Sk8 Dirt City Zine

Flushing Meadows Skatepark

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Skatepark Tours by License to Skate!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:08:00 +0000

License to Skate, Skatepark Tours has launched! Currently servicing the Phoenix Metro Area; License to Skate transports kids to between public skateparks. The first trip is on Saturday, Novemeber 28th. Spaces are limited. Go to licensetoskate.com to register.

"The Giant Hand" skates to X-Games 15!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Among skateboarding, bmx, and moto-x; fingerboarding, a mini version of a skateboard where tricks are performed using fingers instead of feet, is providing full entertainment at this year's X Games 15. X Games Fingerboards, manufactured by Mattel, are based on the real X Games brand skateboard models. They feature a vast array of legit, quality graphics.

Story and photos sent by Mary Friberg of mmlpr.

WHAT: X-Games Fingerboarding and The Giant Hand

The X Games Fingerboards Booth at X Fest will feature:
• Pro Fingerboarders Eddy Vargas, Joe Climan and Colton Cleveland showing tricks on a pro skate park
• Announcements by veteran X Games Emcees Bonton Flores & Dave Duncan
• Demo course & tagging station for kids
• Giveaways of more than 10,000 fingerboards - just text for a chance to win.

WHEN: The booth will be open Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday, August 1 from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, August 2 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

THE HAND’S SKATE TIMES:
The Hand will be skating the Skateboarding Street Course on:
• Saturday, August 1 from 1:50 pm to 1:53 pm
The Hand will be skating the interactive courses on:
• Friday, July 30 from 1:00-1:15 pm
• Saturday, August 1 from 3:00-3:15 pm
• Sunday, August 2 from 1:00-1:15 pm

WHERE: X Fest at the Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd. in Carson, CA
... or visit www.xgamesfingersports.com

ABOUT the PRO FINGERBOARDERS:
Joe Climan
Joe Climan is a 16 year old phenomenal fingerboarder based out of Brentwood, CA. He began fingerboarding over 11 years ago after sustaining a back injury while skateboarding and hasn’t stopped since. Joe has been part of numerous Fingerboard “meet-ups” and hosted many demonstrations as well.

Edgar “Eddy” Vargas
Eddy Vargas has been fingerboarding for 11 years and he is one of the best fingerboarders in Southern California. Vargas has won several prominent fingerboarding contests on the West Coast such as RISE Best Trick 2008/2009. He has also helped judge events like the East Coast Homewood/NoComply Huck Jam.

Colton Cleveland
Colton Cleveland is 12 years old and this is his first time coming to X Games. He has been fingerboarding for 2 years and recently competed and won the X Games Fingerboards contest at Skate Lab!

X-Games TV schedule and Super Park Sneak Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:26:00 +0000

TV Schedule: Eastern Times (ESPN or ABC)

Thursday- July 30th
9 pm- 11 pm (ESPN)
Moto X Best Whip
Skateboard Big Air Final
Moto X Step Up Final

Friday- July 31st
8 pm- 11 pm (ESPN)
BMX Freestyle Street
Big Air Rail Jam Final
BMX Freestyle Big Air Final
Super X Adaptive Final
Moto X Best Trick Final

Saturday- August 1st
3 pm- 6 pm (ABC)
Moto X Freestyle Elimination
BMX Freestyle Park Final
Skateboard Street Men's Final
Moto X Super Moto Men's Final

7:30 pm- 11 pm (ESPN)
BMX Freestyle Vert Final
Moto X Super X Men's & Women's Finals
Skateboard Vert Final
Moto X Freestyle Final

Sunday, August 2nd
3 pm- 6 pm (ABC)
Rally Car Racing Elimination
Skateboard Park Men's Final
Rally Car Racing Final

Maloof Money Cup Weekend, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Last weekend was the second annual Maloof Money Cup in Orange County, CA. The CA Ramp Works and CA Skateparks' crews lived up to their reputations by creating amazing courses for both the vert and street pros! This was the first year in which the mini-mega ramp actually flowed into the vert ramp via an archway, and had a return ramp for the skaters to get back to the top. The street course replicated famous street spots, with marble benches and ledges, brick banks, gnar handrails. Though my favorite piece was just a simple piece of metal screwed to the wall... thrown in by Joe Ciaglia (owner of CA Skateparks). CA Skateparks designed and built the street course.

