Get it wired with the NEW RANGE! ‘Skuda LA Two hot new boards from Zo Skuda—one in hand-crafted hardwood, the other in an advanced lightweight laminate. And both featuring the latest high-technology SK wheels —so fast it’s frightening! These are boards designed and built by professionals, for skaters who take , their pleasure seriously. Check them out now at your local skate shop. If not available from your local stockist, order direct from the address at the foot of this page,adding £1 for p.&p Skuda cA a" laminated board with SK5 wheels on Lazer slalom, 3 axde trucks. £48.55 Also available with 7” axle trucks at £40.75 Skuda Californian Ta Shirt Soest sclernen Serta ratte p Offer! pespremenn aja PRO-AM Skateboards Limited Iit2, Guardian Roed, Norwich Te: Norwich 0603) 612612. FLANGETHE ELITE TRIO MODEL 500 THE ELITE TRIO is offered to satisty individual require- ments of demanding skateboarders. Featuring 356 aluminum magnesium alloy heat treated to the T-6 @ Condition, durable urethane tips, natural red rubbers and aircraft locknuts. Quality and durability is further enhanced by the use of high tension alloy steel exclusively im both axtes and hex head action bolts along with durable corrosion resistant nickel finishes on cup washers. adjusting nuts and action bolts. ACS S00BS (Black Silver) THE PREMIER TRUCK FOR FREE-STYLE AND BOWL RIDING. BEST SELLING QUALITY TRUCK IN THE WORLD! MODEL 651 2 ACS 651BG € oe (Black Gold) EXTRA WIDE STANCE BUT LIGHT WEIGHT FOR QUICK RESPONSE IN SLALOM AND OTHER SPECIALTIES. EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR UNITED KINGDOM: Gecko Leisure Products 57 Albert St., Windsor Berkshire SL4 SBT = THE ACS-GECKO GUARANTEE: All metal parts of ACS Trucks are 100% guaranteed. Send damaged parts to Gecko for replacement. ACS 650 (Standard) T-SHIRTS, DECALS & BROCHURES NOW AVAILABLE. For T-Shirt (Specify size —$,M, L,), Brochure and 2 Decals send £3.00. For Brochure and 2 Decals only send {80p to Gecko Leisure Products. Fae enrte evar Micteet eri enireniccson sows Covina, Calorie Preneteeen Sieh Ge nine in siete cate Reged YOU WOULDN'T WANT ANYTHING LESS BENEATH YOUR FEET!Built to be better Up till now, skateboar nology has left much to ci Decks, trucks and wheels have all been manufactn separately. jope that some might workk together. ie nami trucks. The axle is r nheat ad, high tensile impact resistant, Housed But no one manufacturer has made all three, deliberately designed to bring out the best -ombination of action, resilience ineach other. and memory. Except for ARATE @AKTAS GLLKEA bearings, located for max: erage and minimum friction. They offer the optimum in terms t e The result of many months of continuous research ree together and pare them with any other en you go forit Blaktrax n you-all the way. youre ready. When it matters, When only the best is good enough. Check out Blaktrax at your specialist skateboard iailer Riding is believing.Sy ena FIRST IN THE USA ° SOON TOBE FIRST IN EUROPE ! SPEED WHEELS & CUSHIONS { «SPEED «DURABILITY * RESILIENCE®* | , | *HIGH WEAR RESISTANCE* = | *LOW ROLL RESISTANCE* *PRECISION CONTROL* MANUFACTURED ONLY BY UNITEX, WORLD LEADERS IN URETHANE TECHNOLOGY. ' TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOMED. 4 g UNITEX LTD., ENGINE! OLYMER WORKS, KNARES! i Area IGS OPP. TEL: 0423 862677Until such time as World Skateboarding Champion- ships move out of the States (and sometime they must), Mohammed will continue to goto the mountain. On September 2ist, the entice Skateboard! editorial team packed thelr bags and headed off to Long Beach, California. We went because itis the avowed intention of this mag to always, but always get where the action is. ‘You can read the full, icture-packed story — flown ack by courier from the USA — in World News. The atmosphere of the occasion, the balliant technical displays acts and the moments of sheer AT eek From re Sate Cy toa inspiration all helped to Poe enn eg provide an unforgettable two Dosa mci i days in LA. And how did Ux’sentrant, Tim Levis, reg fare??? Well, nothing’s being Paul Carpenter ¥ piven away here so check Sanaa eee masa spa ahead for the report, Peeters heer Sees een ed creer Dee aera ae nee Justa few weeks of eh meee tes Fron eres tee handling the more demanding i renee SERA ce Nees y yen. | bankeof London's Skate City Cea meen teeta eet Can a erect hasimproved the performance of many of our hottest skaters by a factor of light years! Catch John Sablotcy hurtling around the lip of the Senior pool with more out than in — not ust occasionally but most of the time. Simon Nappet (see Who's Hot in {sue one) is another who is improving at the speed of an express train, There can be no doubt that, given the best facilities, UK's skaters wil soon be challenging for the top. From all over the country word is coming in of parks ere cn ces Published by Sportscene Pores er mee ruts Place, Landon WIP 1 DE, England pore eS E) RAV OeE Et ony Company registered in Eaeen Selec SKATEBOARD! is Pa are Publishers Ltd and eater agen being planned, parks und Pecnerren nets construction and parks being Ea Sayre TRY summer pce no: Rens Tans largely be solved ~ at least as far as the major cities are concerned. Were lucky. Many other Printed by Seen a ae 10 Northburgh St European countries have so eos fade ie pot to BELO eo uy the world’s fastest Se ey aoe Ceol ‘Stand by for Skateboard! photographic) und although magazine's first official be eee a ee Along with Collins, Britain's: een car digest book publishers, Cee ‘we've just written The Se ced ite Skateboard Book, ‘Skateboard! John Pedkinsby Christmas time. What we've tried to do is avoid the trap of “ishing it — the pitfall of many a siilar Publication. The pictures, diagrams and text will, we believe, provide everybody with los they didn't know before. The theory behind the skateboard and its effective maintenance, plus all aspects of tricks, manoeuvres and safety form just a part of what we intend tobe a definitive skateboard tewtbook Okay, Ladmit it last issue I promised you there'd be another competition. Well, I've decided to put to the next issue. That way Lean tum it into a grand Christmas Competition. Lots more prizes this time, so stand by. And talking of compet tions, just about every one by now will have heard about BBC TV's Nationwide Skate boarding Championships ‘There'l be three age groups, 10-18, 14-17 and over-17 style. People entering must be nominated by a school/club/association or similar. Qutlaws will require nomination from 10 other peopl al be regional, culminating i a London final — probably Sometime in the new vear For fuller details send an sate. to: Nationwide Skate boarding Competition, BBC TV, London W12 80 Finally, a reminder to anyone wi is doing any thing in the realms of skateboarding pleave et in touch if you itaven't already. In fact one area T've heard nothing about atalls ‘prone’ downhill speed racing. Anyone who's read those great American magazines can hardly have missed seeing the arnazingly colourful ‘racing-car type body shells. Some even incorporate parachutes! Naturally we ve got to find somewhere to use them — a 004, long runoft is essential. It's gotta happen here sometime — is it happening now? You tell m Back next month (with an LA. suntan). BRUCE SAWFORD Skateboard! Editor (Mice eke off... amooth fanctng have to wait half that long. All over the country you can hear the melodic sound of flying urethane on scorched it's like music to Come heatwave or tornado it doesn't look like there's much that's going to dan the enthusiasm of Brita new supersport.’And as ‘copies of Skateboard? reach the nether regions of this island, so the letters keep and the phone never Stops ringing. To say it's all happening must be the und statement of the decade. Once upon a time I'd have given this country four or five years to eatch up the States, but judging by some of the knife-edge competition I've see the air’ at, for instane: The hot news in Norman Gosney of the Br Skateboard Centre is of what ve to be one of the UR's first skater demonstra: everal weeks back, the suption when around 1,000 desperate skateboarders blocked it on their way to hand in a petition. Police reacted negatively at first by threatening to take away the first twelve boards, Later, er, they offered to give ‘on skateboard safety in local schools, The council seemed impressed enough to consider helping build a park One likely site is an old dockside warchouse offering 1 ating Bristol motorboardi ‘mania i sill on the increase Enthusiasts have divided the sport into Formula 1 — up ta S0cc, and Formula 2— 18 to 28co! One mad rider, we're told, has already clocked S2mph! your eyes peeled around Christmas time for Skate Away. I's a British made skateboarding ‘short” and is scheduled to be released by United Artists Roland Lewis, one of the people behind the project tells ushe's expecting to use UK skaters in UR locations only. Something tells me we're about to be foversnan with skate films and who could complain about that! Reports a ‘To start the ball rolling, one local result for this mo On the 28th August, Brian ‘Adams of the Many Returns Surf and Skateboarding Centre, Bideford, [Link], ‘organised an event at Normans Cash & Carry Car Park ‘Around 400 people found time to come by and spectate and they weren't dis appointed. There were three sections: slalom, freestyle and ‘expression’, To add a litle extra challenge to the oscasion, a local chippie produced a couple of wooden ramps, each measuring 4 foot high by 4 foot wide with an 8 Toot run in, ‘Overall winner was Andrew ‘Tarrant; Clive Jones took the under 16% ttle and Steve Jones the under 12's, Infact, ‘Andrew Tarrant has ateady come under the eagle eye of ‘Skateboard! HomersvkerBenjyboard's Jeremy Hender- son who reckons him a "boarder to watch. Final positive note of the day was the crowd's ‘unanimous approval of a motion demanding that ‘Torridge District Couneil do something about supplying the area with a proper skate park, ‘While on the hoary old subject of ostrich-like ‘councils, Alan Bates rang in the news that Llandudno Officials have just squashed plans fora display and ‘competition on the promenade, This was to be ‘Wales’ first serious attempt at getting into the action ., . ow Alan’s contemplating a demo/petition instead, Wake up at the back there! ‘There must have been loads of competitions last month and we haven't heard about them, Winners, prizes, perfar- mances, photos ~ don't forget to keep us in touch, ‘And if you've something Coming up, just let us know fn good time and we'll publicise it for you, Al details to Skateboard! Magazine, 14 Rathbone Place, London WIP IDE. Se Last isue we featured London's new South Bank mecca, Skate City, Having given a technical run down of the what's, why’s and swherefore’s of it all, this month it's time for an update plus a review of the place by the people who count most the Skaters. Under the loose control of Guy Wadsworth, many of London's top artists took to the concrete