Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dominator Scooter Accessories

Recently Inside-Scooters has started working with a company known as Dominator Scooter Accessories. The company started to turn some heads when they showed up at the most recent Cooter Con competition in Washington. But not much is known about the company so far. So I'm going to give you guys the run down on Dominator Scooter Accessories or DSA.


DSA was founded by Father David Ward, and Son Cameron Ward. They started the company because Cameron at 11 years old, didn't weigh all that much and yet was breaking parts on his scooters every 6-9 weeks. After getting their hands on some after market parts, they noticed they didn't really come complete, were quite difficult to install, and didn't last as long as advertised or as they should have. Dave and Cameron both thought they could start to produce quality products and sell them complete and ready to go. So you wont have to start buying more and more parts just so you can install one new part for your scooter. Their main goal was to provide the average scooter rider with quality parts that they can take straight out of the box and install with little to no difficulty. Being a Father, Dave also saw this as a great opportunity to teach his Son Cameron the basics of how to run a business, and of course spend more time with him in the sport that he loves.

So they got started with their first products. The Dominator Deck Saver (Reinforcements for your deck) and the Dominator Threaded and Threadless HD Forks. If you've had the opportunity to see the Dominator HD Fork, it does have the same look as a Razor Pro Model Fork. However, Dominator's Fork is made completely from scratch, right here in the USA. So confident in these Forks is DSA, that with every Fork they sell, they offer a 90 day guarantee. It states that if you bend or break your fork within those 90 days, you will have it replaced for free. The Deck Saver was made to help eliminate the snapping of the drop outs on your deck. It works so well that Dave to this day has not received word of any rider's dropouts breaking while they were running a Dominator Deck Saver. Quite a few riders have even installed them on decks that already had cracks in the drop outs, and they are still running strong with the Deck Saver.

Dave's plans for DSA are pretty simple. He will continue to make top quality and innovative products, and along the way will be doing the best he can to help promote the sport of scootering in any ways that he can. In the future DSA will be starting an A and B Team. They will not just be sponsoring in the US, but worldwide. They are looking for riders that want to help promote the sport of scootering, riders that got a good attitude, and that will help DSA grow to its potential. Dave and DSA plan to be involved in as many scootering events and competitions as possible. As far as what to look forward to when it comes to products? Dave says to keep a look out for products that will not only make your scooter stronger, but also lighter, and faster. He plans to have several new products available to the public before the end of this year. Its clear that Dominator Scooter Accessories is one of the most legit companies in the sport today. I expect nothing but good things from them in the future.



-Written by Steven Tongson

Sky High Updates

Some Updates from the Sky High Scooter Shop...

-Sponsorships are now being accepted, you can find out more about that here.
-100mm Eagles are now available in the store.
-A limited number of FID forks are back in stock.
-Blade brakes will be in the store soon.
-Proto Grippers, t-shirts, and Brass Knuckles will be available soon.
-VNC forks and compression will be available soon.

IS on Twitter?

Yep. I decided to get with the times and made the Inside Scooters Twitter account. There's probably no point in making an account but I was bored and figured it wouldn't hurt, especially since every other media outlet has one.

Tweet at me yo.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Inside the Competition: Virginia Clark and XW

On July 11th the 4th annual Xtreme Wheels Scooter Competition will be taking place in Buffalo, New York. This is without a doubt one of the biggest competitions every year it happens. But how did it start? Who decided to start supporting our sport and allowing us to have annual competitions at one of the best indoor skate parks on the east coast? The answer, Virginia Clark.

    Virginia Clark, along with her husband Robert Clark, and business associate William Shylo own the Xtreme Wheels Skatepark. She actually lives in an apartment right above the skatepark. They opened the XW park in late 2003. About a year into the park being open she was approached by one our fellow riders by the name of Alex Schad. He asked Virginia if she was interested in holding a scooter competition at XW. Alex explained to her that there weren't that many skateparks that were supporting or allowing competitions for scooters. Virginia liked the idea, and decided she would hold the first scooter competition at XW. The competition was a complete success. With riders showing  up from all over the United States to compete. Since then Virginia has made the competition an annual event. This upcoming contest will be the 4th.

    Now before this successful first competition, Virginia really didn't know what to expect from the sport of scootering. However, after seeing the amount of riders that showed up to that eventful contest, and the talent they all had, she instantly became a fan and a strong supporter. She had never thought the things she saw being done were even possible on a scooter, and in short, she was in awe. When she started holding these contests she honestly didn't think the sport would grow to what it currently is today. She and a lot of others feel that it's the sport's riders that act as such a tight knit community, and the growing amount of supporters like herself, that have helped get the sport to where it is today. Virginia has no plans of stopping the annual XW Scooter Competition. As long as the riders continue to support the contest every year, she will continue to have the contest. However, she does have one small concern. She hopes that people are coming to the contest each year to compete, and not just coming for the amazing free breakfast she puts out for everyone! Haha.

    With three competitions down and another to come shortly there have undoubtedly been a lot of memorable moments at the past contests. Although out of them all, there is one that will stay with Virginia forever. At the very first contest to be held at XW, a young local rider who didn't have the most experience had came to the skatepark. Seeing some of the professional riders there, left him feeling nervous and intimidated. Despite this, he went on to compete in the contest. He would end up taking last place. Standing by watching as all the awards and prizes were being handed out to the riders above him. After the awards ceremony was over, The Razor Team walked up to the young rider, and gave him a brand new scooter. The smile on his face said it all, and the tears his mother cried said even more. This is one memory that Virginia will keep with her forever.

    I hope that you now know a little bit more about the amazing person behind the XW Competitions. She's not just a good person, not just a friend, or an owner of a skatepark. Virginia Clark is one of scootering's biggest supporters. People like her don't come around very often, and we should all be thankful for her endless amount of support. While she supports us, it seems that a rather large amount of companies have decided to support her and the competition. With a staggering amount of sponsors for this years competition. I will end this article with the entire list of sponsors below. Thanks again Virginia!

Intro by Steven Tongson

Interview by Jordan Jasa

Jordan Jasa:  You certainly seem to be one of the most enthusiastic and supporting park owners I’ve seen.  What makes you so supportive of our sport?

