Santa Cruz Skateboards sent us a copy of their new skate video, “Guarte” last week and from the opening montage, it’s very obvious that SCS’s team of riders (past and present) put in a lot of work and consideration into it. Written and directed by Santa Cruz’s Team Hombre, Jesse Erickson and Brain Cullen, this flick’s title holds no actual translation from Spanish, but perhaps it means “follow the quarter or one’s own chosen path.”
The creative direction and overall content is notably up there in the ranks of some of the best skate videos captured with 3 chip cameras to date. But Guarte exceeds many others with the celluloid grain and select usage of 16mm film as well. In fact, there are several thought provoking and darkish skits threaded throughout and between each rider’s action sequences of this flick. And each of them include cameo appearances by familiar faces to those of us that skated long before skate stoppers were invented. These are the guys that helped to pave the foundation of modern skateboarding and this is what makes Guarte more than just another visual showcase of a skateboard team’s raw talent. It’s the extra effort and touch that makes a production like this all that more memorable for years to come.
Opening up the action, Damian Smith blazes a trail of creative gnarlitude through the streets of Philly and beyond. Ricky Oyola should certainly be proud of his approach and skills put to pavement. Veteran Floridian ramp master, Mike Frazier brings the hammer down on those who fail to recognize his abilities upon the Skatelite. After a few years of harsh injuries, his signature style, tricks and combinations speak volumes of his years of dedication to vert skating’s progression. Keep it coming Mike.
Other highlights to the action include, Santa Cruz’s big man, Stacy Lowery who put forth a great part with a highly adaptive approach to all things considered street. British street technician, Alex Moul shares his nightmares and lets his technical flair mesh with confidence on griptape. Santa Cruz’s lesser known, yet highly proficient amateur, Nester Judkins rolls through a series of tricks connected by lines that reflect his soulful skating. A ”Friends” section touts a smorgasbord of heavy stunts from “Who the fuck is that?” to “Damn, he’s up in this mix too!”
Upholding their “Veterans Division” status, Eric Dressen and Tom Know share a part together and they surely don’t disappoint. Older, wiser and gnarly as ever, they appropriately handle the assorted terrain of the now with tricks of yesteryear.
To wrap it all up, it was no big surprise that Santa Cruz’s top new gun, Emmanuel Guzman would have the ending sequence. In the past year, he has charged into the mags and skate spots with a great attitude and powerful and diversified skills that will surely take him far into our skate history. The G man can skate it all and he proves it in Guarte with speed and casual precision. Backside noseblunt revert at Burnside? Handled. Frontside half Cab heels down a huge double set? Done. It’s time for this dude to go pro…skateboarding need heads like this that can ride it all.
As a side note, I was quite disappointed that Oli Buergin, Santa Cruz’s European dark horse was not featured in this film. If you haven’t seen him skate, then you’re missing out big time. All-terrain, and all-gnar, this Swiss madman has more switch skills than a top notch electrician. Maybe next time around Oli will get the opportunity. All in all, Guarte is a must see-experience for all skateboarders. Go pick it up at your local skateshop and witness some sickness.
by BK
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2005 April
Guarte DVD
Posted by bk - April 30th, 2005 9:41 am
Bowling For Dollars
Posted by bk - April 29th, 2005 9:17 am
Although no official press release has been circulated at this time, the largest prize purse ever offered for bowlriding awaits those specifically invited to compete and get their shred on at Pro Tec’s upcoming Pool Party next month. In total, $85,000 will be up for grabs between the Pros, Masters and Ladies divisions on Saturday, May 14th in Vans’ renowned and replicated Combi Bowl at The Block in Orange, CA. Due to space restrictions, there will be limited access for spectators.
The pool has recently been acid washed and the daily sessions are heating up!
Lords of Dogtown Art Tour
Posted by bk - April 29th, 2005 8:57 am
Hollywood, CA (April 28, 2005) – Boarding For Breast Cancer, announced today that it has been named beneficiary for the Lords of Dogtown Art Collection Tour, a memorabilia display from the collection of the Z-Boys, the Southern California skate team profiled in the upcoming TriStar Pictures release, Lords of Dogtown, which arrives in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 3. Artwork produced by some of the original Z-Boys will be sold at auction throughout the tour, with proceeds benefiting Boarding For Breast Cancer, the leading youth focused breast cancer education and awareness organization, which has its roots within the action sports industry.
