The long awaited 2nd Annual Harold Hunter Day footage shot and edited by R.B. Umali was released today on Youtube.  This past summer in May, it was great to see the entire New York City skate community come out to honor the memory of NYC legend Harold Hunter in this ZOO YORK hosted event. 

I think that Harold was one of the more popular and eccentric skaters in his day that left lasting impressions on anyone who saw him.  I think that he was at this finest when acting.  His swimming pool “Brick, brick, brick” scene in Larry Clark’s film “KIDS” was classic.  I can’t begin to tell you how long the expression stuck with my circle of friends.  Then of course his small cameo in that SPACEHOG music video was cool (Check 3:19). 

Featuring a skate jam under the Manhattan Bridge and after-party at KCDC Skateshop, HH Day II was all about bringing together Harold’s friends and family to remember and pay tribute to a true New York icon. Check out our exclusive HH Day II video filmed and edited by R.B. Umali. 

Fifteen years ago a star was born.  Well actually not born out of her mother but born into an industry that grosses more money than Hollywood.  What industry could this possibly be? Computers?  Pogs?  Bollywood?  And who could have possibly been apart of one of these industries?  Bill Gates?  Billy Jenkins the Pogs Master?  Or maybe this guy?  Well all of your guesses are completely wrong.  Not even close.

Jenna Jameson was the new face around the porno block and over a small period of time, she captured the hearts of millions, possibly billions of fans.  There is no doubt she is one of the single most influential people in the entire world. 

1993 was a special year for another entity heavily influential in the industry in which it resides.  Zoo York came onto the scene and is now a staple in east coast skateboarding.  So how fitting to have a Jenna Jameson and Zoo York skate deck collaboration designed by the CollaBros. 

These boards are limited to just 500 decks and they will be available through a select few skateshops starting at the end of October going for around $75.  So get them while they last. 

Zook York has just released the trailer for their up coming movie “State of Mind”.  Sounds intriguing!  And to complement their campaign glorifying roaches, the team has also released a set of boards themed around those poo like creatures.  Makes me cringe just looking at them.  Check out the teaser below.

You would think that after being on the road for three weeks in a different continent would burn the Zoo York team out but you’re wrong.  They are packing up again and this time heading North for the summer to visit Canada for the “Zoo-B-Q” Zoo York Tour.  I’m thinking Brandon Westgate, Anthony Shetler, Matt Miller, Ron Deily, and Eli Reed  are all trying to get to the North Pole in time for Christmas.  Read Zoo York’s official press release below.

New York, NY – July 10, 2008 – Having just returned from a lengthy three-week European Tour, the Zoo Crew isn’t wasting any time as they prepare to embark on the 2008 “ZOO-B-Q” Canada Tour from July 22nd–25th.

A few days before the tour officially kicks off, several ZY Officials will head to Quebec to compete in the 4th Annual Zoo York Am Getting Paid (AGP) contest which runs from July 18th–20th at Montreal’s South Parc Skatepark. AGP is widely recognized as one of today’s most prestigious international skateboarding contests for amateurs only. With a hefty prize purse of $10,000 USD up for grabs at this year’s event, all the rippers will be there including Zoo’s very own Brandon Westgate, Anthony Shetler, Matt Miller, Ron Deily, and Eli Reed.

Once Am Getting Paid is a wrap, the “ZOO-B-Q” Canada Tour will get underway. Along for the ride will be Zered Bassett, Aaron Suski, Brandon Westgate, Anthony Shetler, Chaz Ortiz, and Eli Reed, as well as ZY staff videographer RB Umali who will document all the action for Zoo’s upcoming video, “State of Mind.” Over a four-day stretch the Zoo Crew will hit a handful of Canadian cities to host demos, autograph signings and, as the name suggests, backyard-style BBQ’s with free burgers, dogs and much more.

2008 “ZOO-B-Q” Canada Tour Schedule:

Terrebone, Quebec
7/22 – S3 Snow/Skate/Surf – 3:00pm
Granby, Quebec
7/23 – Granby Skatepark – 3:00pm
7/23 – Bar Republic (After Party) – 10:00pm
Ottawa, Ontario
7/24 – Legacy Skatepark – 3:00pm
Toronto Islands, Ontario
7/25 – Wakestock – Noon

An exclusive ZY podcast of the “ZOO-B-Q” Canada Tour will release this Fall.  Find out more at: www.zooyork.com / www.amgettingpaid.com.

