Rideshop : September 2008

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Coolest Skate Parks: Northern CA, Yuba City Skate Park

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Sep 29, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

If you are a Northern California skateboarder looking for a great park to try out, you need to get to the Yuba City Skate Park. With 14,000 square feet of terrain to explore on your board, you will have plenty of room to stretch your skills and develop sick tricks. To find this park, you will need to go to the Sam Brannon Park in Yuba City, California.

Yuba City Skate Park - The Basics

The Yuba City Skate Park has a great vert park and a great street course. The crown jewel of this skate park is the interconnecting bowl feature. This is a three bowl configuration that includes three-foot, five-foot and seven-foot deep bowls. Outside the bowls you will find a pyramid, steps, boxes, a quarter pipe, ledges and spines. There is a lot of space at this park to practice in, and the crowds are minimal. This park is open year round and even offers lighting for night skating.

Yuba City Skate Park - The Rules

To use this skate park you will need to follow the rules. Fortunately, this park has very few rules to deal with. Like most public skate parks in the United States, you are required to wear the appropriate skateboarding gear like helmets and padding. While you don't have to sign a waiver, this is still a skate-at-your-own-risk park, so be smart about your skating behavior. Now for the no's. There are no bikes, pets, bottles or alcohol allowed. Beyond these basic rules, you are free to skateboard and inline skate in your own style.

Getting the Most From Your Yuba City Skate Park Experience

Yuba City Skate Park is one of the parks found on the Northern California-Oregon skate park circuit. This means that you will inevitably run into skaters from both California and Oregon. Take advantage of this skater diversity by learning what skills and tricks that California skaters bring to the game and what skills and tricks Oregon skaters bring to the game. Also, don't be afraid to show off what makes you a unique skater. Above all, have fun and enjoy the air under your wheels.

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Featured Snowboarder of the Week: Jamie Anderson

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Sep 26, 2008 by Michael T.

During our nice warm summer north of the equator, Jamie Anderson has been making her mark on women's pro snowboarding during the winter and south of the demarcation line.

She turned 18 years old on September 13. En route, she had a clean sweep at the New Zealand Open in the slope-style and half-pipe competitions. This allowed her to emerge No. 1 in the Burton Global Open Series and the Swatch Ticket to Ride World Snowboard Tour.

One newspaper headline simply stated, "Beware, women's half pipe riders." This was because Jamie had been best known as a teen phenomenon in slope style.

Former Olympic half-pipe gold medalist Kelly Clark was first in half-pipe qualifying in New Zealand, and Anderson barely squeaked into the finals in eighth place out of 36 participants. Anderson was the first of eight half-pipe finalists to ride for the judges. She caught their eyes by executing an inverted backside 540. The maneuver won best trick and helped her score 84.25, a total the other riders couldn't top, despite four attempts. Clark placed third.

In slope style, Anderson was so dominant that her 90 points strongly surpassed runner up Cheryl Maas of the Netherlands, who scored 66 point.

Anderson then went on to sweep the Swatch TTR Billabong Big Air Event. At only 18, she was a veteran repeat winner.

The web site Go211.com responded to the New Zealand accomplishments, describing Jamie Anderson as "a female Shaun White." Indeed, three years ago Jamie became the youngest Winter X medalist at age 15, edging out Shaun by a few days. She already has three X-Games medals to her credit, most recently winning the 2008 Gold in slope style for the second year in a row.

Jamie plans to continue her surge by competing in the Australian Open in October. After all, it still is winter Down Under.

She is one of eight siblings, with five sisters and two brothers. Her sister, Joanie Anderson, won the 2007 X-Games in snowboard cross.

Blonde-haired Jamie Anderson is 5-foot-2, 120 pounds, and will complete her senior year at California's South Lake Tahoe High School by taking work-study courses. She netted $10,000 for her New Zealand Open victories.

Sources:

www.stanton-company.com/2008/08/14/Jamie-anderson-shows-her-diversity

www.stanton-company.com/2008/08/08/double-honours-for-us-snowboarder

www.go211.com/u/jamieanderson

expn.go.com/expn/athletes/bio?id=26003

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Best Vacation Spots for Skaters: Lincoln Park

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Sep 25, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

Lincoln, Nebraska is known mainly for farming, however, the city has more to offer. While you may think that it would not be a hot spot for skateboarding, Lincoln, Nebraska actually has several skate parks and skateboard shops. If you are making your way across America's bread basket for work or fun, plan on stopping by Lincoln to grind some rails, hit some ramps or find new skateboarding duds.

