Neightborhood Tour Stop#1 - Recap

The Charlie Brown Ramp is nested in a backyard in South Daytona, FL, and owned by local skate grom, Nathan. The beauty of the Neighborhood Tour is that it hits up private set-ups, as well as, empty pools. No heavy advertising, so if you can’t find it, you’ll have to wait for the Recap. You can also guarantee every contest will have a different format, different crowd, and different element of challenge. The series is put on by DK Ramps.

Throughout the day, people floated in and out, to hit the wall ride, the ramp, or just mingle by the bb-q. The pictures will show the rest. Keep check on dkramps.com for details on Stop #2.





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This weekend at Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville, FL

Skatetoberfest Stree Contest at Stone Edge Skatepark.

$25 entry fee. Registration starts at 10am and the contest starts at 12 Noon.
Enjoy a free cookout from 1-3pm.
First place receives $300 cash and a Nixon watch. There will also be a Best Trick contest for $500 down the "Big Rail". You won't want to miss this!
This is the start of a new annual event at Stone Edge Skate park. For more info call 386.761.1123

The Neighborhood Tour- Stop #1 Charlie Brown Ramp- FREE!

First Event will be on October 12th. So start asking around so you can find the Charlie Brown Ramp.
This is going to be an awesome chance to show off skills, win prizes, and bbq .
Visit DKRamps.com for details (click the title to transfer)

There is also a photo contest.

"A TASTE OF SKATEBOARDING"

Interview w/ DK RAMPS

Words: Dug Ketterman Interview by: Morgan McDole
Photo Credits_ Duce Smith, Aly Bowen, Skendi Photography, DK

"Be a sponge. Talk less and listen more. The skateboard industry is a very creative environment, which allows for free-thinking and self-expression, but don't think for a moment, its all gravy like art class...be prepared to work the most heinous hours and take crap from seasoned skate-veterans." ~ DK

If you’re a skater in this town, you’ve probably heard a lot about DK Ramps lately- and well, that’s for obvious reasons- they (Dug Ketterman and Erik Brubaker) are out making things happen…and shredding.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.

-Interview -

DCZ: First off, what kinds of services does DK Ramps offer?
DK: I am currently offering private skateboard, drum, and guitar lessons, backyard mini-ramps and rail construction, contest and demo coordination, skatepark design/construction, graphic design for print and web, and grassroots marketing campaigns.

DCZ: Dug Ketterman, how many years have you been skateboarding?
DK: Jeez...my dad built me my first ramp when I was in first grade...skated for a couple years, then picked up BMX until I was about 12, when I got my first new school board. I have been skating ever since...so I guess that is a total of 18 years.

DCZ: What would you say 12 years involvement in the skate industry has done for you?
DK: I now have a head full of grey hair; I hear it makes me look distinguished... Being able to work with some of the most talented people in the world has given me a broad scope of what is possible in many different aspects of the skateboard community. I have been able to learn from my success and failures; as well as, pull from the collective knowledge of the thousands of professionals, skaters, and families I have grown to know and love...not to mention shiny new sneakers that come in the mail from time to time.

DCZ: Because you have built and managed a slew of skate parks, you have conceptualized, coordinated, and hosted an untold amount of contests and events. Yet, not everyone knows all that goes into hosting an event. So, talk about why it would be advantageous for someone interested in the skate industry to get the DK Ramps name, behind his or her event.
DK: Well, first, let me talk about the difference between a successful contest and a dud. Believe me, I have had plenty of both. In keeping with the tradition of skateboarding, I have measured success in the smiles and energy that comes from not only the participants, but the spectators as well. Most competitions have been following the same traditional format...45 second runs...being judged on 10 different aspects at once...clouding the judges ability to truly give hundreds of accurate and fair scores throughout the afternoon. The loose criteria structure also gives to a common debate at the end of each contest...."Why did that backside flip beat that krook-fakie?", etc. This combined with 8 hours in the hot sun can often produce a less than gratifying experience. I have had the opportunity to experiment with all different types of contest formats, and have finally found a new approach which skaters and parents can grasp. This new level of enjoyment is also achieved in 2 hours or less, allowing families to plan out the rest of their day. I like to keep things simple, organized, and above all else, fun.

