Snaps: Jose Cruz @ OP Park

Jose Cruz. Click to Enlarge.

Boards for Bros 2009 in Tampa

Skatepark of Tampa has a pretty great thing going on for Christmas. Each year, they put together a truckload of complete skateboards and drive around low income neighborhoods giving out boards to any kid who wants one. It's inspirational, for sure. See more at the SPoT website here.

10 Questions: Dylan Wynne

What is your full name?

Dylan Wynne

Where are you from originally?

Jacksonville, FL

Where is the last place you rode your skateboard?

my driveway after i got out my moms truck

Describe your first memory of skateboarding where you
currently live.

In '03 when the vans team came to Kona. TK and Geoff Rowley were sick.

Who do you skate with most, of all the people you know?

Joey Campbell, Alex May and all my Kona homies.

Name one thing that could make skateboarding better in your area.

Lights that work at my local skatepark because its so much better skating at night when the sun ain't out.

Who do you look up to the most, and why-skating, or otherwise?

Chuck Davis because he's been skating for 30 plus years and he's still rippin'.

Do you think you will still be skateboarding 20 years from now?

Hopefully and hopefully my kids will be, too.

What is the most common place you go to eat before/during/after
a day of skateboarding?

Anywhere cheap, I'm a bum.

What is the last trick you learned, and how many tries did it take to learn it?

nollie lip back 270 out or feeble to 50 180 out learning

What are you going to do, now that you are done with this questionnaire?

Probably going to get the flood lights and hop the fence and skate.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SKATEBOARDING?!?!

I got word of mouth yesterday that Kona was going to be putting on a halftime show for the next Jaguars game. I was kinda floored by it. I was thinking something like Huck Jam with Cheerleaders and fireworks. That news, along with Jereme Rogers on SkateTalk made for one wacky Tuesday. But when I actually looked into it, I found it was something a little more interesting, a little less off-the-wall. Kona is not actually DOING the halftime show, but putting on a demo as an alternative to the halftime show. From Kona's website:

If you are going to the Jags Vs. Colts game, be sure to come out during halftime and check out the Kona Mini Ramp Demo! Take a break from the old flippy, dancy half time stuff and come see some of the best skaters in Jacksonville ripping it up outside the stadium. You can pick up a limited Kona Demo shirt, watch some awesome skating, and then go back and enjoy the rest of the game!

Sounds good to me. It's hard to get me to watch football, but this kind of makes me want to attend the game. Here's what the ramp they are skating is going to look like:

OP Contest results and pics!

We here at Crown skateboards would like to thank everyone that made this contest possible.

Josh over at East Center and their whole crew, Angie from the OP Park, Sparky (photos), big Jay all day on the mic, all our judges and the friends of the op park. Congrats to all the winners, Lawrence, Max Martin, Butters, and Santino. For more pics check crowns myspace here. See ya next time!

10 Questions: Matt Oistacher

What is your full name?

Matt Oistacher

Where are you from originally?

Stamford, CT.

Where is the last place you rode your skateboard?

A gap on Phillips Highway with Will, Taylor, and Mark.

Describe your first memory of skateboarding where you
currently live.

Either Go Skate Day '07 or seeing a bum get stabbed at Hemming. It's a toss up.

Who do you skate with most, of all the people you know?

Taylor Greenspan, Mark Brown, Nick Blanco, Jake Sykes, and a lot of other people.

Name one thing that could make skateboarding better in your area.

AN INDOOR SKATEPARK AT THE BEACHES!

Who do you look up to the most, and why-skating, or otherwise?

Jon Holland. I'm a big fan of his work in the recent Transworld videos.

Do you think you will still be skateboarding 20 years from now?

I hope to be skateboarding or at least doing something to help skateboarding grow.

What is the most common place you go to eat before/during/after
a day of skateboarding?

Burrito Gallery.

What is the last trick you learned, and how many tries did it take to learn it?

Full Cab Flips. Like 15 or so...

What are you going to do, now that you are done with this questionnaire?

Finish my science project!

BusStop Christmas Shopping Guide: Where to Go

Kona Skatepark

Not only the largest skatepark around, they also have a great pro shop. As always, for every 50 dollars you spend in the shop, you get a free admission pass to skate. Link

View Larger Map

Sunrise Surf Shop

Surf and Skate shop that has been down with skateboarding for longer than most of us have been around. Link

View Larger Map

Knuckle Up Skate Shop

A Great Shop at a Convenient location near Ed Austin Skatepark. Advertises great prices on hardgoods and softgoods. (note, map is a bit off: shop is not on the corner near McDonalds, but just a bit further north right before you get to Cobblestone on the right.)

