Alex Todd really planted on this eggplant
Words and Photos by RancerStank
Local crew and hometown shop events are the backbone of skateboarding. They are what the entire industry was built on, and still act as an on-ramp to the various parts of what make up the bigger picture. These events get kids into skating. They lift up the next generation of locals, and give the hometown heroes a chance to shred. It’s a moment to show appreciation for the people that make up a community of skaters. They allow shops to give back to their customers, coaches see their students’ progress, and that creates opportunities to highlight the various talents inside of the community.
That’s my favorite thing about skating. Every community is so unique and amazing. They are all filled with incredible skaters and fascinating individuals. That’s why I always make sure to hit local skate shops in my travels. Jeff Gaites, owner of Uncle Funky’s Boards, is one of these special and fascinating people. I make sure to stop in and say hi to every time I’m in the West Village of New York City.
Making what seems like a tough judgement call
Boy, am I glad I did on this trip. He let me know that the NYC Skateboarding Coalition’s NYC Pool Series at Pier 62 Skatepark was going down that Saturday, and I just happened to still be in the city. So, naturally that means I’d be there with the photo gear. I rolled not knowing a soul (so I thought), and got set up while the women’s and youth’s divisions were already underway. The host, founder of Substance Skatepark in Brooklyn, was rocking an all-white suit splattered with paint while keeping the crowd hyped on the future of skating. When he had a brief pause, I quickly introduced myself, said Uncle Funky sent me, and got to work.
It’s a special thing to be accepted into the fold as an outsider to a community, but that’s what makes skating special. We all quickly find common ground focused on the love of being on the board. For a moment, I was a member of this skating community. One, like those all over the world that had to come together without big brand support to make a contest happen. Local shops and brands, in a city even a big as New York were the companies keeping this crucial element of skating alive.
Lou Escobar exercising her right to get gnar
While this does sound a bit discouraging, I saw hope in how connected these communities are becoming. Shops are propping each other up, skaters from all over the world are showing up for these events, and skaters are showing up for people all over the world. The winner of the women’s division was 16-year-old Columbian skater, Lou Escobar, who really showed out with her FS Indy Norths in the deep end. Stepan Zvrych, a Ukrainian refugee, came and tore the bowl up. The other skaters really showed love by handing him product they just won to make sure he has the things he needs.
Sharkdog getting wild in the bowl with a nice lien to tail
Long time regulars Ryan Monihan and SharkDog showed out to remind everyone how to skate a bowl, but in the end Tyler Yuraszeck took the day. He masterfully skated the bowl on several runs, along with some where he barely held on to his ass. The skating was great. This community was making it happen, with the support of small and local brands. I didn’t think I had any connection to this community, until Alex Todd and I realized that over a year ago I took a picture of him at LES. That just shows how skateboarding really is all one community. So, let’s keep making all this happen.
Winner’s circle
Mame Fremah Bonsu getting stylish on this BS 5-0
Lou Escobar really dipping that smith
Watch out, we’re everywhere…