to give their honest views of the pluses and the minuses of Britain's first real skatepark Ist really 150 yards by 75 yards of heaven? ... read on! Beginners" arca: a flat square at the Tooley Street tend of the Park which, to be honest, few will expect to stay on for too long. All but the most gammy-footed among us will quickly move ‘on to the Slalom and Curving Run, I's forty metres long and it angles into a thirty degree bank. Some criticism ie a reins surface (“rough and tough”, ‘one person said). The vertical lip at the end is nor so much for riding as for stopping raw skaters from hurtling straight a The Intermediate Bowl 8 Skateboard! meets with a general thumbs- up. Its about 20 yards long ‘with walls going near vertical and reaching up 10 or 12 feet. The design gives great ‘opportunities for riders to stretch themselves, Now for whiat most consider to be the impossible bit... the Advanced Pipe- Line. A narrow pipe opens into avery steep bow! with 3 oF 4 foot of vertical on top ‘of a9 foot rising curve. Most find it difficult to begin with; all find it great once the problemshave been mastered! The Park surface, taken as 1a whole, was considered to be good and getting better Here are some on:thespot ‘comments from one or two ‘of the big sfimes in UK skating, John Sablosky: “Best in Britain, The ‘advanced pipe line is like a pool, but more workable. ules Jay Gayton: “Could be ‘smoother in places, But otherwise no Mark Sinclair; “Some of the verticals tise too sharply and are a bit ridiculous, Shayer:“ style area i as good as possible. Slalom is abi rough, but soon to be re surfaced. The pipe line and bowl are good.” Until such time as the huge plastic umbrella is erected, the more cynical ray be’ thinking, *. this is great, but what if trains!” Wel,'much work has taken place in the ground floor of the ‘warehouse’. The 18,000 The Mosoboard in action square feet now contain eight plywood ramps. Finally, for safety reasons, a badge system is now in operation which restricts skaters to the runs they are qualified to use it also helps keep things | moving. By the way, entry is Be) | sow 75p per half day. London’s No.2 skate park sits the other side of town, neat Notting Hill. The brainchild of sculptor Jamie McCulloch, Meanwhile offers the advantage of no admittance charge. It consists of two bowls, one advanced and one simple. The former is difficult ‘but some feel, could soon become boring with its single 9 foot vertical, The surface is improving. Watergate Bay ‘And shock news is that planning permission for theexisting site has jus tumed down that it doesn’t fit into an area of natural beauty! This n that, pending the expansion can now take place forat least six months — ifat all. Roger Bateman rang Skateboard! to say that th are going to fight the on such a way ab to ensure that business will continue up until atleast next June/July He rates their chances of Winning, however, at only 30/30. Thruxton Skate Park A scheme dreamed up by former motor racing ace Peter Inchley. He tells us that the Thruxton racing circuit people seem more than happy to accommodate such a park within theic boundaries and, subject to planning permis- sion, skaters from nearby Andover should find them- selves with facilities som around Chri about 40 metres long and a snake approach will lead into 210 to 1 metre bowl. Pe is also opening up the Hampshire Skateboard Centre in the town of Andover Bradford The council are working out the possibilities of helping construct a park. Meanwhi they've roped off a part of Peel Park as an official skate boarding area. Yarmouth Courtesy of Tony Mallion, ef Reporter on the jouth Mercury, news that the couneil has turned down a recommendation froma senior policeman that skateboarding should be stopped on the Gorleston seafront, The tarmac of the ravine has become a Jeremy Henderson Kicks three wheel out ‘mecca this summer and it's provided an added attraction for the many holiday makers. However, an incident involving a skater and a holiday maker has prompted the police’s threatened action. Other sites in the town are being looked at but none, so far, has proved suitable ANOTHER TRY FOR ANATIONAL SKATEBOARDING ASSOCIATION Good news for all skateboat club members around the country ~ it looks like a National Skateboarding Association is finally on its way. After meetings with such influential bodies as the British Safety Council, local council authorities, South Coast Association members and American skateboarding experts, the Sports Council has scheduled a meeting for late September to lay the foundations for a new National Associa tion and, hopefully, draw up a constitution, The benefits of such an Association should be London's South Bank te ebmost ‘Skateboard! 9‘enormous, if all goes well. As a Sports Council organisation, ‘itwould be able to apply for ‘grant aid for coaching, ‘Competitions and skateboar: ing amenities. The Council would also be in a position to pressure local authorities into recognising skateboard. ing asa sport, and to point ‘out the dangers confronted by participants if unsuitable facilities prevail. Hopefully. a NSA would be able to provide some of the facilities itself, and help spread the word amongst skateboarders about the benefits of safety ‘gear. Local authorities should be willing to provide the surfaces and Supervision Already one London couneil Lewisham — has thrown its weight behind the scheme, and a small skateboarding area should be available in Lewisham in a few weeks’ time, The NSA will be a strictly amateur concer, (Anyone who accepts a cash prize, or ‘gets puid For demos. commer- ‘ials and so on, could well be deemed a professional.) Although some skateboarders may be pretty sceptical about the success of such an assoc- ation, we here at Skateboard? feel it's a step in the right direction and hope you, like us, will give itall the support ‘you can! One of the greatest benefits of a NSA will be its role as a club co-ordinator. With skateboarding now a firmly established sport, many enthusiasts are turning their eyes towards real, ‘organised competition, and finding that the best way to ‘seta competition off the ‘ground is by forming a lub. ‘Over the past few months ‘many clubs have sprung up around the country (some of ‘which we have listed below) and are organising contests amongst their own members, as well as competing against ‘lubs from other localities Some of you will no doubt hhave heard of clubs which Ihave already been set up near ‘you, But for outlaw skate- boarders who are still going it alone, why not start your ‘own? It’s lot easier than ‘you think .. and it could make a world of difference to ‘your skateboarding! Of course, finding » venue ‘usually presents the biggest problem for club beginners. In Leeds, something like a thousand hard core skate- board enthusiasts congregate around Dave Clark's Centre~ sport shop in the Merrion 10 Skateboar Centre, with nowhere t0 skate. Despite this setback however, several competitions have already been held at Roundbay Park. The contests axe organised by Dave, who feels that Leeds could become a major centre for club activity ~ if only there ‘was a permanent skating park. “The first site was outside a pub around the corner,” he Said. “But now the police are setting serious about moving people on. We definitely heed a park; the trouble is we have a sympathetic council with no money." ‘At the moment the situation appears to be improving, with talks being held with several companies and organisations about the possibility of opening up a park. IF you live in the Leeds tea and Want to know more about events, callin at Dave Clatk’s shop or write to Races ‘Skater Series 2, Centresport, Jub without park isthe Cantelupe Youth Club which has some 20 members from lkeston in Derbyshire, However, accord ing tothe club leader, the position seems also t0 be changing forthe batter. After Stories inthe local paper, it looks like 4 permanent site ‘may be forthcoming in nearby Shipley Park. You can contact the club by writing to; Cantelupe Youth Club, Ilkeston Market Place, keston, Derbyshire. ‘Although some clubs are still facing severe problems in setting organised, many ‘thers are now booming. Take the Southern Skateboard Association, for instance Founder member and former secretary Andy Barnard started the club with just a handful of friends. Now, just three months later, the Association has over 200 members drawn From all over Brighton and Sussex, as well as branches in other towns such as Weymouth. Membe ship costs 75p, and for that you get a membership card, discounts at selected stores and a regular newsletter soon to become a glossy- covered magazine. Members getinto competitions at a fut price alto, The Association has its own mini-bus, and {rips are made around Sussex and as far north as London. How did it all come shout? Andy Barns explains: "It’s ver se of feeling your own at frst. Tei very useful if you've got somewhere to meet, and it's also good to keep in touch with older people as we've found that they can get a ot more done One thing we did was to g0 to the Citizens Advice Bureau and they gave us a Jot of help atthe beginning.” The club attracted new embers by putting posters and membership cards in skateboard shops By joining forces and formiiga lub, the Associa tion has persuaded the local couneil to provide a special ‘amp on the beachfront for skateboarding. It holds regular mectings to review the situation, and has now attracted the services of a consultant who advises on legal matters. One of th things they aze explori automatic insurance for all Association members Contact Andy Barnard at Southern Skateboard Astociation, 99 Hythe Road, Brighton, ‘The Welsh Skateboarding Association also numbers its members in the hundreds Mark Davies reports Association i process of organising skateboarding team a5 well as basic eouching. “Altogether there are about $,000 skaters in Swansea, and recently the Asiociation organised a skate- push from Mumbles to Swansea Guildhall. Hundreds of signatures were collected, anda petition for a skate park given in.” The Assoc tation has held several competitions and is currently using the Swansea Leisure Centre hall. "The surface, said Mark, Dave Fria is the man contact for more information at: The Suef Shop, Swansea, Glamor. In Northamptos Bruce Green has founded the Northampton Association of Skateboard Addicts, whose aim is to promote safe skate. boarding. “ANAS.A. display team is being organised,” he said, “and competitions and various ‘events will also be run during the year. Leading manuface turers have been approached to secure favourable terms for our skateboarders, and designated safe skating areas ate being negotiated.” Bruce added that any help or suggestions from Skateboard? readers would be appreciated. N.A.S.A. can be contacted at; Winwick Hall, Northants (Tel: West Haddon 700), Below are listed some of the other clubs and associ ns tha Skareboard has ‘The North Gloucester Skateboard Club Chiris Stanbury