Skateboarding

Doing Stupid Stuff on Skateboards to Impress Girls
<p><a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/1/i/lucas-lee.jpg"><img class="alignright" style="border: 3px solid white;" title="Lucas Lee, from Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, from Geekshow.us" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/1/i/lucas-lee.jpg" alt="Lucas Lee, from Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, from Geekshow.us" width="157" height="170" /></a>Have you seen Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World yet? I loved it. It's very ... different! And a lot of fun!</p> <p>Here's a conversation from the movie that Scott has with one of the evil X's that he has to defeat - the guy's name is Lucas Lee, and he's a professional skateboarder who became a huge action movie star.  Like Jason Lee in real life ... only instead of being in chipmunk movies, Lucas Lee is in hardcore action films. Well, ridiculous hardcore action films!</p> <p>In the movie, Scott Pilgrim and Lucas Lee have this conversation during their fight:</p> <ul> <li>Pilgrim - "Can you do a... thingy... on that rail over there?" </li> <li>Lee - "Its called a grind, bro." </li> <li>Pilgrim - "Can you do a grindy... thingy... on that rail?" </li> <li>Lee points out that the rail is garbage, and like a million feet long, but then Pilgrim says, "There are girls watching..."</li> </ul> <p>And that's all it took to get him to try it! It's a very funny scene, because it's sorta real, in a ridiculous kinda way.  Have you ever been the victim of "Kodak Courage"? Have you ever done something that you KNEW would likely get you hurt, just because a hottie was watching?</p> <p>Of course you have! And if you haven't yet, you will. I still, as an adult, do really stupid stuff just because a girl is there! Does this same thing happen to girls? I know it does to us guys ... and not just in skateboarding! But skateboarding is one of the worst, because being distracted by a skirt while at the same time trying to push myself to do something difficult usually adds up perfectly to equal stupid!</p> <p>Not that that'll ever stop me. I'm just sayin!</p> <p>What about you guys? Do you have any stories? Share them here! And if a girl or two would like to weigh in and say something, that would be great! And if you guys have any great stories about getting hurt, you can post them here or also over on the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/u/ua/skateboardinglifestyle/Skateboarding_Injuries_Stories.htm">Worst Skateboarding Injuries</a> page.</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/09/02/doing-stupid-stuff-on-skateboards-to-impress-girls.htm">Doing Stupid Stuff on Skateboards to Impress Girls</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 16:19:24.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/09/02/doing-stupid-stuff-on-skateboards-to-impress-girls.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/09/02/doing-stupid-stuff-on-skateboards-to-impress-girls.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/09/02/doing-stupid-stuff-on-skateboards-to-impress-girls.htm&zItl=Doing Stupid Stuff on Skateboards to Impress Girls">Email this</a></p>

Street League is a Hit; Huston Takes First Stop
<p><img style="float: left; border: 3px solid white;" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/m/h/Street-League-Skateboarding.jpg" alt="Street League" width="170" height="31" />A little while back, I told you guys about Rob Dyrdek's new contest tour, called the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/06/dyrdeks-street-league-is-a-new-vision-for-skateboarding-contests.htm">Street League DC Pro</a>. Sound familiar? It's a series of thee competitions, and all about professional street skateboarding.</p> <p>And they're giving out $1.2 million in prize money. That's 1.2 MILLION. That's the most that any skate competition has ever given out - more than the Dew Tour, X Games, or even the Money Cup!</p> <p>Well, the first stop was this last weekend in Phoenix, Arizona. 6500 people came and watched none other than Nyjah Huston gap out to kick flip frontside board slide his way to first! "It felt so good to finally win," said the fifteen-year-old pro skater. "The format was great. It really brought out the best skateboarding."</p> <p>"Saturday was simply a dream come true for me," said Dyrdek. He's been working for the last 6 years to bring Street League to life. "Beyond anything it was the best skateboarding I have ever witnessed in my life."</p> <p>You can watch Saturday's action on ESPN2 on Wednesday, <strong>September 15th at 8PM ET</strong>. The Street League Tour now moves to stop number two at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. on <strong>Sept. 11</strong>. Detailed results and ticket information are available at <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.streetleague.com">www.streetleague.com</a>.<p> What do you think of this new pro street series? Did you see it? Do you think it's a good idea? Leave a comment below!<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/30/street-league-is-a-hit-huston-takes-first-stop.htm">Street League is a Hit; Huston Takes First Stop</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 17:54:40.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/30/street-league-is-a-hit-huston-takes-first-stop.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/30/street-league-is-a-hit-huston-takes-first-stop.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/30/street-league-is-a-hit-huston-takes-first-stop.htm&zItl=Street League is a Hit; Huston Takes First Stop">Email this</a></p>

Do NOT Buy These "Back to School" Skateboard Sets!
