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freestylers united | godfather skate deaths | your flicks atlantic skate and surf | eisenhower’s back in black the art of doug z | got sponsor? | art contest winner Jersey’s skate zine.
Issue 2, Spring 2010
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skate “Jersey Pool”, chris young
contest winner: Announcing the winner of last month’s “Skate of the Art” contest: Our congratulations (and Instinct deck) goes out to Chris Young, aka skullboy. The second we saw this one come in, we knew... We’re stoked to find out who he actually is, you will be stoked to know you may actually have some of his work without even knowing it. Check back in the next issue and see some more...
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jim dwyer, blunt transfer
photo: rob antonucci 04
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NAME: Colin Daniel Keaton SPONSORS: Instinct Skateboards, Atwater Clothing, Pro Skateboard Shop YEARS SKATEBOARDING Lets call it 8 FAVORITE SPOT IN NJ: Anywhere the homies are IDEAL BREAKFAST BEFORE SKATING: water, coffee, fruit, and a breakfast sandwich IF YOU HAD TO RENAME A TRICK, WHAT TRICK AND WHAT NAME WOULD YOU GIVE IT: I would rename kickflips to “semis.” The little hoodrats around here seem to think that the kickflip is called a semi ANY SHOUT OUTS? Kev G, the Bud Squad, Joe Cheesey, Izedawg and all the Philly heads, and mister Mikuh.
photo: griffin lotz
Will Schumatti, nollie
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cover:
skater: richie blackshaw trick: five O fakie photo: rob antonucci
from the editor Garden State Skate magazine, New Jersey’s only skate zine is back to fight another day... Our second issue has got us stoked on bigger and bolder photos thanks to Rob, Dakota and of course you, our readers. What’s up in Jersey this issue? Hard core full out shred. We have heard you from the west to the shore, north and south––you want more, so here it is. Get online at gardenstateskate.com and submit more picts––what we have received from you so far is truly and expectedly great! Thanks for your support. It’s what keeps us going. SS
PUBLISHER / ART DIRECTOR Shawn Savage shawn@gardenstateskate.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Eva Baker eva@gardenstateskate.com SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Antonucci rob.antonucci@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dakota Caufield caulfielddakota@yahoo.com sashgan wave AD SALES / MARKETING & EDITORIAL OFFICE PO BOX 1561, Wall, NJ 07719 ph 732-859-3137 • fax 732-280-6913
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08 sled company: 18 jersey godfather skate deaths check-out: 20 shop atlantic skate and surf artist on the rise: 23 doug z eisenhower MS is 28 word: back in black art idea skate: 32 from here and there gear: 34 from here and there your flicks: 36 our readers rip question: 38 got sponsor? skate different: freestylers united
CIRCULATION Shore Distribution Volume 1 Issue 2, Spring 2010 Copyright 2010, Garden State Skate, LLC. All rights reserved. PRINTING Rfm Printing, Inc. 1715 Rte. 34, Wall, NJ, 07719 732-938-4400 • fax 732-751-2601 Garden State Skate (GSS) magazine is published by Garden State Skate LLC. GSS can be picked up FREE at most NJ surf and skate/surf shops, colleges and cafés. If you would like to carry GSS in your shop e-mail info@gardenstateskate. com. All letters, photos and editorial submissions are eagerly welcomed and encouraged and should be emailed to: artwork@gardenstateskate.com.
Garden State Skate Magazine, its logo, and design are registered trademarks and property of Garden State Skate LLC. Materials in this publication must not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Garden State Skate LLC is not responsible for the content or subject matter of its advertisements. Advertisers resume all responsibility for their respective advertisments. The views and opinions expressed by the authors in feature stories may not reflect the views and opinions of Garden State Skate LLC and GSS cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such opinions.
