VE O L RN E D MO ON S K IC D D CHA ADE M ANNIES I D A OMPA N A C ARD C
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AM ON THE SEE THE DVS TE ON COME OUT AN.DFOR MORE INFORMATIONE.COM OR UR M TO EAT LD SK OR W LOG ONTO: THE WORLD TOUR
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"the K7 is_the best one yet."-eric koston Everyone loves new kicks from Sparkles, and the K7 is no exception. This is Eric's seventh ÊS pro model shoe in 10 years...time to celebrate! Better light up a cake, right? The K7 comes in a wide selection of colors, and our System G2™ in the heel will help keep your feet safe and happy. TIMEBOMB_604 251 1097 www.timebombtrading.com log on to get your blog on_esfootwear.com
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ASTER DE DIS BACKSI
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CONCRETE POWDER MAGAZINE
Issue77
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modern love
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chad dickson
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made in canada
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photo gallery
You’ve seen them in the mags for years and seen random clips here and there. Well now it’s here, well not here yet but after years of filming I promise you’ll be hearing lots from this video. It’s got a heavy line up of shredders and the best music selection around. This amazing video is due out in september so we thought we’d tell you a little about it and what to expect.
I’m sure you’ve heard the name, or at least you’ve heard about some kid going around the city and laying down the impossible tricks? Well get ready for Chad. He’s quiet until he gets on his board, nothing will stop him from rolling away, even if it takes him breaking three boards.
You and I can take our enlightened selves out for a skate on a sunny day, and think, “Yeah, it’s all about the fun..” and pat ourselves on the back, but for the few Canadian board companies, it’s a lot more involved than that. These owners have invested countless hours and money in dedicating their lives in order to give Canadians an alternative to the norm.
This month we went through tons of submissions to put together this big section of photos.
Cover: Finally someone kickflipped the famous black double set in Vancouver. These are all the people that tried it, I feel like I have to give them props as well for their efforts: Chad Dickson, Dustin Montie, Wade Desarmo, Travis Stenger, Mike Chalmers, Phil Stinner, Ian Twa, Joey Williams and Keegan Sauder, any others I’ve missed, I’m truly sorry. Arron Johnson on his third day of trying comes through, ‘Yeah AJ.’ photo: Brian Caissie. Contents: Can you imagine walking through a field and coming across this baby? Hell yea that would be fun. Max Dufour thinks so too. Here he pulls a frontside ollie way up above the 9 o’clock zone. photo: Dan Mathieu.
22 inventory 24 youngbloods 52 poster 72 artist profile 96 dvd reviews 100 identity
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Cory Beck , backside kickflip.
Devil in my Pocket words. NICK SHINNER. self portrait. CAISSIE
PUBLISHER: KEVIN HARRIS MARKETING DIRECTOR: RICHARD NEUMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF: TROY BLACKMORE PHOTO EDITOR: BRIAN CAISSIE CREATIVE DIRECTION: KELLY LITZENBERGER STAFF WRITER: JESSE OYE SUBSCRIPTIONS: DAVE BUHR
I’ll be the first to admit it. My cell phone has a stronghold on me. I listen, in awe, to other peoples clever new polyphonic ring tones they’ve downloaded, and actually think about my monthly plan. When I have cell phone talk with people, I boast about my plan and reveal it’s golden money saving intricacies. It’s like I’m a part of the cell-provider’s marketing team, only I don’t get paid. I pay them. It’s pathetic and embarrassing, really. I honestly would feel lost and naked without my phone. I constantly check my pocket to make sure it’s still there. I frequently check my phone to see who called, who’s calling, or to look at the time. It’s really annoying. I lack the ability to memorize phone numbers, so the pocket devil does it for me. He’s got me by the short-and-curlies. Someone explained the phenomenon of the ‘ghost ring’ to me. He immediately threw his cellie in the Fraser River when he realized it was happening. I live with ‘ghost ring’. The muscle on your outer thigh develops memory from the phone vibrating in your pocket all the time. You develop a subtle twitch of sorts that feels as if your phone is ringing, when it’s not. I have auditory hallucinations, too. I’ll hear a little noise in the background and dive for my phone right away. It wasn’t ringing. I used to swear I’d be tied to a land-line leash forever and not be swayed by the evil necessity that is the cellular phone. Times have changed, and I’ve since joined the Dark Side. So what the hell does this have to do with skateboarding you ask? Hang on…wait a sec…shit, it’s my phone, hang on… “Hello?” Sorry guys, it’s Caissie. We’re gonna go skate some stairs, gotta go…
PHOTOGRAPHERS: BRIAN CAISSIE, DAN MATHIEU, KELLY LITZENBERGER, SHANE HUTTON, IAN SNOW, FELIX FAUCHER, RY GUY, DAVID CHRISTIAN, JODY MORRIS, BRENDAN SOHAR, OLIVIER CROTEAU, NATHAN MATTHEWS, TYLER MCKENZIE WRITERS: NICK SHINNER, JASON ANGUS, SHANE HUTTON, ROB THORPE, ERIC MERCIER, BENJAMIN MOTZ, JARVIS NIGELSKY, YANICK NOLET, SCOTTY MACDONALD, DOLLA BRILLS, COREY SHEPPARD, BEN CHIBBER, LEITHA HAYSOM, PD, ROBERT OSLER, ERIC TAN, RICK DAWSON, RANDY JESPERSON,
DISTRIBUTION: ULTIMATE SKATEBOARD DISTRIBUTION EAST: 705.749.2998 WEST: 604.279.8408 SUBCRIPTIONS: 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION ($19.95) INCLUDES 6 REGULAR ISSUES, THE PHOTO ANNUAL, AND THE CANADIAN SKATEPARK GUIDE. SEND CHECK OR MONEY OR TO: CONCRETE POWDER SUBSCRIPTIONS 150 - 11780 RIVER RD. RICHMOND BC V6X 1Z7
CONCRETEPOWDER.COM
NEXT ISSUE: PHOTO ANNUAL - OUT AUGUST 12TH
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Aaron Johnson
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ind r G ed k o o Cr h c t Swi n : Alle Photo
Steve Berra Chico Brenes Dennis Busenitz Daniel Castillo Jason Dill Kerry Getz Keith Hufnagel Torey Pudwill Jereme Rogers Daewon Song Mikey Taylor Jeron Wilson DVS Canada: Devin Morrison Mike Hastie Thomas Parent Jesse Landen Mike McDermott Mike Christie Ryan Blaxwell Darrel Smith
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DVS & West 49 Team Rider
The Bexley is available in various colorways including Black/White High Abrasion shown.
