Top Things to Expect When you say "Yes!" to a Skater by Profession.

Part of a journal entry, this article was written back in March. I was inspired to write this piece when my fiancé e-mailed me -on yet another jobless morning- (after having moved halfway across the country to Phoenix), about possible summer work. Dug is a graphic designer/ ramp builder for California Ramp Works, and this company needed a girl skater for the summer. I could leave for 4 months, skate 5 times a week, 3 times a day for 150.00/ day. Not bad pay, but when you’ve literally just gotten out of a cast from a broken ankle, marathon skateboarding is not the exactly top on the list. At anyrate, it made me laugh to think about all the things I am signing myself up for come November, when we’ll actually be married. Here’s the list I came up with.

1. Expect a season or 2 of Community Living. In the past 9 months, since the time we’ve been engaged, I’ve lived with over 5 different people. Even when we moved halfway across the country, from FL to AZ, the spare bedroom was renovated to a Florida friend shortly after.

2. Your house resembles a Retail Store. I just removed a pair of Steve Caballero's used shoes left over from his runs at the Mega Ramp, this past ASR show. They were on display a top the television set- crossed and pointed toe. For now, I have given into the fact that there is no room for a designated space for the two multi-leveled skate racks, which hold boards of old-school and new, to dog pullin and the skate park go-to.

3. You’re along for a ride. Basically, if you enjoy kissing ass, then the sk8 industry isn’t for you. Until you’ve learned enough, met enough people, and payed your dues with the shade-buckets of the industry, this leaves you with one option- a long, unglamorous journey. Fortunately, I got the tail end of his journey… I think.

4. Life is untraditional as a skater, and because of this, society is typically against you from the get-go; equipped with mental and physical stoppers. Hopefully, you learn you’ve got nothing to lose by trying...but everything if you don’t. When Dug told my parents he wanted to marry me, my dad refuted him with nostrils flared, and continued to tell him he was sure I’d say no. Dug responded, “I’m a very patient guy, and will wait a little bit, and ask her again if she says no.” I said Yes.

5. He'll make butter out of cream. Skaters are hard workers, and resourceful by nature… just look what they turn skateable. When Dug got laid off, he still managed to uncover a perfect job for himself in the middle of this lame economy. He did this by looking at what he had available, and making the most of it. On the flipside, now it is my turn.. dang it, I hate when tables turn:)

6. He’s had a go-ahead of a business. I think this is a necessary on the humbling journey of work experience, for life to get you where you need to be. But you will long live with the t-shirts and stickers from the glory days.

7. You better enjoy being a masseuse or physical therapist on the side.
Probably the truest of the list…skaters are always injured. Your nights become
accustomed to “ooh!” and “aaw!” as you accidentally hit your partners new shin
abrasion, swollen ankle, or scab. Backs are usually an issue as well. If they are
builders, even truer. For us though, it means they love our soft touch even more!
So if a dude with softer hands and prettier skin than you comes your way, proceed
with caution, because it means he’s never worked a day in his life, and probably is
going to be a bit of a baby.

8. Life is fun and full of love. I know that this guy has more love for me than anything because he kisses me mad, stays up late to listen to my concerns, and never fails to answer my phone calls. These past 4 months have been a test of our strength and have found that Dug is a master at keeping his head on straight in uncertain times (much better than me), won’t give up in hard times, and most importantly won’t give up on me (of course this works both ways). Because hey, hasn’t every skater met the bottom, in their pursuit to live out their heart. And with that being said, maybe that’s why we get along, because, shit, “This is the only lifestyle we've known.”

Hmm… sort of a weird number to end on, but that’s what I had written in my trusty notebook.

Random Skate Fact #1- World's First Public Skatepark

Well, after a nice google search, Carlsbad Skatepark (RIP) seems to takes the cake, built March 13th of 1976. But following close behind was Santa Cruz's Derby Skatepark, designed by Ken Wormhoudt's design firm (still Wormhoudt, Inc.) sometime in 1976. This is literally just a snake run, but super fun. You basically park your car in a residential area and walk into the park. Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville, FL, gets lots of recognition for being one of the oldest still-in-existent skateparks, established in 1977 by the Ramos family.

Here are some links to see more pics for this article.
http://www.carlsbadskatepark.org
http://www.skateparks.com/firm.php

To the right and below is a picture of Lorraine Carrig at Derby Skatepark, 2007, during one of our many skate adventures.

