Ending The Week On A Positive Note...

It's funny how the world works sometimes. This week, I spent most of my week giving IASC shit (as usual). Because in my eyes, they're not representing skateboarding in a way that I, as an everyday skater, think they should be representing it (again, as usual). Then, as a stark contrast to my struggles with IASC, I got a great phone call last night from somebody that totally represents the "everyday skater" extremely well. Talk about ending your week on a good note...

To their immense credit (and, my immense surprise), IASC actually got back to me this week, and "started a dialogue" with me about a few of these things. Which was kinda weird, actually. But, on the other hand: It's a long-overdue credit to IASC. At the very least, it shows that they're listening. I hope they keep that one up, actually. It would serve them well.

I've always been a big believer in the following principle: In order to make a change happen, you ultimately need to be the change you seek. Everything begins with you. Or in my world, with "me". The change that I had to make? Stop kicking IASC in the nuts. This time around, I switched up my tactics and kicked them a little less violently around the ankles instead. I think they appreciated that one, because my return response was a bit "nicer" than usual. So, all kids out there, remember this! "Less Harsh" kinda works sometimes! Try it yourselves and tell me how it goes, okay...?

In other happenings: Last night, I got a surprise message (via Facebook chat) from David Wayne Scherer, the owner of Miramar ("Dave", to you and me). It'd been a while since we last spoke... months, at least... so, I was stoked to hear from him. After a half-hour of typing or so, I asked him if it'd be easier just to give him a ring on the phone? "Yeah, I was just thinking that myself! I need a smoke!" Ahhh, music to my ears...!





"The changing face of the industry": Dave from Miramar. When you put skateboarding in the hands of everyday skaters (like Dave), then you're putting it in good hands. Don't forget it!



Dave's a hell of a great guy. As are all of our advertisers. Again: If they weren't great people, they wouldn't be involved with The Solitary Life in the first place. So, as I got Dave on the horn, we peppered each other with various catching-up and deep-thought questions. I'm an inquisitive mind. Naturally, I like to know what other inquisitive minds are thinking.

One of the things that I was curious about, was what Dave thought of some of the other longboard companies out there in the marketplace. I explained that "ad space" was running short (I don't ever wanna be like TransWorld... you know, "ads and nothing else"), and I wanted to know who he thought would be good guys to bring into the Solitary Life community before space ran out. He said some really good things about Bustin, and Never Summer. So, I decided to put them on my "contact" list right away. I thought they were good choices. So, I'm totally taking Dave's advice on that one.

Of course, we also "shot the breeze" for a while, too. We discussed art, photography, his recent move to NorCal, our cats, and other odds and ends. We probably killed two hours and a couple packs of smokes on the phone. It was awesome. I'm keeping Dave's number on speed-dial from now on...!

So, why am I babbling on about all of this hogwash and bullshit? Because, it typifies a few belief systems that we have around here, that I wish IASC would embrace. Eventually.

First of all, we have the issue of "transparency". The Solitary Life believes that, if we're truly gonna act in the "better interests of skateboarding"... we need to be straight-up about what we're doing, at all times. It does get tedious. But: We do owe it to the readers. So: We do it.

Secondly: We go out of our way to build very "real" relationships with everybody around us. It's not always easy. Disagreements and differences of vision do occur. But at the end of the day, I don't treat guys like Dave merely as "business relationships". This is a very real "community" that we're building here, not just a bunch of corporate interests trying to milk the cash cow a little harder. This is a family. That is very much committed to the interests of skateboarding first, and our own interests second.

Thirdly: We're not afraid to think "outside the box", and try radically new and different things. The idea of an "online periodical" is still rather novel. The idea of The Collective (our version of IASC) is evolutionary. The idea of "free advertising" is revolutionary. The blatant honesty and transparency- I hope- are refreshing. That's one thing that we keep hearing around here: How refreshingly honest we are. Which is really cool, because it sure beats being told how ugly, long-winded, fat, annoying, and assholey I am. Which are all true, by the way. But, nobody seems to focus on those things! Thank Gawd...!

The harsh reality is that, there are always risks and uncertainties involved with doing new things in unusual and extraordinary ways. However, all of us at The Solitary Life recognize this, too: The risks of doing nothing new, unusual, and extraordinary, are far greater.

IASC did a great job this week in "engaging in a dialogue", and I'm more than happy to give them a pat on the back for it. But, there's a greater reality to be considered here. And, the reality is that we- as a small community of readers, manufacturers, and activists- have shown that we can do anything that IASC can do. And sometimes, we can even do it better. That means that IASC has some quick catching-up to do.

