Slamming Into A Wall Part Two

August 22, 2008 – 8:48 pm PT by Mike

Yesterday we reported on a poor fella named Kevin Kearny who got slammed into the wall of a restaurant while kite boarding.  I think he was trying to use the drive through. Actually it seemed more like he was trying to commit suicide because he was kite boarding during Florida’s major storm Hurricane Fay.  Now that he’s out of the hospital and is recovering, I can now say that Kevin was probably on the dumb side.  Stupid to be frank.  But there’s more to the story than what was initially reported. The slam looked pretty bad.

Lifeguards had advised Kearney and other kite surfers to leave the beach because of threatening weather, and they were complying. Kearney came ashore south of Las Olas Boulevard and was preparing to take off his equipment when the wind suddenly kicked up.

“I don’t actually remember it happening,” said Kearney, 28, in a telephone interview this morning. Kearney was released from Broward General Medical Center Thursday.
He went on to say, “I got some stitches in my head and some body aches but otherwise feel okay, and lucky.  I’m glad I don’t hurt that bad”.

Free Stuff From Metal Mulisha And Osiris

August 22, 2008 – 8:46 pm PT by Me

Last weekend I went to a the grand opening of a yogurt shop and they were serving free gellato. I thought that was cool. But it doesn’t really compare to what Metal Mulisha is doing in affiliation with Osiris.

It looks like its time to clear things out and make room for winter because both Osiris and Metal Mulisha are giving away a bunch of free gear. All you have to do is enter your information on the Osiris Website and see what happens from there.

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Sheckler Back on Top in Portland; Wins Wendy’s Invitational

August 22, 2008 – 7:55 pm PT by Greg

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P-Rod, Ryan Sheckler and Greg Lutzka | cr. AST

Ryan Sheckler had something to prove after a fall last month knocked him out of a top-three finish in the AST Dew Tour for the first time ever.  He came back today with a win at the Wendy’s Invitation on a street-style course, with AST Dew Cup points leader Paul Rodriguez close behind in second.

From there, the field thinned out pretty quickly, with Greg Lutzka and Chaz Ortiz following.  Sheckler was coming off a big win at the X Games, showing that the injury that plagued him during the Right Guard Open was having less of an effect.

With the win Sheckler climbs back into the Dew Cup race and finds himself less than 20 points behind P-Rod for the lead.  Sheckler already has three Dew Cups on his mantle and can secure his fourth straight by winning out, or if P-Rod stumbles at all. Chaz Ortiz is mathematically in the race, but would need to win next month in Salt Lake City at the Toyota Challenge to stay in the running.

Keep reading for the final results.

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Fuenzalida Top Qualifier on Street Course in Portland

August 22, 2008 – 12:06 am PT by Greg

The AST Dew Tour rolled out a special street plaza course this month at the Wendy’s Invitational and made a big deal about bringing in legend Eric Koston to take part in the contest, which normally lacks many street-focused skaters. But Koston wasn’t anywhere near the top when the skating was done — he finished in 22nd.  Instead, it was Danny Fuenzalida who edged Brazilian Fabrizio Santos to take the top stop.  Greg Lutzka and Austen Seaholm followed with Danilo do Rosario taking fifth.  In addition to Koston, a number of familiar faces missed the cut, including Carlos De Andrade, Jereme Rogers and Rodolfo Ramos, last month’s top qualifier at the Right Guard Open.

“It’s all street style for us this time, all dedicated to street skateboarding, and that’s a good thing,” Fuenzalida said. “I like that they’re trying to emulate real street skating with the Jersey barriers and cement ledges. It’s giving the skate park a street look and it’s giving us a chance to do the kind of skateboarding we love most.”

Already prequalified for the final on Friday are AST Dew Cup points leader Paul Rodruguez, followed by Chaz Ortiz and X Games gold medalist Ryan Sheckler.  The finals will air Friday night on USA starting at midnight.

Here’s the lineup for Friday’s final (in order)

12. Tulio Oliveira
11. Kurtis Colamonico
10. Chris Mendes
9. Dayne Brummet
8. Danilo do Rosario
7. Austen Seaholm
6. Greg Lutzka
5. Fabrizio Santos
4. Danny Fuenzalida
3. Ryan Sheckler
2. Chaz Ortiz
1. Paul Rodriguez
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Round 2 Resumes For The Rip Curl Pro

August 22, 2008 – 12:02 am PT by Mike

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Les Bourdaines presented the Rip Curl Pro with ideal four-foot barrel waves as the second round continued today in Seignosse France.  The world’s best surfers battled one another after a long day to be one-step closer The Rip Curl crown.

Shaun Cansdell of Australia is the Rip Curl Pro defending champion had an excellent day with a 17.33 but it was Jarrad Sullivan of Australia who lead the pack posting a day’s high 18.87 out of 20 points.

“It was really as good as I thought it would be and I am stoked to have my heat early,” Sullivan said. “I had a slow start and I was just hoping for the bomb to come to me. I got lucky and I made that barrel.”

Sullivan, who was supposed to surf yesterday before the event was called off, was very satisfied with the call.

“We were close to paddling out yesterday but when you see that kind of conditions, I am stoked I surfed this morning,” Sullivan said. “I hope we can get similar waves when I paddle back out tomorrow, and it seems like the forecast is pretty good.”

