July 2014

JAMIE THOMAS

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ZERO

Interviews Sam Almanza Esteban “Skate” Rodrig uez Matthew Rodriguez

Isis Janer ” CROOKS “End of Summer Skateboard Competition

JULY 2014

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ERIC COMPTON & Friend

Photo by Louie Alfaro

Jezreel Lasala

Editorial: Why is skateboarding so popular? It’s a good question!

One reason is that it helps relieve stress. Don’t’ believe me? Ask a skateboarder! Also, it’s as simple as it gets. All you need is you and a skateboard. The skateboard is fairly low cost. You don't need a "top of the line" skateboard. In addition, anyone can skateboard. It’s just a matter of practice and patience. Once you get in to the sport, it turns in to thrilling and exciting adventure. I’m an old guy and I love it! It’s easily one of the most popular sports in the world.

iSkatemag welcomes all editorial submissions. All letters, art, drawings and photographic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned publication and copyright purposes and subject to iSkatemag’s right to edit and comment editorially. All rights reserved on entire content: nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the author. Any similarities between persons or places mentioned or alluded to in the fiction and real places or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

www.iskatemag.com

For advertising information, Please Call 915-319-4096 2

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Bran don

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Photos by Papa Joe 4

Featured 8 Sam Almanza 14 Jamie Thomas / Zero 36 End of Summer Comp 38 Esteban Rodriguez 42 Isis Janer 46 Matthew Rodriguez 5

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Derrick Ingram Rita Ranch Skate Park Tucson Arizona.

Photo by Louie Alfaro

KICKFLIP 7

Sam Almanza There's really no better way to honor one of our local skater than to put him in our magazine. Sam Almanza is one of those skaters. He lives (Anthony NM) in an area that is well known for its gang violence. However, this does not stop Sam from spending the majority of his time at the local skate park. He is well respected by the local skaters. If there was an Anthony Skaters Hall of Fame, he would definitely have our vote.

Sam got his first taste of skateboard prominence when he started to do tricks at the age of 11. This was back when he would watch and learn from other skaters.

Today, he takes skating one day at a time and tries to skate as often as he can. He continues to inspire and encourage younger skaters to reach their goals.

Interview What team are you on? I’m not on a team but I am working on creating my own team.

How old were you when you started skating? I was 11yrs old.

Are you sponsored by a team? No. Where were you born? El Paso, TX Your first board? It was a Walmart board.

Skate: Goofy Street or Vert: I can do both.

First Trick: Heel Flip Craziest Trick: Laserflip off a 7 stair Favorite Trick: Kickflip Working on? Grind Tricks Present Board: Jamie Thomas Zero Who encourages you to skate? Danny and Tristen Favorite Pro: Chris Cole Goals in skating? I’m just trying to get better.

Life Goals: Keep skating, turn pro and go to college Beginners Advice: Never give up.

What does the Anthony Park need? It needs to be bigger.

Skills: I play drums for a band called Blunted.

By Louie Alfaro 8

Photos by Louie Alfaro

KICKFLIP 9

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Tim

Photos by Louie Alfaro

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rette

Fakie Heel Flip 11

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don n a r B son n h o J Chance Johnson

Every once in a while we go to the skate park and find a diamond in the ruff. Meet Brandon Johnson, he is not only a skater but an accomplished musician. He writes, sings and plays his own music. To our surprise, he is only 12 years old.

Check him out at brandonbaileyjohnson.com

Photo by Louie Alfaro 13

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Jam iie T Hom as

Pro skateboarder and just a freaking cool guy!

Photo by Louie Alfaro 14

Jamie Thomas Who is Jamie Thomas?

Jamie Thomas was born October 11, 1974 in Dothan Alabama. Thomas started skateboarding at the age of eleven. He says that he needed a way to get to school and a skateboard was the solution to his problem.

Thomas is the owner and president of Black Box Distribution, a company that distributes brands such as Zero Skateboards and Fallen Footwear. He is known as The Chief”. The name was given to him by pro skateboarders Elissa Steamer, Erik Ellington and Jim Greco.

After relocating to California to pursue skateboarding, Thomas got his big break when he got sponsored in 1992 by Thunder trucks, Spitfire wheels and Real Skateboards. While living in San Francisco, Thomas rode for the San Diego-based Invisible Skateboards skateboard deck brand.

As of April 2014, Thomas is sponsored by Official headwear, Zero skateboards, Thunder trucks, Fallen footwear, Spitfire wheels, Mob Grip, Bones Swiss, and Active Ride Shop.