For example: I couldn't help but notice that between IASC and BRA, they managed to get only about 37 core shops on board for their "Local Skateshop Day" initiative. The Collective brought in at least 37 shops in our first month of operation, and that was almost two years ago now. Today, we have about 400 shops in our database, and we'll be reaching out to even more in the coming months. We have worked hand in hand with our member shops on stuff like the "Be The Scene" initiative, to make these initiatives as successful as possible. And just like the advertisers, we get the shops on the phone as often as possible, and pick their brains. Just to find ways to serve them better.

Soon, we'll be unveiling a new column called "What The Shops Are Thinking", to give our advertisers (and if they choose to read it, IASC and BRA) some straight-ahead, real-deal insights about... well, what the shops are thinking. We take things pretty literally around here. We blow.

The question becomes then: Why have we done such a good job bringing in shops, and getting their support with these things? I think part of the answer is that we clearly have the shops' interests at heart. One mega-contributing factor is that we obviously hate Zumiez at least as much as the shops themselves do. But, the far greater factor is that we just don't have any "self interests" to look after. The Solitary Life, after all, is not-for-profit, independent media. It's our job to look after everybody else's interests, and find new and creative ways to insure that everybody wins. But, as far as "our interests" go? We don't have any. At least, nothing that's above and beyond everybody else winning.

As far as IASC is concerned, there is a "common perception" that they tend to look after their own interests first, and everybody else's later. Now, is this absolutely "true"? I don't know. And, I don't think anybody else really knows, either. Which actually contributes to the problem. The uncertainty of where IASC stands, and what they stand for, only adds to the fire. In any rate, that is the "common perception". And for most skaters... whatever the "common perception" is, is the truth.

My biggest advice for IASC this week, was for them to "step out" of their shell a little bit. Do as I do. Talk a bit about what they're doing, and why they're doing it. Do an interview once in a while (We totally invited them to do one with us, and that invitation will stand indefinitely). Answer some hard questions, and some harsh criticisms (Lord knows, we do all too often). Get passionate about something, and take a hard stand once in a while. Embrace the fact that things aren't always black, or white... but that, at the end of the day, it's the effort of sorting through the grays that really speaks to your character, and your values.

But, most importantly: Show the human side of IASC. Not just, the slick and perfectly polished press releases. Skaters don't give a shit about those sorts of things, and never have. Instead: Try coming out of your offices, and talking to us as a community of skaters. On "our turf", and on "our level". We're more than happy to send the invitation. Question is: Are you gonna answer it...?

I can guarantee you this: It'll be a gigantic step in the right direction, if you guys (and gals) do.

The skating world is waiting. Don't let us down.

Never would've guessed...!

So, I was on my way home checking my e-mail from my mobile when I noticed that there were several notifications from Facebook about some photo that was "tagged" of me. "Well jeez, that's sorta odd", I thought, since my horrid ugliness tends to summarily destroy any lens that tries to document my feeble-minded existence.

Given that, I was totally floored when I checked my Facebook, and found this relic from the distant past in my "notification" box! (Caption by none other than Jim Gray, himself):






"Bud Stratford has since become a friend of mine and a tireless advocate for skateboarding and skateboarders and a little bit of a whistleblower on bullshit. Was tossing out a bunch of boxes with thousands of old letters from kids etc... and did a quick scour through some random ones pulling out the ones with rad art or something interesting and the professionalism and sarcasm of this one caught my eye. Yeah Bud, you had your sarcastic wit from an early age..."


It's a very little-known fact that I once had my own skateboard company that was called The Cleveland Superboard Factory. By the way: Yes, I had thought of dumber names, thank you very much. I can see Blair haggling me already: "You've always been a wordy dumbass, haven't you?!" Yes, Blair, I always have...

Well, here's an even littler-known fact: Cleveland was modeled after Acme, which was one of my favorite companies back in the early-'90s. In hindsight, I'd have to credit the innate humour of what Jim was doing, coupled with the timeless and whimsical penwork of Mr. Ron Cameron as my initial purchasing- and later, enterprising- influences.

So Jim, tell me buddy: When can we expect an Acme comeback?! I think it's time for another skateboard-industry business-model revolution. If you can do it once, then why couldn't you do it twice...?

By the way, I loved the "little bit of a whistleblower on bullshit" bit. "Little bit"?! That's kind of like saying that I'm just "a few cheeseburgers' worth of 330 lbs. fat". Hysterical...!

