Who in their junior high and high school days didn't at least own one pair of slip on Vans shoes? These comfortable, long lasting and easy to slip-on shoes are a part of our national heritage. Sitting in homeroom, doodling in pen on the rubber edge of your Vans is possibly the most 80's of memories.

Well, now you can relive those glory days even in some of the retro-80's checkerboard styles with the Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics. These shoes are guaranteed to bring back memories and make your life a whole lot easier. Because let's be honest, who has time for shoelaces? You didn't have time for them back then and you definitely don't have time for them now.

Styles
Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics are so affordable you could easily buy a different style to suit your every mood or one for each day of the week. There is the retro checkerboard in black/white, red/white, pink/black and red/black. For more of a preppy look go for the blue, white or black. There is even a version so white that you could probably hit the skate park in the dark and the cops could still see you.

Materials
These shoes come with classic Vans EVA insole support to help cushion heavy landings when grinding, shredding or just jumping off the roof. They have a cotton drill lining for extra comfort and breathability. The sole is Vulcanized to repel heat and to make it durable. And as always there is the gum rubberized outsole that is a Vans trademark—you could probably even still write in pen on it.

Content provided by Associated Content

Well, with sales of his all encompassing skate apparel line booming, Mr. Rob Dyrdek might be getting seriously close to being able to buy the whole world, Dr. Evil style. We all know he at least has his "Fantasy Factory" on MTV where each week the man shows off his toys and how he likes to abuse his staff. (Only in Jest, to be sure! The fights on that show are more staged than the plot of "The Hills.")

In just a few short years, the interlocking D and C for "Dyrdek Collection" has become one of the most sought after logos in the entire clothing industry, to say nothing of skate apparel. To put it in perspective, the Dyrdek Collection's DC has almost become as recognizable as the two GGs were for Gucci in the 1980's. And just as Gucci did in the 1980's, the Dyrdek Collection is also trying to branch out from a previously successful logo into an entire brand filled with fashionable goodies. Because life unfortunately sometimes requires more than just a hooded sweatshirt.

Oh, but DC does make a great hoodie now doesn't it? First is the"Electric Blue Dimensional Fleece Zip Hoodie" (perfect for winter) featuring a totally unique design over the front but the usual Rob Dyrdek quality. No interlocking DC logos here but it somehow still looks like a piece from this skate company.

Now the Dark Gray "Regain Fleece Zip Hoodie" still features the well known logos but this time styled much differently almost as if someone had put a hand-full in a blender and hit puree. Again, this is one warm and stylish hoodie.

While it is never in good taste to generalize about people there is one undeniable trend among those in the Skateboarding community. Not only do they generally love a good session of shredding and grinding at a local skate park but they often times turn to snowboarding during the winter months. Oh yes, and one more thing. They usually love Bob Marley. I mean, who doesn't love *Bob Marley*?

This is where the Matix Clothing Company's Asher Rasta Black Hoodie comes in. Warm enough for the coldest winter yet breathable enough to be worn in the fall or early spring, the Asher Black Hoodie really is a jacket for all seasons. Not only does this hoodie look cool and keep you warm but it also makes a statement for anyone out there who loves to skate, snowboard and rock out to Bob Marley's seminal album "Rebel Music."

The Matix Clothing Company Asher Rasta Black Hoodie has Kangaroo pouch pockets on either side and is fully lined with nylon to help keep you cool. For a textured look and feel the Asher Rasta Black Hoodie has banded cuffs and waist. Why is that important? So many hoodies are loose around the wrist and waist that they make people who may be physically fit look fat. Always remember that wearing loose clothing is not a cover up—it will just make you look overweight.

This hoodie is also 100% machine washable, available only in black with a small red, yellow and green rasta emblem, this hoodie is sure to sell out quickly. So, regardless of where you are or what you are doing, the Asher Rasta Black Hoodie will not only keep you warm it will also express your vast and varied interests.

DC is proud to announce the release of Dyrdek Collection from pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Dyrdek’s collection is a first for both himself and the brand, as its premiere athlete designed collection. The Dyrdek Collection includes footwear, apparel and accessories, all which feature signature branding and a custom print. The collection will launch to retail stores beginning October 1, 2009.

