Dani Regli. Absolut.

S T R E E T B O A R D M A G A Z I N E # 2

NASS 2008World Championships

Eric Brun profile

Belgium X Beach Report

Mallorca Surf Action Sports contest

Nov

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It’s been another great summer for the sport. With contests and events throughout the world, people are starting to talk about streetboarding. The presiding event of the year, the Relentless Nass Worlds Streetboard Championships, was a huge success and drew a massive audience. Check out the full report and exclusive coverage on page 22. Also in this issue, the Belgium X Beach demo, and the Broken Bones Tour stop off in Mallorca. If its street skating you’re into, Dani Regli recently took a trip to London. In between sleeping in bushes and cycling through traffic, he managed to snatch a couple of hours of skating. Pictures and interview on page 12.

NEWS

Most likely you will be reading this at or shortly after the UK Streetboard Nationals 08, happening on the 13th December. May we say congratulations to the victor and commiserations to you who slammed oh so hard, hope you have a quick recovery. There have been a few exciting developments on the hardware front. Pipo Grosso’s board company, Grosso Boards, has now attained a licence to distribute their products all over the world. Their full range of boards are now available in the USA and should shortly be available throughout Europe. Dimension Streetboards of California are set to release a brand new range of boards, which will be the first ever true pro model signature streetboards. Our sources are telling us there will be two models, one from Gotthard Pilsner and one from Sergi Nicolas. Talking of Sergi Nicolas, he has been

extremely busy. As well as running his Drop-inn shop, he has also somehow found the time to open Barcelona’s first indoor skatepark in collaberation with Gabi Muñoz. Now, on the few days that it actually rains in Barcelona, you can carry on skating at El Chubasquero, which comes with a small bar attached to it. Watch this space for news of a Streetboard contest there soon.Sergi Nicolas’ Pro model shoe from British Knights will be launched in 2009. Check out the advert in this issue, they look fresh. Make sure you support the companies supporting streetboarding and grab yourself a pair. Drop-inn shop are currently finishing filming their debut video, to be released in early 2009. You can get a flavour for what to expect by checking out streetboarding.com Streetboard-uk.com is back up and running, and is the place to go to get the latest info on streetboard happenings across the UK. In 2009 there are a whole host of nationwide events planned including jams, contests and streetboard schools. Sign up to their mailing list on the site or join the facebook group. Talking of Facebook, make sure you become a fan of Red Pen Streetboard Magazine. The True Skool have just announced that their real street contest, Urban Masters, will be rearing its cement embelished head once again in 2009. They are looking for a late march/early April date, weather permitting. Check thetrueskool.co.uk for more info nearer the time.Isamel Calvo was due to have an interview in this issue, but unfortunately he broke his wrist whilst filming. We hope to feature him in a future issue.

EditorialFoundersJay Nowman///Sam Cooke///Stefan Tribe

Graphics///Layout///Colour correction///Principle photographerStefan Tribe

Contributing PhotographersTilo Grupp///Matt Jacobs///Colin Horan///Joan Perramon

CommunicationJay Nowman info@redpenmag.com

Staff writer///Text editorSam Cooke

Contributing WritersGabi Muñoz///Jay Nowman

Web designerPete Dunsby

CoverEric Brun F/S smith BarcelonaPhoto///Joan Perramon

Current mini ramp champion Max Maier has upped and left the Ositos HQ in Germany, and is currently residing on his own farm in the south of France. He’s currently cut off from all technology. The only way to get in touch with him is by mail. Expect his hand penned articles to appear in forthcoming issues.

Hope you enjoy this issue. Expect issue 3 in spring of 2009, and in the mean time check out these websites for up to the minute and late breaking news. Streetboarding.com thetrueskool.co.uk streetboard-uk.com highland-streetboards.com dayonebrand.com onlystreet.com flipsideboards.co.uk pivoting-souls.com ositos.eu

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Belgium Koksijde

To My Dear Friend,

I hope that this letter finds you in as good spirits as I. My good friends and I are currently resting our bones on the deck of the finest vessel that I have ever laid eyes on. We have just spent the most glorious weekend on the continent and it is a shame to be heading home so soon. It all started last Friday when three young fellows, Jon White, Alex Wheeler and Simon Johns, met me at St John’s Wood Underground Station. They hastily jumped into my motorcar, for fear

of missing the boat, and we were soon Dover bound. Stefan Tribe, my buddy from the True Skool Estate, joined us on route for what was sure to be a memorable voyage. The waters were calm and the moon was high for our crossing, giving us

the most spectacular views of both the White Cliffs and of Calais. Soon we found ourselves on French soil, whizzing through the countryside bound for Belgium. Upon arrival we headed for the nearest tavern, quickly ordering Belgium’s finest brew to quench our parched throats. As the clock struck 12 four more of our compatriots arrived; The Honourable Colin Horan of Day One fame, Paul Nash, Andy Garret and Josh Newman, all of Flipside Manor.Our host, Frederik Lamote, was unavoidably delayed. It mattered not though, for we had come prepared with sleeping bags. That night the sand dunes were to be our beds and the stars our roof. I was awoken by Sergi Nicolas, the most spritely of lads, whom proceeded to drag my whiskey-laden head