Virginia Clark:  I am so supportive of scootering for a variety of reasons: First, and foremost, the sport if so fun. I see so many amazing tricks done on scooters. It takes guts to land some of the tricks I have seen. I have seen some tremendous spills from time to time and the riders get back up like nothing happened at all! Secondly, the scooter community is a tight knit group. Everyone supports everyone in the industry. It is a different attitude from the skateboarders, inliners and bmx'ers that come to Xtreme Wheels.

The annual XW Competition is, I believe, the longest running scooter comp in the US.  What keeps it running so strong?

I was not aware that we are the longest running competition, that is great news. I work very hard for our scooter patrons and my enthusiasm is part of what keeps it so strong. I radiate an infectious energy that gives our contests an added plus. My prize packs and trophies are worth competing for too!

How have the turnouts been for past XW comps?  Have they been what you expected to get?

The turnouts have been better than I expected. Our first competition surprised me, I was not expecting many competitors being our first event. Low and behold, we had over 50 participants.  The field has grown each year and I expect between 80 and 100 participants this year.

Matt Dibble also helps a lot with organizing XW.  In what ways does he help?

If it were not for Matt Dibble, I would not have successful results. He has introduced me to all the right contacts, helped me know the products for our retail center to stock, helped me reach the scooter community via videos and message boards, and best of all: Matt Dibble and Miles Quirk make the best flyers for distribution!

Nextsport is going to play a big part in XW4’s competition with the “Raise The Gnar Tour”.  What exactly is this going to entail?  Is it a separate event from the normal competition, or..?

I am excited to host the first stop for the "Raise the Gnar Tour". Nextsport participated in our 2nd Annual Scooter Competition in 2007. It is a pleasure to have them return this year and an honor to be the first stop on the tour.  The "Raise the Gnar Tour" is a separate competition within our competition. They have thousands of dollars in prizes to award and have a contest criteria that is different that the scooter competition contest criteria making both events diverse and exciting.

How big are the scooter comps compared to the bmx/skating comps XW holds?

Because the scooter comp is an annual event, I get the largest turnout of all contests we host.  The skateboard, inline skating, and bmx contests get good turnouts, but not like the scooter comp turn outs.

What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming XW competition?

I just love the best trick part of the contest. This is where the true dare devils take to the ramps to out do one another. The prizes for the best trick winner are most coveted.

What kind of prizes can we expect to be available for the winners?

The prizes! Wow! I try to give the winners the best prize packs I can possibly give. The prizes packs contain trophies, scooters, scooter parts and accessories, tees, hats, belts , stickers and more. The prize packs contain some unusual items that are fun. I won't give away this years surprise.  Because most competitors travel great distances to come to XW, I have packed their prize packs in duffle bags so they can easily transport their prizes back home.  This year our sponsors were quite generous, so the prize packs are looking real good right now.

Finally, I have to ask…What’s all included in the free breakfast?

Ha! The free breakfast was my brain child last year. After hosting a few contests, I realized how expensive it is for our customers to travel here. Between lodging, car rentals, airline tickets, train tickets, bus fare, gas for those who drive here, and contest fees I thought I could provide a meal to help alleviate some costs.  I serve a variety of foods like pancakes, waffles, bagels, pastries, sausages, egg sandwiches, fruit, juice, and pizza. Can't forget pizza, it is the breakfast of champions!

Visit the Xtreme-wheels website here. Www.xtreme-wheels.com

XW 09 Sponsor List:

WEE Scooters

Eaglesport

Sky High Scooters

Kyle Rudolph

Quebec Scooters

RAD Scooters

National Sporting Goods

PROTO

Scooter Resource

Riverside Scooters

Scooters Only

Dissidence Scooter Shop

Micro

Exode

STR Scooters

ScooYork

Limit Scooters

Dominator Scooter Accessories

Razor

Inward Scooters

Scooter Zone

and YAK.

Jeremy Suchet Rainbow Part



another sick part from this Rainbow video. This guy's briflips are really nice.

Jimmy Guilloux's Rainbow Part



Watch for heelwhips.

Antoine Delcampe's Rainbow Part



Never heard of this guy until now, seems to be yet another amazing French rider. Bar whip fing whaaaat.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Nick Darger 951 DVD throwaway

Nick Darger Web Edit #1 from nick darger on Vimeo.



aka Web Edit #1. Back scooterflips look SO much better than briflips. Darger killlsss it.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

RTG Tour Website is Up

www.fuzionraisethengnar.com Looks great, I can't wait to see how its all gonna go down come XW. The website says that there'll be a "championship showdown" at the final stop, does that mean riders will be earning points as the season goes along? Hmm.

Post a comment if you'll be attending any of the stops, which include:

Xtreme Wheels in Buffalo NY on July 11
Ramp Rats in Petaluma, CA on August 22
Skatebarn West in West Renton, WA on October 17
The Incline Club in Lakewood, NJ on November 22
YMCA/Clairmont in San Diego, on January 2

Inward News

Some news from Inward Scooters.

TSI decks now available on the Inward website. Decks come in 3 widths: 4, 4.5, and 5 inch. Powdercoat option will come later.

Dominator decksavers are back!

A shipment of Razor decks is on its way, expected to be listed soon.

Codie Donovan and Fernando Young wheels are in stock in 100mm.

Hep Greg wheels can now also be bought separately. 110mm and 125mm wheels are in stock!

1 1/4 inch starnuts are now available. Many of you asked to buy them separate from the compression set. There are plenty in stock now.

Inward policy is to list only what they have in stock. If it is not on the site, it cannot be shipped in a reasonable time. Anything that does not require powdercoating leaves the warehouse within 2 business days!!

Inward Scooters is sponsoring and will have riders at both the Xtreme Wheels and the Brooklyn Banks jam.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

PROTO Interview: Brandon Kilbury

By Steven Tongson and Jordan Jasa

For a long time now there is one rider who I feel has been underrated by a lot of other riders time and time again. His name is Brandon Kilbury. Brandon or “BK” as he has come to be known as was born and raised in St. Albans, Vermont, where up until last fall was his home. He now lives in Rochester, NY, where he is attending college. Brandon started riding his scooters much like a lot of other riders did. His cousin had a scooter and he rode it for a little while, messing around doing little no footers and small tricks like that. It was a couple months later that his dad would buy him his own Razor Scooter. It didn't take long for Brandon to pull out his kickers and start riding them with his scooter. Before scooters he also rode bikes, inline skates, and skateboarded. However, something about riding a scooter clicked, and he decided he was going to stick to it.

