Mark Gonzales invited Tony Hawk to Krooked for a guest deck in awe of the 80s skate scene and smashed out a ton of banging tricks for the cause. Enjoy this vert sesh.
Author: Zac
The World of photography, food, music and film are coming together thanks to Samsung’s ‘Launching People’ talent search that will cast its net to find various new upcomers across the UK this month.
Rankin’s work is second to none so if you want to get your own photography in front of him check out LaunchingPeople.co.uk He will be looking for creative individuals with unique photography skills. Submissions should be completed before the deadline of 6th March 2014 so if you are submersed in taking photos and need a break, give it a shot.
Following Brandon Westgate’s B-Sides to the ‘MADE’ promo, Leo Romero‘s extra footage and outtakes have arrived to end this week on a suitable high. You pay to play at the highest level and this says it all. Romero absolutely rips.
Get the full length MADE Chapter One video from Emerica at iTunes now. Our review is here. It’s a keeper.
Jason Dill’s “inside joke” skateboard company ‘Fucking Awesome‘ is explained today in a new video. Get the teas on for this one, it’s special.
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Ben Raemers interview
There was never any question that Ben Raemers would not go on to travel the world on a deck following the day he turned up aged 15 at one of our jams. He has repped every event, always left with dough, and also left most people’s jaws on the floor with his amazing skateboarding and his ability to see things differently to others.
Thrown in the back of the van and taught the hard way by his Essex buddies Mark Munson and Carl Wilson, the then miniature Raemers was taken to every jam, comp, bowl, vert ramp, bank, curb and pool that the trio could find – and flourished fast. Backed by the grit and determination of Munson’s take-no-prisoner’s personality, Ben grew into one of the finest skateboarders in the UK and graced the front cover of Thrasher in March 2011 (the first of his generation from the UK to do so), but his stupendous bag of tricks on all terrain has also been featured in many others, including that incredible Kingpin cover from Victoria Park. (Footage at the end of this)
Aside from his ability to skate everything like a fucking champ, his character is one of a kind. Kind being the operative word here too, as he is certainly one of the most caring, thoughtful and intrigueing skateboarders you are ever likely to meet – one who lives somewhat in his own world. This unique approach to life has made his whizzplanking skills something of a luxury to watch, and has gained him friends worldwide, so we are proud after all of these years, to finally catch up with him to chat about his life in what could possibly be his most memorable skateboarding year yet. – Zac
You living back in the UK now?
I’m not living anywhere really. I have just been injured so I was chilling in the UK whilst I healed up and now i’m back in the USA!
I guess it can be tempting to party when you have downtime right?
I stopped myself from partying a lot. If you drink on an injury it doesn’t heal good. I was taking it easy just hanging with my Mum and family. Getting surgery back then was so scary!
Did you see much of Mark Munson back in Essex?
Not as much as I would like to as he is very busy at the moment! I see home every now and then so it’s all good!
What was the most valuable piece of advice he gave you?
Have a good time and travel as much as possible!
Before we go any further, is there a particular song that defines the moment for you right now?
Probably ‘Gold’ by Spandau Ballet. Classic stuff right there!
Ha! Good choice mate. Hold on, let’s ask the viewers to listen to that song whilst they read the rest of this.
What countries did you see last year on the road then?
I visited America, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Paris, Poland, Spain and Germany! Good times!!
Does your Mum get postcards or emails?
I try to send postcards, she doesn’t have the internet so I just email my sister and she shows my Mum!
Any particular country that inspires you the most?
China is my favourite place! Just has the best time there and I can’t wait to go back! I went on a trip to Taiwan at the beginning of the year with enjoi which was the best trip of last year. Was amazing. Taiwan is just such a crazy place was such a great experience! And every trip with the enjoi geezers is a laugh!
Which country (outside the UK) has the tightest scene from your experiences so far?
Got to say America. San Jose is a really fun city. I’m happy I have a lot of friends there so I spend a lot of time there!