Investing Today 101: "Sk8boarding is Affordable"

In this article, I am looking at the roots of skateboarding's nature, and why I think it will thrive in tough economic times.... and probably will actually grow in popularity


Local grom- Andrew: New grip job sticks

1. ROOTS- Skateboarding was born from the low-income bracket and broken homes of American youth. Therefore it has
proved to be an affordable sport even when families don't have a lot to spend...I'd say this is pretty relevant to the times
approaching.

2. There is a NEED- for an affordable alternative activity among the middle class family who is being forced to downsize.

3. Built From the Bottom Up- Skateboarding built itself up with little investment backing. Naturally, I think the owners of core
skateboarding companies will also figure out how to adapt back to this without sinking.

4. A Creature of Adaptation- as the environment changes so does a skateboarder's mind. He or she can skateboard on
virtually anything.

5. Creative and Ingenuitive by Nature- Corporations tried to capitalize on skateboarding's popularity and ingenuity, not the
other way around.

6. VIRTUALLY a FREE sport- Free City Skateparks- with more and more cities finding a need for public sk8parks, kids or parents won't have to travel very far to find a place to skateboard. Not to mention, as family spending downsizes, so do those member fees and private lessons.

7. Eco-Friendly Transportation- Sure it may take a little while longer, but you can also transport it on the bus or transit
system easier than a bicycle, or hell, put the skateboard on the bicycle until you reach your destination.

8. All Ages- The board and wheels come in all shapes and sizes, making it easy for young and old to learn or get back into it:)

9. Government Spending Specuation- Many contractors will benefit from Obama's stimulus money for public works projects. Companies who build skateparks have contractor liscences and will be able to bid on new construction and public work projects; so while they may not be sk8board parks, it will be work; therefore helping to keep employees and open new jobs.

10. It's a Tight- Skateboarders and its companies maintain a very tight community, despite the huge growth.... strength in numbers.

Survival of the Fittest

As January opens a new year, so do the bi-annual Surf Expo and Action Sports Retail Trade shows bring in a new season for the Surf and Skateboarding industries. It's no news that these industries are feeling heavily, the effects of the economy, and watching as the gloom of the old brick and mortar retail stores close their doors. So, I wonder (as I did not attend), what will the air of these trade shows tell this year. Good times ahead are characterized by buyers walking in and out of appointments, beer gardens flowing, models walking the aisles, groms knocking on doors with hopes of new sponsorship, big after parties, video premieres, and free posters and stickers smothering the youth as their big eyes take in the awe of the life they aspire to have around them. Unfortunately, the story I heard was.... not many people were there to buy. I have yet to here about this weekend's ASR. I imagine most of the action was behind closed doors, as people discussed the future of the industry.

Local Sk8ers (L to R): Donald, Darien, and Andrew- ready to cruise the Int'l Spdwy Blvd- Donald, Darien, and Andrew
Background- R.I.P. Ducer Cruzer Skateshop

The question that looms- What will the skate and surf industry capitalize on next? Is their a new niche to be sought out?

The youth, the lifestyle, and the creative, laid back mentality of this industry will probably remain the same, but there are big challenges ahead in order for it to survive as a promising livelihood, with American families cutting back on spending.

Then, there is that www. wholeworldofweb2.0/shop. com. What type of role will it play in the industries survival?

I predict like most businesses, companies will cut budgets A LOT to save jobs. Will it be the pro teams, the tours, the magazine ads, the company snowboarding trips, team houses on the North Shore....

Personally, I think the foundational values of our country and relevant to this article, the surf and skate industry, is being reevaluated by its leaders and founders, and a new direction will be sought out. In the mean time,

the Darwinian Theory will come into play; that this is a natural evolution of the surf and skate industry to shake out the "weaker" links.

Hmm...will they be the core companies or the conglomerates who just hopped on the bandwagon to capitalize on "cool"...
Anyway, just something for you fellow skater citizens to think about.

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..

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

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."

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.

A little Nugget

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

One thing every good magazine has is an editorial section; a little nugget the editor wants whispered in your ear, as you flip through the pages. So, here goes mine.

I am always up for leaving my eyes and ears open throughout the day, just in case God has his own editorial note for me. God is always switching things up, reaching out to you, where you can be reached. At anyrate, this month anyway, it has been through sayings on posters. I have jotted down at least 8 good quotes from posters that just kept catching my eye. And today, as I started to write this editorial, I actually began writing something along the lines of the reward being in the journey… that is, until I saw “my” poster. It was hanging on a classroom wall, nothing fancy. It read, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

I thought this quote tied perfectly into one of the things Dirt City Zine is about; which is, finding the beauty in our community, however each of us may represent it. Furthermore, without being in tune with my surroundings today, I would have missed the poster, which gave me inspiration for this note. Thanks God.

Morgan McDole