Things to Do While in LA

So, after we were all settled in at the Roosevelt I texted Steve for the location of the Berrics. He replied and we cruised over there to shoot some images of the park and get some ideas about our own park. It is hard to visualize new things that would work well within the current set up at Southside, so I thought this might help. The office area is pretty tight, there are all kinds of things being monitored and done there. I saw a tray of AVE raw footage tapes, didn't see any footage of course. Thought I would go ahead and shoot a photo of the Game of SKATE bracket that is mid game right now. This weekend is going to be insane as we are now down to the semi-finals. the pictures below are of the "boardroom" just look at how many decks there are. You know they aren't even skated that much either. There are probably a few of those, "I just don't like this deck" in there. They have lights, interchangeable rails for the set, all kinds of mini props that change existing larger structures. I will post up some shots of the park tomorrow, glad to have been able to stop by and check it out.

Los Angeles's Roosevely Hotel

The Roosevelt Hotel is one of Hollywood, California's most storied hotels. Home to many a rat pack actor and actress over the years the hotel resides just across the street from the famous Chinese Theather on the Hollwood Strip. Janine is so internet travel savy that she was able to secure us a room for three days and two night at half the price. Traveling in during the January offseason has it's perks. The day before flying out to LA I decided to hit up Steve Berra and was lucky enough to have him answer. We wanted to hit up the Berrics and see it for ourselves, he said to give him a call once we were settled. Upon arriving at the hotel I was shocked at how dark and relaxing the atmosphere was. I suppose that's what Hollywood's elite had loved about it for all these years. Pretty quickly Janine and I felt at ease within our hotel room. We wandered around the hotel and shot off a couple photos that you can see accompaning this text. If you are ever in Hollywood and have a chance I suggest you book yourself a room. The hotel is quite nice and you won't be dissapointed. I was relucatant, but that is what wives are for, to make you try new things and try to relax and live in the moment. I am very greatful to be experiencing my new life as Southside Skatepark's caretaker. We are able to travel more now than we ever have in our lives, something we have always wanted to do. I won't soon forget my stay at the Roosevelt, it looks more expensive than it actually was, don't be fooled.

Popeye Cat

This cat stays at the flop house in Austin. It isn't as comforting as you would think falling asleep with this little guy watching over you. He doesn't like pictures much and I was lucky to get out of there with this image of him. He looks kind of pissed off in the photo. I think he wants some treats. If I had some you know I would have hooked him up. Next time I head over there I will have to stop at Pet Smart and get him some super gourmet food. Safe bet that this skate house cat is going to end up in someones lifestyle interview head shot sooner or later, he is just too much of a character. See you when I see you homie.

Sliver of Pool

Check it out, amazing sliver of pool to be had at 5 hips. Everyone knows about this thing. Sure, you can sit at home and think about all the tricks you are going to do on it. Unfortunately, unless you are Ben Raybourn you probably won't be able to do even 10% of what you are contemplating. It is super hard to even fakie rock it, which I have not. Straight vert with nowhere to go if you are thinking about turning out of something. Only a few have banged out tricks on it. Austin really out did themselves on it. Watch for a really sick banger from Omar Salazaar in the upcoming Alien Workshop video "Mind Field," in stores February 6th.

David vs. 5 Hips

"The trajectory to the top of the ledge is kind of a nightmare," according to David. The spot was originally started by bikers and over the year skateboarders and bikers alike have been expanding and taking care. Every time I make it out there we find a new addition. I don't know if people in Austin have more time on their hands or way more love for the game. They are always fixing the ledge at the top and keeping it as perfect as they can. The actual coping at the top is in a weird spot but it is totally skateable. Over the years I must have seen about ten different backside tailslide photos. Every crew that rolls through Austin goes there and shoots, it is just too photogenic.

Good Morning Dakota

Always strange how people can look so different when they first wake up. Dakota's face looks all bloated and his lips are all fat. I just wanted to shoot him in front of the scary house. Of course being the boarderline scenester he is, camera at the ready. Button up uniform in place. Partially shaven beard with extra heavy side burns. Uncut hair and pasty white skin. To late, looks like he is an offical scenester. Don't forget the Blue Blockers, that footage is priceless. Southside Skatepark doesn't care, we got mad love for you bro.

