by ken on February 22, 2009
If you thought your skateboard set cost you a fortune, this should make you scratch your head and wonder, “Can a skateboard possibly sell at US$ 8,250 a set?”! French luxury designer Louis Vuitton (LV) does.
Crazy and outrageous as it sounds, the world renowned luxury designer is indeed selling limited edition Stephen Sprouse graffiti skateboards together with a hard case skateboard trunk. Now that sure sounds classy huh? – What’s a hard case trunk?
Is Louis Vuitton possibly trying to take skateboards to a different level?! Not at all. And thankfully so if may add. The designer is only doing what he thinks is best in resembling the great and the late graffiti icon of the 80’s, Stephen Sprouse. That’s right. It is in honor of an artist.
So, if anyone of you out there has enough cash to dish out on one of these limited edition skateboards, you might as well go to Louis Vuitton’s store at Greene Street, New York riding a stretch hummer limo. If things can get more luxurious than that, then I apologize for my knowledge of luxury only limits my imagination to such a ride.
It should also be good to know that the proceeds of the world’s most expensive skateboard sets go beyond the pockets of the already very rich designer. The sales go to the Free Arts NYC charity. The institution provides free arts programs to the underprivileged children of New York City.
Source:
http://hypebeast.com/2009/01/louis-vuitton-to-celebrate-the-launch-of-the-stephen-sprouse-collection/
by ken on February 22, 2009
Where else is the best place to skateboard than EVERYWHERE? That’s right. Wherever you may be physically located, with a dose of imagination, you can definitely skate there.
Long gone are the days when skateboarders are constricted to skateparts or vertical ramps (vert). This is even more evident these days as the trend of street skating on unpaved surfaces are getting more attention from everyone – enthusiasts and pros alike.
Technically, street skateboarding is said to be the act of riding your skateboards in a paved surface commonly on malls, public schools and parks. It started with relatively easy tricks like acid drops and simple ollies. Those were way back in the 80’s.
During the 90’s, when freestyle skateboarding was nearly dead, freestyle champion Rodney Mullen joined in the street skating craze. Naturally, given his inhuman freestyle form, street skating’s progress grew even faster. Since then, skateboarders applied freestyle tricks on normal street skating obstacles. Those were the days we started seeing kickflip-to-railslides and many other technical variations rolled into one trick.
And as the years passed, street skateboarding has evolved into a lot more as its popularity steadily rose. Rails, street obstacles in any form, stairs, just about anything you could see on the street have become regulars in street skateboarding tricks.
To date, street skateboarding can be considered the mainstream of skateboarding itself. And by merely imagining all the things that you could come-up on the street, it is clear why.
by ken on February 22, 2009
Philanthropy in any form is the noblest thing any man can do in his lifetime. Eric Koston himself is giving his share in his own little way. In this case, he collaborated with Girl Skateboards to create a limited edition, (RED) skateboard deck.
Eric Koston’s signature boards are the first set that Andy Jenkins, Art Direct of Girl Skateboards, designed himself for (RED). The original design has been placed on 2 skateboard decks. These decks when place side by side, will complete the form of Girl Skateboards’ logo and that of the so-called (RED) embrace.
Eric Koston is best known for nollie and switch technical skills. He is also one of the few pro skateboarders who have won gold in various major street skateboarding competitions including the 2002 Gravity Games, and various X games street skateboarding events.
On the other hand, (RED) is an organization that aims to raise more than just money but also awareness in the current situation of AIDS in Africa. The organization collaborates with the world’s major brand names in order to produce products under the (RED) brand. Some of the proceeds of such products will go to the Global Fund. The latter will then use the funds to invest in various AIDS programs in Africa.
Please join me in handing out kudos to Eric Koston and Girl Skateboards for such philanthropic efforts.
You can see this skateboard at
http://www.joinred.com/Shop/SpecialEdition/GirlSkateboard.aspx
by ken on February 18, 2009
The Dreaded Sign
by ken on February 17, 2009
After leaving Ethnies, the bowl-king and currently the title holder of the 2008 X Games Superpark, Rune Glifberg joins the likes of Raymond Molinar, Anthony Pappalardo, Ethan Fowler, Nick Trapasso and Sammy Baca who are comfortably at home with the Converse Skateboarding team.
The Converse Skateboarding team could have not picked a more familiar face – skills and respect from peers aside – than Rune Glifberg. He is considered one of the industry’s most versatile skateboarder. Not to mention Rune is considered the best skateboarder when it comes to bowl and pool parks. For sure, Converse is definitely happy with their latest catch.
With Rune’s ever consistent and near-dominant track record on all the competitions he joins, even at the age of 34, Converse Skateboarding can be assured of a solid performance from Rune in the years to come. This deal will definitely be a two-way street.
At the moment, Rune’s schedule is as always, packed. Most of his time is spent touring for the different competitions he joins. Add the filming of Flip Skateboard’s upcoming “Extremely Sorry” video, and you will least likely be seeing this man skating in his hometown.
Rune’s other sponsors include established names such as: Flip Skateboards (he is also part owner), Oakley Eyewear, Independent Trucks, Rockstar Energy Drink, Volcom Clothing, Skullcandy, Utility Boardshop and Ricta Wheels.
by ken on February 17, 2009
Some might find it silly however, it sure looks worth the effort to build our favorite ride big enough for King Kong himself! Others might do it just to be on the Guinness Book of World Records, most just do it for fun. I can just imagine how awesome it would feel for you, your friend, your friend’s friend, and anybody else you come across the street to ride a single out of this world size skateboard.