DCZ: Upcoming events?
DK: Let's see...this Saturday is the Skaters for Christ contest, demo, and concert in South Daytona Beach. In October, I am helping coordinate a contest with Timeline Productions at Paradise Funplex, Merritt Island, FL. DK Ramps will also be sponsoring a best trick contest with Maui Nix at the Ormond Beach Skatepark. November 6-9th is building the course and running numbers for the Skate and Bike Contest at the Hilton Resort in Cocoa Beach, FL (some names include Kelly Slater and Adam Taylor). In January, it is off to Georgia to judge King of the Groms… and more, plenty more in the works.

DCZ: What's your advice for kids wanting a career in the industry?
DK: Be a sponge. Talk less and listen more. If you are one of those kids that hang around a park or shop all day, every day...help out whenever possible. Also, find out what YOU enjoy doing the most, and pursue the passion that many people miss out on their whole lives. The skateboard industry is a very creative environment, which allows for free-thinking and self-expression, but don't think for a moment, its all gravy like art class...be prepared to work the most heinous hours and take crap from seasoned skate-veterans.

DCZ: Talk about how your environment growing up shaped you.
DK: I'll start off by saying I had my first job at age 5, sanding down wooden parts for my dad. By age 6, I was stocking retail supplies in Creative Castle (my parents craft shop). This led to my first business at the ripe old age of 8: selling fingerboards, necklaces, and wooden Bart Simpson toys at craft fairs in Northwest Indiana. My parents also had me running as a go-fer (waiter) for a 100 booth craft fair before I made it to the 2nd grade; as well as, taught me the fundamentals of entrepreneurship throughout my school days. My business sense now seems to be innate.

DCZ: Talk about some of your first designs and skateable pieces.
DK: I can remember my first launch ramp...2nd grade.... it fell apart when I was jumping over it. I then proceeded to fall onto a 2" bolt that lodged itself into my thigh...oh yes, sweet memories! My first park design was actually built in my friends carpet warehouse. We stored all the ramps up on a top rack using a forklift and brought them down when we were ready to sesh. Quarters, bank ramps, grind boxes, and we even skated the fully adjustable forks on the forklift.

DCZ: What's been your favorite completed project?
DK: I would have to say my first city park, Flounder, in Valparaiso, Indiana. It was not only the inspiration and springboard I needed to start my career, but also stands in memory of a truly great skater and friend, Ray Wampler.

DCZ: Not many people have a resume, the length of yours, which shows a clear direction. Talk about what it takes to not only pursue, but stay true to a passion.
DK: First, be honest. Not just with everyone around you, but with yourself. You need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are excited about your endeavors, and they are actually making a difference in the world and lives around you.
Second, choose the hard way. When you begin your journey, you will be faced with many roadblocks and hurdles. You are usually faced with two options, the fast easy way that will barely get you by. Or, the hard way that, if you pay attention, will teach you vital information and open more doors than you could possibly imagine. And C- consider the alternative… going through school in your early twenties, getting an entry level position with 300 other people with the exact same degree and lack of experience (typically in a field other than your degree), and slaving away in a cubicle hoping to catch some of the scraps tossed down by the chiefs in command. Wasn’t for me.

DCZ: What keeps you goin’?
DK: The encouragement and support of my amazing family and friends...and the non-stop brain activity that wakes me up every morning looking for a pen and paper.

DCZ: What's been your biggest accomplishment?
DK: I can blow a bubble off my tongue, then pop it before it hits the ground using my salivary gland under my tongue as a shooting apparatus...its simply amazing!

DCZ: What part of the design and building process excites you?
DK: What part doesn't? I would have to say once the project is all said and done, watching skaters rip it to shreds gives me the most satisfaction.
DCZ: What about graphic design?
DK: One of my most influential art teachers, Mrs. Lynn, once told my class to never stop creating art.
Make it a daily habit to keep your skills honed. Graphic design is actually another outlet for my creativity and self-expression. Gotta feed the soul!

DCZ: At what point did you decide it was time to go out on your own?
DK: It was just about the time when everybody I talked to started saying, "Why don't you own your own business...? I guess it just clicked. I was born into an entrepreneurial family, so I new it was just a matter of time before I acquired the experience I needed to begin my journey.

DCZ: Who's your main man?
DK: Erik Brubaker is a local skater and builder here in Daytona Beach. I met him through Stone Edge Skatepark, and realized after working on a few projects together, his humor and solid work ethics were just the balance I needed to build a lasting team.

DCZ: What is your biggest request?
DK: A killer kitchen! I love to cook.
Note from the interviewer: I meant for DK Ramps’s services…but that works too.