Funny...!

"If there is a positive professional, or journalistic perspective or solution you would like to share we welcome it..."

- IASC's response to my "Boycott everyone and everything" piece [below]...


I love that. "Professional, journalistic perspective". That one killed me! Hey, guys?! I'm a skater, for pete's sakes. I don't do "professional" and "journalistic" nearly as well as I do "blunt", "brutal", and "honest".

I've gotta give IASC credit on one front, though: Even when they're faced with an irate, cuss-filled tirade, they do seem to always remain relatively cool, calm, and collected. Now, if only they could apply this sort of savvy diplomacy to their actual "initiatives", they'd probably be all set...

Thing is, I can spot a bluff when I see it. So, I did the entirely unexpected: I actually responded with a totally cuss-free, uber-positive suggestion.

So, what was my suggestion?! Easy: I told them that maybe, it might be a good idea with future initiatives, to run these things by the "naysayer community", and see what sorts of naysaying you get out of them. That way, you can account for that before you put out an initiative. So that you end up with "initiatives" that are a hell of a lot harder to "naysay". Pretty simple stuff, isn't it...? I thought so.

Example: The "Local Skateshop Day" initiative. If they'd bothered to ask almost anybody on the planet (doesn't even have to be me, by the way... just pick any skater, and fire away) where the "problems" might be found... surely, somebody would have said, "Well, what about Zumiez?! Core shops really hate those guys, yet you guys totally support 'em all the time...!" And that is, a very real problem. That almost anybody can spot from a mile away. Except, apparently, IASC.

I pointed out that even here at The Solitary Life... and, a bit more so with The Collective... I regularly seek out, and reach out to "dissenters". In layman's terms: Dudes that don't agree with me. I take the time to listen to these blokes, because Lord knows that I'm not any sort of walking genius or anything, either. I screw up, just like anybody else. Being the jerk that I am, I actually had to learn this one the hard way. It wasn't easy... but these days, I am wise enough to lean on people to tell me when I'm fully blowing it. Not because they dislike me or anything. But because they want me to stop mucking everything up all the time, and find some measure of "success". They care. So, they're naturally pretty honest with me. And, I actually appreciate that. At the very least, I can totally respect it.

Maybe IASC could learn to appreciate dissent, too. It would only serve them well to do so.

In the meantime, there's a ton of seriously cool companies out there in skateboarding right now, that actually reflect "skateboarding" in a far more accurate light. You know, all those skateboard companies that are run by actual skaters...? Yeah, those guys rock. So we'll just keep on supporting them, instead.

The Editor Speaks: Tell IASC to go to hell.

"The retail landscape is ever-changing and we, as an industry need to protect our culture and our partners and evolve with the times. So during this time we turn our energy to officially recognize the spirit and successes of the core skateboard retailers.

And since you asked... a core skateboard retailer is defined by IASC as a physical/ brick and mortar retailer whose product mix includes skateboarding specific items, including skate hard-goods, and which is a regional, privately owned entity. The store encapsulates the true spirit of skateboarding and consistently gives back to their local skate community..."

- from the IASC website, www.skateboardiasc.org


Here's my problem with all of this: The hypocrisy here is totally fucking astounding. Anybody with half a brain in their goddamned heads can see that. But, if you're one of those blind naysayers out there?! Then, here's all the proof that you'll ever need, right here:


http://www.zumiez.com/skate.html


Here's the problem, boys and girls: On one hand, IASC is professing some sort of "legitimate support" for the "physical/brick and mortar retailer... which is a regional, privately owned entity".

At the same time, the IASC brands are actually supporting the very sort of corporately-owned mall-chain store that is directly threatening the stores that they're claiming their "support" for, with this whole "Local Skateshop Day" bullshit.

So, IASC, you tell me: Which is it?! Are you sucking...? Or, blowing...?!





Editorial; December, 2009



Unlike the profit-pandering assholes at IASC, here at The Solitary Life, our position has always been absolutely consistent, uncompromising, and unwavering. For one, we have always said that Zumiez sucks ass. What's more: We have never... nor, will we ever... support Zumiez in any way, shape, or form. To be totally blunt, I secretly pray every night that every Zumiez on the face of the planet implodes in my sleep, and ceases to exist in the waking world. Nothing would make me personally happier, than to live on a Zumiez-free planet. Need proof? Check the link:


http://thesolitarylifeof.blogspot.com/2010/03/they-sell-clown-clothes-for-wannabes.html





"Agenda" article, The Solitary Life; December 6th, 2009



If you are going to put yourself into any sort of "leadership" position, or even seek one out... the very first requirement is to believe in your own rhetoric, and act consistently on it. Carry out the principles that you live by. Stand in your own bullshit. Because, if you can't...? Then you are clearly not fit to "lead" anybody, anywhere.