DVSSKATE.COM DVSSHOES.COM SKATE-MORE.COM DVS-BIGRED.COM SUPRADISTRIBUTION.COM PH: 1.866.253.0559
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FOR MORE INFO AND TOUR UPDATES GO TO C1RCA.COM FOUR STAR DISTRIBUTION CANADA PH. 1.877.938.0888 WWW.C1RCA.CA NOLLIE FRONTSIDE KICKFLIP PHOTO: ATIBA
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Dustin Montie hardflip photos: Brian Caissie
ripzoneinternational.com
l.com email: info@ripzoneinternationa
Canada 1-800-668-5480
iNventory
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12 1. Krew ‘Krash’ Jacket 2. Krew ‘Run’ Tee 3. Krew ‘Izod’ Polo Shirt 4. Krew fitted Hats 5. Krew ‘Series’ Shorts 6. Krew ‘KO1 Dirty Blue’ Jeans 7. OJII 63mm Classic Wheels 8. Krew ‘Tom Penny’ Jean
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9. Santa Cruz Re-Issued Jason Jesse Tee 10. Santa Cruz Re-Issued Eric Dressen Tee 11. Dekline Captain Shoe - Tan / Corduroy 12. Dekline Villian Shoe - Black / Gum / Denim 13. Girl Brandon Biebel ‘Dress Series’ Deck 14. Girl Rick McCrank ‘Dress Series’ Deck 15. Girl Eric Koston ‘Dress Series’ Deck
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popshuvit over the rail.
John Hanlon AGE: 15 SPONSORS: COASTAL RIDERS, AGENT SKATEBOARDS, DVS (FLOW), THIRD HALF MEDIA LIVES: VANCOUVER WORDS. JASON ANGUS. PHOTOS. BRIAN CAISSIE
John Hanlon. This kid has almost everything going for him at the moment. He has progressed over the past year at an insane rate. It’s pretty ridiculous how much better he’s gotten since I first met him. He’s come along way from the purple mohawk and the size 38 jeans. I skate with John pretty much everyday. He’s incredibly spontaneous. He learns tricks first try on the biggest thing in the park. He is a filming nut too. He’ll go out one day early in the morning and come back with a minute of footage everyday. He can skate any spot that you toss in front of him no matter what it is. Not only can he skate, but he’s also really smart in school and doesn’t have to try to get good marks. The Fleetwood locals worship the dude. He’s our hometown hero. He raises the standards for up and comers as you’ll see in the upcoming ‘Avoid The Mall’ video from Coastal. John would like to thank: Andrew at Agent skateboards, Bill, Nathan, and Damon at Coastal Riders, Brian Caissie at Concrete Powder for making this happen, his parents for supporting his skateboarding 100% and Mike at Supra for flowing him shoes. 24
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Huge ollie.
Chris Connolly AGE: 20 SPONSORS: EQ, OSIRIS, PUNKASSCANNUCKS LIVES: OTTAWA, ONTARIO PHOTOS. SHANE HUTTON
My friend Chris Connolly is a natural, I know everyone writes that comment but in Mr. Connolly’s case, let me assure you not many people look more comfortable on their board. I’ve always believed that you can tell a lot about a skateboarder by watching them ollie, I know it sounds simple but just go with it. Chris has the nicest ollie, don’t get me wrong he’s got a bag of tricks deeper than a prostitutes...well you get the idea. Conz skates everything and anything which is a prerequisite to growing up in Ottawa; mini ramps, the ‘crete, vert, ledges, 20 stair rails, flatground are all just skateboarding to Chris. Conz doesn’t allow himself to be tied down to fads or labels, he just loves everything about skateboarding, and if you want proof watch him snap a few ollies in the upcoming ‘Facing Ottawa’ video... Don’t worry his part has more than just ollies. -Kevin Whelan Conz is living proof that everything your mom says is a lie. He never sleeps, smokes too much, doesn’t eat vegetables and I bet he doesn’t even wash his hands after he goes to the washroom. Despite that, he kills everything he skates. Pure talent - trust me, cause if I had his bad habits, I wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed, let alone skate all day. -Shane Hutton 26
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backside crook pop over.
Ryan Curry AGE: 18 SPONSORS: SKATERS HOMETOWN: CALGARY WORDS. ROB THORPE. PHOTOS. IAN SNOW
Ryan is one of the nicest, mellowest guys you’ll ever meet. He may be addicted to fitted caps, but who isn’t these day, right? Ryan is pretty much just down to skate, in fact I don’t really think he has much else on his mind...well, maybe one thing. Shortly after taking one to the nuts on this crook pop over, a couple young ladies driving by stopped to see if Ryan was alright. He went from laying on the ground, clutching his gear, to leaning in their window, spitting game in about 5 seconds. I’m pretty sure he scored the digits too. What better way to make sure everything’s in working order?
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frontside noseslide to fakie.
William Cristofaro AGE: 12 SPONSORS: BILLABONG, EMPIRE, SPY, DC SHOES, RDS BOARDS, BASE ENERGY DRINK HOMETOWN: REPENTIGNY, QUEBEC WORDS. ERIC MERCIER PHOTOS. FELIX FAUCHER
I remember seeing William for the first time in a night club. Of course there was some skate obstacle in the place. It’s hard to not notice a eight year old kid trying to kick flip down the stage into a bank and slamming as hard as I would if I’d hang up on a 15 foot backside air. It was pretty harsh to see. Now its been maybe, 4 years since and he hasn’t stopped pushing the limits. He’s a naturally talented kid with a good attitude to match his skills. If you ever play a game of S.K.A.T.E. with William, you’d better have a good bag of tricks because he’s got a good one.
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An Exclusive Interview with the man behind
Modern Love GREEN APPLES NEWEST FILM
Ryan McGuigan
WORDS. BENJAMIN MOTZ
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David Christian
Mike McDermott - Smith Grind into busy traffic. Watch the video to see the controversial line.
Modern Love is the second Green Apple video. To be released in the Fall of 2005, it’s been a long time since thier first video, ‘Street Magic,’ but it’s well worth the wait. Find out what has been taking so long as we get an inside look with the creator, Ryan McGuigan.
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First things first, what happened to 5 foot 12? I’m wondering that myself. I was approached by Shawn sometime in 1999. He told me he wanted to make a video magazine and wanted to buy footy off me. Back then I wasn’t really selling footage, except to (Mike) Prangnell. It was pretty much me, Rod, McD, Mick and Crolly just cruisin around filming for fun. So I helped him get started and stuck with him for awhile. Canada isn’t big enough for 3 video magazine’s, let alone 1. But it was fun while it lasted. I’m glad now I have total control over where my footage goes and what it’s edited to. Like I actually care. I hate filming. How long has Modern Love been in the works? The last Green Apple was ‘Street Magic’, released in 2000. It won best director in NSI’s Local Exposure Canadian Film Festival in Winnipeg. That’s when Roan (Barrion) threw in the towel and handed the reigns over to me. Now he sells steezy Eames chairs online (modernlovestore.com) So if you want to get technical. Modern Love has taken over 5 years to complete. Lets talk about how much stress there’s been while filming for Modern Love Take a look at my hair. You shave your head.. Well, if I didn’t it would be grey and I’d be pulling it out. What’s taking so long? You can’t rush inspiration. Who’s in the video? Mike McDermott, Aaron Rosenblatt, Mike Christie, Mick Lemoine, Paul Spencer, Rod Ferens, Joey Williams, Jason Crolly and Travis Stenger. Mike McCourt just recently pulled his part. Which was a sad day for me. There’s a nice friends section with some friends from the Village Green, Antisocial and other random punks who we think look good. Let’s talk about the equipment you’ve been using to make Modern Love look the way it does. Which by the way, is the most original, visual presentation I have ever laid my eyes on. Well Thank you. I feel very strongly about it, but I’m afraid I can’t discuss the technical talk, that doesn’t concern you or the readers. All you have to worry about is watching it. I have the pleasure of experiencing the panic attacks. The equipment isn’t what made Modern Love what it is. It’s mainly
the music I chose and the moods I tried to capture for each clip. The colors had to be perfect. The angles. I drove myself nuts trying to make this video presentable and something I can actually be proud of. My back is jacked. Along with both knees. I’ve developed a heavy astigmatism in my right eye from squinting so much, and I get the occasional floater in my left, All just for you guys at home to sit around and talk shit on my filming. How did you find all the music for the film? Well for one, I was very meticulous about the sound track being taken straight from vinyl. That was the hardest part of the process. I went through my 500+ record collection, which is no where close to Vincent Gallo’s, but it took a lot of listening to find the right sounds for the film. Also, I was very strict about using artists who have never been used before. Pretty ridiculous just for a skate vid, but you can imagine how difficult that was. I think it turned out the best it could. What kind of budget are we talking here? I mean this has been your life for the past 5 years, how have you kept it together? I haven’t kept it together. Why do you think it’s taken so long? I’ve only had one job in the 5 years of living out here. It lasted 4 months. You wouldn’t even believe me if I told you how much has been spent on this film. Any extra features with the DVD? I’ve been in board meetings all month discussing the bonus features. Crunching numbers. It all depends on Aaron (Rosenblatt) doing the commentary while wasted. Of course the obligatory photo gallery. I might include a section of answering machine messages from people I avoided filming and a drunk Rod (Ferens) threatening to pull his part. Where do you draw your inspiration from exactly? Most directors can credit someone or something that is the driving force behind their work. Music. I can’t get through a manny sesh with McD unless I got ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’ in my headphone’s, which were recently broken by an inebriated, yet lovable, Jason Crolly. I watch a lot of movies. I like Gaspar Noe. Watching his movies gives me anxiety attacks. Especially ‘I Stand Alone’. Any movie that has that much impact on me, without using a lot of violence or shock value, shows that there is still hope for good films.