writes: “T would be most interested to sar from anyone who would Photography by John Perkinslike to join our club (send sate.) Also to hear from existing club/associati organisers on how they are faring with stubborn councils, Maybe, we could do exchange Warden Hill, Cheltenham, Glos. Solent Skateboard ssociation “We have about 90 members paying SOp in subscriptions a year, and we are offering a 10% discount at three shops, but no competiti We give demos for any who asks us, and have a weekly skateboard news spot in the local press.” Contact: Jon Davis, 91 Goodwood Road, Southsea, Hants POS INN, Leicester Skateboarding Club “We've got over 20 members, mostly around 14. We had 1 championship last yea ‘organised by ourselves lalom, Hotdogging and Freestyle — it was won by a kid with five years experience). Our team (the Hang S's) were invited to the championship at Watergat but most were on holiday. Contact: James Fox, 18 Datlington Road, Leicester LEI 91 Hang Ten Skateboarding Club, Lincoln Kay Bates writes: "We've had a lot of response. The press have interviewed us, the ‘manager of a sports shop is going to present prizes at our next competition and a judo expert has offered to show show to fall properly. A St. John's ambulance tan is going to teach us how to treat injuries that may occur during skateboarding. In the near future we're having & sponsored seoot from Lincoln to Skegness ta raise money for facilities Contact: 36 St. Catherines, Lineoln LN BLY (1 Lincoln 37816) es Coventry Skateboard Club Word comes from Maurice Vulcan's Colin Oldhai he's formed Coventry's first skate club, Membership is just £2.00 per year and in return you'll receive a tee shirt, cheap rates on equip: ment and the possibility of a club bowl in the City Centre. Finance for the latter has been partly sorted out already. Finally, Colin tells us of a club demo on hove: Why dil September 4th where a petition was handed i the council for proper skate The Skater City Club Esstbourne Etstbourne as sen a in recent weeks, malnly due to the newly formed Skater City Club. I already has over 200 members. Th Outing was to London's Skate City: Club organiser Mike Gordon described the day as iqualified success ‘News of the trp spread lke other with aio tape? Lef overflowing at Skate City's Black Bow Alex Ternbull re sure to be at least until wn park here in wildfire, s0 wi doing it aga we have our Eastbourne The club has also been active, collecting a petition asking the council for suitable land and planning permission for a skate park. Armed with over 1,000 signatures, banners and placards, and led by the Eastbourne Boys Brigade Bugle Band, the 200 members and their friends marched a mile to the Toon Hall. The Chairman of the town’s tourism and leisure services has promised the {question will be raised soon, East Coast Skateboarding Association Contact: Tony Hogan, 74 Columbus Ravine, Scar borough. (Tel: Scarborough 65159). South-West Skateboard Association Contact: Windcraft, Sion Lane, Clifton, Bristol East Coast Street Surfers Skateboard Club ‘Andrew Harrison has w in to say that he's forming. the above club, Anybody ‘wishing to join should contact him at; 17 Gordon Road, Dercham, Norfolk. This is by no mean @ complete list of existing clubs. In order to let every skateboarder know exactly what organisations are available, Skateboard! will be running « Calling the Clubs section in every issue. This we want to hear from ail club presidents, giving us all the details about addresses, nbership, competitions, tings, ete And if you don’t yer belong to a club, and don’t know of one in your area why not start your own? Although it might mean a bit ofa battle at the start, we're sure you'l find it well worthwhile. ten ind Skateboard! Magazine details of what's happening with YOUR team, Just write ot phone letting us know who's in it, what it’s been up to recently and anything else you can think of. Don't Forget a photo comes ia handy, too. ‘Contact: Skateboard! Magazine, 14 Rathbone Place, London WIP 1DE Philp Sayer Are you in the happy position of being overloaded with gear? Or come to that, is there something you're desperately after? Skateboard! Magazine Swop Shop is the place for you. I's FREE, it's useful and it's in every single issue of Skateboard! Contact: Skateboard! Magazine, 14 Rathbone Place, London WIP IDE. Skateboard! 13' UNDERCOVER ag eee looks atthe New Boolgs ‘The Skateboarder’s Bible by Albert Cassorla Published by Running Press in the USA. ‘The ‘bible it says and my word the author has got together a veritable stack of information. Chapter one ‘opens with the usual ‘history OF section and to somebody like myself who wasn't there ‘when itall happened it looks pretty impressive. Legendary ‘ames like Frank Naseworthy, Brad Logan and Ty Page keep| popping up and the story of the Stage 1 demise and the resulting upswing into Stage 2 (to the present day) isall compulsive reading was feeling well into it until I reached chapter two ~ Basic Skateboarding. The fist thing to hit me was that riot of the pictures featured ‘goofy footed” or ight foot forward skater — certainly a minority stance. Then, letting that go, I dived into the instructions — and c Worried. It’s hard to say exactly why — peshaps confused isa bettee word. For instance: "Direct your gaze forward at an angle of 45 degrees from horizontal At the same time try te watch the immediate, mid. range and long distance terrain, Look for changes in the angle and texture of the asphalt and anticipate them physically and psycholosi- cally"(). What, Task mysel is the raw young rider to make of this? Another grouse is the picture content. Sill, and often distant shots appear all 100 frequently, In some cases they are downright usless. In fact, probably the handiest ‘two sections for the UK reader are ‘Safety and Main- tenance” and ‘Models and Equipment’. They with technical advic product information and the book is maybe worth buying for these alone. The final $5 pages contain an Ato Zof “American manufacturers and their products — useful although, as the book was Published in 1976, possibly Somewhat out of date. Allin all, The Skave boarder’ Bible's a brave up i ee ee ee | attempt that strayed a little off course on the way and I recommend it more to them that knows alittle already rather than them that knows nothing at al. “Availability is difficult. It has no UK distributor or Publisher at present so you'll have to try the specialist book import shops. Cover rice is $4.95. The Complete S Guide ted by Anthony Pye-Jeary ished by Robert | DeWynter “The Complete Skateboard- ing Guide offers everything there is to know to the new skateboarder...” so begins the back cover. Hmm, [ thought, that sounds a pretty tall order for a book Containing just 40 pages. A quick flip through the inside revealed four pages of colour photographs = which can never be bad ~ the rest in black and white, But just how much of ‘every thing” has been squeezed in? Well, the history of the sport gets covered in exactly 254 words... funny, 1 thought more happened than that! The situation at present and ‘what goes for the future? is dealt with in similar cursory fashion, Never mind, perhaps the Skateboarding ‘ost important part of i all is the equipment and how to use it. Things start warming up. The run through the various types of board available is useful ~ though 1 personally would disagree that fibreglass decks are necessarily the best com promise between cost and quality. Consider, for instance, the new Alpine Free-styie, of plywood Construction and available for only £10.00 (see Kicktail Checkout, Skata Data). Value for money must, to an extent at least, be tied to personal choice. The exploded view of the skateboard on pages 8 and 9 is useful and well carried out, apart from the jam nut being in fact a Tock nut’ and the ‘inside race nut’ being a ‘cone nut’. But, from page 12 onwards, [have some real bones to pick, T would never recommend a raw beginner to jump straight onto a skateboard (the rider illustrated also has no helmet?), The first step should always be to stand on the board with one foot only — while holding onto a suitable post, ral, f Samples from “The Complete ‘Skateboarding etc. Gentle backwards and forwards motions can thus be ‘made in complete safety as the newcomer steadily aclimatises himself to life on four wheels Basic manoeuvres, covered quite well and the diagrams are clear enough. But, turning to ‘Hot Stunts", Iwas struck by two things. Firstly, | found the order of the pictures very confusing \dved, Starting off on photo for the Samoan Squat, suddenly 1 was half way through a Power Slide. ‘Agreed the pictures are numbered = but life needn’t be that difficult, Secondly, and my biggest beef of all yet again, the photographs feature riders with no hetmets, on, Tn a magazine, such an ‘omission, though always unfortunate, can and wil happen — if only in the interests of news and so on, But for a ‘how to do it” guide to commit such a basie error find well-nigh unforgivable In brief, The Complete Skateboarding Guide is wel conceived, at times colourful and interesting, but always ‘some way short of its claim to being comprehensive, It costs 95p.The widest range of Skateboards and accessories in the country. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE FROM BEGINNER TO PRO. eryTa MORE THAN JUST A SKATEBOARD SHOP - ur pioneering work with sailing boards, motor boards, and portable banks, has opened up ‘whole new areas of skateboarding ~ and our giris’ team has brightened up the ‘competition scena! At the B.S.C. you will be dealing with people who know and care about skateboarding. Come and choose your board from one of the widest ranges in the country, or send for our catalogue and price list. WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES WELCOMEA selection from aur range of wooden decks (from left to right): PACER KICKTAIL, 26" PLY DECK — A well designed and slightly flexible pl scallops for wheel clearance and a large kicktail. BSG 27” BRAZILIAN Mahogany deck with kicktai Good value at the bottom end of the price range. Made to a world champion’s specifications, a technological breakthra’ — The BUTTLOCK SPECIAL — 28” and 32”. The new unrivalled striped board, technically superior to any other board, incorporating the unique ‘buttlock’ jointing system, allowing the use of mahogany for lightness and white ash for strength and flex, with the additional advantage of built in anti-warp properties, and finished with TINO coats of highest grade polyurethane glass to make the Buttlock Special the lightest, strongest, most flexible wooden board at the best ‘value-for-money’ price on the market. and The EMOTION OAK/ASH. Made to the same specifications as the Buttlock Special and incorporating the same magnificent technical properties, except that this board is made with free-styling and bow/-riding in ming, slightly heavier, but beautifully balanced to provide really radical trickability at a simply ridiculous