<p><a href="http://skateboard.about.com/od/skateboardingfaq/f/FAQCheapBoards.htm"><img style="float: right; border: 3px solid white;" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/0/i/Kryptonics_Skateboard_Headphones_Set.JPG" alt="Kryptonics Headphones Skateboard Set" height="170" /></a>It's back to school season, which means that companies who make cheap garbage disguised as skateboards come out to play. I got an e-mail encouraging me to tell you to buy some new back-to-school skateboard packages, but they are all dangerous horrific death traps, so I figured I should post for you to NOT buy them, to save you money and injury. They are these Kryptonics combo sets:</p> <ul> <li>The Rocker Combo: Skateboard and a helmet; $39.99 exclusively at Sears </li> <li>The Shredder Combo: Skateboard, helmet and pads; $49.99 at Toys R' Us </li> <li>The Sound Series Combo; Skateboard and headphones; $39.99 exclusively at Kmart </li> <li>Skateboard and Bag Combo: Skateboard and shoulder bag; $19.99 exclusively at Walmart</li> </ul> <p><strong>DO NOT BUY THESE</strong>. Please! I know they are cheap, and that might tempt you, but if you love yourself or your children, you will RESIST! These are all Bravo Sports skateboards, and everything Bravo makes should be avoided like the plague. They don't care about skateboarding, they don't care about you or your kids, they just want to make a quick buck. They also don't care that once you buy one of these boards for your kid, he will have such a terrible time trying to ride it that he will give up skateboarding. They don't care, because they made their quick cash off of you, and they can move on to ruin something else.</p> <p>And while we're talking about it, just don't buy anything to do with skateboarding from places like Walmart, Kmart, Toys R' Us or Sears. Good gravy, folks - those are NOT places to get good quality athletic gear of ANY kind. Love your children and yourself, and go to a skate shop to get a skateboard.</p> <p>On a side note, when did Kryptonics sell out and start making garbage? About the same time as Tony Hawk sold his name for pocket change, too. And what's Darkstar doing putting their stickers in these packs?! It's ugly out there, folks. Skate smart.</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/do-not-buy-these-back-to-school-skateboard-sets.htm">Do NOT Buy These "Back to School" Skateboard Sets!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 18:10:18.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/do-not-buy-these-back-to-school-skateboard-sets.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/do-not-buy-these-back-to-school-skateboard-sets.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/do-not-buy-these-back-to-school-skateboard-sets.htm&zItl=Do NOT Buy These "Back to School" Skateboard Sets!">Email this</a></p>

Huge Amature Contest in Texas - Skate It Up 2010
<p>This is a series of street skateboard contest where the top 3 winners of each preliminary event are entered into the finals <strong>Oct 3rd 2010</strong>; here are a few details.The war begins <strong>Aug 28th 2010</strong> in downtown <strong>Houston, TX</strong> @ <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/lee-joepark.html">Lee & Joe Jamail Skate Park</a>. Reliance skater Elijah Moore along with several local pros will be on hand to kick it off. Each preliminary event will be held at different parks throughout the city. The Finals are held @ SouthSide Skate Park. Christian Hosoi, Brian Sumner & other pros will be on hand to judge the finals. This contest is free to enter and watch you'd better get there fast a limited number of spots for skaters will be available at each location. Grand prize for 12 under, 13-15, 16-18 is a trip to Camp Woodward! Open div will be cash and prizes. Top three skaters in each division and each event will win prizes.  Check out <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.truthriders.org ">Truthriders.com</a> for more details.</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/huge-amature-contest-in-texas-skate-it-up-2010.htm">Huge Amature Contest in Texas - Skate It Up 2010</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 16:13:29.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/huge-amature-contest-in-texas-skate-it-up-2010.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/huge-amature-contest-in-texas-skate-it-up-2010.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/25/huge-amature-contest-in-texas-skate-it-up-2010.htm&zItl=Huge Amature Contest in Texas - Skate It Up 2010">Email this</a></p>