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Are there any stories of infighting amongst the cast, or did you rule the set with the iron fist that has become synonymous with the name Ryguy? I’m hugely confused by that question, but It’s no secret that I take things very serious on the set. There’s always gonna be tension among actors when they’re cooped up in trailers and on sets all day. I like to keep everyone a little zooted and fed, so that it was all good vibes. Would you care to comment on what you will be wearing to the Oscars this year, or if you will even go? You are known for snubbing these kind of events, but if so, will you have a date? I will definitely be there. I’m starting to come out of my shell now. I have Rod (Ferens) preparing my combo for me. I’m assuming it’ll have the swoosh somewhere on it. As for a date, I’ll be going solo so my chances of taking Scarlett home are much higher. What do you feel has been more important to this production: the presence of talented performers or that of a brilliant cinematographer who can capture the right moments at just the right time and of course, with the right angle? It’s a combination of both. Obviously the natural talent and style of the performers makes the scene. I’m just there to make sure everything looks the way it should be, and if a random plastic bag flies in front me, is it automatically art? .. That’s disgusting. Many great filmmakers end their involvement in the directing stages. I hear that you are somewhat different, care to explain your creative process? My Dad used to tell me, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”. So I have taken the liberty of handling every department of Green Apple by myself. Which is actually a complete lie, and that’s probably why it’s taken this long to put out. Luckily, I got a lot of support from sponsors and everyone in the video. Who’s up for the ‘Best Actor’ nod in your opinion? Mikey McDermott.
Skateboarding is an amazing medium by which to document the human condition and from what I’ve seen so far, the choreography in each of the skaters’ routines are impeccable. Each performer seems to have such emotion just waiting to surface, is there a look or feel that you were going for as a whole in this work? I have a vision, but I doubt it will come out exactly the way I imagine it. If you’ve seen the previous Green Apple video’s, you know that they’re filled to the brim with flavour and stee. A lot of black and white, jazz, old architecture, lots of lines, abandoned gas stations, just good times. I’ve been studying them closely and getting in that zone. I’m interested to see the outcome of everyones edited personality on screen. Especially Jason (Crolly) and Aaron (Rosenblatt). You are all in for a treat. Is there anything that you would like to say about the apparent divide amongst skateboard cliques within the industry? Your video is titled “Modern Love” after all, why can’t we all just get along? I try to get along with everyone, but that’s a lost cause. As far as cliques in the industry, I just like to stick with the people that I can actually hang with. I do hate a lot, but you gotta hate to love. I learned that from the best. Modern Love is loosely based on the love of skateboarding which we all share. Some just look better than others. Anyone you’d like to thank, or is thanking people played out? It is played out but I have to. I’d like to thank my parents, Ben Motz Esq., Peter Sullivan at Supra Distribution, Michelle at Antisocial, Sandro at Color, Gils & Stutt at SBC, Brian Caissie at Concrete Powder, Rick McCrank for Camera and Lens use, Bob K at Crownfarmer, Jeff Williams at Ogio, Roan Barrion, Boarders Anonymous (Wpg), Everyone in the video, Ian Twa for camera and lens use, Dylan Doubt for 35mm use, Dave Christian, The Chateau R.I.P, GiGi. I’m sure I forgot a lot of you. If your local skate shop or video store doesn’t have “Modern Love”, you can order it directly from me. ryanmcguigan@hotmail.com or if you’re just in the mood to send me nude photos over msn. GIRLS ONLY!
Travis Stenger - Halfcab Crooked Grind Revert Infront of a needle disposal. sequence David Christian
“All you have to worry about is watching it. I have the pleasure of experiencing the panic attacks.” 37
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Brian Caissie David Christian
This Page Top: Rod Ferens - BS Tailslide. Have you ever seen so much avour and stee? This Page Bottom: Paul Spencer - FS Noseslide up the guard rail, while ryguy is in zellers buying a ouija board. Opposite Page: Jason Crolly - 50 50 180 - which is probably the only thing goin down on this, unless you got somethin...
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sequence: David Christian
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BARTON
bonesbearings.com • 30 S. La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117• 805-964-1330
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Words. Jarvis Nigelsky Photos. caissiephoto.com
CHAD DICKSON
NOLLIE FLIP
In this world of constant change, it becomes increasingly harder to be more than just a mere passing shadow in a sea of black movements. A single movement has to be extraordinary and close enough to the light to be really noticed. Chad Dickson has begun to step in front of this light while his shadow casts onto the streets of Vancouver. His shadow vividly extends across Canada and slowly spreads everyday as his skateboard journey continues. He began his journey in a small town near London, Ontario, where he honed his skills inside a farm barn like a mad scientist in his hidden lab, creating a secret potion to conquer the world. You can see his dark ďŹ gure in those timeless moments when he perfectly catches his board under his feet, while a camera ash burns his shadow onto the wall behind. These are the unforgettable movements that will be retold and help spread his shadow further. Only time can tell, when his shadow will darken your favorite skate spots. 45
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Who are you? I’m Chad Dickson and I’m from St. Thomas Ontario. I’m nineteen. I was born September 19th, 1985. What is the scene like in Ontario? It’s pretty good. There are a lot of good skaters out there. We have the best spot in Canada, Victoria Park. Where are you right now and what are you doing? I’m in Vancouver, skateboarding. How long have you been in Vancouver for? About 4 months. So have you been shooting photos and filming lots? Yeah, I am getting stuff done, just as I leave, though. All a sudden everything is happening now as I’m leaving in 2 days.