Lincoln, Nebraska Skate Parks
Lincoln, Nebraska is the home to at least three skate parks, one indoor and two outdoor. The indoor park is located at 6400 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 64. This park is modest, but it offers you a variety of wooden ramps to practice on. There is a fee to use this park, but fortunately it is only about $2. It is important that you follow the posted rules, such as not flipping your board over while on the ramps, which will get you quickly kicked out of the park.

In addition to the indoor park, Lincoln, Nebraska also offers two outdoor parks. The first park is called Peter Pan and located on 33rd Street. This is a free park and has a lot of great features to try out. Some of the most notable features include a four-foot half pipe, a launch box, coping, a good sized pyramid and a wedge. The second option that you have for an outdoor skate park is Tierra Park. This park can be found by traveling about three blocks south of the 27th and Highway 2 intersection. This is another free skate park. It offers wedges, a spine ramp, a quarter pipe and sliders.

Shopping for Skateboarding Gear in Lincoln, Nebraska
Shopping in Lincoln, Nebraska is somewhat limited, however, you will be able to find a couple of shops that specialize in skateboards and gear. Your first option is Precision Skateboards. It can be found at the intersection of 48th and Van Dorn. Your second option is located 5.43 miles from Lincoln, in Bellevue. At 7704 South 36th, you will find Next Generation Skateboard Shop, a charming board shop with attitude and great skateboard clothing and boards.

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Coolest Skateparks: The Shred Shed, Austin, TX

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Sep 24, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

If you live in, or plan on visiting, Austin, Texas, then you will want to bring your board to The Shred Shed. This indoor skate park can be found at 2009 Ranch Road, Suite 530, 620 North, Austin, Texas, which is inside of the Vineyard Business Center. This is one of the best skate parks in the city, and one where you will find both great skating terrain and other recreation opportunities.

The Shred Shed - The Basics

The Shred Shed only offers about 9,000 square feet of skating terrain. However, within this modest square footage, you will find vet ramps, pyramids, hand rails, spines, death boxes, hips, a mini-ramp complex and rollovers. What is great about the ramps in this skate park is that they are all made from Skatelite, so they are sturdy and smooth. Most of the time this skate park is only opened to roller bladders and skateboarders. However, there are special sessions for bikers. If you are interested in biking here, you will need to check the schedule.

The Shred Shed - The Rules

To skate at the Shred Shed you will need to sign a liability waiver. This waiver is standard issue, and it basically says that you won't hold the skate park liable if you are injured. This waiver is just like the waivers required by other skate-at-your-own risk skate parks found across the country. If you are under 18 years of age, your parents will most likely need to complete this form for you. After you have signed your waiver, you will be able to go skateboarding or in-line skating in the park. However, you are required to wear a helmet at all times.

The Shred Shed - Miscellaneous

There is a lot to do at the Shred Shed. Not only can you skateboard here, but you can also take lessons and play in the second floor arcade. There is also a pro shop on site where you can find boards, safety equipment and skating clothes. You can also find equipment rentals here, so if you are having a party at the skate park, or if you need a helmet or board, you can rent one at the pro shop.

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Snowboarding: It's Risky, but Snowboarding in Hawaii Could Be Worth The Risk

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Sep 22, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

Travelers visit Hawaii each winter to snowboard and ski - yes, you heard us right - on the Big Island. Even so, the Hawaii Ski Club recommends against it. Perhaps this is a case in which familiarity breeds contempt.

The destination is Mauna Kea, Hawaii for "White Mountain," because indeed the Big Island's biggest volcano often draws snow. After all, it is nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, or 2.7 miles.

Authors on trailsource.com are positive. They report that south of Waimea and northwest of Hilo, Mauna Kea Park offers "amazing backcountry snowboarding." No lifts are in place, but an access road is plowed a few days after each storm, "so you can drive or hitch to the summit" and ride down. Snow is most likely during the traditional winter months, but "can have 6-foot dumps" as well. In fact, prominent pro-snowboarding competitions have taken place at Mauna Kea.

