In Brief: Soldiers of Downhill 2011

Unfortunately I couldn’t make it out to Soldiers of Downhill, which went down this past weekend in Bainbridge, OH, but I’ve heard some great things and figured I’d share what little information I’ve learned through browsing the web and the guys over at Bustin’ who make the trek out to Ohio and competed in the legendary event. The event apparently went well once the weather cleared up yesterday and allowed the skating to get a lot faster and more competitive. From what I’ve heard, it ended up being a very fun, fast, and competitive day. On their way back to Brooklyn early this morning “King” Salomon Lang from Bustin’ tweeted me saying:

Soldiers of Downhill is prob the craziest thing I have done. And loved it all! @SkateTheEast

October 17, 2011 2:32 am via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@stayskatin

solomon la

He went on to post that the hill was absolutely insane, causing most to eat either some hay or asphalt. Probably the best quote from his post was how his respect for the downhill scene is growing by leaps and bounds. Pretty cool to see how the NYC push scene is breaking out and starting to dominate in downhill and freeride as well.

“Everyone who tackled this hill is INSANE! My respect for the DH scene increases with each event and my need for speed grows with it. I’m so stoked for next years events! Speed or Cry!” – Solomon Lang

Then Mike Dallas of Bustin’ posted this morning talking a little about Bustin’s performance at the race. Team member Will Royce (who shredded at the Central MA Event) skated hard and earned a spot into the final heat, poised for what looked like a possible spot on the podium, when a nasty crash brought him back to 4th place. Overall it was still a very successful weekend for the Bustin’ Boards crew who also saw team rider Jeff Vyain take 2nd place at Adrenalina Plano, TX on Sunday.

The only results I could find were a quick comment on the Facebook Event that said:

1. Niko Desmarais
2. AJ Haiby
3. Jahcoop
4. Will Royce

If anyone has official results/people’s full names e-mail me (mike [at] skatetheeast.net) or comment on our Facebook page.

Below is a raw edit from a practice run showing Jester Hill and some of the gnarly pavement at the bottom. You can see how fast some of these runs can get in the video and with a pretty tight course I can only imagine how sweet some of the pack footage will be! I’ll update you guys as I learn more, until then, enjoy.

view original article here

Read more »

Sketch Skateboards Halloween Costume Jam — 11/5 Chesapeake, VA

Sktech Skateboards is hosting the Halloween Costume Jam on Indian Creek Road / Walston’s Lane in Chesapeake, VA at 1:00PM on November 5th (allowing you to get a little extra time in that expensive costume you bought for one night). The last event these guys held (on September 10th) drew in over 150 skaters, this one already has 59 confirmed guests on Facebook with lots of time left and more sure to come without RSVPing. Like the title says, it’s a costume jam, so you should dress to impress (although you should still be able to skate…), there is a prize for best costume, so make it count!

According to the Facebook Event the majority of the day will be a freeride skate jam with competitions and prizes at the end for furthest slide, best trick, and fastest downhill speed. There are a TON of sponsors (20 at my last count) which means prizes and prizes and prizes and prizes. A raffle will be held at the end of the awards to raffle off the rest of the garb so you could walk away with something sweet even if you don’t podium. Sponsors include: Sketch Skateboards, Original Skateboards, Bustin’ Boards, Longboard Loft NYC, Surf_Rodz, Loaded Boards, Orangatang, Seesmic, Acadia Longboards (who co-hosted the last event in the Chesapeake area on September 10th), and a ton more.

Helmet and gloves are required, as always. Longboards only for competition, although all are welcome to come, jam and spectate.

view original article here

Read more »

Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor Surf & Music Festival 2011

Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor Surf & Music Festival 2011
October 29-31, 2011
Baler, Aurora

This October 29-31, 2011, Aloha Boardsports and Travel Factor bring to you the biggest surfing event
of the year!

Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor
Surf & Music Festival 2011

Get ready for an action-packed weekend featuring two of modern life’s greatest things: surf and music! It’s gonna be a surf fest as Aloha Boardsports team riders Okoy Rojo, Jeff Dela Torre, Saddam Faraon, Nikki Dela Paz, Buji Libarnes and Mike Oida teach you the 101′s of surfing. With some of the best Filipino surfers as your instructors, you’ll be riding the waves of Baler in no time!