Where are you staying? I’m staying at Randy Monchalin’s place in Abbotsford. How is the living the conditions there? It’s good. I’m sleeping on the floor under the air hockey table. His fat cat shits everywhere. You like to party pretty hard. Tell me a story about partying with the guys in Abbotsford? You can’t go to parties with them, cuz they’re always trashing something and then they get kicked out. Randy is pretty nuts on camera. When you get drunk, do you get tired quickly? Well, no. I drank a 12 pack so fast then someone gave me a glass of straight whiskey. I went to the car and passed out. They had to carry me inside. They dropped me on my bed area and then they started to throw stuff on me like a full size chair. I freaked on them.
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You have been to Vancouver before haven’t you? Yeah, this is like my 4th time out here.
NOLLIE FS 50-50 ON ONE OF THE SHORTEST RUN-UPS YOU’RE LIKELY TO FIND
What did you first come out here for? To act in a feature film, about skateboarding, called Sk8Life: VanCity. When is that gonna be out? Next summer, I think. Who is in that movie with you? Dustin Montie, Kris Foley, Silas Pronk, Alison “Nugget”, Kathy Miller, Sideshow Bob and Mark. You and Dustin are good buds? Yeah, we are good buds. He has helped me out quite a bit since I’ve been out here. We get along.
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SWITCH BS BLUNT
CHAD DICKSON I notice you and Dustin wear the same dresses. Where do you guys get your dresses? They are not dresses. It’s actually called a long tee. Who are you sponsored by? I’m sponsored by DC shoes, LRG clothing, Underworld skateshop, Traction wheels, Independent trucks, and Zoo York skateboards. So do you have any upcoming plans? We got the Underworld video we are gonna film for next year. I am pretty hyped on that so I gotta do some new filming for that. And the Zoo York video, they have a new video, so I gotta film for that. What was the last movie you watched? I have to say it was “The Girl Next Door.” The last CD you listened to? The X-Ecutioners. The last girl you were with? President’s Choice. I don’t remember her name, so that’s what we called her, President’s Choice. Last skate video? Filmbot.
“I’m sleeping on the floor under the air hockey table.” What is the first thing you do when you go to a spot? I stretch. I have to stretch, cuz I am getting old. What about a set of stairs? I never ollie stairs. I kickflip them first. What is your favorite trick? Probably, switch heel flips and nollie back heels. Lets talk about this nollie flip at the Art Gallery? Brian Caissie said, “We should check out the Art Gallery” I said, “OK.” I was kinda feeling switch flips, but I tried the nollie flip. I was like “Shit, I got this right away.” So I went for it. I caught it, snapped the tail off and did the splits. Then Josh gave me his board. I tightened his trucks and went for it. I landed on it a couple times, then broke his board. My other board was in Randy’s car at the Ghetto spot, so we had to drive back to pick it up, grip the board, go to McDonalds, and then nollie flipped it. What about this switch blunt? Oh, the switch blunt on this ghetto ass rail. We went there, with Crolly and Montie. I was just gonna watch. But you know, I wanted to skate so I tried it a couple of times. Then I went for it and I did it. Of all the skateboarders that you have meet out here, who impressed you the most? Probably Jason Crolly, cuz he is nuts. He’ll skate a handrail for a bit and then he breaks his board on it. He’s like “I guess I am not skating for a while.” He gets someone else’s board and skates that. Does a few tricks and then sits down for 3 hrs and then gets back up to do a bigspin frontboard on the handrail on his 6th try. Any, shout outs? Lets see. My homie, Dustin Montie and Randy Monchalin, Jarvis, Josh Kline, Jay, Brian Caissie, Alex Bastide, the Wrights, Raj, Mirko, Cam, Jaimeson Keegan, Moses Itkonen, Sterling, Jim Yung, Dan Pageau, my sister, my dad and mom especially, DC shoes, LRG clothing, Underworld Skateshop, Traction Wheels, Zoo York skateboards, Dave Faulkner, Dave Ehrenreich and Vancouver skating. Everyone that I missed, sorry. Word. 49
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Concrete Powder Magazine photo Jody Morris
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Dan Mathieu
INTRO BY JSOY
I remember once sitting in a shop and eavesdropping into one of the many frustrating conversations the owner of the shop was having with a parent, hearing questions like, "Well how much do these professional skaters make?", "Why can't you give my kid a job here?", "How much do these stores make?", "Why are these shoes so expensive?". If there was anything constructive about the conversation, was that it hammered the point home. It's not about the money. You and I can take our enlightened selves out for a skate on a sunny day, and think, "Yeah it's all about the fun.." and pat ourselves on the back, but for the few Canadian board companies, it's a lot more involved than that. These owners have invested countless hours and money dedicating their lives in order to give Canadians an alternative to the norm. American companies have big bucks, massive advertising budgets, and the most well known skaters riding for them. This doesn't make things any easier for the Canadians but they have found a way to co-exist and
that's a beautiful thing. In a time where pointing out topics such as the evils of globalization seem to be one of the quickest growing pastimes, people often forget about celebrating the success of those who find a way around it. There have been all sorts of Canadian owned skate companies over the years, from hardware to clothing but it's been the board companies who have paved the way. How and why they have succeeded is as different as how they each fit into the Canadian skate scene. One thing for sure though is that they are in deep, whether it's running a contest, sponsoring your buddy, or selling boards at your local shop, they are so far entrenched in skateboarding in Canada that it's difficult to separate whether they define us or we define them. From the ones that went out of business, to the ones that are still around, from the ones that we've never heard of to the ones we have, here are a few and what they are all about. 59
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Dannick Bastien, switch front nose. photo Olivier Croteau.
Father Skateboards. Answers by Yanick Nolet Why did you start a skateboard company? In 1997, after Micke’s dad past away. We were sitting on a curb after a session, discussing about a skate brand…. Called Father. So, I joined Micke in this adventure of the unknown. And now we work, skate and enjoy Father everyday. Is your company based on a philosophy or attitude about what skateboarding is to you? About creation and Love for skateboarding. What products (boards,wheels,clothing,etc..) does your Company offer? Best Canadian Maple Boards ever and nicest cotton t-shirts in the world! Where are your products available? Every good skate shop. Do you have a skate team? Yeah, we have a team, a family. Danick Bastien, Paul Montambault, Alex Bouchard, Micke Lemay and me, all our friends are supporting each other. How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? Hope we keep Father running for as long as we can while keepin’ the passion alive. Any big plans for tours, videos, parties, or demos coming up soon? Just skate as much as we can and have fun every time we do it, skate that is! We’ll probably plan a short DVD for 2006……. Thanks to all skate shops who have supported us since 1997, all skaters, photographs, filmers, artists, writers… dedicating themselves to skateboarding. www.upsesion.com/father/ 60
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Adam Cassidy, kickflip over rail.
