Looking back, I realize the many places I have traveled to and the people I have met because of skateboarding. I know so much more about the town I live it through exploring. I have posted a slideshow with a collection of some of the photographs that I have gathered.
I also think it's time to put together a small video with some of the footage I have been gathering.
PROMOS!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Criteria for Sklogs
I do not think that I could have chosen a better subject for my blog. Not only do skateboarding and media go hand in hand, but I also feel like this is a hot time right now for skateboarding blogs in particular. The culture of skateboarding is a cult of authenticity, meaning if you don't skateboard, skateboarders won't listen to you. Recognizing this criteria was easy for me because of skateboarding's "real recognize real" mentality, but could be more difficult to the untrained eye.
Characteristics that I searched for in my blog selection include: author/s that skateboard, aesthetically pleasing/media savy (meaning not a bland look, and offers plenty of videos and pictures to look at), some sense that the blog gives back in some way (like coverage of events, intellectual insight, tips, or insider information), and finally professionalism (keeping in mind that skateboarding professionals are a different breed).
Mostly Skateboarding is what's called a vlog. All of the posts contain an embedded video and little to no text that give some insight to the video. The blog is culturally rich; it contains videos from different areas as well as a diverse selection of music in the videos. Plus the skateboarding is epic.
haveboard.com is a diverse and busy blog/website with skateboarding news, coverage, videos, pictures, and features that are sure to never make you bored. They are also on Twitter.
Shake Junt...Ahhhh Shake Junt. At first glance, one might throw this one out the window, but why? The blog is hilarious, has phenomenal pictures and videos, and is run by skateboarding filmer "Beagle." Because of Beagle's insider status, the blog is a huge hit. Shake Junt is the name of their crew consisiting of most of the Baker and Deathwish skateboard teams, and they are all known for keeping it "G-Code." What's great about Shake Junt is they tell it like it is. This particular group of pro skateboarders push the limits of skateboarding and party like rock stars. Maybe that's why they are so good.
eS Footwear on Twitter - I decided to follow eS because they were one of the first skate companies to jump on the Twitter bandwagon, and it's paying off well for them. They have over 500 followers, daily updates, and links in every post.
Heyday Skateboarding is another great example of the clean-cut no BS type of blog. The site promotes skateboarding with videos, news, and photos - plain and simple. Bonus add ons include: a skate forum, trick tips, and featured articles.
Mike Vallely Dot Com - Mike V. has an interesting story here. If you click on the link, you are redirected to his band myspace, the reason behind this is several weeks ago, Mike made the announcement that the only networking site he would be using is MyBerrics.com, an interesting yet justifiable move. Mike V. is known for being a strong believer in skateboarding and I fully agree with his decision, because why should a skateboarder like himself complicate his life with a cluster of sites to check and update, when things can be kept simple and authentic. Way to keep it real Mike.
Currently TarFilms.com is underconstruction, but the website and blog is the brainchild of local professional wakeboarder, Gabe Lucas. Lucas lives on Lake Placid in Seguin, and is well known for not only his wakeboarding skills, but his wakeskating and skateboarding skills as well. Lucas always promotes local skateboarders and skate spots in his blog, along with some insight and philosophies on life that apply to board riding. Not a 100% skateboarding blog, but Lucas' efforts promoting the local scene have not gone unnoticed.
The Berrics - WOW comes to mind. Not a traditional blog. The Berrics had daily updates that offer a window into the skate dreamland of a warehouse that pro skateboarders Eric Koston and Steve Berra own. This website is hands down the best skateboarding website on the internet. It's new, fresh, creative, and always has a wide variety of skaters feature. See "Get and Edu-skation" post.
Crailtap is one of the oldest blog typle website in the skateboard industry. It's unique because of its multi-author format. The guys at crailtap know how to keep things entertaining with non-skateboarding features, jokes, a store, and the world famous "THE FIVES."
Finally, Epicly Later'd is a television style internet show that chronicles the lifestyles of professional skateboarders. Each show is rich in humor, skateboarding, and behind the scenes information that people like me just eat up. Watch one episode and you will be hooked. See "BROing my Mind."
This collection of skateboarding blogs, or sklogs, may not be the ultimate cream of the crop, but a glance at them will surely give you a good edu-skation.
Characteristics that I searched for in my blog selection include: author/s that skateboard, aesthetically pleasing/media savy (meaning not a bland look, and offers plenty of videos and pictures to look at), some sense that the blog gives back in some way (like coverage of events, intellectual insight, tips, or insider information), and finally professionalism (keeping in mind that skateboarding professionals are a different breed).
Mostly Skateboarding is what's called a vlog. All of the posts contain an embedded video and little to no text that give some insight to the video. The blog is culturally rich; it contains videos from different areas as well as a diverse selection of music in the videos. Plus the skateboarding is epic.
haveboard.com is a diverse and busy blog/website with skateboarding news, coverage, videos, pictures, and features that are sure to never make you bored. They are also on Twitter.