DCZ: What's your motto?
DK: Give all that you have and you will receive all that you need.

DCZ: Future plans, goals, etc. Anything else, you want to ad.
DK: The goal is to travel around the world with my beautiful fiancé, Morgan, and help as many people along the way as humanly possible; recording and reporting our experiences. I feel like I was blessed with the ability to communicate, and I don't like to waste time. I was given a second chance at life when I was 16 years old, and I am going to do my best to use each day wisely, and for the benefit of the awe-inspiring world around us.

A Photo Moment

Anywhere you venture to is going to have a history. Some places end up being more historical than others; and some may just be revolutionists of their kind. Whatever the case, it's always interesting and sort of inspiring to see what used to be of the places you love to love. In this case, a fond memory in this town is what STONE EDGE SKATEPARK once was. The history behind the park and the people who have skated here, worked here, or just hopped a fence to make it a little more adventurous, is the gold foundation beneath the renovations. Some wish we could just dig up the dirt and those old bowls would be re-lived once again. I get a kick out of seeing old photos; most of which I find through my google-lurking. Like this one of Benji Galloway sneaking into Stone Edge from way-back-when. A decade later and his feet still make their way to the concrete of the only OG piece left, the 9Bowl.



Glen Charnoski airing over the hip in the clover.


Mertz-Indy nose bone.


Mertz frontside air transfer. Check out the PVC coping...


Mertz-frontside ollie in the peanut. Remember when there used to be a pizza hut next door? I had almost forgotten about this.


Tom Groholski. Man that layout looks so fun.


Mark Mosh in the big, rough, pad-pulling down, egg bowl.

Photos and captions brought to you by http://mertzworld.net/id29.html

FREE ENTRY! Volcom presents...

Life is More Fun this Way

When you have some skills that is.

Visit DK Ramps.com for more services.

Skateboarding vs. Stupid Human Acts

Photos_ Dug Ketterman
www.skateboardersforchrist.org
www.dkramps.com

Last weekend 125 kids signed up to skate the Skaterboarders for Christ event, held at South Daytona Christian Church. The whole neighborhood must have come out of the wood-works for this one. Speaking of woodwork, DK Ramps was also out there to help build the course on schedule, as well as- get this- make sure there was something for the girls as well! Well, Osiris Girls took the initiative by sending shirts ahead.
At the DK tent, the gals who challenged their skateboarding abilities, or demonstrated a stupid human act, scored a free tee. And, too much surprise, young, old, and everyone in between had a stupid human trick to show off. These are some pictures from the event.
It was a good turn out, and I'd say this town is pretty dang lucky to have people like Skaters for Christ (Bob Langford and Tim May) and DK Ramps (Dug Ketterman and Erik Brubaker) who are volunteering to build, run, and take down a skate course for the sake of community and fun! So, keep an eye out for the next event, because they are dope.

Meet Skater Wes- Dirt City Chicago is here!

I met Wes about a year and a half ago, through my first sk8 instructor (Jason). He was working in Jason's Kentucky sk8 shop (N:CE)at the time, and was into what I was trying to get rolling (putting sk8 ramps in at orphanages and youth shelters). Wes, has now become one of my favorite people, because it seems whatever he does, his whole heart is in it. It's freakin awesome when people show some passion and excitement for what they do. Anyway, he skates like a maniac. His Zine (dirtcitychicago.blogspot.com) will be kick ass, I'm sure. He is also on track, or causing ruccus, one, as he is attending Moody Bible School, so that he can become a youth minister. Well, you can now enjoy the fact that the sk8 scene in Chicago will be accessible. We also have a few new features. Each Dirt City Zine will have its own sk8tainment and videograffiti, so if you have some footage to share, link up:) These can also be accessed by visiting dirtcityhub.org/DCTV
I asked Wes to write up an introduction letter, so this is it. Man, a barn would be awesome!




