The grand opening of Auckland’s latest skate park. 11 Feb from 11AM at 31 Central Road Kingland.

The Bowl-A-Rama madness kicks off in Wellington tomorrow night with the official launch party at Base Nightclub. Thursday night brings with it the Love and Guts Art Show at the Manky Chops Pop Up Gallery, 15 Courtenay Place. Sandwiches Nightclub lights things up on Friday night with a pre Bowl-A-Rama party. Saturday is main event day – get down to Waitangi Bowl early and get your seat. Sandwiches welcomes us back with the official after party later that night. Get amongst it people.

Rider List (as at 3pm 7 February, 2012)
Sean Bone
Christian Low
Chris Wood
James Kingston
Tiaan Watene
Scott Lai
James Huntley
Umberto Skinner
Mike Bancroft
Chad Hope
Adam Wharekawa
Reuben Baker
Nico Gottschalk
Nick Lister
Dallas Marshall
Beach Thurlow-Meyer
Brian Haycock
Dan Kaspar
Sean Cupples
George Rowe
Tom the Gruf
Simon Prakash
Scott Olds
Nick Mitchell
Mitchell McCarthy
Cam King
Sam Reynolds
Shaun Boucher
Tommy Fynn
Luke Blackman
Liam Campbell
Jack Woodrow
Brett Band
Chase Collins
Dushko Mamic

Stay tuned as more riders will be confirmed in the lead up to the event on Saturday 25 February, 2012.

For rider registration and info please contact Rhys Campbell on email or 0211567173

For all other event info please contact Arjuna Matthews at Billabong NZ on email or 094145106 ex 7118

At high noon on 25th February, 2012 Auckland will once again play host to over 30 of New Zealand’s finest skateboarders. They will battle it out in Auckland’s iconic Aotea Square on a purpose built set-up, for their part of a NZD $6000 prize pool.

The Billabong City Squared Skateboard Invitational is presented by Sony Ericsson with support from Monster Energy, Amazon Boardstore, The Edge, Von Zipper, Nixon, Manual Magazine and Skinny.

Where: Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland
When: Noon til 5pm, Saturday 25^th February

Ashley Smith, 3rd place, Open.

Porirua, 6 February 2012: Hundreds of skateboarders gathered at Te Rauparaha park to attend and compete in the Porirua Skate Jam as part of the Festival of the Elements Waitangi Day celebration. Skaters from all over the greater Wellington region, and some from as far as the Hawkes Bay, battled it out in the sun-soaked park for their part of cash and product prizes worth more than $3000.

“The event went off without a hitch” said event manager Cameron Smith, “everyone skated hard and some incredible tricks went down. Our staff did a fantastic job too, we couldn’t have asked for a better day.” Long time Porirua Skate Jam competitor and local skater, Mitch Jago, took out the top spot in the Open section, while Keanu Robinson won the 16 and Under division. Last year’s winner of the 8 and Under section, Santana, won this year’s 12 and under. Rico won the 8 and Under section and Enya Hunt placed first in the Women’s. For further info on the competition or the Poriua Action Sports Association email david@firstfloor.co.nz.

Keanu Robinson Smith grinding his way into first place in the 16 and Under division.

Thanks to Cheapskates, DVS, Element Skateboards, Manual Magazine, Porirua City Council, Festival of the Elements, New Zealand Community Trust and The Mana Community Grants Foundation for making the event possible.

Results

Open
1. Mitch Jago
2. Simon Prakash
3. Ashley Smith
4. Ben Evans
5. Dan Popata (equal)
5. Daniel ‘Shibby’ Strofer (equal)
6. Brynn Durham
7. George Rowe

16 and Under
1. Keanu Robinson
2. Brad Christensen
3. Ethan Pursglove
4. Chiny Mwila
5. Dre
6. Jardin P
7. CJ Cutler
8. Trent Hunter
9. Rogan

12 and Under
1. Santana
2. Luke Kapene
3. Tane
4. Alex
5. Alexei Riordan
6. Michael Roach

8 and Under
1. Rico
2. Kallis Katene-Isaako
3. Roan
4. Remus
5. Jayde Burns
6. Malachi
7. Jacob Wakari-Jones

Women’s
1. Enya Hunt
2. Rehu Matthews
3. Taah Christy
4. Ryha

Volcom’s Wild In The Parks skate event is happening again this year. 17th March is the date. Head to Barry Curtis, park there’ll be loads of prizes and giveaways on the day and it’s free entry to all.