The Lords of Dogtown Art Collection Tour kicked off this month in Vancouver, B.C., and will appear in Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco and New York City. The collection includes approximately sixty pieces of Dogtown memorabilia, such as: twenty original Dogtown skateboards ridden and owned by the Z-Boys; Zephyr surfboards, an amazing collection of ‘70s black and white photos by Zephyr Surf Shop co-owner and artist Craig Stecyk III; classic prints of Tony Alva by Wynn Miller; costumes from the feature film; and a collection of ‘60s and ‘70s 8mm movie cameras that were used to film much of the documentary, Dogtown and Z Boys.
Also, the release of the Behind the Scenes book, published by Concrete Wave Editions starts shipping next week.
Lords of Dogtown Art Collection Tour Schedule:
May 6-8 ESPN X Games Skatepark - Denver, CO
May 12 Adidas - Los Angeles, CA, Melrose Store
May 14-16 LORDS Press Junket - Los Angeles, CA, Melrose Store
May 18 Metro Park VIP Party - Minneapolis, MN, Mall of America
May 18-22 Metro Park Installation - Minneapolis, MN, Mall of America
May 26 Villains Vault Party - San Francisco, CA
May 26-29 Villains Vault Installation - San Francisco, CA
May 31-June 4 Style Sessions Installation New York, NY, Milk Gallery
*Some tour dates are subject to change.
Source: press release
European Contest Schedule
Posted by bk - April 28th, 2005 9:23 am
The Skateboard Federatie in Holland informs us of a grip of upcoming events happening this Spring, Summer and the remainder of 2005. If you live in Europe (or have visitor status) and perhaps are stoked on all types of skating, check the schedule and get on board.
Giant Distribution News
Posted by bk - April 28th, 2005 9:04 am
Over the past weeks there’s been plenty of speculation within our industry in regards to the sustainability of Giant Skateboard Distribution. And although the company has certainly gone through what some might consider as unfortunate and big changes, they will most likely weather this process. The newest development from their camp comes in the form of the press release below.
Giant Skateboard Distribution pleased to announce Anthony Froude as VP of marketing where he will join the team at the Giant headquarters in Huntington Beach, CA. With 10-years of experience in the skateboard industry, Anthony comes to this position most recently from Volcom clothing with a solid knowledge of the skate world, and retail experience including marketing, sales, purchasing, and product development. He also has five years of professional skateboarding under his belt with corporate sponsorship and magazine editorial. “Anthony will be a great addition to Giant Distribution,” said Rob Valerio, General Manager of Giant Skateboard Distribution, “Anthony’s skateboard talent and his vast knowledge of the industry will make him a solid addition to the family and future growth of Giant.”
We’ll keep you posted with any reputable news and information.
Baker Demo at The Skatelab
Posted by bk - April 26th, 2005 5:54 pm
Yep, you’ve been officially informed that the Baker crew will be thrashing up the ramps, ledges, bowls and surrounding surfaces at Simi Valley’s Skatelab this Saturday, April 30th at 2pm. Bring a Sharpie and your sister.
Apple’s Mom and the Cayman Islands
Posted by Chris - April 26th, 2005 7:40 am
The Cayman Islands have a new skatepark, and it’s supporters include Tony Hawk and Mark Appleyard’s mom. “I would prefer to deal with a few cuts and scrapes or at the very worst a broken bone from doing a switch backside flip on a skateboard than to lose my son forever, whether in an accident or some other mishap.” We agree completely.
Danny Way’s Upcoming China Jump in the News
Posted by bk - April 26th, 2005 7:36 am
Not surprisingly, Danny Way’s much anticipated jump over the Great Wall of China on June 19th has now surfaced on the mainstream media front. In this lengthy report, Mr. Way reveals his plan to enlighten and influence a generation of Chinese kids with the Megaramp and his own “Shock and Awe” tactics.