Every skater was killing the course. Dave Duncan (the announcer) kept saying, "This is a super final", for like every heat that went out. My favorite was when someone left him speechless, and all he got out was, "that was gnarly gnar". The roof gap to bank was just that, and more than one skater including: Appleyard, Sheckler, Huston, Sandoval, and Busenitz all threw something down on it; Peter Ramondetta skidded out of a huge gap to blunt side down a handrail; Torry Pudwill was popping huge nollies over the handrail. The skaters truly came out of every heat packed full of energy, going for everything they thought of.

BubbleShare: Share photos - Easy Photo Sharing

In the end, Chris Cole took home $100,000 in street. Tommy Sandoval was second and Nyjah Huston 3rd. Alex Perelson, after landing the 900, took home $75,000. PLG came in 2nd and Bob Burnquist came in third. Leticia Bufoni took away $25,000 for the girls.

To top it all off, Snoop Dog made an appearance, telling the skaters, "get your roll on". I know the white folks secretly be thuggin out in their vehicles to rap lyrics, but when it comes to standing in public, they are as stiff as a board. Snoop could barely get us to "put our hands in the air", yo.

Throughout the weekend, Dug and I had to get "our roll on", so we stoppoed by the Hurley facility, Ocean Beach Park, and Volcom Park. All fun:) Pictures below.

Click street course for a breakdown of course:

Click Vert Ramp for it

A School for Skateboarders and the Next Generation...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Since moving to Arizona I have been blessed to fall into a passionate community of skateboarders. Kids That Rip Skateboard School is located in Mesa, AZ. Currently I am doing videography work and maintaining a blog for them. Click here to find out more about it. I have added the blog to our Link section as well, so you can visit anytime.

Top Things to Expect When you say "Yes!" to a Skater by Profession.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Part of a journal entry, this article was written back in March. I was inspired to write this piece when my fiancé e-mailed me -on yet another jobless morning- (after having moved halfway across the country to Phoenix), about possible summer work. Dug is a graphic designer/ ramp builder for California Ramp Works, and this company needed a girl skater for the summer. I could leave for 4 months, skate 5 times a week, 3 times a day for 150.00/ day. Not bad pay, but when you’ve literally just gotten out of a cast from a broken ankle, marathon skateboarding is not the exactly top on the list. At anyrate, it made me laugh to think about all the things I am signing myself up for come November, when we’ll actually be married. Here’s the list I came up with.

1. Expect a season or 2 of Community Living. In the past 9 months, since the time we’ve been engaged, I’ve lived with over 5 different people. Even when we moved halfway across the country, from FL to AZ, the spare bedroom was renovated to a Florida friend shortly after.

2. Your house resembles a Retail Store. I just removed a pair of Steve Caballero's used shoes left over from his runs at the Mega Ramp, this past ASR show. They were on display a top the television set- crossed and pointed toe. For now, I have given into the fact that there is no room for a designated space for the two multi-leveled skate racks, which hold boards of old-school and new, to dog pullin and the skate park go-to.

3. You’re along for a ride. Basically, if you enjoy kissing ass, then the sk8 industry isn’t for you. Until you’ve learned enough, met enough people, and payed your dues with the shade-buckets of the industry, this leaves you with one option- a long, unglamorous journey. Fortunately, I got the tail end of his journey… I think.

4. Life is untraditional as a skater, and because of this, society is typically against you from the get-go; equipped with mental and physical stoppers. Hopefully, you learn you’ve got nothing to lose by trying...but everything if you don’t. When Dug told my parents he wanted to marry me, my dad refuted him with nostrils flared, and continued to tell him he was sure I’d say no. Dug responded, “I’m a very patient guy, and will wait a little bit, and ask her again if she says no.” I said Yes.

