Who says that kids can’t accomplish much these days?  Are you sure about that?   Just the other day I read about a 17 year old kid in Discover Magazine named Daniel Burd who figured out a way to degrade slowly decomposing plastic in the landfills by 43%.  Pretty good.  And just this morning, I read that the MYLIE CYRUS website reached the 50 million hit mark.  That’s incredible!

Well a few days ago, a young man by the name of Zach Kral accomplished a pretty amazing feat of his own.  Zach was able to break the kickflip record previously held by some Norwegian kid.  Zach broke Norwegian Kid’s record by kicking and flipping his board a record 1546 times in a row without touching the ground, which is accordance to strict Guiness World Records rules. 

Zach has done a great service to the young skateboard community and for those of you who feel you’re being brought down by the establishment, maybe you should watch some SUM 41 or something.  

cr. Garth Milan / Red Bull Photo Files

Well, the latest Red Bull Experiment went down Friday night at the Santa Monica Pier in California and when it was all said and done Ronnie Renner had set a new record for motorcycle quarterpipe “Highest Air.” I’d like to say it was as exciting as K-Rob’s big jump in Central Park last month or Robbie Maddison’s New Year’s Eve motorcycle jump but, well, it wasn’t. I wasn’t there in person to check it out, but watched it semi-live on Fox Sports Prime Ticket. The audience seemed to have a collective “was that it?” after Renner’s first jump, forcing the PA to go ballistic and threaten everyone that he and Renner would go over and kick everyone’s ass unless they woke up (it worked, sort of).

To be honest, I fast-forwarded through it on my Tivo (it’s still on there) but I don’t think I saw the eventual record-setting jump of 59 feet, 2 inches. Renner was only scheduled to do five runs and apparently the sixth was a surprise. Ah well.

You gotta hand it to Red Bull for putting on a great event most of the time, but maybe this time it missed the mark. Anyway, you can see the video for yourself below and see if it was good for you and the official, much more exciting, press release follows.  Also,  feel free to visit the Red Bull Experiment website for more…

Robbie Maddison, Ronnie Renner & Kevin Robinson – cr. Garth Milan/ Red Bull Photo Files

NO “PIER”
RONNIE RENNER SETS MOTORCYCLE QUARTERPIPE “HIGHEST AIR” WORLD RECORD AT RED BULL EXPERIMENT IN SANTA MONICA

Jump of 59 feet 2 inches caps Red Bull Experiment’s Record-Setting Evening on Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, Calif. (July 11, 2008) – Motocross superstar Ronnie Renner established a new Guinness World Record – highest air ever on a motorcycle quarterpipe – on the world famous Santa Monica Pier, jumping his motorcycle 59 feet 2 inches into the night sky in the third edition of the Red Bull Experiment. More than 20,000 spectators gathered on the pier and the beach below to witness the history-making spectacle. Pushing limits and breaking boundaries is at the core of the Red Bull Experiment, which showcases the world’s best athletes performing world-first, “experimental” sporting feats.

“Everything was absolutely perfect tonight,” said Renner. “I’m totally blown away that I went over 59 feet. Hopefully my Red Bull Experiment was the baddest one ever; it’s a great series and I’m glad I’m a part of it. I just really can’t believe so many fans came out to support me.”,

During Renner’s history-making evening, he planned five jumps, but after reaching a plateau of 54 feet 7 inches on his third attempt (of five), he was not satisfied and surprised the crowd with a sixth and final attempt, where he soared a mind-boggling 59 feet 2 inches, which will be submitted to Guinness for certification.

The progression of Renner’s jumps is as follows:
Jump 1) 45 feet 9 inches
Jump 2) 50 feet 6 inches
Jump 3) 54 feet 7 inches
Jump 4) 52 feet 9 inches
Jump 5) 53 feet 2 inches
Jump 6) 59 feet 2 inches (submitted to Guinness Book of World Records)

“I went way past my goal of 50 feet,” he said. “I only planned five jumps, but the last one was for the fans. It was all or nothing. I went higher than I expected and felt like a human lawn dart, but I’m glad I made it five feet higher and rode away to talk about it.”

The custom quarterpipe and landing ramp used by Renner were designed and built specifically for Renner’s Red Bull Experiment. The ramp was modeled on the traditional dirt-based quarterpipe design, and built to specifications calculated from a dirt test site. Fabricated from galvanized steel and plywood, the next generation modular system allows maximum versatility of transport and set-up. Designed and built by Jack Murphy Productions from a Dane Herron Industries concept, the quarterpipe landing ramp measures 64 feet wide and 25 feet tall. The ramp is the first of its kind and took approximately 24 hours to set up on the pier.

Renner’s jump was the third chapter of the Red Bull Experiment, following the record-shattering performances of fellow motocross sensation Robbie Maddison and BMX star Kevin Robinson. Maddison jumped the length of a football field in front of thousands on New Year’s Eve, clearing 322 feet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. On June 12, Robinson soared 54 feet above the ground in New York’s Central Park to set the BMX big air world record.