A counterpoint is worded clearly: "Due to safety and environmental impact issues and health concerns, the Hawaii Ski Club no longer sponsors group ski trips to the Mauna Kea volcano, nor will we endorse or recommend travel agencies which may offer such trips."

The Ski Club formed to plan trips elsewhere, but leaders have found themselves subject to inquiry when outsiders discover that such a tropical place as Hawaii actually has a place where snow falls, and where people get out their snowboards and skis.

Club leaders note that winter sports activities are "iffy." They assert that snow often comes in the form of a shallow dusting. Even with deeper drifts, boarders and skiers may suddenly find themselves negotiating with lava rock and "being MEDEVACed to a hospital with massive injuries!"

As for driving up the access road or hitching a ride, members of the Hawaii Ski Club are skeptical. If you drive, then you have to walk back up a 14,000-foot mountain. And who would have room to give you a hitch, given that they already are loaded down with their own equipment? In the most common scenario, snowboarders or skiers rent a Jeep or a 4-wheel drive, and then members of the party have to take turns as the designated driver.

Snowboard or ski at Mauna Kea? Decide for yourself.

Sources:

www.hawaiiskiclub.com/ski_Hawaii.htm

www.trailcourse.com/scripts/four.asp?ID=18537&type=board

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Best Vacation Spots for Skaters: Minneapolis

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Sep 22, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

Whether you are in Minneapolis for business or pleasure, this is a great city to go to if you are a skateboarder. The city government has recognizes that skateboarding is a growing sport, and boarders of all ages need a safe place to skate. In response they have create six city-sponsored skate parks throughout the city. This means that no matter where you are in the city, you won't have far to go to find a great skate park. Pack your rash guard and skateboarding shorts and get ready to have fun in the Twin Cities.

Skate Parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota

There are six city skate parks inside the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each of the following parks is an outdoor park found inside a larger recreation center or city park. They each have several skating features including pyramids, ramps and hand rails.

▪ Armatage, 2500 57th Street West, Minneapolis, Minnesota

▪ Bottineau, 2000 2nd Street North East, Minneapolis, Minnesota

▪ Brackett, 2728 39th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

▪ Creekview, 5001 Humbolt Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota

▪ Elliot, 1000 14th Street East, Minneapolis, Minnesota

▪ Morris, 5531 39th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Skateboard Shops in Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you are looking for new boards or new skateboarding clothing, Minneapolis is a great shopping destination to visit. This city is chalked full of skateboard and sporting goods shops. Here are a few of the shops found in and around the city of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota:

▪ Erik's Bike Shop, 501 Country Road 42, Burnsville, Minnesota

▪ 3rd Lair Skate Park and Skate Shop, 850 Florida Ave. S., Golden Valley, Minnesota

▪ Adrelanine Skateboards and Snowboards, 893 Robert St. S., Saint Paul, Minnesota

▪ Alternative Bike & Board Shop, 3013 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minnesota

▪ Familia Skate Board Shop, 647 Snelling Ave. S., Saint Paul, Minnesota

Outdoor Activities in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Outdoor activities are big in Minneapolis. Throughout the year, you will be able to find special events that celebrate the skateboarding lifestyle. When you are planning your vacation to Minneapolis, talk to your travel agent or read local newspapers to see if a skateboarding demonstration, competition or event is scheduled and how you can attend or participate in it. Minneapolis is waiting for you, so grab your board and hit the road!

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Featured Skateboarder: Rune Glifberg

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Sep 19, 2008 by Michael T.

Rune Glifberg, a Copenhagen native, enjoys riding few things more than his skateboard; However, he owns what he describes as a "small collection" of BMW models that he gladly gets off his board for. His top-five desired rides include an E60 M5 touring car, a Lamborghini, a BMW M1, an E30 M3 and a Porsche GT.

Glifberg, who turns 35 in December, took up skateboarding as an 11-year-old when a friend brought him a wooden skateboard after a vacation in the United States. He was competing within four years and turned pro at age 17. By the age of 22, he gained fame with a victory at the 1996 Slam City Jam.