The Porirua Skate Jam is on again this Waitangi Day, Feb 6th at Te Rauparaha Skate Park. The contest will run from 12:30pm – 6pm. Registration is between 11am-12pm on the day, and entry is free! This is a great one for all ages as they will be running categories right through from Under 8 years to Open. And there’s some sweet cash up for grabs in the open section.

Date: Monday, Feb 6th, 2012
Time: 12:30pm-6pm (registration between 11am-12pm on the day)
Entry: Free
Categories: Under 8, Under 12, Under 16, Open and Women’s
$1500 prize money for the Open section.

Bjorn’s fair name will now be adorning some fine Element skateboard decks. To celebrate Element are throwing a bash at Ambush Gallery in Waterloo, Sydney where they’ll be screening his full length video part. Head along and give Bjorn a high five if you’re in the area.

At high noon on 25th February, 2012 Auckland will once again play host to over 30 of New Zealand’s finest skateboarders. They will battle it out in Auckland’s iconic Aotea Square on a purpose built set-up, for their part of a NZD $6000 prize pool.

Once again a purpose built course is being crafted under the watchful eye of Rhys Campbell. “The course is looking good this year. We’ve taken the step and rail set up from last year and added some new features that’ll kept things interesting. Everyone killed it last year and had a great time, so expect more shredding and good times in 2012.”

This year’s City Squared champion will walk away three thousand dollars richer, with NZD$6000 split between the top eight finalists.

Stay tuned for more info on the course and rider line-up.

The Billabong City Squared Skateboard Invitational is presented by Sony Ericsson with support from Monster Energy, Amazon Boardstore, The Edge, Von Zipper, Nixon, Manual Magazine and Skinny.

Where: Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland
When: Noon til 5pm, Saturday 25th February

Music: Suspiria by Razorwyre off of the album Coming Out.

Aotea Square photo by Jake Darwen.

Press Release – DC Shoes is set to embark on its Rediscover Oz skate tour in celebration of the recent launch of their Rediscover DC campaign and the highly anticipated announcement of two new pro riders, Mike Mo Capaldi and Nyjah Huston.

Mike Mo and Nyjah will be joined by fellow global skate team riders; Chris Cole, Mikey Taylor, Matt Miller, Wes Kremer and Evan Smith who will then join up with Australian team riders Kieran Reilly, Marty Girotto, Bugs Fardell and Jake Hayes on the Gold Coast 19 January 2012 for a 19 day tour of the east coast of Australia.

DC Australasia brand director, Alex Hawkins said, “It’s a real honor to have Mike Mo and Nyjah join the DC Skate team and an even bigger honor to have them tour Australia with Chris Cole, Mikey Taylor, Wes Kremer and Matt Miller.  What a way to start 2012!”

“This is Mo and Nyjah’s first DC tour yet—the first, of many more to come. The line up on this trip is insane. With the likes of Cole, Kremer, Miller, Mikey, Evan, and of course the two “new guys,” this squad has set a new standard for DC, and skateboarding in general. There’s no better place to kick off our Rediscover campaign than down under, and we are excited to join the AU DC riders in the first DC tour of 2012; Rediscover Oz,” said DC Skate Team Manager, Jimmy Astleford.

The DC pro/am team riders will be hitting the streets of Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne as well as attending in store signings and skate demos in all three states.   Their skating will be documented by world renowned US skate photographer, Mike Blabac, US filmer Chris Ray, as well as Australian photographer Andrew Peters, and New Zealand born filmer Leigh Bolton.

