these Mates lined up to get ready for the festivities that were about to begin. Upon entry, all were greeted by Captain Sea Shepherd himself and his two wenches to have their picture taken. With the deep sea setting, everyone felt like saving some whales. Captain Sea Shepherd came prepared with his canon where he shot free product for the pirates and their kids. This movie displayed some of ELECTRIC’s finest surfers from around the globe. Not only
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were Gabe Kling and Kalani Robb in attendance, but some of ELECTRIC’s Pro Snowboarders as well; Mikey Rencz, Paavo Tikkanen, Chris Brown, and Volcom international rider Eero Niemela. The movie was a huge success with the crowd cheering on Ritchie Lovetts’ victory over cancer and every air and flair that went down. Save the Big Fat Whales was created by Ozzie Wright and Peter Crumpton as a benefit towards Ocean Awareness, Organ Donation, and to help Peter Crumpton with his heart transplant. Peter is alive and well with a new heart and the movie is helping with these issues internationally. Although the movie had to come to an end, the night did not. ELECTRIC hosted an after-party at Ocean Avenue Brewery in Laguna Beach with the sounds of Nick Eye and DJ Sli Dawg. Big shout out goes to all that attended and thanks for supporting the cause. For more photos and info go to electricvisual.com.
Interview: Tim Bergevin Ten years after dropping their first record Goddamnit on the tiny indie label Asian Man Records, Alkaline Trio are set to release their sixth record, their first for a major label. The album titled Agony and Irony drops on July 1st and while the songs may be less aggressive than past efforts, the band retains their identity as keepers of all things dark. The lineup of Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano and Derek Grant continues to get heavy kudos from not only their fiercely loyal fans but also fellow musicians. After a hectic two years that saw the band sign to V2 Records only for it to fold months later, they are back and ready to lead a new group of kids into some dark places. Matt Skiba calls in from the road a little weary but excited for the future. Is it hard to get back into the routine of touring and playing every night? At first it is but we’ve gotten back into it but we are doing so much stuff that my voice isn’t holding up. It’s only gone out at one show so far. I do vocal warm ups, take antacids at night and try to chill as much as possible. So I can’t complain. It’s been busy but fun.
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How are the kids feeling the new songs? They are stoked. The record just leaked a week ago, which is miraculous because the record comes out next week (July 1st). Our last record leaked like 3 months in advance. It’s been cool; we have just been playing a couple new ones mixed in with the old ones because we are going to be coming back and be playing the new stuff so much. You have a pretty fanatical fan base that blogs a lot and they seem to get mad when you guys only play like one song off of Goddamnit. You can’t please everyone can you? No. Every time we put out a record people say that they hate it and then the same person will say the last record was so much better. Then the following record comes out they say it sucks compared to the last one. Which one is it? You just can’t please everyone. Like when we signed to Asian Man Records people were calling us sellouts, a dude runs a small label out of his Mom’s garage and we are sellouts? You’re dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t. You just have to do your own thing and hope people like it.
Do you ever read the comments on your Myspace or website? I don’t. Derek does. He’s pretty glued to his computer screen and is always kind of monitoring things. But I don’t look at it ever. I don’t think I’ve looked at a message board or our Myspace in at least two years. I just don’t care. I feel like it’s unnecessary. Like I’m going to read some insulting shit that is going to bum me out or read something that is going to stroke my ego - it doesn’t interest me. You guys are also really well respected by all the other bands in the scene. That isn’t all that common. It’s weird and really flattering. There are people that I adore, we are about to do some stuff with Tegan from Tegan and Sarah and her being a fan of our band, I just don’t understand it. I’m like why would you ever like our band when your band is so awesome. I just feel lucky. It’s kind of like why I don’t look at the internet. I don’t need to analyze it or understand it. I’m glad that it exists and that people care and dig it. I don’t quite understand it, but I’m stoked.