He experiments with all terrains, but his signature style is vertical.

"Front side, all day man, it's the best trick," Glifberg says. "It sets you up for anything you want to do. It's a nice, raw feeling. You can tweak a little salad in there, or you know, you can point it down towards the end on it, get a little smith end on it. It's just a great feeling trick. Sometimes it doesn't have to be tech to feel good."

He is known among his peers as versatile and flexible. Until his first X Games gold medal this year, he had won the most medals without claiming a top prize. This reflects his rare combination of performing risky tricks while still remaining consistent. He is one of the first skaters to pull off a kick flip backside lip slide, and it now is his signature trick.

Rune's peers also speak of his love for skateboarding. They say he skates just as hard in tight backyard pools, as he does in front of huge crowds on enormous half pipes. He recalls practicing during sub-zero Danish winters at a ramp covered by a tent. He has donated funds to refurbish his childhood Faeled Parken in Copenhagen.

Glifberg spends family time with his girlfriend and two daughters. They live in Costa Mesa, California, but they return to Copenhagen at least twice a year.

Sources:

http://skateboard.about.com/od/proskaterbios/p/ProBioGlifberg.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rune_Glifberg

http://etniesskate.com/team/rune-glifberg

www.lat34.com/skate/rune_glifberg_2

www.volcom.team/team_rider_detail.asp?TeamId=2&riderId=5&SectionId=1

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Best Surfing: Mauritius, Southern Africa

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Sep 18, 2008 by Rica

Considered the ultimate Indian Ocean surf paradise, Mauritius located Southern Africa in is the home to some of the best surfing in the world. With a great abundance of surf spots available primarily on the southern side of the island, surfing is Mauritius offers not only paradise to the experienced surfer but also to other levels.

Many of the surfers in Mauritius trek to the beach in their surf gear daily though the best months for surfing in that region generally falls between April and September with July and August, and September and October being the peak months. July through August surfers can expect a swell of anywhere from 5 feet to 6 feet and in September and October between 6 feet and 7 feet.

The climate in Mauritius is tropical with an average air temperature of 73 degrees during peak season and the average water temperature ranging between 72 and 73 degrees. There are a wide variety of surf spots from which to select in Mauritius with two of the most popular being Black Rocks, which is recommended for experienced surfers only and Madame Barry, which is recommended for professionals or kamikaze only (www.wannasurf.com). Tamarin is one of the best breaks in Mauritius also known as an expert level reef break spot and is heavily frequented by local island surfers (www.globalsurf.com).

Known for some of the best surfing in the world Mauritius has many other surf spots such as; Calamar, Darne, Cimetary, Grand Sancho, Martello, Le Mome, Martin Spot, One Eye, Petit Sancho, Tagore and Tailors Point to name a few. Like Madame Barry Cimetary is recommended for professionals or kamikaze surfers only (www.wannasurf.com). Le Piton and Behind the Island are both great surf spots for intermediate surfers.

Accommodations in Mauritius range from hotels to guest houses and bungalows. The most common way to get to Mauritius Island is take a flight from France though other options exist. Where Mauritius is a surfer's paradise offering the best surfing in the world with quality waves, always check with your embassy before traveling to a foreign country for current travel advisories.

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Best Snowboarding on the Planet: Cerro Castor, Argentina

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Sep 16, 2008 by Michael T.

You wouldn't think one of the planet's greatest places for snowboarding would have a base elevation of 640 feet. But this is Cerro Castor, one of the highlight venues of a great vacation in Argentina.

Q. How can the temps get cold enough when you're near sea level in South America?

A. Because this is the southernmost snowboard and ski location on the continent.

Q. Yeah, okay, but only 640 feet? What do we do, ride down into the ground or what?

A. These are the Andes Mountains, which in a number of places make the Rockies look like pipsqueak little brothers. We were talking about the base. The summit is 3,172 feet and the vertical drop is 2,516 feet.

So, are you a bit more motivated about getting out those snowboards and heading south of the border? Wa-a-a-a-y south?

This isn't like Cerro Castor is some isolated place near the South Pole. Argentina promotes its boarding and skiing big time. Other recommended spots include scenic Bariloche and Chapelco in the nation's lakes regions. Then there's Las Lenas, which just happens to boast more terrain than any other snowboard and ski resort in South America. Or North America, for that matter.