5. He'll make butter out of cream. Skaters are hard workers, and resourceful by nature… just look what they turn skateable. When Dug got laid off, he still managed to uncover a perfect job for himself in the middle of this lame economy. He did this by looking at what he had available, and making the most of it. On the flipside, now it is my turn.. dang it, I hate when tables turn:)

6. He’s had a go-ahead of a business. I think this is a necessary on the humbling journey of work experience, for life to get you where you need to be. But you will long live with the t-shirts and stickers from the glory days.

7. You better enjoy being a masseuse or physical therapist on the side.
Probably the truest of the list…skaters are always injured. Your nights become
accustomed to “ooh!” and “aaw!” as you accidentally hit your partners new shin
abrasion, swollen ankle, or scab. Backs are usually an issue as well. If they are
builders, even truer. For us though, it means they love our soft touch even more!
So if a dude with softer hands and prettier skin than you comes your way, proceed
with caution, because it means he’s never worked a day in his life, and probably is
going to be a bit of a baby.

8. Life is fun and full of love. I know that this guy has more love for me than anything because he kisses me mad, stays up late to listen to my concerns, and never fails to answer my phone calls. These past 4 months have been a test of our strength and have found that Dug is a master at keeping his head on straight in uncertain times (much better than me), won’t give up in hard times, and most importantly won’t give up on me (of course this works both ways). Because hey, hasn’t every skater met the bottom, in their pursuit to live out their heart. And with that being said, maybe that’s why we get along, because, shit, “This is the only lifestyle we've known.”

Hmm… sort of a weird number to end on, but that’s what I had written in my trusty notebook.

Skateboarders: Entertainers of Not?_ Red Bull Demo at Art Insitute

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:48:00 +0000

For all the future builders of skateparks out there, here is a behind the scene look at what it takes to set up a demo-course. Even the small events come with hard work.

What was important to the CA Ramp Works Team (Dug, Rueben, and Travis) on this day, was that the Red Bull skate demo was to start around 2pm at the Art Institute in Costa Mesa, CA. What this translates into is hauling a skate course by trailer from Mesa, Arizona, the previous day and making one stop in LA at their sister warehouse for an additional piece- a gigantic quarter-pipe. Despite the awkwardness, Reuben and Dug man handled the ramp up onto the trailor. Next stop- La Quinta Inn and Suites.

6am- wake up call. Assembly begins. The course was up before noon. Red Bull's Event Manager, though pleased with the course, showed some concern over her main rider Jeremy Rogers. I guess he was "on his way".

Dug and I decided to "test-skate" the course, as it is hard to just look at a skateable piece. The crowd thinks Dug is the show and starts taking pictures. He ollies over me, as I sit on the edge of the fun box (speaking of- I need to find that photographer).

3pm- the first Red Bull rider shows up. Though instead of skating he lingers around, timid to skate on an injured ankle, and unmotivated without his teammate.

4pm- Jeremy finally shows. No sign of skateboard. He asks for food and drink, and proceeds to walk around the course. His teammate has found a few lines without him. Complaints and excuses begin to spill from his mouth as if he had this planned even before he showed... something about the course being sketchy and a waste of his time, besides that he had a rap career he was trying pursue, and the Art Institute event seemed to offer no aide to his current or future career. Interestingly enough, he didn't seem to mind talking to the camera crew there:)

5pm- demo is over, and we head to the VIP bar. After we return, the course has turned into seating for the coming fashion show.
9pm- people start to clear out. The ramps start to come down.
11pm- stop at Hooters for some grub.

Next day- we return the quarter pipe and drive home.

Needless to say, Jeremy Rogers was not the only one who seemed to be inconvenienced that day. As much as I'd like to say that fame has gotten to his head, making him self-seemingly above skating something that is absent of national coverage (hate to tell ya Jeremy- you may have been on his show, but you aren't Sheckler- and I don't think anyone in that audience would have known who you were anyway). On the otherhand, it would also be easy to say that how Jeremy reacted was really just the true skater at heart- unconsciously saying to himself- can't I just skate without an audience anymore? But, the reality is, when he signed that contract, he signed up for the entertainment industry. So, on that note, I'm sure we've all had a case of the pre-madonnas, and even the once humble, unnoticed skateboarder isn't immune to it anymore.
To hear more about the art event click here, or go to dirtcityzine.blogspot.com.