price, Even ‘Stacy Peralta couldn't tell it from a Stacy Peralta! NEW... In response to tests, the wider Buttlock — Coming Soon deck with NOW IN STOCK ~ CHROME SKATEBOARD MEDALLIONS WITH CHAINS 639 6a Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol 8 Tel.38682John Perkins SKATE LINE PICK YOUR PRICES! lam 18 and recently the skatebowl at Watergate Bay, Newquay. I have been interested in skateboarding for about three months and I decided to buy a decent board to follow my first home made effort (you know, roller skate wheels, etc.) ‘Anyway, [found myself looking at a wooden board and was assured that the same board down the road would cost an extra £10! Not being too stupid to fall for that old trick, I decided to check out the other shop. To my amazement I found the same board without grip tape for £36,50, Sol went back. down the road und paid £27 for the original, with grip tape! ‘The board has ACS SOO trucks, sealed precision bearings, hand poured urethane wheels and a 2 wooden deck with a kicktail by ‘Westcountry Skateboards’ feel youngsters who are looking for their first board could find themselves paying up to £10 more because they don't stop and check out the other shops first. Niel Colley, Crawley, ‘A cautionary tale indeed! While the sport isin such a raw state you cam expect price differences like this. 1t pays to shop around. Ed. BETWEEN THE SUDS Tthink: [have a way in which any skateboarders can spend a wet, cold morning thinking Up new stunts for bowls or ramps! ‘One bad weather day I was very bored, and after looking at some old skateboard magazines decided I'd like to ride on a bowl. I walked into the bathroom and there was a miniature bowl . . my ba ‘Suddenly [had an idea. 1 looked through my old toy ears and chose one of the small ones. Then, for half an hour! thought up stunts for bowlriding using the car as a skater. My most radical new trick: was a move something like a vertical airborne pop 0 landing on two wheels. I great fun and you can wire up Some good tricks. Keep up the great magazine. Mark Davies, Caswell, Swansea. 'm not quite certain that I understand the revolutionary new ‘airborne pop out’ but the idea sounds original. 1 see it all now, Every skate- the country hhours in the bath perfecting manoeuvres, Don't ‘get too clean, though! Ed A JEALOUS OLD CODGER ‘As Your magazine seems to be the only source of non-biased British skateboard news and is doing such a good job of coordinating skateboarding nationally, Tam hoping you can forward information company’ names, et, {0 the manager of High Wycombe Sports Centre. He has an ideal piece of land fora skate park and statistics about the number of skateboards, costs ‘of building a park, addresses of construction and design companies and so on if sent to him would be greatly. appreciated, Coming from You he would be more willing [Link] information as ‘truth rather than as the complaints of local skate boarder who does not wish to drive up to London every time he fees like a zap over caress concrete Tn conclusion, you asked in your questionnaire about ‘what we would ike to see in the magazine in future, | would like 10 see the centre page used for rally good Photographs of action — the Sort of thing that one could pull out and put on the wall Skate News and World News Tenjoyed, but Who's Hot just made'me feel inadequate and jeal "The magazine seems to be aimed at the older teenager (text wise) so what about a few pictures of us ‘ld codgers’ doing it because | am convinced Lam not the only ‘old trying this sport Roger D. Crier, Marlow Buckinghamshire Taking your first point, 'm only teo delighted to do what {ican when itcomes to stics and mn, Obviously. magazine is unlikely to be expert on the finer points of ‘opening up a skate park. But many valuable contacts have come our way so at least ‘we're able to push people off in the right direction. That doesn’t mean, though, that 1 want to be inundated with requests for help, Please only ‘get in (ouch if you're really Serious... we've got a magazine to get out! ‘On your second point, Skateboard! tries not to ‘consciously aim itself at any ticular age group. There is Title doubt though that the majority of skaters are in their early teens. Ed ALL DRESSED UP AND NOWHERE TO GO ‘There are any number of boys and a few gis here in Towcester who are taking up skateboarding. Unfortunately they only have the road or pavement to skate on. Tow: ester isa fast growing town, but with no facilities for the young at all. In the middle is a large cinema that's stood temply for some years which would make an ideal indoor skateboard arena. The local comprehensive school alone has a total of 1,000 children who could make use of it There is also a park that is more like a playground for unwanted dogs — the children never use it because it is such a poor place. If tumed into-a skate park it would be full in no time. How do I go about making the council see the need for skateboarding facilities? ‘We need action now! Dozens of children have already asked for skateboards for Christmas and they're going to need somewhere to use them. PS. We all enjoyed the magazine and every boy in the street has read it! Mrs. BLY. Kees, Towcester, Northants, Another sad and sorry tale of what looks like official apathy. Elsewhere in this issue you'l find the ‘Indoor Skating’ feature that looks tailor made for you. So far as persuasion goes, well there's ‘not much that beats a good petition, followed perhaps by 1 peaceful demonstration, Public opinion will eventually sway authority. Ed. IN SHORT Lam writing to you hoping that you will print my name and address as 1, along with another skateboarder. am in the throes of starting the North Gloucester Skateboard Club, Anyone interested in joining, please send an s.a.e.t0 Chris Stanbury, 25 Dusham Close Warden fil, Chetten- Could you please give me some advice on where I'm allowed to skateboard, What do you think are the chances of getting permission to use the school playground? Greg Ganford, Sutton, Norfolk, Just turn to our ‘Calling the Clubs’ feature, You should, find everything you need! Ed, Just to say, don't worry if the police come along and tell you they are banning or booking you. They've tried ithere and they can'tas there are no by-laws about it! Mark Jones (Skat Cat), Aig- burth, Liverpool Generaliy, Mark, what you say is true. Unfortunately, the law can be devious if it wants to be. 've already heard about one police force who have revived the old “antérollerskating' law — apparently successfully. 'd immagine too that creating an ‘obstruction could also be used. Ed. Skateboard! 19Bob Skoldberg, Skitch Hitch cork, Ed Nadalin, Mike Weed - «all legends in their time ‘and all, a of presstime. arriving in the UK on October 16th. Taken together, they comprise most of the current USA Hobie team. ‘They're here to stage a series of skateboard displays. ‘And already, many thousands of UK skaters should have witnessed the skateboarding art taken to a degree of perfection that most of ws here have previously only dreamed af. By the time you're reading this, the lads should already be well stuck into their tour. Kicking off in London for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from Thursday the 20th they were scheduled to hit Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and many other locations as well, ‘Stand by, though, for their performance at London's ‘Motor Fair on Wednesday 26th (cheek with the show for confirmation) ~ it's their last routine before leaving Britain, so don’t miss your chance’ Generally it’s expected they’ll be working ‘out in the open air — weather permitting, of course. Throughout the tour, the four guysexpect to be making personal appearances and the shows will likely be filmed by local TV stations. t's planned to involve skateboard shops. in the various areas as well ‘So who are these pioneers ofthe skateboard, these super- heroes for a whole generation of eager young skaters? ‘Skateboard! investigates . Mike Weed One of the great all-ounders and some say the most photo- graphedstaron the US circuit His style and balance draws ‘cameramen to him ~ they know where to go for the best action shots. Fitness, Mike feel, isthe Keynote to his success. He spends literally hours a day perfecting his mind-blowing 20 Skateboard! half a chance, though, he'll pick his way along to more radical terrains. Genuin pools and pipelines are attractions he simply can't fesist, even though he is the first fo admit that skateparks are the greatest thing to happen to 3 Mike Weed demonstrates. safety techniques and tests new products when working for Hobie, but at home, this 18-year-old skate-star gets off on his guitar playing and a mania for good, organic food, Contest Results: Ist place Arizona State, Pro Freestyle; 3rd place, La Costa, Pro Slalom; 31d place, Long Beach World Contest, Pro Freestyle; 3rd place Carlsbad World Contest, Bowi Riding; Ist place, Carlsbad World Contest, Flatland Free-style. Ed Nadalin ewer to the scene, Ed hit the skating world like a rocket and shot straight to the top. In his first amateur contest (The Hang Ten Pro- Am) he wiped the board and sttaight away turned pro. Out ‘of his next five contests, he ‘won four of them! Ed isa skater’s skater ‘There's none around who don't respect his sensational abilities and there's fow who don't secretly fear him — at Teast when it comes to contests! It wasn’t long ‘before he'd signed up for his first movie, the feature role in ‘MacGillivary/Freeman’s great classic, The Magic Rolling Board. It was a smash. W's hard to believe that E ‘Nadalin i just 22 years old His masterly guitar playing abilities, plus a general) strong ahiletic background stand him out to be one of the most accomplished skate boarding stars the world has ever known. ‘Contest Results: Ist place. Amateur Free-style — Hang ‘Ten World Pro-Am Contest, LOOK OUT FOR THE YANKS! ar jolie tom 1975; Ist place, Pro Free- style ~ Ventura State Championship ; Ist place, Pro Freestyle = Northern, California, Pro-Am; Ist place, Pro Freestyle ~ Belmont South Bay Open; 2nd place, Pro Freestyle ~ Long Beach World's Invitational Film Roles: Goin’ Surfin’, Downhill Motion, and the award-winning film The Magic Rolling Board, Five ‘Suummer Stories. Ed also features in a TV soft drink ‘comme cial Skiteh Hiteheoek One of skatebourding’s great innovators, Skiteh lays his lim to the skateboard hall of fame in so many ways, its hard to know where to start. ‘An originator of freestyle routines, who can forget those pictures of him handling, for instance, the Gonila Grip? Ramp-riding owes a lotto the expertise of obie's star design consultant, 4 too does the development Of Speed Riding, Sktch was the first to turn to fairingsand parachutes and both these developments are incor porated in his latest machine, Rampage 2 (recently posted 2nd and 3rd at the Akron Derby Downs’). ‘Always up there in the first five placings at freestyle contests, he spends much of his time these days working on new skate park