Portable Cement Ledges

Somewhere in the back woods of Texas are these two lovely ledges. Totally portable for those looking to have a good session anywhere with good ground these beauties are waiting. You will have to motivate the owner of these two of course, but that won't be hard. Probably the most motivated guy I have met in a long, long time. Get a hold of this guy, go set up the ledges and kill it. Good times to be had in a city where they don't take anything for granite.

1985 Skatepark of Houston Contest Flyer

Found in the final pages of Thing Bad 5, a flyer from back when I had just started skateboarding. If you read on the flyer the skatepark was still under constuction. Back then I know that Dennis was out there building those ramps to last. The were metal coated and hard as nails. Two ramps open I would imagine to be the 10.5 Tequila and 12.5 Kahuna (with channel and cement flatbottom). You will notice that Variflex was a legit company at this time and Todd Prince and John Gibson's band Bark Hard were there taking care. Once again, thanks for the memories Thing Bad zine'.

Loser Koozer

Was this some kind of deep poetic inner searching book mark. When I found this tiny paper bag book mark inserted into Thing Bad Issue 5 I was compelled to stop and think about it. I thought wow, how true and certainly, "some may think that," came to mind. Really cool stenciling giving us more of a reason to embrace what the true meaning could be. Maybe it is just what it says, using this to wrap you beer is going to make you a loser in end. Is there a higher meaning? As long as you thinking, the art is working.

Thing Bad zine'

Wow, what an amazing zine'. Thing bad was put together so well and with so many little extras that I was really impressed. I found this on the coffee table at my friends house. The next two blog entry's are going to be some examples of just some of the goodies filling the pages of the zine' itself. It took me a long time reading along reminecing about the articles and images within it's pages. I forgot who Summers said made it, but heres to you guy, you killed it.

Never Forget "Boneite" R.I.P.

Remember to good old days of Powell Peralta's boneite construction. The strange tar paper that acted as a catalyst that would wick even a tiny amount of water deep into the inner core of your deck. Back then we rode the boards for such a long time and $50 was so much money that the idea of getting another board on a day that wasn't your birthday or Christmas was unthinkable. I used to mow, edge and sweep lawns for $5 a yard. So it would take me anywhere from four to six weeks to save up enough funds to get another deck. A lot of time it would be even longer if I was treating myself to Gatorades while out street skating all over Seabrook, Texas with my friends. I stayed away from boneite back then, the word on the street was that it sucked. Must have been true since Powell Peralta quickly dropped it as the gimmack that had run it's course. I would say that it was the boneite that bummed my friends and I out on Powell. Before that they could do no wrong, they had the best team with the best videos anyone had ever seen. After feeling wronged by the boneite, we were looking for something different. Enter stage door left Vallely Double Tail and switch.

Mopeds for Days

At the place we stay at there are mopeds for days. Not sure if they all run or not, but there is the making of a really good moped gang for sure. They are all pretty cool too, like the older late 80's early 90's mix of mopeds. I liked the way this photo turned out. Next time we need to figure out if they run and try to find some time to ride them around. Hit the thrift store and make up a fake moped gang with fake colors and try to play it off all serious. That would probably make for a great video opener, not to take anything away from Girl's 96' Mouse video. For some reason they are always in the kitchen, I guess theft is on the rise in Austin, Texas.

Scary Christmas

This is what a scary Christmas looks like. The house is kind of small and near where we stay in Austin. The house is decorated 365 days a year and this year we happened to be rolling through town around Christmas so it was lit up. There is a full Nativity scene in the window on the left. I would have gone up and shot it but it was to scary to get closer to the house. It was their time of year, and they were making the most of it. It sounds kind of wierd to be scared of this house, but you just have to go there and see it for yourself.

Michael Earned his Beer

For some reason Michael Cross decided to quit his job and go on the trip. He probably skated the hardest and he definetly came home with the most footage. Since I had never filmed him before it was pretty easy. It wasn't like we were having to recall what he had and had not already done. I don't think he would be doing that anyway as he doesn't seem to be that type of skater. At some spots he was just killing it and not really waiting around to explain what he wanted to film, I doubt he really cared at all. We really like Michael becuase he is a skaters skater. He just kills it, no film, no photos, just wrecks shit. He doesn't try to get "hooked up," he just goes out and has fun on his skateboard. Thats the type of skateboarders that we subscribe to. Southside Skatepark has your back, what you choose to do with that is totally up to you.