That pretty much sums up every problem that IASC has ever had, right there...





Ad for SoCal Skateshop, made by us, and for us. Mike Hirsch is an extremely good man, and SoCal is a killer local, brick-and-mortar skateshop (with a killer online shop as well). Mike treats us well, so we support him- consistently- in any way we can. We spend a lot of money at SoCal! And, we're happy to do it.



Everybody on our staff, supports the "core retailer". What's more: We put our money where our mouth is, as a media entity. The Solitary Life is beginning to work on a collab product/merch program. We have decided that all proceeds from all merch/collab sales will be going to fund local skateboard initiatives (skateparks, skate clubs, things like that), or to local core skateshops that are making a positive impact on their local scenes. The Solitary Life made that a requirement for our partner brands to do business with us, and that requirement is going to stand.

What's more: We are going to add the requirement that no Solitary Life merch will ever be available at a Zumiez. Ever. Most of our partners understand that, anyway. Obviously. But still, we can never be "too clear" on where we stand...!





The new "Be The Scene" initiative will not only be loaded heavily with pro-skateshop messages... but, all proceeds raised will be going straight to local scenes, and local shops that support and contribute to those scenes. Note that I didn't say "part of the proceeds", or "a portion of the proceeds". One-hundred-percent of our net will be going to these scenes. The Solitary Life does not want- nor, will we accept- even a single penny from our collab and merch sales.

We made that abundantly clear to our merchandising partners. They were stoked.



In light of this clear contrast in philosophies [and actions], I have decided that I'm going to call for a general boycott of any and all IASC-affiliated manufacturers and brands. The Solitary Life absolutely cannot condone- nor, can we support in any way- any business entity that displays such obvious duplicity in their words and deeds.

As the media, it is our job to point out to our readers when shit goes astray, and to promote ideas and actions that can, and will, put things back on track, and make them right. You can find a full listing of all IASC member companies here:


http://www.skateboardiasc.org/members/



But for your convenience, here's a partial list to get you started:

Abec 11.
Alien Workshop.
Bamboo Sk8
Black Box (Zero, Mystery, Slave, Fallen)
Blitz
Blueprint
Bones
Circa
Cliche
DC
DVS
Dwindle (Almost, Darkstar, Enjoi, Speed Demons, Tensor)
Element
G&S
Grind Kind
Hurley
Innes
Jart
Jessup
Lakai
Matix
NHS (Santa Cruz, Independent, Flip, Krux)
Nike
Nixon
Osiris
Photon Lightboards
Planet Earth
Poolside
Powell-Peralta
Rock On Distribution (Viking)
Satori
Sector 9
Sole Tech (Etnies, Emerica, eS, 32)
Tech Deck
Tum Yeto (Foundation, Toy Machine, Ruckus)
Vans
Volcom
Zoo York


We would encourage all of our media friends to follow our lead on this, and all of our readers to spread the word. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Get involved, stand your ground, and dare to make a difference.

While you're at it: Tell IASC what you think. We did! I personally sent them a link to this article, just so that they know why we're telling them to fuck off. Try it, it feels awesome!

http://www.skateboardiasc.org/contact/

Be The Scene 037: Build a bank ramp

Here it is, the first of the many...! For the full-size, printer-friendly versions of the plans (thumbnailed below), just drop me an e-mail at budstratford@aol.com.

We're always here to help...

Be The Scene: About Our New PSAs

I've been spending a lot of time lately talking about "all the stuff that skateboarding taught me" over the years. One of those things was, the difference that one person can truly make in the world around them. If they choose to do so, at least.

Because before I picked up skateboarding, I felt pretty powerless in the grand scheme of things. Of course, I was just a kid. And kids generally feel pretty "powerless", anyway. It sucks, but that's just the way it goes I guess.


Skateboarding, though, is totally empowering shit. Because it's all about individual effort, and individual results. Whether you're a success... or, a failure... largely depends on how many times you're willing to scrape your ass off the concrete, and give it another go. It definitely toughens you up a bit. But, it also feels pretty damn good when you finally make something happen by, and for, yourself.