Homegrown Skateboards. Founded in 1995. Backyard ramp jams and local gigs is what Homegrown Skateboards was built on. Jesse Watson began making boards to supply the local skate crew, and the company has grown to represent the Real East coast skate scene. Homegrown is always focused on making the best deck possible. What do you want to accomplish? Homegrown strives to be a platform for East Coast riders and East Coast talent. HG also wants to provide more high quality skateboards across the country to a wider Canadian audience. Is your company based on a certain attitude or philosophy about what skateboarding is to you? Homegrown’s graphic design and artwork has featured the original designs of many local artists. Homegrown silk screens all decks, clothing, stickers and decals under the same roof as board production, so the art factor really comes through in small, limited runs. Also, graphics have often marked events on the East Coast scene, such as the Newfoundland connection, and the coming concrete revolution. What products does your company offer? Homegrown offers two types of skateboards: the Homegrown Original Recipe, which is tested and true formula, as well as the Special Lights – a lighter deck made with thinner veneer, a more tech street deck. Homegrown also carries a clothing range for both sexes, and stickers and car decals. Where are your products available? Homegrown decks are available in LaHave, Halifax, and throughout Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and in Toronto and Vancouver through reps.
How are your products different or better? Homegrown is known for its strength, chip resistance, and durability. HG decks are individually pressed and hand crafted with East Coast Rock Maple for true concave. Skateboarders are behind every aspect of this business. Homegrown is based in rural Nova Scotia and is focused on representing local talent and East Coast themes. This is literally a roots operation, built from the ground up by skaters involved with the scene. Skate Team? Homegrown features the following riders on it’s team (from East to West): Ian St Aubain, Ian Maddigan, Bud Patterson, John Sturge, Logan Amos, Jay Keddy, Bruce Treby, Mike Allison (aka Nacho), Nik Sexton, Joey Maher, and Adam Cassidy. Part of being an east coast skater is traveling and our team has literally spread across the country. How do you see your company growing and changing? Homegrown has undergone many changes over the years. We had some hard knocks, losing some of our closest friends. However, these losses have inspired us to move forward with the Homegrown label. We have just updated all our equipment and done renovations at the manufacturing site. New graphic work is happening, and Scott McLellan has come on board in the graphic design department. There are big plans on the East Coast this year as we see the concrete revolution begin. We have just finished work on our brand new DVD, The Burning Whale Project which showcases the talent of our riders. There are plans for local demos and trips this year around Nova Scotia to celebrate the new parks. Check us out on our website at www.homegrownskateboards.com to find out the latest. 61
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Steve Strang, backside tailslide. photo Tyler McKenzie.
Monke Skateboards. by Ben Chibber Growing up skateboarding in the late 80’s in Vancouver we had to look for sponsorship through the US companies. The first skater out of my crew, Rick Howard, got sponsored by Blockhead Skateboards. Influenced by that, I decided to make a video and send it to a couple of companies in California. Vision skateboards replied and started to send me boards in 1988. During that time I continued to go to high school and skateboard part time after school and on weekends. I also travelled to California for contests and tours. Due to a number of reasons I decided to focus on a college education. Trying to find my path, I came back to my first love, skateboarding. I need to have my own creative outlet in the industry, so with the help of my artist we made up (the original classic) Monke Skateboards.
The Monke Skateboard team is Steve Strang , Trevor Houlihan , Hiroki Watanabe (Japan), John Baker, and Ben Chibber (Owner). The Flow team is Devin TheBerge, Jeff Hunnakko , Justine Roberts and Randy Monchalin. Monke's company philosophy is to work hard and skate for fun. We do what we do because we love skateboarding. www.monke.com
Our products consist of decks, wheels, grip, hardware, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, pins and girls clothing. We like to use the highest quality products since we skate our own products. Monke products are available across Canada, Japan and some places in the US. We also have had stuff in England and Hong Kong. We are the first Monkey in skateboarding and we hope the industry will recognize and support the original Monke brand. All our concepts are original and are not taken by any other companies.
MONKE
Our goal is to be recognized as a world wide brand and to travel and skate the world. We have just recently did our first tour in Japan doing demos, contest, shooting photos and filming our tour video. 62
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Moses Itkonen,wallie to crooked grind. photos Brian Caissie.
Skull Skates.
How are your products different or better than the other skate companies? Our reputation stands on the quality of the products we produce.
est. 1978 - Answers by PD Why did you start a skateboard company? To skate something better than what was available. What do you want to accomplish? Nothing. Is your company’s based on a philosophy or attitude about what skateboarding is to you? Who writes these questions? What products does your company offer? www.skullskates.com - click on “product info” Where are your products available? PD’s Hot Shop, Vancouver Canada. PD’s Hot Shop Gifu Japan. www.skullskates.com and about 100 other skate shops world wide.
Do you have a skate team? Skateboarding is not a team sport. How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? it will change with skateboarding. Any big plans for tours, videos, parties, demos, etc.. On May 29th at the Vancouver Museum, Skateboarding Vancouver book launch & Wild In The Streams movie launch. August 27th at Antisocial - the release of the limited edition Direction Series boards featuring Bob Kronbauer, Don Pendleton, Craig Metzer, Michael Leon, and Matt Irving. New models this summer for Moses Itkonen and Bill Danforth. Also limited edition guest models with Rob “Sluggo” Boyce, Remy Stratton, Ivan Hosoi, Phil E and other yet to be announced guest pro and guest artist deck models. Anything else? No More Bad Future. 63
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Craig Williams, frontside rock.
Core Distribution. Rellik, U-Project, Swisstek, Tower and Darkside. Answers by Robert Osler Why did you start a skateboard company? Because I loved the skateboard culture Basically I love this sport and where the riders are taking it. I never knew where it would go and right now it's well off the wall, skate and destroy. What do you want to accomplish ? All my goals have been accomplished. As far as where I wanted to be in 10 years, I have accomplished that in 5 years. I have a great team and a great staff, who could ask for more? What products does your company offer? With Rellik its wood, trucks, bearings, hardware and wheels. Tower it's wheels and wood. Swisstek bearings. Darkside grip tape and wood. U-Project helmets and protective gear . Where are your products available? Mostly core skateboard shops. How are your products different or better than the other skate companies? We have the same quality as any big brand skateboard company, just better priced. We are not a price point company, as a lot of people think we are. Our prices are good because we have the connection with those manufacturers of big brands and we don’t have big overhead cost like big skateboard companies. We are only trying to save skaters a lot of money on over priced products and make sure that the stores make better margins. This was my idea when I started Core Distribution, to help the shops make better margins. Do you have a skate team? The Rellik pro team is Kris Foley, Alex Rothbauer, Roger Bruinsma, Adam McNatt and Dwight Pineau. Craig Williams rides our trucks, wheels, bearings and Darkside grip tape. Craig was on
our wood for a year but missed his old family (Natural Koncept). Rellik Am's are Ben Langevin (Mtl), Devin Wilson (Brookville), Olivier Desrochers (Mtl), Dylan Costello (Vancouver), Derek Longo (Vancouver), and Renee Zimmermann (Germany). How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? Well, I did think I would be bigger after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising in U.S. magazines for about 4 years and on the ASR trade shows for 3 years. I wasted a lot of money thinking I was going to make it in the States, but at least I made it in 16 other foreign countries. Any big plans for tours, videos, parties, or demos coming up soon? We did a cross Canada tour 2 years ago, we did a Quebec tour last year. This year Craig and Alex went to Taiwan. Our team riders are always traveling. I am trying to pull off a 30 day tour in a bus across Europe, but we are still working on it. The tour will consist of stops in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, maybe Spain and hopefully the Netherlands. Like I say, I hope to pull it off. We are still calculating a lot of things, like the expenses. If we do pull it off, the riders will have the time of their lives. Anything else? I just hope the team are having fun. Sometimes we are hard on them but that's only because we invested so much into this. It takes a lot of time, money, energy and all the effort to pull it off. So we only want to continue in the right direction, that's all. Jennifer and I appreciate everything the riders have done for us and I hope it's the same on their side, and I think it is. Thanks to Chris Wheeler, the team manager, ďŹ lmer, and editor of our up and coming full length movie "Faces in the Crowd". I would like to thank all the shops are buying our products without all of you we would not be here right now. www.coredist.com
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Derrick Swaim, popped kickflip. photo Nathan Matthews.