designs. To keep up with what’s going ‘onhe rides them all and looks. forward to the time when the entire world gets tured on to. skateboarding, So much alr Skitch Hitchcock's suspended gorilla Bob Skoldberg It took a decade for this superfluid man of giant slalom nd downhill to perfect his competitive approach, via surfing. In 1975, along with some friends, he crossed ‘the bridge’ to the four-wheeled and quickly hit a ig streak at the weekly La Costa races. Bob ended up winning or getting placed in virtually every skateboard contest he entered! ‘Now ina fulltime job with Hobie Skateboards, he spends most of the day rapping to school kids about "safe skate boarding’, Bob Skoldberg is also actively involved with the International Skateboard Association, He wants to see the sport grow fast, but true, and he’s happy to use his influence in seeing that it does just that, He understands, 100, the power skateboarding holds over its millions of fans and he’s keen to see more and] ‘more skate parksand contest Bob is 24 years old and, like many other top-line "boarders, he finds relaxation playing the guitar. He also ‘gets off on sailing, surfing (of course!) and playing softball and tennis, Contest Results: 1st place, Slalom — Arizonia State Championships; 2nd place, Lip smackin dirt quenchin Hike Weed pools the ection, Bob Skoldberg Slalom — Second Annual ‘Ventura Contest; 2nd place, Downhill — Second Annual Ventura Contest; Ist place, Ow Second Annual ‘Ventura Contest; Ist place, Downhill — Magic Mountain Masters; 3rd place, Slalom = Magic Mountain Masters; Ist place, Downhill = Cow Palace, 3rd place, Slalom — Cow Palace: Sth place, Slalom — Carlsbad World Contest; 3rd place, Downbill Carlsbad World Contest; 2nd place, Downhill — Third Annual Signal Hill Contest; 1st place, Downhill — Long Beach World Championshi Bob also took Ist place the Giant Slalom at the ‘Akron ‘Derby Downs’ World Championship.On the weekend of the 24th/ 25th September at the Long Beach Arena, California, over 16,000 spectators stands to witness some of the finest skateboarding the ‘world has ever seen Organised by Free Former in conjunction with The Professional Skateboarding Association of America, this top contest in the skateboard: ing calendar pulled in just about every famous skate- boarder in the world, ‘We saw Tony Alva defend his World Title for barrel- jumping, while Bryan Beardsley established a new and almost unbelievable High Jump record of five feet. Stacy Peralta, Mike Weed and Ed Nadalin stunned the arena with their flair and showman: Ship, while Bob Mohr took the Freestyle Championship Title with a near flawless routine. Add to this hat-pot Of talent names like Henry Hester, John Hutson, Bob Skoldberg, Bruce and Brad Logan, Ty Page, Ellen Berry ‘man and Laura Thornhill and you're beginning to get the feel of this star-studded event. The compere was that King of Skateboarding, Russ “Tjust started skateboarding 18 years ago’ Howell, Tim Levis, representing Britain, took part in the “Rest of the World’ Slalom championship, competing against the Canadian, German and Japanese champions. ‘Our own Skateboard! azine editor, Bruce Sawford, was invited over to California to judge the free- style events along with fo ther respected leaders of the skateboarding fratemity Skateboard! magazine was as close to the action as it was possible to be. Nervous tension filed the air on Day One ~ which was hardly surprising with $15,000 of prize money at Stake. The winning of rein quishing of World Titles, and the pressure of big business (on team members to be the best are heavy loads to bear. ‘Women’s Slalom was first oon the programme, and without doubt, bad nerves adversely affected the girls performances. As Stacy Peralta put it: “This contest has been on everyone's mind for months — people here are in pain with worry. Robin Alaway wiped out the cones twice running and Desiree ‘Von Essen came close to providing the sequel. Terry 22 Skateboard! oo Brown took the best time of 7.746 seconds, and along with Kim Cespedes, Laura Thornhill and Desires (just), she made it through to thi second day's finals. The Men's Slalom took the floor next, and what a great surprise was in store. Along with names like Hester, ‘Hutson, Mike Williams and Dennis Shusfeldt (who all ppulled in times around the 6.5 second mark), Tim Levis, the UK Champion, riding for the first time on a ‘ramp: boost’ showed great form. He picked his way through the cones without disturbing one, ina very creditable time of just 7.1 seconds. Although too slow to make the next day's World Finals, he was ooking good for the separate ‘Rest of the World’ contest. Barrel Jumping came up next, and although only the heats, the world record of 15 foot was smashed by no ewer than four people! Alva, Steve Brown, Fred Flavell and Exnie Martin all took it 10 16 foot, then Alva sent the crowd wild with a magnificent leap over 17 foot! They were going crazy, whistling and stomping, when he just failed ‘to jump 18 foot — ‘could he surpass himself in the finals tomorrow? Consecutive 360°s is a very demanding event, and slow Skateboard! Magazine Reports ee LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA ME TOTT REO cS WORID S SKGTEROMDING uci ‘motion video playback was used to help the judges co the rotations with complete Stacy Peralta hit twelve Ewice in the two minute period allowed, while “Ty Page took it to 16 Paul Hoffman had the ‘emperatures soaring with ree scores up in the mid 20s, and Steve Shipp was ‘only a couple of spins behind him, Gary Kocor, Ed Nadalin and Mike Weed failed to Jmprove on this, and finally it ‘wat left to Russ Howell to climb down from his position {in the commentator’ chair {o tum fn thirty-on revolutions ~ nearly doubling the previous year’s official total High Jump followed, and Bryan Beardsley, Brent M&Cullovgh Ellenn MeCarrll and Jerry Patterson all made it to4'10". Last year winner, Erie Martin, was eliminated when he failed to 4°9°, Free Former Beardsley needed three shots at 4'10™ before he cleared it ~ surprisingly, as the next day was to prove. ‘And s0 10 the main events, the Women’s and then the Men's Freestyle. At no other time throughout the contest wvas the nervous tension $0 intense. Cathy Bomelster blew out her routine several O'Neal performed some neat headstands and carving wheelies, Laura Thornhill pit together sone intricate Foor but fall ine eh jump. Robin Logan Cilantro Brad sed 2) gol off toa Bad start eid Ub hr Opehing Slumping off the table trick, and never really looked in the running. It was left 10 Elen Berryman to lead the way, looking confident and sued with a superb series of gytinastic manocuvees which drew gasps and whistles of appreciation from the crowd, She led the first day with a high sore of 84 Aki Akiyama of Japan bezan the Men's Frocstyle forgettable style, but a he told us later, he'd only hada routine to practice for a mere thyee days, Bearing that in his final rating of 4.9 rasa credit. Mark Bowden looked good technically, but mised out on siyle and presentation, las favour, he kept to his planned schedule of ticks as 10 the Judges — many other fled to do. Carrot Juice) put in a pro routine, bat lew out few ‘of his more testing tricks. A final arial off the ramp was ust too late to win him more points. Surprise of the day had to be the performance of the Logan brothers. Lookingasif they were 0 howe tranguilsers, Bruce drew a miserable 1.00 score while Brad fared litle better. Hardly a single trick was iecessfully comple ed. Other than that, Mike Weed, Ed Nadalin, Dennis Martinez, Stacy Peralta, Ty Page and Doug (Pineapple) Saladino all looked hot, bat Bob Mohr notched up the leading score with a superb 9.00 points. He was smooth and fluid to a ha gymnast and meticulo approach which couldn't have falled to impress the Judges, “The day closed with a ramp. siding exhibition from Alva and Martinez The following day every ‘thing looked set For some sind:-blowing performances, ‘At precisely 1 pam, the arena ‘vas cleared of practising skaters, the spot lights were trained’ on the top of the and the TV Jeameras started to roll, Russ Howell took up the micro- [phone to announce the start ‘times — panicked and quit before completion. Ellen Jof the ‘Rest of the World”Skateboard! 23,Slalom Final, Said Tim Levis: fargas headstand and spider learnt a lot about slalom delighted everyone. Ske took yesterday and I know I'll do the $1,000 cheque and Jot better today. I unde ophy with a 790 marking. Ww how to eta good The Men's Frees ted ona Bruce, and then Although better both were bowl uncoordinated, and forgot Racing with Tim were ther schedules. Perhaps lack Michael Ho Of preparation was the Germany, Sieve Peters f reason, Bruce clocked 3.14, Switzetland, Steve \d Brad $30 from Canada and Aki y Korot tried hard to kiyama from Japan after a be ed play double-decker boatd ride, he co successfully Mip the fe went for acct top board away from the fal ees " bottom ona tough tick at iat iro Sees the best of times. Choice of ones Some less difficult manoeuvres | sensed the even os would probably have earned | trial between Tien L him more than the 5.26 he ] Aki Akiyama, a picked up. Iii peaking ot Aki Akiyama just got | mounted the ramp fort better all the time. Akarate inal run. Up-until now, Tim's black-bel, his kick Mips were major dificlty had starting to work for him and geiting off to « good st his forward and reverse board but he came off that ramp ‘walking were a real improve. ramp like st like coming down like a bat out of hell ahead of ent over the first time | Aki, who struggled to pull the around. Despite losing it a | race out of the fire bu little towards the end, he too many cones. Tim pulled in 5.59 points and he display of controlled ust be one of the stars of laloming to win ris Charnpion Fin Levis, WEIN He the future Slalon Steve Cathey was a real i he second un, | one could match Mad Dog | turn-on. Af rushed Pierey hotly disputed this | Alva, On a once only try he | average perf Timjust | judgement, He claimed the | went for 18 foot — and just _| burnt up the floor with some first cone he'd knocked had | missed ‘unreal kick flip work. First hit the second before he'd The Women’s Freestyle | he executed a straighiforward nals saw some amazingly | flip — then he did a double e by 0.5 of | improved performances, and finally a 180° with sone dis. | First out, Cathy Bomeister | foot switch, The spectators loses the competitor | looked smooth and eontident | loved it and the Judges : a), Thankful er 5.53 rating, while | awarded a high 7.38 particular with Desiree Von y er the two days | Robin Alaway kept well to | ‘Steve Shipp (7-16), Matk Essen, In the heats she had filmed in video. Thesow | schedule only toget marked | Bowden (70) and Doug. | hardly puta foot right: now | motion playback proved him | down for falling Pineapple" Saladino (6.63) _| ing. ithe finals she proved her | right! Unfortunately, Bobby_| fips She took 3.19 points, [all looked good, but equall