Bad day for fires, great day for surf

Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times

SMOKE ON THE WATER: Luke Schroder,14, looks at the smoke-filled sky after surfing Sunday in Malibu. Evacuations and road closures kept many from the beach.

Good waves and a vacant beach create 'the opportunity of a lifetime' for those surfing amid the smoke.

By Bob Pool and Ari B. Bloomekatz, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
October 22, 2007

The hills above them were burning, but it was the surfers who were stoked Sunday in Malibu. Waves were breaking perfectly at the famed Surfrider Beach. And for once, longboarders did not have to jostle one another to catch a great ride.

The closure of Pacific Coast Highway through the fire zone kept most outsiders off the beach. Locals were kept away by the evacuation order that emptied many Malibu neighborhoods.

Related Stories
-	Winds drive Southland wildfires
-	Malibu's past is laced with blazes

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime," exclaimed Ken Rockas, a 56-year-old surfer from Santa Cruz. "It's usually so crowded here that it's dog-eat-dog on the water. It can be madness here."

Not that Sunday's surf scene didn't have its moments. Fire engines raced past with sirens screaming, and helicopters swooped low overhead on water-dropping runs.

Embers rained down on the beach to the east, and a thick layer of brown smoke cloaked the seaward horizon.

"They were over there hosing down the Malibu Pier. The market down the road is on fire. It's like a Hollywood set around here. This is totally not real," said surfer Ozstar Dejourday, 50, of La Jolla. "But the fire is not chasing us out. The waves are just getting better and better. These sets are seven or eight football fields long. And look at the deserted beach. It looks like an island in Bali."

While some surfers used back roads to sneak around roadblocks and get into Malibu, some were in town for a seminar on the certification of surf contest judges. That event was canceled because of the fire.

"My eyes are burning from the smoke, but I'm loving it," said Cindy Sandberg, 54, also from Santa Cruz.

Lifelong surfer Bruce King, 59, of Oceanside, said he grew up in Malibu Canyon, where he went through three major brush fires. He said Sunday's scene reminded him of the old days, in more ways than one.

"It's like when I was a kid," King said, gazing across the empty beach. "There are no people. It's beautiful, just like it used to be."

Lifeguard Capt. Merrill Riley said the pier, which borders Surfrider Beach to the east, was sprayed down by a Baywatch lifeguard boat as a precaution.

The Malibu Pier was closed. But to the south, the Santa Monica Pier and its beach were filled with people going about their normal routines -- and some were nervously watching Malibu's smoky skies.

Peter Shenk thumbed through his iPhone looking for updates on the fire. The Pepperdine University alumnus used to attend Malibu Presbyterian Church, which was destroyed by the blaze.

"It's sad. I'm reading and seeing which buildings were taken out and which might be burning. It's just so sad to look over there and see the smoke and think about all the places I used to go," said Shenk, 25, of Pacific Palisades.

As he called friends in Malibu who had to evacuate, asking if they needed a place to stay, Shenk said he saw many people who seemingly had no clue about what was unfolding a few miles away.

But others were aware.

Four friends from Mid-City said they went to the beach Sunday in Santa Monica to film a short love parody that they could post on YouTube. The group had heard about the fire on their way over, and debated how to include it in their film.

"I was telling my cameraman that maybe we can use the fire as some sort of symbolism," said 19-year-old UC Riverside student Kevin Alvarez. "Maybe like a burning heart."

On the sand, 10-year-old Sawyer Levy was volunteering and picking up trash with his dad, Allen, and younger brother, Mays. "I have friends over there and I don't want them to get hurt," Sawyer said.

As Sawyer moved along the beach with his trash bag in hand, dozens of others were sunbathing and riding the pier's Ferris wheel.

"They probably care [about the fire], in a way," Sawyer said of his fellow beachgoers. "It's just that they don't want to get too involved in it."

bob.pool@latimes.com

ari.bloomekatz@latimes.com

Zex Sport's Photog, David Serrano has Secret Talent

Hey Zex Sports fans! You might be interested to know that our photographer, David Serrano is also a killer graphic artist. When not covering action sports events, David is drawing sketches for FLOW Snowboards. He is currently working on tee-shirt designs and graphics for snowboards and the company van.

As a freelance artist, his work has also appeared on CD covers and on tee-shirts for both FLOW and Hustler. David recently illustrated a children's book and also designed the cover for the nonfiction book, Tabloid Prodigy by Marlise Elizabeth Kast. His greatest talent is graffiti style fonts & images as well as designing tribal tattoos.

Give him a shout if you want some work sketched! To receive a pdf format of his art portfolio, write David at:

serranopepper76@yahoo.com

Artist David Dickey Paints for Purpose

Talented artist David Dickey just moved from Hawaii to Mission Beach, California. His surf-inspired oil & acrylic paintings hang in the homes of big-wave rider Laird Hamilton & musician Eddie Vedder.

Although the paintings sell between $5,000 - $20,000, David is donating his paintings to be auctioned off at charity events! He recently donated a killer painting of a fire-red palm leaf to Hot Tuna's charity event. Proceeds from the painting were donated to surfer/artist Jeannie Chesser who is battling cancer.

To check out David's amazing artwork, go to http://www.dadickey.com/

Hot Tuna shows their love to the surf community by throwing a charity benefit and Eek a Mouse Shows up to represent

Hot Tuna surf clothing line is really taking action and making known that they are here to stay. First going crazy showing off their new stuff via a dope fashion show at the Highland Club in Hollywood, then at ASR and now for a good cause.

"In May 2007, Jeannie was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Jeannie, 58, has had surgery to remove the lump and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. When Hot Tuna's Marketing Director (www.hottunaint.com), learned of Jeannie's growing stack of medical bills, he decided to take action."

For More click here

Skateboarding Explained

Heard around this block this is supposedly pretty straight ... Check it out

Here's the vid... Skateboarding Explained

Kelly Slater Wipes Out the Competition at Boost Mobile Pro 2007

By Marlise Elizabeth Kast
www.marlisekast.com


Surfing King, Kelly Slater extended his reign by defeating Hawaiian powerhouse Pancho Sullivan at the 2007 Boost Mobile Pro held in San Clemente. The eight-time World Champion made surfing history after winning his 34th ASP World Tour Victory. During the final leg of the Boost Mobile Pro surf competition, Slater crushed the 16-year record, previously held by surf legend Tom Curren.

“This will be a neat little tournament for my career,” Slater said. “Just to get that win was important. We had similar conditions to 1990 when I won out here, so it was pretty magical.”

Marking the sixth stop on Foster’s Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour (www.aspworldtour.com), the Boost Mobile Pro is the only ASP event on the US mainland. From September 9-15th, thousands of fans swarmed San Clemente’s Trestles Beach as 48 of the world’s best surfers went head to head during the seven-day event.

Among the competitors were Taylor Knox, Jeremy Flores, Mick Fanning, Tom Whitaker and San Diego’s own Rob Machado. Just days after being voted best “Breakthrough Performer” at the September 11th Surfer Poll Awards, Wildcard Jordy Smith lived up to his reputation and new title by ripping up the waves.

Cheering from the sidelines was Damien Hobgood who was forced to sit out the competition after fracturing his knee during the ASP Tour in Chile. Prior to his injury, the San Diego shredder had been predicted to snatch a top seed position at this year’s Boost Mobile Pro.

“I feel like I was setting myself up for a shot at the world title,” said Hobgood. “Now that I can’t compete at Trestles, it’s not going to happen. I’ve got to make sure that I heal it right.”

During the 2005 ASP World Tour, Hobgood landed second place to icon Kelly Slater. Now, with Hobgood sitting beachside, many felt Slater would easily annihilate the competition. From the moment their boards touched the water, however, competitors paddled into battle for a spot in the Finals.

Kelly Slater defeated Taylor Knox in the quarter-finals while Hawaii’s Pancho Sullivan skunked Troy Brooks. On day six of the competition, surfers paired up for Hurley’s 2nd Annual “Keys to the Continent” challenge. This entertaining side-event showcased the world’s best surfers tearing it up tag-team style. Surfers from different regions joined forces to determine which territory is the strongest in pro surfing. Taking home the $20,000 prize purse for the USA were longtime buds, Kelly Slater and Rob Machado.