With so much traveling going on, you must get tired and confused. Tell us about the shark you saw from the plane on the way to Marseille?!
I was looking out of the plane window and the reflection literally looked like a shark! When I found out it was the shadow of the plane I felt like a right fool!! Hahahah!
That’s next levs Ben. What about skate flicks, do you watch much skating? Any that stood out for you recently?
I really liked the emerica ‘Made’ video! Brandon Westgate is beast! He is literally the definition of next level!!! I’m a massive fan!
Photo: Backside wallride anytime, shot by Dave Chami.
Any particular trick or a line that you saw that blew you away the most last year?
Cairo Foster did a trick in Taiwan that was insane, but you’ll have to wait for the enjoi video to see it!
What was the most satisfying battle you personally won lately?
It was in Taiwan again. It took ages and I broke my board! Then me and filmer and photographer went back there at 6am a few days later and it worked out!
Is there a trick that got away?
A lipslide down this rail! I slammed like a sack of potatoes on the ground that ended up wrecking my ankle for ages!! That was the worst slam from last year.
What was the best time hanging with Barney Page of late?
Probably the time we both got drunk and then got tattoos in San Jose! Was a funny time.
Photo: Stylin’ a sweet sugarcane shot by Seu Trinh.
And the best part of being on enjoi?
The team are literally like my family!
Are you living with Jerry again now you are back in the US?
I am staying at Jerry’s apartment, but he lives in LA now. Me and my mate Carson rented his room.
Now Jerry has left enjoi, does this mean the brand will go through big changes?
I’m not too sure, we will have to wait and see! I’m gutted that Jerry left as he’s one of the funniest people in the world and one of the world’s most talented skateboarders, but I’m super excited to see his new footage as he is the best!
Is there a new enjoi video in the works to follow ‘Tweak The Beef’?
We are working on a full length video now! I’m super-stoked as it’s my first major project I have been involved in! The deadline is late August so until then I am just going to be traveling around and skating every day! I am super motivated and want to make it as good as I can. I feel so privileged to be in the same video as my favourite skaters!!
How is your part looking so far?
I am quite happy with how it’s looking but it still needs a lot of work!
Have you seen footage of other team riders for this so far?
I know a lot of the guys have some mind blowing footage!
Who do you think will blow everyone away?
Zack Wallin!
Who do you think should have the last part?
Hard to say, but I know Wieger has some ridiculous footage, so probably him!!
When is it likely to drop?
Not 100% sure, but at the earliest it will be at the end of this year.
If you had to pick one person, who would be your MVP of last year?
Caswell Berry should get it every year! He’s the best!
Did you conquer any new tricks for the bag lately?
Back in December I finally figured out the technique for straight no-complys on flat! They are so hard! After watching Pontus Alv skate it inspired me to learn them!
Photo: Louie Barletta & Ben Raemers Doubles (Backside Crailslide & Frontside Melongrab) by Dave Chami.
What skaters should we look out for, any upcomers on your radar?
Blue Turner is a beast! He’s been rolling with the enjoi crew recently! And in the England I’m going to have to say Tom Tanner from Liverpool and Sam heelflip from Mile End.
Are you looking forward to having a pro deck in the future?
That would be crazy!! I haven’t really thought about that to be honest as it doesn’t seem real! If that happened I would be the happiest geezer in the world!!!
Any ideas on what you would choose for your ideal first graphic if it happened?
Not really! I would love to have a bird of some sort! A penguin perhaps?!
Lastly, we hear you have a new video part filmed in the UK coming out soon, spill the beans.
Yeah, I have a shared part with Horsey that is going to be in a new video made by Ryan Gray and Kevin Parrott! Stoked! Always fun skating with Horsey. It will be out soon!
Thanks Ben, enjoi life geezer.
Ben rides for Indy, Ricta, Enjoi, Converse, Volcom and Lost Art skate shop.
Photo: Boneless of death! Shot by Dave Chami.