reputation by taking a third. his luck ~ om the | Robin Logan disappointed a | they all missed important The run off for first and hid run he jumped th little with a hesitant and tricks. Steve blew out on his nd was between Terry | starting light to hand the title | disorganised routine which | first kick flip ~ but made it Brown and Kim Cespedes. On | on plateto John Hutson. | gotferony 430. Laue” | on the secoed attempt, Mark Next up was Barrel ‘Thomhill came on the attack | hurried hhis way into problems [om ing, and at 16 foot | with some really fine snake ly with 3600s, Doug a Thos Jc ne ne | and 360° daffies and a strong + reach the end of his part Hine) ciemen nme ioc, | Geer ote tenn sie | scuedale: gaa tne Sparks flew in the Men's | sorted from the boys. Tony _| clocked up 6,70. Ellen O'Neal | (8.16) and Mike Weed (who Slalom. The elimination Alva, who had taken a nail: | (7,20 points) confirmed her _ | came into second place with Process left four skaters to | biting three attempts tohit | high ranking position, witha | 8.85) were both fast and contest the top spot —John 15 foot, cleared 16 foot at | smooth run, She scored well | accurate. Mike in particular Hutson, Greg Taie, Randy ne go. Fred Flavell and for the manoeuvres she moved at such a lightning Smith and Bobby Piercy Ernie Martin cleared the first_| turned in, although most of as almost impossible Greg and Randy lost out in| round too, Steve Brown from | her routine contained low | the semis and took third and_| San Pedro, the former record rik, pectively. The final | holder, blew it twice, then | Walking the board looks | indicated that some of his sto decide the 1977. | scrambl on the third | pretty but has only half the | tricks were incomplete. A World Slalom Champion were | attempt. Points value of a kick flip. | more elaxed approach would between Hutson and Pieey ACI? foot barrels, Brown, | Tt was left once again to ably have gained him the Alter the first run pandemon: | Flavell and Martin fell the | Ellen Berryman to confirm | number one spot ium broke out. Bobby, going | first time round, but Alva | her supremacy. For shee Stacy Peralta (7.93) and for the last two cones, hit one | made st ~ much to the grace, suppleness and all. | Ed Nadaln (8.59) were both and then apparentfy another. | crowd's delight, That was it~ | round confidence, no one | a joy to watch. Stacy in This would have given Hutson | despite Martin overshooting | could touch her. Ellen's particular was intent on an overall 0.7 second his second attempt, no | superbly performed Lit tertaining the audience and 24 Skateboard!Judges. Sadly his humour and] not offical, Never mind, his individuality were let down | 35% earned him $1,000! a litle by missed tricks. Ty The contest came 10 an Page (8.71) snatched a great | end with the High Jun third place, making his Finals, and a show of total successful Comeback to big | superiority feom Free Former time skating with a dynamic _| Bryan Beardsley. He took hualfstide plus three 360°s off | two attempts to make 4°11 the ramp. Dennis Martinez | — but only one to make 5"! (8.52)and Curt Lindgren | Jerry Patterson came close, (747) grabbed fifth and sixth | but failed the height three places respectively with some | times, taking second pl radical manoeuvres, Brent McCullough and Glenn. But it was left to Bob | McCarroll had to be content Mohr to show everyone how | with third and fourth places to pick up @$3,000 cheque | Bryan celebrated his $1,000 with an incredible seore of | victory with a narrowly 9.23! His routine was finely | missed attempt at 5°1 tuned, well constructed and | but it can't be long before he based around his unique} makes it! gymnastic approach. His ‘Andso ended a magnificent Flanges and headstandes were | two days of skateboarding at displayed to perfection. The} Long Beach. If there's any only criticism worth noting és | conclusion to be reached or the question some spectators ] moral to be drawn itis that were asking themselves: is skateboarding ia Britain this skateboarding or doesn’t have far 10 go to athletics? catch up in at least some Tn the 360s finals. Russ | skateboarding events. Tim Howell pulled it off again — | Levis came close to making only more so with 35% the World Sialor Final rotations. Paul Hoffman came | why not others? second with 24H, Ed Nadalin tumed in 23, and Steve Shipp 21. Old man Rus is reputed to be able to pull of %6 on Bruce Sawford, Skateboard!'s editor, the bank and over 40 on flat judging a video slo-mo replay land —but these figures are —_—_— ‘Coming next month; in depth views on the contest from the top stars who took part tune in th The only way to ensure getting your regular, monthly copy of Europe's hottest skateboarding magazine is by subscribing. Issue number one sold ous and a lot of "boarders got disappointed. Don't be caught for a mug! Sales, we predict, will keep on rocketing so there's no guarantee Skareboard! will still be in your shop by the time you get there. Make sure you don’t miss out! Order the next 12 copies to be delivered direct to your door by sending | a postal order or cheque for £6.00" (made out to | Skateboard! magazine) to: Skateboard! Subscriptions, 14 Rathbone Place, London WIP IDE Please write your name and address CLEARLY andin capital * European subscriptions £6.50; Rest of the World £7.00 (seamatl) Skateboard! 25THE ART OF SKATEBOARDING Every Month- A Step By Step Guide To Tricks AndManoeuvres Slide Stop 1, Again approach at speed. eft turn, hand Push left hand on { ground and pivot as fast as Push hard with the feet. Begin to rise. ‘The slide stop is a anoeuvre used for bringing i 26 Skateboard!Extended Power Slide (Using a Bank) 1. Approach at speed. 2, Crouch low before hitting bank 3. Lean body weight sharply io left side. Lowering gloved left hand to the ground, push feet hard against the board, 4, Place other hand on ground and slide board with feet 5. Extend body parallel to bank 6, Push tail of board round to face downwards, 7. Bring board under body and push up with hands, The extended power slide isan advanced manoeuvre and shauld be practised in as large a bow! as possible. Alfow a distance of at least seven feet to complete the power slide, Do nor attempt without gloved hands, Skateboard! 27ase preyony qu Here isa version of the "EMOTION ramp, as used at News Champion- ship at Crystal Palace, that you can build yourself. You ean now bank up your favourite skating place at relatively low cost. The proportions are the minimum size the ramp should be made, for safety reasons (itis all too easy to find yourself off the side even from an, eight foot wide ramp), though they can be increased proportionally to provide ‘more ramp area. Even at today’s prices, ‘wood is still the cheapest ‘material to use. The timber lengths can mainly be scavenged (lry places where they are demolishing houses for 2x2” and 6x1” planks) The flats should be bought ew, if possible, as these have 10 withstand the brunt of your ‘attack’. Be sure to protect your ramp with several coats of paint, otherwise you will be back at work om another all 00 soon, To Build Your Rasy Cut the 2°2" to length, bases of AT and B being longer than the inner tree ne. [Link] the angles atthe ends, as shown, Remeber al the anges ave 40°. 30° and 56 The ight angle are the most dificult, ake care when teettog the joes. 3 Lay the tangula frames Out on the ground to cheek they ae ental Then cut tose and layin the centre Supports on Al and B2 Scan Az 4 Only when you ae qu the Hames are flue the joints and uit nail in each to hold it While the pe sets When the Bue is quite hard, dil ght throu each eine that takes 4 boltat 90° Use the 5” bolts and counters the holtheads int the wood or this wil ease the f sections tie unevenly. 5 Now cut the 6°x1" cross braces oughly to length © fe) The best method of working the angles of the Small fenghs of batten that ros the planks iso eet le ficecian trangula frames equidistant fromm enotier: henley the bottom eras brace plank Semmes es detox the plank to mark tier ieroaes the bases of 28 Skateboard! BUILD YOUR OWN Rf by Pete Kristopherson ne‘the frames, Drill 4" holes at ‘the mid-points of these lines, ‘Then nail the small lengths ‘of batten along the lines and ‘cut off flush with the plank, Fit in position again and drill right through the frame ‘bases, again with the ¥4” drill ‘it, Bolt through with the 4” bolts and the cross-brace will now hold the structure while ‘you repeat the procedure with the back-brace, 6 Lay the two 6'x4" Mats on the front side of the frames, flush with the top. Mark and fit the hinges on the centre- line. Then dsill through the flats and the front-sides of the frames (4 dell bit again) Al, A2, BI and 82 only. Bolt on with the 3” bolts, again countersinking the bolt-heads 7 Lay the runcup flat along the bottom edge ofthe two upper fats. You should bevel the bottom edge with a plane ‘or Surform so there isa smooth transition from the ground to the ramp. Drill through the run-up and frames AI, A3 and B2 and bolt with 4” bolts 8 Lay the deflection on the ramp so that its midline runs along the joint between the "upper flats and the run-up. Drill through with the 's" drill bit on frames AT, A3 and B2, again along the mid. line. Bevel both its edges wi surform, 9 The ramp is now assernbled and can be quite easily un- bolted fur transportation, However, if it is to be left outside at all, itmust be properly protected to prevent it warping or splitting, Use two coats of wood primer and then two coats of paint ‘on the ramp surface. Black board paint is tough and provides good grip. Avoid using gloss paint or you will be needing lee-skates to stay ‘on the ramp if it should be at all wet. Materials You Will Need. Bolts 3x6" Coach Bolts 10x $* Coach Bolts 13x 4" Coach Bolts 8x3” Coach Bolts Hinges 2x 180° opening hinges Wood 1 piece 8° x 4° 2 pieces 6 x 4° both %” Chipboard (high quality) or better still” Marine Ply 1 piece 8” x 2°34 Plywood 124 feet 2” x 2” Softwood 10 feet 6° x 15” Battening 18 feet 6” x 1” Plank Nails, Screws and Wood Glue. MOVING INFOR Sometime soon, Nottingham 4s going to have its own Skate Park Leisure Centre. I's not, of course, the frst park 10 appear in the UK although it does have one aspect which makes it stand out from the others. What's unique about the Malibu Dogbowl, a i is is that part of rea will be indoors. The sun-soaked arenas of California have not needed to develop this kind of idea, but for rainy old Britain, it’s dam near vital! Skate City back in London is ready to invest untold thousands of pounds to keep the weather at bay, but the Dogbowt has no such problems... it's converted cinema, With winter approaching fast, indoor skating makes 2004, solid sense. And old cinemas aren't the half of i ‘Already, we are told, Bristol Skateboarding Centre are negotiating over an old dock- side warehouse, Such places, often deserted for years, can and should be put to work. Owners are frequently only too happy to see their old property being