Custom Designed Skateboards Under $60

Christmas gift idea for you artistic skaters out there. I recently discovered Zazzle's online store that sells millions of customizable products, but it's not your ordinary 'Make Your Own T-Shirt' service. Besides the usual, they customize Ked's shoes, ties, post cards, photo sculptures and SKATEBOARDS.

Here's what they have to say: "Our online design tool allows you to create a professional quality skateboard that ships to you in 24 hours! Zazzle skateboards feature locally sourced North American Maple decks. Our patent-pending printing process ensures a beautiful board with vibrant colors and professional quality standards. Start creating your board today and skate your creation tomorrow!"

You have the choice of customizing different types of boards too, such as regular, mini, or old school. I checked out the process a little bit and it's extremely easy to add any type of images or text you choose, and believe it or not, the price for a custom deck is just under $60.

Try it for yourself.

http://www.zazzle.com/custom/skateboards

Jason Choi vs. Canadian Embassy

The latest attempt down the infamous Canadian Embassy 21 stair, in DC, was yesterday by local ripper Jason Choi.

For years, skaters have traveled from beyond the Rocky Mountains while fighting off hungry lions to even get to this place and then try to ollie the massive 21 stair, but nobody has claimed victory YET.

After 7 tries, the embassy won.
Check out the videos below.

Latest Attempt - September 20, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYu5OUk2wGg

Previous Attempt - August 31, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN7fPBG9ekQ

Rest those legs Jason, you're a serious champ.

Skate Spot Review: The Pit

For decades, this Sugarland Run skate spot, a drainage ditch most commonly known as "The Pit", has pleased local skaters with its mellow banks and multi-use layout. Rumors say it dates back to the 80's, most likely when skateboarding was first introduced to Loudoun.

Today, even though it is still popular on a daily basis with the local skate crowd, the spot is slowly crumbling. With typical wear and tear of the concrete, grass growing through cracks, graffiti, and pollution, it has developed into an unsafe place for skateboarders and an eyesore in the Sugarland Run community.

The last time I went to The Pit to skate, it was difficult to even get close, the smell of the lake was unbearable. With the current of the lake, all of the trash that residents have thrown in collect in the corner, right next to the ditch, I stayed there for probably 2 minutes before I felt nausea. The small potholes in front of the banks also made it hard for me to skate there, I would constantly have to keep an eye out to make sure my wheel didn't get stuck resulting in a face plant.

The Loudoun County Skate Project is currently moving forward with an idea that will renew this skate spot for skateboarders and community residents. Our vision is to enhance the drainage ditch area by repairing any existing hazards and adding specific skate elements that will not only benefit skateboarders, but for drainage and public appearance as well. We are not pushing for a skatepark in this area at all, but simply making it a safer and more appealing community feature. Along with adding skate elements, we plan to add landscaping around the ditch, as well as trash cans and "No Littering" signs around the perimeter of the lake.

In the past month, I've met with the Sugarland Run District Supervisor, Susan Buckley, and attended a Sugarland Run Homeowners Association meeting where I brought up the idea of renewing "The Pit". I received positive feedback from Susan, no definite details yet, but I am hoping she will help us through this effort. The feedback from the HOA meeting was not too positive, which I think is typical at the first stages of a skate project. However, their lack of respect for the community was extremely surprising to me. The president of the Board, Bobby Winterbottom, stated the following "..I don't care how bad it looks.. I'd rather just leave that area alone, I don't want to think about it, I just want to forget about it." Even when I mentioned just adding landscaping features, he had the same response. In my opinion, any director, or resident in general, of a community should certainly have respect for improving their community, of course. What surprised me even more was the lack of responses from the other directors, they simply did not critique Mr. Winterbottom's words, therefore, agreeing. With this kind of attitude, it is clear that the future for Sugarland Run is not looking good. Residents need to step forward and take action, their community is at stake.

It is definitely going to be tough getting past this egocentric army, but the Skate Project is determined to stay on top of this effort. If you are interested in becoming a part of our support group, feel free to contact us or stay tuned as more information about this issue is coming soon.

http://www.srhoa.com/

Delightful Surroundings will Brighten Residents

I attended the Potomac-Sterling Community Outreach meeting earlier today which was held for residents to speak about issues in their community to the Board of Supervisors. It turned out more like a bitching whirlpool, most of the speakers seemed to just re-word each other about all ready known problems. The most popular complaint topics were crime, gangs, illegal immigrants, education issues and new recreations for youth.

I'm not too familiar with the current solution plans for each of these, but from what I've heard, most of them seem to be working inside of each problem to try to fix it. I'm guessing these plans have been in existence for atleast a couple of years and they are still major issues. I know they take more time than a couple of years but I think if Loudoun doesn't pick up the pace they aren't going to go anywhere with their strategies.

Well, the Skate Project has another option for Loudoun's communities, thinking outside of the box. Our mission is not only to provide legal skate areas but to improve the community at the same time. I was actually surprised that there were very few/small comments at the meeting regarding new solutions that would improve communities.

I know for a fact that providing this community with a skate plaza will eliminate most of these major issues. For example, the site of the Vancouver Skate Plaza used to be a populated with the homeless, drug dealers, gang related activies and other sorts of crime. The thought of constructing a skate plaza there was a huge risk but resulted in proving a huge point for all communities that are in need. It drove out all of the eyesore issues, provided a legal skate area and created a delightful new community landmark. Knowing this, we can easily say a skate plaza is a healthy solution to a majority of the issues in our communities.