During the semi-finals of the main event, Slater charged solo against Tom Whitaker while Pancho Sullivan destroyed Jeremy Flores by a ten point lead. Fighting for the $30,000 cash pot, Slater battled Sullivan in the Finals, beating him only by 2.80 points.

“It’s frustrating to lose by so little,” said Sullivan. “I wanted more waves and was ready to perform but I just couldn’t go off like I hoped. I still made it to the Finals and hopefully can carry momentum into Europe.”

Despite his disappointment, Sullivan climbed eight spots from ASP position number 16 to number 8, thanks to his runner up victory.


Showing support for these talented athletes was wave charger, Sunny Garcia together with event sponsors like Boost Mobile (www.boostmobile.com), Foster’s Beer (www.fostersbeer.com) and Hurley (www.hurley.com). Chris Ernst, Boost Mobile’s Senior Manager of Events, says millions of viewers worldwide logged on to www.boostmobilepro.com for live coverage of the event.

“The Boost Mobile Pro is a huge success because we have the right people at the right place,” says Ernst. “Last year we drew in 17,000 spectators over the course of five days. This year we are even larger. Clearly there is no such thing as a perfect event, but we do the best we can by fine tuning every last detail.”

Ernst says that this year, the State Parks Department was extremely cooperative. Due to the unpredictability of the waves, they gave Boost Mobile a seven day window for the event. During the final showdown, Mother Nature brought in sunny skies and five foot waves.

Lending shade from the scorching sun were booths set up by Life Rolls On (www.liferollson.org) and Surfrider Foundation (www.surfrider.org). Proceeds from the event went to these two worthy causes. Life Rolls On (LRO) is a non-profit Foundation that provides hope for young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injuries. LRO began in 1999 in honor of Jesse Billauer who was paralyzed from a surfing accident three years prior.

Jesse’s father, George Billauer, now dedicates his time to the grassroots efforts of the Foundation. “A portion of our funds go directly toward research and finding a cure for spinal cord injuries,” said Billauer. “Through events like this we also motivate people to get involved and make a difference.”

Also spreading awareness to surf fans was Stefanie Sekich of Surfrider Foundation. Her goal is to educate locals about the “Save Trestles Campaign” and the threat to the world-renowned surf spot. “The Transportation Corridor Agency is planning to build a six-lane toll road through the middle of San Onofre State Park and Trestles Beach,” said Stefanie. “We are asking people to write their elected officials and to encourage the Coastal Commission to intervene. If we take action, I truly believe that the plan can be stopped.”

Taking action both on the shore and in the water was the theme of Boost Mobile Pro. Moments after Kelly Slater’s victory, dozens of groms flocked the champ, throwing down high fives and hugs of victory.

Slater’s number one fan, Rob Machado said, “When Kelly wins a competition, the place goes nuts. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kelly look so happy to win an event as I have today.”

Now on his way to winning a 9th World Title, Kelly Slater says he is eager for the next stop on the ASP World Tour. “We’ll see what happens in France,” said Slater. “After this win I could really capitalize on everything.”

Greg MacGillivray Oscar Nominee To Celebrate 35th Anniversary of Five Summer Stories At Surfing Heritage Foundation

On September 15th, the Surfing Heritage Foundation in San Clemente will celebrate the 35 Year Anniversary of Five Summer Stories with its director Greg MacGillivray. In 1972, Greg and his filmmaking partner Jim Freeman made history with the first action sports surf film shot in 35 mm. This is a one night only event, heralded as "the finest surf movie ever made!" Since that time, MacGillivray Freeman Films has gone on to become one of the most successful producers of large format IMAX Theater films, with such popular titles as To Fly, The Living Sea, Coral Reef Adventures and Everest to its credit.

Doors will open at 7PM for this one-night-only event. The evening will include an insightful film panel discussion consisting of Greg himself and some of the top surfers in the film including Shaun Tomson (Former World Champion), David Nuuhiwa (Former US Champion), Ben Aipa (Big Wave Rider & Shaper), Jericho Poppler (Former Champion), Joyce Hoffman (Former Champion), Skitch Hitchcock (Skateboarding Champion), John Lamb (5SS Animator & Oscar Winner) and Angie Reno (Former Champion) (additional guests to be announced). The film panel will be moderated by Sam George (former Editor of Surfer Magazine).

Because of the popularity of the film and special guests scheduled to appear, tickets are selling briskly and VIP has already sold out. Many regard this as one of their favorite surf films, along with the trend-setting original music of Honk (whose career as a band was defined by the soundtrack in the film). A limited number of original movie posters and DVDs will be available for sale and signing at the evening’s festivities.

The event is being co-produced by Keiko Beatie, who is the Surfing Heritage Foundations Outdoor Summer Series Film Curator (she is also the curator/programmer for the Laguna Beach Film Society. She felt that this film’s past history and the talent of MacGillivray is an iconic celebration. MacGillivray Freeman Films is an amazing story of talent and creativity from surfing filmmaking’s beginnings. Five Summer Stories remains one of the top-selling surf films to this day).

The Surfing Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and promoting surfing’s heritage for the appreciation and education of current and future generations; and to achieving the goal of surfing being more accurately understood, represented and enjoyed.



This outdoor film series is brought to you by Rainbow Sandals and SHF, evening sponsors Surfline.com and Liquid Under Ground. With additional support from Homeblown Foam, Modern Postcard, Show Pros, Surfer Magazine and Headline Graphics. There will be a opportunity drawing with donations from many of the community’s finest which includes a limited edition giclee by John Lamb.



Tickets are $10 for General Admission, VIP is SOLD OUT.

www.surfingheritage.org www.macfreefilms.com

To Purchase Tickets call Linda Michael 949.388.0313 or email linda@surfingheritage.org



Directions: Exit the 5 Frwy at Ave. Pico and head inland. At Calle Del Cerro make a right. After approx. 1.5 miles, make a right onto Calle Iglesia. At the split, make another right (still Calle Iglesia) we’re the first parking lot on your right, 110 Calle Iglesia. Additional street parking is available.

Fans Fill the Palacio de los Deportes in Final Day of X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink

Event Concludes on a High Note with a Total of 27,508 in Attendance over the Weekend

Mexico City, Mexico – The inaugural X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink concluded today in Mexico City as 14,038 screaming fans welcomed a world-class, international field of gravity defying athletes. The three-day event showcased some of the world’s best action sport athletes from 12 countries and three continents, competing in BMX Freestyle Street, Skateboard Street and Moto X Best Trick at the Palacio de los Deportes.

"The excitement at X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink this weekend proved a continuing demand for action sports around the globe," said Rick Alessandri, senior vice president, general manager, ESPN Consumer Products and X Games Franchise Managing Director. "We look forward to bringing X to the fans around the world and are ecstatic to host the return of X Games Dubai this December."

BMX Freestyle Street
While Hector Garcia of Mexico received the loudest ovation from his hometown, it was USA riders Garrett Reynolds, Aaron Ross and Van Homan that swept the podium with several difficult combinations including Reynolds’ gold medal run which consisted of a wall ride to truck driver to fakie, and then landing a 360 bar spin backwards.

“It was exciting out there and it was fun entertaining the crowd,” said gold medalist Garrett Reynolds. “I couldn’t be more ecstatic with the way this competition turned out.”

Skateboard Vert
Competitors dazzled the fans with a variety of spins, McTwists and kickflips as they soared in the air. Canadian Pierre-Luc Gagnon edged out his competitors with his last run comprising of a kickflip mute to fakie, then to back-to-back 720s. Crowds cheered as Brazil’s Sandro Dias executed high flying Christ-Airs and made numerous attempts at the 900 spin. Although he was unable to successfully land the 900, the crowd still showed their support, applaudding in appreciation for his effort. Taking home the bronze was fellow Brazilian Digo Menezes.

“It wasn’t easy going up against Sandro’s 900 attempts and Rodil’s Stalefish 720,” said Gagnon. “I knew I had to go out and kill it and I did.”