When did he start his companies?

In 1996, Thomas started a small clothing company that is known today as Zero Skateboards. In 2000, Thomas created Black Box Distribution. This is the parent company of Mystery Skateboards, $lave Skateboards, Zero Skateboards, Threat By Zero, Insight Clothing, and Fallen Footwear.

Family Life Thomas is married to Joanne and has three children. The family resides in Encinitas, California.

Thomas is also a Christian, with several of his boards feature Christian imagery and scripture.

The following material was collected from several Jamie Thomas interviews.

Jamie Thomas is one of the most easily recognized pro skaters around. He is he a quiet, and yet powerful personality. In addition, he's one of the most humble people that you can talk to.

When asked what was his favorite trick? He stated that his favorite tricks were basic. "I really like backside smith grinds. I like the feelings of certain tricks, like every time you land it makes you feel really good, no matter how many times you do it." With a smile he added, "Backside smith grinds are my favorite."

What is best trick that you have ever tried? He stated that he did not know what other people would call the best trick. “To me, that would be the trick that was the scariest for me to try. I have a few that were a lot scarier than others. The leap, 50-50 from Thrasher interviews a few years ago and the backside 5-0 down 20 “Welcome to Hell”. Those come to mind”. Get the videos and check them out.

Jamie Thomas has been skating for a long time now and is a legend among skateboarders. He has had a lot on his plate but finds time to do demos, meet kids, and spread the word of God to the best of his abilities.

Gotta Love The Guy!

by Louie Alfaro 15

Music

Box

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he lights were low; the bar busy serving overpriced vodka presses and beer, and the atmosphere was surprisingly calm. We were all awaiting the poet known to the world as Justin Furstenfeld, the lead singer of Blue October. Furstenfeld ventured on his own for The Open Book Tour to prove, as he would say later on in the evening, that “[he] was still able to come out and be alone up here.” Furstenfeld indeed was alone on the stage and honesty was the word of the night.

Before we were to see and hear Furstenfeld, Tori Vasquez, handpicked by Furstenfeld, graced us with her presence. Vasquez, like Furstenfeld, speaks in the language of honesty. The hit of the night seemed to be “Bitch Switch,” a song about, well, the title says it all! After her set, I went and asked Vasquez if she would like to have something to drink. A vodka tonic was her choice of poison for the night. In speaking with her, I told Vasquez that it is artists like her and Furstenfeld that keep the music industry, still a music industry instead of auto-tuned artists who would never perform with the aid of Protools and great background singers to cover up their own mistakes.

Earlier in the day, Furstenfeld had a meet and greet session with fifty lucky fans, including yours truly. We were allowed to write down one question for Furstenfeld to answer throughout the evening. My question was the first to be asked. “Priscilla writes ‘people are attracted to your brutal honesty, is there ever a point where you say I’m being too honest?’ No! that was easy.” Furstenfeld has always been able to be honest, perhaps even to the point where one raises a hand to the mouth and gasps, but that’s the point; there are not many artists left with that kind of brutal honesty, raw emotion and truth. Furstenfeld was so honest that before he played his next song, he broke down in tears. An audience member asked him how he knew his wife was the one. “Oh, wow,” Furstenfeld said as he cried. “I knew because when everyone left, she stayed.” He proceeded to play a new song, one that will be on the new album Blue October is working on: “Not Broken.”

Furstenfeld was also promoting the third edition of his Crazy Making book. The book is an insider’s guide to Furstenfeld’s inspiration, writing style and mind. It is filled with lyrics from Blue October’s first album The Answers, to new songs that are still unreleased (a fine treasure for long time fans who were going to see Furstenfeld at his 5591 shows). It is not just the lyrics and side notes in Furstenfeld’s handwriting, it is the dozens of pictures, snapshots of Sarah-his wife, Blue-his first daughter, Sayde-his second daughter and the band.

Photo by Pricilla Duran 16

These moments are so precious and Furstenfeld lets his readers in. He also includes the famous Houston Press Article in which John Lomax proceeds to tear into Furstenfeld. Furstenfeld lets you see the drama that surrounds the rock star status. It is not easy to share these things but Furstenfeld does. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is willing to show it to the world.

As the concert progressed and was coming to an end, You could hear the sniffling, you could hear the quiet sobs all around you and it was okay. There was nothing strange about seeing 40-something’s, male or female, cry. This is Furstenfeld. He speaks for a group of people that can often go silent because there are no words.