Model Skateboard Company. Answers by Eric Tan. Why did you start a skateboard company? Its always been a dream of ours to be a part of the skateboard industry. One day we were tired of dreaming and wanted to give back to the skateboard community in any way we could, so we decided to start a skateboard company that reflected all the things we loved most about skating. What do you want to accomplish? We want to be able to stay a float. It isn't about the amount of money we make, as long as we can make enough to keep the company alive for many years to come. Everyone involved with Model, skateboards themselves and understands that it's not about the money, but about being a part of something that means a lot to us. Is your company’s based on a philosophy or attitude about what skateboarding is to you? Skateboarding to us is about fun and friendships, so we try to ensure that the style of the company reflects that while at the same time offering something fresh and unique to look at. Where are your products available? Model is currently available in a few select shops in Alberta and BC. Check out our website for a list of shops. If Model isn't available at your local shop we’d love to speak with them about becoming a dealer.
How are your products different or better than the other skate companies? Our products differ because of the care we put into every detail. From design to production, we take pride in the fact that we make sure every detail is perfect and our products are always their absolute best. The fact that we offer top quality boards for an affordalbe price makeModel a great choice for people that want to support the Canadian scene. Do you have a skate team? The team for 2005 is Kellan Chilibeck , Nathan Roline , and Tyler Mudry, all from Edmonton Alberta, and Derek Swaim, Kamloops BC. How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? We see our company becoming a stronger brand and hopefully making a name forourselves in the Canadian scene. Our products will constantly improve as we mature but we will always be focused on one thing; skateboarding and having fun. Any big plans for tours, videos, parties, demos, etc... coming up soon? We plan on being a part of Slam City Jam this August so look for our booth this year! Also our team is hard at work, filming for a model video slated for a fall deadline. This video will be free and included in all of our packaged boards as soon as the video is available. Anything else? Check out our website www.modelskateboards.com We update the website frequently with the latest news and footage from our team riders. 65
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Riley Pierce, back lip. photo Brian Caissie.
Agent Skates. Up until this point, Agent Skates has existed in relative obscurity – a blip on the radar. Although the minds behind Agent Skates would prefer to remain silent and elusive, you can’t stop global domination. Agent Skates began several years ago inside the 309division’s top-secret experimental factory. A new press, new molds and some new ideas were tested and fine tuned. While starting a company from the ground up might have been an uphill battle, the struggle was worth the risk. After much blood, sweat and glue had been spilled, a prototype model was test pilot approved and Agent Skates began releasing their boards to several shops.
Agent is often accused of building things that hurt kids and of being the eyesore of society. When asked for a comment regarding their company’s image and philosophy, the response was: “We’ll just do what we do and see who comes along for the ride.” It’s this black and white approach to life that influences much of what Agent Skates is and does. While the creators behind Agent prefer to be nameless shadows, the real guns represent well. They are John Hanlon, Hashbrown, Riley Pierce, Luke Doell, Dave Dieleman and Colton Rice. Look for these and other skaters in the 3rd Half/309 film project: “I was a Teen Age Skateboarder”, to be released late summer. Viva 309! -- by Rick Dawson (Do not go to www.agentskates.com)
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Pat Gautier, hardflip. photo Olivier Croteau.
ULC Skateboards. Why did you start a skateboard company? The ULC crew has been around since 1990 and has always made it's own videos until 2000. This is when the 2 founder members noticed there was a growing number of talented young slashers. It was then time to put together an official team that would gather the best veterans and rookies of the region of Quebec. This is how ULC Skateboards was born. What do you want to accomplish? To show the talent of Northeast slashers as well as the good quality of our boards. Where are your products available? In all good shops around the province of Quebec, elsewhere in Canada and even Europe.
Do you have a skate team? Alex Decelles, Anthony Ouellet, David Prévost, J-F Lessard, JP Brodeur, Jo Deschênes, Nick Côté, Pat Dallaire, Pat Gauthier, Smart, Ugo Gagnon, Ulysse Pinel and Xavier Doyo. How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? To be known on the International scale Any big plans for tours, videos, parties, demos, etc.. coming up soon? Don’t miss this summer the release of the next ULC video “GremliNatioN” and many demos still to come! www.ulcskateboards.com
How are your products different or better than the other skate companies? First, there’s always a free ULC promo video everytime you buy a board, which by the way, are made of Canadian maple. This year, a new model is offered; it has a “smoother” concave and kick. There’s also the traditional “classic shape”. 67
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o
Premium skateboards. Avera skateboards. answers by Max Dufour answers by Max Dufour
Why did you start a skateboard company? In 1996, all the skateboard manufacturers were located in California making boards with Canadian maple. I saw an opportunity in becoming a supplier of high-end skateboards made in Canada with our Canadian maple. There are a lot of good skateboarders in Canada. The idea of starting Avera sounded fun until the work piled up!
What do you want to accomplish? I want Premium to become a recognizable and a staple brand Worldwide. Is your company based on a philosophy or attitude? Premium is based on all types of forms skateboarding and being versatile on your board. I also want to portrait that our products are made with best ingredients for skateboarding (goods manufactured and good “down to earth” team riders). Avera…. industrial rawness? What products does your Company offer? Premium has 26 models of boards (Team logo decks in all sizes, wall paper series, 5 pro decks, Chrome finish series, ) clear core wheels, Premium econo trucks, and a clothing line. Avera has 25 model decks ( Team price point deck, Urban skull series, 6 pro models, the bus series) wheels, wheesl, and clothing. Where are your products available? Across Canada (Ultimate), USA (Eastern skate supply, Smoothill), France, Belgium, Spain, U.K., Poland, Israel, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Lithuania, Greece, Japan, Australia, China. So far Avera is available in Canada (Ultimate), U.K., Japan, Germany. How are your products different or better than the other skate companies? They are better because they’re “high grade products”. We have a better quality deck since we make our decks in Canada with the finest Canadian maple. We also focus on the needs of the skateboarder and the retailers. Do you have a skate team? Premium Pro team is Dayne Brummet, Morgan Campbell, Max Dufour, Josh Evin, Alex Gavin (since day 1) and Marc Haziza (France). Premium's Amateur team is ET, PIF, Antoine Asselin, Joe Buffalo and Alex Giraud (France). The Avera Pro team is Wolnei Dos Santos, Mathias Ringstrom and Dave Coyne. With Amateur's Thomas Parent, Casey McDonald and Mike Stewart.
Josh Evin, backside disaster on a make shift ramp.photo Brendan Sohar.