Alex Wheeler. Bluntslide Sergi Nicolas. B/S meloncholly transfer flat

The view from the hotel room

but once again it was Señor Nicolas who stole the show. He hoisted himself airborne to the rafters whilst spinning backside 720 over two pipes of the quart variety, straight onto the in-slope- Bravo!Like true gentlemen, a vote was called as to our next move. It was decided that we would join the festivities of a local town. Curious folk filled the streets through which we wandered, whence we came across a mechanical fire breathing horse! A mechanical horse I tell you! The aforementioned Frederik then took us to a place where we could rest our weary selves, drink and be merry.This morning it was time once again for our heavy heads to be dragged to the stage, but not before Stef and I took a dip in the refreshing salt waters of the Belgian coast. Andy Garret made a great play with his rodeo in the pipe of quart - not out! Colin Horan shone with a breathtaking monologue of backside nosegrinds 180 out, as did Simon Johns with Noseslide pretzels on the cusp of the rail. Tired though I was, I knew the show must go on. I entertained on the stairs with a few 540 twists and backside

down to the most spiffing Street stage I have ever seen. The locals were gathered all around, eagerly awaiting the start of this World Travelling Streetboard Show. Sergi Nicolas astounded the crowds with his amazing stunts, riding whichever stance he pleased; switch bluntslides; switch frontside noseslides; 180 switch frontside feebles; 180 switch 5.0’s 180 out and even a backside 270 switch back boardslide! It was then time for the interval, which came with oranges to suckle on for all. We then were joined by our Esteemed French counterparts; Chris Bellet, creator of the infamous Christobell Biérres, Hadrien Rafaelli, Theo Jasmin, Simon Lebar and Xavier Reverso.

As is now customary I took the role of narrator for the second act, amusing Stef and myself along the way with some new fangled London slang. Monsieur Bellet took control of the stage, floating backside noseblunt pretzels as long as the river Thames herself. Then Theo stepped into the limelight with 540 grabs that almost made me drop my brand new Oom Paul pipe. Paul Nash and Josh Newman graced the stairs with bellowing airs and Jon White The Mysterious baffled the crowds with Illusions on the most unlikely of objects. Alas the rain started to fall, so we headed for shelter in the most stupendous free indoor facility I have ever seen. Chris Bellet left no trick unturned on the mini bend,

grips. However there were two whippersnappers who impressed these tired old eyes the most. The young Alex Wheeler is truly growing into a fine gent, what with his bluntslides, rail puppetry and his coping skulduggery. Hadrien was the other, he touched every object with impeccable manners; backside 540; 180 switch 5.0 reverts and 180 switch frontside nosegrinds to boot! The victor however was always clear, with Sergi Nicolas taking home a fistful of foreign notes, adding to his credentials as the most superior Streetboard player of them all. I can’t express my gratitude to you enough for the help that Frederik and also the young Haers gave in putting on the most memorable weekend that I will cherish forever!Pray you join us next year for the wild times we know as X-beach, Belgium. I hope to hear from you dreckly.

Yours trulyGentleman Jim

P.S All accompanying photographic plates kindly donated by my kind friend Stefan Tribe.

Jay Nowman. Half-cab front nosegrind revert

Andy Garrett. Tumble turn.

Mallorca Surf Action SportsContest 2008.Saturday 28th, Mallorca. The Beach wakes up with the overwhelming sound of some chilling waves and a sun that rose calmly in a pale blue sky with no clouds. Wind was blowing tired. Some of the staff were struggling to end up in time some repairs at the wakeboard course and the half pipe: the night before, while the most of us were having party till 05.00, pools broke and flooded part of the half pipe.None of the streetboarders woke up early that morning. It was twelve o’clock already when some of the guys were showing up, Alex Wheeler and Dhay showed up first. Cristian, Eric, and Bote followed them. Sergi and Gabi were starting to climb the Vert stairs in order to begin the midday show while Thomas Kienle and Pipo Grosso were doing some naughty videos with girls in the beach. At one p.m. started the 15 minutes training before the contest took place. Some nice tech tricks where showed off by Hadrien Raffelli and Xavier from france, Hadrien pulled a nice fs blundslide down the grindbox. The Spanish young revelations also played a remarkable role: Bote was trying to land his first rodeos in the launch box and trying hard transfers, one of them ended up fatal with 13 dots in his left leg. He ended up injured by the second round (they sew his leg by 13 neddle points). Eric Brun showed some spectacular bs mutes in the flying coping transfer and unwritable combos on a quarter. Always emphasizing style in his performance, big hardcore stuff was executed by this rider who jumped from the top of the wall-ride