How has the college life been? Are you a lot busier than you were in high school? How does your riding fit in?

College has been great, I'm going pretty far from home so it's been an experience getting to know the area and all new people.  I live in a special interest house (it's almost like a frat I guess) called Engineering House, and I'm the VP of that so I've got meetings and stuff to go to which I've never dealt with until now.  With that on top of at least twice the school work I had in highschool it's hard to find time to ride anything other than the sidewalks in front of my dorm but I try to get to X-Dreams skatepark as much as I can, until it recently closed. I still ride every chance I get but it isn't usually much so I feel like I lost some ground, but that's not to say I regret college in the least.

You say you lost some ground?  You just put out a driveway video a week or two ago, and you were doing fakie manual combos.  Seems like you've actually gained ground to me haha.

Well that's what I did manage to progress in was flat, since that's all I really rode.  I got nose manuals and some other techy junk a lot better over the school year.  I feel like I lost ground in park and some other areas though.  I've been riding Talent again since I've been home for the summer and I'm just a lot less consistent with some big tricks I used to have dialed, especially at that park.  Since park is pretty much my favorite terrain is sucks to feel like I have to relearn things I never used to even think about.  Although I am happy to say I can finally tuck no hander good!

When you first started riding...did you want to get to where you are today? Did you ever expect to be one of the best scooter riders in the world?

To be honest, I'm not really sure.  I don't think I ever had any expectations since scooters were close to nothing back then.  All I had to look up to was Martin Kimbells clips wayyyyyy back.  And even when SR first began I was still nowhere near as good as Josh, Ricky and the rest of NBS back when they were all riding.  I don't think I ever had any room to think I was one of the best, because whenever I started feeling like I was getting really good, Jesse would always have new clips to shoot me down haha.  It's a cool feeling though now, I'm glad I'm part of proto because I feel like Andrew really knows what he's doing and he treats us all real well, and as annoying as it is to get messages and friend requests from all these scooter kids I don't know, it is something not everyone gets to experience so I should probably work on appreciating it more haha.

Would you say Martin was your biggest riding influence back then?

Oh definitely, his videos were the only ones I could find and give me ideas of what to learn.  I mean I picked up this piece of metal and was clueless, I was still doing just no footers and one handers when I found his videos.  He was doing like whip rewinds and stuff and I couldn't believe it.

If you had to pick one rider who you thought has influenced your riding the most, who would you say?

I'm gunna have to go with Jesse.  We were good friends and his videos just blew me away, did he ever release the 360 triple whip to bar video?  what the hell is that... He was just a maniac and a good guy to talk to and if it weren't for him my BLT2 part probably wouldn't have been half as good.

Sometime later in around 2003 footage of Brandon would start to pop up. It was usually of him outfront riding his infamous kickers, more than often wearing an over sized shirt, and some tan really baggy pants. He would do pretty basic stuff in the videos, with a few or more tricks being really good for the time they came out. After 3 or so mini videos of much of the same thing with small improvements some people started to wonder if Brandon was ever going to get out of his driveway and off those kickers. The answer in short, Yes. By 2005 we were up to about Mini video 6. He was no longer just riding his kickers in his videos, and if he was he was doing tricks like 360 double whips, or 720s off of them now. He was starting to ride park and street more, and he was progressing fast, almost too fast. Which would become evident in a video called “BLT”. BLT came out featuring riders; Brandon Kilbury, Levon Fortin, and Tyler Hale. The video was finished in 2006, and despite Levon and Tyler's amazing sections, it was BK who had most rider's attention. His riding had come such a long way. His section for that video is a little over five minutes of insanity. If you've never seen it, go watch it now.

Watching your videos all the way from Mini 1 to BLT2 part shows some amazing progression in your riding. Has progression always been important to you?

Yea definitely, it's different for everyone but I just get bored doing the same tricks, like all the guys out there pushing the wide bars and style and 180s and that junk, the videos are just boring.  I don't really understand how people can have fun just doing turndowns and euro tables all the time haha.  That's why I go out and if I can barspin a box, I'll try bar to whip and keep pushing it until I feel satisfied or that I might hurt myself (or actually do).  I know I might not have the best style of anyone out there but I'd rather keep learning new tricks and getting hard ones dialed just because that's the riding that always impresses me.  Jesse never stopped progressing the whole time he was putting out videos, neither did all my other influences (dan, jon, benj, dylan, etc.).  Pushing it is what it's about, where would skateboarding and BMX be if people learned to kickflip and tailwhip and then just stayed there?

Do you think you will ever slow down, in terms of learning new tricks?

As much as I hate to admit it, I think I already have slowed down.  between blt1 and 2 was pretty much the fastest progression I ever had, I remember the sessions at talent I always had with Levon and Teehale, where all 3 of us would just be bouncing tricks off each other, and all 3 of us could usually match each other within 1-3 tries.  I don't really ride with any other scooter riders anymore since those two quit that are a match for me so I don't have much to push me.  Also I know as college goes on I'll probably have less and less time to ride.  I don't know and can't say for sure that I'll ever quit riding, but I don't know if I'll ever be at the level I was last year.

I believe you rode new a b foldys for a year or two, right?  What made you want to ride those?

Yea, the original BLT was the last video I put out with any new A footage, and leading up to that I was kind of a weight freak.  It wasn't so much that I felt like I wasn't progressing, but that was when I was trying to get triples, scooterflips, and fingerwhip stuff on flat and it was way easier with the new a.  Not to mention Teehale did the same and loved it so we never really saw any reason to ride the longer B deck.

Seeing other riders (like myself) riding new a decks, kickers, trying to emulate your riding, how does that make you feel?  Do you realize how you've impacted the sport?

You know, I hate to get on a teammate's case, but I gotta let you know how much I disagree with what Dylan said about your riding.  I don't care where you're riding or what you're filming with, you do some crazy stuff.  Just had to let you know.  But anyway, it might seem weird but my mom reminds me more than anyone what an impact I've had, especially around VT.  There's a lot of littler kids she's met that know me and look up to me, and she gives me complete credit of getting scooters into talent skatepark.  It feels awesome to know people look up to me, I mean who wouldn't want that?  I don't always think about my impact because to me it seems a little conceited to admit how good a rider you are and how much people think of you and things like that.  I try to convince myself that I'm just providing some viewing material when I put out videos haha.