View Larger Map

Square One Skate Shop

Another great shop out at Jacksonville Beach. Guys have always been great to me when I've visited. Christmas sale is running 10% to 50% off on selected goods in the shop, see the site for details. Link

View Larger Map

Boardz Skatepark

If you are out in Middleburg and need some place to skate or buy some skate goods, stop by Boardz. "Pro boards for just $ 49.99. with grip... now beat that" - Mikey

View Larger Map

Fimer Fridays: Sal and Pat

Sal and Pat from Lucas Milano on Vimeo.

by Lucas Milano, courtesy of Sal Via Facebook

Kona Pool Contest, Saturday Dec 12

Click to Enlarge

Josh Stewart's Recap of Tampa Am 2009

OP Contest rescheduled for Sunday Dec 6th 2:00pm!

Rain Sucks.

Looks like due to the rain, the contest at OP Park is not going to happen. Definitely not stoked. I'll post up more news as soon as I find out when/if it's going to be rescheduled.

In the mean time, pay attention to this alarming news story:

Report: Most College Males Admit To Regularly Getting Stoked

Bangers 4 Bucks - Make Your Vote Now!

As you probably know, Bangers 4 Bucks is back, and this time things are going down at the surf expo in Orlando. Go Here and vote for your favorite shop. You've already seen the Knuckle Up promo here, so here are the other two Jax shops in the running:

Skatepark of Tampa's Tampa Am, this Weekend

Don't forget that you can catch a live stream of the contest this Sunday on Fuel TV at 12pm EST.

Knuckle Up Sk8 Shop Promo

Randoms: Skatopia Skatepark '77

Not much going on in my part of town. Thought I'd share this for the simple fact that I'm kinda stoked on how hot Jane Pauley was back in the day.

Found this link courtesy of Skate and Annoy.

5boro Florida Tour - This Weekend - Updated!

Update From Kona:

November 25, 2009

Looks like the weekend will be too cold for a campout, so instead we're having a night filled with activities! Come out this Saturday the 28th and skate with the 5boro Team and enjoy a cookout and movies on the big screen after dark. We're even breaking out the timers and having races down the snake run. The fun will get started around 5pm, so dress warm and we'll see you there!

Kona Skatepark Series: Street - Nov. 21st, 2009

On Saturday, November 21st, Kona Held a jam format street contest as part of the Skatepark Series contests. I wasn't able to get there till the tail end, but I did get to see the final showdown of Marshall LaFrance and Will Watson, which was pretty fun to watch. For full results, check out the Kona Website here.

Will Watson, Backside Flip over the Pyramid

Jake Sykes, Tre Flip over the Hip

Judges

13 & Up Winners. 1st - Samuel Rooks 2nd - Corey Falls 3rd - Jake Miller

Sponsored Winners. 1st - Will Watson 2nd - Marshall LaFrance 3rd - Nathan Kirkland

Filmer Fridays: Classics Edition

This first video I swiped from White Nate's Youtube videos. It's exactly what it's labeled as, random skateboarding clips. But parts of it remind us of the days when the "park on Emerson" was actually an indoor park... and not all that good.

The second video is a promo montage from a Jacksonville skateboarding site from yesteryear... one of the O.G.s bringing the masses of skateboarders together on the net before BusStop ever existed. I'm talking about Skatejax, and a little birdie told me that site owner Yousef Hussein just might be bringing it back. Cross your fingers on that one.

Tony Hawk: Ride - Out Now

I thought this game looked dumb at first but I think this dog changed my mind. Anyone else around here get it? I want to play it.

New Skatepark Coming to the Downtown/Springfield Area?

Once again thanks to the excellent Urban Jacksonville blog, I feel enlightened and in the know. Joey Marchy recently updated with a post about proposed city plans for parks in the downtown/Hogan's Creek area, and I found this noteworthy bit of info:

• The McPhearson & Schell Park Concept shows a skate park, creek expansions, a play ground and a fountain.
  
  Check out the full story at Urban Jacksonville Here.

Konatage 09

Thanks to Brandon F. for the Submission

Contest and Given Appearance at Boardz

Click image to enlarge.

East Center Rider Kenny "Bird" Bell

Kenny Bell EC teaser from east center on Vimeo.

10 Questions: Lydon Fruscella

What is your full name?

Lydon Fruscella

Where are you from originally?

I am from Vero Beach.

Where is the last place you rode your skateboard?

The last place I rode my board was my driveway.

Describe your first memory of skateboarding where you currently live.

When I learned how to kickflip in my driveway, I was stoked

Who do you skate with most, of all the people you know?
My brother and my friend kyle.

Name one thing that could make skateboarding better in your area.

If someone built a good stair with a rail.

Who do you look up to the most, and why-skating, or otherwise?

I look up to the people that are better then me. so I will improve.

Do you think you will still be skateboarding 20 years from now?

Heck ya thirty years from now!

What is the most common place you go to eat before/during/after a day of skateboarding?

Taco Bell!

What is the last trick you learned, and how many tries did it take to learn it?

Nollie big heels, it took like 10 tries to land it clean.

What are you going to do, now that you are done with this questionnaire?

Finish stalking people on Youtube.

360 Flip

OP Contest rescheduled for Sunday Dec 6th 2:00pm!

New Kona Happenings 11-7-09

Additionally, you can check out the full results from the Halloween Am Jam at Kona's website. The posted results are here.