(13 feet) to a 6 feet quarter. Bernat Pomerol impressed the judges with some upsidedown stuff. Several fs 540’s were landed as well as fs rodeos making clear he lands them whenever he wants.The English guys also made their sound. Crowds cheered powerfully the combos I can’t remember myself done by Alex Wheeler at both wall-ride and quarters. Dai made an exellent ride showing all the bmx’rs that it is, indeed a wise decision to jump from a bike into a streetboard. He showed everyone how (within a very short time) a bmx’r can attempt to land tricks such as backflips at the launchbox. Time for Thomas Kienle, and he surprised the crowds with a round

in which he rode fast and clean, clearing the most of the modules in the skatepark, something almost everyone forgot that day. His line was consistent and joyful to the judges.Pipo Grosso, was risking his podium place due to his 4th position at vert. He did awesome. He also cleared almost all the modules at the park doing uncountable rodeo transfers everywhere, and huge disasters in the quarter’s copings.Gabi Muñoz did some risky performance clearing absolutely all of the modules at the park. Starting with a fast transfer over the wall-ride, a huge backflip transfer over the 15feet launchbox’s gap, and bs crooking the whole 6 feet flat grindbox.Sergi Nicolas ended the competition leaving to the cameras some very big and stylish stuff such as the massive bs180 over the 15feet gap, unthinkable transfers between the wall-ride and side quarters, and lipesliding the flying rail held between two quarters. That way ended Mallorca Surf Action ’08 competition, leaving the following results at the street park:Sergi NicolasGabi MuñozPipo grossoThomas KienleAll these riders were apparently drawing with vert results, but as we promised, Vert marks were weaker than street ones so the FINAL RESULTS remained as follows:

First Sergi Nicolas 300 EurosSecond Gabi Muñoz 200 EurosThird Pipo Grosso 100 Euros

After the afternoon show, all the buddies celebrated the festival party organised at the club “Abraxas” till late at night except Gabi who remained working till eight o’clock in the morning and Alex and Dai, who did not make it to the club. That way concluded the first Mallorca Surf Action Streetboard Contest during the summer of 2008. Prizes were given to some, and laughs were taken by everyone at all the parties celebrated throughout the three nights. Fun was granted and girls were seen all over the place during one of the most warm competitions ever.Gabi Muñoz

Sergi Nicolas - Frontside Tail Grab

Gabi Muñoz - Frontside Air

Gabi Muñoz - Backflip Sergi Nicolas - Frontside Air

His interpretation of streetboarding has transported technical tricks to an otherworldly state. Watching him in person as he rolls away from one mind bender after another with consummate ease really does his riding justice and his collection of tricks will leave you sliding down the wall desperate for a glass of water. Dani has taken all he can from the experience of streetboarding assimilating each and every situation with a beaming unfazed positivity and giving back much more besides. He’ll make the room a brighter place, he’ll also make it spin uncontrollably.

Interview conducted by Jay Nowman and Stefan Tribe. Interjection by Little Chris.

Intro by Sam Cooke

Who are your sponsors? Actually, I don’t know ha ha. No really I don’t, like HPT, I ride the board and stuff, but Simon (Lorenzo) is doing other things for a little bit. I don’t know, I just want to ride. The thing is now I should be filming for HPT, like everyone is filming for the new video. Bob is for sure, Gotthard (Pilsner) and maybe Kai Hammen. So do you think the HPT prototype board is the best? Or do you not care that much? Like earlier today for bluntslides it looked so stable. Its really good for tech skating. But for ramp or gaps, I don’t think so, it’s too low. There are still a few issues with it that aren’t perfect yet. I skated the Highland Cartel at the contest in Stuttgart or Munich and I got used to it, it was cool. Are the plates too small on the Cartel? The new Cartel’s are bigger now. I don’t like them. They are too big. It doesn’t look like a

Backside tailslide pretzel. St Pauls CathedralPhoto: Tribe

His interpretation of streetboarding has transported technical tricks to an otherworldly state. Watching him in person as he rolls away from one mind bender after another with consummate ease really does his riding justice and his collection of tricks will leave you sliding down the wall desperate for a glass of water. Dani has taken all he can from the experience of streetboarding assimilating each and every situation with a beaming unfazed positivity and giving back much more besides. He’ll make the room a brighter place, he’ll also make it spin uncontrollably.

