CORE Action sent our man in Florida, Scooter Newell to cover the festivities surrounding the Florida Hall of Fame of Skateboarding. While Scooter does report for us often, we are in no way responsible for his activities…
Buck Smith and Martin Ramos.
The Florida Chapter of the Skateboard Hall of Fame inductions happened at the Skate Park of Tampa on Feb 7, 2009. The whole event was mellow and yet one of the best I have attended at SPoT. As always, Brian, Ryan, Rob, and Barak hosted a great time.
The Skateboard Hall of Fame 2009 Inductees:
Chuck Dinkins
Mike Rogers
Robbie Weir
Buck Smith
Chris West
Reggie Barnes
It seems that I always see T-Red from FTK on my way into these things lately. Anyway, he had to meet up with President Barack Obama to discuss the new White House ad rates for the next issue, so he was off to some high dollar dinner with the secret service. I ventured in and made my way to the bowl warehouse and saw a heated session getting underway.
Clements passing out beast for Bucks Induction.
Chris Baucom doesn’t look like he lost a beat with fast grinds and smooth lip tiricks. Martin Ramos from Kona was huckin’ BS ollies over the hip. Roberto Cortez “Bowly” was ripping with some fast grinds and mad speedlines. Buck Smith was just that, Buck Smith. Killing every wall freight train style. Kelly Lynn from Soul Trip threw down some sick lines of grinds and hip ollies. Mike Rogers from Grind for Life was throwing down back to back corner carvin 50-50s. Dave Bamdas from Lambretta was ripping with the unique layback tricks to axle, to tail to whatever.
Mike Rogers Hall of Fame 09.
Wil Cox was in the house and one of the only Floridians that rocks the true Texas Plant! The contest went down for 40 and up and it was sick. Ryan Clements was on the mic and Barak headed a panel of judges for this friendly controlled jam format.
I shot some footy during the event so check back to check the checkable footy.
Next was the practice for the 30-39 division. Ryan Clements was throwin’ down the badass back D’s to revert and then some. Craig Dupree was killing the place with every trick you can think of. Shaefer was bustin’ those back T’s that he does so well—when knuckleheads weren’t droppin’ in on him.
Old Chuck Dinkins ad from ’87.
I walked outside to get a burger and saw Mike McGill on the vert ramp. I had to watch, seeing as how I don’t think I had ever seen McGill skate live. He had the gnar smithverts, that Mcgill Mute that he has was there. He even spun a couple of 540s but I don’t know if he landed any. Mark Wilson was skating with him as well.
I talked to Mark Lake who was watching Wilson and he remarked about how he was skating in South Florida a bunch and is still doing the Lake Skateboards gig on the side and underground.
After the awards for the 2 bowl jams, the inductions began. Each inductee was introduced by a close friend or mentor. Among the inductors was Bruce Walker, Martin Ramos, and Wil Cox.
Chuck Dinkins is a class act. “I am humbled to be in this room with all of you”, he said as he accepted his induction from Bruce Walker. Martin Ramos gave a long
Hall of Famers 09.
Robbie Weirs buddy explained how the early South Miami scene would not have been what it was without RW. Chris West was more than stoked and had us rolling with laughs. And one of skateboarding’s true heroes from North Carolina, Reggie Barnes CEO of Eastern Skateboard Supply and Ocean Avenue Distribution was inducted along with these Floridians due to his influence in the Florida scene.
The Hall of Famer’s hung around for pictures, autographs, beers and handshakes. I snagged a photo of Bruce Walker off the wall and asked for an autograph. Mission Accomplished. See you at the next one.
Lonny Reiter and Mark Lake.
Reggie Barnes and Bruce Walker looking back.
Chris Baucom, Grayslide.
Clements giving Dinkins the “Slam Award”.
Buck Smith HOF09.
Bruce Walker signing.
Bowly over the hip.
Buck Smith watching his intro video.
Ryan and Dave Adams.
Mike McGill inverted over tampa.