Skate plazas also benefit the community by being inherently multi-use. They can feature sculpture or design works by prominent artists, serve as a public park, suitable for lunching, picnicking, or as a concert or play venue. It could also have its own unique look and can define the city in which it's built.

If there is a 'run down' looking community, its bound to attract unpleasant residents. Adding delightful features to that community, such as skate plazas, will replenish its look, its feel and the people living there; not forgetting being a gnarly place to go skate.

Delgaudio's 'Cesspool' Extravaganza - join us in Sterling Park!

On Monday, June 20th, Sterling Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio commented about Sterling Park, on WAMU 88.5 FM Radio, that easily caught attention. He stated that illegal immigrants are to blame for turning Sterling Park into a "cesspool", meaning a pit for retaining sewage; a filthy receptacle or place.

After 9 years of service, I don't believe you have dedicated your time for research Mr. Delgaudio. First you insulted the Loudoun County Skate Project and skateboarding by publishing false statements in our Loudoun Observer article and now calling your own city a "cesspool".

I have been around Sterling for 17 years and I know for a fact that illegal immigrants are not the only ones to blame. For one on my list, I believe greedy businesses are guilty too.

Take a good look at the picture above, does it look familiar? Probably not anymore. The area behind Burlington Coat Factory in Sterling is a mecca for local skateboarders, the large flat space, smooth mellow hip, and quiet surroundings are just a few of its kind aspects. Over the years of its existence, Burlington representatives have piled up unused shelves, carts and other litter all over the place and have left it laying for months (which soon became skate obstacles). Nowadays they are piling that trash inbetween several tractor trailers and dumpsters that are being stored in the area. I believe this act was chosen particularly to drive skaters out, yet it contributes to Sterling Park's "cesspool" issue and provides a rubbish looking place thats perfect for vandals.

Another skate spot that is also not looking so good is the space behind Riders Hobby Shop. Just like Burlington, this place was popular mostly because of its quiet surroundings, besides the businesses giving you the boot. This space currently consisted of piles of garbage and wooden palets. Now if they just allowed skaters to recreate in that area, I bet there wouldn't be a rock on the ground, the trash would be set aside or in the nearby dumbsters to clear space for a 360 flip off of the banked loading dock.

My last place to argue are the 4 unused tennis courts at Sterling Park Golf Club. In early 2007, the Loudoun County Skate Project presented a skate plaza solution to Steve WenPetren, the club manager. After finding out that this plaza was not going to charge any fees for participants, he threw our idea away. This is a perfect example of a "greedy business". I'm guessing that solutions with benefits for the whole community are not something they enjoy reading about, along with the fact that the popularity of a skate plaza would easily attract youth and trips to office depot for more membership filing cabinets. Sterling Park Golf Club representatives have recently chosen that RV parking is the best solution for that space. Congratulations Sterling Park Golf Club, you are also on the list to blame for turning Sterling Park into a "cesspool".

The Loudoun County Skate Project is currently planning two environmentally beneficial fund raisers. We believe they will both serve as a positive message in improving our communities.

http://wamu.org/programs/kn/08/06/20.php#20857

Loop'd Skate Network

Loop'd is a differentiated sports community network providing athletes, enthusiasts, and brands a purposeful place to create, commune, and connect. They deliver the most relevant and engaging sports community experience online.

A ton of features are given when you sign up for your profile, including photo and video upload, custom profile theme, blog, messaging and commenting between other riders, along with a chance to become sponsored.

Hundreds of companies and teams are currently active on the Loop'd Network searching for their next team riders. This is your next chance to make it BIG in the extreme sport world.

http://www.loopd.com/

Any Angle Promo

A skate video based out of New England(and Northern Virginia/DC area) featuring Pete Chav, Steve Jefferson, Dillon Buss, Will Cornwall, Derek Rooney, Nate Dean, Spencer Heffernan, Tim Burlingame and Donny Barley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3W-h6DBVvA

Washington Post Photo Contest

Get out your camera and start shooting for The Washington Post's 9th annual photo contest.

"The topic - travel - is broad, so have some fun with it; experiment with lighting angles, subjects and composition. We're looking for pictures that make the viewer react emotionally rather than just record what the eyes see."

First-place winner receives a Canon Power Shot A590 IS.

All entries must be received by July 25. One entry per person.

Pop Deck

"The first design community just for skateboarders." Pop Deck is a small company from Chicago committed to delivering quality designed skateboards and t-shirts.

On their site, they put together skateboard design contests where anyone can submit their work and get a chance to win big. The winners get their board design custom made and are awarded cash with a few extra goodies. The winners boards are then put up for sale on the Pop Deck website.

http://www.popdeck.com/catalog

2008 Mid-Atlantic Skateboard Series

Curt Kimbel, a former pro skater, brings his classic mid-atlantic skateboard competitions back for its 6th year.

The formatting of the series has a very unique style. It starts out with a couple skatepark competitions, the top 5 winners from each competition get a certain amount of points. At the last stop of the series, all of the points are added up for each person, then they are categorized into a division with other participants who have points in the same range. The winners of each of those final divisions are then awarded prizes.

Series schedule:
May 17 - Arlington, VA
June 21 - Olney, MD
July 19 - Charles County, MD
August 9 - St. Marys, MD

Check out their website for more information:
http://web.mac.com/curtkimbel/MASS_2008/Home.html