The first "Public Service Announcements" (PSAs) we ever did, were part of the "Keep Indianapolis Beautiful" campaign. Which was hella funny, because Indianapolis is pretty much an industrial hicktown hell where morons routinely throw trash right out of their windows. Like they didn't get the memo about littering being a crime or lame or anything. Yay, Hoosiers!

We had to stop running this one... this is by far the funniest part about it, by the way... because we learned that there's actually a bona-fide, for-real "Keep Indianapolis Beautiful" organization. Christ almighty...



Most skaters will intrinsically know what I'm talking about here, because they've all been trough the same exact thing. Failure, success, elation, and onward to the next challenge. It doesn't matter how old they are, or what sort of skating they're into. They've all been through it, at some point or another. It's just part of the gig.





Sometimes, we do PSA's just to humor ourselves. The "Save The Dinosaurs" campaign was a result of an inside joke between Mike [Brooke] over at Concrete Wave, and myself. Obviously, he runs a [very respectable] paper magazine, and I run a [crappy online] goof-fest. Although Mike and I are technically "media competitors", he's still a great friend and an awesome fellow. We fully support Mike, and he helps us out a lot, too.

That doesn't mean that we can't screw with him once in a while, though! I think he secretly cringes a little bit, every time we run this one...



So, yeah... the whole notion of "one person making it happen" has become something of a conviction of mine. And if you know me at all, then you'll also know this: I'm not the sort of joe that's easily derailed from my convictions.





Third campaign, one image, one message: "Take some responsibility for yourself, and pick up your trash before you leave the skatepark...!" Holy crap, I wish more kids did this one...



The Solitary Life is a great example of one guy, making a [small] contribution to skateboarding that [apparently] makes a difference. Of course, "making a difference" wasn't really my original goal with The Solitary Life. The actual goal could probably be best summed up as, "Entertaining Myself". But based on feedback from the readers, as well as the advertisers... it seems like we're doing something "right" over here. Because people definitely seem to be pretty stoked on it.





The "If she can do it, why can't you?!" campaign. Designed to show our support for women in skateboarding, we actually got some really touching feedback on this one from all the girls out there. Probably our "most successful" campaign to date... just based on what we've heard from our readers and advertisers... this one led straight to the "Be The Scene" initiative.



A couple weeks back, I was talking to Richard Kirby on the phone. He's the guy that owns Big Mess, one of our regular advertisers and contributors. During our discussion, we talked about the way skateboarding was, when we were kids... versus what skateboarding is to most kids, today. In our day, skateboarding was all about freedom, exploration, and discovery. Today, skateboarding can be summed up with one simple word: "Consumption". Instead of motivating kids to get out into the world and raise some hell, we're spending our time motivating them to get out into the mall, and spend their money on some shit that they probably don't even really need.


So, what's the difference...?! It's not like the act of riding a skateboard around is really that much different than it was back then. So, where did things start going wrong? Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that for the most part, "the media" is the biggest difference. It seems like the media is doing an awesome job of giving the kids what they might want... but, they're doing a suck-ass job of giving the kids what they truly need. And what they need is a guide... "a kick in the ass" might be a better way of putting it... to help them go out into the world, and make the most of the whole "skateboarding" experience.

I'm hearing the same sort of thing from a lot of our readers, too. They like reading The Solitary Life because we talk about the stuff that needs to be talked about... but, nobody else seems to want to talk about.








What came out of all this, is our newest "initiative": The "Be The Scene" Initiative. Which is clearly the nuttiest thing I've ever done, out of all the nutty things that I've done so far with The Solitary Life...






It's the truth, kids. Don't ever forget it.




The whole thing is basically a two-part series of messages that are designed to do three very distinct things. The first part is strictly designed to be "motivational" and "empowering" in nature. The idea is to motivate them to take an active part in their local scenes, at a grass-roots level... and then, go about convincing them that they can actually get out there, and do it. That's the "empowering" part.

Because if kids really believe that they can do stuff, then they'll totally end up running with it. Kids are good like that. That's why kids kick so much ass.





Anybody can do what I'm doing. Seriously. It's just a matter of making it happen...



The second part is merely a whole series of ideas of things that kids can actually do, to make a difference in their scenes. Most of these things are the same exact things that the magazines taught me, when I was a kid. Some of them, like "Be cool to your fellow skater", "Give a stranger a high five", "Make a friend in a foreign country", "Pick up the trash at your local skatepark", or "Support your local core skate shop", are really pretty easy to do, and relatively self-explanatory. These are really small, simple, and stupid little things that literally any skater can do, at any time. They might even seem sort of pointless and dumb.