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photo: rob antonucci
NAME Christian O’Hara. WHERE YOU FROM Port Monmouth,NJ. ANY SPONSORS? Standard Skateshop, Woodbridge, NJ YEARS SKATEBOARDING: 15 yrs… WHATS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A SKATER IN JERSEY? The best part about being a skater from NJ would have to be how hard it is . NJ’s kinda beat but you gotta love it, plus you’re close to Philly and NY. FAVORITE JERSEY SPOT? Any foundation that’s been hooked up by skaters is always a good time, besides that Jersey City. ANYONE YOU WANT TO THANK First I would have to thank my parents for everything they’ve done for me and putting up with all the hospital visits, Carlo and Joe @ STANDARD, my first sponsor Subculture Skateshop, God, if there is one, Rob Antonucci!, family and friends, and anyone else that appreciates skateboarding. 07
FREE
STYLE pete betti, double kickip crossfoot landing
photo: sashganwave
Owner’s name / Who is Freestyler United: Erick ‘Panda’ Mattos. Freestylers United is a place for Freestyle Flatland Skateboarders to have an Internet home so to speak––with content, ideas and goals that have never been thought of or attempted in the Flatground skating world. Who founded / invented freestyle skating? Is it another kind of street? Freestyle Skateboarding was just a pinnacle to skateboarding’s birth. Skateboarding started in the 1950’s when surfers had the idea to surf the streets.
I don’t believe anyone is on record to have created the first skateboard. Many people seemed to have made the claims though. Freestyle Skateboarding along with slalom, started to become popular at around 1963. Some of the most well known freestyler and slalom skaters of that time were Danny Berer, Torger Johnson, and Woody Woodward. Around 1965 skateboarding died out for awhile until around the mid 1970’s. Companies like Zephyr started showing the world Slalom and Freestyle skateboarding. In my own ideas, I believe spectators were completely shocked to see skateboarders doing things no one has ever thought to do. There is a lot of history and I urge readers to research the beginning of skateboarding. Give the readers a snapshot of your endeavor if they aren’t familiar with FSU: Freestylers United is a non-profit organization of Freestyle Skateboarders. We thrive on showing the world our love for a style of skateboarding everyone thought had died. We want the world to see us not for our crazy tricks, but for our passion and our insight into the birth of skateboarding. Our goal is to touch base with all types, styles and origins of skateboarders and unite us all together to one day grow, share, and experience skateboarding in a different world. Street, Vert, Slalom, Downhill and Freestyle––to unite together, companies, events, jams and contests, big or small! How’s the FSU growing / expanding in Jersey? We have very dedicated and passionate freestylers in that area who share the same dreams and goals as we do. They want to unite with skateboarders of all kinds, and show them that we’re unique, but were skateboarders too. We hope Jersey will be a set path to near and far future events where Freestyle, and all other varieties of skateboarding can communicate and experience new events brought to you by FSU and a united group of skateboarders. We wish to grow our sport and combine our dedication together to give Jersey skateboarders something unique and never before done.
pete betti, rolling handstand
photo: sashganwave
panda, kickflip and a half into truckstand
What % of skaters are freestyle vs street or vert? Is it growing and how fast? Most people believe there are only a few freestylers out there. That is not true, there are many, but to compare with vert skateboarding would be difficult to process. Our community is all around the world and due to lack of freestyle events in the world it is nearly impossible to compare the two. I will say though, the number of vert skateboarders are no doubt larger then freestyle, something we hope to change, to get back on the radar. Do you have team/member freestylers or sponsor? Who are they? At this point we do not sponsor due to being nonprofit. But our team members are freestylers who are active in the community and very dedicated to our goals: Pete Betti, Oriel Sanchez, Matthew Gokey, Emily Bettis, Jake Maiurro, Giampaolo Baccio, Tim Ahern, Mike McCabe, Cristobal Bahamonde, Mike Osterman, Brandon Landry and Brandon Pretty––all whom spend a lot of their time supporting freestyle and FSU and freestyling as much as they can. They are the reason for FSU and we want to give them opportunity! How long has freestyle been around? Is it more popular in any special areas of the country/world? Freestyle has been around since the early 1960’s. Today, it is most popular in Japan and there are many freestylers around the world in other countries such as Canada and Europe! Japan holds the largest freestyle skateboarding events. Is freestyle more dangerous or demanding? What is differing from street or vert with equipment etc? Freestyle skateboarding is not dangerous. It will hurt and it will take getting used to. The most critical injury you could probably get freestyling would be a