Streetboard anymore. I like it for gaps, my heel used to be off the back, and I used to bruise my heel on gaps, but now its fine. But the HPT wheels are good though? Yeah for sure, they are the best. But I love the board. The problem is fixing broken parts etc. So do you reckon the Highland or Dimension boards are better because spare parts are more readily available? Yeah, because you can just change a broken part, not fix it. It’s much easier for me. How was it filming for Geeks on Wheels? It was cool, sometimes a little bit stressful. Because it had to be a good film, we had to beat the Dimension guys. Were you pleased with the video? The outcome? Yeah I really like it. I’m really proud of the whole thing, and not just the film; How its packed, how the DVD looks. It’s totally different to how things have been until now in Streetboarding. Where did you do most of the filming for Geeks on Wheels? Mostly in Barcelona, we travelled there like 3 times. So I spent like 6 weeks in total there.

We stayed at Simon Lorenzo’s house which was super cool. How many years did it take to film? I dunno, like 2 years. Like the tricks from the first trip were so old by the time we finished. That’s always the problem though, a Streetboard video is never finished, you just have to choose a point and bring it out. That’s the problem, Streetboarding is quite small so some riders can film a lot, like some guys have nearly finished for HPT part 2, and some haven’t because of time issues. So the guys who have nearly finished, their tricks will be really old. What tricks are you working on that weren’t in your section? Umm. Krooks 180 switch 5.0 180 out. Ha ha. Who’s idea was that? I dunno I think I came up with it! Ha ha, no it was Stef’s idea! I’m going to start riding mini ramp hardcore though. Beat Max Maier next year? Yeah right. How old are you? 22. When’s your birthday? December 4th. So what star sign are you? I dunno how it’s called, I need to look up in the newspaper to see.

LONDONOCTOBER 2008

Frontside 5-0. Whites GroundsPhoto: Tribe

SW 180 to nose manual 180 switch manual revert.London Bridge. Photo: Jay Nowman

Do you believe in Astrology? No I don’t. I think its stupid how they can say what I’m gonna do from one day to the next. So do you believe in Chaos theory? Ha ha. That’s what Spit is into. I think its a heavy theory. You believe in technology yeah? Like communication and that? Yeah. What is it you were studying? I just finished studying information technology. What is that? Its about programming, security issues, encryption. Oh right, so you must know MS-Dos? Yeah I know MS-Dos. Really? My mate knows MS-Dos too, what a small world! Haha. OK, Lets get back on track here. So going back to Chaos Theory....? Haha. Do you believe that if someone does a Krooked Grind in Switzerland, after some time Alex Morton may slam on a lipslide in LA? Ha ha yeah sure I believe that. What you think of the new iphone? Ha ha it sucks. No its ok, I just bought a new ipod touch. Oh yeah? What tunes you got on it? Like a mix you know, Hip-hop, house, and some cheesy chart stuff. Like you know the track “I kissed a girl and I liked it? Yeah yeah. I super like it. Na na man. Dude I like it, its a happy track. Yeah I saw it on the VMA’s. Kate Parry or something? I dunno, she has nice boobs. Yeah that’s what it is isn’t it? Tits. Yeah well I like Justin Timberlake. What his boobs? Haha, nah, for pop music I reckon its well good. Yeah its good party music. Are you into Swiss hip-hop as well? Isn’t there a lot of house/electronic music from Switzerland? Yeah there is, like here there are different scenes, but there are also clubs that they play everything. Hip-hop, House, just party music. So how long you been skating? Like 9 years. How did you start? Through a friend. You picked up a copy of Red Pen yeah? Ha ha, yeah then flipped back into the past. I actually started through a friend. He had one of the old plastic Snakeboards, the ones that if you stood on each end it would bend. Yeah man the best thing though was that those trucks would slide on everything!

Plastic was the best for street. You didn’t even need wax! It was really funny, I wanted to buy one, but I didn’t have the money. I got back from a school trip and my parents picked me up. We were on the way to the shopping centre and I was looking at the street and found 200 Swiss Francs. It was like a sign. So I took the money and bought a board. Sweet, was it fate or was it chaos theory? We’ll never know! So is that why you stick to street skating yeah? Bringing it back to your origins! What board did you have after that? I then had a skinner, then an Anderson Earthquake, which broke all the time. Then I made my own bars, they were super heavy, like three types of wood, really thick, but at least they worked. So were they super strong? For gaps? No mostly rails and street skating. Did you skate much ramp? No not really, because we didn’t have a skate park, We had one that had a super good street section, so I never skated mini or anything. Yeah like us here, we never had a skatepark. Street skaters are much cooler than the ramp skaters. Here here! For sure! Is there a lot of Street in Zurich? There are a few street spots, ledges and stuff. If you drive around you can hit quite a few good spots. Are you mostly into ledges? Yeah. Like recently we got a new park with some nice ledges, manual table etc etc. Is that the one in HPT Geeks on Wheels? Where you do the front noseslide to front board? Yeah that was in that skatepark. I love that trick man. Thanks man. I was super bored and didn’t know what to do. So I was like let’s try this and it worked. Is it Swiss chocolate that’s famous, oh no wait that’s Belgian..... NO! Swiss have the best chocolate in the world! You feel strongly about that? Yeah even though I don’t like chocolate or have a Swiss watch so I’m not typical Swiss. You must have a Swiss army knife though? Yeah everyone has one, you get one when you join the army. For free? Yeah man, I have like three. Damn! I’m coming to join! How was your time in the army? How long were you there? 21 weeks. I really liked it. Its compulsory isn’t it? Yeah it is, it was cool to play like adult games... Oh yeah adult games with all those guys ha ha. Haha no! Damn, I mean like war games. What was the best weapon you got to use? The best was the Panzerfaust. Its used to destroy tanks! What! Did you fire it? Yeah sure. At what? A moving tank poster. Are you serious? Did it blow up? No it only went through it, it was paper! Oh yeah. And then what? Into a mountain behind it. If you shoot it for real it would