You may be asking, "Do we want to go to the Third World?" Or, "Do we really want to go to a location where quadruple-digit inflation will cause the value of our currency to nosedive in just a short week or two?" Both are false alarms. Argentina has made great progress, featuring a stable government and an inflation rate that you can count on your fingers.

One more thing: In case you forgot what you learned in school, it is winter "down there" when it is summer "up here," and vice versa. This means the South America snowboard and ski season is roughly from mid-June until the end of September. So if it is too late to plan in 2008, consider 2009. Consider an endless winter!

SOURCES

www.onthesnow.com/argentina/chapelco/profile.html

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-ski-19112017-cerro_castor_ski_resort-i

www.skiorganizers.com

www.powderquest.com/ski-south-america/ski-argentina.aspx

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Coolest Skateparks: Olney Manor Skate Park

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Sep 15, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

Maryland is known for its amazing seascapes and quaint charm;however, it is also the home ofa great little skatepark called the Olney Manor Skate Park.This skate-at-your-own-risk skatepark is located at 16605 Georgia Avenue in Olney, Maryland, and offers skaters of all skill levels something fun to do. If you live in Maryland, or if you are planning a vacation here, don't forget to bring your board and skateboarding clothes down to this park.

Olney Manor Skate Park - The Basics

The Olney Manor Skate Park offers 14,400 square feet of skateboarding fun. It is laid out as a 90 foot by 160 foot skateboarding arena. Within the park you will find obstacles and features that appeal to all skill levels. Some of the features you will find here include: a large bowl, a Hubba ledge, handrails, a flat rail, steps, a fun box and a pyramid ledge. Since this is a skate-at-your-own-risk park, you need to make sure you only use the features and obstacles that you have the skills to negotiate safely.

Olney Manor Skate Park - Rules and Fees

The Olney Manor Skate Park has a rather unique schedule that changes based on holidays and the weather. You will need to check with the park for exact hours of operation. However, generally the park will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., Fridays from noon to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Sundaysfrom 11:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The rules of the park are similar to those found at other parks. You have to wear a helmet. If you are under 10, you have to wear both a helmet and pads and need to have an adult with you. You aren't allowed to bring in food, drinks, candy or glass containers. You also aren't allowed to bring in outside obstacles and ramps. Finally, you are responsible for your actions and for
keeping the park clean and free of tagging. The park manager will kick you out if you break the rules, and you may be banned from the park, so follow the rules and have a great time.

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Surfer of the Week: The Real Baywatch

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Sep 12, 2008 by Michael T.

Surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau lived in Hawaii for 31 years. He died 30 years ago, but his fame and legacy live on.

The Eddie Aikau Foundation honors his life with fundraisers bearing the slogan "Eddie Would Go," which also is the title of a movie and a book about him.

This is because in 1968, Aikau became the first lifeguard hired by Honoluluauthorities to work on the North Shore. With his swimming skills and powerful body, he "would go" into any conditions, even 30-foot waves, to perform rescues along the beaches. Not one life was lost during his 10 years on patrol.

But he couldn't save his own. In 1978, he volunteered for a 2,500-mile journey to follow the ancient route of Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains. The voyage's canoe soon developed a leak and capsized. Aikau took to his surfboard and paddled off in search of help. The crew later was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, but Aikau was never seen again despite the largest air-sea search in Hawaii's history.

Eddie Aikau was born in 1946, long before surfing became a professional sport. He learned on a borrowed board in Kahului Harbor off of Maui. He purchased his own board only after working as a teenager at a Dole pineapple
cannery.

During his era, surfers paddled their way into big waves. Many veterans still look down on today's practice of a jet-ski towing a surfer into position. Several tournaments throughout the years have taken place in Aikau's name, with towing forbidden.

"Eddie was a really warm-hearted person. He'd do anything for you," says Barry Kanaiaupini, another star surfer of the era. "He saved so many people. I mean he didn't have to. Shoulders and arms. That guy was like a
tugboat. Like you can tie four people to him and he'd swim them in. That's the kind of strength he had."

