Typical Culture Crue: Editor: Zack Dowdy Artist: Connor Getzlaff Photographers: Chris McDonald Austin Squire Contributors: Brendan Klein Ryan Alvarado Greg Zamarripa Brian Shamanski Brandon Greer Chris Swainston David Ă–stlund Andy Ortega Stas Yamnitskiy Adam Small Web Contributors: James Truesdale Isaac Patterson Un-follow/Block Us:
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JJ Rice, Lipslide / La Jolla Ph: Chris McDonald
Issue #5//five Half way into 2013.. Staying Hyped... ups and downs. Life happens, it’s beautiful. Try hard, sometimes don’t try at all. Natural flow... Progression... success!! Right here, my friend pushes uphill, because he likes it.
Back Cover Photo: Sarah Herron
k c a M y d An Has anyone associated you with the yellow priest Andy McDonald? If so, you have any funny stories? I’ve had co-workers say they thought they heard me on the radio, when it was him for some random fundraiser or something. Spencer Prati has some fantasy about taking a picture of me with Andy MacDonald, but we’ve never crossed paths. Where are you originally from? I’m from Adel, but I claim Des Moines. That’s as hard as you can sound when you come from Iowa. Portrait: Alvarado Skate Photos: Squire Words: Dowdy
Favorite part of being out in the streets with the Lurkville crew? Everyone is really motivated and down to earth. Just being hyped when your skating with the homies instead of some other wack shit.
Bs 180 Nosegrind
Hydrant Wallride mash!
Interview By: Zack Dowdy So where are you originally from and why are you “Toad?” My name is Antonius, in the 5th grade I called my friend Jared, Jarhead, and he came back with anti-toadies, it stuck. You seem to have a lot of roots in the Bay Area, what was it like as a kid skating back then, the scene... the spots? It was hard as kid from the country coming to the big city. I didn’t really have too many friends to skate with. Nobody really left embarcadero so I found myself skating by myself a lot. I would skate with Eric J, Jon Constantino, Noah Peacock on occasions too because they liked to skate everything else the city had to offer. But at first it was difficult. I sometimes felt weird trying to skate stuff that no one else skated or wanted to skate. A lot of stuff went down without cameras. Really good stuff. Like when Chris Senn would come to town, we would go skate downtown or where ever in the city. He would do the gnarliest stuff, no cameras. It was cool, it was for him and us. Skating was for us during those times. I mean we could have called up Bryce or Tobin during then but it was a crew of us raging the streets at night and we were just shredding, finding it as we went. Brown Marble, China Banks, Whale Curbs, SF State rails, Ft Miley. There were so many good spots. How did you meet Cardiel, Stranger, and all those dudes? Met John in Grass Valley in 86/87. I was in the 6th grade. When he started to get hooked up with DogTown 1991-ish, he met Julien. Eventually, I met Julien through John. Inspirational people in different ways to say the least. You’re also behind the lens as well as the front. What motivated you to start filming and documenting. When did that all start happening? The movie Sick Boys had a big impact on me and made me want to film in the late 80s. I got a super 8 camera around 94 at the same time I got an SLR. I just started shooting photos and super 8. I always did it for fun and as an art outlet. I was influenced by Tobin a lot. I remember doing a lighting gig for Tobin and Dennis McGrath while filming a music video in a club in like 92, I wasn’t even old enough to be in there. I think he paid me 20 bucks or something to follow where ever he was filming. I was hyped. It wasn’t until like 8 years ago when I got a real filming camera that I got more into it. Mike Manzoori and Jon Minor had a huge impact on me in the mid to late 90’s with there motion visuals. I helped Mike out with some projects like the Etnies BMX “Grounded” video. It was rad to see how awesome the footage in that video was cause they had a skater able to film good follow cam lines for bikes. Then when it was time to make our own video for .. Continue reading on next page....