This project sees Sam Partaix and a film dude packed on their travels to experience Costa Rica’s incredible terrain and come back with a video edit of the trip.
This destination was picked by the readers of French Magazine, Desillusion, who had a choice of sending Sam and a filmer to various other destinations (including England) but picked Costa Rica. It’s one of the most beautiful countries on earth and after four visits now, i’m personally itching to go back and see more of it as soon as I can.
Enjoy Sam’s trip and veg out to this laid back edit.
Wow, here’s the news that skateboarders across the UK were hoping to hear since this debacle of the Southbank started back in March last year. The following copy is lifted from the Festival Wing website announced this morning. It doesn’t mean that SB is saved so don’t get too carried away but it confirms that plans are changing and may benefit the spot in the future:
Southbank Centre’s Board will withhold its planning application for the Festival Wing, following Mayor Boris Johnson’s statement (15 January 2014) that the skate park should be retained in its current position in any redevelopment. The Board will now undertake a final search for an alternative funding model to keep the widely supported Festival Wing redevelopment scheme alive, along with the promise of free art and culture for millions each year.
The Mayor has the final say in the planning process and the scheme is therefore unlikely to gain planning permission without the retention of the skate park. The Mayor made clear that he supports the overall ambition of the Festival Wing scheme and understands the funding challenges faced by Southbank Centre.
The Festival Wing project would deliver major benefits, including full refurbishment of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery, which are in desperate need of repair. It would provide free art and culture for two million people each year, including educational opportunities for 150,000 young people, while creating nearly 700 new jobs. It would include important new art spaces for musicians and artists.
Southbank Centre has consistently said that – even with no new buildings – the refurbishment of the 1960s buildings would require new commercial income. It planned to achieve this in large part by moving the skateboarders 120 metres along the riverside to a bigger, better space to make way for new restaurants. This model of commercial partnership proved successful with the redevelopment of Royal Festival Hall, transforming the South Bank for all to enjoy.
It is far from clear how the scheme might now proceed without exposing Southbank Centre to unacceptable levels of financial risk but it has committed to a final three month search with all parties, including the Mayor’s Office, Lambeth Council and the skateboarders. The aspiration is to find concrete and practical alternative ideas for funding the public realm works that comprise an unusually high proportion of the Festival Wing project but will not attract funding from the philanthropic or sponsorship community.
Rick Haythornthwaite, Chairman of Southbank Centre, said:
“This is a big setback to a scheme which would serve millions if completed. The case for closing the project down right now is compelling but we feel we owe a last ditch revival attempt to the many people that have supported us over the past four years of planning, not least the Arts Council England. Boris Johnson and Lambeth Council have both made clear that they wish to see the scheme proceed and we look forward to hearing their ideas.
“But we are under no illusions. We have been handed a massive challenge and we don’t yet see how we will make it work – it is not as if we haven’t already explored numerous options. Our battle has never been with the skateboarders, whom we have welcomed and guaranteed a future on our site. The battle has always been against the economics of bringing a set of crumbling and inefficient buildings into the 21st century, in the context of declining public funding.
“If we are to have any chance of finding new answers then we need, over the next three months, the help of everyone with an interest in putting the final touches to a world class South Bank cultural quarter. If we all fail to find a solution, the buildings problems do not go away. But the needs of the new people attracted by our success over recent years would have to wait to be met until a yet more radical solution to this hitherto intractable problem emerges.”
Text taken from here.
Categories
GX1000 Medellin
Sick new Stevie Perez footage leads the latest GX1000 edit from Thrasher this week alongside Jimmy Lannon, Jake Johnson and more skating in Columbia.
Categories
Steve Schneer RIP
80s skate legend Steve Schneer unfortunately passed away yesterday. Schneer was a unique entertainer who loved a crowd and had an urge to seek fun. He often stole the show skating barefoot on vert and was famed for the invention of the Ho Ho Plant where his ridiculous gymnastic skills would bring a perfect handstand to the coping that he would stall for as long as he could. He also claimed in a TV interview to invent the frontside handplant in 1978 as seen below, and invented the ‘Beave Air’, but his one-foot rock and rolls, again, one of his own tricks, were class.