The collection was designed to fit perfectly in Dyrdek’s life, with custom fit denim for skateboarding, lightweight zip fleece, T-shirts, hats, wallets, a leather jacket and a new footwear model. A “water” pattern, representing the collection’s theme of “Fantasies Run Deep” is used across the collection as the lead print on t –shirts, fleece, and hats, as well as on interior linings of jackets, accessories, and footwear.

“After nearly 15 years with DC, I am excited to launch my first full collection of footwear,
apparel and accessories,” said Dyrdek. “I wanted the Collection to reflect my life, so I incorporated everything from pieces for skateboarding and everyday wear to aspects of my history, like a completely updated model of my first ever shoe with DC.”

Dyrdek’s latest shoe, the RD1 Mid, sits at the center of the collection and draws design cues from Dyrdek’s first ever shoe with the brand. Dyrdek joined DC Shoes in 1995 and set out to design the first-ever skateboard shoe with an athletic shoe's performance features and look. The result, the Dyrdek1, was the first skateboard shoe to feature protective nylon lace loops. Dyrdek’s signature shoe was met with unprecedented approval by the skateboarding community and sold out in record time.

Fifteen shoes later, the updated RD1 Mid model now comes in two colorways as a mid top with perforated leather and custom lining, but features the same paneling and lace loops from the Dyrdek 1 that revolutionized skateboarding footwear. The code “RD0915AW” is branded into the heel of the shoe, reflecting the original branding on the tongue of Dyrdek’s first shoe,“RD9501AW”, which combined his initials (RD) with the year (‘95), shoe model number (01) and his board sponsor (Alien Workshop).

Be sure to check out all the latest DC gear from the Zappos Rideshop!

DC

It takes a little extra something to stand out front he crowd these days. And in most cases, those who stand out do it fairly effortlessly. One look at Kyle Loza's riding style and the innovation and individuality he's brought to Moto X in the last few years and you instantly realize he's one of those people. Kyle epitomizes what etnies is and they are proud to welcome him to the etnies apparel team! Check out all the lates etnies gear from the Zappos Rideshop!

Here's one for the ladies! Etnies Girl is loving fashion lately. For etnies Girl this fall is all about fun patterns, pop color, rich textures and clever little details. The etnies Sew Rock Series takes a cue from art school fashionistas and the ever-creative DIYers know for taking trends and making them their own. Check out the girls Fader special edition Sew Rock colorway on the Zappos Rideshop today!

The black suede Munition CT Mid is the first installment of a two-part shoe series collaboration between long time DVS rider Chico Brenes and LRG. Designers looked to the early years of Chico's career for inspiration on it's look and feel.

The footbed print is borrowed from Chico's first World Industries pro model graphic, Orange Vendor, introduced in 1992 by artist Mark Mckee. The graphic features a tiny cartoon Paisa wearing a red flannel and selling oranges out of a box. This character is a direct reference to Chico's heritage as a Nicaraguan immigrant. The same flannel pattern used on the graphic is mimicked in both print and texture on the collar of the shoe. The shoe also features custom Chico and LRG branding on the tongue and heel.

To compliment the line, designers also produced signature apparel pieces that tie into the color and graphic themes of the shoes. The Chico x LRG apparel collection includes a textured red flannel New Era, a signature red flannel long sleeve, and graphic T-shirts that feature the same Mark McKee Paisa character found in the footbed of the shoe. Pick your's up today from the Zappos Rideshop!

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment that you need for skateboarding is a great pair of shoes. The best skating shoes will have a flat sole with good grip. This will keep you from sliding or skidding off your board. You will also want to select a shoe that has been properly fitted to your feet. Shoes that fit the size and shape of your feet will not only improve your stability, but it will also reduce your chances of twisting your ankle or developing blisters. If you are looking for a great skate shoe then consider the Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer.

Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer - Specs

The Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer is a skate shoe that retails for $69.00. It comes in women's sizes 5-12, with half sizes available, in men's sizes 3.5-13, and in youth size 4. It has a medium width and a black, red, white and gold design. The shoe weighs in at about 18 ounces for a men's size 10 and has a shaft height of about 6.5 inches.

The construction of the shoe is impeccable. It has an upper made from a patchwork of canvas, leather and suede. It has an EVA insert that has been die cut and a gum sole.

Working Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer - Wardrobe Tips

The Van's SK8-Hi™ Slayer is a great shoe that can be easily worked into nearly any casual wardrobe. They coordinate well with jeans and t-shirts, and can also make a great compliment to skater shorts and tanks for summer wear. These are not dress shoes but you can create a funky evening look by pairing these shoes with a more formal outfit, such as a dark pair of slacks, a bold printed T and a sports jacket.