Dust Bowl Gap

Yeah, I know, this gap is call Parker Slab or something. I am changing the name to the Dust Bowl Gap. Camera people beware, this place is dusty as hell. People in Austin just work harder for their spots. There was at least four inches of eroeded dirt scattered about the landing on either side. It was a mess and anyone stepping to it ended up getting gritty. Some super technical stuff was almost getting done, but it just wasn't happening. Good thing I had Michael Cross with me, he never lets a spot go unskated. So after a couple of breaths he put down a pretty sick little banger. When or where you might see it is anyones guess.

Bank to Ledge

It would take all my fingers and toes to count the numerous tricks that went down on this ledge during our trip to Austin. Luke McKirdy met up with us just to give you a hint. Seems as though every time I run into that guy he is banging out three to four usable clips. His part in the www.fourduos.com video is going to be amazing. I kind of think he ought to have a FLIP Extremely Sorry extras video part, he is that good. Oh, and he is older than me, which makes me feel bad for being to lazy most days to just roll around. This ledge is officially broken in and grinding better everyday. Hope it is as buttery as it was this day when I finally make it back.

Vehicle Impossible

We were having breakfast at Kirby Lane in Austin and the ultimate scenester vehicle was spotted. I couldn't believe my eyes because I literally hadn't witnessed a running 1980 VW since my Dad owned an old standard diesel Rabbit back in 1986. Not only was this VW truck running but it even came with a bed cover and was in really good shape. Everything was original and as stoked as I might have been on the impossibility of this vehicle actually running, scenesters still bother me. I think it is the whole vibe that they put out, kind of as if they are their own tribe. To bad Dakota is turning into one.

Shortcut Between Freeway and Nothing

Apparently the banks of the wet part of this ditch are heavily used by people on foot. When one group was approaching us as I was filming they stopped and pulled the hoodies down over their heads as to not be filmed. According to the various passersby that spoke to us, the path is a "shortcut" to the freeway. Kind of ironic since the parking lot behind us came right off the freeway. Everyone coming back down the path seemed to be in a happy mood and it seemed to be more than something they inhaled. The world may never know, but the point of the picture is, look at how filthy this ditch is. It had a strange scum on the surface near the banks, and it wasn't mosquito larva.

Teeth Ditch

This spot was interesting considering I had seen an old Whitney Collins photo that Jeff Gilmer had shot about a year before finally making it out to it. Dakota Roberson had been in my ear about how "cool" and "amazing" the spot seemed for an entire year while we were trapped at the skatepark. When we went over to it I think Dakota forced himself to get a clip on it regardless of whether he was stoked on it or not. It is just one of those places where the footage and the photos are such a far cry from the reality of the spot itself. I tried to establish exactly what was going on by using the wide angle and various long lens shots, we'll just have to see which one turns out, in about a year when they are actually used and the weirdness wears off.

Calling All DIY Spot Builders

When you go to this bank it takes a little while to figure out what amazing potential it has. It just needs a little help from a large wheel barrel, 20 bags of quickcrete, 10 gallons or more of water, a shovel and a trowel. Don't forget the small army of die hard skateboarders down to put their hard earned money and time into pouring some tranny at the bottom of this perfect steep bank. If this spot were in Austin it would have already been taken care of. I am tempted to invest and go out there and handle it with Chris Summers. I would imagine that he might be the only person I could count on to help me knock this out, oh and the fact that I have never done it before. Sure, I have bondoed a few things, but I have never messed with pouring cement. Opposite this steep bank is a more mellow but super high bank, small mellow tranny pours for frontside and backside could be poured so that people could get a proper run up. The ditch seems as though it never floods. The steep bank is calling for an 8' to 10' wide pour. You guys need to realize what you have in front of you and make this happen. I know that if I took the time to take care of it, I would be seeing footage coming out of there for years.

Erosion Control?