Details of the in store signings and skate demonstrations:

GOLD COAST Saturday 21 January 2012
Team signing at Darkside, 1/2158 Goldcoast Hwy, Miami 2pm – 3pm
Demo at Nerang Skatepark 3pm – 5pm

SYDNEY Saturday 28 January 2012
Team signing at 99 Degrees, 1/257 Crown St, Darlinghurst 2pm – 3pm
Demo at Waterloo Skatepark 3pm – 5pm

MELBOURNE Saturday 4 February 2012
Team signing at Fast Times, 121 Swanston Street, Melbourne 2pm – 3pm
Demo at Riverside Skatepark 3pm – 5pm

For additional information on the Rediscover Oz Skate Tour and DC we invite you to visit
www.dcshoes.comhttp://www.facebook.com/DC.Shoeshttp://twitter.com/DCSHOES
http://www.youtube.com/user/DCshoesFILM

About DC: Founded by Ken Block and Damon Way in 1993, DC quickly grew to a leader in performance skateboarding shoes and renowned action sports brand. Today DC stands as a global brand whose product line has expanded to include men’s, women’s and kids’ skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel, snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear, and accessories. As one of the cornerstones of its marketing strategy, DC has built a world-class team of professional skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross and rally athletes that exemplify and enhance DC’s brand, develop its signature products, and support its promotional efforts. DC is a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Inc.

Media release: From the 8th – 12th of February 2012, Wellington’s Waitangi Park will play host to BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington, not only the biggest professional concrete event in the Southern Hemisphere, but also the biggest week of skateboarding infused cultural festivities in New Zealand. Attracting legendary international skateboarders such as Pedro Barros & Sergie Ventura, the event also hosts an array of local New Zealand Urban Warriors such as Mike Bancroft and Lee Ralph.

“Wellington BOWL-A-RAMA™ is a yearly highlight on my calendar,” comments local Skateboarder Mike Bancroft. “The comp has played a pretty important part in growing the skate industry in NZ, and it’s always such a good opportunity to skate with local and International friends!” He adds.

2012 marks the 5th year of BOWL-A-RAMA™ in Wellington and in 2012 the event boasts a four day line up of skateboarding infused cultural activities in the lead up to the competition, held on Saturday the 11th of February, in which crowds will witness the most impressive line up of skate talent battle it out for an overall prize pool of  $20,000.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue staging the largest professional international skateboard competition in New Zealand,” comments Co-Founder, skatepark designer, and skater Chad Ford. “It’s something we look forward to every year. We’re holding it in the aim of looking after and fostering the talent within this growing sport long term,” he adds.

Heralded by the World Cup of Skateboarding (WCS), the official sanctioning partner of global skateboarding events; as “an event that is at the pinnacle of celebrating the culture of skateboarding,” comments Don Bostik, WCS President, Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ 2012 will bring with it the greatest cross generational gathering of international skaters at any one time in the history of New Zealand skateboarding.

The rostered week of events includes a week of parties, art shows, music and entertainment.

Save the date for this year’s biggest BOWL-A-RAMA™ ever and become part of the family!

Save the date: February 8-12… Visit the Bowl-A-Rama Facebook page for more info.

Some quick details from the World Cup Skateboarding site.

It is a professional competition, Masters is 40 and older, if you want a wild card qualifying spot for Vans BOWL-A-RAMA Bondi then you have to enter this event if you are an international rider and if you are Australian and missed one of the 5 spots on offer at ABC then you can have another go here. If you are looking to gain WCS points to pre qualify for other WCS Bowl Series comps then this is your chance.

Skaters will be able to practice ALL week leading up to Saturday’s comp.
Registration will close on the Friday 6pm.
The competition will take place on the Saturday Feb 11th.
Comp schedule to be posted soon…

DC are putting the final touches on their reshaped skate team together with the announcement of two new team riders. Rediscover | OZ will see the new team hit up demos and signings in the main cities across Australia. If you are in the hood get some and find out who the new riders are.

Attention Rivetheads. Cancel your holiday plans NOW – The Wyre are pleased to announce an end of year blow out party at the San Francisco Bath House on Friday, December 23rd! This will be the final Razorwyre show of 2011 and we’ll be celebrating the looming release of our spanking new album by playing a good chunk of it for you live. This is your first chance to preview new tracks from the album which is due for release early 2012. To prove we aren’t lying we will post a sneak peak for your ear-holes very soon. We really can’t wait for you to hear it!