Haha thanks, that means a lot.  At what point in your career did you realize that you had become a top name in the sport?

Hmm, it was probably right after BLT1.  Filming for that I still looked up to the razor guys and felt like I needed to impress the people that were better than me.  After that though my mindset switched, I kind of realized it wasn't such a gap between me and Josh Toy and all them, that I could probably do some tricks they couldn't, and that was an awesome feeling.  So my influences changed and I started looking for different riders to learn from.  I think it was those people that were in the same boat as me, the unsponsored riders that were really starting to progress.

I’ve always felt that your BLT1 part, or really the whole video, shows the epitome of kicker riding.  Would you agree?

Haha I don't even remember what was in that video, but yea probably.  I don't watch many videos, but I NEVER see kickers anymore.  I wouldn't really say it's good or bad, but it's always a cool benchmark when someone does a new trick off "a kicker", it's like when someone does a new trick flat or over a spine, ya know? but yea, I know I flipped a kicker in that video and that was pretty much one of the biggest things I did with a kicker.  I'd be pumped to see more people doing it, definitely with street and park mixed in too, but still.

After BLT 1, Brandon was seen differently in a lot of riders eyes. However in mine, and a lot of others opinions he was still underrated. Since then we've seen BLT2 which gave us another 100% insane section from Brandon, and he was added to the PROTO Team aswell. Now a days some of Brandon's favorite tricks to do when he goes out and rides are actually quite the opposite of his ridiculous tricks in his videos. He likes to cruise around doing nosemanual stuff, and fakie tricks, and he loves truckdrivers. If you were to ask Brandon who is favorite person to ride with is, he would say Matt Dibble. They are really good friends, and when they ride together all the pressure is off. They find themselves laughing and talking sometimes more than even riding. When it comes to riders that Brandon looks up to, and looks to for inspiration its a lengthy list of amazing riders including; PROTO Team riders, Dylan Kasson, Brian Murphy, Jon Reyes, and Dan Barrett, and also Tyler Bonner and Jesse Macaluso. These are the riders that whenever Brandon watches them ride, has his jaw on the floor much like his riding has ours on the floor. For 2009 Brandon's plans are pretty simple. He wants to ride more street, and he has lately been finding himself thinking about trying tricks, but not actually doing them. This summer BK plans on committing to the tricks he was previously only considering or thinking about, and throwing them down, and of course staying injury free.

In addition to setting a new bar by doing huge tricks over huge boxes in BLT2, you also did a lot of these lines with no pushing in between.  Was that something you were trying to work on?

I know I've mentioned him a couple times already but Jesse is who really pushed me to ride like that.  He was the first person I remember riding a park real well, like clearing everything and flowing good and all.  and he would throw crazy tricks into his lines too, so when I started riding talent a lot it took a lot of practice to throw lines together without pushing at all but it's a great skill to have when you're riding parks.  It makes everything easier and I think that's what led me to be able to clear big boxes and stuff.  Plus it looks way cleaner.

How did you first meet Matt (Dibble)?  How is riding with him different than riding with other people (Tyler Hale or Levon Fortin, for example)?

OH my god..... seriously there's an essay Dibble wrote about me for a school project he sent me and it is the most hilarious thing, talking about the first time we talked (and I mean hilarious the way he worded it, not because it was stupid or something).... talking about like "I n00bzorz from teh srzorz IMzzing me" or something, holy shit it's just hilarious and I had to mention it..

but he just started talking to me on AIM one day and we got to be good friends, XW came along and we chilled and now that I go to school in Rochester (2 hours from him) we hang out probably every 3 or so weeks.  It was different in that me and him don't ride when we ride.  We laugh and talk and omlbal (ask him what omlbal means).  It's always fun though, levon and tyler were always like pushing me to ride harder and everything, dibble was a bad influence on my riding since I never get any done when I'm around him haha.  I love the kid though he's gotta be my favorite person to "ride" with.

You guys definitely have the strangest slang I've ever heard (lit, jockin, oves, etc).  Whats up with that?

it's what he calls newspeak, and it's not just me and him. If you hang out with his friends at home, it's how EVERYONE talks in Westfield.  And it's pretty much just the most ridiculous list of inside jokes in the world that an entire town knows.

Weird.  When did you get on Proto, and how did it feel when you got your first Proto (SR back then) parts?

It was right after TIC '07 in feb/march.  Buff was there and he came up to me after the comp and was like "here, want an SR fork?" I was still riding all stock besides rads and yaks so I was pretty damn excited.  I don't remember how long after that he sent me buff bars but I know it's still the best feeling to get a package full of parts that everyone else spends a fortune on.  I think the last one was baby slayers, new buffs, baby scs, striker fork, 4 protos?  I mean come on, Andrew is the man.

Last year you came incredibly close to landing a double backflip at XW.  Have you tried it since then, or do you plan on ever trying it again?

I've gotten this question so many times haha, the only double backflips I've done since then were into foam at Ohio Dreams this last winter... which were also my first attempts into foam ever.  I think buff had high hopes of me and murph doing train double flips on his mini mega ramp during SD3 but neither of us ended up doing it.  To be honest I doubt I'll try another on ramp.  There are only two boxes I'd ever try it on and they're both gone now, I originally planned on doing one at rye long before xw on the box I flipwhipped but they took it out before I had a chance.  If I ever ride another park with foam and preferably resi, along with a box, all of which I get real comfortable on.  MAYBE I'll try hucking some more.

Come to Madison and do it on 4 seasons box.

yea we'll see haha, I'm looking for a 5 foot high box with tranny landing and a short gap....

I wouldn't count on it though.  I seriously shake just thinking about it haha.

It'll happen someday I bet.  Any last thoughts?

NO MORE DRAMA ON SR!  and proto ftw <3

Brandon Kilbury is one of the few riders who people should really be looking up to. He went from being someone who rode nothing but his driveway and his kickers. To being someone who can match 90% of the riders today when it comes to tricks, in both park or street. His tricks will continue to get better, his style smoother, and his riding even more consistent than it already is. As hard as that is to hear, its the truth. And as hard as it is to believe, in my opinion, he’s still underrated.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Summertime Again!