Bluntslide. Shoreditch Park.Photo: Tribe

B/S smith, B/S lipslide. De Bouvoir rail.Photo: Tribe

B/S smith, B/S lipslide. De Bouvoir rail.Photo: Tribe

burst the armour, explode inside the tank and it will be like 2000 degrees. It’s quite cool, we saw some movies. Damn! That wasn’t the coolest thing though. The best was you’d be practicing shooting, and someone would throw a grenade, a real one. Except the outer shell wouldn’t shatter. It was crazy, dirt would go everywhere, everybody would be screaming and shooting. So much adrenaline. It was fun. I met some really cool guys, they are like brothers. Like being on a streetboard trip! What gun do you have at home? Because I heard every Swiss person has to have one if they have been in the army. Its like a national militia. It’s true. I have a SIG 550 at home. The government are discussing right now because there is a lot of stuff happening. I heard you have the highest gun deaths in the world per capita? We do, everyone has a gun and a Swiss army knife. What skaters do you like watching then? Technical skaters or do you prefer watching big stuff? Well it depends, I like both. Sometimes I also like to watch vert riding. Like Sergi on vert is on fire. His back 540’s at worlds were bigger than anyone’s airs! Do you skate launch box at all? Sure, I did switch backside rodeos. Ha ha not really no. I don’t have anywhere to practice. I’d like to, its fun, but I have no chance to practice. Rodeos are out of fashion anyway man. They suck, everybody just does a rodeo. Or Misty 7’s for like 5 years. Its getting boring. For me Streetboarding isn’t only about the contests. It’s about street skating, partying, meeting people, travelling. That is what counts for me. What’s your favourite place you’ve travelled to? London! Ha ha. I dunno, I like a lot of locations. London is cool, Munich is cool, or was cool... Why not anymore? Because Ingo Fohre left? Ha ha. No its still cool. Barcelona of course, Paris was cool as well. The park there, was amazing. Lyon was cool as well. Lyon was pretty small. Lyon is huge. Well not for you guys. Dude I’m Swiss everywhere is huge. You want another drink? No I’m fine. Sure you do. What’s that? Jack and Coke? No just coke. Argh don’t bother then. (beers are fetched)... Did you enjoy your stay in London? Yeah I had a good time. I got to see some different stuff, The real London. What did you think of the bar last night? It was cool, it was a mix. I really liked the different kind of music style. It was fun, I

was dressed wrong, but it doesn’t matter. Haha everyone

was dressed wrong. That’s Shoreditch for you. We weren’t fashion enough. So are you going to come back to London? For sure man, I really like it here. Probably in summer though. Where do you get inspiration from for skating? Like, I’ll skate a lot with my friend Andi Naff, He’ll just sit there and come up with stuff to try. Do you skate with Thomas Trefzer ever? Sometimes, but not much. I haven’t seen him since worlds. Its like a 1 hour drive. Normally I skate with skateboarders. What happened to you at Nass Worlds when you smacked your head? Don’t ask me I passed out, you’ll have to ask the others. I wanna see the video, but you know Streetboarders I’ll probably have to wait like 10 years and then buy the DVD ha ha. Have you ever lost a contact lens whilst you’re skating? No, but I skated with just one in Lyon because I lost the other one when partying the day before. What was it like? It was ok, just like a scratch in your view. I’ve always wandered this, is that a real diamond earring? Its real. It’s like £2000. Ha ha, no way dude, its fake. All my necklaces are from this shop in the States. Its called the Bling Bling shop. Its cool. What can we expect from Dani Regli in the future? I dunno, I’m starting full time work now, so I don’t know how much time I’ll have, but for sure I’m going to keep streetboarding, I love it. Have you got any thank you’s? To everyone I know in Streetboarding, I hope to ride with you soon. Hopefully it stays like it is now because its cool. Everyone respects each other, everyone has a good time. Any last words? Sick...