Aikau's sister, Myra Aikau, is the foundation's president. She says she and Eddie loved surfing so much as children, they would perform lawn and household chores in the middle of the night so that they could go to the ocean during the day.

The foundation promotes Hawaiian history and culture. Its e-mail address is info@eddieaikaufoundation.org and the mailing address is 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 124, PMB364, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Sources:
www.eddieaukaufoundation.org
en.wikipedia.org/wikie/eddie_aikau

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Best Vacation Spots for Skaters: Montreal, Aye!

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Sep 10, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

Montreal is a major tourist destination in Canada. This city can be found in the Canadian province of Quebec and is known for its unique collection of cultures, amazing cuisine and an active entertainment industry. However, this city is also a great place to visit if you are a skateboarder. To find a skateboarding-themed adventure you don't have to look very far.

The Biggest Indoor Skatepark/Skateparc in Canada


The one stop you can't miss while visiting Montreal is the Orkus Skatepark. This skatepark, or skateparc as French Canadians call it, can be found at 4300 Cote de Liesse, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This skatepark is the largest indoor skatepark in Canada and offers skaters and spectators 30,000 square feet of fun. Inside the complex you will find several interesting skating arenas, a snack bar and a parents' lounge.


The Neighborhood of Saint Leonard

If you are looking for an outdoor skateboarding adventure then go to the neighborhood now known as Saint Leonard. Here you will find two free skateparks. The first park is designed for beginner skateboarders. It is called the Parc Garibaldi and it can be found at 7125 rue Lienart. This park is modest and only has three wooden skating structures, but it is a good place to build your basic boarding skills.
If you are an intermediate skateboarder, then you will want to pull on your hoodie or jacket and go to the Parc Wilfrid-Bastien. This skatepark can be found at 8181 Blvd Lacordaire. It offers eight different skateboarding structures and is open to the public from the beginning of June until the end of August.


South Parc


Another famous skatepark in Montreal is South-Parc Skatepark. This park can be found at 8100 Tashereau, Bossard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This park has 23,000 square feet of terrain to tear up, numerous wooden skate structures, vert ramps, wedge-to-wedge features, a slant wall, obstacles and hand rails. This park also has a special area for young kids, called the Pee Wee park, so you don't have to worry about running over little kids while you practice your tricks, and little kids don't have to worry about getting pushed around by older skaters.


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Best Surfing in the World: Indinesia Sept.-Dec.

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Sep 9, 2008 by Rica

Indonesia is more than just an exotic country filled with beautiful people and being known as the epitome of paradise. Indonesia in fact offers some of the best surfing in the world. Located in Southeastern Asia and known for its fantastic waves and many beach breaks, Indonesia offers surfers the beauty of the environment, incredibly challenging surfing opportunities and a variety of locations to surf.

There are several famous surf spots in Bali frequented by surfers of all levels as well as the most skilled, geared up surfers in the world with popular surf spots including Sumatra, Mentawai, Java, West Bali, East Bali, Sumbawa, Lombok and East Indonesia. Expect a hot tropical climate with warm water in addition to quite a bit of humidity (www.globalsurf.com).

The best surfing season in Indonesia is September through December with September and October being the prime months. September through October the water temperature reaches around 68 degrees with the air temperature approximately 73 degrees. In November and December expect cooler waters around 52 degrees with an air temperature of approximately 46 degrees. The swells are the best during peak reason reaching anywhere from 5 to 6 feet where in November and December swells reach approximately 3 to 5 feet. In terms of surfing equipment surfers should prepare to bring spring suits, boardshorts, shorties and full suits based on the variances in season, water and air temperature (www.wannasurf.com).

As far as accommodations in Indonesia expect moderate to high-end accommodations with the majority of the accommodations being of a budget nature such as bungalows and cottages with some rooms starting at $10 per night. The beauty of the country by far supersedes the materialism of the rooms, particularly if you are there to surf.

For surfers traveling to Indonesia travel arrangement can be made through commercial carriers with service into Bali. For more information on the best surfing in the world offered in Indonesia visit the Web sites referenced above. As with all international travel, consult with the American Consulate before traveling to Indonesia and proceed with caution.