Does this viral ad match Zoo York’s infamous cockroach ad or the Bud Lite Limey commercial?  You tell us.

Zoo York has moved Chaz Ortiz up from its flow team to its Am team.  Check out the announcement below plus be sure to click on the sequence to see it in all its glory.

By the way, the announcement goes out of its way to make sure everyone know it’s one Z — that name’s been spelled Chazz v. Chaz all over (including by us.  Sorry Chaz).   Also, no word yet if he’s accepted the AST Dew Tour wild card, but it seems unlikely now.

ZOO YORK WELCOMES CHAZ ORTIZ

The Zoo York Institute is proud to announce that Chaz Ortiz is the newest member of its Am Team.

Hailing from Chicago, IL, over the past few years Chaz (spelled with one “z”) has quickly made a name for himself in the skateboarding world by racking up an impressive tally of top finishes at all the major contests. Standouts include placing 2nd at Phoenix Am 2008, 6th at Tampa Am 2008, 2nd at Volcom Damn Am 2007, and 6th at last year’s Dew Tour PlayStation Pro in Orlando.

Chaz is known for his super smooth, seemingly effortless style, and at only fourteen years of age he exudes a quiet confidence well beyond his years. With youth on his side, fire in his heart and a deep bag of man-sized tricks on lock, Chaz truly is the future of skateboarding.

“I’d heard about Chaz for a couple years before actually meeting him, and when we finally skated together I was blown away by his natural talent and how fast he progressed,” says ZY Senior Team Manager Seamus Deegan. “Even though we’re announcing it today, Chaz has actually been with Zoo York for years. In 2005, Harold [Hunter] spotted him at a contest and put him on the flow team, and now three years later we’re hyped to officially welcome him to the family.”

To keep the momentum going, Chaz spent most of May in NYC with the team shooting photos for ads and filming for his part in Zoo’s upcoming video, “State of Mind.”

As Zoo York’s newest recruit, Chaz joins veteran ZY Officials Zered Bassett, Donny Barley, Aaron Suski, Forrest Kirby, Kevin Taylor, Brandon Westgate (Am), Matt Miller (Am), Anthony Shetler (Am), Lamare Hemmings (Am), Ron Deily (Am), and Eli Reed (Am).

In addition to Zoo York, Chaz also skates for eS Footwear, Force Trucks, Diamond, FKD Bearings, Bones Wheels, and Warp Skatepark.

Brent Petway, Elton Brown, Ronald Dupree?  Haven’t heard of them?  Neither have I.  They are the NBA Developmental League’s star players.  Amateurs in any industry have been getting recognition but in very small doses.  It’s as if nobody really cares about the AM’s.  No endorsements, no advertising, no recognition, no love.  I’m sure these guys are just as determined if not more determined than the NBA players.  Sure they aren’t as good yet, or as marketable but I’m sure that they have the ability to showcase some amazing skills. 

That’s why Zoo York is doing a very thoughtful thing by throwing the 4th Annual AM Getting Paid Skate Contest.  This contest gives the less spotlighted skaters a chance to show that they may possibly be better than some pros and most importantly, give the AM’s some love.  Read the official press release below. 

Zoo York is proud to announce the fourth installment of the most prestigious international amateur skateboard contest “Zoo York’s AM Getting Paid”. The focus of the contest is to showcase the very best in amateur skateboarding like no other amateur event out there. This prestigious event will happen during July 18th to 20th 2008 at South Parc in Montreal, (Quebec). This years prize purse is $10,000 dollars.

Registration has begun. If you want to compete in Zoo York’s AM Getting Paid 2008, you will have to register soon. We limit the contest to 150 skaters. (The first 100 pre-registered riders will receive a Dakine backpack)

Zoo York’s AM Getting Paid 2008 is proudly presented by many generous companies. With their support we are able to organize this prestigious skateboard contest for you to enjoy. Here is a closer look at the companies that support your skateboard dreams.