Frontside noseslide switch B/S 5 0 180 out. Shoreditch Park. Photo: Tribe

ERIC BRUN

Every once in a while, you see a youngster ride for the first time, and you know you are watching a future star. It was around 12 months ago that I first witnessed the easy flowing, ballsy style of Erik Brun, and he is already well on his way to streetboarding greatness. He has been taken under the wing of the sports most recognised name, Sergi Nicolas, who has guided him to picking up 3 sponsors over the past year. Erik Brun is now ready to leave the nest, keeps your eyes locked on to this rider.......

Intro and interview by Jay NowmanPhoto’s by Joan Perramon

Tail Grab Transfer

Hey JayHey bro! First up, the formalities. What’s your full name? I’m somewhat confused as to what it is.Eric Brun CaudetAhhh, so spell it with a C and not with a K. How Long have you been Riding?3 years.How old are you?15 years oldWhat’s your secret? You have got to such a sick level in such a short amount of time. Is it the Sangria?Ha ha. I don’t like sangria, and I haven’t got to such any level.Who dresses you? Do you have a stylist? Because you always looking so fresh.Ha ha ha. I dress with my style, | like to dress with tight pants and with wide t-shirts, but mostly I love caps.Yeah, how many do you have?Mmm. Now 7 or 8 caps. Next week I’m gonna get two moreWho are your sponsors?Drop-inn, Dayone and Highland Streetboards.What music are you banging out right now?American rap.You get quite a few groups playing in Barca no? Have you seen many?

Ah nope. I don’t like to go to see the music groups. I prefer to be at home listening to the songs.How is the streetboard scene in Barcelona? Who do you ride with?People who skate here in Barca skate when we meet to go to a skatepark, and there we film some tricks, for new videos. I skate with my friends, with Cristian, Bote, German, David, Sergi, Gabi and more people. Also a girl, Noe.Noe?She skates with us, she rides on streetboard and we teach her some tricks. She is learning a lot.Yeah? Is she your special chica?No no, my girlfriend is Rita. Ha ha ha.Sweet, we need more females riding in the scene. Which videos are you filming for right now?A video from Drop-inn/onlystreet.What’s your favourite spot in Barca right now?In Barcelona there are much spots to skate so I haven’t got a favourite spot.You have probably the sickest back 720’s I have ever seen, the one on youtube is insane. So much style. Are you working on getting back 9’s down?I’m mainly working on getting front rodeo or backflip. When I was in Burgos, I was skating a nice foam pit and I landed rodeo 9, rodeo, backflip, but also back 9 and more flips.

Frontside Indy

Safe man, it will be good to see them at the next contest. You have now traveled a bit to competitions with all the usual suspects. How do you find the vibe at the international contests and trips?Sergi told me that I could participate in the Worlds at Nass, that I was ready to skate with other people and know other people. The vibe in the comps are so good, because you skate with other people, from other places and you feel like at home.Totally man, bienvenido a la familia tio!Ha ha thanks Jay.How did you find UK Nationals in Birmingham last year ? That was your first trip no?It was my first contest not my first trip. My first trip was to Lyon. I went to a skatepark in Lyon with 3 friends, and I skated so much. The UK Trip was so nice, although I didn’t understand everything. It was so fun though.Where would you really like to travel to?To America, and to skate all spots of there and all the skateparks,

but now I cant pay the trip, it’s tough. Yeah it’s a hard one, hopefully soon we will see more money invested in the sport to help us pay for trips. Who inspires you to ride?Who inspires me?, Sergi Nicolas and Gabi Muñoz. When I skate with them I want to try more tricks wherever, and they teach me more and more. Also my friends, when I skate with my friends too.You are so young and have so much potential. Do you see yourself being in the sport for a long time?Since I started streetboard I knew that I’d become a future promise in this sport, but I think that I’m gonna skate until I can.That’s good news for us, I’m sure you will be at the very top in no time. Nice one, any final thank you’s? Thank you for helping me in this sport.Bruv no worries. That’s what Red Pen is here for. Hasta luego tio!No problems.

Frontside Lipslide

Stalled Out

Stalled Out

NASS 2008The World Streetboard Championships this year held at Relentless NASS closely resembled the events in my back garden that previous sunday night, when a baffled and confused Brinton and Zig finally stepped cautiously out into a tangled morass of people, music, smoke and fire that had assembled there throughout the day. But for all of us the best was yet to come. 40 international rider, roadies and trendsetters confidently ready to show the world what streetboarding is all about.

