What started as a brainstorm between myself and EJ Griffin of Nollie’s Taco Joint in Carolina Beach, NC turned into something truly special. With the help of Carrie Klutz from Coastal Accounting and an incredible outpouring of community and industry support, this year’s Nollie’s Street Style Jam became so much more than a skate contest—it became a mission.
Being that EJ and myself are lifer’s of the board, EJ had a vision to block off the street in front of Nollie’s and host a raw, 80’s style street jam. The ingredients for this include a car to skate, an 8 foot tall x 8 foot wide quarter pipe, and oh wait, EJ has an old satellite dish that was thrown in the mix as well. Throw in some bank ramps, a long flat bar and you’re guaranteed a good time!
As we were planning the event, our good friend Jacob Venditti began sharing his journey toward needing a double lung transplant due to his ongoing battle with cystic fibrosis. Jacob is a local skater/surfer and the founder of the Live Fearlessly Foundation. We knew then that this year’s event had to be for him.
And what a day it was: Over 50 skateboarders brought the heat and entered the contest.
A stage was set for 4 bands to rock out during the day with 458, Mania For Conquest, The Temp Agency, and Mania for Conquest featuring Dougie Death, Ben P, with Talba and Brownie from Shred Crust!
Nollie’s had tacos, beer, and margarita’s flowing all day! Cheney Brothers Foods and Master Chef Connor Lock were on a beast of a grill cooking up some serious skarfing material.
Let’s talk about the ripping that went down and the legends that showed up. The skating was off the charts! The carcass toss over the car was a crowd pleaser. Even the girls and groms were going for it! After 6 packed heats, it came down to the top 10 in the finals. Mike Fava was a machine and took the top spot.
1st – Mike Fava
2nd – Ronnie O’Neal
3rd – Cavan McCauly
4th – Cameron Schaffer
5th – Dylan O’Neal
6th – Russel Hansen
7th – Rodney Jones
8th – Sturgil Horn
9th – Eben Gunther
10th – Coley Martin
Russell Hansen – 360 Flip Tailgrab over the car
Chet Childress, Sam Hitz, Andy Howell, Reggie Barnes, Eric Hunt, Scotty Moore and John Fudala were all in the house and stoked on all the ripping.
Once the contest was done, everyone headed over to The Sand Spur with Herbie from Valient Thor aka DJ Valient Himself spinning records, The Girls, Evening Shadows, and Yule Doom closing out the night.
Trey Womble on the mic
When all was said and done, we raised $7,150 to support Jacob’s transplant journey.
This may have been the best contest I’ve ever had the honor to help set up and run. THANK YOU to everyone who showed up, skated, played, donated, and helped us turn this idea into impact.
Words by Trey Womble. Photos by Clinton Perry, Jeremy Lange and Josh Dunn. Video by Malia Womble.
Mania for Conquest
Griffin Faulkner Transfer of Death
Cavan McCauley Kickflip grab over car
Planted with the cops watching
Griffin Faulkner – Kickflip Backside Disaster
Eben Guenthner – 180
Duke Tansey – Drop in off the Death Wall
Malia Womble – Bertleman