How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? We plan to setup a distribution center in California this fall to be more present in US and grow the brand. For Avera - it can only go up from here! Any big plans for tours, videos, parties, demos, etc.. coming up soon? We are working on our next Premium video. We plan to do Eastern Canada Tour in June and Black Russian Premium-Avera tour in July and possible a US Mid-west tour in August. - We are working on a Avera video to be launched this fall Anything else? Keep skating! www.premiumskateboards.com www.averaskateboards.com
“The Avera team is in the midst of working on their first video debuting late 2005. with all the raw talent and the amazing quality of these boards I predict a big future for them all. If you would like to look deeper into the eyes of Avera check out averskateboards.com. I think everyone needs to do themselves a favor and at least try one of the best manufactured, stiffest, canadian pride, no bullshit,100% hard rock canadian maple boards known to man”. -Josh Evin
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answers by Randy Jesperson Why did you start a skateboard company? With Metric I wanted a company that was 100% skateboarding, with nothing to do with any other board sport. Olive has been involved in snowboards for quite a long time and it was a prefect fit to have skateboards enter into our production line. The skateboards eventually took over our whole production. What do you want to accomplish? At first I just wanted to build a few skateboards, but now I want to offer skateboarders quality Canadian build products. I want to build Olive and Metric into a strong brands that have a reputation for quality, great shapes and graphics and a wicked team.
Jason Crolly, crooked grind. photo Brian Caissie.
Metric Skateboards. Olive Skateboards.
Is your company’s based on a philosophy or attitude about what skateboarding is to you? Skateboarding is fun. It allows me to be so creative and individual. A lot of that is what both Olive and Metric are about. What products does your company offer? Metric makes skateboards and clothing. Right now, Olive offers skateboard decks, wheels, bearings, mounting hardware, griptape and streetwear clothing. Where are your products available? You can get Metric boards at select specialty shops across Canada. Olive products are available worldwide. Our main retailers are in Canada, and only skateboards shops. How are your products different or better than the other skate companies? Metric decks are built using the best Canadian Maple, technical shapes and concaves produce decks with huge pop and long life. Do you have a skate team? The Metric team is Cyrus Thiedke, Cam Couves, Chris Kendall, Jason Crolly, and Ben Couves. The Olive team is Ben Loates, Darren Hutchinson, Tim Pankewich, Byron Brisco, Timmy, and Nathan Olokun. How do you see your company growing and changing in the future? Olive will continue offering quality products and is planning to put more focus on our team and new products. Any plans for tours, videos, parties, demos, coming up soon? Metric has plans for a small Canadian Demo tour and a video. We had an Olive video in production but it was delayed, expect something this fall. www.metricskateboards.com www.oliveskateboards.com
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Brian Caissie
2005 has been a banner year for Tyler; it marks his 20th year of skateboarding, and his anniversary at Sacred Heart. A lot has changed for Tyler since his start in skateboarding and art. He has managed to turn his hobby of drawing into a lucrative career as a tattoo artist combining his two sweetest joys, creating art and inflicting pain on people. No, just kidding, Tyler is a consummate professional and has a gentle hand. This year is also Tyler’s sixth year as a tattooist, and has finally, after working at two other parlors, found a home that suits his personality. I’ve always harbored the idea that skateboarding and creativity are intrinsically linked, and Tyler is all the proof you need. You can check out some of his other work on the Sacred Heart web page (www.sacredheart.ca) or go into Sacred Heart’s Nelson Street location (725 Nelson St, 604-647-0826) and look at his portfolio in person. whether tattooing or skateboarding, or even smoking for that matter, Tyler exudes style from every pore. Just because he makes it look easy, it doesn’t mean it is. -Scotty MacDonald
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Jai Ball front boards a rainbow. photo Dan Mathieu
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Graham Nicholas, frontside nosegrind. photo Tyler McKenzie. 78
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Grant Patterson, backside nollie kickip. photos Jody Morris.
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Hagen Mitchell, backside smith grind. photo Brian Caissie.
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Ben Nichol, melon grab. photo Jody Morris.
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Brad Sheppard, frontside 5-0. photo David Christian.
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Nathan LaCoste, backside nosegrind shuv out. photos Brian Caissie.
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Grant Patterson frontside boardslide . Photo Jody Morris
ON NEWSTANDS AND IN SKATESHOPS
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ENTER TO WIN a complete
PRIZEPACK
Name 3 Team Riders for a chance to win MAIL your answer to us: Concrete Powder Billabong Contest 150 - 11780 River Rd Richmond, BC V6X 1Z7 or EMAIL: contests@concretepowder.com Contest Deadline is July 31, 2005
BY STEVE BRILL
DVS - Skate-More After working on a video for over 2 years it had better be good. It comes as no surprise that DVS’s first video is better than just good, it’s amazing. Mike Taylor starts and ends with crooked annihilation. Jeron Wilson still has one of the maddest steez in the game. Chico still isn’t showing his age on a skateboard proving so with his last 2 video parts. Keith Hufnagel has the best ollie, period. (Argue this fact with your Reese Forbes friends) Huf’s last line can only be described as front and back double lips.. what..?!? Daniel Castillo and Torey Pudwill have a shared part. Daniel spins manual craze while, I thought, Torey could’ve held it down with a part of his own. With 2 parts under his belt in the same month, Torey is definitely someone to watch out for. Jereme ‘trick inventing’ Rogers can and will switch flip any set in front of him. In comes the second shared part of the video. Newcomers, Dennis Busenitz and Zered Basset put together parts in mere months and come through with better parts than most people that take 4 times as long. If there was any questioning Jason Dill’s state of mind then you can keep on questioning it. It’s just too bad that while you’ll be struck by Dill’s skating style you’ll more likely to remember his fashion style. It’s been a while since you’ve seen Steve Berra. Out with surgery for a long while, Berra comes back on track and speeds through hallways and over stair sets like a freight train but faster. The last part is none other than Daewon Song. Daewon has probably had 15-20 minutes of footage in the last year with full ‘ender’ parts in Almost, FKD, and 411. If this doesn’t get ‘Part of the Year’ then I’ll be shocked. Any and all surfaces don’t just get skated, they get utterly destroyed. After you see this video you’re probably going to notice a lot of signs everywhere saying ‘Don’t skate here, every trick’s been done.” -Kelly Litzenberger
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Element – Elementality Oh boy, was it ever exciting getting this DVD into my grubby paws. With a team stacked with heavy names like Tosh, Wray, Rupp, Colt, the infamous Bam, and more little kids than an Element-ary school and a big production budget, it couldn’t go wrong. Needless to say, Elementality did not disappoint. They should get Times Square to play this on their big screen so the outside world knows that Bam is a real person and a good skateboarder. The two most overheard things about this video were 1. Brent Atchley with his outrageously good style and 2. Nyjah Huston. Is it really that surprising that a team would give a 10 year old child last part? At any park or spot, the little kids are getting better and better while the older guys seem to be getting fatter and drunker. So until someone kickflips their own umbilical cord, just watch this video and enjoy the ride.
Zero - New Blood You can stop reading this review now because even if Zero’s infamous style of skating isn’t your cup of tea (as Jamie Thomas’ filming technique is to myself) you will like New Blood. It has everything you expect from the guys who are afraid of nothing and stuff that will surprise you. While the newest of the Canadian bloods don’t make an appearance to much disappointment, Tommy Sandoval, Garret Hill and Tony Cervantes skating rivals most professional parts out there today and make for another historical video from JT and his crew. Old bloods Jamie Thomas, Jon Allie, John Rattray and possible skater of the year nominee Chris Cole never stop their paths of destruction. It will be hard for anyone who watches to choose just one favorite. “Cough, cough” Tommy Sandoval and Jon Allie “cough”, but all who watch it will enjoy arguing over who’s the best. Are you really still reading this? Go buy it dumbass, all your friends already did.