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Snowboarder of The Week: Amber Stackhouse

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Sep 4, 2008 by Michael T.

Amber Stackhouse and Fabia Grueebler were among female pro snowboarders who saw a problem. They wanted more publicity and they saw a lot of movie making going on, but these snowboard flicks were doing little for the chicks. Gals would only get scant 30-second segments, and their tricks looked feeble compared to the guys.

Solution? Amber and Fabia created Mischief Filmsand have produced a pair of all-girl films, "As If" and "Ro Sham Bo."

"We just wanted women to get more attention in the sport," Fabia says. "We wanted to make movies with riding, not just all talking or girly-ness. We didn't put the movies out to be feminists."

Amber is a Roxy Girl who has taken the lead as the producer and director, at the expense of her own time on the slopes. Snowboarding is combined with freestyle skiing.

"I just dove in, and it was sink or swim," Amber says. "I took some cues from the guys' companies that we were friends with."

Fabia explains that filming opens new opportunities for the women to take some risks. Many play it safe during competitions, as they concentrate on solid landings. Film gives them a chance to do it over.

"It's just a fact: The landing percentage is a little bit smaller than for the guys," Fabia says with a laugh. "A lot of the filmers we hired came from men's movie productions, so they had to learn different angles because women ride with a different style. They couldn't be that far away because, you know, the girls aren't going to be as big as Travis Rice."

Amber says the men predicted that the ladies would engage in catfights while gathered en mass for filming, but that the guys have it wrong.

"They're great girls," she says. "I'm friends with all of them, and they're incredibly talented. I figure it's about time to bring the two together."

Names of those featured, along with Amber and Fabia, include: Natasza Zurek, Laura Hadar, Victoria Jealouse, Erin Comstock, Hana Beaman, Annie Boulanger, Anne-Flore Marxer, Izumi Amaike, Stacy Thomas, Marie-France Roy, Leanne Pelosi, Tara Dakides, Silvia Mittermuller, Spencer O'Brien, Jacqui Berg, Priscilla Lewis, Maribeth Swetkoff, Alexis Waite, Kelly Clark, Gretchen Bleiler, Torah Bright, and Jamie Anderson.

Sources:

www.lat34.com/snowboard/girl_on_amber_stackhouse_2

snowboardermag.com/features/online-exclusives/interview-fabia-06

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Best Vacation Spots for Skaters: Colorado

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Sep 3, 2008 by Eisla Sebastian

Colorado is home to many great vacation opportunities including world class whitewater rafting, shopping and backcountry adventures. However, this state is also a great vacation destination for skateboarders as well. If you want to stay away from the crowds found in Denver, then consider the quaint town of Longmont, Colorado. This town has six skateparks, a great little skateboard shop and it is the home to several annual skateboarding events.

Longmont, Colorado - Skateparks
The first thing that skateboarders want to know about a city is where its skateparks are. Longmont, Colorado has six free skateparks. These skateparks are usually found within larger recreation areas and family parks. This means you will not only have easy access to great skating, but you can also try out some of the other activities found at the park complex.

If you are a novice skateboarder, or if you are skating with young kids, then you will want to stick to the Clark/Centennial Skatepark, located at 1100 Lashley, and the Stephen Day Skatepark, located at 1340 Deerwood. Both of these parks have a great selection of skateboarding features, and Centennial Park also has a roller hockey rink you can play around in.

If you are an intermediate or advanced skateboarder then you will have four skateparks to choose from. For intermediate skaters who are just moving up from the beginner rating, you will want to try out the Longmont Rec Center Skatepark found at 501 Quail Road. If you are an experienced skateboarder looking for both intermediate and advanced skatepark features, then you can try out the Blue Skies Skatepark, located at 1520 Mountain Drive, and Sandstone Ranch Skatepark, located at 2525 E. Highway 119.

Other Skateboarding Attractions
In addition to an amazing collection of skateparks, Longmont, Colorado also is the home to Sol Skateboards. This funky little skate shop can be found at 627 Main Street, and it is a great stop for skateboarding clothes and equipment. If you are interested in skateboarding events then you will want to visit this city during the summer. This is when the Mountain Madness Skateboarding Competition and the U.S. Nationals of Slalom Skateboard Racing are held.

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