Skateboarding Academy Awards Honor the Best Films and Videos
<p><a href="http://www.TheLASkateFilmFestival.com"><img style="float: right; border: 3px solid white;" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/-/i/LASFF_official_selection.jpg" alt="LASFF" width="170" /></a>The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.TheLASkateFilmFestival.com">LA Skate Film Festival</a> is a new project designed to honor the best in skateboard filming. The Academy of Skateboard Filmmakers looked at around 100 videos coming from 19 countries, and came up with the nominees for this first time event. Are you curious about who's been nominated? Of course you are! Here's the list:</p> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST US FILM: <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>Hallelujah, directed by Jon Holland and Chris Ray </li> <li>Extremely Sorry, directed by Geoff Rowley, Jeremy Fox and Ian Deacon </li> <li>Wood, directed by Colin Kennedy</li> </ul> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM: <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>Plank, directed by Billy Pols (The Netherlands) </li> <li>The Gypsea Tour, directed by Chassignole "Junior" Vincent (France) </li> <li>Riding the White Long Cloud, directed by Alex Craig (New Zealand)</li> </ul> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST EMERGING FILMMAKER: <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>Corridor of Shame, directed by John Danielson (USA) </li> <li>19 Years Young, directed by Jack Mansfield (USA) </li> <li>Symmetry, directed by Dayman Cash (USA)</li> </ul> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST INDEPENDENT FILM: <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>Machotaildrop, directed by Corey Adams & Alex Craig (Canada) </li> <li>Wizard Smoke, directed by Liam Mitchell (Canada) </li> <li>Fresno, directed by Stephen Payne (USA)</li> </ul> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST COMMERCIAL <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>Nestle Aero, directed by Ty Evans (USA) </li> <li>La Tabla Skaters, directed by Lucas Tripodi (Chile) </li> <li>Woodward commercial (USA)</li> </ul> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST SKATE SHOP VIDEO <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>The Dango is Dead, directed by Joe Perrin (USA) </li> <li>Spot On, directed by Phil Gushue (USA) </li> <li>ZVD, directed by Mike Marasco, Jesus Grajeda and Ian Edwards (USA)</li> </ul> <ul> OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY <p><br class="spacer_" /></p> <li>Skateistan: To Live and Skate Kabul, directed by Orlando Von Einsiedel (UK) </li> <li>10,000 Kilometers, directed by Patrik Wallner (Hungary) </li> <li>Deathbowl to Downtown, directed by Coan Nichols and Rick Charnoski (USA) </li> </ul> <p>It's funny how I bristle at seeing the word "official" attached to anything skateboarding! I immediately want to buck against it. Weird.</p> <p>Anyway, these nominees will be screened at the Downtown Independent Theater (251 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012) on <strong>August 31st and September 1st, 2010</strong>. Check the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.thelaskatefilmfestival.com/screenings/">screening schedule</a> for details.</p> On a side note, they will also be having panel discussions on 3d & Visual Effects Integration in Skateboard film making. This event is open to the media, Brands/ Companies, Filmmakers, film students, etc... not open to the general public.<p> <p>Do you have any opinions about these videos? Which ones do you think should win? Post your comments below! DO IT!</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/24/skateboarding-academy-awards-honor-the-best-films-and-videos.htm">Skateboarding Academy Awards Honor the Best Films and Videos</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 16:30:12.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/24/skateboarding-academy-awards-honor-the-best-films-and-videos.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/24/skateboarding-academy-awards-honor-the-best-films-and-videos.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/24/skateboarding-academy-awards-honor-the-best-films-and-videos.htm&zItl=Skateboarding Academy Awards Honor the Best Films and Videos">Email this</a></p>

Bedazzle Your Griptape with Art On Grip