But believe it or not, small things like this can really add up to making a huge difference in somebody's life. Namely: Your own.






On the other hand, there's gonna be harder stuff to do, too. Things like "Build a quarterpipe", "Start your own 'zine", "Make something out of concrete", "Teach yourself how to screen print", "Make a home-made skateboard", and "Start your own small company" are obviously a hell of a lot tougher than just giving some random dude a high five, or picking up a can at the skatepark.

In these cases, we're actually going to include a small article on how to actually do these things. So, something like "Build a funbox" might include some basic woodworking skills, and plans for a simple, easy, and portable box that any skater (or, their parents) can make at home.

This stuff might seem almost too ambitious, and woefully difficult to do. But, really: It's a lot easier than you'd think. After all: We managed to figure it all out, somehow. So, we should be more than able to do it all over again.














We don't just preach this shit, kids. We actually get off our asses, and do it. Years ago, back when I had my own company, I used part of the proceeds to build a ton of skate-obstacles for hosting local skate jams. Later on, I drew plans for those portable obstacles, and submitted them to Fess at www.rampplans.org (an awesome resource, by the way). Later still, I started getting e-mails from all over the world [literally] from kids that had built these boxes, and had a blast building and skating them. And now, it's all coming full circle.

One dude, kids. All it takes, is one dude...




And then, in the middle, we have stuff like "Wax a curb", "Sweep out a ditch", "Go spot hunting", "Bring a boom box to the session", "Take a road trip", and "Read an old skate magazine". These are a little bit challenging, but not too taxing. Still, it's all really beneficial stuff worth doing. And, that's all that really matters.









Another totally easy thing to do, that makes a huge impact on the entire world of skateboarding: Photographing, documenting, and submitting your local skatepark information to the guys at Concrete Disciples... so that they can keep their [most excellent] skatepark-finder up-to-date. I spent the majority of 2008 on the road, working this gig. It was fun times, and Jeff at CD was soooo appreciative. I might be the only guy in the entire midwest that has skated... literally... every single skatepark in the five-state area.

To this day... every time a new skatepark pops up, I'm long gone to go check it out. Best motivator ever...!



In compiling the whole series of messages, something struck me that kinda made me laugh. In the thirty-years-or-so that I've been skating, I've actually done every single one of these things at one time or another. I can tell you right now, if "the naysayers" are gonna bitch about anything, it's gonna be that I've gotten all "preachy" and shit. The thing is, you don't have to read any of this crap. Or even do it, for that matter. I really don't give a damn either way. Your skate scene is your business. And whatever you do with it, is just fine by me.

On the other hand, I can tell ya this much: Skateboarding just wouldn't have been quite as much fun if I hadn't taken the time to get off the couch, go outside, and do stuff like this. Just like anything else in life, you get out of skateboarding what you put in to it. A funbox might take an afternoon to build, and it'll definitely cost you a few bucks. But on the other hand: You're gonna get years of fun out of that bitch, and the things you learn... and, the memories you make... are gonna be totally priceless.

Trust me on this one, because I know what I'm talking about.

So: Go ahead and have some fun with them (if you choose to), and thanks for checking it all out. And lastly, give a round of applause to our advertisers. They gave me a lot of ideas, feedback, and suggestions. You can thank them by supporting them.


Especially Kirb. He's a good man.

Newsworthy: October 10th, 2010

From Unity, the Frankie Hill popsickle and old-school shapes are going on sale October 10th, 2010, at precisely 10:10 PM (Eastern Standard Time, I'd assume), for those of you that wanna stay up late on Sunday night to support The Bulldog. The man is a legend. www.unityskate.com.






From Big Mess, the Nevarestin tee-shirt collab. Twenty-two clams, shipped in the continental US. www.bigmessskateboards.com.






JJ Rudisill at Funhouse Skateboards always writes the best press releases! This super-colorful poster-masterpiece came with the following bits:

"Greetings Fiends! Time to turn your tricks into treats at the Funhouse/Garden Sk8 Halloween Bowl Jam and costume contest, Friday, Oct. 30th! Bowl Jam horror hijinks start at 6 and roll until 11, but Garden Sk8 will be open all day if you wanna get your spook on early. Prizes will be handed out for best trick, worst trick, best costume and whatever the hell else we think up! Also, Blind Team Pro Ronnie Creager will be in the house making his special street magic happen, so there's something in it for everyone. Funhouse decks and T's will be super sale priced too, so pick up a super spooky stick while you're there..."