Keeping Your Shoes in Top Condition

When you invest in a good pair of skateboarding shoes it is a good idea to take steps to protect their appearance. Keeping them clean is one step that you can take to keep the color and their general appearance crisp. Obviously when you skate outdoors you are bound to get them dirty. The trick is to allow mud and dirt to dry before brushing them clean. This is a better option than trying to clean mud off of wet shoes. This only embeds the mud into the fibers of the shoes. You can also protect your shoes by spraying them with a Teflon or waterproofing treatment before you first use your shoes. This will help make them water proof and also help them to become more resistant to stains.

Shoes are the foundation of your wardrobe, however, when it comes to skateboarding they are also the foundation of your stability. If you put the wrong shoes on your feet you can end up with sore arches and ankles, or worse yet sprained or strained muscles in your legs. If you are looking for a great pair of skateboarding shoes then try on the Vans Caballero.

Vans Caballero - The Basics
Vans Caballero are a mid rise shoe that offers an extra comfortable and supportive fit. They retail for about $64.00 and offer a medium width. They come in women's sizes 5-11, including half sizes, and men's sizes 3.5-13, including half sizes.

There are three styles that you can choose between. The most classic style is the black and white option. For a slight variation on this style you can also select the charcoal and white option. Finally, there is a more colorful option that offers a shoe design in black, white and ultra violet. All three styles come with the signature Steve Cabellero logo, which commemorates his 20th anniversary as a skateboarder.

The shoe itself has a suede or a leather upper and a cotton lining. They weigh in at an average of 20 ounces, however, this will vary depending on the size that you order.

Steve Cabellero
The Vans Caballero is a shoe that was designed to honor skateboarder Steve Cabellero. He's been grinding and tricking out since the late 1970s. Today he is known for his ramp work, however, he also has a history of being a top pool and vert trickster. Currently his favorite trick is done on a mini-ramp and it involves going from an Ollie to a k-grind to a Fakie stance. He also likes to do flip tricks while street boarding.

Cabellero is a family man with a great wife and a new baby. He is a San Jose native and he still lives in the American Southwest. When he is not skateboarding or promoting his career, he still jams with a variety of garage bands.

If you are a fan of Steve Cabellero, or if you just need a great pair of shoes, then try on the Vans Cabellero.

Keeping your wardrobe up-to-date and versatile without breaking the bank depends on your ability to select great coordinating pieces. One of the most cost effective clothing pieces that you can add to your wardrobe that will give you several outfit options is the cardigan. If you are looking for a kicking cardigan that can be dressed up or down, take a look at the Roxy Sweet Treat Sweater.

Roxy Sweet Treat Sweater
The Roxy Sweet Treat Sweater, which retails for an affordable $46, comes in five women's sizes: extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. It is a button front cardigan that has ribbed cuffs, a ribbed waist and the sassy Roxy metal logo plate. This cardigan is made from 100-percent cotton is totally breathable.

It comes in four stunning colors: black, blue radiance, party pink and white. Buy a neutral color like black or white and pair with a colorful camisole or select one of the wilder colors, like blue radiance or party pink, and let it make the statement for your outfit. If you can't decide which color you like best, buy one in each color and increase the number of outfits that you can put together.

Caring for your Sweater
To protect your clothing investment, it is important to care for your Roxy sweater properly. First of all, you will want to wash this sweater in cold water on a delicate cycle. Next, don't put it into the dryer. This will cause shrinkage, fading and fiber damage. Instead you will want to lay your Roxy Sweet Treat Sweater flat on a towel to dry. You can speed up the drying process by patting down the sweater with a sponge.

Building a Wardrobe Tips
The Roxy Sweet Treat Sweater is a great layering item. Since it is a solid color cardigan, you can pair it with a solid color or patterned undershirt. During the warmer months you can wear this sweater with a camisole and during the colder months you can pair it with a t-shirt or long sleeved shirt. To dress up this sweater you can pair it with a pencil skirt and heels and to dress it down you can pair it with jeans.