Accompanying is Razorwyre’s good pal & Lower Hutt Heart Throb, Disasteradio. With completing yet another tour of Europe and the USA, there is nothing stoping this man. Check out his latest release “Charisma” if you havent already from his Band Camp site.

http://www.razorwyreband.com/
http://www.facebook.com/razorwyre

http://disasteradio.bandcamp.com/
http://www.disasteradio.org/

Let the party begin!!
Friday 23rd December
$10 on the Door
X-Mas Drink specials

At high noon on 25th February, 2012 Auckland will once again play host to over 30 of New Zealand’s finest skateboarders. They will battle it out in Auckland’s iconic Aotea Square on a purpose built set-up, for their part of a NZD $6000 prize pool.

Once again a purpose built course is being crafted under the watchful eye of Rhys Campbell. “The course is looking good this year. We’ve taken the step and rail set up from last year and added some new features that’ll kept things interesting. Everyone killed it last year and had a great time, so expect more shredding and good times in 2012.”

This year’s City Squared champion will walk away three thousand dollars richer, with NZD$6000 split between the top eight finalists.

Stay tuned for more info on the course and rider line-up.

The Billabong City Squared Skateboard Invitational is presented by Sony Ericsson with support from Monster Energy, Amazon Boardstore, The Edge, Von Zipper, Nixon, Manual Magazine and Skinny.

Where: Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland
When: Noon til 5pm, Saturday 25^th February

On the night of October 6, Fusion’s Cuba Mall store got transformed once again into a thriving skate park for a few hours. Fortunately no bone carnage took place this time; instead a casual session went down on the shop’s counter. Thanks go out to Fusion and Gravis for making the night possible. Here’s a video and a few pics from the night.

George Rowe, frontside tailslide.

Arcade’s skate demo was rained off and it will now be on tomorrow, Tuesday 20th from 1-5:30PM. The bus will leave Vic park at 5:30pm and go up to the shop for Peronis, skate vids and Hell’s Pizza.

Coverage from last weekend’s The Island Pro/Am skate comp on Cockatoo Island, Sydney.

The Official Word: Cockatoo Island is not only the largest isle in Sydney Harbour; it has one of the most colourful histories. Prior to being home to the first ever SbA Pro/Am Grand Final it was an imperial prison, an industrial school, a reformatory, a jail and was the site of one of Australia’s largest boat building docks. Cockatoo is also closely aligned with the legend of bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, who was one of two prisoners to ever escape the island. Their escape was aided by Thunder’s lover Mary Ann Bugg who swam through the harbours shark-infested waters to save them. Thunderbolt was given his name whilst on the job: during one of his robberies he knocked on a door as a clap of thunder and lightening ignited the skies. The victim asked who was at the door to which he replied: “Thunderbolt”. Of course prior to the intervention of colonialism Cockatoo was no doubt a sacred stomping ground for indigenous tribes and possibly the odd cockatoo.

During event lead up there were several trips out to the island. My first trip was with Cuzz and we were in charge of surface checks on the heritage-listed ground. After a serious run in with an egg-guarding screech-burger of a sea gull, and several heated discussions regarding the logistical problems of holding a comp on the island, we thought we would calm our nerves with a beverage. Whilst ordering the edge was taking off by a gruff but jovial chinless wonder of a Hungarian tuck-shop manager. He was the kind of odd character you would find in an old Bond film. His vibe somehow smoothed the situation and mid bev we ran back over to the site and finally sussed how the course could work.

Over the months of prep that followed it was no doubt that Logistics Manager Steve Murphy went through the most trials and tribulations. At one point he was heard ordering some fluorescent inflatable tower lights over the phone: “So how big are they mate?“… (pause)… “Oh so about as big as a fat person?” The attention to detail was phenomenal. So how do you get a skate course built on an island you ask? Every element had to come by barge: 24 of them! The course design and construction was a combination of efforts between SbA, Convic and Shane Serena’s Revolution crews. The course housed elements such as the bank to ledge to bank, the out rail (based on Perth’s swing out bar), the doorstop slappy kickers, the wheel chair ramp and the Sydney Harbour Bridge China Bank.