Followed by:

"Tired of getting Funhouse emails featuring sexy, snake-tongued skeletal skate babes? Reply with the subject line 'Padlock my privates' and you'll never hear from us again!"




Deluxe Distribution sent over tons of news this week, including the release of the Dylan Rieder Thunder Truck, the second episode of "Frankly Speaking" going live (which is funny as hell, by the way... see for yourself at www.dlxsf.com), and "Beauty and The Beast 3" posting up at www.beautyandthebeast3.com.






Terry Synott, freestyler extraordinaire, has a new deck line that he's been working on, called Mode. I first spotted these at The Worlds in Philly, and they looked fabulous. Clean designs, functional shapes, and a personal touch (Terry screens them all himself, by hand... the traditional way!) all add up to a neat looking gig. We hope that he keeps us informed! This bit came from Facebook, so there's no website to steer you to. Sorry.






Our favorite local band, The Shake-Ups, have booked their first Indianapolis show since their summer-long east coast tour. It's going to be at the Vollrath Tavern on Saturday, October 23rd. Patrick says: "It's going to be our first show with a new lineup, but I think you'll enjoy it!"

We always do, buddy! See you there. www.theshakeups.net.






Lastly for this week: We're hearing some grumblings floating around about Mischo Erban, and his record-breaking 80-mile-per-hour run not being "officially official enough for some tightwads". Apparently, there's some debate over the lack of timing-system redundancies, and not having enough unbiased-and-impartial officiating officials to make it all "official" enough for the naysayers.

Well, here's our position: The dude went 80+. That's really, quite an accomplishment. You didn't do it. So: Deal with it.

Instead of splitting hairs over the semantics of rules and regulations, why don't you better spend your time shutting your trap, growing a pair, rounding up a timing system of your own, barging a hill, and clocking 81+ mph...? Because I don't remember the saying going, "If you can't beat 'em, then bitch about it...!".

That's all the news that's fit to spew. Laters.

The Freestyle Report, October 2010

Photos and captions by Bud Stratford


"2011 Judging Guideline Discussion":

I think it's safe to say that the world of Freestyle skateboarding is alive and growing, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated organizers and participants of the form over the years. The 2009 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan showed what it could be like... with crowds of 10,000+, and a fully industry-backed event.

While the 2010 Philadelphia World Championships brought it back to US soil in a very real way by having the most diverse, competitive, and sizable group of skaters in a Freestyle contest perhaps ever... as well as full support from the legendary Powell-Peralta brand (Thank you!)... things are looking up, and starting to move in the world of freestyle.

So going forward, it is our responsibility as practitioners of this art to continue to improve and proliferate what we all love to do...!

After the Worlds in Philadelphia (aside from being exhausted and elated at the same time), I took a look at all the aspects that made that event, and what needed to change to fully make freestyle a viable, modern form once again. Of course, there were aspects that could have made the event better. Besides practical budget-constraints that prevented high-level marketing (tv/radio/billboards), and the lack of advertising in turn affected overall spectator turnout (although grassroots efforts yielded about 1000 for the weekend)... the one item that needs the most attention moving forward, is the judging of freestyle contests.


Judging is often a thankless job that requires skill, objectiveness, and experience to be proficient... as well as a thick skin, because inevitably someone (or, a few people) will not agree with the end results. The reason for this disparity is that there isn't always an up-front and easily explainable format for skaters to understand what is expected of them, and what they should in turn expect from the judging panel.






The judging panel at The Worlds in Philly, having a quick mid-contest powwow with AJ (the guy in the white tee on the right). I'll tell you one thing right now... and, please keep in mind that this is coming from an outsiders' perspective: I'm so glad I wasn't one of these dudes. Because, I woulda been pulling my last few strands of hair trying to judge this event.

I thought they did a remarkable job, given the practical impossibilities of judging what amounts to the highest "art" in skateboarding.

Chain smoking and Coke-drinking is hell of a lot easier, so that's what I did all weekend...!




After the Philadelphia event, there was several complaints and questions regarding why certain people came in whichever place they were awarded. After looking at the video and some of the scores, there seemed to be some discrepancies... and good reason for discontent.

So in the interest of moving forward, let’s see what we can collectively come up with to improve this dilemma.

The bigger problem is that there are so many styles ("traditional", "street", "all-around", etc.) and approaches to freestyle these days. Which is great for the audience, and for the movement. But, it also makes things somewhere between "much harder" and "almost impossible" for a judging panel to judge. Especially when the field was as talented as the group that we had on site for the Philadelphia World Championships.