He pours emotion so that the rest of us can let out the years of pain that we have been holding on to because of bullying, relationships gone wrong, moments when nothing but a hole six feet under seems like an answer.

A night of honesty, emotion, love, laughter and tears was brought to Scottsdale all because Furstenfeld wanted to see if he could stay up there up on his own. The answer? Furstenfeld can bring stage presence with a simple chair, candle and a guitar. Scottsdale is a magical town, but Furstenfeld turned that magic into so much more.

By Pricilla Duran 17

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http://elephantbrandskateboards.com Elephant Skateboards, 1751 Placenta Ave., Costa Mesa, Ca 92627, Ph: 949-515-6209, Fx: 949-515-6290 19

k r a P e t a k S n n o t w r Alle A A-TO AK

This photo was submitted by Lori George a great New York City photographer.

This particular park is located at Bronx Park East Britton Street and Allerton Avenue.

The park is owned and maintained by NYC Parks and Recreation.

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Photos by Lori George 21

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Photo by Louie Alfaro

2014 Go Skate Jam 2nd place winner (Beginner).

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ED Holgu in

Photo by Louie Alfaro

Rail Kickflip 24

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What was your first board?

It was a Girl.

Who’s your favorite skater?

Rodney Mullen Do you skate regular or goofy?

Goofy What trick can’t you do?

360 Flip Where do you live?

Anthony, New Mexico Who is your hero?

Spiderman What's your best terrain?

Street What do you do to warm-up?

I just start skate slow and then, hit it hard.

Photo by Louie Alfaro

Doubleflip 26

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Backside 180

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Photo by Louie Alfaro 27

Brando Cordero Skates for Indigenous Skateboards, Bronx Vault Skate Shop and Airwalk Skate Shoes

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Mothers Day Skate Session 2014 NYC Allerton Skate Park

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Photos by Lori George 29

Ma

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Photos by Louie Alfaro

sR eza

Boardslide 30

Derrick Ingram Rita Ranch Skate Park Tucson Arizona.

Kickflip

Photos by Louie Alfaro 31

lfaro A em e r a K

Ollie

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ia c r a G Joey ate k S on t r e l Al YC N k Par

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Photo by Louie Alfaro 35

Crooks “End of Spring” Comp.

Photo by Louie Alfaro

What a better way to bring people together than to hold a skateboard event.

This past month, Crooks Skateshop hosted the End of Spring Skateboarding Competition.

Skateboarding at the Carolina Skatepark — now, that's cool.

Everyone's always saying they don't like El Paso and they want to get out of El Paso, and for me, that's not the case because it's our hometown.

Also, the event diminished the age-old reputation of skateboarders being vandals and graffiti artists. And the fact that the City of El Paso was on board just proved that the future for skaters isn't so bleak.

People did not only get to participate in the skateboard competition, but they were able to see some great competitors Killing It!.

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Esteb an “Shirt Rodr ” iguez

INTERVIIEW Are you sponsored by a team?

No. I saw you wearing an A-Team t-shirt the other day, is that your team?

No, it’s not my team. It’s just a shirt.

So, you are not on a team. Interesting?

What advice would you give to beginners?

Maybe we can put a team together?

How old are you?

I’m 14 years old.

Well, you need to be patient and dedicated.

Where were you born?

Arlington Texas.

How old were you when you started skating?

I was 7 years old.

How did your get into skateboarding?

My brother got me into it.

What was your first board?

It was a Walmart Spiderman board.

Is Spiderman your hero?

No, I would say it’s Flash and Superman.

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What do you recommend for local skate parks?

Do you skate regular or goofy?

I want little kids out of the park because they can get hurt. If

I skate regular.

you are not skateboarding, you should not be in the park

Do you consider yourself a street or vert skater?

Also, they should add a half pipe and a bowl to the Anthony

Street.

Skatepark.

Do you remember your first trick?

Now that you are out of school, what’s the first thing you do in the

It was an ollie.

morning?

What is the craziest trick that you have ever tried?

Wakeup, eat and play grand theft auto.

I tried a 10 step at the Plaza but I did not make it. I hit a

What’s your favorite restaurant?

pebble.

What are you working on?

I’m working on hitting the handrails.

What is your perfect board setup ?

It would be a Girl Skateboard with Grizzly Grip, Indy Trucks,

In-N-Out Burger but they don’t have one in Anthony. Sonic is good!

Where would be your dream travel destination?

I’d like to go to Brazil. A lot of pros skater s are over there.

What do you like to read?