Summer.  For most, it’s a time that mean freedom, friends, and fun.  For others, it means summer jobs, and blistering heat.  For most scooter riders, its a time to ride all day, everyday.  As well as riding usual spots and parks, one might find oneself on a road trip to far away places, and people.  Hanging out with old friends, and making new ones are both things I enjoy about summer.  To me, summer is the best time of the year, but like all good things, it must come to an end, and that means the start of a new school year.  And then it’s another long nine months of waiting, waiting for that last bell signaling the start of summer…

With summer now officially in season, I interviewed Jon Meadows about his summer plans, and thoughts.

Intro and Interview by Jordan Jasa

Jordan Jasa:  What does summer mean to you?

Jon Meadows:  Swimming, girls in bikinis, shredding with the scoot everyday, and having fun.

Nice list.  How do you like summer compared to the rest of the seasons, what’s your favorite?

Summer is by far the best season because you have so much more freedom and time. Most people have school so when summer comes along we can do so much more. So I'd say summer is my favorite.

What is your favorite part about summer?

Basically hanging out with my friends and having a good time, thats what its all about.

Amen.  What are your plans/goals for this summer?

Save up money for a car, go on a few vacations, and hopefully finish up my new video called "Summer Shreddin" which will be my new "Edit". I'm also filming for another video called "Lights Out" with a group of local skaters. Should be a hella fun summer.

Awesome, definitely looking forward to those.  If you could change anything about summer, what would it be?

Umm, there isn't much I change. Summer is pretty good for me but If anything, I'd change the time frame to make it longer haha.

That’s it, thanks Jon.

No problem!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Fuzion RTG Tour Press Release

The following was released by Nextsport today. For more on other Fuzion projects, check the interview I did here.

RAISING THE “GNAR”: FUZION INTRODUCES THE FIRST EVER NATIONAL COMPETITION SERIES FOR FREESTYLE SCOOTER RIDING
Fuzion brings together the best riders in the world with the Fuzion “Raise the Gnar” Tour capitalizing on the explosive growth of freestyle scooter riding

EMERYVILLE, CA (June 22, 2009) – Fuzion (http://www.fuzionscooter.com) will launch the 5-city “Raise the Gnar” Freestyle Scooter Competition Tour (http://www.fuzionraisethegnar.com) this July to help showcase the international community and talent driving the sport. With millions of people, young and old owning a scooter it was only a matter of time before riders began to emulate the lifestyle and campaigns of “core” action sports like skateboarding and BMX.

Scooter riding to the average person has never been “extreme.” Typically received as a vehicle for transportation, most would never put the words “action sport” and “scooter” in the same sentence. But that’s all about to change with the launch of the Fuzion “Raise the Gnar” Freestyle Scooter Competition Tour.

Opening at the Xtreme Wheels Skatepark in Buffalo, NY the Fuzion “Raise the Gnar” Tour will feature four other premiere skateparks across the country: Ramp Ratz Skatepark in Petaluma, CA, Skatebarn West in Renton, WA, The Incline Club in Lakewood, NJ and the final and largest competition at the YMCA Mission Valley Skatepark in San Diego, CA. Competitors and spectators will be exposed to a number of different aftermarket scooter companies with the latest and greatest parts and modifications in the industry. With over $10,000 in cash and merchandise prizes, the Fuzion “Raise the Gnar” Tour will set the bar high in its inaugural year.
In addition to the launch of the tour, Fuzion will also be introducing the all new Fuzion Spencer Hawk H2 freestyle scooter and the Fuzion Spencer Hawk H4 carving scooter. Each designed to encompass and capture the traditions and styles of Spencer Hawk and his family, the H2 and H4 will feature the latest in scooter materials and technology. Both will also be competition ready and provided to many of the podium winners at each venue.
The Raise the Gnar Tour will also be developed alongside with the budding American Freestyle Scooter Association (AFSA). Founded by one of the top names in the industry, AFSA will standardize policies and procedures in regards to everything from judging consistency and class rankings to accepted equipment and competition formats.
Each tour stop will have its own personality and individuality, emulating the riders that will be competing. While much of the freestyle scooter scene is derived from both skateboarding and BMX elements, it also inherits a look and feel totally its own. Creating a diversified tour will help to showcase competitors who are used to street, park or vert riding disciplines. No matter what the case, the Fuzion Tour will definitely “raise the gnar” for years to come.

ABOUT NEXTSPORT INC.
Founded in 2004, Nextsport designs, develops, and manufactures innovative action sports products. The company's flagship product line, the Fuzion performance scooter, is sold in a wide range of sporting good, specialty and mass retailers including Walmart, Dicks Sporting Goods, Toys“R”Us, Sports Authority, Amazon and Target stores. Nextsport is a privately owned company based in Emeryville, CA. For more information about Nextsport Inc. and Fuzion scooters please visit [link].

Friday, June 19, 2009

Inside the Mod: Rawing Your Brass Knuckles SCS

With the SCS Brass Knuckles now coming in 7 anodized colors, you now have the option of being able to choose what your SCS looks like. However, if you have a change of heart once your Brass Knuckles arrives at your door, you DO have the option of rawing the anodization (if that's even a word). Sam Aronie generously put together this picture tutorial, thanks Sam!

Words by Jordan Jasa



Step 1: Take the Brass Knuckles off your scooter.


Step 2: Make sure you've taken out the bolts and cap.






Step 3: Acquire the following objects: Easy Off (or other oven cleaner of your choice), a large plastic baggie, and a plastic glove.



Step 4. Spray some oven cleaner into the bag, be generous if you want the SCS to be completely rawed. Put the Knuck's in the bag, and let the cleaner do its thang. Notice all the gold bits in the second picture, you can literally see the cleaner working.



Step 5: Use the plastic glove to take out the SCS, you don't want any of that oven cleaner on you. Leaving the Knuckles in there for shorter/longer amounts of time will make the gold less or more faded. As you can see here, Sam choose to completely raw his. Looks really nice. And of course, once you have it rawed, you can paint it literally any color you want.

Credit to Zolof for being the first to document rawing of an SCS.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Stevon Wilson



Clips from TPCVJ9 as well as some other unreleased clips. Such a beast.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Nextsport Interview

Whether you love them or hate them, Nextsport is doing something soon that is catching the interest of riders all over the sport of scootering. They are releasing two new models:  the Fuzion Spencer Hawk H4, which is going to be a four wheeled scooter, and also, whats got everyone's attention, the Fuzion Spencer Hawk H2.. their first two wheeled scooter. How will it perform? How much will it cost? Is this the first of many 2 wheeled models? I can't answer these questions, but I can answer some other ones.