New Skate Plaza in Daytona Beach

If you don't know already, there seems to be a new skate plaza down in Daytona. I won't be able to make it out any time soon, but if you are interested in more info, you can check it out here. Thanks to Josh B. for the heads up. Click the image to enlarge.

I'M BOARD 4 - the 4th Annual Skateboard Art Show

I'M BOARD 4. The 4th Annual Skateboard Art Show

Anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate in this open call for entries in the 4th annual I’M BOARD Skateboard Art Show.

Submission Guidelines:

• All art must be on a skateboard deck.

• Any medium can be used but take into consideration that these will be hung so please do not make them to bulky or heavy for display.

• An artist may submit more then one piece.

• Include your name, number, email address and price on the back of your work.

• Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 27. Submissions may be dropped off at BURRO Bags

located at 1520 N. Main St. Jacksonville, FL 32206

Monday - Saturday 12-6pm

For more info, go to www.eyeswideawake.com/im-board.

If you missed it, this is what went down at the last show:

Im Board 3 Skateboard Art Show at Art Walk from Chris Jolly on Vimeo.

Crown Skateboards "Live" full video

Crown Skateboards "Live" from Drew Doyle on Vimeo.

Ante Up 3 Video

Ante Up 3 - Skateboard Madness at the BBB in Springfield

So Ante Up 3 has come and gone. Although a game of s.k.a.t.e. is a pretty straightforward affair, Ante Up has always taken it a step above and beyond other traditional contests. This weekend's contest was no different, as you can see from the photos. Not only was there tons of loot given away to worthy competitors, including beverages from Berentzen, gear from East Center, Square One Skateshop, and more, but the first place prize was a car, donated to the cause by skate-friendly beaches car dealer Autoline.

Just as its predecessors, Ante Up 3 was a family friendly event that was free for anyone wanting to stop by, eat some free food, drink free beverages, and watch skateboarding. This Sunday, the parking lot at BBB was full of people from all corners of the Jacksonville skate community. Outdoors, the grill was going with free hamburgers and hotdogs, and inside the Zombie Bikes HQ was the free bar. The game was played on a painted strip of concrete in the parking lot. The ground was a little rough, but it's my opinion that you couldn't have picked a better place.

This is David Jordon, and he hails from Orange Park. He was gonna win the whole thing, dunno what happened. I do know that he played one of the best games of the day. These days, every 12 year old should have their own car.

I think when I leave my hat off it confuses people.

The Masterminds Behind East Center

These Dudes Make it Happen on a Regular Basis in Springfield.

Tom P and His daughter Rory. Tom is the best dude in Jacksonville, and his kid is awesome too.

Some sketchy dudes swarming on the free alcohol. The hot bartender didn't exactly scare people off, either.

A few notable things I personally witnessed - Ryan King took someone out using only shoves. If nose mannys were allowed, I'm sure one of those would have been there too. Macintosh humped the car. Nate Johnson's kid took down Clyde Singleton. A local yokel with white pants tucked into cowboy boots was crudely hitting on a couple of ladies, who then told him off. Captain J made a joke about my hat. Matt Fink won a car.

By the time the finals came around, the party was winding down and it was getting dark. In the end, Matt Fink emerged as the winner, which lead to an all out dance party on the roof of the prize car. I couldn't be happier for Fink, he's a great dude with an even better sense of humor. Ante Up was a great success, and I want to say thanks to Kevin Graver for running this thing, and also thanks to all of the sponsors for making this amazing grassroots event happen.

For the whole collection of photos in hi-res, check out the flickr gallery here, or click on one of the above photos.

Crown Skateboards "Live"

Looks like individual parts from the Crown video are starting to hit the internet. Special thanks to our friend over at Pound Production , Marcus Gause for always making it happen. Full length video dropping soon. Thanks to everyone who made this video possible, Kyle Frere, Marcus Gause, Drew Doyle, Eric Staniford, John Cocks, all other contributing filmers and everyone at Crown Skateboards...to check out pieces of the video go to..... crownsk8.com .....its under Gallery.....we will upload more of the video as it hits the internet.....live laugh ride....Crown skateboards!

Photos from the 2009 Halloween Am Jam at Kona Skatepark

Bro Flip up the Euro gap. That's Nick Blanco flipping Max Martin's board with his hand.

For the gallery, click on one of the above photos or go here.

This weekend - a reminder

Drehobl to Fakie - Contest Results

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

Keep an eye out for BusStop Homie Mike Barnes, AKA Darkness.

Criteria for Failure

Got some votes for this in the Raddest in Jax contest. Thanks for the heads up!

BusStop's Raddest in Jax Awards: The Ballot

Vote now!

YOUGOTTAGETTHAT! - Official Trailer

New Tees from East Center

New Tees Available now from East Center Clothing. Go pick one up at any one of these fine skate shops: Knuckle Up Sk8 Shop, Square One Skate Shop, and Extremely Board Skate Shop. More coming soon... So Support your LOCAL skate shops and GO SKATE!!!!!