Renner is a respected freestyle motocross veteran, whose credentials include a gold medal in Step-Up at the 2007 Summer X Games and until recently, the Step-Up world record (35 feet high). Step-Up is similar to a high jump, with riders attempting to jump their motorcycles over bars at ever-increasing heights.

In addition to Renner’s record-setting jumps, the evening featured aerial acrobatics by the Red Bull stunt helicopter, from which the Red Bull Air Force team skydived, and the Red Bull MiG fighter jet, as well as musical acts by Carolina Liar and hip hop artist, Wale. The Red Bull Experiment was telecast live on Fox Sports Prime Ticket and was live on EXPN.com.

For more information on the Red Bull Experiment, please visit www.redbullexperiment.com.

For more information on the Santa Monica Pier, please visit www.santamonicapier.org.

Still following me?

Now word comes that on June 21 a rider named “Bird” smashed that record by making a huge jump in California of more than 394 feet. Unlike the last records, this one doesn’t seem to have been witnessed by the Guinness folks so we’ll see if it holds up, but it will be on the upcoming DVD “On the Pipe 5′” from Powerband Films.

But you can still see this huge jump for yourself below…

cr. Christian Pondella / Red Bull Photo Files

A few scant weeks after Kevin Robinson set the world record for highest air on a BMX bike in Central Park, Ronnie Renner will try and do the same on the other coast — but this time on a motorcycle. Renner will use the Santa Monica Pier as a backdrop while he tries to set the record for the Guinness World Record for highest air ever attained on a motorcycle. It’s all part of the Red Bull Experiment, which already saw Robinson and Robbie Maddison set new records.

It’s open to the public so if you live in SoCal, head on down and check it out.

Read on for the full press release.

PIER PRESSURE: MOTOCROSS STAR RONNIE RENNER TO SET HIGHEST AIR WORLD RECORD AT LATEST RED BULL EXPERIMENT ON FRIDAY, JULY 11, IN SANTA MONICA

Santa Monica, Calif. – Just a week after celebrating our nation’s independence, sparks will again fly, as the latest Red Bull Experiment takes place on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier on Friday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m. Freestyle motocross superstar Ronnie Renner will attempt to establish the Guinness World Record for highest air ever attained on a motorcycle. Breaking boundaries is at the core of the Red Bull Experiment, which showcases the world’s best athletes performing world-first, “experimental” sporting feats.

Renner is a respected freestyle motocross veteran, whose credentials include a gold medal in Step-Up at the 2007 Summer X Games and until recently, the Step-Up world record (35 feet high). He will attempt the sky-high jumps onto a massive custom-built galvanized steel quarterpipe measuring 64 feet wide and 25 feet tall.

While this Red Bull Experiment may surprise some enthusiasts who’ve known the accomplished rider to be more focused on style, highlighted by huge whips, rather than risk-taking, Renner assures everyone that he’s ready to soar into freestyle fame. “My whole career has been shaping up to do something unique like this,” he said. “I feel like the sport needs it. I don’t want to just be a trick guy. This is where my heart is at.”

‘SCUSE ME WHILE I KISS THE SKY

Renner’s jump will be the third chapter of the Red Bull Experiment, following the record-shattering performances of fellow motocross sensation Robbie Maddison and BMX star Kevin Robinson. Maddison jumped the length of a football field in front of thousands on New Year’s Eve, clearing 322 feet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. On June 12, Robinson soared 27 feet above the lip of a huge quarterpipe (54 feet above the ground) in New York’s Central Park to set the BMX big air world record.

Renner is set to join this elite group amidst a backdrop of the iconic, and newly renovated, Pacific Park Ferris Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier on the Southern California coast. “Los Angeles – Santa Monica specifically – is the perfect location,” he remarked. “It’s the biggest stage for the biggest air.”

Currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of its construction, the Santa Monica Pier has become a national tourist destination and its carousel was named a National Historic Landmark in 1983. The end of famed Route 66 hosts millions of visitors every year on its wooden planks.

NO SUNSCREEN REQUIRED

The Red Bull Experiment is free and open to the public. The event, which will include musical acts (to be announced shortly), in addition to Renner’s world record attempts, will take place from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Parking near the pier is limited – it is recommended to walk, bike or take the Big Blue Bus. The pier is wheelchair accessible.

All video courtesy Red Bull.

cr. Christian Pondella / Red Bull Photo Files

It was inevitable, really. With all the hype around Kevin Robinson’s Red Bull Experiment world record attempt in New York City’s Central Park it was pretty much guaranteed he would nail it… at all costs.

It sounds like it took a few attempts for K-Rob to best Mat Hoffman’s previous record of 26.5 feet of vertical height (he reached 27). And spying the huge ramp I can’t help but think Hoffman, along with several other riders, probably could have joined him the record books. But in the end, the record is all K-Rob’s and for that, he must be commended!