turned over to some ‘short-tinie’ use, prior perhaps to demolition. You don't have to think that big. Just about every UK town of any size contains a deserted hall or church, Check with the council and/or neighbours to-find out who the owners are and where to contact them. Principally, try to interest people on the basis that you're creating a useful facility for the community. ‘Okay, so you've got your hhall/ehurch/warehouse .. what next? Well, lot depends now on what resources you have, or cam rustle up. What's the floor like — smooth or rocky? If You've got floor boards and they're too uneven, try levering them up and closing the gaps. [Fal ese fails, buy hardboard sheets and nail them over the top. Many ‘Skateboasuc S94 prefer to use hardboard upside down — for better exp. ‘Conerete should be less of, 4 problem: if you've got craters to fil, get advice from 4 friendly builder By the way, if hardboard comes a bit expensive, old lino is another possibilty Both, however, should be firmly nailed with no loose edges. For lino, too, Skare- boani! has been advised to reverse if, that is lay it top ide down. Eventually hough, any mountaneous areas of floor will crack through the lino So there's the fr area! Next on the agenda has to bea ramp. Unfortunately, ‘no matter how cheaply you get the wood (unless your dad owns a timber yard, course!) ramps cosi money. ‘The basic design for the Emotion (Bristol Skateboard: ing) ramp is shown right hhere, with all constructional details, so if you're not too hhandy with the hammer and mails, try the old man! Inc: dentally, the ramp we're discussing s actually the one sed at the Crystal Palace Championships earlier this year, tis the minimum size the designers consider fully safe (although it’s easy to find yourself disappearing over the Bide of even an eight foot tamp!), Actually, all the dimensions can be insreased proportionally if needs be The 2” by 2” and the 6 by 1" wood can quite easily bbe scavenged from demolition sites. The flats (for the surface of the ramp) shou benew. .. afterall, th have to bear the brunt of your attack. For protection, ‘many people cover the riding area with several coats of paint. The blackboard variety {5 very good — don’t use gloss uunless you want an ice rink However, some sort of non slip material would probably bbe better — check ott the type of stuff used on boat des, Having made your ramp, approach it with caution. Five fect may not look too high — until you're up there and coming down. Work gradually towards the top tuntil you have three wheels ‘out every time, At that point, the moment's arrived to add a vertical back board! Funds permitting, why ‘not make rwo ramps — and tty some bank to bank riding Remember though, whatever you do, play safe... don't 30 Skateboard! style ramp. Mork Sinclar in sction | become another statistic! Having got the hang of ‘building and riding this type | of ramp, there have, of course, to be alternatives. Probably the most popular right now is the “half-pipe'. ‘One fine example of this is Morris Vulcan's ‘portable skateboard bow!" which was used at their recent ‘Land Foar want challenge? ~ fight for the pesk of «high Surfing Spectacular’. The event in fact took place at half time in a sponsored. football match between Birmingham City F.C, and Manchester United. Hermes Joinery of Lichfield made the two-sided wooden bowl and they deliberately designed it to be portable. ‘While skate parks continue to be thin on the ground, wooden ramps and halfpipes offer a very good second best. ‘Such pieces of equipment ean only help in spreading skate- boarding across the length and breadth of the land, ‘So back to the Malibu Dogbowwl at the old Classie Cinema, Lenton Abbey, Nottingham. Owner Farren decided some time ago to kick out bingo and do something for the local kids stead. Plans forthe lage uilding, plus two acres of land, ook inspiring. Inside, there'll be several runs, all |ending up around the tage area. A company called En Tout Casas been hited for manufacturing the bowls and Dtide of place is to go toa 15 foot diameter pipe. “There'll bea shop for sales and equipment hire, a cafe, a resident instructor, film shows, a disco and upsta a karate club! Opening times will be 9am to midnight and membership for the year, | 50p. Guests at the door will bbe charged SOp, members 35p and juniors 25p. First move outside in the | old car park wil be to construct the Nursery Run, ‘The Molibu Dogbow! should finally be completed by next | summer. Meanwhile, Nick Farren has already formed The Nottingham Skateboard- ing Club and of course there'll be lots of competitions — initially to decide those good enough to form his junior, intermediate and senior teams, All members are offered 10% off sold in the shop and all the facilities will be available at cheap rates to such people as local University and polytechnic students Allin all, the Matibe Dogbowl is fine example of what can be done .. . given the capital. Let's hope there are many mote financiers around the country with their hearts in the right places and their hands on their cheque books. Skating indoors makes sense and there are plenty of likely places in which to try it. Stay hotand keep a roof over your head! For more details of the Malibu Dogbovl (and The Midlands Skateboarding ‘Association) contact: Nick Farren on 0949 50869. ‘Alternatively, for detais on joining the Nottingham Skateboard Club phone 0602 813588. At press time, the latter is already boasting a membership of over S00! Philip Saver2 Kick GAS Freestyle Botdock Buttock Special D Freestyle peedek Kicktail, the Neerr re style, the G&S Kicktal, the | set of Bennett Pro trucks plus ° shout ors Kicktail Checkout Srecist | ntarcnsi OF these, four are solid | particular, 360's, wheelies e ‘ack. On the other hand,a | wood, three are wood lamin- | and kick flips. There were | 2 The great thing about kicktall | Kicktal is no great handicap | ates, one Is fibreglass, one is | interesting variations in the | |& decks is their versatility. Take | when gunning down a slalom | aluminium and fibreglass | results we obtained particular. | 3 a cambered dalom (or fat) | course, laminate and one is ammulti- | ly in respect of the comments | 3 deck for yous freest This month, we've chosen | laminate of wood and of the various testers we |= routine and you'll probably | to look at 10 kicktail decks | fibreglass. used. It only goes toshow |S leave your back foot lying | and in the order they appear | All the decks were tested | that one man's meat is 2 somewhere on the ground. | inthe photograph, they are, | at Skate City by various | another man's plson i Without the kicktail, the from top to bottom, the members of the Alpine team | There is no hard and fast ear foot slips easily off the | Benjyboard White Lightning, | plus a few of the regular rule about flexibility — you 34 Skateboard!either like it or you don't. As ‘one anti-flex man, Tim Levis, was heard to say: “I don’t like any flex much, but one of the best decks I've ridden for freestyle was a G&S. Steve Cathey which iss fibreflex and nearly fat. For myself, and most free. stylers I've talked to lately, the preference is for a stiff deck. All the decks we flex, but how about weight, and length and angle of kicktail? Most freestylers prefer a light deck — there's no setting away from ft. On the other hand, some feel the heavier models are more stable when performing at speed. The lightest decks we found were the Sims and th GAS, The heaviest were the Quicktail and the Conway. Gur photo shows the wide variations in length and angle of kicktails available. The trend is towards long, curved and tapered varieties and again thisis typified by the Sims and the G&S, Both these have a shallow degree of upturn. In fact, most kicktalls are now designed so that in a kkickturn (with the front of the deck raised) the horizontal ‘The Benjyboard had an exceptionally wide kicktail, which is useful for those liking a full ear foot support. On the other hand, the ‘Speedek and, to an extent, the two Buttiocks went the other way and had over narrow rear and front ends. Another iniportant aspect is strength. The Alpine Free- style, which is made of a high quality ply, looked impressive from that point of view. Collisions with walls should barely dent its durability. Another ‘toughie’ should be the Conway. It's solid layered fibreglass and probably indestructable, The finish too ‘is superb, Wheel wells and bevelled undersides are appearing on some decks these days. They appeal to me because I don't like laying out large sums of oney on those expensive little riser pads. The Benjy. boaed, the Sims and the Alpine Freestyle all featured ‘wheel wells. The Speedek has narrow cut-away sections at the front and rear — another answer to the same problem. The test began with the 29” G&S Kicktail. Made of a ‘maple/fibreglass multi- laminate, itssuccessis ot ‘Butlock: Alpine Freesty Fate Buock Spec C to all who come across its many imitators A relative old stager now, i's still a favourite for its lightness and classic design. Famous for its legendary 100% flex memory’ at around £20.00, though not cheap, it represents good value for the discriminating skateboarding buyer. The Pacer 900 is a mahogany deck and 27° in length. A conventional styling with an average kicktal, it produced an average response from the testers. However, at £1200 it has to represent excellent value for money coming as it docs with a generous amount of rip tape. The new Benjyboard White Lightning (as featured in New Products, Issue 2 evoked a large amount of interest, Its unusual width and huge kicktall bear testi ‘mony to the design work of ex-Benjyboard Team member John Sablosky. The testers felt that the wide platform allows excellent control in ‘manoeuvres, the only draw: back being that kick fips become more difficult, That apart, the feeling was that the board could well be setting the future trend for this type ‘of deck. Construction, by the way, is solid white ash, and at around £14.00 it represents a more than fair return, From top to bottom: Beniyboard white Lighining: Speedek Bie 5 GAS Freestyle; Powell Quickiall, acer ak til: Sims Superight Next came the two Butt locks. Wdentical in shape, the standard model is constructed from two jointed sections of English oak. The makers claim that the wood for this particular batch has been maturing for forty years and ean never be repeated. Future models wall be manufactured in American oak, so buy while you've got the chance and maybe you'll have a collector's teen! The Buttlock Special is an joak-mahogany ‘sripey’ with some impressive jount work holding t all together. The shape of both models is Possibly alittle narrow, with rather asmall kicktall. The design worried some of the testers who found itshandling difficult. However, at the very reasonable prices of round £6.50 and £15.00, its Sound construction and guaranteed long life represent westment ‘onto the Sims, what impressed most was its Tight weight and its