hairly fracture due to pressure in your hands or feet. While on rare occasions this has happened, it is nothing to be afraid of. Freestyle equipment concentrates solely on protecting your hands, shins, feet and your skateboard! Deck set up would include small custom shaped decks, designed for rail and truck tricks––with a flat tail and or nose. It is possible to ollie with one, but not recommended. The differences may seem small, but freestyling concentrates on movement, speed and the ability to make every part of your skateboard last as long as possible. Freestyle equipment such as custom shinguards, gloves and skid plates can also be used to add variety to street skaters just as street skateboarding equipment adds variety to ours. What’s next for freestyle? We want to bring in a new crowd, a new generation of freestyle skateboarders. We hope to get more involved in the modern day skateboarding world, so be on the lookout for more freestyle events and a new pathway to how people react 10
to our style and our creative, unique endeavors. We are working to collaborate with all styles of skateboarding to unite together to once again shock the world. Is Freestyle discriminating in any way? No way. Anyone can freestyle. Where can people go who want more info on freestyle skating and FSU? Freestyle has a Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Freestyle_skateboarding and don’t forget hwww.yoyoskates.com/history.html. For more information on freestyle events or even to ask questions to the pros––those who were there watching Mullen and watching skateboarding evolve––visit: www.wfsafreestyle.org. For more information on FSU just visit FreestylersUnited.com. Do you do any special events like video premieres, signings or demos? We have a Madera, California Jam called the San Joaquin Class in which freestyle skateboarders do events and jams and the pros who attend are always up for autographs. Do you have any future events coming up? The FSU Box Battle in San Francisco in Mid-summer. We will be in Philadelphia for the World Freestyle Championships, a Beta Tour in September, and we will be holding events in convenient locations. As time passes events will be announced on our website. From your point of view where is skateboarding and or freestyle going? Skateboarding is evolving slowly, no one has given up on it and no one will. Freestyle is the same, there are many who care about it, it is the reason FSU exists. Skateboarding and its future is up to us to decide. I see more events like The Maloof Money Cup which paved a new foundation in the way others view skateboarding. Working together and never giving up. Any thanks you would like to give? I would like to thank Jeremy Elder of SmallSchool.biz, Bob Staton, of the WfsaFreestyle.org, John Leathers of Chaos Brothers Skateboards, Keith Butterfield for his infinite inspiration, and to every freestyle skateboarder who has not given up and never let their unique way of skateboarding change. All those who stuck by me through thick and thin and continue to do so! Thank you all! I want to sincerely thank you Garden State Skate Mag for hearing us and giving us a fantastic opportunity. We wish you the best! Pete would like to thank his sponsors, Freestyle USA Watches and Globe shoes. He would also like to thank Ocean Hut Surf Shop and Gary Zamora for all the support.
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Pete Betti, NH pogo
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isaac tarectecan, 50 manny 180
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photos: dakota caulďŹ eld
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isaac tarectecan, nollie ip into the bank
photos: dakota caulďŹ eld
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kalyl stewart, backside ip
photo: rob antonucci 14
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anthony troďŹ mow, nose manual
photo: rob antonucci
NAME: Kyle Wildstyle O’Neill SPONSORS: Instinct Skateboards, Atwater Clothing, iPath, and Stokaboka Surf and Skate YEARS SKATBOARDING: 6 FAVORITE NJ SPOT Kev G’s house. Kev G is my homie who kindda looks like Waldo from Where’s Waldo IDEAL BREAKFAST BEFORE SKATING: A bowl of ice cream and animal crackers IF YOU HADE TO RENAME A TRICK, WHAT TRICK AND WHAT NAME WOULD YOU GIVE IT: I would change switch flips to robocop flips, or a switch robocop ANY SHOUT OUTS: I’ll give a shout out to all the buds, like Christch, Kev G, Colin, Atomic Sauce Aust, Teejus, Dink, Pete, Dan Wo, mike Dubbs, and I don’t know man, now I’m gunna get a lot of crud for not mentioning everyone else sooooooo....sorry, I guess
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photo: griffin lotz
checko k ut ko
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NAME: Jedediah George Callinan HOMETOWN: Highlands SPONSORS: Atlantic Skate & Surf AGE: 20 years old. YEARS SKATEBOARDING: 10 years. WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF BEING A SKATER FROM NJ? Crusty Hills FAVORITE JERSEY SPOT? Highland Park ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK? Atlantic Skate & Surf Shop, Friends, Family, The Epoxy Crew, Joe Kreiss, George Heintz, Harry Liemburg, MAINE and Fetal the Fool!