If the record books are up-to-date, the world’s largest skateboard has been built by a team of students (geeky as it may sound) from Jerry Havill’s Team Problem Solving course at Bay de Noc Community College, Michigan, USA. Their skateboard measured an overwhelming 31 feet and half an inch (9.4m) long, 8 feet (2.4m) wide, and 3.9 feet (1.19m) high. It officially took its place on the record books on the 17th of August, 2007.
The team’s skateboard broke the first record set by Todd Swank of San Diego on 1996. Swank’s skateboard was 10 feet long, 4 feet wide and 3 feed high. It weighed 500 pounds so you can imagine how much the current record holder weighs.
You can see pictures of this cool skateboard here
Don’t need a skateboard that big? Try a Longboard
by ken on February 11, 2009
by ken on February 10, 2009
By John Pauls
Buying a skateboard can be expensive, especially if you want it to be customized. There is a much less expensive alternative though that you can take pride in. It is easier than you might think to be able to build your own skateboard. This way you don’t have to take what is offered out there. You can have the best of all the options for the type of skating you want to be a part of.
The first think you need to think about when you build your own skateboard is what size you want the deck to be. If you are a beginner to skateboarding or a larger size then you should go with a wider size of deck. If you want to be able to do tons of tricks with ease then a smaller deck size can help you to be successful. The width of your feet should also be taken into consideration. The wider they are, the wider deck you will need to be able to skateboard comfortably.
You can choose to paint the deck a solid color or you can add graphics to it. Stencils will allow you to easily put flames, a skull, or any other design on it you want. Make sure you use high quality paint that will last. You also want to put a clear coat over the top of it to protect it. You don’t want your graphics to get messed up due to normal wear and tear that occurs when you use your skateboard.
It may amaze you to discover all of the different types of wheels you can choose from when you build your own skateboard. You will find that the colors of them are plentiful as well. The hardness of them is another aspect you want to consider before you purchase them. This is referred to as that durometer and the most common hardness used is the 99a. You should be looking for wheels with a diameter from 52mm to 55 mm. Of course you may want to use something more unique in order to accomplish the skateboard you have in mind.
The larger size of wheels you choose, the faster your skateboard is going to move. If you are looking for speed then that is something to keep in mind. If your main use of the skateboard though will be to do tricks, then smaller sized wheels are going to be more beneficial to you. Keep the terrain that you will be skating on in mind though too while selecting wheels. You are likely going to want something that is very versatile.
To hold the wheels in place, you will need bearings as well. You need to buy good quality bearings as this is one part of your skateboard that will wear out rapidly if you don’t. There are different grades of bearings so take the time to find the ones that are right for you. They are going to be either 1,3,5,7,or 9. Generally you will want to use either a 3 or a 5 when you build your own skateboard.
The trucks will need to be placed underneath your deck as this is the axle system for any skateboard. You need to make sure that the width of them is a good match with the deck you have selected. Pay close attention to the overall height of them as well. The lower it is the easier you will be able to perform tricks and flips so they are a good match with small wheels. When you go with larger sized wheels you will also need to use a higher trunk.
It is very simple to build your own skateboard, even for a beginner. Make sure you use only quality parts though so it will be durable. You want to put all the pieces together correctly as well to prevent accidents from occurring. There are step by step instructions and well as videos found online to help you. With some basic skills and basic tools you will be able to make a great skateboard for a very low price.
Skateboarding is a popular sport in the world. You can see many people especially young people ride skateboards at street. You may not only be attracted by their skills but also the outlook of their skateboard decks. Many skateboarding players show their personal styles through their skateboards with cool patterns. SkateboardPro.com is an online skateboards and accessories supplier provides you many brands of complete skateboards and accessories.
by ken on February 10, 2009
by ken on February 10, 2009
By Jack M Patterson
A lot of people have ventured to create their own skateparks in their backyards. Unfortunately, these are not always tested for safety and will eventually rot from the weather over time. They are also not easy to build nor are they cheap to build, as all of that lumber and hard labor adds up in time and money. Plus, they are so large and heavy; you’ve pretty much committed your entire yard to the skatepark once it’s completed.
However, with portable skate ramps, you are able to create the same skatepark or even a better skatepark. This because portable skate ramps have not only been tested for safety, but they are created from 10 gauge steel that will not rot in the rain over time, nor do they swell causing dangerous bumps and irregularities. When you’re done practicing, you can easily fold up the portable skate ramps and place them in your garage, storage shed or just out of the way. This way you don’t have to commit your whole backyard to a lumber field of homemade skate equipment.
Another benefit to portable skate ramps is that you can combine several pieces to create your own skatepark layout. You can create your own layout or you can purchase a custom designed skatepark layout for your home, community park or event. Those designs that you purchase are available in 3D so that you know exactly which pieces of equipment go where and the order that the layout is designed to be completed in. If you are in need of a custom design, there are even experts available to assist you in creating custom skatepark layout for use with your portable skate ramps.
Freshpark.com features a full line-up of safe, weatherproof and affordable portable skate ramps. Why pay a fortune on something you have to build yourself when you can make one investment that will not only be more reliable, but also easy to store and transport?
FreshPark introduces a new, affordable and easily portable portable skate ramps that any skateboarder would love to have. For more information, visit FreshPark.com or call 800-490-2709.
Visit our store for more great Skateboard ramps to make your own skate park.