Skateboard Street
The fast pace of the Skateboard Street competition maintained the day’s momentum following the Skateboard Vert Final. As the sea of spectators shifted from one side of the stadium for a better view of the street course, well-known Mexican skater Max Barrera kicked off the competition while the crowd chanted and cheered for their country’s representatives. However, it was Greg Lutzka of the USA who flexed his skate street dominance most impressively. Having recently won a silver medal at X Games 13, Lutzka was able to one-up his his own performance with a gold medal finish here in Mexico. Argentinean Milton Martinez took home the silver and Brazil’s Rodil De Araujo rounded out the top three with bronze.

“I’ve had a good time here and winning gold just makes everything that much better,” said Lutzka. “I hope that we keep coming back and all I have to say is ‘gracias’.”

Moto X Step Up
Past two-time X Games Step Up gold medalist Matt Buyten claimed his first gold south of the border in the Moto X Step Up competition, finishing with a height of 23.5 feet, while last night’s Moto X Best Trick gold medalist Todd Potter finished in second at 23 feet. Eight-time X Games medalist Brian Deegan finished in third at 21 feet.

“It was amazing to compete in Mexico. The crowd was so enthusiastic and I’m extremely happy to walk away with the gold,” said Buyten.

Action Sports Enthusiasts Unite Under One Roof at ASR

Action Sports Enthusiasts Unite Under One Roof at ASR

By Marlise Elizabeth Kast

www.marlisekast.com

For nearly three decades, ASR (www.asrbiz.com) has managed to unite brands, buyers, manufacturers and media together in one location for the world’s leading action sports trade show. This year’s event was no exception, as over 500 brands and 1500 booths showcased their latest collections.

Held at the San Diego Convention Center, the semi-annual event continually provides a platform of exposure for well-established companies as well as young, emerging businesses. On September 7^th – 9^th, buyers, distributors, athletes and marketers came under one roof for the exciting 3-day forum.

Previewing the latest in action sports apparel, Zex Sports (www.zexsports.com) caught up with some of the industry’s leading retailers and designers. Among the event highlights were runway shows, fundraisers, live music, beer gardens, seminars and skate competitions.

ASR Show Director, Andy Tompkins says, “The amount of creative energy that the entire industry puts into the events, makes ASR so much more than a trade show. Where else do art exhibitions, enormous fundraisers, runway shows and global skate contests all come together in one place?”

Hosting the ASR 2007 Kickoff Party were Surf Shot Magazine (www.surfshot.com), The Walker Project (www.thewalkerproject.com) and Surfrider Foundation (www.surfrider.org). They rolled out the red carpet on September 6^th for three hundred of the industry’s leading trendsetters. Retailers, designers and celebrities came together to show their support at the Red Circle club in San Diego’s Gaslamp District.

Guests were treated to a hosted vodka bar and a surf slideshow montage set against the backdrop of ambient grooves. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Surfrider SAVE Trestles campaign.

Mike Walker, President of The Walker Project (www.thewalkerproject.com) says, “The kickoff party was a huge success. As one of the event’s hosts, for me the goal was to support a cause, have fun and pave the way for ASR. I am really looking forward to planning future events with Surf Shot and the new owners of Red Circle. The party was a blast.”

The following morning, ASR opened its doors bright and early for the September 7^th trade show. Foam magazine (www.foammagazine.com) dominated the runway during the 2 o’clock fashion show. As models paraded the catwalk, top brands like Hot Tuna (www.hottunaint.com) turned heads with their 2008 collections.

One of the first surf brands to enter the fashion world, Hot Tuna remains an influential leader in the action sports industry. Swimwear Director, Anna Kenney says this year, Hot Tuna is taking drastic measures to keep its clothing line cutting edge and strikingly bold. “Some of our bikinis are reversible and others are expandable so that they provide a perfect fit. We also recently introduced a line of tee-shirt dresses, jumpers, boardshorts and zip-up hoodies.”

Hot Tuna Marketing Director, Cody Graham says much of the company’s notoriety comes from its unique clothing style. For Spring 2008, the design team has embraced 80’s fashion by implementing patterns such as checkers, polka dots, stripes and hearts.

“Our designers are using a lot of neon colors and hardcore prints in the new line,” says Graham. “Our biggest sellers are the candy-stripe bikinis and cotton dresses. It is because of our exposure at ASR that we are currently negotiating to have our products featured in major retail stores.”

Taking a much “louder” approach to marketing was the action sports brand, Volcom (www.volcom.com). The Volcom booth included free beer and live music from Volcom Tour bands such as “Year Long Disaster.” Public Relations Director, Amy Lee says this coming season women will be offered a much wider selection of clothing including a new line of swimwear. “We are introducing easy dresses, swing-style coats and pop-colored shorts. I believe it is our unique approach to style that keeps us at the top of the industry.”

One of the boldest brands at ASR was Metal Mulisha. Typically known by its signature helmet-skull logo, the company has introduced such new items as slippers, boardshorts, jeans and children’s clothing. Merchandising Manager, Zack Montez says, “We are expanding our products but remaining true to our image. We cater to the moto-urban crowd and people who like to get dirty like the typical desert rat.”

The brand got its unlikely start in 1999 when legendary motocross rider, Brian Deegan began selling a few shirts out of his garage. Today, the Metal Mulisha clothing line is sold nationwide in stores such as No Fear, Tilly’s and Pac-Sun. The majority of the company’s products are sold through its website, (www.metalmulisha.com).

Ryan Cropley who designed the Metal Mulisha website says, “Despite the changes in fashion, we generally keep our clothing down to three colors; black, red and white. Our women’s line has a sort of hard-core feel while our men’s line tends to promote the specific style of our riders. The Deegen Signature collection is selling like crazy.”

One company that was determined to be heard at ASR 2007 was headphone specialist, Skull Candy, (www.skullcandy.com). The focus of their booth was a DJ surrounded by comfy couches and racks of colorful headphones. Customer Service Rep, Brandon Storm says the exposure they gained at ASR was worth the eleven-hour drive from Skull Candy’s Utah headquarters. “This is our third consecutive year at ASR,” Storm explains. “Our products are now sold at Target, Best Buy, and at major action sports stores. We offer a lifetime warranty and a quality product that can outlast many of our competitors.”

Skull Candy already offers fifteen existing styles of headphones. Fresh to the 2008 catalog are new colors, logos and designs. Top sellers include the “Rasta” headphone which comes with a bottle opener and “Full Metal Jacket” miniature ear buds. According to Storm, the company is growing at a rate of 500%. “We are moving into a new warehouse in October,” he explains. “The new building will be four times the size of our current location.”

During the frenzied buying and selling of products, other events were taking place such as the Boost Mobile eS Game of Skate (www.boostmobile.com). During the Saturday competition, 32 amateurs battled 32 pros including Chris Cole, Paul Rodriguez and Andrew Reynolds, for a chance to win $20,000. Surrounding the kicks and flips were mini ramps, a street course and the DVS Beer Garden.

Surfboard shapers also gained recognition in the ASR Board Builders Pavilion. Here, visitors could place bids at the Reef Board Build Off silent auction (www.reef.com). All proceeds benefited the SIMA Humanitarian Fund.

This year, ASR went the extra mile to raise money for environmental initiatives by creating the “Green Room”. Displaying the latest in eco-conscious products, additional funds were brought in through silent auctions, art work and a poker tournament.

Among the charitable organizations helping to save the environment was The Glue Network (www.thegluenetwork.com). Formed in 2005, one of the goals for Glue is to connect and motivate people to care about those in need and to make a difference in their daily lives. Thanks to successful events like ASR, Glue is able to unite artists, musicians and brands with a common passion and purpose for helping those who are less fortunate.

This year, Glue brought in talented artists to ASR to paint murals. Proceeds from the artwork were donated to Surf Aid International (www.surfaidinternational.org). Glue provides funding to other such causes as helping the poor, ending the HIV pandemic, disaster relief, caring for the homeless, education, protecting the environment, saving children and preventing substance abuse.

Glue Founder and CEO, Shawn Parr says, “We wanted to create a world-wide community devoted to purpose-driven needs and acts. At ASR, we invited action-sports industry brands to participate in this purpose. Each brand sent a sponsored artist to do live painting on the mural. The mural was then auctioned off and that money was donated to a worthy cause. This way, everyone had a hand in making a difference.”

