Somewhere in the Ukraine_ photos by Robert Gamble

Robert Gamble was a pastor at First Pres. in Daytona Beach, now he lives in the Ukraine to serve at The Way Home Shelter (www.thischildhere.org). So, in his venture to bring homeless kids medical aide and food, he also finds fun stuff like this everyday. Well, sort of, this used to be a Sanitorium, like a hospital. Now it is home to homeless kids and adults, and skating is obviously a past time. Visit This Child Here.org to find out more.

Skate Jam Friday May 23rd

A little eye-candy for the Dirt's viewers.

I've noticed that skateboarding often sparks so many outlets for creativity; Especially among those teenage-hearts that are screaming to a find a place to feel at peace. You notice them drawing elaborate pieces on their grip tape with paint markers, or creating stencils and using spray paint to make their own t-shirts; ofcourse then, there are your photography and film admirers who have this passion to take it as far as they can. How far can you go in this town? I'd hope far enough to make it out...and make it in where you've been dreaming to be.

This is Wyatt Woodward. He's a 17 year old Dirt City resident who has been making skate videos with his friends since I've been working at Stone Edge Skatepark. I've noticed the advancement in his skills, quality, equipment, and passion for filming...So I asked to see some of his newest stuff...


Promo to a new video he's currently finishing.

A- What's the hardest part about filming skateboarders?
W- Surroundings, acorns, mulch...rocks.

A- Do you prefer in-town spots or out?
W- Out-of-town spots are legit.

A- Has any of your footage been used anywhere other than your personal interest?
W- Skateboarding.com posted a clip once. It was just Aaron racking, but it was worth it.

A- How long have you been filming for?
W- Seriously? 1 1/2 years. I've been skating longer than I've been filming.

A- Why do you film skateboarders?
W- It's fun. It feels good after you film a nice trick. It feels good to call it yours and say, "I filmed that!"



Thank you Wyatt.

Spring Fling Rain-Check at Kona Skatepark

This is Cool

Final event of the 2008 Florida Bowlriders Cup Series at Kona Skatepark!

Day 1, April 26th
coverage thanks to konaskatepark.com

This is the first year for the Women's division. Here's a little warm-up session for the ladies.

The Kona Bowl Womens division winners 3rd Jen Stranko, 1st Cressy Rice, 2nd Marlee Miller.

"Al Brunelle's bag of tricks is virtually bottomless."

You can't have results without judges.

Kona Bowl Am winners 3rd Cason Kirk, 2nd Jordan Price, and 1st Al Brunelle

Series winners :
Grom - Steven Pineiro
Womens - Marlee Miller
Open Am - Timmy Knuth

Day Two, April 27th
This is The Dirt's coverage
The Dirt City locals rolled into Kona Sunday to catch the 2nd day of the 2-day event. Too bad there was an un-loaded camera on my arm for the Masters part of the day.

Masters winners: 2nd Jason Parkes, 1st Paul O'Hara, and 3rd Steve Workman. Thanks to Kona Skatepark for the photo.

Points series winner for 2008, Buck Smith! Couldn't skate at Kona due to an injury. What injury? I was told not to ask. So I didn't...

Here are some pool-side shots of the Pro Division for your enjoyment. Maybe they can give you an idea as to just how talented these skaters really are. Most of these faces and names were new to me. The skills portrayed on that cement were impressive and inspirational beyond anything I had imagined...and the photographers and fans alike were eating it up almost faster than they could dish it out.

Jimmy the Greek. Heard he's some sort of legend. With a style like that, I'd believe it.

Steve Reeves really gave some sort of show.

Who is this?! Morgan Burgess makes it head-high, making me glad I wasn't a judge.


That Florida sun is sure to do a number on you, especially if you're skating. Looks like Tim Johnson may be getting a taste of it. Don't let this photo fool you though. He was determined to shred, and boy did he ever!

Will Powers showin' a little love for this Kona spot.

Morgan Burgess, ladies and gentlemen.


Witty commentary from Martin Ramos! Thanks Martin! This was the 2nd year for the Florida Bowlriders Cup Series. The events that have taken place have left people wanting more. The possibilities are endless, so I can only imagine what he'll have in store for us in 2009.

Benji Galloway, 2007 Bowlriders Series Winner, giving us a taste of how a pro skates.

Can't you just feel the love? Skateboarding really is one of the most unifying things this world has to offer. Benji and Steve say it all in this one.

Stacie Roberts, a Dirt City local, walks away with 2nd place for the Women's division of 2008. This was actually the first women's division for the Bowlriders series. Can't wait to see what's in store for these ladies next year!

Stone Edge employees Erik Brubaker and Alex Vontevenar enjoying a little Jacksonville skate-isfaction.

NOW FOR THE RESULTS!

Pro winners: 3rd Kevin Kowalski, 2nd Jimmy the Greek, and 1st Benji Galloway. Someone had the right idea with the water bottle!

For the second year in a row, Benji Galloway wins the Pro Points series. Way to go Benji! He must be loving this!


Can't forget the victory booze to be poured obnoxiously on the winner.

Can't forget the victory run on the booze. Benji sure does know how to have a good time.

Congratulations Benji Galloway!

And there you have it, the last day of the Florida Bowlriders Cup series for 2008 at Kona Skatepark. It was such a treat to see history being made at a place where history has been kept alive. Everyone loves a good bowl session. There's nothing better than watching people do what they love...except maybe Pabst tallboys and a crowd of exhausted, yet satisfied skaters. If ya missed it, ya missed out.

Don't forget to donate when you skate at Stone Edge Skatepark for the next week!

There are donations being accepted at STONE EDGE SKATEPARK located at 1848 South Ridgewood Ave in South Daytona, FL for an upcoming free dinner in Orlando put on by their local FOOD NOT BOMBS organization. Donations are being collected and will be delivered personally by myself. I will be volunteering as well as doing an article on the Orlando Food Not Bombs and everything they're doing down there. I am also encouraging all of you to participate if possible. I know it's a little drive, but you could always carpool with friends. Your efforts will be much appreciated by all FNB volunteers and organizers, and those hungry citizens of Orlando.

for more information, visit http://orlandofoodnotbombs.org/