I remember seeing him skate at Southsea here in the United Kingdom back in 1990 at a comp where he took the honours all day long. (Footage below) The guy was a machine, a unique ripper whose gnarly skateboarding made that day memorable for so many reasons. He was unstoppable as he ripped that classic blue vert ramp and went out of his way to steal the show. I met him on the day and to be honest he scared the crap out of me, but in a very excitable way. I was a skate rat, eager to get in the middle of a jam to get the most out of the energy they created and his presence was absolutely massive.
Here’s a few words from various friends looking back at Steve’s amazing life:
NEIL DANNS: “The one thing that stood out was his high energy. He was always pushing himself to do better and he did some of the best inverts I have ever seen. He will be missed by many.”
STEVE DOUGLAS: “I’m not sure when I met Steve for the first time- probably 1986, but it’s safe to say I probably heard him before I saw him. Steve was loud and was one of those guys that you would want to skate with he would make the session better, louder, more intense and more fun. What I remember about him was that he was always smiling always stoked and always ready for good times, all the time. He loved his partying and was also a tough bastard, a lad you want on your side and of course he was, he was a skateboarder. I feel proud that I met him and I could call him a friend.
Steve will be missed, but for the people that did not know him he lived his life at 100mph and he made his days count. He will not be forgotten. The last time I saw Steve was May 2012, he came over to see me at the IASC conference. He had been over at Vans and he heard I was there and came over to see me before he left for home, as we had not seen each other for years. He really made my day and I appreciated that he made the effort. It was so good to see him, he looked great and his passion and smiles were as I remembered.
You will be missed Steve. Skateboarding has had many truly colorful characters and he was one of the best. Gutted, but he will never be forgotten, and I’ll never forget that last meeting and all the fun times, and for those – THANKS.”
RODGA HARVEY remembers: “Steve drinking very heavy on Stella (beer) the night before the Southsea comp. He skated butt-naked next day. Classic.”
SHANE O’BRIEN: “I remember many occasions with Steve Schneer state-side. One time at the Arizona “88” NSA comp weekend, Steve was in competition with his other team mates to live on as little amount of money $ as possible per day. He won and got it down to 31 cents per 24 hrs and won a bonus payment from his team captain! For pure shock value he would run and jump off the hotel roof into the swimming pool making sure normal hotel guests were present pool-side. “SPLASH” – you know ha ha! Just to top it off for the weekend, Steve would do bare-foot frontside ollie handrails into the pool whilst it was full of hotel guests. Did he care? Answers on a post card please!!! Steve was always a character who did his own thing and that’s what he will be remembered for. It’s a SAD loss but he made his mark in World Skateboarding History.”
DON BROWN: “I didn’t know Steve super well but got to hang with him around the contests in the 80’s. It was guaranteed that when Steve was around good times were right there with him!! I always remember stumbling drunk into the hotel lobby at a Munster contest. As I walked through the door it was pure mayhem. Steve and Gator were both naked and wrestling the hotel manager! (who was 6’5″ and built like a train!) To most, this would seem weird to me but it seemed like a normal occurrence when those two got together! RIP Steve. I know for a fact that wherever you are now you are pushing the limits of yourself and everyone around you!”
Our thoughts go out to all his family, his friends and everyone who shared the good times skating sessions with him or watching him skate all over the world. RIP Steve Schneer
Uncle Alan has flu, probably due to cruising wet skateparks this winter filming this latest Pixels montage with Shiner riders. It’s better than having grapes though, so celebrate that with Josh Young, Jed Cullen, Jason Lewer, Josh Arnott, Dave Snaddon, Luke McManus and the mighty Joe Habgood in their latest Out of Order.