From the Convention Center to the streets of San Diego, ASR activities continued into the night. Among the evening events were movie premiers, fashion and award shows, fundraisers, concerts and industry parties. ASR organizers have announced the dates for next year’s shows as January 24-26, 2008 and September 4-6, 2008. Buyers, retailers and athletes alike all agree that ASR 2007 will be a tough trade show to beat.

For more information, visit www.asrbiz.com

Simon Tabron Takes Home Gold in BMX Vert

USA Sweeps Moto X Best Trick
Second Day of Event Draws a Crowd of 13,470 at the Palacio de los Deportes

Mexico City, Mexico – The energy of the spectators shook the venue in Day Two of X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. Fans gathered to watch athletes exert amplitude and difficult maneuvers in the BMX Freestyle Vert and Moto X Best Trick finals. Skateboard Vert and BMX Freestyle Street Elimination Rounds also selected finalists for events to be held tomorrow.

BMX Freestyle Vert Final
Simon Tabron of Great Britain, and USA riders Jay Eggleston and Zack Warden contended for the gold with high energy routines in the BMX Freestyle Vert Final. The three were the remaining finalists out of 10 competitors in the head-to-head jam format. The crowd erupted into cheers as the riders attempted to one-up each other with combinations of hand plants, allie-oops and tail whips. In the last moment of his run, a hiccup caused Eggleston to fall behind Tabron in second position. Tabron then entertained the crowd with a series of back to back 540 maneuvers and a 900 spin, earning him the gold.

“The enthusiasm at the X Games seen today is truly amazing,” said an enthusiastic Tabron. “You can feel the excitement everywhere. I had so much fun out there and I’m proud to take home gold.”

Moto X Best Trick Final
The crowd kept up its momentum with the wave as the final competition concluded the evening. Although all of the Moto X Best Trick competitors received roars of approval from the fans, the USA swept the podium. American rider Todd Potter took the gold medal with his best trick, the “Kamikaze,” where he extended his body straight while being upside down in the air. Kyle Loza finished in second position with his self-invented trick, “The Volt” and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg rounded out the top three after taking third with a “Double Can Indie Flip” to “Heel Clicker” combination.

“Mexico City is great and I hope the X Games happen here every year,” said Potter. “I didn’t know that I would be walking home with gold and it wasn’t easy.”

X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink concludes tomorrow with the finals in BMX Freestyle Street, Skateboard Vert, Skateboard Street and Moto X Step Up.

Day One of Premier Action Sports Event Kicks-off in Mexico City

Simon Tabron Dominates BMX Freestyle Vert;
Rodil de Araujo Leads in Skateboard Street

Mexico City, Mexico – The first day of X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink kicked off last night at the Palacio de los Deportes. With a strong international representation of competitors from around the Globe participating in BMX Freestyle Vert and Skateboard Street Elimination Rounds, today’s festivities marked the first time an international X Games event has been held in Mexico City.

In response to the opening day, Gerardo Casanova, general manager, ESPN Mexico said, “We are very excited to have X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink in our city. Day One was more successful than I could have imagined and I am looking forward to an action-filled weekend,” said Casanova. “

BMX Freestyle Vert Elimination
BMX athletes from Latin America, Spain and the USA performed a showdown of routines including big airs, tail whips, flips and flares. In a close battle between American riders Jay Eggleston, and the youngest competitor, Zack Warden, the USA was a contender for a first qualifying finish. However, a flawless and stylistic finish by Simon Tabron allowed him to emerge victorious over his opponents with a score of 93.00.

Skateboard Street Elimination
Talents from local competitors in Mexico stirred high energy in their hometown as they executed each difficult maneuver. Rodil de Araujo of Brazil commanded the lead with a score of 87.89, with American street skater Greg Lutzka following behind with an 84.44 and Milton Martinez from Argentina ending in third position with an 83.22.

Tomorrow fans can look forward to watching final competitions in BMX Freestyle Vert and Moto X Best Trick. Elimination Rounds will also take place for BMX Freestyle Street and Skateboard Vert. For an updated schedule, go to www.xgames.com/mexico.

ABOUT THE ESPN X GAMES FRANCHISE
ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Action Sports, first developed its X Games franchise in 1995. Part of ESPN Content Development, X Games, Winter X Games and All Access are just some of the original action sports programming currently shown on ESPN and ESPN2. In addition to the two U.S.-based events, ESPN has held X Games competitions and demonstration events around the world including Dubai, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Malaysia and Spain. The global franchise has also expanded its reach to EXPN.com, the definitive site for action sports fans, and to consumer products such as X Games bikes, protective gear, skateboards and DVDs.

Programming for the inaugural 2007 X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will be offered on ESPN Dos and ESPN360 from Sept. 8-10. ESPN360 will also feature bonus coverage of practices and non-televised events immediately following the telecast. Additional exclusive coverage including simulcast with ESPN Dos in Spanish, delayed simulcast in English and VOD highlight clips will stream daily on EXPN.com. From Sept. 21-23, ESPN International will also air coverage from the event pan-regionally in Latin America. Visit the official websites www.xgames.com/mexico for the most current X Games Mexico information and www.ticketmaster.com for ticketing information.

Sponsors and Partners
X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar is sponsored by presenting sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink and Gold sponsor Ford Motor Company.

X Games Mexico Presented by Rockstar is co-organized by OCESA, the largest entertainment company in Latin America, while the Palacio de los Deportes is the official venue.

X GAMES 13 MAKES HISTORY WITH MOST-VIEWED AND HIGHEST RATINGS EVER

Record Online Audience For EXPN.com; Highest TV Ratings

The success of X Games 13, held in Los Angeles August 2 – 5, reflects the evolving ways that fans engage in action sports today and were a success across television, online and mobile media across the globe. EXPN.com (ESPN.com’s action sports hub) recorded its most overall traffic ever for an X Games with first time live webcasts as well as fan voting for competition. Telecasts of X Games 13 on ESPN delivered the most-viewed X Games ever among Households and Men 12-17, 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54. ESPN's prime time telecasts were up 35% compared to 2006 among M12-17.

“Once again the best action sports athletes in the world came to X Games and provided fans around the world with remarkable performances”, said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise. “And the fans responded in record numbers across ESPN’s global multi-media platforms”, added Alessandri.

In an effort to continue to expand the X Games franchise globally, on the opening night of X Games 13, the first five minutes aired live on 19 of ESPN's television networks, reaching a potential 267 million viewers in 145 countries. In addition, fans around the world were then able to watch the entire broadcast streamed live on EXPN.com. Both EXPN.com and ESPN360.com streamed 40 hours of live X Games 13 coverage.

The newly re-launched EXPN.com had its most successful X Games ever, with the number of unique visitors more than doubling X Games 2006 (up 116 percent), which was the previous record-setting event. According to comScore Media Metrix, the site was accessed by more than a half million unique users, and generated more than 3.2 million page views over the course of the X Games. Additionally, fans viewed X Games videos on EXPN.com and ESPN.com more than 1.6 million times over the four days of the competition.

On television, nearly 38 million fans tuned into X Games 13, up 7% from 2006. Overall, X Games 13 averaged a 1.0 Household coverage rating on ESPN, a 19% increase from 2006.

NYT Article: Avid Boarders Bypass Branded Gear

found this post in the NY Times.. I know it's superlong, but pretty interesting.


Avid Boarders Bypass Branded Gear

The $15 'Blank Decks' Work Just Fine -- A Marketing Challenge for Industry
By PAUL GLADER July 27, 2007; Page B1

Sixteen-year-old Matt Hiemstra should be the $5.2 billion-a-year skateboard industry's ideal customer.

During the summer, he skateboards daily, and between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next, he breaks about eight boards doing jumps and other tricks. He also knows all about skateboards, including the names of the leading brands and the pros who endorse them.

But none of that knowledge really influences what he buys. "When it comes down to it, a skateboard is a skateboard," says Mr. Hiemstra, who placed second and third at local competitions last year at Kuehn skate park in Sioux Falls, S.D. "It doesn't matter that it has fancy stuff. When you go through so many in a summer, it's too costly to buy expensive new ones."

Matt Hiemstra uses a relatively inexpensive deck, or board, to skate on a ramp in his backyard; right, a deck from Zoo York, a hot brand among younger boarders.