Many communities build skateparks in order to satisfy their residents' desire to skate. Most of the parks that are built are either built in existing community parks or they are built on virgin sites. In Virginia Beach, Virginia there is an amazing skatepark that was actually built using compressed clean soil and refuse. Yes, it was built on a landfill. The park complex is called Mount Trashmore and it is a great example of how communities can turn lemons into lemonade.

Mount Trashmore - The Park
Mount Trashmore is a multi-purpose park. It includes two amazing mountains that were made out of compressed trash and clean soil. This park also contains two lakes that are stocked with fish, and yes you can fish in these lakes. It also includes playgrounds, picnic areas and one of the best skateparks in the state.

Mount Trashmore Skatepark
The Mount Trashmore Skatepark can be found at 310 Edwin Drive in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is primarily a street course skatepark with obstacles, stairs and rails. However, it also has a great seven foot bowl and a 13.5 foot by 40 foot vert ramp, which makes it competition size.

Skating at Mount Trashmore Skatepark is free. You can start skating here at 7:30 in the morning and you can skate until the park closes in the evening. In order to skate here you will need to sign in, get a skatepark wrist band and wear a helmet. Since this park is outdoors and made from wood and composite materials, it is important that you dress appropriately. You will want to wear clothing that protects your skin from sunburn and from abrasions and you will also want to wear padding.

The rules for skating at this park are similar to those found at other skateparks. You need to wear a helmet, you need to skate responsibly and you need to be respectful of other skaters and of the skatepark. If you break these simple rules you will be asked to leave.

Have a great time skating at Mount Trashmore and enjoy the scenery as you catch air!

Skateboard legend Tony Hawk is considered one of the world's greatest skateboarders, the only skateboarding guru who successfully completed the front side "900." This stunt consists of 2.5 midair somersaults (900 degrees of breathtaking action) and was witnessed at the ESPN X Games in San Francisco, California in 1999. Since then, daredevils and skating enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels have attempted to replicate the amazing act, but few have managed to pull off the stunt as flawlessly as the great Hawk.

The 900 was executed when Hawk launched approximately 5 feet from the rim of the half-pipe on the U-shaped skate ramp and then did two and a half flips on the board before landing back into the half pipe with both feet and the board intact. For Hawk, it was one of his greatest personal achievements; for spectators, this was history in the making. And for scientists, it was just another trick made possible by the laws of gravity.

Skateboard stunts like the 900 depend entirely on the laws of physics; gravity allows the skater to accelerate, control their speed, move at different angles while airborne and control exactly where they will land. The faster the skater moves, the higher they can launch themselves above the rim of the skateboard ramp. The best way to pick up speed on the ramps is to use a technique called 'pumping,' where the skateboarder uses one foot to launch forward on the board and then quickly bends his or her knees while moving in order to accelerate. After launching off the rim, the skateboarder must curl up into a tight ball so that their body weight is as close to their axis of rotation as possible. This may sound very technical and complicated, but it's the blueprint for skateboarding stunt success for many experienced skaters such as Hawk.

Skateboarders also need to consider wind speed and temperatures when they're approaching a new stunt; the wind can affect how quickly the skateboarder is able to accelerate when on the ground and how long they can be airborne. The climate dictates what type of clothing the skateboarder will need to wear and whether the skateboard's wheels need to be warmed up before the event.

Hawk's execution of this amazing 900 stunt is just one of several legendary tricks and stunts to make headlines in the skateboarding world; he officially retired from professional skating in 2000.

Source:

Science World, Feb. 2001

Skateboarding is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle, which means skaters want clothing choices that make a statement. Some skaters prefer eclectic and vintage fashion, while others just want something that is comfortable. If you are a skater looking for a t-shirt that will move, breathe and make a laid back statement then take a look at the Element Detention Tee.

Element Detention Tee - Specs
The Element Detention Tee is a men's t-shirt that comes in four different colors: black, espresso, red and white. It also comes in five men's sizes: small, medium, large, extra large and extra, extra large. This t-shirt has a regular fit cut and crew neck and is made from 100 percent cotton.

Element Detention Tee - Layering
There are several ways you can incorporate your Element Detention Tee into your skating wardrobe. First you can wear it simply as a t-shirt. It will work well with jeans, khakis or shorts. Your second option is to wear it as a layering piece. This option works great for cooler skating conditions. To layer this t-shirt, you will want to put on a single-color, long-sleeved shirt under your Tee. You can select a shirt that has a contrasting or complimentary color to your Tee.