Continued.. for Blood Wizard, I decided to get past the art thing and try to improve my skills to give the skaters justice that ride with the Wizard. I am still intimidated though filming in front of Mike, Cause you know he would do it 10 times better and smoother. So when Mike is around I usually do back up angles. He is a really knowledgeable dude from filming to editing he is a one man show. Genuine awesome human too. Not a lot of people like him. Also in the past 8 years I have met a lot of filmers here in SF that are awesome too. Schmitty has being producing sick stuff for years and has always been helpful with tips behind the lens or the keyboard. What companies were you involved with before starting Blood Wizard? I rode for Adrenalin Skateboards through its 3 phases of backers. Then I went to no sponsors for a few years. It feels really good to skate for yourself and not because of the pressure of delivering something for boards given to you. The pressure is also what drove me to skate better though and I found I still pressured myself to maintain the level I was at. Which by the way was’nt much, but for me it was a lot. I guess right before Blood Wizard, Krooked had given me some boards here and there and some other people had offered me boards but I was psyched to be riding boards with graphics that Mark Gonzales had made. I mean he is our skate god that we all bow down to right? If I could learn to be as fluid as him at anything in life I would be content for a moment, or contently discontent. One or the other. But Blood Wizard is the first company I have been involved with that I am really proud of and not afraid to promote shamelessly. How did the beginning of Blood Wizard come about? There seems to be a lot of people involved in it with tons of different aspects and perspectives. My friends Rico and Visser were talking about this street wizard (long bearded, long haired, homeless looking dude) they were calling the Blood Wizard. They were all drunk and could not stop talking about him. Finally I was like guys that would be a sick name for a board company. (Continue >>) Photos: Dowdy
They got juiced and we started to run with our imaginations with it for like 2-3 hours. It was rad we came up with so many ideas that night. To this we accomplished probably 50 percent of those ideas. Its kinda crazy. Who created the Blood Wizard comic, is there any other story behind it? That same night us 3 came up with parts of that story. We got our friends Gus and Emile involved and we were looking for an artist. Gus was at a bar in Sacramento and ended up sitting next to Skinner. He chatted him up about it and he was into helping us. All 6 of us sat down at Skinners studio and conjured up the story together. There is a 2nd comic too that we all 6 met up again at Skinners and conjured that one too. Its hard though because these things take a lot of Skinners time. We do have a 3rd story that we have not released as of yet. Maybe with our 3rd video we can release it. Without getting too personal, how did you financially fund the company. What was the main tool to make it happen? Main tool? I guess (Justin) Visser and I are the main TOOLS... We both have day jobs to support our hobby/ habit. Im addicted to it. I work on it at nights and every weekend if I’m not putting in a 7 day electrical work week. But it breaks up the monotony of being an electrician. We make baby steps of progress and its exciting to see things happen we never thought possible. Its hard for it not to be personal I guess when you put so much of your free time into something. Continue reading on next page....
Frontside Rock N’ Roll. Photo: Shamanski
(Continued) It’s how our team is too. You will see Dezort going to get buck on some gnarly rail on his lunch break. Its fucking inspiring man. We are the working class skate company. Stimes I’m amazed at what we can do with limited budget and time. Was picking the team in the beginning tough? Did you ever have to step on other companies toes? Did it all go smooth? The team grew nice and organic. We didn’t want pros in the beginning. We purposely wanted to be a farm team to hopefully be a stepping stone to help dudes become recognized and maybe get picked up by a company who can pay them. But we have grown a little since then and yeah correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think we have stepped on any toes. We have a pretty solid crew at this point and because of our outlook from the beginning we did not need to try to take riders away from other sponsors. But, one day Chris Senn called me, and remember we wanted to be a a farm team, he says he had quit Element the day before, a paying company, and that he now wanted to ride for the Wizard. He said we had to make him a pro model. I begged him to call Element back because he had a paycheck and kids to feed and we didn’t do pro models and didn’t have money, but he was relentless. He said he didn’t care he just wanted to be part of something he was really stoked on. This went on for a day or two. I finally gave in, but technically he quit his other sponsor before calling me and I begged him to call them back and get back on. So no toes were being stepped on. Randomly, a week or two later, I got a call from Ben Krahn inquiring about the Wizard. He said the company he was on folded and he liked what we were doing. So Krahn and Senns boards came out at the same time. Now they are both about to get new graphics, that were drawn by Chris with graphic design work by Krahn, who just recently got a degree in graphic arts. How did Gregson get on the team, he’s the newest addition right? Chris was really persistent. First it was Jeff Henderson who sent over some footage and said that Chris wanted to ride for the Wizard. It was real sicK footy man. It wasnt for another couple months till I met him at a trade-show and gave him some boards. He kept sending in better and better footage and being more and more persistent. It seemed like everyone got along with him, so we put him on. He is a real get-er-done type of dude man. Hard worker and makes it look easy.
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I was in a bit of shock when hesaidaskehed woif ulhed pay could ride a Wizard board. He thanks, but no for them but I was like, “man way! shred with the Wizard.”
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regarding Keagen Sauder
Blood Wizard is a very grass roots skateboard company, it’s almost like a community of wizards. With that said, what was the key ingredient to spread the word about the wizard without having a huge advertising budget? Im not sure there is one way to spread the word, but it did help to have our community of wizards spread across northern Cali. It started in SF and went east to Grass Valley (goodtimes), and then to (Eternal) Reno. Then I think the facebook, manned by my partner Visser, really helps a lot. Now we got instagram too, which are both real good and free tools to help promote. Product placement is key too. I remember Visser one time at Chris Coles skater of the year party got on stage with him as he is accepting the award and put his BW coozie facing out at the crowd.