Read more here from the scene and then keep reading for more photos and a full press release…

cr. Christian Pondella / Red Bull Photo Files

WORLD RECORD BROKEN IN CENTRAL PARK AS THOUSANDS WATCH BMX LEGEND REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Kevin Robinson Launches Six Stories Above the Ground in Second-Ever Red Bull Experiment

New York City, NY, June 12, 2008 – The iconic grounds of Central Park
became the launching pad for BMX legend Kevin Robinson as he soared into
the world record books by airing 54 feet off the ground – equivalent to
nearly a six story building – breaking the record for highest air on a
BMX bike in the second-ever Red Bull Experiment.

Kevin hurled himself down a 60ft high roll-in at speeds over 45 mph, up
a 27ft Super Quarter Pipe and aired 27ft above the ramp, against the
back drop of the world-renowned New York City skyline.

After nearly an hour and six attempts trying for the record, Kevin broke
it by one inch, at 26.7 ft. Not feeling satisfied, he did another
attempt to increase the record by another five inches. “There is no
better feeling than setting a goal and accomplishing it, no matter what
adversity you have to face. You persevere through and you will come out
successful,” said Kevin after friends and family celebrated with him on
the ramp.

The previous record of 26.5ft was held by BMX pioneer and Kevin’s mentor
and sponsor Mat Hoffman, who was on site to witness the feat.

Kevin, the winner of seven X Games medals, including three gold, made
his attempt on a never before built Super Quarter Pipe. This feat was
experimental in many ways – from the construction of the ramp, to the
speed it took to break the record, the g-forces on his body and
ultimately the never before reached height on a BMX bike.

A crowd of thousands and Red Bull athletes including fellow world record
holder Simon Dumont and 2008 Olympic team member Jill Kintner supported
Kevin as sports history was made. Also in attendance were New England
Patriots Wes Welker and Lonnie Paxton and surprise guest late night talk
show host David Letterman where Kevin is due to appear on Monday, June
16th. The Red Bull Experiment took place in Central Park and aired live
on MSG and was featured on a live webcast via ESPN’s twenty-four hour
action sports destination, EXPN.com, and ESPNs signature broadband
network ESPN360.com.

KEVIN ROBINSON

A BMX legend, Kevin is one of only a few athletes that has competed in
every X Games since the inaugural event in 1995 and since then has grown
into one of the most respected action sports stars of his generation.
There has been no more deserving winner of the “Most Outstanding
Athlete” award than Kevin in 2007. A committed family man with two
kids, Kevin trains as hard of as any elite athlete in the world and even
works out with football star
Junior Seau. He also sits on the board of Junior’s charity foundation.
It is Kevin’s confidence, hard work and dedication that allow him to
accomplish a feat such as this.

THE KEVIN ROBINSON INNOVATIONAL

As a follow up to the Red Bull Experiment, Kevin has invited a
collection of the world’s top pros to ride the ultimate Super Quarter
Pipe and compete in Central Park on Saturday, June14th. The vision for
the Kevin Robinson Innovational is to select the best riders to compete
in an environment that would stimulate the innovation and progression of
BMX.

THE RED BULL EXPERIMENT

The Red Bull Experiment is the world’s best athletes attempting world
first experimental sporting feats.

The mission of the Red Bull Experiment is to give the world’s best
athletes the opportunity to push the boundaries of what might be humanly
possible and push the progression of their sport to unfathomable levels.
In the first Red Bull Experiment, motorcross star Robbie Maddison set
his own world record for the longest jump on motorbike by jumping a
football field in Las Vegas on New Years Eve, 2007, clearing a distance
of 322ft.

The next Red Bull Experiment moves to the West Coast on July 11th where
freestyle motocross star Ronnie Renner will attempt to set a new world
record by launching himself five stories in the air on a custom-made
quarterpipe against the backdrop of the world famous Santa Monica Pier.

The Red Bull Experiment provides these athletes with the tools necessary
to realize their dreams and put them on show for the whole world to see.
In success or failure these experiments are poised to change the way the
world thinks about what is possible.

cr. Jeff Zielinski / Red Bull Photo Files

cr. Rob Dolecki / Red Bull Photo Files

cr. Mark Losey / Red Bull Photo Files

cr. Justin Kosman / Red Bull Photo Files

K-Rob has taken over EXPN’s BMX Blog this week to talk about the upcoming event and, probably, the aftermath.  If you have a few minutes, check out his latest update.   But don’t forget you can watch the webcast on EXPN tomorrow of the record attempt.

Have you been living under a rock and need more info about the attempt?  Read this.

Right now youíre probably thinking he rolled maybe 5 miles, 10 miles, 25 miles at most. Ha, youíre so wrong, the guy rolled more than 2,500 miles!! On his way to Pakistan! So next time youíre complaining to your mom about walking the dog, or walking to school, think about the Rolling Saint. Kanye West should write a song about him called ìLudkan Rollsî.

Well while that really impressed me, I read about this kid named Zach Kral who just demolished the consecutive kickflip record. At first I thought it was Rob Dyrdek who did it but this kid who at only 13 years of age, just squashed any hopes of anyone beating him. It took place at the 4Seasons Skatepark in Milwaukee, WI. It took him 1 hour and 42 minutes when he decided to stop at 1200. Good job to Zach and hopefully he and Ludkan can share stories at the next Guinness Book Of World Records Alliance Party every year.