Random Skate Fact #1- World's First Public Skatepark

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Well, after a nice google search, Carlsbad Skatepark (RIP) seems to takes the cake, built March 13th of 1976. But following close behind was Santa Cruz's Derby Skatepark, designed by Ken Wormhoudt's design firm (still Wormhoudt, Inc.) sometime in 1976. This is literally just a snake run, but super fun. You basically park your car in a residential area and walk into the park. Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville, FL, gets lots of recognition for being one of the oldest still-in-existent skateparks, established in 1977 by the Ramos family.

Here are some links to see more pics for this article.
http://www.carlsbadskatepark.org
http://www.skateparks.com/firm.php

To the right and below is a picture of Lorraine Carrig at Derby Skatepark, 2007, during one of our many skate adventures.

Profile: Rick Burns

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Rick Burns
Age: 37
Years skating: I think about 25+ years
Occupation: whatever I can find
From: Brandon, Fl Currently Live: The Dirt
Local Spot: Stone Edge, Solar Bowl, and now New Smyrna Park
Set-Up(s): 8 1/8 bacon skateboard,indy trucks,type s wheels, ninja bearings, bacon bits hardware
Travels: All up and down the east coast for years, out west 3 times, and all the states in between, Costa Rica 4 times
An all expenses, paid trip would take you to: Cayman Islands - The Black Pearl
When you are not skating you are: drinking beer, surfing in the summer, love to bbq at home, and spending my quality time with my lovely wife, Danielle
Words of Wisdom: Speak whats on your mind, be bold
Your Bros: All the og Team Glug boys, Benji, Tim Johnson, and Barnes
Favorite Beer: Hack
Love of Your Life: my wife
Companies you support: Bacon, Indy, and whatever my bros can give me

Dirt City Profile: Joe Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:09:00 +0000

- Joe sneaks a Crailslide in at the
pre- pre grand opening of NSB Park

Name: Joe Storm

Age: 17

Local Spot: NSB skatepark and stone edge

Favorite Thing to skate: pool block and wallrides

Set-Up(s): 8.5" Bacon deck with a 14 1/2" wheelbase some good ol' Independent 139s with 56mm Bones spfs

Travels: Everywhere in Florida, Atlanta, DC, and Baltimore

Where would an all expenses, paid trip take you?: Europe
When you're not skating you are___Thinking about skating.

SPREADthe GOOD - Official Promo #1 from David Stoessel on Vimeo.

ASR's MINI MEGA RAMP Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Among other colossal things that are happening in the industry right now, is CA Ramp Works's Mini Mega Ramp. Stealing the limelight at this year's ASR trade show, riders like Bob Burnquist, Adam and Dylan Taylor, Christian Hosoi, Lincoln Ueda, demoed the 30' foot roll-in to 25' foot gap!

Click here for complete coverage of this year's ASR Mini- Mega Event.

WORLD'S LARGEST SKATEBOARD- New Record!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:59:00 +0000

When your working with Rob Dyrdek, can you expect anything less than BIG?

Above Left: Dug Ketterman gets shelter under the World's Largest Skateboard- 36'10" and 8'6" wide.
Above Right: Board Graphic by Dyrdek
Photos complimentary- californiaskateparks.com
Rob Dyrdek teamed up with Joe Ciaglia, and the CA Skateparks crew to accomplish a new record for the World's Largest Skateboard. The skateboard scales in at 36'10" and 8'6" wide, which surpasses Foundation's -Guinness Book of World Record- "World's Biggest Skateboard", which measured in at 10'long 4'wide 3'tall.

Dug Ketterman, graphic designer for CA Skateparks says, "It is exact to scale, and even carves like a real board." For complete coverage visit californiaskateparks.com.

CA Skateparks is an industry leader for skatepark design and construction, and have been sought out for its avant-garde approach and reliable fieldwork, by such pros as Danny Way and Ryan Sheckler.
To see where you can roll up to some of their skateparks, check out californiaskateparks.com and sitedesigngroup.com.