And if you think you got skills already, take on Travel Factor’s SURFVIVOR Challenge IV, the first and original beginner surfing competition in the Philippines. Awesome prizes await the winners!

And of course, the music. Prep your ears for some serious beats as some of the finest DJs keep the beach scene pumping. We’ve got your every night covered! Featuring performances from Franco, Wolfgang, Razorback, Tropical Depression, Coffee Break Island, Enemies of Saturn, and many more! Sabang Beach will never be the same.

And if that’s not awesome enough, we’ve still got some more! Learn how to throw and catch a disc and then some at our Ultimate Frisbee clinic. And if you’re up for adventures on wheels, check out our mountain bike tour of Baler. It’s gonna be an epic weekend.

All roads lead to Baler! See you at the festival!

Sponsored and supported by Tourism Aurora, the local government of Baler, the House of Representatives, Havaianas and Billabong.

*The “Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor Surf & Music Festival 2011? is EXCLUSIVELY offered by Travel Factor. For bookings and complete packaged tours, please visit www.travelfactor.org or email tours@travelfactor.org

PACKAGE RATE
P3,600 per head – Fan Room
P4,200per head – Aircon Room
P5,400per head – Premium Room

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
- Roundtrip Chartered Transfers: Manila – Baler – Manila
- 3D/2N accommodation
- Surf & Music Festival 2011 Pass
- 1 Surf Lesson with Instruction and Board Rental
- Daily Breakfast
- Travel Factor ID and Lanyard
- Travel Factor Event Shirt
- Tote Bag and Freebies from Sponsors
- Free! Welcome BBQ Lunch

ITINERARY
TBA

BOOKING AND RESERVATION GUIDELINES
* Book & Buy Policy. First come, first serve basis.
* No regform, No reservation. To reserve, please fill-out registration form then send to
tours@travelfactor.org
Subject: SMF 2011 – REGISTRATION (October 29-31, 2011)
* Then you will receive thru email account details where to deposit payment (BPI). For group
reservations, please send your registration forms in one file & email.
* Full payment must be settled within the agreed timeframe. Should you need extension, please
coordinate with Travel Factor
* The payments made to us are only refundable if we cancel due to weather issues or fortuitous events.
* Non-refundable but transferable to other person. Travel Factor must be notified asap or at least 5 days
before the trip. In this case, the “proxy” must fill-out and submit registration form.
FOR INQUIRIES/COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS
email your concerns to tours@travelfactor.org with your name and contact number

Subject: SMF 2011 – INQUIRIES (October 29-31, 2011)or contact TEAM TF +632-7465119 ,
+632-9642527 , +63917-8475341

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

http://travelfactor.org/TF2010-REGFORM.xls

AVAILABLE SLOTS at www.travelfactor.org and check out the official Facebook page here.

DISCLAIMER
Recommended for fun-loving & adventurous people who would like to meet new friends while
travelling. All participants must be of good health condition. Prior experience with surfing is not
required. Non-swimmers can also join.

*LokalSoul.com is a proud media sponsor of the Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor Surf & Music Festival 2011

view original article here

Read more »

Marco Simoncelli: died in MotoGP crash at Sepang

Marco Simoncelli, a rising MotoGP star, died Sunday at the same Malaysian circuit where the Italian won the 250cc world title in 2008. He was 24.

Nicknamed "Super Sic" and sporting a mop of curly hair, Simoncelli was predicted by many to be a future MotoGP world champion. He died a week after Indianapolis 500winner Dan Wheldon was killed in a 15-car accident in the IndyCar finale at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Simoncelli lost control of his Honda at Turn 11 four minutes into the Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang. After regaining partial grip, Simoncelli's bike swerved across the track — and into the path of American Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi of Italy.

"Marco was a strong rider and he always pushed hard," said Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso of Italy. "We raced together since we were kids, I saw him always pushing to the maximum, he crashed many times, but without major injuries, he seemed invincible. What happened today seems impossible."