Come December the 10th the stage was set and it sure was a doozy. The Island was held in the last days of the Outpost Project street art festival. I pretended that the isle was decorated just for us. The dilapidated industrial beauty was punctuated with giant rusted swinging soy sauce fishes, a cockatoo mural made out of plastic cups, a life size replica of Kid Zoom’s house, Lister-painted balloons, ceramic washing machines and murals n pieces galore. Of course the skating was next level. Everyone goes on about the level. But you can kind of understand when the level is on this plain. I mean the technical proficiency of the current pros and top ams is light years beyond where we thought people could ever take their coordination. The top guys in Oz are all on par with (and make up some of) the top internationals, and nothing highlighted it more than The Island. The 35 peoples who were invited to the comp included some vets, some freshies and some of the world’s top shredders.

continued at skateboardingaustralia.org.au/Blog/the-island-wrap-up

Tony Hawk is bringing his skate sideshow to Big Day Out 2012. The Birdman will be putting on one hell of a vertical show along side Jesse Fritsch, Neal Hendrix, Kevin Stabb, Sandro Diaz and a hoard of Australasian shredders.

Press Release: The BIG DAY OUT skate show is back!

BIG DAY OUT is proud to announce the return of the Vert Ramp Skate Show to the national tour for 2012.

Twenty years ago, skateboarders rolled in on a huge custom built vert ramp to the sounds of skate rock band “Village Idiots” (on what was to become known as the “Skate Stage”) marking the opening of the first ever BIG DAY OUT.  The legendary BIG DAY OUT skate show had begun and ten years of amazing skaters, amazing ramps and truly amazing skateboarding displays were to follow.

It’s been ten years since BIG DAY OUT has been able to do the skate tour as part of its regular shows and to celebrate 20 years of BDO, the skate show is back for 2012 and it’s bigger than ever!

The Skate legend himself, TONY HAWK is back for his 3^rd BDO tour after 14 years away, and this time he is bringing some of his skate mates along for the ride!

This is definitely not to be missed! TONY HAWK is on the ramp with KEVIN STAAB, SANDRO DIAZ, NEAL HENDRIX and JESSE FRITSCH in a unique skate show spectacular late in the afternoon at every Big Day Out in New Zealand and Australia.

Some of the best vert skaters from the current World Cup Skateboard circuit have come together to showcase skateboarding today: ELLIOT SLOAN, JUERGEN HORRWARTH and Australia’s own RENTON MILLAR.

THE BIG DAY OUT SKATE RAMP

Undoubtedly one of the biggest stars on the skate tour is the ramp itself!

A vert skate ramp, purpose built, for the BIG DAY OUT 2012 tour – a 14ft high x 40ft wide beauty.  Nothing like building a brand new perfect ramp to inspire the BDO skaters to go over the top. This ramp promises to be the best BDO Vert ramp ever!

THE BIG AIR SHOOTOUT 2012

In 2001 we held the Australian High Air Championships amongst all the skate show action on the BIG DAY OUT tour. Jason Ellis went on to win in Perth, with Adam Luxford coming in a very close 2^nd. The jaw-dropping feats of these incredible skaters were a sight to behold!

So, let’s do it again! This time around we’ll be holding some unique high air comps for the BDO skaters to go for; most 540’s, highest ollie, etc.  A nice ‘go for it’ ending to the skate show day.

MORE ON OUR STELLAR SKATING LINE-UP FOR THE BIG SKATE TOUR 2012: THE TONY HAWK BIG DAY OUT VERT JAM

TONY HAWK
Nobody rides a skateboard like Tony Hawk. The San Diego native turned pro at 14 and was a world champ two years later – a record-breaking 73 wins to his name. Skip forward to 2011, and there’s not much Tony Hawk hasn’t done: launching major skateboard and clothing companies (Birdhouse Projects, Hawk Clothing), taking over the gaming world (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Tony Hawk: RIDE), penning a New York Times bestseller, building giant roller coasters, creating epic extreme sports exhibitions, and overseeing the Tony Hawk Foundation, who’ve built 463 skate parks throughout the USA so far. After landing the first ever ‘900’ – two and a half mid-air spins, a trick he’d dreamt of a decade earlier – the most famous skateboarder on the planet retired from competitive skating at 31.