Some 12 million teenagers skateboard -- more than play baseball in the U.S. today, estimates American Sports Data, a research firm based in Cortland Manor, N.Y. But Mr. Hiemstra and other skateboarders like him present an interesting marketing challenge. They are the industry's prime customers, both devoted to the sport and savvy. And when they started out, most of them invested in premium boards and other branded gear. But as they got more serious about boarding, many decided they just didn't care whether they used the industry's top products, including the pro skateboard "decks" with graphics and branding that can cost between $40 and $70 without the wheels and the axles known as "trucks."

In more mainstream sports like baseball, basketball and soccer, young athletes tend to respond to marketing by Nike Inc., Adidas AG and Under Armour Inc., paying top dollar for gloves, balls, shoes and other gear endorsed by their favorite stars. But many boarders think it's just fine to buy "blank decks," the plain, seven-ply wood boards that cost only $15 to $30, often come from overseas, and are being sold by big discounters, on eBay and at some skateboard specialty shops.

Mike May, a spokesman for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C., agrees that skateboarders can be a tough sell. "I think skateboarding is sort of in a class by itself in that respect," he says. "There are some free spirits and independent thinkers in the skateboarding industry."

Serious skateboarders also have big expenses. On average, those who execute tricky jumps, spins and slides break their boards once a month. "For a young kid, every couple dollars count," says Issa Sawabini, a partner in Fuse, a Vermont-based youth sports marketing company.
Element, Zoo York, Santa Cruz, Flip and other top skateboard brands have been hiring the best of the estimated 800 professional and semiprofessional skateboarders to ride their boards and wear their brand-named clothes in competition, videos and ads. Many skateboard enthusiasts also admire top pros like Ryan Sheckler, Tony Hawk and Rob Dyrdeck for their ability to invent new tricks and for their celebrity lifestyles and clothing and equipment sponsorships.
But Mr. Hiemstra, who pays for his gear by bagging groceries at a local grocery store for $6.50 an hour, isn't buying. He won't settle for what he considers to be lesser quality boards sold at discounters like Wal-Mart or at toy stores. But he does sometimes bid for batches of closeout boards on eBay, and he trolls the four skateboard shops around Sioux Falls for sales, closeouts and other deals.

Zoo York pro rider Donny Barley in New York.
"Word travels around the skate park about what [various shops] have in stock," he says, noting that he recently picked up two half-priced complete Crown boards from Scheels All Sports in Sioux Falls for $30 each instead of the usual $60 apiece.

The International Association of Skateboard Companies figures 50% to 70% of all the skateboard decks sold are blank rather than branded. "The problem is the blank boards don't really contribute to the industry. They don't buy advertisements in skateboard magazines. They don't support professional riders," says John Bernards, executive director of the International Association of Skateboard Companies, based in Santa Margarita, Calif.

Mr. Bernards's group recently published an advertising supplement in skateboarding magazines called "Under Fire," featuring interviews with pros, brand owners and distributors, to try to persuade young people to stop buying blank decks as a matter of principle. One author called blank decks "bland, unwarranted commodities that support faceless factories that do nothing to support professional skateboarding."

But the effort backfired. "We got hate mail saying that we are trying to commercialize skateboarding," says Mr. Bernards, whose group has now backed away from bad-mouthing blank decks.

Instead, the large skateboard brands have begun adding new technology, such as special footplates, air pockets, and layers of hemp fabric, Kevlar or fiberglass to absorb shock. The Habitat-brand skateboard deck has bamboo on the top to strengthen it.

NHS Inc., a Santa Cruz, Calif., company that owns several leading skateboard brands, has doubled its research and development budget to $500,000. Using cameras to film skateboards mounted on special board-breaking machines, NHS discovered that the top, rather than the bottom, is what usually breaks, prompting the company to add a special Kevlar layer.
"Sales are rising for that model," says NHS's president, Bob Denike. He is also looking at boards made by mixing fiberglass materials with wood and wood laminates. He argues that the industry is to blame for losing customers to cheap decks. "We don't keep the product changing and moving forward," he says. "When you have a 10-15 year run of no innovation, you leave the door wide open for an issue like this."

The nation's largest sporting-goods store, Pittsburgh-based Dick's Sporting Goods Inc., sells skateboards at some of its 309 stores, and some of them are cheaper decks or blank decks. "We sell them because that's what our customers want," says Jeff Hennion, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "If we aren't providing the assortment the customers are looking for, they are going to go find it somewhere else."

Fortunately for the industry, newer skateboarders, whose approach to the sport is more recreational than competitive, tend to appreciate branded gear more. Jack Lecci, 14, has been skateboarding for nearly three years with his friends in Pittsburgh. With few skate parks nearby, they ride their boards in parking garages near strip malls. So far, he has broken only one board, a premium model by Element. Coming off a set of stairs, "I fell right in the middle and it just completely snapped," he says.

While the equipment failure was a mark of honor for Jack, it was also a breaking point for his mother, Mary Ann, who had bought the Element board for him for Christmas. She made him buy his replacement board -- he chose a $130 one from Mystery Skateboards -- on his own. "I bought him one. That was it! I won't buy him another one," she says. "If he wants to go get a job, that's up to him."

Jack is thinking of working as a golf caddy so that he'll be able to pay for gear. He also says he plans to keep buying pro boards. But, he notes, if he gets better at tricks and starts breaking a board a month, he might change his mind and start buying blank decks.

FUEL TV Challenge!

Due to popular demand, FUEL is kicking off the third official FUEL TV Crew Online Scavenger Hunt!

For each correct image you upload to the FUEL TV site you'll receive 100 Style Points (that's 400 total if you get all four questions right!). The theme of this hunt is "Monthly Prize Page Sponsors."

Style Points will be rewarded only upon confirmation of a correct image.

Sunday 24/7 Personal Assistant Service Creates Enhanced Mobility

Looks very cool for when traveling to get all that annoying stuff done and just enjoy a trip. Here's their pitch. Sunday offers a revolutionary time-saving service providing enhanced mobility for its members. Sunday gives busy people the resources of a 24/7 personal assistant, available real-time via telephone and Internet, at a fraction of the cost of other options. The service is available nationwide and we currently have customers across the US

read more | digg story

“Big Finishes Somehow Always Happen At The X Games”

Foust Wins X Games Rally Car Super Special; DQ’d Pastrana Takes Bronze

LOS ANGELES – Tanner Foust, a stunt driver on movie screens this weekend in “The Bourne Ultimatum,” surged ahead in the home stretch to take the checkered flag – and the gold – in the Rally Car Racing Super Special competition, the final event of ESPN X Games 13.

Rally Car, which features a driver and a co-driver racing street legal cars on closed sections of roads called “stages,” is in its second year at X Games, and this year’s race marked the first time teams raced head-to-head. They did so before a sellout crowd at The Home Depot Center.

Foust and co-driver Chrissie Beavis led early in the final race but lost the lead to Ken Block and his co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino – only to blast forward in the last inches of the course and cross the finish line .68 seconds ahead of Block and Gelsomino.

“[Block] was leading us going out, and on the way back he must have caught bad breaks because he got really close and I was thinking ‘Oh my gosh, there’s no dust at the finish line, we might have a chance at this,’ ” Foust said afterwards.

“Big finishes somehow always happen at the X Games,” Foust shrugged.

Travis Pastrana, the Moto X Freestyle legend of double backflip fame, said recently that Rally Car Racing now occupies “99.9” percent of his time. During a semi final heat, Pastrana crossed into Faust’s lane in a similar push for the finish line, and was disqualified. He later took the bronze in a heat run to determine third place.

“I thought [Foust] might be a little bit ahead – I just totally overtook that corner a little bit, and completely ran right through the barrier,” Pastrana said. “They made a call, and we’ve been on the other side of calls a lot…[w]e’ll take it – we’re still at the podium.”

Robinson Named Most Outstanding Athlete

At the medal ceremony that followed, BMX Freestyle rider Kevin Robinson was named Subaru’s Most Outstanding Athlete of X Games 13. He will receive a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX.

Robinson won gold in this year’s BMX Freestyle Big Air event and bronze in the BMX Freestyle Vert competition, where he landed a double flair. He remains the only rider in the world who has successfully landed the trick in competition. A native of East Providence, RI, Robinson competed in the very first X Games in 1995 and has only missed one of the 13 total X Games to date.