Backside Blaster. Burnside. Photo: Shamanski
(Continued) I think it was like dab smack in the middle of the frame and they used the photo in the print as a full page spread. Jeff King was repping our gear on Built to Shred, he is a wizard of stoke. Low Card has been a huge supporter of us as with Typical Culture. The Skateboard Mag and Thrasher have all been really supportive as well with the distributors and shops. We also promote it at the events we throw like the horseshoe tournaments we have or the chilibowl. Recently teaming up with Adidas and having a collab shoe had to be an awesome feeling. How did all that happen? Adidas was really supportive in doing a collab shoe with us and doing some marketing for us. I got a phone call one day from George Cutright, saying they wanted to do a collab. I was like fuck yeah lets do this, they are fans of Skinners and wanted to help small brands get noticed cause they liked what we are doing. It ended up being a really awesome experience and the shoe is really good to skate in. thanks again Adidas.
e he “I begged him to call Element back becaus ’t didn we had a paycheck and kids to feed and he do pro models and didn’t have money, but was relentless.”
Photo: Klein Not trying to jump to fast here, but Keegan Sauder had Blood Wizard flow as his sponsor at this years Tampa Pro. I don’t want to start any drama here, but that’s amazing. Is there more to come? Keegan and I went on some trips together like 10-12 years ago when we were both on Adrenalin. I love that kid. He was so much fun to travel with. He came to me a week or two before the Tampa contest and said he had quit Zero. At first I didnt believe him, but then wondered why he was telling me. I was in a bit of shock when he asked if he could ride a Wizard board. He said he would pay for them but I was like, “man thanks but no way shred with the Wizard”. He said he liked the brand a lot but its still too soon to ride for another company. He said for giving him the boards he would say he was on flow at Tampa. I thanked him and told him that would be awesome, both of us knowing there were no strings attatched. You see Zack, when you are as small as we are with little or no ad budget, even little things like that help with promotions. Thats one of the biggest contests of the year and to have our name even announced was worth giving him some boards. I do hope to see a Wizard board with Keegans name on it, but only time will tell. Thank you - Shout-out’s? Shout outs to you and the Hype Train and TC, all the Wizards, shops, distros, and mags that give us love. All the brands that have helped us through collabs and wearing and repping our stuff.
Less Technology, More Nature! r.i.p. poods
Truman Hooker, Tailslide to SW Crook back to regular. At a spot so many forgot about, For the people that can’t anymore! Make the best of your surroundings, do what feels good. Photo: Chris McDonald
this d ude: A lex Le golvan
Alex, Garibay and I took a road trip up to the Bay area for a couple weeks. We met up with Alex’s homie, Brett Nickols, who showed us around Oakland and brought us to some fun and unique spots. The roof bank was one of them. When we arrived, Alex was hyped right away. He’s a wallride magician and this was perfect for wallrides. There wasn’t much runway, the ground was made of shingles, and the wall at the bottom of the bank, was sure to stop you. By any means, this was not a perfect spot. Not only the physical aspects were making it hard, but there was also a strict ‘No Skateboarding” policy on the premises. While Alex was on the roof a man came out and told him to get down. There wasn’t really any way to stop him from skating, so Alex continued to skate. The guy was so frustrated that he decided to come stand in front of me while I was taking photos. Alex landed a couple nose wallrides, got off the roof and apologized. The guy calmed down, went back inside and we left. By; Chris McDonald
Q, Frontside Feeble. La Jolla. Photos: Austin Squire (All on this page)
Brian Gille, Switch Kickflip. Downtown.
Spencer Prati, Sighn Wallie. Downtown.
Colorado Mashing
//with chris russell - ben johnson - Trevor ward - truman Hooker - Keith Baldassa
Photos: Brandon Greer
Russell Mania, This Fs Transfer was no joke. Straight out of the van. Parker, Colorado.
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Trevor Ward, Backside flip. Denver
Doctor Ben, Invert Fakie at Roxbourgh, CO.