Does it get you down that people come out and slam the new record when they have only heard a few songs? New records always take some time to grow on people no matter who the band is. It’s the same for me when I buy somebody’s new record, it takes me a few listens and then I’m like, “this record is killer.” Good bands make good records generally; there have been good bands that have made awful records though. If I listen to a band I like and I hear it enough times and I understand it I usually start to like it. We can only hope that the same goes for our old fans and our new fans. Are there a lot younger kids coming out to the shows? We’ve been doing this Zumiez couch tour and there are a lot of young kids. There is a skate contest that all the kids can sign up for and compete against each other which is pretty rad, so there are a lot of little squirts at those shows. Its crazy there is almost like a new generation of Trio fans coming around.
Interview: Tim Bergevin With tongue firmly in cheek, We Are Scientists have dropped their latest record ‘Brain Thrust Mastery’. Keith Murray and Chris Cain deliver a follow up to 2005’s ‘With Love and Squalor’ that is a little less guitar driven and angular this time around. While the songs may be tamer the guys are still up to their hijinks on their website and You Tube channel. What other band lets you submit questions asking them for advice or upload cover versions of their songs. Recent posts answer the questions how to get a prom date and have answers that start out like, “Come up behind a guy and grab his hair and hold a big hunting knife against his neck”. It’s hard to ask a person serious questions about his band when all you want know is how much fun it could have been breaking a bottle over your band mates head. So instead of boring questions about production, producers and guitar overdubs you’re getting the questions you really want answered. Keith breaks it all down for you right here. This new record has a more 80’s synth vibe to it than the last record.
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Comparatively the new one has a lot more than the last one. But, well you know what; there are a lot of synths all over it. On the last record we wanted to keep it paired down to the three of us just playing the instruments we play on stage. After three years of touring doing just that we felt like expanding the palate a little bit.
specifically to listen to. Everyone else in the band really loves them. There is something that makes it really difficult for me to wade through a lot of that stuff. Not necessarily because they are so bad but there is something really uncomfortable about hearing people covering our songs even if they were doing it earnestly.
You guys seem to have a lot of fun with this band. You post a lot of videos and things like that on You Tube. We feel that the fact that there is a built in audience for the random things we do aside from music means it would be sort of a shame for us to not make things like that. It’s the sort of thing we would be doing anyway even if no one were watching it, so now it doesn’t seem like so much of a waste of time when we spend four hours making a ridiculous video. It’s a good addition to the musical reward.
Your videos are great as well. Do you guys come up with the treatments for those? So far every video we’ve made has been our idea. We usually make them with friends of ours and so far people that we have known for a long time have made all our videos. We try to keep the videos pretty organic to the band.
Having people post there cover versions of your songs on your website is pretty genius. There are some pretty awful ones up there. Yeah, they are really hard for me
So was it fun to hit Chris in the head with a bottle while filming the ‘After Hours’ video? It was pretty amazing. It was definitely the culmination of a life’s dream! We’ve gotten two of the triumvirate that we want in our videos. In the first video we had a guy jump through a plate glass window, which was good. This one we had the bottle and the next one
we need a guy on fire. There needs to be someone on fire. Like I said before it looks like you guys are having a lot of fun and you can’t say that about every band. Is that true? Is it true that we are having fun or that you can’t say that about every band (laughing)? Both! It is true we are having fun. I feel like we recognize that we are in a pretty unique position and we try not to take advantage of it and have as much fun as possible. Are the ladies on the cover and inside the album art work supposed to be Cougars hanging out with you? We weren’t necessarily going for the joke of them being cougars but we did want it to be weird that we had pictures of us dating older women. But there is nothing wrong with an older woman going for a younger man so it’s not a joke against cougars; we still want the cougar audience to buy our record.
Words: Tim Bergevin
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Weezer Weezer (Red Album) DGC Records
Wolf Parade Walk It Off XL Recordings
With the emergence of artists like Justice in the past year and a half it’s really surprising that Omaha natives The Faint are not a household name like the French duo. Long championed and one of the first to bring the dirty disco back into the limelight, it seems they were a few years too early for the masses to jump on board. This latest effort offers more of Danse Macabre with tracks like ‘The Geeks Were Right’ and ‘Fulcrum and Lever’ which drops the line “not long before they taught me a lesson/in tough skin jeans like a Japanese Hessian”. What more do you need to hear.