Shake Junt...Ahhhh Shake Junt. At first glance, one might throw this one out the window, but why? The blog is hilarious, has phenomenal pictures and videos, and is run by skateboarding filmer "Beagle." Because of Beagle's insider status, the blog is a huge hit. Shake Junt is the name of their crew consisiting of most of the Baker and Deathwish skateboard teams, and they are all known for keeping it "G-Code." What's great about Shake Junt is they tell it like it is. This particular group of pro skateboarders push the limits of skateboarding and party like rock stars. Maybe that's why they are so good.
eS Footwear on Twitter - I decided to follow eS because they were one of the first skate companies to jump on the Twitter bandwagon, and it's paying off well for them. They have over 500 followers, daily updates, and links in every post.
Heyday Skateboarding is another great example of the clean-cut no BS type of blog. The site promotes skateboarding with videos, news, and photos - plain and simple. Bonus add ons include: a skate forum, trick tips, and featured articles.
Mike Vallely Dot Com - Mike V. has an interesting story here. If you click on the link, you are redirected to his band myspace, the reason behind this is several weeks ago, Mike made the announcement that the only networking site he would be using is MyBerrics.com, an interesting yet justifiable move. Mike V. is known for being a strong believer in skateboarding and I fully agree with his decision, because why should a skateboarder like himself complicate his life with a cluster of sites to check and update, when things can be kept simple and authentic. Way to keep it real Mike.
Currently TarFilms.com is underconstruction, but the website and blog is the brainchild of local professional wakeboarder, Gabe Lucas. Lucas lives on Lake Placid in Seguin, and is well known for not only his wakeboarding skills, but his wakeskating and skateboarding skills as well. Lucas always promotes local skateboarders and skate spots in his blog, along with some insight and philosophies on life that apply to board riding. Not a 100% skateboarding blog, but Lucas' efforts promoting the local scene have not gone unnoticed.
The Berrics - WOW comes to mind. Not a traditional blog. The Berrics had daily updates that offer a window into the skate dreamland of a warehouse that pro skateboarders Eric Koston and Steve Berra own. This website is hands down the best skateboarding website on the internet. It's new, fresh, creative, and always has a wide variety of skaters feature. See "Get and Edu-skation" post.
Crailtap is one of the oldest blog typle website in the skateboard industry. It's unique because of its multi-author format. The guys at crailtap know how to keep things entertaining with non-skateboarding features, jokes, a store, and the world famous "THE FIVES."
Finally, Epicly Later'd is a television style internet show that chronicles the lifestyles of professional skateboarders. Each show is rich in humor, skateboarding, and behind the scenes information that people like me just eat up. Watch one episode and you will be hooked. See "BROing my Mind."
This collection of skateboarding blogs, or sklogs, may not be the ultimate cream of the crop, but a glance at them will surely give you a good edu-skation.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Is That Your Final Answer?
Hey! This guy and I have a lot in common! He even had to make this slideshow for a class project.
Speaking of slideshows...This Lakai slideshow chronicles some of the behind the scenes action from 2008's video of the year, Fully Flaired.
Speaking of slideshows...This Lakai slideshow chronicles some of the behind the scenes action from 2008's video of the year, Fully Flaired.
This is an example of one thing that I love about skateboarding: universal application. Skateboarding affects my life in so many ways and can be applied to pretty much anything. Need an idea for a school project? A Hobby? Something to do? Science, art, history, mathematics, culture...I could go on. My answer is skateboarding.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Daily Inspiration
Think skateboarding has gone stagnant? Watch William Spencer from Denver and decide for your self.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Harnessing Your Qi
I recently came across this clip of Lizard King. The dude rips, and is still so nonchalant about everything. The Transworld cover was well deserved.
Some days when you're skateboarding, you just feel it. Maybe its like Luke Skywalker and the force or something, but there will always be that one day when you just feel good, and your good feelings translate to how well you skate. One of my all time favorite skate clips would have to be "The Chain" with Tom Penny. Rob Dyrdek said it best with, "No matter what you do, it will just never compare to the one man destruction session that he just put down and blessed skateboarding with."
Some days when you're skateboarding, you just feel it. Maybe its like Luke Skywalker and the force or something, but there will always be that one day when you just feel good, and your good feelings translate to how well you skate. One of my all time favorite skate clips would have to be "The Chain" with Tom Penny. Rob Dyrdek said it best with, "No matter what you do, it will just never compare to the one man destruction session that he just put down and blessed skateboarding with."