Left: Fantasy Factory: Rob Dyrdek's custom sk8park
Middle: Mega Ramp Indoors Far Right: LG Action Sports Motor Cross Tour
Photos_California Skateparks/ CA Ramp Works

Soon you will be able to visit CArampworks.com for up to date coverage of riders and spectator events concerning the Mini/Mega Ramps.

Investing Today 101: "Sk8boarding is Affordable"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 01:55:00 +0000

In this article, I am looking at the roots of skateboarding's nature, and why I think it will thrive in tough economic times.... and probably will actually grow in popularity

Local grom- Andrew: New grip job sticks

1. ROOTS- Skateboarding was born from the low-income bracket and broken homes of American youth. Therefore it has
proved to be an affordable sport even when families don't have a lot to spend...I'd say this is pretty relevant to the times
approaching.

2. There is a NEED- for an affordable alternative activity among the middle class family who is being forced to downsize.

3. Built From the Bottom Up- Skateboarding built itself up with little investment backing. Naturally, I think the owners of core
skateboarding companies will also figure out how to adapt back to this without sinking.

4. A Creature of Adaptation- as the environment changes so does a skateboarder's mind. He or she can skateboard on
virtually anything.

5. Creative and Ingenuitive by Nature- Corporations tried to capitalize on skateboarding's popularity and ingenuity, not the
other way around.

6. VIRTUALLY a FREE sport- Free City Skateparks- with more and more cities finding a need for public sk8parks, kids or parents won't have to travel very far to find a place to skateboard. Not to mention, as family spending downsizes, so do those member fees and private lessons.

7. Eco-Friendly Transportation- Sure it may take a little while longer, but you can also transport it on the bus or transit
system easier than a bicycle, or hell, put the skateboard on the bicycle until you reach your destination.

8. All Ages- The board and wheels come in all shapes and sizes, making it easy for young and old to learn or get back into it:)

9. Government Spending Specuation- Many contractors will benefit from Obama's stimulus money for public works projects. Companies who build skateparks have contractor liscences and will be able to bid on new construction and public work projects; so while they may not be sk8board parks, it will be work; therefore helping to keep employees and open new jobs.

10. It's a Tight- Skateboarders and its companies maintain a very tight community, despite the huge growth.... strength in numbers.

Survival of the Fittest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:57:00 +0000

As January opens a new year, so do the bi-annual Surf Expo and Action Sports Retail Trade shows bring in a new season for the Surf and Skateboarding industries. It's no news that these industries are feeling heavily, the effects of the economy, and watching as the gloom of the old brick and mortar retail stores close their doors. So, I wonder (as I did not attend), what will the air of these trade shows tell this year. Good times ahead are characterized by buyers walking in and out of appointments, beer gardens flowing, models walking the aisles, groms knocking on doors with hopes of new sponsorship, big after parties, video premieres, and free posters and stickers smothering the youth as their big eyes take in the awe of the life they aspire to have around them. Unfortunately, the story I heard was.... not many people were there to buy. I have yet to here about this weekend's ASR. I imagine most of the action was behind closed doors, as people discussed the future of the industry.

Local Sk8ers (L to R): Donald, Darien, and Andrew- ready to cruise the Int'l Spdwy Blvd- Donald, Darien, and Andrew
Background- R.I.P. Ducer Cruzer Skateshop

The question that looms- What will the skate and surf industry capitalize on next? Is their a new niche to be sought out?

The youth, the lifestyle, and the creative, laid back mentality of this industry will probably remain the same, but there are big challenges ahead in order for it to survive as a promising livelihood, with American families cutting back on spending.

Then, there is that www. wholeworldofweb2.0/shop. com. What type of role will it play in the industries survival?

I predict like most businesses, companies will cut budgets A LOT to save jobs. Will it be the pro teams, the tours, the magazine ads, the company snowboarding trips, team houses on the North Shore....

Personally, I think the foundational values of our country and relevant to this article, the surf and skate industry, is being reevaluated by its leaders and founders, and a new direction will be sought out. In the mean time,

the Darwinian Theory will come into play; that this is a natural evolution of the surf and skate industry to shake out the "weaker" links.