Rally Car Racing Super Special Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Rally Car Racing Super Special event held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 5, 2007.

Driver / Co-Driver / Hometown / Hometown
1. Tanner Foust / Chrissie Beavis / Steamboat, CO / San Diego, CA
2. Ken Block / Alessandro Gelosomino / Encinitas, CA / Los Angeles, CA
3. Travis Pastrana / Christian Edstrom / Annapolis, MD / New York, NY
4. Ramana Lagemann / Mark Williams / Boston, MA / North Potomac, MD
5. Colin McRae / Carolyn Bosley / Lanark, Scotland / Burlington, VT
6. Andy Pinker / Robbie Durant / Perth, Australia / Oxford, England
7. Paul Choiniere / Jeff Becker / Shelburne, VT / Great Neck, NY
8. Andrew Comrie-Picard / Marc Goldfarb Edmonton, Alberta Canada / Atkinson, NH
9. Boris Said / John Buffum / Carlsbad, CA / Colchester, VT
10. Pat Moro / Mike Rossey / Dublin, OH / Rochester, MI
11. Matt Iorio / Ole Holter / Marlborough, NH / Long Beach, CA
12. Otis Dimiters / Alan Ockwell / Great Neck, NY / Stouffville, Ontario, Canada

White Is Tops At Men’s Skate Vert

Olympian, Winter X Games Champ Comes From Behind To Win The Gold

LOS ANGELES – At 20 years old, Shaun White already has an Olympic gold medal and six Winter X Games gold medals around his neck – but before today ESPN X Games gold had eluded him. He finished a disappointing eighth place in last year’s Men’s Skateboard Vert competition, and this afternoon found himself out of medal contention heading into his final run on the Vert ramp at The Home Depot Center.

But one great run can change everything, and in front of X Games commentator Tony Hawk and a cheering crowd of thousands, White put down a run that knocked off then leader Pierre-Luc Gagnon and added yet another milestone to what has been a remarkable career thus far.

“I’m overwhelmed,” White said just afterwards, catching his breath. “I can’t even talk right now.”

White’s winning run included a 720°, a back side 540°, a McTwist, a stalefish frontside rodeo into a frontside rodeo, and overall was punctuated with the snowboard influenced, high amplitude style that has come to define his riding. “Pretty much my goal was to never do a straight air,” he explained. White hurled his board and helmet into the air after finishing strong, raising his arms in triumph.

“This means the world to me,” White said. “Pierre threw down the gauntlet for me, you know? I was just trying to stick my run...[i]t just came together. I couldn’t let myself fall.”

Afterwards, White joined X Games commentators Sal Masakela and Tony Hawk in the broadcast booth. “To finally see you make it, in this venue, was amazing,” Hawk told White.

Silver medalist Gagnon was gracious about having the gold snatched away by White. “We have different styles of skating – that’s what skating is all about. It’s about being original and being unique,” he said. “Getting bronze on the Mega Ramp and silver here definitely means a whole lot.”

Skateboard Vert Men’s Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Vert Men’s competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 5, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Shaun White / Carlsbad, CA / 95.75
2. Pierre-Luc Gagnon / Carlsbad, CA / 91.25
3. Mathias Ringstrom / Stockholm, Sweden / 88.25
4. Alex Perelson / San Diego, CA / 88.00
5. Andy Macdonald / San Diego, CA / 86.25
6. Bucky Lasek / Baltimore, MD / 85.25
7. Rune Glifberg / Copenhagen, Denmark / 83.75
8. Bob Burnquist / Sao Paulo, Brazil / 80.50
9. Rob Lorifice / Encinitas, CA / 77.75
10. Sandro Dias / Santo Andre, Brazil / 76.25

Jones Seizes Gold With Cliffhanger

Eye Popping Backflip Is Tops At Moto X Freestyle Final

LOS ANGELES – Last year’s silver medalist in the X Games Moto X Freestyle competition came back to The Home Depot Center with something to prove tonight, and he edged out a tough Final field that featured Nate Adams, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg and Jeremy Lusk to take home the gold.

The trick that sealed the deal was a backflip cliffhanger: a 360° backwards rotation off the ramp with a full upside down vertical body extension. Jones also busted out a dead man and a backflip / heel click combo to beat out the rest of the final four.

“I never expected this,” Jones said. “Never in a million years did I think that somehow I would get a gold medal, and I did!”

Nate Adams was nursing a broken finger, but still popped tricks like a lazy boy backflip and a Superman backflip to take second place. Stenberg won the bronze.

“The crowd helps out the most – when you hear your fans screaming for you it definitely makes you want to show off a little more for them,” Stenberg said.

Moto X Freestyle Final Results

Results from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Freestyle Final competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Adam Jones / Minden, NV / 94.20
2. Nate Adams / Glendale, AZ / 91.20
3. Jeremy Stenberg / Winchester, CA / 91.60
4. Jeremy Lusk / San Diego, CA / 90.80
5. Mike Mason / Carson City, NV / 90.80
6. Mat Rebeaud / Payerne, Switzerland / 90.40
7. Todd Potter / Temecula, CA / 89.00
8. Ronnie Faisst / Mays Landing, NY / 87.80
9. Dany Torres / Arahal, Spain / 84.40
10. Taka Higashino / Osaka, Japan / 71.40

The G.O.A.T. Takes Gold

Carmichael Dominates In First Ever X Games Event

LOS ANGELES – 10-time AMA Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael may have retired from full-time competition this year, but he couldn’t resist running in the X Games’ first ever Moto X Racing event, held tonight at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

Carmichael dominated his Round One qualification heat, then rolled to victory ahead of a field that included Grant Langston and Kevin Windham, who took silver and medals, respectively.

Hailed as the “Greatest of all Time,” (G.O.A.T.), Carmichael has three undefeated AMA Motocross seasons under his belt (2002, 2004-5), and is shooting for his 150th career AMA win next week, a milestone no other rider is even close to matching.

But even in semi-retirement, the X Games held a special allure for a rider who has dominated his sport for over a decade.

“I’m so pumped, you have no idea,” Carmichael said. “I’ve always felt like an outsider, if you will, just because I’ve never had my discipline in the X Games, and to finally have it and to be the first one [to win a gold medal]: awesome. I cannot describe to you how happy I am.”

“Our sport’s pretty big,” he added, “But to finally have [the X Games’] blessing – it’s nice.”

Moto X Racing Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Racing event held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown
1. Ricky Carmichael / Havana, FL
2. Grant Langston / Clermont, FL
3. Kevin Windham / Centreville, MS
4. Chad Reed / Tampa, FL
5. Michael Byrne / Newnan, GA
6. David Vuillemin / Murrieta, CA

Bestwick Is Best At BMX Freestyle Vert

Tabron’s Back-To-Back 900°s Are Worth Their Weight In Silver

LOS ANGELES – Some of the top BMX trick riders in the world put on a spectacular display today at the BMX Freestyle Vert competition, part of ESPN X Games 13. Brit Jamie Bestwick’s eye-popping first run scored a 93.66, and despite intense competition from Simon Tabron and others that number held throughout the second round and Bestwick walked with the gold.

Bestwick’s first run was a high-energy group of complex tricks, including an opposite flair and a one-footed opposite double flair. But the big moment came when he did a regular whip, then went straight into an opposite double tail whip – which has never been landed in competition before.

“I love being at the X Games. I get great treatment,” Bestwick said afterwards. Finishing with this particular combo was something he’s wanted to do for a while, he said, adding, “Everybody was just riding so well – how could you not get inspired with all the great athletes out here?”

Tabron, meanwhile, busted a precedent of his own: he hit two back-to-back 900°s, which has also never been landed in competition. (He also threw a no-handed bar spin 540° in for good measure.) In between, though, he did straight airs off the vert ramp during the rest of his second run, which Tabron acknowledged was probably the cause of him winning silver, not gold.

“It’s been a dream of mine to do [the 900°] back-to-back since I learned it. When I landed it [today], the first thing I thought was, ‘Did I win?’ ” Tabron said. “But I can’t take anything away from Jamie. He’s been a lifelong friend of mine, and today he was magnificent.”

