After the Hometown Heroes, I head back down to the village to talk to some of the vendors. One of the last booths down tent row is the crew from Bamboo Sk8. I had just by chance happened by their website a few days ago. From what I learned from their site they are building boards out of Bamboo and pushing the eco thing. I met Geoff and Ron. I ask them what’s up with Bamboo Sk8.
“Our boards are 100% bamboo, there’s no filler, no maple all bamboo deck. There are four layers of bamboo in different directions, some horizontal, and some vertical. Bamboo is very sustainable, it grows 2-4 feet per day,” said Geoff.
Geoff said, “Modern decks are made from maple, which grows 40-60 years before they mature, they are cut down with chain saws dragged off-site and milled in Canada or the Pacific Northwest. They’re shipped to either Mexico and Asia, stripped down, made into boards and then they’re shipped all the way back.”
He continues, “Our bamboo decks are stronger than maple. They’re cut down with an ax and four to five shoots will grow in its place, it re-grows really fast—about 2-4 feet per day and gives about 35% more oxygen to the world than does maple. Environmental-wise, you can’t beat bamboo. Don’t be surprised to see some very hot-selling brands using Bamboo Sk8 decks in 2009.”
Next to the Bamboo Sk8 Booth there are a couple 6’ flat rails for the kids to skate. I sat for awhile and watch an impromptu best trick jam take place. I for some reason take pleasure in watching the kids’ boards shoot out into the crowds, nipping some poor, unsuspecting person in the back of the foot. The unlucky victim instantly hits the deck and clutches their ankles, grimacing in pain. Good times. I imagine some day there might even be a reality show based on this phenomenon. I can see it now—When Skateboards Attack.
I think I drank too many Red Bulls.
I cruise over to check out what all the hoopla is about over at the EA Skate It booth. They have huge plasma panels demoing the latest version of Skate 2, which allows users to compete in a virtual Etnies’ GvR competition.
According to the pamphlet they gave me, “Skate 2 delivers all the grit, creativity and culture of skateboarding. It allows users to get off their board and move objects to create and share their ultimate skate spots”. It’s somewhat ironic that kids are lined up to watch someone play a skating game when 200 yards away some of the best pros in the sport are warming up on the skatepark. Kids?!
A few booths away from the CORE tent I meet Mike Rogers. Rogers is a pro skater and 2-time cancer survivor who is representing his non-profit organization, Grind for Life.
“Grind for life is about raising awareness and educating people about cancer survival. We are helping to raise funds to help people with medical needs absorb some of the costs of traveling long distances,” he tells me. “If you know anyone in need, check out Grind for Life.org.”
By the way, Mike skated the Bowl with the Grand Masters and tore it up, placing 14th.
— Chris Eudaley