<p><img style="float: left; border: 3px solid white;" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/z/h/Artondeck_ninja.jpg" alt="Art on Deck" height="170" />Have you ever cut shapes and patterns into your griptape before you applied it to your board? Once I used the poorman's version of that, where you cut the grip in half and then lay it so that you leave a gap between the halves. Some skaters use stencils and spraypaint on their griptape. There are companies who make griptape in different colors, but for the most part they aren't as grippy as high end black grip.</p> <p>Well, the company <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.artongrip.com/index.php">Art on Grip</a> now offers custom pictures and art on griptape! I had to see what this looked like, so they sent me some sheets. It's read griptape, though a little less grippy than the usual black. And it costs a little more. But those are the only drawbacks - the benefits are huge! Take a look at this picture posted here - that's one of the grip rolls that they sent to me. It's a ninja throwing sushi rolls like ninja stars. It's awesome. They have a LOT of pictures and designs available, and the quality is beautiful.</p> <p>Trying out the grip, I thought it worked just fine. The tape grips a little less than expensive black grip brands - I'd say it grips right about as well as generic black grip, and better than the full color griptape.</p> <p>And the coolest part is that you can get any custom picture you WANT on griptape! For right about $25, you can get any picture you upload put onto grip. That opens up a huge door for gift ideas - not sure what to get someone? How about some sweet custom griptape with art you or they created? Combine this with <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/skateboardparts/a/BoardPusher.htm">Boardpusher</a>, and you can have a weird ultra custom skateboard... Now all we need is for someone to offer custom skate wheel art, and things will be officially very very odd. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.artongrip.com/index.php">Art on Grip</a> is also looking for artists, and they offer that they'll give you all of your money back if you aren't happy.</p> <p>So check 'em out, and see what you think. If you know of other companies like this, or if you've used their products, leave a comment below!</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/20/bedazzle-your-griptape-with-art-on-grip.htm">Bedazzle Your Griptape with Art On Grip</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 22:02:13.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/20/bedazzle-your-griptape-with-art-on-grip.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/20/bedazzle-your-griptape-with-art-on-grip.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/20/bedazzle-your-griptape-with-art-on-grip.htm&zItl=Bedazzle Your Griptape with Art On Grip">Email this</a></p>

The Johnny Romano Story - Roll Forever
<p><a href="http://www.texasmonthly.com/multimedia/video/15142"><img style="float: right; border: 3px solid white;" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/y/h/Johnny_Romano.jpg" alt="Fuel TV" width="170" height="99" /></a>Skateboarding is packed full of amazing stories - stories of people, individuals who overcame, or who saw something that no one else could. Johnny Romano is one of those stories.</p> <p>Johnny grew up in Galveston, Texas, far from the Southern California skateboarding rush. Even so, he started skating, incredibly, at age 2. And even more incredibly, he took to it like a fish to water. But In 2005, when Johnny was 7 years old, his family figured out that he had "acute lymphoblastic leukemia," or "ALL". His parents had suspected that something was wrong with the boy for some time, but didn't know what. Johnny went through intensive chemo and surgery, but all the while he and his family pulled together to raise awareness about leukemia through skateboarding. Johnny passed away at age 10, but not before inspiring too many people to count. It's as if a whole life's worth of impact were squeezed into such a short time - but still, the impact he and his family have had are huge. Here are some things that have come from Johnny's life:</p> <ul> <li>Two months after his passing, The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.johnnykickscancer.org/events/johnny-romano-skate-jam-for-make-a-wish/">Johnny Romano Skate Jam</a> was held and $103,000 was raised for the Make-A-Wish foundation. These contests still continue, and raise money. </li> <li>The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.johnnykickscancer.org/events/save-the-date-102310-rock-the-cradle-for-jkc/">Rock the Cradle for Johnny Romano</a> annual contest was born out of this - the next one scheduled for October 23rd, 2010 in Houston, Texas. This World Cup Skate contest raises money for fighting cancer. </li> <li>The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.johnnykickscancer.org/">Johnny Kicks Cancer Foundation</a> was built by Johnny's parents, and has raised $30,000 and donated it to TCH for research. Childhood leukemia is much more common that people think, and Johnny's parents want to raise awareness, and help find a cure.