BMX Freestyle Vert Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 BMX Freestyle Vert competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Jamie Bestwick / Derbyshire, Great Britain / 93.66
2. Simon Tabron / Newquay, Great Britain / 92.66
3. Kevin Robinson / East Providence, RI / 88.33
4. Jimmy Walker / Gilberts, IL / 86.00
5. Dennis McCoy / Kansas City, MO / 84.66
6. Steve McCann / Melbourne, Australia / 84.66
7. Jay Eggleston / Denver, CO / 84.00
8. John Parker / State College, PA / 83.66
9. Zack Warden / Woodward, PA / 81.00
10. Francisco Zurita / Santiago, Chile / 76.00

Who else thinks this video is awkward

From Slap Magazine - http://www.slapmagazine.com/Mambo/forum/index.php?topic=15244.0

Moto X Freestyle Elimination Results

Results from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Freestyle Elimination competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Adam Jones / Minden, NV / 94.20
2. Jeremy Stenberg / Winchester, CA / 91.60
3. Nate Adams / Glendale, AZ / 91.20
4. Jeremy Lusk / San Diego, CA / 90.80

Burkhart Tops Ward In Dramatic Moto X SuperMoto Final

1-2 Finish Is Exact Reverse Of Last Year’s Race

LOS ANGELES – Jeff Ward led for 30½ of 35 laps of the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X SuperMoto Final today, but in the second-to-last lap Mark Burkhart zipped by the veteran rider and held on to win the gold.

The finish felt eerily similar to fans of X Games SuperMoto: at last year’s X Games 12, it was Ward who snatched the win after Burkhart had led for 18 laps.

Turning last year’s silver medal into gold at X Games 13 was particularly sweet for the 27-year-old Burkhart. “This year I’ve been trying to ride differently,” he said after the race. “If anything, I’ve taught myself to be patient, and patient people get rewarded.”

He went on, “I’ve been racing patient, trying not to throw away the race at the beginning. The guys who are the most fit will finish best. Those last fifteen minutes are always a killer.”

A sellout crowd packed The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, and cheered Burkhart as he crossed the finish line.

Moto X SuperMoto Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X SuperMoto race held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown
1. Mark Burkhart / Pataskala, OH
2. Jeff Ward / Newport Beach, CA
3. David Pingree / Temecula, CA
4. Ivan Lazzarini / Pesaro, Italy
5. Jeremy McGrath / Encinitas, CA
6. Micky Dymond / Placentia, CA
7. Steve Drew / Buckeye, AZ
8. Robbie Horton / Martinez, CA
9. Troy Herfoss / Goulburn, Australia
10. Tyler Evans / Hollywood Hills, CA
11. Benny Carlson / West Bend, WI
12. Adam Cini / Brisbane, Australia
13. Brandon Currie / Anaheim Hills, CA
14. Gary Trachy / Orange, CA
15. Carey Hart / Las Vegas, NV
16. Eric Sorby / Corona, CA
17. Chris Fillmore / Oxford, MI
18. Chad Reed / Tampa, FL
19. Steve Chambon / Entraigues, France
20. Darryl Atkins / Tokoroa, New Zealand

Dhers Tops In BMX Freestyle Park

Venezuelan Phenom Bests Cranmer, Mirra

LOS ANGELES – 22-year-old Daniel Dhers was in top form at the BMX Freestyle Park Final today, posting a 90.66 in his first run, then a winning mark of 91.66 in his second. He held off stiff competition from reigning Freestyle Park champ Scotty Cranmer, as well as from the most decorated athlete in X Games history, Dave Mirra, to take home the gold.

In only his second X Games appearance – he won bronze at last year’s BMX Park event – Dhers was beyond consistent, hitting tricks like a no-footed can to whip air, a triple whip, and a double whip. He also stuck a 360° flip with a tail whip, which wowed the judges and put him over the top.

“I started watching X Games in ’98. It was always a dream just to come here,” Dhers said. “Last year I came on the scene and won Dew Tour, Boost Mobile – pretty much everything I was in – and at the end of the year somebody said, ‘Oh, you did everything but X Games.’ That was my goal for this year. Now I’ve got it all.”

Among other tricks, last year’s gold medalist Cranmer landed a triple whip and a double tail whip 360. He also hit a front flip over the spine and was the only rider in the event to do so. His second run was his best, but the 90.33 he received from the judges wasn’t enough to top Dhers’ 91.66.

Mirra showed off some of the magic that has made him an international superstar, including a tail whip backflip and an alley-oop tail whip, but had to settle for bronze after a few stumbles.

“Today was Danny’s day,” Mirra said afterwards. “Danny filled more tricks in his 60 seconds than any of us out here. He totally deserved to win.”

BMX Freestyle Park Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 BMX Freestyle Park competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 4, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Daniel Dhers / Caracas, Venezuela / 91.66
2. Scotty Cranmer / Jackson, NJ / 90.33
3. Dave Mirra / Greenville, NC / 88.00
4. Garrett Reynolds / Tom’s River, NJ / 86.66
5. Mike Spinner / Miami, FL / 85.00
6. Ryan Nyquist / Greenville, NC / 82.00
7. Gary Young / San Diego, CA / 82.00
8. Josh Harrington / Greenville, NC / 81.33
9. Dennis Enarson / San Diego, CA / 80.33
10. Morgan Wade / Tyler, TX / 79.66

Cole Wins Skate Street Best Trick, Walks With $10K

Double 360° Flip Does The Trick

LOS ANGELES – Chris Cole, who’s already wearing ESPN X Games 13 gold after his win earlier today in the Skateboard Street Men’s competition, can add another feather to his cap and 10 G’s to his wallet. The 25-year-old from Levittown, PA bested four other riders this evening in the Skateboard Street Best Trick Presented By Element competition, and won the $10,000 cash prize.

Late in the second five-minute heat on the Street course at The Home Depot Center, Cole landed a double 360° flip over the stairs, which wowed the judges. The trick ended up besting the efforts of Cole’s fellows skaters Eric Koston, Andrew Reynolds, Tony Tave and Nick Dompierre, who all earned $2,500 tonight.

Koston, Reynolds and Dompierre were voted into the competition by fans, who cast their ballots at www.expn.com and via text. Cole received a bid after his Skate Street Men’s win, and Tave had his in hand as an Element skater.

When asked how he felt about the win, Cole responded, “Winning cash is cool, you know?”

Then he quickly added, “Wait, no, that’s a bad quote. What I mean to say is, this course rules and it’s really been a lot of fun.”

Renner Steps Up; 33’ Is The Magic Number

LOS ANGELES – Ronnie Renner soared exactly one foot above the competition at the Moto X Step Up competition tonight, clearing the bar at 33’ on his first try. His fellow riders couldn’t follow and the mark was good enough for the gold.

13,827 fans were in the house at STAPLES Center tonight, and the second night of ESPN X Games 13 competition surged on in fine form as five top riders tried their hand at Step Up. The final four (Renner, Tommy Clowers, Brian Deegan and Matt Buyten) all cleared 32’, but it was the 30-year-old Renner alone who managed to leap the extra crucial foot.

“I expected it to go longer with Tommy [Clowers] in the mix. I had some tough company,” Renner said. “I really thought we were going to break some records tonight, but I’ll take it.”

Renner has made seven total X Games appearances, but this is his first gold medal in any event.

Since 2004, the X Games has only handed out a gold medal in Step Up, which meant that the three-way tie of Clowers, Deegan and Buyten were not sharing silver.

When asked if he thought he deserved a medal Clowers said, “No – I still get paid anyway.”

Moto X Step Up Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Moto X Step Up competition held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Height (Feet)
1. Ronnie Renner / Westminster, CA / 33.00
2. Brian Deegan / Temecula, CA / 32.00
2. Matt Buyten / Minden, NV / 32.00
2. Tommy Clowers / Ramona, CA / 32.00
5. Jeremy McGrath / Encinitas, CA / 26.00

Brian Deegan at Disposable Hero premiere

Robinson Repeats For BMX Freestyle Big Air Gold

X Games Vet Edges Out McCann, Napolitan

LOS ANGELES – The BMX Freestyle Big Air Final at X Games 13 on Thursday was a barn-burner, and veteran rider Kevin Robinson was the one who came out on fire. Making his 12th X Games appearance – he competed in the very first X Games in 1995, and has only missed one year since – Robinson squared off against a field comprised of mostly young bucks at STAPLES Center, and emerged victorious.