2nd Annual Vans Backyard Party

August 22, 2008 – 12:00 am PT by Mike

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Vans is back for a second year of backyard parties and they’re bringing the party.  After the success of last year’s extravaganza, Vans will be providing the amazing pool set up with an equally amazing party.  The objective of such an event is to bring the best skateboarders around for a backyard party vibe type atmosphere.  Some that means plenty of food and drinks for everyone.

The total prize purse of this special event is $12,000 with the top winner earning some cash.  $8000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $1,000 for third.  Plus the Benjamins will be passed out for each good trick landed.  It sounds to also be a money extravaganza so if you love money, food, and pools, then you should probably hit up.

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The invitational takes place on September 20th at South Parc on the south shore of Montreal.  Check out the official website for more info, news, pictures, and all that good stuff.

Dias, PLG Top Skate Vert in Portland

August 21, 2008 – 11:43 pm PT by Greg

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Sandro Dias | cr. AST

Pierre-Luc Gagnon had an awful showing last month at the Right Guard Open but after winning X Games gold earlier this month he came back strong at the Wendy’s Invitational in Portland.  PLG tied with Sandro Dias as the top qualifier in Skateboard Vert, with Alex Perelson a distant third.  Thanks to a tiebreaker Dias received the top rank with PLG in second.  Fellow young guns Josh Stafford and Adam Taylor also made the cut.  Not competing in Portland was last month’s winner Shaun White.

“I want to get the 900 in one of my runs on Saturday,” Dias said after taking the qualifiers. “I’m feeling great after my runs in Prelims; I always love skating in Portland and with the new three-run format this year we have more time and space to do different tricks. I want to skate in Finals like I skated today, stay on my board, and try different tricks for sure. Maybe the 9.”

Already prequalified for the final on Saturday are AST Dew Cup points leader Bucky Lasek, alogn with Andy Macdonald and Bob Burnquist.  Fans will be able to catch the action on NBC starting at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET.

Here’s the lineup for Saturday’s final (in order)

10. Buster Halterman
9. Rob Lorifice
8. Adam Taylor
7. Josh Stafford
6. Alex Perelson
5. Pierre-Luc Gagnon
4. Sandro Dias
3. Bob Burnquist
2. Andy Macdonald
1. Bucky Lasek
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“I Ride Park City” Film Premiere

August 21, 2008 – 11:39 pm PT by Mike

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“I Ride Park City” snowboard film world premiere at the PCMR Town Lift Plaza. The film features top riders including Park City All Stars Shaun White, Torstein Horgmo, Aaron Biittner, Torah Bright, Scotty Arnold, Stevie Bell, Bode Merrill, Erin Comstock and Drew Fuller. Featured friends include Eero Ettala, Heikki Sorsa, Dan Brisse, Mason Aguirre, Pat Moore, Ryo Aono, Hampus Mossesson, and Jacob Wilhelmson. This outdoor film screening is free to the public.

From what I can tell from the trailer, it looks to be quite spectacular with great cinematography and starring some of the best snowboarders in the world, you can’t go wrong.  These guys are jumping over mine buildings, backcountry jumps, park features, powder, and ride some of the biggest jumps ever, all in one location, Park City.

Considering all I know of the city is that there are plenty of Mormons, or maybe it doesn’t, this should give me a perspective of the city that I probably have never seen before. Watch shots from the park and pipe with the worlds longest cable cam shots.

That’s just sick.  Check out the trailer

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RVCA Team Signing At Active Norco

August 21, 2008 – 11:33 pm PT by Mike

Norco California will get a special treat this weekend because RVCA is coming to town!  And if you’re familiar with Norco California, you know then that this is a big deal because no offence, but it’s really difficult to visit Norco.  Why?  Because it’s the manure capital of the country.  Maybe not the country but at least Southern California.  If you ever drive east on the 60 or 10 freeways, you know Norco because of its smell.  Again sorry Nocoans.  I’m sure it’s a beautiful city.  I’m also certain you’re grass is always green.

Back to the signing.  All the RVCA dudes will be there including , Josh Harmony, Austin Stephens and Raymond Molinar will be present despite the pungency.  The signing will take place from 2PM to 4PM this Saturday the 23rd at Active Norco.  They’re a really dope team so make it if you can.  Check the flyer for exact location and details.

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Steve McCann Leads the Pack in BMX Vert at Portland

August 21, 2008 – 11:30 pm PT by Greg

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Steve McCann | cr. AST

Steve McCann edged Jimmy Walker to be the top qualifier in BMX Vert at the Wendy’s Invitational in Portland, the third stop of the 2008 AST Dew Tour.  The ageless Dennis McCoy continued to have a good AST Dew Tour by qualifying third.  Though the seven qualifiers included familiar faces, the biggest surprise was who didn’t compete — veteran rider Kevin Robinson.  Jamie Bestwick, Chad Kagy and Simon Tabron were pre-qualified for the finals.

Fans will be able to watch the finals on Saturday night at midnight on USA Network.

Here’s the lineup for Saturday’s final (in order)

10. Zack Warden
9. Koji Kraft
8. John Parker
7. Jay Eggleston
6. Dennis McCoy
5. Jimmy Walker
4. Steve McCann
3. Simon Tabron
2. Chad Kagy
1. Jamie Bestwick
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