The company Nextsport was founded by a competitive downhill skateboarder in 2004. Before that he spent a few years in the downhill skateboarding circuit, and he had an idea to improve the current handling and carving technology, and before we knew it the first Fuzion scooters were created. The name of course comes from the way they developed a “Fuzion” between a skateboard and a scooter. One of their first products was the “Quadcarver,” which was eventually developed even further to become the “Fuzion Asphalt”. The Asphalt, which was released in 2005, was made to appeal to both the average person, as well as the action sports riders.


Making four wheeled scooters however, is not something that has not been openly accepted by the Scootering Community. While some ride both two wheeled and 4 wheeled scooters, most stick to the two wheeled models, and at times express quite a few insults and negative remarks towards Nextsport and its four wheeled scooters. Nextsport feels that a lot of the comments made towards them are biased and pretty unfounded. With the release of their two wheeled model, they hope to provide options for both types of riders, 4 wheeled, or 2 wheeled. To have both 4 wheeled scooters and two wheeled scooters work in conjunction, much like skateboards and longboards do. They realize that with each product there are pros and cons. They listen as best they can to riders wants and needs, and will continue to do their best to provide quality products. Nextsport is well aware of how fast the sport of Scootering is growing. They believe in this sport much like all of us do, and will be doing their best to help bring scootering to the mainstream where they feel it belongs.


What keeps Nextsport making products? Its their Team Riders. They have an amazing group of riders who are constantly pushing the limits on Fuzion scooters, and helping promote them at any chance they get. They congratulate their Team riders and applaud them for helping to show that Fuzions are not just “another” scooter.


For 2009 Nextsport has some pretty big plans. Their two new Spencer Hawk Models will be released. They are also going on tour soon, which will be titled the “Raise the Gnar” Tour. Announced shortly will be a list of sponsors and media outlets that they hope to attend. With this tour they hope to get freestyle scooter riders the recognition they feel they deserve. Nextsport is also expanding their products internationally. Soon they hope to have a full range of products available in most major countries. You can also expect to see some other non-scooter Fuzion products that will be released in 2009 and 2010, a year Nextsport also expects to be quite big. Last, but not least, they plan to continue to develop their current athletes and expand the reach of their team. Depending on the outcomes of their upcoming tour, they will be having more opportunities available on a sponsorship basis.


Intro written by Steven Tongson
Interview done by Jordan Jasa

In the past regarding production of 2 wheeled scooters, you've said "Why reinvent the wheel?".  Why the change of heart?

We haven't really changed heart in the matter- we are not "reinventing the wheel" per se as the Fuzion Spencer Hawk H2 is functionally the same as most traditional 2-wheel scooters.  Rather, based on market research, which included the freestyle scooter community, we've created what we consider an improved design based on material properties, quality construction and an aesthetic very specific to Fuzion products. 

It took years for skateboarding and BMXing to really gain a solid footing, but one major factor in its growth was the ability to really customize to each athletes liking.  Different wheels, trucks, board designs, colors, etc. we feel really helped skaters and BMXers create a riding apparatus specific to their style and personality.  We hope that by creating a new look and refreshing the category, the sport will gain the attention that it deserves and allow riders to really make a statement.

How did Spencer Hawk get involved with Fuzion?  What does his father, skateboarding legend and action sports icon Tony Hawk, think of him having his own signature scooter?

Spencer Hawk has long been a fan of Fuzion products and the brand.  While interested in many other action sports, the innovation and brand quality has always appealed to him but we've never been quite able to create the perfect partnership with him.  As far as Tony, he is very supportive of Spencer and the product and just as enthusiastic to see its debut.   

How much input did Spencer have over the 2 scooters?  When were the first designs for the H2 started?

As Spencer was a big fan of Fuzion scooters to begin with, much of the design was left up to the internal product development team at Nextsport with Spencer choosing some more specific aspects such as colors and style. Initial development began roughly 8-9 months ago and the product development team spent a lot of time creating a look based on Spencer's riding style and personality; this can be seen in both the packaging and overall look of the product.

Do you feel that the H2 is meant to cater to the 4 wheel specific rider who wants to try something new, or were you trying to gain a new audience of 2 wheel only riders?

Again, neither the H2 or any Fuzion scooter was meant to exclude any riders.  This division was created purely by the freestyle community and was neither our direction nor intent; we still feel that our 4-wheeler is a truly advanced piece of equipment and one of the best in its class when used in context of what it was designed for.  Both are scooters and we view them as such.  We see the existence of our 2 and 4 wheel products similar to the way skateboarding has distinct divisions of use such as park, street, longboarding, downhill, etc. 

Simply we created another product to help diversify our line and capture the attention of existing and new scooter riders no matter what their discipline.

Is the H2 truely a freestyle scooter, meant for hard riding?

"Freestyle scooter" is a very subjective term.  If you take a look into the scooter community the degree and skill level of all the riders is quite vast.  We took a look at comments that were made by consumers and skilled athletes and found a compromise to give consumers a way to experience both.  While seasoned riders will appreciate certain aspects of the scooter such as the one-piece crossbars, aluminum frame and solid core wheels, the average rider can enjoy the product just the same for everyday transportation purposes.

Additionally, we want to make it possible for aftermarket companies to really get involved in the process of growing the sport.  From one perspective, creating a 100% indestructible scooter would be great- however, it would be excessive for 99% of users and drive the cost up for everyone unnecessarily.  It would also limit the amount of modifications that any individual could make.  Being able to modify and create a scooter to your liking was important to us- some riders like certain types of wheels, forks, colors, brakes, etc.  We like to think of the H2 as a great canvas to begin with. 

We stand behind its construction and durability as many of our team riders can attest to the strength and functionality of our previous scooters.  While it's not a battle that we want to fight, we hope that new Fuzion users will give the product a chance to help prove that the Fuzion brand is one of the leading manufacturers in the industry.

How much will it cost?  Can you give us some technical details about it, such as bar height/width, materials used, etc?

Current MSRP will be $59.99 at nearly all major retailers.  The Fuzion Spencer Hawk H4 will be priced at $79.99.  Existing team members will be allowed to purchase direct from us eventually and take advantage of their member discounts.