Tucked into the low hills, just south of Louisville, Ky, is my Grand Fathers farm, my first skatepark. It's 78 acres of freedom that helped shape me in ways I couldn't imagine. By the time I was in highschool I had been making strange obstacles and skating them on the farm for a year or so, and had know idea there was any certain way to skate. I didn't know about Eric Koston's rule book for "skate", or even there was such a thing as competitive skateboarding.
After I was exposed to the industry I was quickly grabbed up by the local "hesh" crew, we bombed hills, jumped off our high school, hunted for stair sets, and caused a fair amount of down home mayhem. Soon they were too far gone into drugs to skate, and I was standing alone, like the old days. I started to skate downtown Louisville, and make the hour journey to the skate park.
Then it was time for college. My first go at it lasted a year, then I had to go back to my love, wood pushing. I moved to Michigan to skate for Testify Skateboarding Ministry, a youth outreach program. When my circumstance deteriorated I moved back to Louisville, where I met Jason Brown, a ripper left over from the days of speed, back airs, and unpopularity. Then, in 2007 I decided to take a journey back in time. I learned lip tricks, and backside air, while working in N:ce Skateboard's gallery.
Some of you may know that Morgan McDole (Gone Fishing, in my space friends list) is/was on the N:CE's team, prior to the Jacksonville Move. We're all holding our breath to see if N:CE comes back. Any who, after a year of being N:ce i moved back to Chicago for school, this is 2008. That spring break I went to meet Morgan for the first time in Daytona, I wrote and article about this in the Daytona DirtcityZine's blog (follow the links accordingly).
Recently, Morgan asked me to expand her Dirty empire into Chicago, and I intend to do so. I'm still hooked on transition so hit me up and lets session something big and steep (say a sea wall).




thanks SKATER WES

The time to give is always NOW!

The SkaterTots program was founded by Kyle Brubaker, currently a manager at Stone Edge Skatepark. Last holiday season, Stone Edge was a drop-off location for Toys For Tots donations. Unfortunately, we were not even able to fill an entire box. Kyle decided he would start collecting donations of new and used decks, trucks, wheels, helmets, pads, etc. to create a goal of 50 complete skateboards to be donated to the Toys For Tots program this December. Please help Kyle exceed this goal and give a child a new positive outlet in his/her life by donating any skateboarding equipment you may not be needing. I bet some of you have a few things collecting dust in the garage right now? I'm right, aren't I?

Today I was driving down US1 in South Daytona when a sign along the road caught my eye. The sign was advertising FREE CLOTHING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL. Free?! I thought to myself, "What a wonderful thing to do for someone". When you think about how many citizens in our area are practically the working poor; surviving paycheck to paycheck, barely getting food in the fridge, making magic out of canned goods...It's really reassuring to see such efforts being made to assist anyone in need. I wish more people would stand up and reach out to someone who could use a helping hand.

Community efforts can change lives and open doors we never thought could be un-locked. Please check out this website link http://www.freecycle.org/group/United%20States/Florida/Daytona%20Beach

It is a link to the Daytona Beach Freecycle group. "The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,565 groups with 5,634,320 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and thus keeping good stuff out of landfills.

Membership is free, and everything posted must be FREE, legal and appropriate for all ages. To view the items being given away or sought in Daytona Beach, you must be a member of the local group."

Red Tails Summer Fest- RECAP

Photos_Duce Smith

Visualize This:

Bank ramp down to a fun box up to a grind box, over a gold, 1974 VW bug, to a 6ft quarter-pipe (crammed with skaters on a small deck). Then, shot over to boost a hip ramp (or by-pass it via the grind box), back to another bank ramp, to ollie the gap back to your start, or continue back to the otherside of the hip ramp for some lip tricks.....smooooth.


For some reason when you've got something new and fresh to skate infront of you, the sweltering, summer sun of Florida takes a back seat. The skaters lasted all day long, serving as consistent entertainment for the spectators last weekend. Yup, lasting longer, than the wakeboarders who got air blasted, and drenched in a 50 ft long pool every run.

Anyway, between the local possee and skaters cruisin through for the weekend, there was a good mix of styles and tricks: Jeckari, the Woodward bros, Tommy, Eric, Stacie, Adam, Devin... (my memory stops here). All put out for a good contest Saturday and best trick Sunday.

Mad thanks to the man-power behind DK Ramps, Dug Ketterman and Erik Brubaker, who worked hard to build and maintain, so everyone could sk8. I know what they're thinking,Heck, it better be good, cuz we're sk8in too. That's just one benefit of having builders that sk8.

Thanks to Amy from Salon 230 for donating her services, and freshening up people with free haircuts at our booth Saturday and Sunday!! Wank also kindly donated an event tent to Dirt City Missions at the days end. Thanks! Furthermore, DK Ramps is now the keeper of the ramp set-up you skated last wknd, so I know more events are in store. And, thanks to Ducer for being out there taking photos, otherwise, you would have truly had to visualize!