</li> </ul> <p>Pretty amazing, isn't it? Texas Monthly just ran a very detailed and interesting story on Johnny Romano - it's called <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.texasmonthly.com/2010-09-01/feature2-1.php">About a Boy</a>. You can read it on their website. They also made a great documentary-style video called <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.texasmonthly.com/multimedia/video/15142">Roll Forever</a>. It's shocking when you think about the impact one life can have, even if it's "just" a kid. It makes you think.</p> <p>If you know of an inspirational or powerful story involving skaters, leave a comment below, or e-mail me about it!</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/18/the-johnny-romano-story-roll-forever.htm">The Johnny Romano Story - Roll Forever</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 17:03:01.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/18/the-johnny-romano-story-roll-forever.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/18/the-johnny-romano-story-roll-forever.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/18/the-johnny-romano-story-roll-forever.htm&zItl=The Johnny Romano Story - Roll Forever">Email this</a></p>

White and Rodriguez Take Portland
<p><a href="http://skateboard.about.com/od/dewactionsportstournews/tp/AST-Dew-Tour-Guide.htm"><img style="float: left; border: 3px solid white;" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/0/t/h/Dew-Tour-Wendys-Invitational.jpg" alt="Wendy's Invitational" width="170" height="46" /></a>"After seeing the runs before me, I knew I had to put together a run like I'd never done before," said <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterphotogalleries/ig/Shawn-White-Photo-Gallery/">Shaun White</a>. "It's just an honor getting to continue competing like this."</p> <p>White won the skateboard vert final on Sunday at the Dew Tour's Wendy's Invitational. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and former summer and Winter Dew Cup champion, this marks White's first skateboard vert win since his return to skateboarding post Vancouver. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterphotogalleries/ig/Paul-Rodriguez-Photo-Gallery/">Paul Rodriguez</a> won the skate park finals on Saturday. The final jam session in skate park came down to Dew Tour veterans Rodriguez, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterphotogalleries/ig/Ryan-Sheckler-Photo-Gallery/">Ryan Sheckler</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterphotogalleries/ig/Chaz-Ortiz-Picture-Gallery/">Chaz Ortiz</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterphotogalleries/ig/Greg-Lutzka-Photo-Gallery/">Greg Lutzka</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterphotogalleries/ig/Rodolfo-Ramos-Photo-Gallery/">Rodolfo Ramos</a> along with Tour newcomer and Frenchman, Bastien Salabanzi.</p> <p>"I knew I had a lot of work coming out of Boston, so I'm just doing the best I can," said Rodriguez. "It feels great to be back on the podium at the Dew Tour; everything seemed to work out today. The Dew Cup is the goal, and we can start looking forward to the Championships."</p> <p>Check out the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/dewactionsportstournews/tp/AST-Dew-Tour-Guide.htm">Dew Tour Guide</a> for the current stats and rankings for skateboard and BMX competitions. The 4th contest is set for September 14th to 17th in Salt Lake City, Utah.</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/16/white-and-rodriguez-take-portland.htm">White and Rodriguez Take Portland</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 18:39:55.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/16/white-and-rodriguez-take-portland.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/16/white-and-rodriguez-take-portland.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/16/white-and-rodriguez-take-portland.htm&zItl=White and Rodriguez Take Portland">Email this</a></p>

Skateboarding Schools Crop Up Worldwide