Rukus Grand Opening
There is a new skateboard shop in San Marcos, and RUKUS be thy name. This past weekend some friends and I checked out the grand opening and after party. The shop is legit, and is run by my buddy and local wakeskate legend Stefan Schriewer. The shenanigans continued at the ONE 41 Bar on the square in San Marcos where Corpus Christi Rapper Johnny Moog dealt out some hard hitting beats and dope lyrics. My friend Sam and I were even in some event photos by the man behind the Vendetta lens, BOK.
Towns like San Marcos need shops like Rukus to cater to all the local skateboarders. Skateboarders selling skateboards to skateboarders is the way to go. Good luck dudes.
Towns like San Marcos need shops like Rukus to cater to all the local skateboarders. Skateboarders selling skateboards to skateboarders is the way to go. Good luck dudes.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
It's BROing Down in New Braunfels
Congradu-skations to New Braunfels for taking their skatepark to the next level.
The current not-so-hot skatepark is being upgraded with the new JAWS skatepark, which is currently under construction, and is set to be finished before summer. As a skateboarder, news like this not only excites me but tells me that there is still hope. In the middle of our economic crisis, the city of New Braunfels still recognizes the positive energy and determination that skateboarders have by donating funds and promoting the activity. Could this be a sign of the times? In ten years will municipalities build more skateparks instead of little league fields and tennis courts?
This got me thinking about my town, Seguin. I think back a few years ago when we got our first skatepark which is now defunct and in shambles. I wish the city did things differently and helped out a little more. Currently, there is some land set aside for new Parks and Recreations developments off Vaughn Street. I am working on getting in contact with someone to suggest an alternative idea that could be more fitting and realistic budget-wise. Pro skater Rob Dyrdek started the idea of a "Safe Spot Skate Spot," which is basically a mini skatepark that has only 4-5 elements, and is much smaller. If Seguin got on board with an idea like this, the city's image would appear more hip and with the times.
Happy Skateboarding.
The current not-so-hot skatepark is being upgraded with the new JAWS skatepark, which is currently under construction, and is set to be finished before summer. As a skateboarder, news like this not only excites me but tells me that there is still hope. In the middle of our economic crisis, the city of New Braunfels still recognizes the positive energy and determination that skateboarders have by donating funds and promoting the activity. Could this be a sign of the times? In ten years will municipalities build more skateparks instead of little league fields and tennis courts?This got me thinking about my town, Seguin. I think back a few years ago when we got our first skatepark which is now defunct and in shambles. I wish the city did things differently and helped out a little more. Currently, there is some land set aside for new Parks and Recreations developments off Vaughn Street. I am working on getting in contact with someone to suggest an alternative idea that could be more fitting and realistic budget-wise. Pro skater Rob Dyrdek started the idea of a "Safe Spot Skate Spot," which is basically a mini skatepark that has only 4-5 elements, and is much smaller. If Seguin got on board with an idea like this, the city's image would appear more hip and with the times.
Happy Skateboarding.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Get an Edu-skation
A skateboarding internet revolution is taking place. Pro skateboarders Steve Berra and Eric Koston have changed the way we look at skateboarding on the internet. With daily video updates, hundreds of archived videos, and the hilarious antics of Reda, Donovan, and all the pro skateboarders who roll though, the berrics reign has begun. My eyes are glued to the screen as I anticipate the next Butteryass Monday or First Try Friday. The games of S-K-A-T-E are basically amazing to watch simply because of the raw talent and consistency that all of the guys showcase. Head on over to the Berrics and make a profile page as well. Drop me a line.
Shred the gnar.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
BROing My Mind
Neckface is a rad dude. He is an anonymous artist who skateboards and from the looks of it, does pretty much whatever he wants. He basically is the perfect skate-artist because of his rebellious nature, authority defying activities, and care-free approach that go hand in hand with skateboarding.
Elsewhere, my roommate DANNY scored a killer vintage skateboard at a antique shop here in the 830. My guess is it's from the early 1960s. Its killer.
Finally, I recently made my maiden voyage to the skateboard mecca that is California. Highlights include: the Wedge, Laguna Beach, Hunington, Venice, Newport, and more shenanigans than you can shake a stick at.
Happy skateboarding!
Elsewhere, my roommate DANNY scored a killer vintage skateboard at a antique shop here in the 830. My guess is it's from the early 1960s. Its killer.
Finally, I recently made my maiden voyage to the skateboard mecca that is California. Highlights include: the Wedge, Laguna Beach, Hunington, Venice, Newport, and more shenanigans than you can shake a stick at.
Happy skateboarding!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Upping the Ante. Literally.
Ladies and gentlemen, the bar has officially been raised. One would think that with so many amazing skaters and so many skate spots, that virtually every aspect of skateboarding has been covered. Leo Romero, however showcases a prime example of why skateboarding skill levels will never plateau. Skateboarders are hungry. Bring it on.
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