Words and photos by Stefan TribeAdditional photos Tilo Gruppe

NASS 2008The Bath and West Showgrounds are located about 40 minutes drive from the Roman city of Bath, adjacent to Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The Nass event was scheduled for the 13th to 15th June 2008, but to make preparations and allow for practice time we arrived on Wednesday. We meaning Brinton and Zig from America, Sam, Jay and myself. The showground is a collection of about 10 agricultural barns of varying size, their surrounding fields and thickets. Clearly we had arrived at the tail end of some large scale livestock convention as hay and farm yard mess still scattered the site of what was to become the location of Europes biggest annual Extreme Sports festival and trade show. Walking the site, the only indication of the event ahead was the Braun spine ramp set up along the main thoroughfare, and, what we next discovered, the huge Relentless sponsored street course, still being constructed in the main shed. Jay and myself found the press office and staff area, and introduced ourselves to James, the extreme sports organizer, and our main contact for the event. James is a full time extreme sports festival organiser and good guy who would help us with what we needed over the

next 5 days.At the Riders paddock other early arrivers were setting up their tents. British, French and eastern European riders trickled in all afternoon and evening, massing into the colourful crowd of geek’s, social screw-up’s, artiste’s and sex-maniacs that streetboarding typically attracts. A huge van pulled up at one point navigated by Max Maier, and at least a dozed German and Swiss riders wearily toppled out after what had been a 6 day impromptu tour across Germany, France, Belgium and bits of Holland. Amongst them was none other than veteran rider Pipo Grosso, who despite his world standard skating, hasn’t been seen at an international event since 2003. He has been a kingpin and major player in the world Streetboard scene for a long time, and his return to the world circuit drew him back into the core conscience of the sport.Thursday was practice day, and the spine ramp felt the heat of it. The level of riding has once again reached new heights this year, and spine is an excellent platform to show this off to spectators. Although the ramp was a foot higher than some riders would prefer, as people found their feet airs

Brinton Gundersen heave-hoPhoto: Tribe

got higher and grinds and lip tricks more technical. Chris Bellet, the master of quarter pipe easily reached 6 feet out of the lip, and Chris Kamm, Thomas K and Max Maier collectively worked their way through every grind combination and switch up with the kind of authority only bestowed to true veterans. Max Anderson, though a comparitive new arriver, was there with the best of them. An exceptional skater, and definitely one to watch each and every year. This year however it was not to be. During practice an awkward slam left him limping off the ramp after a rodeo 900 attempt. Max tried to skate on his badly bruised leg but with no success. Only 3 days later at the hospital did he discover it had been fractured, but is currently back on his board and visiting the states on a skate tour.By mid afternoon the vert ramp had been set up and a few riders moved from the spine to the larger ramp. Gadget had arrived earlier that morning and showed that he could still compete with the best of them, as did Ingo, who is still going strong. Ingo you make me laugh. Tell me man, how come the air bubbles in both your shoes are ALWAYS burst? Oh it’s from the hot tarmac in Munich! Oh OK. Hah. If you don’t know about Gadget or Ingo, you don’t know about streetboarding.Friday was qualifiers, and the official start of the event. Crowds flooded through the gates. To have occupied an empty field for 2 days and then wake to find your stomping ground invaded by thousands people is a weird sensation. I think everyone felt it, and as wave after wave of people arrived the clouds of the previous rainy days dispersed and a sun soaked spine sessions kicked off. At lunch the PA was set up and the qualifiers began, with Jay spraying lyrics for the crowd and yours truly on the wheels of steel (Ipod wheels, that is). As we attracted larger crowds of people the tricks got more and more elabrate. Chris Bellet with huge airs and powerful lip tricks (remember ladies, he is single), Sergi Nicolas and Eric Brun with their quintessential Barcelona style, and Pipo Grosso with rodeo to smith on coping.The vert contest was held that afternoon, with Piotr, Ingo, Gadget, Christian Kamm, Sergi and

Gabi Munos competing in a 40 minute jam session format. Thomas Kinle had to unfortunately pull out due to injuries from the spine earlier that day, however the event was a great sucess. It is always good to see 2 veterans of the sport competing amongst the younger riders, with Gadget pulling stylish airs and 540’s and Ingo with back flip and a very near 720, they threw everything they had into a spectacular show for what became a huge gathering of spectators. Chrissie gave Sergi and Gabi a good run for their money, but as the jam reached the half way point it was clear the competition was turning into a head to head battle. Sergi was going huge over the coping with b/s 540 grabs and rodeos, and with Gabis back to back switch misty flips and back flips, it was down to the last 2 minutes to declare a winner. The crowd winced and cheered as sergi came within inches of stomping a huge 900, but it was Gabi’s flawless final run which clinched it for him with back flip back-to-back switch backfip, rodeo 540 and stylish frontside airs. The rightfull winner took his prize in front of an elated crowd.As night fell it became clearer how much the site

Brinton Gundersen air, B/S air. Chris Bellet 360 indy. Max Maier 900.Photos: Tribe