San Antonio has some amazing ditches. This isn't one of them, but it does give you an idea of the canal system that runs throughout the city and suburbs. I am pretty sure that the reason for all of the rolling ditches is an attempt at erosion control. The area being more arid then Houston, I would have to assume that a hard rain can really take a toll on the countryside. Lucky for us it seems to never rain there, leaving the ditches bone dry for bust free skateboarding even during the business hours of the busy work week.

GIlmer's Favorite Texas Tree

Jeff Gilmer thought this tree was cool looking, he seemed bummed that he didn't shoot it. For a guy who seems to know when and when not to pull out his camera, he seemed regretful when he told me this. I was surprised at that as he wasn't to bummed about missing any of the lower level skating that was going down. Wish I knew how he did it, I have a tendency to film everything.

Guardrail into Bank

This spot is officially the strangest out and over rail/bar/grindable object into bank that I have ever been to. Why they chose to roll and bolt this guardrail the way they did on the parking lot above is any ones guess. I tried to shoot the photo from below to give you an idea of the bank that you had to bomb any made tricks out of. Funny thing about banks on film or in photos, nothing makes them look as legit as being there in person. Have fun shooting this spot everyone, better get there at noon. Nothing like shooting into the shadow and having to pan out to show the make while shooting directly into the sun. Does anyone know anybody that would actually skate this at noon? I know how I felt at noon on this particular day, and all I had to do was point the camera.

Chrome Kool-Aid Man Cadillac

San Antonio and all of Texas actually, has a way of turning out some of the most ridiculous cars. This one in particular had chrome "Kool-Aid Man" decals to accent the chrome double strap on the trunk and on either side of the back of the cab. I wish I had taken a closer picture but there was someone still inside and it wasn't exactly the nicest area. For an added touch when they pulled up they were treating all of us to a rattling base, and I do mean rattle! The bad kind, you know, like when a friend of your trys to put base in his or her car and it just ends up rattling the car to pieces. Not to mention that there was a small child riding along, and isn't there a suggested decible limit for small children? I don't have any kids but if I did, you wouldn't catch me running around with them in my rattling Cadillac.

Virgin Over the Grate Ledge

J Lo ended up taking us into this one area of San Antonio that looked like it was a theme park. Everything was perfectly maintained and in it's right place. He wanted to show us an over the grate ledge that he was itching to break in. As the crew was taking a look at it at the end of an alley a golf cart with a flashing light shot by. We know that they didn't notice us, but it is hard to get going on a ledge that isn't even broken in yet when you know that the bust factor is high. I opted to call it off as I didn't really want to spend the night in jail, it just felt like that kind of spot. Maybe when we go back next time the block will already be broken in and we can get in and get out.

Black Banked Ledge San Antonio

This was our first spot once we met up with our tour guide, J Lo. This place was a lot of fun and from the footage that I had seen on http://www.fourduos.com/ I was leery of it being all chunky. Don't let the paint fool you, this ledge is in great shape. On one end you can bonk to grind and as usual everyone made it out of there with a clip or two. Dakota won the session though with three usable clips. Some people took some slams but all in all everyone ended up coming through. We even had a San Antonio police officer pull up and when I went to shut down the generator he just said,"I just wanted to see some tricks." Another great start in a new city for the crew. I even think that Jeff Gilmer shot some sequences and maybe a still, so that ought to tell you something.

San Antonio Outskirts

Since the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex was being hit with a harsh cold front the crew decided it was time to head south and get out of the cold. San Antonio had some bank ledges that everyone was looking forward to. Micheal Cross had no idea what was coming next. David Langston had been out there and stayed out there for extended periods of time so he had pretty much seen everything already. Dakota Roberson and I just like going when we get a chance to take a break from the shop. They have this one spot that I like to call "Perfect Ditch" and believe me, it is. Why I forgot to take a picture is any ones guess.