To give you an example of the challenges at hand: The difference between 1st place, and 23rd place in the Pro Division was a measly 10 points, utilizing 5 elements (points of judging) on a 100-point scale. That’s nothing when compared to other forms (such as street contest) where the difference between 1st and 2nd place could be much bigger than 10 points.






The question becomes a problem of, "Which should be judged higher?!" The machine-like precision of Gunter Mokulys...? The impeccable showmanship and crowd-appeal of Kilian Martin? Or, the buttery-smooth execution of Kevin Harris...? My opinion: They're all champs. But, as a judge? Your job is to make fine distinctions.

That's why I'm a reporter. My job is to sit on my ass, shut up, take notes, and pretty much take it easy. This is Kevin Harris, doing a stylish one-wheeled manual in front of the judges' stand in Philly.




So as you can see, it's a tough job. But, not impossible! The key is thorough and concise communication of what is being judged, and how that affects the overall scores... so that a particular outcome can be shown how it came to be, and the skater can understand what they need to improve upon in the future.

Individuality is what makes Freestyle so great. However: Having basic guidelines that underline every style in regards to a competition will help make an "even playing field", so that all styles are represented and judged fairly.

So let’s open it up to discussion with a few basic points, based on conversations that I had with various people about judging (post-contest), as well as the system as it stands today:

1) 5 Element judging: What should be the elements? Should there be 5 elements? Should there be more elements added, or should some elements be eliminated...?

2) Number of judges/background of judges: Does this matter, and why? What should the requirements be...?

3) What is the most important aspect of freestyle to be considered by a judge?

4) Rating scale: Should the scale be 1-100, 1-20, 1-10, or something else entirely...?

5) How to rate tricks? Should judges consider such "non-traditional" tricks, such as switchstance tricks, nollies, ollies, "traditional" flips (kick, heel, varial, tre, etc), pressure flips, truckstands, spins, handstands, footwork, double-board tricks, etc...?

6) Should "pushing" count as a step-off...?


Notes for the readers: Please add any point you wish to bring up for the next version of this discussion...!

Please email your answers and thoughts to oneskateboardco@gmail.com, and let's see what we can get going!

Thanks for participating in making freestyle even better, for the people by the people. United, we are strong. Viva La Revolution!

A Public Service Announcement...

Breaking News: New World Speed Record

Listen to that "swoosh"...! Now follow our lead, and say to yourself: "Holy Shit...!"



Dan Gesmer over at Seismic just sent us this video clip of Mischo Erban breaking his previous speed record of 70.23 mph. The new record?! A searing 80.83 mph!

Here's the entire IGSA release, courtesy of YouTube:

"Mischo Erban shattered his own IGSA Downhill Skateboarding World Record on Thursday, September 30 when he reached a speed of 130.08 km/hr (80.83 mph) at a secret location in Colorado. This represents an astonishing increase of 13% over his previous record of 113.02 km/hr (70.23 mph).

27-year old Erban, who lives in Vernon, BC, Canada rode a longboard using a stand up, head forward, arms back, tuck position to achieve the record. He was wearing a leather suit, gloves and a full-face protective helmet. Erban's record was set entirely using gravity with no motorized assistance.

"Honestly we never thought we would hit 130 km/hr," said Erban. "It was an exploratory effort that surprised us all!"

The speed was recorded by the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) using their Tag Heuer-manufactured, speed trap timing device. IGSA Official Gary Fluitt verified the record.

Erban was riding a GMR skateboard with stock Seismic 85mm Speed Vent wheels, Ronin trucks and prototype Seismic Bearings.

Mischo Erban is the defending IGSA World Cup Series Downhill Skateboarding Champion. He has won numerous international races and is recognized as one of the best downhill skateboarders in the world today.

The International Gravity Sports Association is the international sanctioning body for downhill skateboarding events and athletes, featuring the 8-race 2010 World Cup Series. IGSA events involve head-to-head downhill racing competitions where participants routinely reach speeds in excess of 110km/h (65mph) as they hurtle themselves down mountain roads negotiating ninety degree bends and hairpin corners.

The IGSA urges downhill skateboarders to always wear protective equipment (including leathers, helmets, gloves and pads) and to only practice the sport under controlled conditions on closed roads..."

At 80+ mph, I'd hope to hell that you're wearing appropriate safety gear...!

Thanks to Dan for the heads up, and congrats to Mr. Erban on his incredible achievement.