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DON’T BE CAUGHT DEAD WITHOUT ONE. 18
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How did GFSD come about? James and I have been part of the underground skate and music scene for some time now and as years passed we noticed a lack of effort being made towards the designs on the bottom of skate decks. So we both decided that we would take our talents and combine them to create a great skate deck company out of New Jersey. James who has been skateboarding all his life at varying levels and is a businessman and I, Johnny Miami, would put the punch in the graphics that we would need to keep the scene alive and interesting not only in an individual’s skate skills but in also what they ride. How’s the GFSD doing? We are having the time of our lives. We are meeting so many people in the industry and the feedback on the designs has been very positive.
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What’s the best part of designing your own boards? The freedom Do you see design on demand coming in the future? If we have a skater that goes pro GFSD will design a specific deck for him or her. What does GFSD offer skaters that’s different from other deck companies? No contracts that are the size of a bible for you to review and sign, designs that are second to none, tech support 24-7 and two owners who give a fuck about their riders and their future.
Who is your typical customer? Typically the kid who wants people to know what he or she is all about, again in their style and what they ride. Agewise we have seen sales run from 11 into the mid-thirties and that’s what we were hoping for.
Do you do any special events like video premieres, signings or demos? Yes, we have a private dinner coming up at Plan B Restaurant in Asbury Park. Over the winter we did a demo with the Inked Up Angels at Jenks. We hope to get involved in a couple of skate competitions this spring and summer and we want to put together our first God Father Skate Deaths DVD showing the worst of spills that kill.
Are there any skate parks near your shop? They all seem to be located by the High Schools like Southern Regional or down in Lacey. Toms River use to have a killer in-door park but I guess the rent killed them.
Do you have any future events coming up? We’re attending the Philadelphia Tattoo convention. We have the launching of the company and many other little surprises for all you kiddies out there.
Who are your team riders? We are still in the process of watching videos and interviewing different prospects. We don’t want any clowns representing our company, only hardcore kids that skating is what they eat, sleep and drink.
From your point of view where is skateboarding going? Kids are getting stronger, smarter, faster and just are ready to overcome any barrier there is for them to conquer. The skate scene is unstoppable and just out of control….it’s great.
What decks have you ridden in the past and have any older designs inspired what you are doing now? I love to ride down hill on my sector nine and as far as street skating I still have an old ghosts model I ride. James use to ride plan B and Powell just like most of us old school guys. As far as older designs inspiring me I would say there are bits and pieces that I like from old school decks like Cabellero’s design and the first Hawk design, Old Ghosts and so on.
Any thanks you would like to give? The crew at Garden State Skate Magazine, Thrasher Magazine, Surf Taco, OS101, all the skate and surf shops that gave us our first break 4 bolt down, GMLD, 732 SIGNS, Rancid and Hank III.
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Shop Name: Atlantic Skate & Surf Founded: August 2008 Owners Name: John Denvir Address and Phone: 80 First Avenue Atlantic Highlands NJ, 07716 (732) 291-1339 Shop hours: Tuesday through Thursday 12-6 Fri & Sat 12-7 Sunday 12-4 We have extended hours in the summer. How’s the shop doing? Well, despite this crap economy we’re actually doing pretty good. We have a nice core clientele that seems to be growing all the time. We opened on a shoe string budget but have been able to fill the store and offer a wide assortment of skate necessities. We started selling skate shoes last spring and will be expanding the selection in the coming months. Who is your typical customer? Definitely teenagers. They are our biggest customers, but we have people of all ages coming in and shopping. 20
