A School for Skateboarders and the Next Generation...

Since moving to Arizona I have been blessed to fall into a passionate community of skateboarders. Kids That Rip Skateboard School is located in Mesa, AZ. Currently I am doing videography work and maintaining a blog for them. Click here to find out more about it. I have added the blog to our Link section as well, so you can visit anytime.

New Sk8 scene to Check OUT!

Louisville Skate scene is covered by Skater Wes, so check it out on dirtcitylouiville.blogspot.com... or just click the link in the side bar..

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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"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.

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.

Local Film Premiere Monday, July 28th

"What you don't know"

What You Don't Know from joe storm on Vimeo.

An Un-edjucated moment brought to you by Joe Storm and those Un-edjucated wood pushers who love all of this so very much. Now I hope you will too. Enjoy!

Un-edjucate yo-self sucka

Skateboarding is so many things all at once and I think that is what makes it so contageous. It's a lifestyle, leaving so many outlets for productivity in this town. I met Nick Perry at Stone Edge Skatepark and he was always rambling about screen printing, or handing out Un-edjucated stickers. I always felt like he was attempting to spark creativity in the local skate scene. I just never really knew what Un-edjucated was, or was all about. So I asked...



What is Un-edjucated Skateboards all about?
It's all about skateboarding and everyone that skates from locals to pros, boys and girls worldwide...

Where and when did all of this start?
It just kind of happened...

Who are the artists behind it?
Right now, Nick Perry and a few local friends like Jessa, Andre, and my friend Matt. BUT if anyone else wants to contribute, hit me up nick@un-edjucated.com

What are some goals for un-edjucated skateboards?
To be in all the loyal skate shops and have not a team, but a family of skaters who like skating for the hell of it.

What are a few of your inspirations?
Myself and Birdo... also all the kids that like our shit.

What product do you have available?
We have like 4 decks out right now and a few new shirts on the way; also hella stickers and buttons for whoever asks for them.


Do you sponsor skaters? if so, who are you currently?
Yes, in a way. I'm not one for the whole "team" and "this" and "that" but if you seem like you truly like skating and you're half-way descent then I'll flow a deck and whatnot. I wanna have a family mentality; like we are here for you if you need us.

Has any of your product made its way into a shop?
No. ::laughs:: I'm needing to get on that one!

What has been your largest bump in the un-edjucted road of production and possibility?
Actually, making screens ourselves and getting in shops...

Who would you like to thank?
aly ;-) and all the skaters that like us. Also Joe Storm for making that kickass promo!



please visit http://un-edjucated.com/

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.

This is Cool

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/

Repost Savethebrobowl.com

Last weekend, Dug and I took a trip to Tampa, and one of the missions was to find the Bro Bowl, which is in danger of being extinct very soon. Despite the fact that neither of us had any sense of how to get around Tampa, with its dead end streets and lanes that leave no option but to turn, we eventually fell upon it.

The Bro Bowl starts at length, at the top of a hill, and then opens its mouth wide, or spits you into its stomach (whichever you choose) at the bottom. It feels so much a part of the natural environment; it awes me to think this bowl is in danger of being removed. This was once somebody’s simple dream, and grew to make positive vibes in a shady part of town, for over 30 years..…check out www.myspace.com/thebrobowl or www.savethebrobowl.com for info.
For whole story visit www.hurley.com Video coming soon.

Repost NSBSkate.com

New Smyrna Beach SKATEPARK

Under the original bidding law, if you submit a design, you can not be involved in the bidding to build. Unfortunately, Team Pain donated the ramp plans for the new NSB Skate Park, so they would have been cut out, which could have potentially left who knows who to demolish a great design.

Luckily, the city engineer and my dad, who is an attorney for NSB, pushed a reenactment for a design and build bidding. So, the City Commission agreed, and Team Pain is still in the running for the bid. The ground breaking should be in no time. The park is expected around Sept. 2008, if not sooner. Make sure you check out NSBSkate.com for the plans and donation info., etc.