long, low profile kicktail. The wood Used remains a mystery, but the construction is a warp- type rear end with a central jrencer sandwich. Built without flex, itis very easy to hanlle and generally speaking the testers thought it the best of the bunch. It does, however, sell at all of £23.00 50 you're really paying For your quality! Sims also make the “Taperkick’ to the same design but with additional vertical laminates. Next in line was the Alpine Freestyle and fora £10.00 board, it has many atuactive Features Is tou, ply construction (with whee wells), its adequate width and its functional kicktail all combine to offer a very good deal indeed. ‘The Conway. looks-wise, is one of the most impressive products ever seen froma manufacturer. The we are told, is hand sawn with a diamond blade and was without doubt the most flexible tested. Many in fact felt the flex was exces. sive, but the kicktail offers 200d dimensions and its performance has a great deal of appeal. The springiness makes pumping a delight and only slightly inhibits the rest of its performance. Selling at about £13.00 (ineluding grip tape) it has to be sound value for money. ‘The Speedek, by virtue of its shape, is good for any. thing that doesn’t involve wheelies. The front and back are simply too narrow to ensure good foot placement. The testers in general felt that the design could be improved. the makers in fact confirm. that more conventional styles are in the pipeline so modified things are expected soon. However, the solid mahogany construetion and the truly excellent finish are strong ations tothe lus side. Finally, we wheeled out the rollsroyce of kicktal decks, the Powell Quicktal. ‘AC £39.00, despite its super construction and finish, it just ca be worth itt for the Arabs only. 1 The testers found the kicktail rather ‘flabby’ and ineffective surprising when you consider that the deck is based on the earlier techno- logy of the Quicksilver, one of the best slalom decks around. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate well to free- style, Nothing, however, c match its elegance, prestige and fine ines. So that's it... ten boards tested and now you know ‘where to get your kicks! We've tried hard to show all the pluses and all the minuses but don’t take our word for it, go check them yourselves. Stand by next month fora run-down on complete, low price skateboards... ready tosslip into the Christmas stockin Skateboard! 35pay ace Kick al C a faily exaggerated fashion, Lazer is anew name in trucks. Although they feature 8 conventional design, the US takers elaim to have introduced impo developments ‘One of these isa steel, heli-coil in the king:pin socket of the base plate, I's claimed this eliminates “thread stripping’. Two different axle lengths are available, 5" and 6%" While on the subject of tucks, Gull Wing have strengthened their model with @ new support bracket to prevent breakage of the central action bolt. This comes as an accessory for those who already have the ‘ruck and it's now included in the price of the Gull British wheel manufact rers are springing up like Urethane mushrooms. Many, if pushed, might admit to making straight copies of Tom the top — Hobie Seatepark Ruler Morr? : rh skaut; Morris Vulcan Road Riders, OJ's and the like, However, I've found one based company rather special Theic name s Looner Landska tes and their first product is the Fireball, Stunning red wheel, three inches in diameter, and notable for one particular reason . .. it's spherical! The curved design and hard compound means you rolling on a fast, narrow track surface. Pood for ight. Whether it grips you'll discover next issue when we test the beast Finally, an update of the news from Mortis Vulean. ‘Their range has been extend ed to no less than thirteen (lucky for some) models. rst glimpse in the UK of we entire range was at the Jetober Sports and Leisure Exhibition in Birmingham, ‘Over the past few weeks, ‘Skateboard! magazine has been almost bowled over with letters of a technical nature. If you don't see your particular query here this month, then don't worry, the chances ate it will appear next issue, Don't forget, if you ve got a technical problem that needs clearing lp just write to me, Dave Goldsmith, at Skateboard? magazine, 14 Rathbone Place, London WIP IDE, Tcan guarantee to answer any of your letters personally time I'm afraid makes th impossible. I will try, though, to cover as many points as possible right here in Skata Data The deck of my board is touching the wheels wh cornering hard. What pu do riser pads serve and will they solve the problem? J, Hollins, Gateshead, Riser pads are 46" or 4” thick Bnd they ft between the base plate ofthe truck and the deck, To cure ‘rub cuts’, wide trucks nearly Always require riser pads. This isespecialy so when large diameter wheels are fitted. Some trucks, such a¢ the Tracker, feature an axle wich is close to the base plate. This type of truck Fequires up 10 one inch of Tier pads, Ifyou have a wooden deck remember wheel wells can be ground Out of the deck as an alter. native to the pads. Take care though that you don't make the wells too deep and s0 ‘weaken the deck Town a Gecko 3243 with ACS 430 trucks and Gecko 3 wheels with loose bearings. | ‘want to update it, but first | ‘want fo know why the ACS. 500 is better for free-style than the ACS 650. T would also like your advice about wheels. I've ‘made up my mind for Road Rider wheels, but I don't kenaw which ones to choose. Which would you recom: mend? Felipe Lemon, Leics. The key to selecting a truck for free-style lies in the length of the axle, Trucks with axles of 5 to 6 inches are proving the best choice, The narrower | axle they will grip tight and, I ———_— tk Smoother and faster 360°, spacewalk, et, [ACS have a helpful way of numbering their models using the axle length. The ACS 500 anaxe 5 inches iong and is therefore thei best fee style truck. The ACS 650 and 6531 havo axle lengths of 6H inches aad are best for Stability in speed runs and alors On to your second point and Roud Rider make four different models, the No.2 the Nod, the No.6 and the Henry Hester. The No.2 is thelr original model Ci it was the Fist sealed bearing wheel ever to appear — just over a year ago). It makes for low priced rolling on a smooth surface but its ather stall for general purposes The Noctis their best all: round modal the sibs being tight for free-style. I'd recommend the No.6 3s a good emuising choice for a smooth, grippy ride at speed. Henry Hester, the well known slalom mimber one, designed Road Rider’ Specialist halon model and its one of the few large diameter, small width wheels available, Ifyou want 5 and ate prepared to sir traction, this one wll suit you My question is quite simple how can I cure speed wobble? D. Murray, Bristol Speed wobble is largely brought on by loose trucks. Ifyou are going for a stable and safe speed run, then tighten your trucks as much as possible. In American speed atternpts it has been known for competitors to use a fixed rear truck for extra stability The nutsat the ends of my truck axles work loose. How can I rectify this? Jim Paling, Exeter, A skateboard truck should be fitted with lock nuts. Once these nuts are fitted on to the theoretically, never work foose. Such lock nuts usually hhave a nylon ring inside. Similar nuts should be used for the truck mounting screws as these also receive considerable vibration. Skateboard! 37n’s skateboard nity wouldn't be quite the same without Kadir, He was one of the pioneers of the sport in the city [Link] ‘of summers ago when he used to ride the Broadwalk, Kensington Gardens, Befor that he was a keen skier until hhe had a serious fall and broke a leg. He now skates for Benjy 38 Skateboard! SIMON BELL Simon lives in a pub in Hitchin, Herts but .. . year ago he was in South Carolina. On a summer evening you'd have found him and his friends enjoying some Allantie surf after school the kind of pastime most of Us might give up our homework for! “.. then one day some guy brought down a Super Surfer ~ a clay wheels job. We used to ride it up and down the promenade.” Now he rides for Alpine Sports on red Kryptonics and a Rockit deck — quite a contrast We found Simon down at boards and rides a White Lightning. His greatest kicks com from bank and bow! riding ~ “that’s where the energy is”, Because of you'll often see him carving the Black Bow! at Skate City. Like most of us, he's Keen to see new skateparks "We need more banks straight banks a bit like South, Bank but a bit higher and steeper. | PAUL SULLY (see right) Paul was Britain's Skateboard ‘Champion for only 24 hours! He beat 200 others at the Evening News Championsh at Crystal Palace, taking firsts in the under fourteen fre style and slalom, and a fourth in speed. He rushed in from Jersey where his patents were holidaying especially to take part in the contest, and then had to hurry back before the results were announced, The next day he was told he had won the title — only to be disqualified shortly aft wards on a technicality father works for the same newspaper group as the Evening News Paul only started skating a year ago, after being impressed by the antics of some kids skating at the Elephant and Castle under- pass. A few mon ths later he saw a Skuda board in a shop and rushed in to buy it, He now tides for Benjy board on a Benjyflex deck with Bennett Ad-Tracks and small green Kryptonics, aul enjoys bowlriding best, and at Skate City he's already getting out over the Brands Hatch recently, performing forevers in a 15 foot wooden halfpipe. On the c day he competed in an pt on the British speed record. “It was thrilling and scary — there's a sensation of danger. | know F could have gone faster ~ we had to use | motorcycle tows to get a really high speed." There isn't much surf in Hitchin but Simon is helping | to fight for some of the concrete variety. Where is this | skatepark going to be built? Most probably om the top ‘of a multi-storey car park in Letchworth planning to build it interesting, the council are Sounds lip on the deepest bowl. He | admits having found it very difficult on the first attempt. but by his second session he ne. He now holds a pass to get into Skate City as many times as he likes, and practices five days a week. “The sport is growing much faster here than in the | States,"hesays. “Everybody's | getting so good so quickly People like John Sablosky and Simon Napper are goi to need far more challenging bowls soon, and Jules Gayton | amazing at freestyh Paul's best tricks are kick flips, headstands and 360's He started out at the South Bank with everyone else, but then Tim Levis, John Sablosky and Paul discovered a private pool to visit in the dead of night! He also found an amazing secret pool in Jersey — “It just needed some Polyfilla to fill up the cracks. We asked Paul if he'd decided on a career for when he leaves school, TLean’t imagine doing anything else except skate- boarding,” he said. “I wan doit all the time: Toa Perkins