Are there any skate parks near your shop? We have a skate park about 200 feet from the shop: Atlantic Highlands Harbor Skate Park on First Ave. It’s a pretty fun set up and the scene is real chill. Skaters of all levels skate this spot without any hassle––except the fact that every time I skate there I get challenged to a game of s.k.a.t.e. by a random 13 year old, that’s a bit of a hassle. We also have 3 other skate parks within a couple of miles of us. Who are your shop team riders? Jedediah Callinan 17, Ryan Chaney 14, Blake Finlayson 12. All three absolutely rip. We are looking for more team riders so anyone interested can stop in the shop and drop off a sponsor me video. What’s the best part of running a skate shop? You mean besides being able to snag gear for myself? I guess talking with all the customers, getting to know everyone and being able to support the skate scene. Growing up skating Jersey in the 80’s, there were not a lot of contests near me. So now I have fun planning and seeing to fruition our skate contests. It’s a lot work and money but everyone involved has a blast. Oh yeah, and as part of a fact finding mission recently I got to skate the 2nd largest skate park in the world in Grand Cayman Island. Two words on that...Hot and Sick! gardenstateskate.com
How does your shop offerings differ from the typical skate shop? I’m not sure what typical is, but we’re definitely a pretty layed-back shop. I’ve been to a lot of shops over the years where you catch attitude as soon as you walk in the door. That’s not us. If you want to come chill on the couch in our shop and watch a video or play a video game with a couple of friends, then this is the spot. Other than that I try to support and promote local Jersey companies and hope to see more local merchandise come in as we grow. Do you do any special events like video premieres, signings or demos? We usually have a handful of contests each year. The one we will continue to do each year for sure is the Annual Atlantic Sweep & Skate. We team up with Jersey-based Instinct Skateboards for that one. They are a huge reason why the event has been so successful. We all clean up First Ave. and around the skate park, then come back to the park for a contest. And of course at the end we make it rain with stickers, videos, shirts, etc. and the kids go nuts. We also host guerrilla style contests in between at the small local skate parks in the area. This summer we’re hoping to team up with the town and offer lessons for the beginner skater. Do you have any future events coming up? The end of April we will be having a deck release party for my two new shop decks. This June we will be hosting our 3rd Annual Sweep & Skate contest along with Instinct Skateboards. We will post the official dates on our website, www.atlanticskateandsurf.com, Facebook and Myspace. From your point of view, where is skateboarding going? Outerspace & underwater. I’m working on both, but I’m running into complications with the whole zero gravity thing, as well as the absorbent properties of maple.
Any thanks you would like to give? All our customers of course, we wouldn’t be here with out them. I would also like to thank Mike from Instinct Skateboards for all of his and the company’s support. Jersey based Ted Shreds. A big thanks to Matt & Kerry, for all your help getting the shop open and all the artistic work. Last but not least, all of my family and friends for helping out. It was and still is appreciated! And thanks to you guys for starting a great local magazine and supporting Jersey’s skate scene. 21
tours & events
Maloof Money Cup Is Coming to New York The Maloof Money Cup skateboarding competition is expanding to New York. Joe and Gavin Maloof, who own the Sacramento Kings, said they would hold the event June 5 and 6 at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. The winner will make $100,000. The Maloofs will donate the $1.8 million skate park they will build for the competition to the city. The Maloof Money Cup will also return to Southern California for the third straight year, from Aug. 4 to 8 in Costa Mesa.
SHANA SKATE JAM Skating competition at skateplex park on the beach • 4 judged events • fun box • quater pipe • hubbas cheese wedge • music • tents • BBQ • giveaways prizes • surprises • awards party • bare wires surf and skate • categories • 12 & under • 13-14 • 15-18 • 3 tries to do the best trick on each obstacle • to benefit the shana foundation preventing deaths and disabilities from bacterial meningitis. For more info, goto: http://www.theshanafoundation.org/events_skatejam.html or contact Madeline (theshanafoundation@gmail.com) Skateplex, 7 Presidents Park, Long Branch, NJ 22
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DOUG Z
SPRAYPAINT SURREALIZM “I make art with spraypaint and stencils.”