I like to read skateboard magazines.

and Spitfire Wheels Like iSkatemag?

Who supports your skateboarding?

That would be my skateboard homies and my family.

Who is your favorite pro?

Paul Rodriguez Have you seen the new Primitive boards?

Yea. There Sick!

Yes. That’s awesome! (Laugh) What’s your favorite terrain?

I like the streets. I like skating the Las Cruces downtown area and NMSU.

I like the gold ones. Crooks has them and I want one.

Well Esteban, we are finished.

What do you want to do with skateboarding?

Thank You Sir.

I want to keep improving and eventually, turn pro.

Hey (local skater) are you a newspaper?

If you were a pro, which team would you like to join?

Well, I’m like a newspaper. I run a skateboard magazine.

Diamond, Girl or Deathwish

That’s Sick! What’s it called?

What are your future goals?

iSkatemag my friend!

I want to be successful in life.

What advice would you give beginners?

Well, you need to be patience and dedicated.

What’s your favorite movie?

The Lords of Dogtown.

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THRASHER In the house!

I

n 2013 ZERO visited El Paso, Tx.

This is Jamie Thomas signing a Zero deck at Crooks Skate Shop.

Hell Yea!

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Photo by Louie Alfaro 41

Isis Janer Interview Are you on a team? no.

How old are you? 12yrs old.

How old were you when you started skating? I was 3yrs old.

Are you sponsored by a team? No. Where were you born? Las Cruces, NM What was your first board? It was a Superior board.

Skate: Goofy Street or Vert: Street First Trick: Ollie Craziest Trick: I did a seven stair and ended up kick flipping it. It was an accident. I did not know how to kick flip.

Favorite Trick: Ollie Dumb Trick: I tried to do a 10 stair and sprained my wrist.

Working on? I’m trying to work on the U bowl at the Las Cruces, NM skate park.

Perfect Deck: Toy Monster, Indy Trucks, Spitfire Wheels and Bearings Present Board: Toy Monster Who encourages you to skate? My dad and my family encourage me to keep skating.

Favorite Pro: Rob Dyrdek Goals in skating? I want to meet Rob Dyrdek and eventually turn a pro. In the meantime, I’ll just keep pushing myself to be the best.

Life Goals: Keep skating, and go to a college that has a skate park.

Beginners Advice: Just keep trying and even if you fall, don’t give up.

Where can you be seen? Las Cruces Skate Park Favorite Movie: Catching Fire Favorite Restaurant: Weinerschnitzel Dream Travel Destination; Jamaica What do you do when you are not skating: I play SKATE on my XBOX. Song that catches your attention: It feels good to be a gangster by the Ghetto Boys Favorite Band: Blue October

By Louie Alfaro 42

Photos by Louie Alfaro 43

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Frontside

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Libby Fraire

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Matthew Rodriguez Are you on a team? No How old are you? 13 Where were you Born? El Paso, Tx Skate: Goofy Street or Vert: Vert Craziest Thing You Ever Tried? Handrail The dumbest thing you have tried? Ollie a twelve set. I got hurt.

Working on: Frontside Air Primo Deck Setup: Red Bearings, Bone Wheels, Girl Skateboard, Venture Trucks Who encourages you to skate? Friends and parents Favorite Pro: Ryan Scheckler and Mike Vallely Want do you want to do with skateboarding? Turn Pro and keep skating What Team would you like to join? Girl or Zero Future Goals: I want to be an engineer What advice would you give beginners? Never Give Up even though you don’t know how to do a trick.

Where can you be found? Carolina Skate park Skills: I like making skateboarding clips.

By Louie Alfaro 46

5-0 Tailslide 47

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180 Ollie 48

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iSkatemag in Deming NM.

Photo by Louie Alfaro 50

Deming Skate Park Features:  



 

Free/no pads Flat skate park with a lot of prefab stuff.

A four foot mini ramp and a spine, quarter pipe, banks, hips and rails A rail and a box to the side Good half-pipe 51

Photo by Louie Alfaro 52

Deming, NM Skate Park

Photo by Louie Alfaro 53

Flor ez u g i r Rod

Ollie Kickflip

Photos by Louie Alfaro 54

Es Ro teba dri n gu ez

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Boardslide 55

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A k r Ma

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Ollie 56

Turbo Skateboard

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iah m a Jer anez nt o M

Boardslide 58

Eli Alfaro

Photos by Louie Alfaro 59

Photo by Louie Alfaro 60

Pre tty S wee Sun t De land mo Par k Pl aza

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Flor Rodriguez

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