Zoo York has been the presenting sponsor of AM Getting Paid since the annual contest begun in 2004. Zoo York’s contribution is enormous for making this international amateur skateboard contest into a reality.  Every year their amateur team members Matt Miller, Ron Deily, Brandon Westgate, and Canada’s Chad Dickson participate in the contest. Zoo York makes various skateboarding goods from skate decks, tees, denim, hoodies and even shoes that are inspired from the New York state of mind. The Zoo crew will be getting it on during this years Zoo York’s Am Getting Paid 2008.

The day begins at 12pm and ends at 4pm and will include a $1,500 pro/am contest with plenty of giveaways and autographs. It should be a fun event without the hassle of cops, so make sure you join the fun, and the dread locks.

It seems like the west cost is getting all the love from skate teams and their tours.  Especially with Active locations everywhere now.  So what about them east coast cities?  Sure they have crappy terrain and less to see, but it doesn’t mean they should get shunned from the tour stop madness.  I’m not sure if they already have locations but Active (the Starbucks of skate shops) should really consider setting up shops there too.  Anyways, the Zoo York team is about to rep their coast by doing a three-day tour across the Atlantic division of the country.  Check out the press release below for all the info.

April showers bring May… skateboarding tours, of course. The Zoo Crew will embark on a quickie East Coast Tour from May 16th – 18th. Along for the ride will be virtually the entire squad including ZY Officials Zered Bassett, Aaron Suski, Donny Barley, Kevin Taylor, Forrest Kirby, Brandon Westgate, Anthony Shetler, Matt Miller, Lamare Hemmings, Ron Deily, and Eli Reed.

On May 16th at 6PM the crew will host a demo at Academy Skatepark in Woodbridge, CT. Then on May 17th they’ll head back to NYC to partake in the 2nd Annual Harold Hunter Day (full details below). And finally on May 18th they’ll cruise down the Garden State Parkway to Sayreville, NJ, for a team signing at NJ Skateshop at 2PM, and a demo at Sayreville Skatepark at 3PM. Short but sweet.

Zoo York and New Era are collaborating on the 2nd Annual Harold Hunter Day to go down on May 17 in NYC.  The event combines skateboarding, music and celebrates Hunter’s life.

Hunter passed away in February 2006 and last year marked the first Harold Hunter Day, set up by his longtime sponsor Zoo York.

Check out the following press release for all the info.

Zoo York Announces Harold Hunter Day II

New York, NY – The Zoo York Institute and New Era, in association with the Harold Hunter Foundation and KCDC Skateshop, are proud to announce that the 2nd Annual Harold Hunter Day will take place Saturday, May 17th, in New York City.

Harold Hunter Day II will unite NYC’s skateboarding community and surrounding scene for a positive day of skating in recognition of the vibrant life and times of New York legend, Harold Hunter. An extraordinary personality with a caring heart, Harold touched the lives of countless people around the world. With Harold’s passing in February 2006, HH Day was established to commemorate a life well lived by celebrating the things Harold loved most – skateboarding, music, friends, good times, and of course, NYC.

“Harold was, and forever will be, the epitome of New York City,” says friend and ZY Brand Director Mark Nardelli. “As he once told me on a funny voicemail, ‘Harold Hunter is gold.’ He was an integral part of Zoo and he personified NYC’s unique charm that I look to for inspiration every day. HH Day is a day to rep and rock the spirit of Harold Hunter!”

On May 17th, Harold Hunter Day II will kick off at the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark located underneath the Manhattan Bridge on the corner of Pike and Monroe Streets in Chinatown. From Noon–6pm an all ages skate jam will take place, with a massive product toss and live music provided by DJ’s Neil Nice, Vinny Ponte, and New York’s finest, Pete Rock.

After the skate jam, a special HH Day II party will go down from 8pm–Midnight at KCDC Skateshop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Open to the 21+ crowd only, the party will feature free drinks, live music, an art installation by Cinik, and a slide show of Harold pics from acclaimed photographer and long-time friend, Giovanni Reda.

Harold Hunter Day II is made possible through generous support from the numerous people and companies that played an important role in Harold’s life including Rock Star Bearings, SHUT, 5boro, Hopps, Official, Instant Winner, UXA, Verte, Acapulco Gold, Billy’s Nuts, Savage, Off Bowery, Frank 151, DQM, Rival, Supreme, Autumn, KCDC, Anything, Red Bull, and Camp Woodward.