Guy Mariano Set Somewhere in Fort Worth

So after lighting up and getting off to a great start on the trip Friday night the crew and I awoke to a 42 degree day, with windchill pushing the temperature down into the mid 30's. First thing we could come up with was a spot that might limit the amount of wind and actually give us a chance to warm up a little bit. The last time I was at this set of stairs waxing them and breaking them in was just an idea. You will notice a little bank to bank on either side of the set making the get in and get out have that little something extra. The kids in Fort Worth look like they have been working on this spot for a while as no wax was needed to get the clips that we shot as we fought off mother nature. If you have seen Lakai's Fully Flared you will notice that these are the stairs that Guy Mariano did the noseblunt slide nollie varial heel out on. Sounds ridiculous, just read that last statement. If you don't skateboard it looks like a foreign language, that's Guy for you, always expressing himself in a language all his own. Hence the come back part after a 10 year hiatus from professional skateboarding.

Introductions and Modelo

This is the conclusion of our first day on the four day three city trip. You can tell by the picture that everyone was still feeling fresh and accomplished. Not really sure how Dakota was introduced to Modelo as a beer of choice but needless to say, he loves it. Jeff Gilmer in the back there kept things high class at all times which was a breath of fresh air. Micheal Cross in the foreground as it tuned out was down to skate every spot over the next four days, which is a feat within itself. Everyone is stoked, isn't that what skateboarding trips are all about, we were feeling it at this point.

End of the 1st Night with a 3 Flat 2 Session

This isn't the first spot that we hit up in Dallas when we arrived there on Friday night but we did end up banging out a few good clips. We did have a small run in with Joe Citizen Hero exclaiming,"Do you guys have permission to do this?" as he cruised by us on his phone simulating a call to the authorities. Funny how his go to statement is one that you would use on students day in and day out. Awfully late for some coach to still be up at the school doing strange things. Shortly after a younger and more effeminate man came out of the building. I am not one to jump to conclusions but the context clues were all there for a possible homosexual rendezvous that might have been taking place inside the school. That of course was of no consequence to us as we continued to have our way with this double set. It took a gnarly cold front coming in, which in turn dropped the temperature 20 degrees in 20 minutes, to kill the session. One of my light stands went down and it cost me a bulb, it was worth it.

Last Minute Preparations...for the Team Trip

So, a few days before embarking on our adventure Dakota Roberson lets me know that he is down to his last pair of Etnies, of which he is on flow. I make a Monday night call to the warehouse for him, seeing if we could get him taken care of, and within 48 hours these four pairs of RVM's show up. We love the shoe so much I am going to see about an at once or prebook, Etnies is coming back strong. Have you noticed? So sick to see the exact "non-slip grip" silhoette of when I was a kid come back with a vulcanized sole and even a Mid. The black/ white Mid is particularly strong I would say. They definitely skated really well and Dakota never complained about them at all, which is strange, he has a sneaker problem, anyone who knows him would agree.

Those two other posts I promised...

So, here are those other links that are amazing on the Berrics. The first one is "Road to Romano" http://www.theberrics.com/dailyops.php?page=6 and the second is the photo gallery from the trip http://www.theberrics.com/gallery14.php and finally the last "Road from Romano" http://www.theberrics.com/dailyops.php?page=6 , so there was actually three more. Southside Skatepark would really like to give a big shout out to Steve Berra, Jason King, Donovan, Zach the Intern and Chris Roberts for coming out and helping us put Southside in the positive light that it is. Next year we need Eric Koston to come out and wreck shop, he did come out for a 4star tour just a week prior called Mapquest, but that is a story for another time.

The Entire BERRICS came out for the Johnny Ramono Skate Jam on 11.08.08. They helped us raise $100,081 in a single day for the Make a Wish Foundation. After the main event Steve Berra and Jason King came back with the interns to shoot a small piece on Southside Skatepark. Check out the five various pieces that they did on us at the following links.
Initial Interview "Field Ops" with Bigo
http://www.theberrics.com/dailyopspost.php?postid=574
"Bangin" with David Langston and Dakota Roberson
http://www.theberrics.com/dailyopspost.php?postid=573
"Buttery Ass Mondays-Skateland Security"
http://www.theberrics.com/dailyopspost.php?postid=545
Hope you liked those as much as we did, there are two more features but I am heading out on a team trip across Texas with David Langston, Dakota Roberson and Micheal Cross (subbing in for Ben Raybourn). I will post up those other two links later on, take care and talk to you again soon.