The Reese Forbes Ollie Challenge

A little over 10 years ago, the very first Reese Forbes Ollie Challenge took place at the ASR Trade Show in Long Beach California.  The contest is back after a 10-year hiatus and may probably be one of the most exciting events of the New Year.  Who knew that along with every S.K.A.T.E contest going on, that the most primitive forms of skate competition are the most fun?  It’s probably because anyone can take part and all you need is your board.  No FUNKY looking ramps. 

Along with the Guinness Book of World Records, some of the biggest poppers will be there.  I’m hoping that Kien Lieu “The Donger” will make an appearance.  I’m also calling out Jose Marabotto to come out of the woodworks.  Jose apparently did a 50-INCH OLLIE.  That’s crazy.  If he comes to this contest, it would set the record straight and be official.  He would be like BOBBY FISHER. 

Here are a few words from Reese himself.  Then check out the gnarly vintage video below. 

In 1999 I, (along with the folks at element) held an ollie contest at ASR in Long Beach.

I’ve been traveling the world skating since then and have been questioned over and over if I would ever do the contest again. The re occurring theme to all of the questioning was that I had come SO close. And people seemed to be disappointed in the fact that I had not won the contest.

Although my mission at the time was to win my own contest I felt an Enormous almost overwhelming amount of pressure to do so. After all it was called the “Reese Forbes Ollie Challenge”

My feeling was that to re create that moment in time would be near to impossible. So why try? Just leave it the way people remember it. With all of the high’s and low’s near missed and clear makes of that day.

It was truly, in my eyes skateboarding version of an Olympic style event.
I don’t feel I own in anyway the “ollie” or the “ollie contest”
But our spin on that contest was one for the history books , or the Guinness books !

Were here in 2009 and its time to bring it back!
I care for the interest in this competition and for the sport and camaraderie of skateboarding.

It’s what has always interested me. Surrounding yourself with people you respect and pushing each other beyond you’re expectations.

This year my hope and guarantee is that the record WILL be broken!!!
There will be an elimination day and a pre qualifier for the main event.