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Doug Z currently has 3 of his designs featured on Element™ T-shirts. Check’em out: elementskateboarding.com
Who are you and what do you do? Age? Doug Z. I make art with spraypaint and stencils. I’m 32. Why do you do what you do? I love and live art. It’s an absolute blessing to be able to have the support and following that I’ve developed which has allowed me to continue creating. How do you work? I love working alone in my studio with my headphones on, forgetting about things like clocks and phones, yet I’m also flattered when people ask if they can watch me work. That amazes me. I really don’t understand why anyone would want to watch me slash up a bunch of stencils and spray them onto a surface. Seems like it would be boring to sit through, but I get asked to paint live quite often. I don’t get it. What’s your background? I was born & raised in Belmar, NJ and discovered art as a kid. In grammar school, I used to take drawing classes in the summer. Being that most of my family is from Brooklyn, I got exposed to graffiti at a very young age. In high school, I really didn’t fit in completely with any particular “groups,” not even the “artsy” kids. I just wanted to acknowledge what everyone else was 24
doing, yet take my own ideas as far as I possibly could. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with some very talented people along similar wavelengths over the years, which has kept me inspired and creating. How did you come to design for Element skateboards and clothing? Basically, I got sick and tired of getting rejected from galleries. I’ve had enough press kits sent back to me over the years to wake me up and realize that I should begin presenting my work to companies and businesses that I actually support and would really want to get down with. In the spring of 2009, I spent well over $150 on brand new press kits and sent them to my top twenty companies that I’d love to work with. I heard back from Element within two weeks and we were off and running almost immediately. What’s integral to the work of an artist? It depends on the artist. For me it’s passion. What role does the artist have in society? I think of it like the quote from “Fight Club”“Choose your own involvement... .” Which artists or creators do you return to for a quick boost of inspiration? Honestly, the people who inspire me the most aren’t artists. I’m genuinely inspired by anyone who doesn’t take life too seriously. It’s just too damn short. What artists would you put on your wall if there were no limits in acquiring it? I’d throw anything up on my wall that’s worth looking at. Friends tag up and draw on my walls constantly. But I’d find room for a Warhol, Haring, or Dali piece anytime! Do you skate? If so, for how long, often and where? My skating career began on a Christmas day many years ago, and ended just a few weeks later when I sprained my ankle pretty bad. It’s a shame, because I love the skating, but I don’t complain because it led me to my true calling. Now I “skate” through life. gardenstateskate.com
Favorite or most inspirational place (in Jersey)? Currently, my studio at S.I.C.A. in Long Branch. It’s like walking into a Temple for me. I feel out of sorts when I’m not there. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? “Be yourself no matter what people say or think and NEVER, EVER GIVE UP on your dreams, even when they lead you through dark places.” What’s your hope for the year? My hope for the year is to make the best, inspirational, and thought-provoking art that I can possibly put forth. I want to make people stop and think, while simultaneously entertaining them.
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Professionally, what’s your goal? I have a few. I’m currently working on some projects that will hopefully launch my clothing line & multi-media group. In the summer, I hope to be in London blowing minds with a new series of paintings. What’s your tip for a great day out (in Jersey)? Get out and explore! New Jersey is like no other place I’ve been. It’s like a country unto itself, and it’s a shame that NJ gets a bad rap from people, but if this state is sooooo bad, then why are there over 9 million people living here? What wouldn’t you do without? The Universal creative forces that keep me inspired. Any thanks? My Parents, Brother & Sister, Aunt Barb & the rest of my fam., Dave Hnatiuk, RE*357, Skoti, and my fellow artists at S.I.C.A. in Long Branch. I also want to acknowledge Liz at Artifacts (11th & Main in Belmar), Bob & Liz McKay (McKay Imaging in Red Bank), Doug Ferrari, and the list goes on and on. I love you all, and I appreciate your unending support. Contact: Doug Z, PO BOX 82, Belmar, NJ, 07719 www.dougzart.com
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photo: griffin lotz
NAME: Ryan Chaney HOMETOWN: Highlands SPONSORS: Atlantic Skate & Surf / Ted Shreds YEARS SKATEBOARDING: 4 years WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF BEING A SKATER FROM NJ? The gnarly spots you can make FAVORITE JERSEY SPOT? Sayerville flats ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK? My whole family, Shleigh Colandro, and Denvir @ Atlantic Skate
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word