Hmm...will they be the core companies or the conglomerates who just hopped on the bandwagon to capitalize on "cool"...
Anyway, just something for you fellow skater citizens to think about.

New Sk8 scene to Check OUT!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:39:00 +0000

Louisville Skate scene is covered by Skater Wes, so check it out on dirtcitylouiville.blogspot.com... or just click the link in the side bar..

Neightborhood Tour Stop#1 - Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:10:00 +0000

The Charlie Brown Ramp is nested in a backyard in South Daytona, FL, and owned by local skate grom, Nathan. The beauty of the Neighborhood Tour is that it hits up private set-ups, as well as, empty pools. No heavy advertising, so if you can’t find it, you’ll have to wait for the Recap. You can also guarantee every contest will have a different format, different crowd, and different element of challenge. The series is put on by DK Ramps.

Throughout the day, people floated in and out, to hit the wall ride, the ramp, or just mingle by the bb-q. The pictures will show the rest. Keep check on dkramps.com for details on Stop #2.

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This weekend at Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:59:00 +0000

Skatetoberfest Stree Contest at Stone Edge Skatepark.

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:36:00 +0000

$25 entry fee. Registration starts at 10am and the contest starts at 12 Noon.
Enjoy a free cookout from 1-3pm.
First place receives $300 cash and a Nixon watch. There will also be a Best Trick contest for $500 down the "Big Rail". You won't want to miss this!
This is the start of a new annual event at Stone Edge Skate park. For more info call 386.761.1123

The Neighborhood Tour- Stop #1 Charlie Brown Ramp- FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:24:00 +0000

First Event will be on October 12th. So start asking around so you can find the Charlie Brown Ramp.
This is going to be an awesome chance to show off skills, win prizes, and bbq .
Visit DKRamps.com for details (click the title to transfer)

There is also a photo contest.

"A TASTE OF SKATEBOARDING"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Interview w/ DK RAMPS

Words: Dug Ketterman Interview by: Morgan McDole
Photo Credits_ Duce Smith, Aly Bowen, Skendi Photography, DK

"Be a sponge. Talk less and listen more. The skateboard industry is a very creative environment, which allows for free-thinking and self-expression, but don't think for a moment, its all gravy like art class...be prepared to work the most heinous hours and take crap from seasoned skate-veterans." ~ DK

If you’re a skater in this town, you’ve probably heard a lot about DK Ramps lately- and well, that’s for obvious reasons- they (Dug Ketterman and Erik Brubaker) are out making things happen…and shredding.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.

-Interview -

DCZ: First off, what kinds of services does DK Ramps offer?
DK: I am currently offering private skateboard, drum, and guitar lessons, backyard mini-ramps and rail construction, contest and demo coordination, skatepark design/construction, graphic design for print and web, and grassroots marketing campaigns.

DCZ: Dug Ketterman, how many years have you been skateboarding?
DK: Jeez...my dad built me my first ramp when I was in first grade...skated for a couple years, then picked up BMX until I was about 12, when I got my first new school board. I have been skating ever since...so I guess that is a total of 18 years.

DCZ: What would you say 12 years involvement in the skate industry has done for you?
DK: I now have a head full of grey hair; I hear it makes me look distinguished... Being able to work with some of the most talented people in the world has given me a broad scope of what is possible in many different aspects of the skateboard community. I have been able to learn from my success and failures; as well as, pull from the collective knowledge of the thousands of professionals, skaters, and families I have grown to know and love...not to mention shiny new sneakers that come in the mail from time to time.