Ben with a Tailslide over the loveseat
Colorado Mashing
Truman, Making spots skate-able while on the road. Here’s a Frontside Five-0 while the hype train passes by right on time. Watch the video on www.TypicalCulture.com
Indy jar
Photo: Brandon Greer
KEITH BALDASSARE When I first met Keith he was annihilating the ramp in the back of Tum Yeto. Like he was straight fucking that shit up. Excuse my language, but it was raw. I began to see Keith around more and more, but I never got to get to know him as much as I did on our Colorado trip. Keith is honestly a soft-hearted kid with a lot of drive. Don’t get me wrong, the kid is fucking gnarly, I heard a lot of stories that I’d never imagine him doing, but they’re all in good fun. The kid is in it for the fun of it, anything and everything. Whether it’s an invert on a 13ft vert ramp, pimping Venice chicks, or a tag team on a fat chick with his homies. Haha, the kids got a good heart, good vibes, and good attitude. I back the needle - Trevor Ward
fs ollie
Photo: Adam Small
Skateboarding owes me nothing
Sometimes it’s good to reflect on how much we owe skateboarding, I should speak for myself, but I’m sure you’d agree with me. It’s good to just get out and push, have fun with your friends, and remember why you started to skate in the first place. It gives you love, discipline, pain, heartache, glory, and everything in-between. Which is probably why skateboarders are self motivated. Nobodys going to make you do anything, it’s entirely up to you. Get out there and stay stoked! Pictures: Inspiring souls
Mikey Gray, AKA @Mikeygizzle! Blasting a Ollie in front of BlockBuster. Yes there still are a few BlockBuster’s left, just like zines - they’re becoming more rare. Love it while you got it! Photo: Chris McDonald
James Truesdale, Poll-jam. Northpark. Photo: Chris McDonald
Chris Gregson, Fakie Stalefish Pop-in W.S.V.T. Photo: Zamarrippa
Colin Brophy, Backside Smith. Photo: Chris Swainston
Interview: Dowdy Photos: Chris McDonald
Always motivated and hyped to shred sleds is JJ Rice. I like how he approaches the whole skateboarding thing. He’s never bummed if something doesn’t work his way. He keeps that PMA shit on the real lock down. Nothing but smiles for hours and hours while pushing down the street. He’s not sucked into the vortex like a lot of us. Free spirited and humble. Next time you see him, stop and give him a high five. If he’s not smiling, I’ll give you five bucks.
Weekend Hype
Assuming since you’re from Santa Barbara you probably have been skating your whole life, is that right? Not really but it kind of feels that way sometimes, it’s just so engrained into my mind. But I started skating when I was 10 and I’m 20 now so more like half. Santa Barbara is definitely a good place to grow up skating, there’s a lot of good people and good history there.
Gap Tailslide 180 / PCH
Crook, La Jolla.
How did you land the job of being a “Skateboard Instructor”? Haha everyone always wants to know that one, but honestly I just got really lucky. I was searching for jobs on craigslist and I was ready to apply for just about anything when I saw the post looking for a Skate PE instructor. It was just one of those occasions where I was in the right place at the right time. I’m super hyped on it though, I don’t know how long I would have lasted delivering pizzas for dominoes or wherever the hell I would have ended up doing.
Bs Tailslide, Del Mar. Do you ever get frustrated with kids when they can’t step up to the bat and mash? It’s always frustrating when you see people not putting in their full effort but they usually do pretty good. They’ve definitely come a long way from the beginning of the year, especially this one kid Calvin. He’ll learn like 3 tricks in a day and still not be satisfied, its crazy. Its dope watching their progression though because you can tell which kids are actually going for it and which ones try and stay in their comfort zone. What are you currently going to school for? Right now I’m majoring in construction engineering but I have been thinking about changing it to geological engineering instead. Some kind of engineering haha Favorite Strain? Good ol’ fashion OG You always have spots in mind to skate, what’s the best technique to finding something fun to skate? I feel like the best technique for having fun is to not be worried about the particular spot or the trick, just keep an open mind and be ready to skate anything from a handrail to a slappy curb. (Flip jah page)
Bs Blunt Kickflip fakie. Home Ave
There are so many spots that it is ridiculous, people just get too set on having to go film at the exact same spots as everyone else. I just always try and think of areas where there are multiple spots so people can get creative rather than driving somewhere so one person can try one trick for three hours. Shout-out's? All of the SB Homies, Sammy Baptista, Team Stress, Memo Homies, Jersey Mike, Michael Furukawa, Skaken, Cameron, Nick Pimpin, and everyone else I cant think of right now
Bs Smith, South Park.
Kyle Berard, Gap up Frontside Five-0. Photo: David Ă–stlund
Little Chris, Right before death. Seen in the Hype Train video! Photo: Zamarripa
Christian Flores, Kickflip Fakie. Photo: Andy Ortega
Brandon Perelson, Fs Tailblock. Photo: Stas Yamnitskiy
100% D.I.Y. Skateboarding www.TypicalCulture.com