Rossi had been one of the first riders to praise Simoncelli's desire to win.

"Going into a duel with him is like going into a fight with someone bigger than you," Rossi said. "You know he's going to take you."

Rossi posted a message on Twitter later Sunday praising his friend.

"Sic for me was like a younger brother, as strong on the track as he was sweet in life," Rossi wrote. "I still can't believe it. I will miss him a lot."

Simoncelli was born on Jan. 20, 1987, in Cattolica in eastern Italy. He developed a passion for the sport at a young age and started racing in the Minibike Championships when he was 7.

He won the European 125cc title in 2002, the same year in which he made his debut in the 125cc World Championship, moving to the global competition full time the following season.

Simoncelli finished 21st that year but improved in 2004, when he moved up to 11th and earned his first win — the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

In 2005, Simoncelli joined the Nocable.it Race team. He won in Jerez again and totaled six podium finishes, ending the season — and his time in 125cc — in fifth place.

Simoncelli had an unimpressive start to his career in the 250cc class.

Riding for Gilera, he finished 10th in his first two seasons, with his best showing a sixth place in 2006. He finished seventh twice in 2007.

Everything changed the following year when Simoncelli won the 250cc world title despite crashing out on the first two races of the season. He clinched the title with a third-place finish at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

His title defense was hampered by a hand injury that kept him out of the first race. Despite six victories that year, Simoncelli finished third.

Simoncelli moved to MotoGP in 2010. His best result in his debut season was fourth in Portugal, and he ended the year in eighth place.

"We are deeply saddened at the passing of Marco Simoncelli. He was one of the most charismatic figures in the World Championship and had a fantastic future ahead of him in MotoGP," Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Jeff Belskus said in a statement. "Marco was one of the most popular riders at the MotoGP event at Indianapolis, as his talent on the motorcycle and his ability to connect with fans both were very special. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, team and fans."

The young rider was thought to be a possible surprise contender this season but had experienced a difficult year following several crashes. He finished on the podium twice, third in the Czech Republic and second a week ago in Australia.

Simoncelli's manager, Carlo Pernat, believes the youngster would have gone on to great things.

"Marco was a cheery boy, everyone's friend," Pernat said. "He had expectations, dreams. He was a boy from days gone by, with a wonderful family who taught him good values. It's terrible, there are no words, everyone's very upset, he could have become world champion one day.

"He had this desire to get to the top, it was really inside him, there was this desire for success because he knew he could have it."

The collision between Marco Simoncelli, Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards took place only mintues after the race had begun.

Paolo Simoncelli, Marco's father, is consoled at a medical center where the rider was taken following the crash. 

Deepest condolences to the Family of Paolo Simoncelli.

Source

Read more »

Sector 9 Longboards

We all know how popular Sector 9 longboards are these days. Based out of San Diego, CA, theyhave been manufacturing longboards since the early 1990s.  In addition their the biggest longboarding brand in the game and have a large variety of boards that cater to all the disciplines. Whether you want to carve or cruise or downhill, Sector 9 probably has a board for you.

It seems they have gotten a somewhat tarnished image recently from being so commercialized and being available in all the malls. Just because a lot of people have them doesn’t make them bad boards. Every Sector 9 I’ve used is great and I have quite a few buddies who rip theres no problem. One of my buddies has the Sector 9 Kommi which is an awesome downhill board and is really great at carving. If your a beginner looking to longboard you can’t go wrong with picking one up.

Sector 9 Kommi Longboard

One of the models I really enjoyed was the Goddess of Speed which is part of their carving series. Its nice and long and the concave is great keeping you locked in for hard carving and slides. It’s one of the many pintail style boards Sector 9 has and it’s an extremely responsive board. If your looking for something shorter in length definitely look into the Joel Tudor model or the Cosmic Sun. Both are great for city riding where you need to make tight turns to avoid those pedestrians.

Sector 9 Cosmic Longboard

Now I’m going to be honest here and say I’m not a huge fan of Sector 9′s wheels. There are some that are great such as the race formula series and the goddess of speed. When it comes to choosing longboard wheels I’d try and stick with some Zigzags/Bigzigs or even the recent Orangatangs by Loaded. Also if you picked up a stock setup from a store like West 49 or something, definitely think about changing out the bearings for Bones Reds or something of similar quality. Decent bearings along with wheels will really help improve your ride.

