SKATEBOOK.tv
 

Guarte DVD

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

04/30

07/07 - Old Man Army Body Bag
07/01 - Crimson Skateboards
05/31 - Project Vulcanized - Etnies Shecker 2
05/20 - Project Vulcanized - adidas Super Skate
- Full Archive