Eisenhower Middle School is “Back in Black” On February 27, 2008, a tragic accident stirred the community of Freehold, NJ. Two young developing skateboarders, Kevin Clawson, 13, and Graeme Preston, 12, were struck by a minivan driven by an elderly man on Bar Harbor Road during the evening while walking home and were tragically killed as the outcome. Family, friends, teachers, classmates, and anyone else who has ever come to know the two wonderful boys were shaken by the news as it spread quickly throughout the town. Many paid respects and some went the extra mile to make good out of the situation. That year, Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School music teacher, Jesse Ryan, and his students started what is now an annual tradition: the “Back in Black” benefit concert in dedication to Kevin and Graeme. The whole purpose of the concert is to bring people together to share memories, raise awarenes and fund raise for goodwill foundations and families in need, alike and apart from those of Kevin and Graeme’s. Liberation Skateboards, a local skateboarding company founded in the town of Freehold, has been an ongoing contributor to the school’s fundraising concert ever since its creation. Liberation’s owner, Kelsey Arcoleo, made it a point to be there for the kids of the school knowing that it meant a lot to them for the skateboards to just be there since Kevin and Graeme showed such passion for skateboarding during their time here. Liberation provided their products as well as other products from their partners at Standard Skate Shop, City Of Soles, X Styles Skate Shop, and your very own, Garden State Skate Magazine. 28
This year’s concert turned out to be a great success, as it has shown to be every year. Its steady consistency has never failed to bring many people together in a positive atmosphere. Many young kids were reached out to about skateboarding and the joy of it. Of course, practicing safety and being attentive is focused on during this event––rightfully so in the matter of why it even exists. Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School plans to continue their “Back in Black” benefit concert sponsored by Liberation Skateboards for years to come to share their best times with Kevin and Graeme, do good for the community, and spread the good news about skateboarding! gardenstateskate.com
T-shirts
Available at gardenstateskate.com In black, green or yella. Printed only on 30
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art idea skate
Instinct Skateboards Owner and Brand Manager, Mike Nesci, popped the BIG question to his girlfriend of 6 radical years, Katie Saunders, on April 4th 2010. This can only leave us to wonder: Will Katie be promoted to team mom or team nurse? Either way, congratulations to both Mike and Katie.
Street Art That’s Finding a New Address: Jonathan LeVine Gallery, 529 West 20th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10011 Open Tues. through Sat., 11am to 6pm 212-243-3822 For the current fifth-anniversary exhibition at his New York gallery Jonathan LeVine has filled it with works by 35 artists, most of whom he represents. The space is in Chelsea, but there’s no cerebral conceptualism, cool abstraction or painterly gesture on view. Instead this work, variously labeled Lowbrow Art, Pop Surrealism and perhaps most accurately Pop Pluralism, is the skateboarding, graffiti-tagging, sometimes bratty and rebellious younger sibling of the art shown in most of the neighborhood’s locations. Still, the art in the Jonathan LeVine Gallery seems at home in Chelsea in a way it did not five years ago. After years on the fringes of the art world, “we’ve come to a turning point,” Mr. LeVine said recently. “The mainstream is embracing this work.” Mr. LeVine came to the movement the same way his artists did. He grew up in Trenton and earned a degree in sculpture, but he was less attracted to fine art than he was to underground comics, punk and hip-hop, “anything subculture and edgy.” With a loan from his parents, he opened his first small art gallery in New Hope, Pa., in 2001. After two years he moved the gallery into Philadelphia, and two years later, in 2005, “I spent every dime I had to move to Chelsea. I wanted to try to take it to the next level I felt it deserved.”
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Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America On view till: June 27, 2010 George Gustav Heye Center, New York Ramp it Up celebrates the vibrancy, creativity, and controversy of American Indian skate culture. Skateboarding combines demanding physical exertion with design, graphic art, filmmaking, and music to produce a unique and dynamic culture. One of the most popular sports on Indian reservations, skateboarding has inspired American Indian and Native Hawaiian communities to host skateboard competitions and build skate parks to encourage their youth. Native entrepreneurs own skateboard companies and sponsor communitybased skate teams. Native artists and filmmakers, inspired by their skating experiences, credit the sport with teaching them a successful work ethic. The exhibition features rare and archival photographs and film of Native skaters as well as skatedecks from Native companies and contemporary artists. gardenstateskate.com
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gear
Thunder Titanium Lights
Thunder’s 3rd Strike Catalog is Now Live with the new Thunder Titanium lights and new Pro trucks from Chris Cole, Dennis Busenitz and Billy Marks. Plus Thunder video Billy Marks Knows backside flips. Check’em out on-line and pick’em up at your local skate shop! Check it out: http://www.dlxsf.com/spring10/th
Sector 9 The new Gullwing “Stalker” Trucks feature a patented Vibration Damping System built into the truck hanger that creates an incredibly smooth and quiet ride. This ride is unlike anything you have ever ridden before. 9.5” Rubberized Black or Polished Silver Finish.