After reaching verts of 18’ and 20’ on earlier runs, Robinson landed the winning trick on his fourth run: a no-handed backflip over the gap, followed by a flair that sent him soaring 18’ above the quarterpipe. The judges gave him a 95.33, which held through the last round and granted Robinson his second BMX Freestyle Big Air gold medal in as many years.

“I’m so happy to be here at this event. I really care about it a lot,” the East Providence, RI native said afterwards. “I’ve been at the X Games since the beginning. It’s been really great to see the events grow, and to grow with them.”

Steve McCann locked in the silver on his last run with a back flip tail whip over the gap into a double tail flip with a 12’7” vert. The judges gave McCann a 93 flat – just barely giving him the edge over Anthony Napolitan, who snagged a 92.66 on his last run.

“I’m stoked on my first medal ever at the X Games,” McCann said. Considering the massive dimensions of the Big Air ramp, “I was pumped I could even hold it together” to complete the trick that launched him into second place.

There is plenty more BMX action to come at X Games 13 – both the BMX Freestyle Park event and the BMX Vert Final are happening tomorrow at The Home Depot Center.

BMX Freestyle Big Air Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 BMX Freestyle Big Air Final held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Kevin Robinson / East Providence, RI / 95.33
2. Steve McCann / Melbourne, Australia / 93.00
3. Anthony Napolitan / Youngstown, OH / 92.66
4. Morgan Wade / Tyler, TX / 92.33
5. Allan Cooke / Greenville, NC / 89.00
6. Mat Hoffman / Edmond, OK / 86.00

“Ecstatic” Hawkins Grabs Gold In Women’s Skate Vert

Kickflips Seal The Deal; Knoop Wins Silver; Hatchell Tops In Men’s Amateur Vert

LOS ANGELES – A pair of kickflips off the vert ramp were worth their weight in gold for Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins today, as she cruised to a win in the Women’s Skateboard Vert Final event as part of ESPN X Games 13.

At 17, Hawkins is already an X Games veteran; she’s been competing since 2003. She won the Women’s Skate Vert in 2004, and nabbed the silver two years ago at X Games 11. Last year she was sidelined with a knee injury – but she came back today with a vengeance.

Hawkins landed two kickflips during the competition, and also came this close to landing several McTwists. “I’m ecstatic,” she said afterwards. “It’s like a dream come true.”

Commenting on the strong field today at The Home Depot Center, Hawkins also added: “If I was a judge, I would have just quit.”

Mimi Knoop took the silver for a wicked combination of jumps: fastplant, frontside invert, and multiple disasters. “The level of riding was so high – I didn’t think I was going to medal,” Knoop said. “It was a good day for all of us. We really took it to the next level.”

Elsewhere at The Home Depot Center, Ben Hatchell won the Amateur Men’s Skate Vert competition with a score of 87.5. He landed a 540° off the ramp and also a kickflip fronstide air into an ollie 360°.

Skateboard Vert Women’s Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Women’s Skateboard Vert Final held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown
1. Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins / Cardiff By The Sea, CA
2. Mimi Knoop / Norfolk, VA
3. Cara-Beth Burnside / Encinitas, CA
4. Karen Jones / San Andre, Brazil
5. Holly Lyons / Walnut Creek, CA
6. Apryl Woodcock / Chino, CA
7. Jodi McDonald / West Palm Beach, FL

Watch Holly Lyons at Actionista

Skateboard Street Men’s Final Results

Final standings from the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Street Men’s competition held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on August 3, 2007.

Name / Hometown / Score
1. Chris Cole / Levittown, PA / 94.33
2. Greg Lutzka / Huntington Beach, CA / 93.41
3. Jereme Rogers / Boston, MA / 87.41
4. Ryan Sheckler / San Clemente, CA / 87.16
5. Tommy Sandoval / Chula Vista, CA / 86.25
6. Paul Rodriguez / Northridge, CA / 86.00
7. Mark Appleyard / Burlington, Ontario, Canada / 84.91
8. Eric Koston / Los Angeles, CA / 82.75
9. Andrew Reynolds / Hollywood, CA / 80.50
10. Nick Dompierre / New Bedford, MA / 78.41

Cole Keeps Gold In Skateboard Street Men’s Final

Win Marks Cole’s Third Straight Medal In Event, Second Consecutive Win

LOS ANGELES – Chris Cole, the reigning champ in the Skateboard Street Men’s event, turned in a superb performance – which included 96.75-worthy third run, the highest single score of the day – to once again come home with the gold over stiff competition from Greg Lutzka.

Representing Levittown, PA, Cole was all but flawless today at ESPN X Games 13. He wowed spectators at The Home Depot Center with two early runs of 93.50 and 92.75, then turned up the heat as, going into his third run and slightly trailing Lutzka, he stuck a kick flip back lick (on the rail) and a grapefruit grind (on the flat bar) to score an eye-popping 96.75.

“These guys are so good – I was worried all the way to the very end,” Cole said. “Each year this competition gets better. Last year the course was great, and this year it was even better. The tricks just presented themselves.”

Lutzka landed a flip switch 270° in zone two to net a 96.25 on his second run and put serious heat on the reigning champ. Afterwards Lutzka remarked, “Today I was trying to throw down tricks I’ve never done before. I was really stoked to land the flip switch.” He added, “I am totally cool with second place.”

Jereme Rogers took the bronze, and 17-year-old skating phenom Ryan Sheckler landed in fourth with an 87.16.

BMX Freestyle Big Air Selection Session Results

McCann Leads Group That Will Meet Robinson, Cooke, Wade In Tonight’s Finals

LOS ANGELES – Aussie Steve McCann and two other BMX riders, Anthony Napolitan and Mat Hoffman, will square off with last year’s top finishers in the BMX Freestyle Big Air Final this evening.

Day two of ESPN X Games 13 began at STAPLES Center with a rowdy selection session that ended with McCann on top. His turndown backflip sent him soaring 14’8” off the quarterpipe, and it was good enough for make him the top qualifier.

Kevin Robinson and Allan Cooke were the top two finishers at last year’s BMX Freestyle Big Air event. Morgan Wade, who finished in fourth place, replaces the injured Chad Kagy.

“I’m treating this ramp with respect,” McCann said. “This jump is awesome and very serious, and I have to give it for all these guys I’m riding with. I can’t wait for tonight.”

The BMX Freestyle Big Air Final begins at 5:00 p.m. PT at STAPLES Center.

The standings going into the finals are:

Name / Hometown
1. Kevin Robinson / East Providence, RI
2. Allan Cooke / Greenville, NC
3. Morgan Wade / Tyler, TX
4. Steve McCann / Melbourne, Australia
5. Anthony Napolitan / Youngstown, OH
6. Mat Hoffman / Edmond, OK

Dal Santo Celebrates Birthday With Women’s Skate Street Win

Backside Flip Snatches Gold From Reigning Champ Steamer

LOS ANGELES – Marisa Dal Santo unseated three-time gold medalist Elissa Steamer at the ESPN X Games 13 Skateboard Street Women’s Final today – and she did it on her 20th birthday, no less.

Steamer had won the gold medal the previous three years running (X Games 10, 11, and 12) and seemed to be the favorite heading into today’s competition at The Home Depot Center. But that was before Dal Santo pulled out a backside flip that netted her the highest individual score (92.5) of the competition.

Dal Santo was neck-and-neck with Steamer after zone two, but then hit her eye-popping backside flip when she hit zone three (stairs and rails) to pull ahead.

“Last year I was trying to do [tricks] no one else was doing,” she explained, in reference to her fourth place performance in X Games 12. “This year I just focused on stuff I knew I could land – but I didn’t think I was going to land the backside flip!”

Accepting the silver, Steamer enthused that Dal Santo was “gnarly today,” and further added, “I really like skating in the X Games – it’s kind of stressful, but when you look back you realize how much fun it was.”

Representing Huntington Beach, CA, Amy Caron’s 80.16 was good enough for third place. This is Caron’s fifth year in X Games competition, and she was coming off a sixth place finish in last year’s Women’s Skate Street.

“Don’t call it a comeback,” she said, in reference to her bronze medal and quoting an L.L. Cool J classic. “I’ve been here for years.”