At the moment max height for the H2 and H4 will come in at roughly 91 cm however will be adjustable based on personal preference.  Crossbar with is roughly 38 cm but as we have a clamped design for easy interchangeability, we expect certain companies to provide different widths and materials for future modification.  Estimated weight will come in at under 3.5 kg.

As seen in our Electron design, the H2 and H4 will both utilize an aluminum square tube frame design.  The deck will consist of a specially blended polymer material for strength, flexibility and weight savings.  The combination of these two parts will help bring weight down while providing exceptional durability.

Front wheels will be 120 mm and rears will be 100 mm.  These wheels are made of cast polyurethane and specially designed for the H2 for maximum support, speed and traction.  Both forks will accept most standard scooter/inline wheels but will be a the owner's discretion to determine what will and will not fit perfectly.

Like Steven asked in the intro, is this the first of many 2 wheeled scooters from Nextsport?

That remains to be seen. ;) As Nextsport is a sporting goods company we have a variety of upcomign products that span a variety of categories.  For example, during the release of the H2 and H4 we will also be releasing a product called the LandShark.

Similar to our other products, future development will be determined by a variety of things.  However, the two most important to us are market demand and our company dedication to innovation. 

I know that there will be a limited edition "Pro Model" H2.  What upgrades can we expect to be on it? 

That remains to be determined at the moment however we can promise you a quality product backed by Nextsport and your very own Andrew Broussard.  We'll release more information as this develops. 

On another note, the H2 uses many standard sizes for most common parts in the industry.  We're sure that even without the Pro Model athletes will begin to modify or accessorize their scooters right out of the box without any complications.

Switching gears now, what can you tell me about the "Raise the Gnar" tour?

The Fuzion Raise the Gnar Tour is a culmination of many things that have been discussed and imagined but never actually rolled out.  One of the biggest complaints shared by the scooter community and Nextsport is the lack of attention and focus on the emerging industry and the amount of people that participate in this extreme sport.  The action sports community is a very tough place to exist and while skateboarding and BMXing will almost always be the premiere events, there are a growing number of alternative sports that are quickly coming to the attention of mass media.  We hope that freestyle scooter riding will join these ranks and receive the kind of attention that is due.

The Raise the Gnar Tour will consist of a competition series that will span 5 cities nationwide.  While a few of these competitions are well known by freestyle scooter riders, we wanted to bring them all together under a single banner to really unite the sport and build a thorough marketing and PR plan around it.  Our goal in doing this is to really legitimize the sport and supplement with coverage from a variety of media.

With over $10,000 in cash and merchandise prize purses exclusively from Fuzion we have put out an open invitation to known aftermarket companies as well as other similar corporations to Nextsport to join in on this unique and exciting opportunity.  We expect some of the best riders in the world to attend and aim to implement a regulated judging and scoring system so that the athletes will really be able to measure how well they stack up against their competition.  While competition is a major goal of the tour, we promise to bring a fun and organized series to riders and spectators alike.

Currently in development we'll release specific dates, venues and information shortly at the official website: www.fuzionraisethegnar.com.  Also, via our Fuzion forums we'll post continual updates as things progress.

I believe I've heard something about you guys starting a freestyle scooter association?  What’s that about?

We aren't necessarily starting a freestyle scooter association but rather supplementing and helping develop its growth by providing some funding and especially a number of venues and events to support it.  The American Freestyle Scooter Association (AFSA) is an organization that will help provide the scooter community with standards and regulations for official events and competitions that we hope to support in the future.  We will defer further information until a later notice and let the founder speak about the project himself.

Anything else about upcoming projects you'd like to add?

As we previously mentioned, an upcoming product we will be releasing is called the LandShark.  While not exactly a scooter per se it is a unique new product that transcends and "fuzes" together kneeboarding, skateboarding and scooter riding all in one.  Keep an eye on our website for future development as it will be released during the same timeframe as the Fuzion Spencer Hawk H2 and H4.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Progress or Regress?

Recently there was a thread on Scooter Resource where something was said that has really caught my attention. There was a dispute going on in a thread about Dalton's Sponsor Video, and soon it all got out of control. People were insulting each other left and right, and eventually Dylan Kasson came into the thread insulting someone who had nothing to do with the thread, and he made this post.

I'd have to disagree dalton, Jordan's riding is completely worthless kids like him are the reason our sport isn't progressing quicker people like mckeen who go out and film with real cameras on real street and don't dress like they are 12 are going to help progress the sport
there are probobly under 10 people that fit this
it's not ok to film flat and driveway for a video part! it's a complete embarrassment to our sport!” -Dylan Kasson

    This rant that I'm writing tonight has nothing to do with me defending my good friend, and co owner of Inside-Scooters, Jordan Jasa. It has to do with Dylan's opinion on the sport of scootering. He seems to think that everyone who rides a scooter has to have a 1,000 dollar camera, must film tricks on “real street”, and now have to dress a certain way too? This is completely false, and is 110% garbage. The fact that people on SR look up to someone who thinks this way is beyond me. Admire his riding? Yes, I do. However, as a person in my eyes he's worthless in this sport, and he is the embarrassment. Has he forgotten where he started out riding? In his own driveway, wearing clothes that would make anyone with less than half of a fashion sense cringe. All while looking as awkward and out of place on a scooter as anyone could.

    What Dylan, and some other people in the sport don't understand is that every single person out there riding a scooter, is helping the sport, whether they know it or not. When you purchase a scooter from a store, when you show up at a skate park, when you ride down the street. If people see you on a scooter doing ANY trick, or even just riding. YOU might just be what pushes that next kid, who saw you from the passenger window of his car, to ask his parents for a scooter. Also when any rider with any skill level buys after market scooter parts, they once again are helping progress the sport. They are supporting the companies that are supporting us, and making the parts we ride. I don't know if Dylan seems to think that this sport will only progress through video parts filmed with “HV30s or VX1000” or other expensive cameras, but if he does, he's wrong. This sport would simply die and fade out if it wasn't for the constant amount of new young riders coming onto the scene, and the companies that are taking notice and making the amazing after market parts that most of us ride today.