Making Your Tee Last
Skating can be hard on your clothes. To keep your t-shirt looking great you will want to set the color when you first get your t-shirt. You can do this by washing your shirt by itself without soap. Instead add in about a quarter to half cup of vinegar. Next, instead of putting your t-shirt through a dryer, hang it out to dry. This will prevent the fibers from fraying and wearing. Finally, wash your t-shirt with similar colors. This will prevent color bleeding and even prevent some fading.

The Element Detention Tee was designed to be a relaxed piece in your wardrobe. It is a great Tee to pull on when you want to have fun or when you want to hit the local skate park.

Gailea Momolu says he is a skateboarder first and a rapper second, and one fan says he is "more of a dancer than a rapper." Indeed, Gailea Momolu has a great pair of feet.

Gailea Momolu's parents are from Liberia, although he was born in Boston and he grew up near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Now 28, he makes his home in Vancouver, British Columbia. He lived for some time in Los Angeles, the informal capitol of skateboarding, in order to make connections and find sponsors, but he says he likes Vancouver better. "It's a good skate scene out here," Momolu says. "There is a lot of focus on the talent, but the scene could be a lot better when it comes to kids getting hooked up and getting their names out there." Besides, Momolu has a girlfriend in Vancouver. That might explain why he doesn't like L.A. as much as other skateboarders.

As for favorite places to skateboard, Gailea Momolu picks Shenzhen, China. Yes, China. "People in China really don't know what to do when they see me skate," Momolu says. "They just crowd around and watch. It's a new sport to them." He explains that his love for Shenzhen "is because it's all unique marble, the 10-out-of-10 top marble."

Gailea Momolu describes his skate style as "raw and relaxed." These two words may not seem to go together, but Momolu insists that he can remain relaxed and still get raw. "I'm a handrail skater, I guess, but pretty much I try to skate anything and everything," Momolu says. "The reason I say 'raw' is because of my pop. I don't like to flaunt myself too much, but I've heard so many people say that about me."

Gailea Momolu has a comparatively late start in skateboarding. He was more interested in basketball as a youngster, and he didn't get his first used skateboard until he was 13 years old. But he fell in love with that board and remembers taking train rides to Toronto and Montreal in order to get in on the action during the winter months. "I'll stay in skateboarding for as long as I can," Gailea Momolu says. "I just want to be a household name. I just want to keep doing what I'm doing."

Sources:
http://www.skaterrap.com/features.php
http://www.colormagazine.ca/print/feature/view/gailea-momolu
http://goskateboarding.ca/gailea_momolu?news_id=359&uniqid=
http://www.inqmnd.ca/site/#tableOfContents-more_39

While Chicago is a hot bed for cultural and urban attractions, sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Champagne, Illinois is a charming city south of the Windy City. Here you will find a great little skate park called Spalding Skate Park. This park is a public skate park and free to use.

Spalding Skate Park - the Basics
Spalding Skate Park is a concrete skate park that offers about 18,000 square feet of skating terrain. It can be found at 900 Harris in Champagne, Illinois, and is open to both skateboarders and in-line skaters. Here you will find both vert park features and street course features. In the vert park, you will find three great bowls with easy bowl-to-bowl transitions and several quarter pipes. The street course offers a snake run, rails, stairs and obstacles.

Spalding Skate Park is open all week long from dawn until dusk. It is a part of a larger park called Spalding Park. This park offers open, grassy areas, ball parks and other recreational attractions.

Staying Safe in Spalding Skate Park
Skating is a lot of fun and is a good way to stay in shape, however, it can be hard on your body. To keep yourself from getting injured, you need to wear the proper clothing and the proper safety gear. During the hot months of the year, you will want to wear clothing that is breathable and that will wick moisture away from your skin. During the colder months of the year, you will want to dress in layers and wear the proper outerwear. Regardless of the time of the year, you will want to wear a well fitted helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. You will also want to wear a pair of skating shoes that will give you good traction on your board.

In addition to dressing properly for skateboarding, you will also want to take steps to stay safe on your board. First make sure the skating zone is free of hazards like broken glass and trash. Clear these things away before you start rolling. Next, check out who else is using the park. Get a feel for how they are skating and their skill level before you try to share the skating space. For example, if you notice a skater is wobbly on their board, you will want to keep a larger gap between you and them while skating as they obviously are a newbie and most likely will have troubles keeping their board under control.