Skateboard section of BOARDZ.COM

BOARDZ.COM Home - SKATEBOARDZ Central

SKATEBOARDZ

XGames

On Sunday, June 27, "Best Trick" turned into the ultimate trick when Tony Hawk (right) made history by landing the first 900 in competition to the amazement of another capacity crowd on Pier 30. Not only were the fans impressed, but fellow skateboarders Bob Burnquist, Bucky Lasek, Andy Macdonald and Mathias Ringstrom -- the top skaters from the World Cup Skateboarding Vert rankings -- were so awed by the feat that the competition was declared a "no contest."

Fear and Loathing in S. F.

By Ari Evan Gold

Jessica Krause: Photo by Terry Roland; thanks to Bruce Rodela

As we went extremely fast over the Bay Bridge, we could see a shimmering ball of air hovering in the same spot. The Goodyear Blimp, oh my *%#@, *&%@, skateboarding is huuuuge!!!!!! Alternative sports are huuuuge!!!!!!. I came to cover the X-games and skate S.F. but I cant believe that Goodyear came. As we rounded the exit, we came to the realization that finding a parking spot was impossible. But, alas, preferred X-Games parking with a free shuttle to Pier 31. The line at the front was fat, so we headed strait to the golden ticket holder; the media tent. With credentials in hand we proceeded to skip the line and head strait to moto- X, or so ESPN called it. What is this fascination with X? I must investigate further. Todd, my photographer, got access to the athlete lounge while I sat ground level amazed at the soaring machines of metal. The event was over quite quickly, I think the X means something here, take a note.

My partner Todd was frantic because we haven't seen a single skateboarder, meanwhile I ventured over to the pits. I had to study the eating habits of these mad men. I found Doritos, McDonald's, and Hansens Natural Soda next to one named "Twitch". Pringles, pizza, and Coke powered the body of another of the likes of Mike Cinqmars. With said information logged I must skate, now. But I must cover the X-Games for Boardz.Com not Moto. Com so I must find a skateboarder to cover, to study, to probe. My partner Todd was going frantic, it seams that we have come four days late and all the skateboarding events are over." Do not fret" I told Todd "There has to be a skateboarder somewhere". So we proceeded to walk around until we ran into a very kind skateboarder by the name of Pancho Molar. He was very understanding to our situation and kindly provided us with many people to study and photograph. The first superstar we met was Danny Gonzales. He provided much insight into the minds of these X athletes.

The next day we encountered a slew of these curious creatures called skateboarders. With luck we shot photos of many superstars and some future superstars. The spots we chose showed much diversification because our guides were experienced and kind. The X seems to represent many things, but I believe it represents the next generation the doomsday generation. With 2000 looming over our entire lives the X generation has nothing to lose. The presence of fear has long passed, the motto " Live fast and have a good looking corpse" applies to this doomsday generation. My partner and I may not have covered the X-Games but we have gained valuable knowledge into the minds of X athletes and Hunter S. Thompson.

Karl Watson at one of the spots; photo by Todd Freitas

ESPN XGames Site

BOARDZ.COM Home - SKATEBOARDZ Central

URL: http://www.boardz.com/