5/27/05 3:29:24 PM
Shorty’s – How To Go Pro This is Shorty’s first video since their 2000-and-whatever’s “T-Stance Holmes”. “How To Go Pro” packs a hell of a name, because if there is anything that can turn you pro instantly, it’s a big video part. If it speaks the truth, we will be seeing boards with the names Torey Pudwill, Rodrigo Lima and Andrew Pott on them very soon. While Sammy Baptista is next in line for that honour, thanks to his loyalty and an amazing part with about 2 regular tricks in it and the rest switch. Rodrigo lands every tricks perfect while Andrew Pott just straight blew everyone watching this video away. Torey also has a quality part that should build up some huge anticipation for his DVS part. The Shorty’s pros all have full parts, with Fabrizio, Turner and the Muska taking the attention off the amateurs for just a quick flicker of time. But it’s not long before the guys getting paid a lot less to ride a skateboard steal the spotlight right back. One question, where the hell did Jesse Silvey ever end up?
Thrasher – King Of The Road 2004 Y’all know how it works. Guys from a skateboard team pile into a van with a filmer, photographer, and a waste of … uh, a team manger and drive 15,000 miles across America in 15 days. Points are awarded along the way for tricks of varying degrees of difficulty on all types of terrain, as well as goofier things, like skating rails naked and young guys French kissing extremely older women. This years competing teams were Zero, Almost, Girl, and last years winner, the Deluxe team. It’s a fun trip from New York to SF with a meeting at the Carbondale Run for the teams to party and possibly exchange footage. It is interesting to watch the Zero team, who are known for their gnarly rail tricks, kill a manual pad. Or the Girl team earn every wall ride point at the Brooklyn Banks. The Almost team seemed to have lots of fun and not take it too seriously, while the DLX squad made it their goal to continue the party from last years win, while still ripping the entire way. This is an awesome video with so many of the top name skaters around. Hopefully Thrasher is down for a third round next year. This video is the best thing to happen to a Sunday hangover since Pepto Bismol.
411 – Volume 13 Issue 1 This is the first issue that 411 has released with their “new format”. After hearing that same opening song and sitting through way too many commercials, I was unable to comprehend just what the new format was. I did quickly realize that the skating in this video is grade-A stuff and speaks for itself. Enrique Lorenzo skates Barcelona like only someone who’s skated there since birth can, and Reese Forbes gives us advise on packing minimal luggage when traveling abroad, so that you can easily ollie from country to country like he does. Terrell Robinson also has a huge part complete with a switch varial heelflip down the Carlsbad gap. Weiger is a hard name to say but a super fun guy to watch ride a board. My personal stand out part goes to Danny Montoya, he rules. This is an all around good video worth the purchase solely to see Alex Carolino’s opening line. It’s one of the best ever.
The Filmbot Files First off, this video shocked the hell out of me. The list of guys in this video are pretty much the new guys. It stars Marty Murawski, Derek Fukuhara, Daryl Angel and Ryan Lay, Robert Lim, and Jason Wakuzawa. Skaters you don’t hear of that often but I’m sure after these solid parts their all contemplating which sponsors to take. One of the first things I noticed in this video is the filming, it’s perfect, nice and bright, clean filming, and there’s no sketchy suspect landings either, It’s all on the bolts. I also really liked how there’s lots of Montage parts, that gets me excited to skate. The music is also great, I’ve watched this video about ten times all ready and I still love the sound track. You have to check this one out, I’d fully recommend buying this for your collection. If you can’t find it at your local shop then go to: unicron.net. Keep up the good work Stanfield, be looking out for your next project. - Jon
Homegrown
Pit Crew – Where I’m From Whether you chose to admit it or not, skateboarders share a bond. It could be the little nod you give someone holding a board as you skate by, or checking out what trucks the little kid on the bus is riding, but its there. That said, watching the new Pit Crew video’s homage to the late Pepe Martinez and Ernesto Torres will make you feel like you knew them. Never mind Pepe doing backside 180 kickflips on flat, the 2 guys just oozed style and originality, not just raw talent. The majority of the video is packed with full parts from big names like Jake Rupp and Bobby Worrest, and some very skilled individuals that are lesser known … for now. Zack Lyons has huge pop. Darren Harper is a real gangster and ain’t afraid to throw down on a board, and Mike Sullivan has an eye opening part while still being punk enough to tell the cameraman to stop filming him standing there because “it’s not a lifestyle video”. That was dope. Find a shop that carries this one and buy it, or bug the hell out of the guy that works at the shop that doesn’t.
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ADIO CANADA 877.393.5953
Homegrown skateboards are made and distributed 100% in Canada, straight out of Halifax made by the same dudes who shred them. It has been quiet for skaters emerging out of Nova Scotia but the East Coast holds a great deal of talent. Bruce Treby is scary to watch slam but pulls out a big part, Joey Maher is just plain good, and west coast transplant Adam Cassidy has killer style that was long overdue to be on a TV. The editing is top notch and music selection fits perfect. Everyone looks as fun to skate with as they do to party with. Guest appearances among dudes like Haslam, Paul Carter, Dermer and Chris Steggles with the nicest backside 360 over the fence at Hastings ever round off an excellent video and another well earned notch in Canada’s skateboard video belt. Big thanks for the video, it won’t be getting sent back
5/31/05 1:20:36 PM
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brian caissie
Are you superstitious? Sometimes.
Greatest place on earth? Well, it’s Vancouver now.
3 thing’s you can’t live without. Food, Skateboard, My Girlfriend, art. That’s four.
Favourite year in skateboarding? Every year since I started, but the 90’s.
Last book you read? Behold the Pale Horse.
What would you like to recieve an award for? Being human.
Favourite band/group? I don’t really have one, I like a lot of thing’s.
Name a luxury you wish you had? A magic genie.
Best snack? Souvlaki, pizza, cheese burgers, etc..
If you we’re allowed one set of clothes, what would they be? Any IPath shoes, brown cords and white tee’s.
Who’s your hero? Dali, Mark Ryden, Sas, Koston, Gino.
What was the first pro deck you ever bought? Jeff Kendall.
Last movie you watched? Merchant of Venice (6 out of 10) oh, and Team America World Police (10/10).
Worst Habit? Smoking, spending money.
Favourite TV show? I don’t watch too much T.V. , I Like movies. Most expensive purchase? My new condo in Vancouver.
Who’s skating style would you borrow for a day? Gino. 3 best video parts of all time? Guy Mariano, Gino, Koston. What would you spend your last $5 on? Depends where I am, what mood I’m in. Finish the sentence... “My wife must.. be the best person on the earth for me! Favourite thing about Vancouver? The Food, the air, the People. What would you rather be doing right now? Drawing.
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“your guys’ bearings are the best i have rode in my 35 years skateboarding, so don’t be fooled by other 36 hundred dollar ads.”
- Jesse Martinez Cofounder of World Industries
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