JESSE FRITSCH
Jesse Fritsch turned pro in 2000 for Zoo York skateboards after winning the Tampa Am two years in a row. Nearly a decade later he has traveled the world skateboarding many times over alongside the world’s best professionals, and has participated in nearly every major skateboard event. Since 2004 he has also branched out to co-host a radio show alongside skateboard legend Tony Hawk on Sirius Satellite radio, and has also scored the music for over 100 commercials and video parts within the industry. Fritsch says “music and skateboarding keep me sane. I need each to balance the other”.

KEVIN STAAB
Back in 1979, two scrawny kids wearing stinky, sweaty safety equipment shared a ride home from the skate park, and from that point on Kevin Staab and Tony Hawk were skate buddies. Kevin’s life, 30 years after carpooling with Tony, has remained amazingly consistent. He still skates with Tony on a regular basis, and continues to draw double-takes from people. But Kevin takes it all in stride. After all, three decades after starting to skate, he’s still having fun doing what he loves most with the people he loves most to do it with.

NEAL HENDRIX
Neal Hendrix has been a top pro vert skater for over 20 years. Originally from North Carolina, Neal moved to California early in his pro career. Over the years, he has collected 8 X Games medals, and in 2005 won both Tampa Pro and The Shanghai Showdown vert contests. Neal is also the brand manager for Woodward Camps, and is a commentator for Fuel TV.

SANDRO DIAZ
Six-time world champion by World Cup Skateboarding (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011), Three-time European champion (2001, 2003 and 2005) and Gold Medalist at X Games Los Angeles (2004 and 2006). Sandro started skateboarding in 1986 and turned pro in 1995. He is considered the king of the 540 and one of the few people to be able to land the 900.

RENTON MILLAR (AUSTRALIA)
Renton Millar, nicknamed Rentos and from Melbourne, is a professional skateboarder. Millar came to prominence in 2001 when his sponsor Globe shoes’ video, Opinion, was released which showcased Millar performing tricks including a 360 flip crooked grind, nollie flip 5-0 and kick flip nose grind shove it on a vert ramp. He has had a lot of contest success culminating in the World Cup Title in 1999.

JUERGEN HORRWARTH (GERMANY)
Juergen Horrwarth’s reputation as a skater precedes him, with his early domination at competitions, evolving into a well-rounded, versatile and comprehensive skate career that has seen him excel in every field of the sport. He is about as diverse as you can be as a skateboarder. While he’s known as a stylish vert skater, he is equally at home with any terrain under his wheels. Fluid and effortless bowl skating is part of his game as well as smith-grinding handrails. European Champion 2006 Vert + Bowl, Skateboarder of the Year Germany 2009.

TREVOR WARD
Trevor Ward always seems to amuse spectators not only with his brilliance on a board, but with his zany personality. He is a down to earth success stating in a recent interview that his general likes are ‘his wife, 4 kids …. and skating’. This will be Trev’s 5^th BIG DAY OUT!

PLUS LOCAL LEGENDS
Joining the above talent, and bringing a distinctly kiwi flavour to the Vert Jam team will be the local legends Invitation 7, featuring Ian Madgwick, Dave Crabb, Jason Parkes, Nick Clegg, Kristian Philipp, Lee AKA Squeak and Ramon.

FRIDAY, 20 JANUARY, 2012 – AUCKLAND MT SMART STADIUM
Maurice Road, Penrose. Gates open 11am

Tickets $160 (incl GST) + bf*. Strict limit of 4 tickets per customer.  Available from our website www.bigdayout.com, Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.nz, phone bookings (09) 970 9700 plus all Ticketmaster outlets and Real Groovy (Auckland).

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
You will be asked to read and agree to our Conditions of Sale and Admission before you can purchase tickets. Conditions of Sale and Admission can be viewed at www.bigdayout.com

BDO 2012 is MA15

For full show information and internet ticket bookings check out the website www.bigdayout.com
__________________________________

http://twitter.com/bigdayoutnz
https://www.facebook.com/BIGDAYOUTNZOFFICIAL
youtube.com/bigdayoutofficial

New Stereo AM Tommy Fynn has had an epic year, and what a way to end it on…

Press Release from the SbA: For the first time in history Australia has been home to a Pro/Am Invitational Tour. The third and final stop of the SbA series ‘The Island’ was held today, December 10th aboard Sydney’s Cockatoo Island during the final days of the Outpost Project street art festival. It was also or the first time since we have been on location that the sun shone all day. The combination of industrial shapes, summer, harbour, colour and movement made ‘The Island’ unforgettable for all involved.