Max Andersen rodeo, Max, Max leg.Photos: Tribe

had been transformed that day by a team of workers who had constructed a whole field of fun fair stands, rides and shooting galleries. There were 3 music tents set up with major headline acts, and Djs till 3 in the morning. After this private camps held parties till well into the morning. Nass is as much about music, partying and culture as it is extreme sports.The Saturday lunchtime finals of the spine drew hundreds of people, and even during practice sessions the streetboard stand in the showroom was overrun with people keen to learn how to ride. With the finals underway the gentle breeze eminating from Jays mouth had evolved into a thick scotch mist, bellowing out in impenetrable clouds over the bemused crowd. It was as exciting as any streetboard event I have ever been to, and the riders didn’t disappoint. Pipo thrilled the crowds with a strong run, grinds on the spine and rodeo to smith grind, and Chris Kamm demonstrated his smooth riding style with b/s airs and nose and tail slides the full width of the ramp. Sergi and Gabi, hit the mini with blunt combos, 720’s and rodeos. Brinton Gundersen showed his omnipotent force is still very

much present, with front side 540’s, tail slide on the extension box and heave-ho 540’s. Thomas Trefser from Switzerland executed a poweful spine run, with grind reverts and drawn out bluntslides, but it was Max Maier who won the crowds and judges hearts. It’s strange. Watching Max Maier skate spine is sort of like trying to chasing a fart round a squash court. He’s such an agile skater that its hard to read what he’s going for next. He’s exhausting to watch. With rodeo over the spine, many grind combo’s, bluntslides, manual across the platfrorm and a huge, perfect f/s 900 to top the lot, he took 1st prize, with Thomas 2nd, Brinton 3rd, Gabi 4th and Sergi 5th.The street contest was that night, unfortunately, at the same time as the headline act on the main stage. The crowd was select, most witnessing for the first time what it is to graft snowboarding with skateboarding. The 20 odd riders gave them an experience not easily forgotten, and after the first few runs the crowd were definitely on their side. Not to let them get too comfortable, Dany Regli collided skull with tarmac after hanging up on the drive way,

Brinton B/S wall ride. Chris Bellet rodeo. Brinton 540 transfer.Photos: Tribe

Sergi Nicolas B/S 540 tail grab. Gabi Munoz backflip, Gabi.Photos: Tribe

leaving a deep blotch of residue at the feet of any doubters that might have considered streetboarding a safe option. Sam Cooke casually cruised the street course, and Thomas Trefzer threw a huge rodeo 7 on launch box, without the use of a roll in. Gabi Munoz gave us backflips on launch box and grinds. 4th place. Sergi gapped between every conceivable ramp and hand planted the launch. 3rd place. Gothard absolutely smashed it with 450 to bluntslide, 540 transfers and a huge misty 720 on box, and Brinton just scraped a rodeo 900 (streetboarders NEED a proper roll in for box), b/s 540 transfer and switch 180 cab wall ride. 2nd place to Brinton, Gothard victorious in 1st.It was during Brintons final run however that peoples eyes began to wander, distracted by something overhead. At the far right side of the street course, 2 people were helping Sergi Nicolas strap into his board whilst he balanced precariously on the edge of an access gangway, some 25 feet off the ground. The hall went quiet as a clench of apprehension spread through the crowd. The quarter pipe some 15 feet below would be Sergi’s target point for one of the biggest drop-in’s ever attempted, and as he secured his feet in their binding the whole arena started chanting his name. This brought further crowds rushing across from the other end of the hall. I don’t

know if it was the noise that alerted them, or if they had been watching all along, but 2 event marshals ran out onto the street course in a panic, radioing for backup. They stood 25 feet below Sergi, shouting orders at him to climb down.I suppose it’s symptomatic of any new idea or movement. When people don’t understand the context or background of what they see the instinctive thing is to react against it. I think the same thing happened at Nass. Sergi’s drop in attempt was unprecedented, and too most, completely unexpected. If Sergi had had his way would he have landed it first time, calmly rolling away in the way only he knows to claim first prize? The twinkle in his eye tells me he would have. I understand the way the officials acted, but when someone told Craig Kelly or Terje Håkonsen “no you cant drop off that cliff sir, its against the rules” do you think it prevented them from doing it anyway? How different would snowboarding be today if they had simply stuck to what they were told they were allowed to do?

“You can’t kill an idea. Streetboarding is young. It is an unfulfilled idea in the heads of all the riders and everyone involved in the scene. The streetboard scene is an international travelling circus. The main characters are charismatic, colourful, seductive, and they know how to engage crowds. It’s always a success at the few venues it graces each year. It was never going to be an overnight global phenomenon, and I don’t think any rider would want it so. Instead it is a slow, calculated, sure footed ascent. With a few more events and public spectacles like Nass 2008, and whilst perceived boundaries of ability and possibility continue to be broken down, who knows how far it could climb”.

Sam Cooke 180 gap the bankPhoto: Tribe

Sergi Nicolas 360 tail grab transferPhoto: Tribe