The sixth studio album from Rivers Cuomo and crew has been hailed as a return to form from fans and critics alike. It’s probably less a return to form and more the fact that this album has all the things you’ve loved from past Weezer records all rolled into one. Quirky lyrics, crunchy guitars, huge choruses and even songs sung by the other three members of the band (a Weezer first). If you hate Weezer you probably hate your Mom, kittens playing with yarn and puppies, but that is okay because the band and it’s legion of hardcore fans don’t care, even though you have been bludgeoned over the head with the single ‘Pork and Beans’. Oh, and Rivers is now sporting a sweet stache, nice touch dude.
What is it about Canadian bands that make them critical darlings of the American music media? I guess we are just jealous that people don’t hate Canadians as much as us. Bands like Arcade Fire continue to put out expansive and interesting music while most American bands are busy trying to find the right city to move to so they can be perceived as cool even though they are really from Redlands. Wolf Parade just happens to be friends with Arcade Fire and while they definitely are not the same band, they make really listenable and interesting music. While all the members are in various other bands which occasional has given them a tag of having a disjointed sound this second record is anything but. Key tracks to taste are ‘California Dreamer’ and ‘Bang Your Drum’.
Lykke Li Youth Novels LL Recordings
My Morning Jacket Evil Urges ATO Records
Mudhoney The Lucky Ones Sub Pop
The Fratellis Here We Stand Interscope
If you don’t know who My Morning Jacket is then use this simple formula to figure it out. Equal parts the Grateful Dead, Eagles and The Flaming Lips, MMJ are the new leaders of a genre that has faded since Jerry died sans the unnecessary guitar noodling or space jams. The way the band blends all these influences is what makes this band so special. Songs like ‘Touch Me I’m Going to Scream pt. 1” could easily have been on the Lips ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots’, while the tracks ‘I’m Amazed’ and ‘Thank You Too!’ highlight the best of Southern Rock. Glen Fry and Don Henley wish they could still write songs like this!
Is calling these guys the Grandfathers of grunge an insult? This ninth release from the stalwarts of Sub Pop has the Super Fuzz and Big Muff pedals in full effect. What else would you expect? Steve Turner is the shittest/greatest guitar player to ever play fuzzed out leads that are part Greg Ginn and part Delta Blues. It’s never more apparent than on this record that the band has been channeling The Stooges for years, and that my friends is a compliment. Mark Arm could easily take the torch from Iggy but I’m not sure he’s ready to pass it on just yet. You can get old, just don’t grow up.
This album has illegal download written all over it. The record is fun but I’m not sure it’s worth the price of two gallons of Super+ gasoline at the local Mobile station. These iPod alums channel Supergrass and British classic rock to make this good enough that you can actually play it all the way through. But that is it, no new ground covered or discovered. Music is free now anyway so rip this to your computer and enjoy.
Sweden continues to own the world in its production of pop princesses. Lykke Li is the latest in a long line. This record is full of cool dreamy beats and Lykke’s sweet vocals that sound like a little girl lost in a Swedish forest. The inevitable comparisons to Bjork will happen but there is freshness to Lykke that makes this album worthwhile. Check out the tracks ‘I’m Good, I’m Gone’, ‘Tonight’ and the single ‘Little Bit’ and see why she has been the buzz for over a year.
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The Green Owl Comp A Benefit for Energy Action Green Owl Records This collection of songs by such artists as Muse, Feist, Deerhoof and others was put out to benefit the Energy Action Coalition which is a collection of more than 40 organizations that help support the student and youth clean energy movement in North America. Green Owl is an indie label run out of New York by musicians and artists who are concerned about putting out art in an environmentally sustainable way. Obviously the cause is a good one as the bands all gave their tracks gratis and all proceeds go straight to charity. A good cause and a great comp.
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AGE: 17 HOME: HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA SPONSORS: ATWATER, VANS, DANO SURFBOARDS, JOKERS SKATE SHOP FAVORITE SKATER: JEFF GROSSO
Photo: Corey Newman
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AGE: 18 HOME: HO’OKIPA, MAUI SPONSORS: O’NEILL, DA KINE, KAENON, OCEAN MINDED, KAZUMA SURFBOARDS FAVORITE SURFER: KELLY SLATER
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