    In conclusion, I think it's time for the older and or better riders to start setting a better example. In Dylan's case to all the riders who he feels are “beneath” him and are just an “embarrassment” to the sport. When you “Pros” are done riding and being a part of the sport you claim to “love”. It's the younger kids who looked up to you when they were just starting out that are going to be carrying on the sport of scootering. Although, keep a mentality like Dylan's, and continue to post things like he did, and you in fact might be causing the sport to regress, and not progress. Think about it.

-Written by Steven Tongson

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Dmazz Inward Sponsor Video + Thoughts on Switch Riding

Inward Scooters Sponsor Video from Dalton mazzante on Vimeo.



So this video itself is pretty good, but that's not the reason I'm posting it. I'm posting it because it had a few switch clips and that spawned a bit of a...debate over switch, among other things. Here are my thoughts:

Switch is obviously not as noticeable, nor difficult as it is on a skateboard, where it is much more prevalent. I'd like to think switch in skating is comparable to opposite in scooter riding. Some people compared switch scooter riding to riding bmx opposite footed; nobody's going to notice unless they know your riding very well. While this may be true, I feel switch can be worth learning, if you apply it correctly.

Look at Matt Ogle's Sponsor Video 4. He puts in a few switch clips, including back and front board like a 10 stair rail, and a small board on a rail in a line. I know I didn't see those clips when I first watched that video. But when you the video a second time (and in Matt's case, you almost always have to watch at least another 2 or 3 times to catch everything he does) you see it and it's like, "Wow, he did NOT just do that..", making the video that much better.

Then you have McKeen. He does switch feeble triple heelwhip sexchange out. Now, does this count as switch? Some say it wouldn't, because of the sexchange. To me, its obviously not as good as if it was a straight switch triple heel land switch. But still, its not just a normal feeble to triple (which is ridiculous no matter how you do it), it gives a creative edge to it. I'd rather see switch double heel sexchange down a set than a regular stance doublewhip. Not many people do that kinda thing, it's not exactly the most flashy trick but the people who do notice it, appreciate it.

How to do switch wrong...putting a switch barspin in a video would just be pretty boring. Doing stuff like switch 180 fakie half cab whip out on a pad would be interesting. Switch manuals, nose manuals, spins, are all things I'd like to see in a video. I haven't done too much switch recently myself but its something I'd like to start up on again.

And thats all I have to say about that.

(Note: If you actually read this whole thing, and enjoyed/weren't bored to death while reading it, please post a comment saying so. I'd like to know if you guys like me doing blog posts like this, or if I should stop wasting time on stuff nobody will read. Thanks.)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

News From Inward

-Razor Pro Model decks are back in stock! They were sold out very quickly last time so make sure you get yours fast. However, with Pro Mod decks being weaker than they used to be, Inward Highly recommends buying the DSA Deck Saver as well. You can buy both deck and deck saver in combo to save a few dollars here.

-Razor Headtubes are also now available, with the option of having an 8 shaped hole in the front, as well as the option to be powdercoated 1 of 12 colors.

-Razor Brakes are available now in 12 powdercoated colors.

-Finally, TSI decks are coming soon to Inward. There's already a few in stock and JP is waiting for some more to make them available. Do I even need to tell you they'll have the option to be powdercoated?

JP will also be coming to the Xtreme Wheels competition in Buffalo as well as the Brooklyn Banks Jam in July. A few Inward Flow Team members should be going to those events as well.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Fuel TV Interview

IS Aussie Correspondent Aaron Bransdon got the opportunity to ask a Fuel TV filmer a few questions yesterday at the "Jamo Jam" in Penrith.

Name: Toby.

Occupation: Fuel Cinematographer.

How did you hear about Penrith’s “Jamo Jam”?

We heard about Jamo Jam through the skaterHQ website. And we also heard that SkaterHQ has a pro team for scooters, so we thought we’d check it out to see how scooters have progressed.

What caught fuel’s eye in the world of scooters at the present time?

The fact that this sport has grown by itself off the back of skateboarding and BMX. There’s a story to be told about people pushing the boundaries.

Will the footage captured be broadcast on Fuel TV?

Yeah. We are doing a story of comparison between scooters and skateboarding from the 70s.

What is the general opinion of scooters/riders in the Fuel camp?

I’m not too sure on that, as I can only speak for myself. From what I’ve seen today it has come along way. I’d love to see scooters on vert going huge.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Thrillzone 05 Footage, 2004 Year End Montage, and Josh Toy/Erik Carlson Session



Josh Toy recently uploaded a few OG videos. The first is of the 2005 Thrillzone Skatepark competition. TZ was a park in the Northwest that unfortunately closed in 2006 I believe. It held a comp in 05 and 06.



Next is a montage of riding from a bunch of Razor guys during 04. In this you can see some pretty interesting footage of Eddie Strazlkowski. Also witness Ricky Wernicke doing a 360 fingerwhip.



Finally some clips from Josh Toy and Erik Carlson. Erik Carlson had an awesome style, too bad he's moved on from riding scooters.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Monky McMoran Web Edit + Actual "Blog" Content



I'm on poopy slow laptop right now so I haven't actually watched this, but I'm sure its gnarly, considering Monky's past videos.

Now, seeing the title "web edit" got me thinking. The definition of a web edit (in the world of BMX) is more or less a throwaway video of footage that is not going to be in a DVD. It is a relatively new term spawned as an effect of the Internet, and the ease in which one can film, edit, and publish a video online. In BMX, the web edit has become far more common than traditional DVD's. Which brings me to ask the question:

Whats the point of calling an online scooter video a "web edit"? 99 percent of all scooter videos are published online, not on DVD. The phrase "web edit" implies that the rider is going to or has had a section in a video on DVD, and that the web edit is throwaway from that part. Our sport hasn't quite reached the point where the majority of riders produce DVD's, so why call online vids "web edits"? To me, using "web edit" in the title of a scooter video is silly.

In the future, I believe using the term "web edit" will become more appropriate. As the industry grows, companies will have more money to spend on its riders, and thus things such as roadtrips, paid travel expenses to competitions, and even salaries will become more common. With all those things brings the opportunity to film a DVD. With more DVD's, there will be more DVD part throwaway, and more true "web edits".


Note: This post is not intended to criticize anyone who has called a video a web edit. I'd also like to hear your thoughts on web edits. Post a comment with your opinion!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Brooklyn Banks Jam Poster

Hep Greg finished the poster for the BBJ, looks great. I wish I could go, check out the sponsors they got!