CREATIVE LINES AND LOUD GRINDS – LEON C. IS MAKING MAGIC IN THE MIDWEST
Also, there are certain skaters – Dorfus, Red, Jodi McDonald – that get you saying “I can’t believe it’s not butter” when you see them lock into ripping loud, satisfying, meaty grinds, and Leon is among them. They skate with a unique and powerful energy while radiating good vibes; a session with them makes you skate better. Take Leon’s lead and leave your mark in that pool coping.
Forward Living DIY’s “Do It With Friends”
Something special has been brewing in Madison Wisconsin for the past five years, and we’re not talking about beer (that’s Milwaukee). You may have caught glimpses on instagram via Marbie and Leon and other IG feeds, but Preston Moses Clopton recently gifted the world with a beautiful video collage of this unique Midwestern skate community and the “Forward Living” DIY skatepark.
NEW SUSTAINABLE SWAG, SAME SPICY ATTITUDE!!
These upcycled, hand dyed and printed T-shirts are our new recipe for success. And since success here is measured by our ability to express our individuality, we are “Charlie Sheen” winning. Also, because yellow and navy are the main colors in our palate, these shirts really scream BIGOOT!!!
RIP IN PEACE JOE HAMMEKE
I always felt pretty intimidated shooting photos at big skate contests. One time, in Lincoln City at the Trifecta, my flash wasn’t firing. He busted out four fresh AAs from his photo bag and handed them to me, without a second thought. The kind gesture of support has never left my mind.
AMBER GEDMAN SENDS IT
Amber Gedman’s here trying to tell me that her signature trick is a nose grind front shuv, but after watching her manual an entire block of N. 3rd Street outside KCDC Skateshop in Brooklyn back in 2019 I’m calling her out on that. Either way, Amber’s a versatile skater who’s been ripping under the radar for years. And that fact cannot be disputed.
KRISTIN EBELING TAKES TM JOB AT KRUX
KRUX Brand Manager Alex White just wrapped up the work week with a major email mic drop, announcing she has hired Kristin Ebeling as Team Manager. Alex has been on the grind over at NHS for the last year, building the KRUX team into one of the most diverse, talented groups in skateboarding. With the addition of KEBS, there is no doubt KRUX is the cream that will continue rising to the top.
Poppy & Una’s “Dear Diary”
After being unhappily separated on other sides of the world for 9 months of COVID, Poppy and Una reunited just in time for a beautiful Australian summer. And they’ve really been making the most of it, as you can see in their new video series Dear Diary on their brand new youtube channel.
Thrasher Drops Nuclear Bomb with Maité’s “FROM BROSKI TO PROSKI”
Really makes you want to kick it at the spot with a 6’r and organize some boned-out party lines. Maité went “Proski” for Evan Smith’s new company Uma Landsleds, earlier this year, but you get the sure feeling that she’ll never stop being a super rad “Broski” too. Viva Maité!
Beauty Meets Boardslides; Simply the Ariana Bessa
Skateboarding is no longer limited to those who like or dislike a good rouge. Go ahead, ride Foundation while wearing it. Treat things labeled as “masculine” and “feminine” like your personal grab bag- just pick and choose. Just do you!
Jen Smith is Holding it Down at Soul Grind Skate Shop in SD
Pablo Smith opened up Soul Grind in San Diego’s Pacific Beach 28 years ago. And if his daughter, professional surfer Jen Smith has anything to say about it, Soul Grind will be slangin’ boards for another 28.