STOP ONE: City Squared
In May we held stop one on Melbourne’s South Bank over the gnar-chasm. In third was the Melbourne styler Jack Kirk; second went to the polished Cleveland Bay ripper Tommy Fynn and first was clutched by the furious consistency and burl of Wollongonian Sam Giles.

STOP TWO: Shocklands
Back in July the groundbreaking Shocklands contest was held in a warehouse in Melbourne’s Docklands. Shocklands was a testament to real street with mostly found objects including an array of chunky railway sleepers and even incorporated an actual hip from the streets of the Docklands. After blazing through our Am series Joel McIlroy clinched a spot in the Pro/Am tour blew our brains to bits at Shocklands. The legit set up wooed many who don’t normally enter contests including Real pro Chima Ferguson who narrowly missed the win and clinched a second. Top spot was taken by the flawless lines of The Bay’s twinkle toes: Tommy Fynn.

STOP THREE: The Island
The 36 man Pro/Am Grand Final was held today on Cockatoo Island in the last days of the Outpost Project. Again this contest set a new standard for Australian Skateboarding with a relaxed European summer vibe, street art everywhere and one of the most challenging yet fluid set ups we have seen on our sunny isle. The Makatron and Phibs decorated blue and orange course saw a simply unfathomable session. There were rippers strewn all the way past the 20th spot. In third was Jack Fardell who was not only the fastest man of the entire series but his prowess over the Sydney Harbour Bridge stunned the crowd: channel spanning bluntslides, nosegrinds and bio ollies all on an obstacle that was seemingly unhittable by most. In second was Tommy Fynn who must be getting used to podium time by now. Tommy was as tech, floaty, fearless and consistent as always but his loft tre’s over the wheelchair ramp and backside flip fakie nose grind revert on the bank to ledge brought down the house. In first was Chima Ferguson: a human who has been shocking Sydney crowds since he was pre-teen. He was untouchable today and took to the ‘door stop’ obstacle with back threes, nollie flips, heel varials and backside nollie flips all held from the high kicker into the lower landing ramp. His dominance of the rest of the course in front of a home crowd sealed the deal. Chima Ferguson won The Island.

1ST: Chima Ferguson ($4000)
2ND: Tommy Fynn ($2500)
3RD: Jack Fardell ($1500)
4TH: Jack Kirk ($800)
5TH: Jake Duncombe ($500)
6TH: Reece Warren ($300)
7TH: Alex Campbell ($200)
8TH: Joel McIlroy ($200)

We can proudly pronounce The 2011 SbA Australian Pro/Am Champion: Tommy Fynn
After the points were tallied from all three stops it was Tommy Fynn who won the title of Australian Champion 2011. His two 2nd places and a 1st were a sure fire rocket ride straight to the top of the crop. Tommy Fynn is a legend in the making and we are proud to announce him as SbA Australian Champion for 2011.

Stay tuned for a killer clip and multiple banging pics.

Mystery and Emerica am Trevor Colden’s run from the 2011 Tampa Am that was held last weekend.

Dan Kaspar, backside flip. Photo: Jake Darwen

This week we bring you a steezy catch from Dan Kaspar at Cheapskates 2011 Skateboard Nationals.

Stay tuned to the goings on over at Arcade Store for 12 days of events leading up to Christmas.

Once again Underground Skate bring you the Orewa Skate Comp.

James Kingston, nollie heelflip.

James Kingston reigns victorious in the G.O.S final. A special mention goes out to Deen Rakich for taking out the DC up-ledge comp. All Photos: Bear

The Biggest Game of S.K.A.T.E final results:
1. James Kingston
2. Shaun Boucher
3. Chris Wood
4. Nick Lister

Chali 2na’s enthusiasm and good vibes are infectious. Anyone who went to his gig last night at San Fran Bathhouse would agree. Here’s a few pics from the show. Big thanks to 1-Night.