DCZ: Because you have built and managed a slew of skate parks, you have conceptualized, coordinated, and hosted an untold amount of contests and events. Yet, not everyone knows all that goes into hosting an event. So, talk about why it would be advantageous for someone interested in the skate industry to get the DK Ramps name, behind his or her event.
DK: Well, first, let me talk about the difference between a successful contest and a dud. Believe me, I have had plenty of both. In keeping with the tradition of skateboarding, I have measured success in the smiles and energy that comes from not only the participants, but the spectators as well. Most competitions have been following the same traditional format...45 second runs...being judged on 10 different aspects at once...clouding the judges ability to truly give hundreds of accurate and fair scores throughout the afternoon. The loose criteria structure also gives to a common debate at the end of each contest...."Why did that backside flip beat that krook-fakie?", etc. This combined with 8 hours in the hot sun can often produce a less than gratifying experience. I have had the opportunity to experiment with all different types of contest formats, and have finally found a new approach which skaters and parents can grasp. This new level of enjoyment is also achieved in 2 hours or less, allowing families to plan out the rest of their day. I like to keep things simple, organized, and above all else, fun.

DCZ: Upcoming events?
DK: Let's see...this Saturday is the Skaters for Christ contest, demo, and concert in South Daytona Beach. In October, I am helping coordinate a contest with Timeline Productions at Paradise Funplex, Merritt Island, FL. DK Ramps will also be sponsoring a best trick contest with Maui Nix at the Ormond Beach Skatepark. November 6-9th is building the course and running numbers for the Skate and Bike Contest at the Hilton Resort in Cocoa Beach, FL (some names include Kelly Slater and Adam Taylor). In January, it is off to Georgia to judge King of the Groms… and more, plenty more in the works.

DCZ: What's your advice for kids wanting a career in the industry?
DK: Be a sponge. Talk less and listen more. If you are one of those kids that hang around a park or shop all day, every day...help out whenever possible. Also, find out what YOU enjoy doing the most, and pursue the passion that many people miss out on their whole lives. The skateboard industry is a very creative environment, which allows for free-thinking and self-expression, but don't think for a moment, its all gravy like art class...be prepared to work the most heinous hours and take crap from seasoned skate-veterans.

DCZ: Talk about how your environment growing up shaped you.
DK: I'll start off by saying I had my first job at age 5, sanding down wooden parts for my dad. By age 6, I was stocking retail supplies in Creative Castle (my parents craft shop). This led to my first business at the ripe old age of 8: selling fingerboards, necklaces, and wooden Bart Simpson toys at craft fairs in Northwest Indiana. My parents also had me running as a go-fer (waiter) for a 100 booth craft fair before I made it to the 2nd grade; as well as, taught me the fundamentals of entrepreneurship throughout my school days. My business sense now seems to be innate.

DCZ: Talk about some of your first designs and skateable pieces.
DK: I can remember my first launch ramp...2nd grade.... it fell apart when I was jumping over it. I then proceeded to fall onto a 2" bolt that lodged itself into my thigh...oh yes, sweet memories! My first park design was actually built in my friends carpet warehouse. We stored all the ramps up on a top rack using a forklift and brought them down when we were ready to sesh. Quarters, bank ramps, grind boxes, and we even skated the fully adjustable forks on the forklift.

DCZ: What's been your favorite completed project?
DK: I would have to say my first city park, Flounder, in Valparaiso, Indiana. It was not only the inspiration and springboard I needed to start my career, but also stands in memory of a truly great skater and friend, Ray Wampler.

DCZ: Not many people have a resume, the length of yours, which shows a clear direction. Talk about what it takes to not only pursue, but stay true to a passion.
DK: First, be honest. Not just with everyone around you, but with yourself. You need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are excited about your endeavors, and they are actually making a difference in the world and lives around you.
Second, choose the hard way. When you begin your journey, you will be faced with many roadblocks and hurdles. You are usually faced with two options, the fast easy way that will barely get you by. Or, the hard way that, if you pay attention, will teach you vital information and open more doors than you could possibly imagine. And C- consider the alternative… going through school in your early twenties, getting an entry level position with 300 other people with the exact same degree and lack of experience (typically in a field other than your degree), and slaving away in a cubicle hoping to catch some of the scraps tossed down by the chiefs in command. Wasn’t for me.

DCZ: What keeps you goin’?
DK: The encouragement and support of my amazing family and friends...and the non-stop brain activity that wakes me up every morning looking for a pen and paper.

DCZ: What's been your biggest accomplishment?
DK: I can blow a bubble off my tongue, then pop it before it hits the ground using my salivary gland under my tongue as a shooting apparatus...its simply amazing!