Godfather Skate Deaths Decks! (Featured in this magazine) and born and bred in the Garden State, these fresh new decks inspire hard-core images with classic shape––a nimble deck that is built to be beaten. Check your local skate shop today for these hot new decks.
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LIBERATION SKATE, CALLING WEST DVD: CALLING WEST is a new street DVD available from Liberation Skate, a deck company with a strong belief in the creative, sharing, and the energetic freedom of skateboarding. Not to mention they have a great eye for making tight video! Check it, available online @ liberationskate.com or at you local shop. gardenstateskate.com
Check Out these hot new decks from Funhouse: TATTOOED MAN: Davy Jones Blue art on SquidSquirt Black full-dip, this well-stabbed ab-jabber will have you thinking ink! FATTY: Botchulism Green graphic on Pepto-pink full dip, the Fatty is one seriously sick stick. JACK THE DRIPPER2: Haunted house green graphics over a nightmare black full dip means you can roll yourself to the bowl in style—then shred it! PUNCH BUGGY: Super friendly and only mildly fiendish, Punch Buggy graphic over full-dip Sky Blue deck is all sweet and no sour.
OJ III Wheels are back! The 58mm Green Heat have a sweet Neil Blender design on them. Chet Childress and Jason Adams have pro wheels (53 & 55 respectively). The 54mm Mimosas are probably the best filmer/cruiser wheels we’ve ever ridden—amazing grip. And the Hot Juice downhill wheels come in a variety of colors.
Eazy Handle by Jason Hernandez Jason Hernandez is known as one of the most polished and progressive filmers in the biz. Check his latest work with Nike SB’s Don’t Fear the Sweeper Tour to see filming with the Canon 5D MarkII. Following his Eazy Dolly, Jason’s coming out with the Eazy Handle (Patent Pending) for the MarkII very soon.
Liberate Yourself Three new decks from Liberation Skate. Call for’em at your local shop and call yourself liberated... 35
yourpicts youricks
Send us yours, just goto: gardenstateskate.com
eric swick emington, nj photo: tony pagano
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gardenstateskate.com
tyler scheck ollie @ the fountain toms river, nj
dan wojcik feeble tail grab perth amboy, nj
photo: andrew poster long branch, nj
photo: andrew poster belmar, nj 37
Got Sponsor? How to Get Sponsored? - Skateboard 24/7 Go skateboarding all day, every day. Skate to school, skate in the school and skate after school. Try out different skateparks and new terrain. Travel to different cities, if you can, and try skating their benches, stairs and curbs. Companies are looking for skaters who have determination and creativity. Tony Hawk says he still skates at least two hours a day. If you don’t have the ability, you won’t get sponsored.
Frequent Your Local Skateshop & Make Contact Pick a skateshop or company that you’d like to ride for and find out who you need to talk to or write to about getting sponsored. Most of your local skate shops deal with reps from the very companies you may be interested in and may have inside info about sponsorship. If you have the skills, and ego, companies will want to talk to you about being sponsored. Use your shop for more than just gear.
Skateboarding Sponsorship - Protect Your Head If you’re going to push your limits and try new skateboarding tricks, you’re more likely to get hurt. Wear a helmet. You’ll never get sponsored if your brain’s busted.
Get Sponsored- Have Fun Millions of kids skateboard but only a few become pro. Skateboard because it’s fun, not because you might get famous. Just go out there and have fun and do what you normally do and someone will notice you. We can almost guarantee it. If your main purpose is to get a sponsor, then it’s not gonna work. Just go out there, have fun, constantly challenge yourself and be there for your friends. That’s how to get sponsored.
How To Get a Skateboard Sponsor - Make A Video Make a “sponsor me video” of your best skating so that even companies on the other side of your country can see you in action. Show your best tricks and make it short because companies get a ton of long, boring videos from guys and girls who aren’t what they are looking for. Think of something completely different, show them you have character, that’ll make a possible sponsor take notice (they get dozens of videos from kids every month.) You may end up making several “sponsor me” vids as your skating and camera work gets better.
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Getting Sponsored - Be You and Stay You Pro-skaters are almost always cool as themselves so make sure you’re cool and you are you. Don’t be a Dick. Companies want their riders to be outgoing, friendly and to represent the company well. They look for skaters who have great ability and good character.
gardenstateskate.com
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