Overall it’s hard to find bad things about all the Sector 9 longboards I’ve tried. If your a newbie looking to get a board check em out because they are cheap yet good quality. It’s a great buy if your not totally sure about longboarding yet and don’t want to drop the money on a more expensive brand.

View the original article here

Read more »

Longboard Buying Guide

Getting your first longboard is a big deal. Theres so many different kinds of boards it definitely can be overwhelming trying to choose one. This guide will go over all the basics to longboarding tech such as flex, concave and length to help you make a good decision when the time comes.

So a longboard is super long right?

Wrong. Longboards come in all shapes and sizes and some are even shorter than your regular short board. It’s more about a combination of things, especially the wheels which are soft and usually larger (60mm+). The larger size allows you to go faster and roll over cracks and rocks easier. The trucks are also important since there wide and can turn a lot better than a shortboard.

You have to figure out where your going to be riding and what size longboard will actually be practical. If your looking for a campus cruiser definitely look at something under 40 inches as the smaller size will be easier to carry and ride around pedestrians with. Longboards under 35 inches are going to be super responsive and twitchy which is great for thrashing about but can be a pain for a beginner to learn on.

Board Characteristics

Flex: Flex is basically how much the board gives underneath your weight. There are longboards that range from completely stiff (the Landyachtz Evo and the Sector 9 Bomb Hills) to super flexy (the Loaded Dervish and Vanguard). Flex is a personal prefrence and really depends on the type of longboarding your going to be doing. If your looking to do downhill then go for a stiff board and if your looking to pump around town then go for a board with some flex. I personally love a board with a nice snappy flex to it such as the Insect Mosquito or Rayne Hustler, which are great fun to carve and pump with.

Deck Design: The design of your deck greatly how it rides. Topmounts such as the Sector 9 Cosmic series are great for carving and getting around the city on since most have a kicktail making it ideal for riding the sidewalks. Also know that the wider the board is, the more leverage you’ll gain for turning making it easier to slide.

Concave: Most longboards are either flat or concave. A board with concave has a U shape to it when looking at it from eye level. This shape allows you to keep your feet locked in while doing hard carves and slides. It’s definitely a nice thing to have concave, I feel it really allows you ride more aggresively especially when carving and doing downhill. (Some boards with concave are the Landyachtz Evo, Sector 9 Kommi, and Rayne Nemesis).

Basically there are lots of great boards out there to choose from. It all depends on what discipline of riding your interested in and how comfortable you are on the board. Definitely go for a longer board starting out, it’ll make learning go that much easier to keep you stoked. Remember you get what you pay for so don’t skimp out on a cheap board. Also many local skate shops don’t carry a good selection of longboard gear, usually it’s the basic Sector 9 or Gravity longboards which are good but it’s nice to see what else is out there too. I recommend looking at online retailers such as Daddiesboardshop, Pipelinesurf orMileHighSkates to name a few.

Anyway heres a basic list of categories and the longboards I feel would excel for that situation.

Campus Cruisers: Loaded Ceviche, Ladera Purple Heart, Sector 9 Rasta N8V, Sector 9 Juel Tudor, Gravity Bruce Logan, Landyachtz Bamboo Dingy

Carving and Cruising: Loaded Dervish and Vanguard, Gravity Hypercarve, Landyachtz Urban Assault, Rayne Hustler, Rayne Timeline, Rayne Nemesis, Sector 9 Goddess of Speed, Earthwing Superglider, Earthwing Widerglider, Insect Mosquito

Downhill: Landyachtz Evo, Landyachtz DH Race, Rayne Nemesis, Rayne Hellcat, Rayne Demonseed, Rayne Avenger, Sector 9 Bomb Hills, Sector 9 Kommi, Insect Lightning Bug, Insect Firefly, Kebbek (all of them)

Sliding: Earthwing Bigfoot Drifter, Earthwing Corchia, Gravity Segio Yuppie

View the original article here

Read more »