DCZ: What part of the design and building process excites you?
DK: What part doesn't? I would have to say once the project is all said and done, watching skaters rip it to shreds gives me the most satisfaction.
DCZ: What about graphic design?
DK: One of my most influential art teachers, Mrs. Lynn, once told my class to never stop creating art.
Make it a daily habit to keep your skills honed. Graphic design is actually another outlet for my creativity and self-expression. Gotta feed the soul!

DCZ: At what point did you decide it was time to go out on your own?
DK: It was just about the time when everybody I talked to started saying, "Why don't you own your own business...? I guess it just clicked. I was born into an entrepreneurial family, so I new it was just a matter of time before I acquired the experience I needed to begin my journey.

DCZ: Who's your main man?
DK: Erik Brubaker is a local skater and builder here in Daytona Beach. I met him through Stone Edge Skatepark, and realized after working on a few projects together, his humor and solid work ethics were just the balance I needed to build a lasting team.

DCZ: What is your biggest request?
DK: A killer kitchen! I love to cook.
Note from the interviewer: I meant for DK Ramps’s services…but that works too.

DCZ: What's your motto?
DK: Give all that you have and you will receive all that you need.

DCZ: Future plans, goals, etc. Anything else, you want to ad.
DK: The goal is to travel around the world with my beautiful fiancé, Morgan, and help as many people along the way as humanly possible; recording and reporting our experiences. I feel like I was blessed with the ability to communicate, and I don't like to waste time. I was given a second chance at life when I was 16 years old, and I am going to do my best to use each day wisely, and for the benefit of the awe-inspiring world around us.

A Photo Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Anywhere you venture to is going to have a history. Some places end up being more historical than others; and some may just be revolutionists of their kind. Whatever the case, it's always interesting and sort of inspiring to see what used to be of the places you love to love. In this case, a fond memory in this town is what STONE EDGE SKATEPARK once was. The history behind the park and the people who have skated here, worked here, or just hopped a fence to make it a little more adventurous, is the gold foundation beneath the renovations. Some wish we could just dig up the dirt and those old bowls would be re-lived once again. I get a kick out of seeing old photos; most of which I find through my google-lurking. Like this one of Benji Galloway sneaking into Stone Edge from way-back-when. A decade later and his feet still make their way to the concrete of the only OG piece left, the 9Bowl.

Glen Charnoski airing over the hip in the clover.

Mertz-Indy nose bone.

Mertz frontside air transfer. Check out the PVC coping...

Mertz-frontside ollie in the peanut. Remember when there used to be a pizza hut next door? I had almost forgotten about this.

Tom Groholski. Man that layout looks so fun.

Mark Mosh in the big, rough, pad-pulling down, egg bowl.

Photos and captions brought to you by http://mertzworld.net/id29.html

FREE ENTRY! Volcom presents...

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:45:00 +0000

Life is More Fun this Way

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:59:00 +0000

When you have some skills that is.

Visit DK Ramps.com for more services.

Skateboarding vs. Stupid Human Acts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:02:00 +0000

Photos_ Dug Ketterman
www.skateboardersforchrist.org
www.dkramps.com

Last weekend 125 kids signed up to skate the Skaterboarders for Christ event, held at South Daytona Christian Church. The whole neighborhood must have come out of the wood-works for this one. Speaking of woodwork, DK Ramps was also out there to help build the course on schedule, as well as- get this- make sure there was something for the girls as well! Well, Osiris Girls took the initiative by sending shirts ahead.
At the DK tent, the gals who challenged their skateboarding abilities, or demonstrated a stupid human act, scored a free tee. And, too much surprise, young, old, and everyone in between had a stupid human trick to show off. These are some pictures from the event.
It was a good turn out, and I'd say this town is pretty dang lucky to have people like Skaters for Christ (Bob Langford and Tim May) and DK Ramps (Dug Ketterman and Erik Brubaker) who are volunteering to build, run, and take down a skate course for the sake of community and fun! So, keep an eye out for the next event, because they are dope.