<p><a href="http://skateboard.about.com/od/skateboardinglifestyle/tp/Skateboarding-Schools-Worldwide.htm"><img style="float: right; border: 3px solid white;" title="Rubicon Skateboarding School" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/skateboard/1/G/O/J/RubiconLessonsCOVER.jpg" alt="Rubicon Skateboarding School" width="120" height="120" /></a>It's a strange day and age, when I can write a blog about skateboarding <em>schools</em>! Just a few short decades ago, skateboarding was mostly unknown, or had a very rough reputation. A lot of skaters still do - there are loads of people out there who HATE skaters! And, to be honest, there are a lot of skaters who are equally mad at the world! And, in the middle of all that, today I wrote up a new list of international skateboarding schools. That's right, there are several skateboarding schools all over the world! Now, these aren't the same things as skateboarding camps - for this list, I put in established schools, most of which run year round. There are a few in America, and ones in Canada, Japan, Germany, and England. Crazy, huh?! Check out <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/skateboardinglifestyle/tp/Skateboarding-Schools-Worldwide.htm">Skateboarding Schools Worldwide</a>!</p> <p>I'd like to add to this list. I know there are more schools in the states that I haven't listed, and there have GOT to be more around the world. Korea? Spain? Australia?</p> <p>So, let's make this list bigger - if you know of a legitimate skateboarding school (not just some guy named Mike who will teach you to skate behind a dumpster somewhere... unless he's really good at it!), either post a comment below, or e-mail me! Also, if you have ever been to one of these schools, post a comment and tell the world what it was like! I haven't been to any of them, and it would be good to know if any are particularly good or bad!</p> <ul> <li>On a related note, if you skate and live somewhere outside the US or Canada, and you'd like to share what it's like, I'm always trying to add countries to the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/od/skateboardinglifestyle/ig/Skateboarding-Around-the-World/">Skateboarding Around the World</a> article - email me and let's talk!</li> </ul><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/13/skateboarding-schools-crop-up-worldwide.htm">Skateboarding Schools Crop Up Worldwide</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 00:35:07.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/13/skateboarding-schools-crop-up-worldwide.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/13/skateboarding-schools-crop-up-worldwide.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/13/skateboarding-schools-crop-up-worldwide.htm&zItl=Skateboarding Schools Crop Up Worldwide">Email this</a></p>

What's Your Skateboard Setup?
<p><a href="http://skateboard.about.com/u/sty/readersrespondskating/My_Skateboard_Setup/?once=true&"><img style="border: 3px solid white; float: left;" src="http://z.about.com/d/skateboard/1/G/S/D/MiniLogoCompleteFront.jpg" alt="Minilogo Skateboard" width="168" height="109" /></a>Your "<strong>Setup</strong>" is all of the pieces and parts that go into your skateboard. It's pretty rare to find two skaters with the same setup, and hearing about what other skaters use, and why, is a great way to learn about new options, and pick fights.</p> <p>So what's your skateboard setup? I've got a new page where you can describe your setup, and even post a couple of pictures if you want to! Check out <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/u/sty/readersrespondskating/My_Skateboard_Setup/?once=true&">Reader Stories: Skateboard Setups</a>. It's weird what we end up feeling comfortable with. I rode an old used beat up blank deck for <em>years</em>! I'm sure your setup is more exciting than mine - go post about it, and see what other skaters are riding! And if you have more than one skateboard in your quiver, sweet - tell us about 'em all!</p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/10/whats-your-skateboard-setup.htm">What's Your Skateboard Setup?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/">About.com Skateboarding</a> on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 10:56:08.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/10/whats-your-skateboard-setup.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/10/whats-your-skateboard-setup.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://skateboard.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://skateboard.about.com/b/2010/08/10/whats-your-skateboard-setup.htm&zItl=What's Your Skateboard Setup?">Email this</a></p>