Slidefest 2008

Slidefest 2008, atop a dusty road in Oceanside Ca. Sliders from all over the world arrived to take part in the most important SlopeStyle competition in the world. Multiple States, Countries and Continents were represented under the heated sun on N. Loretta Street. The skills and styles on the hill differed just as much as the accents and attitudes. All skaters, however, shared one common thread, a dedication and adept skillset to utilize everything before them on this sacred gradient. This is slope style skating.

This would be the 4th Annual Slidefest.  The first two I was witness of and the third, I missed due to being buried in 17’ of snow in Denver. The Slidefest I missed apparently was something to have witnessed, as Khiro Bob said it was “Gnarly” and he’s got a pretty good idea of what levels of gnar there are. A fast short straight into curves sent just as many people into curbs as got down the hill, maybe more. With certain complications that arose at the last location, Slidefest was moved back to the quiet and friendly canyon that Loretta is nestled in.

Before Slidefest Gravity had a open house at the G Shop to show off the recently completed DVD of SlideFest 1,2,3. There was mucho carne asada and the usual Gravity family. They had a rail set up that was covered with a bamboo beam, it was something very unique. In the shop people were tooling on their board and chatting with Brad Edwards about graphics. Sergio was chillin’ and WillJ was running around sporting his new tooth. Lance “Skate Santa” Foley was wrenchin' on his deck getting ready for the next day and there was an audience in the front room watching the DVD.

The day of Slidefest I got a frantic call from my black Coloradian friend from the famed crew BruthaDude.  I always misspell his crew so I’m not gunna bother checking it. Point is, the Bus Driver had dumped him off on the wrong Loretta he was on South Loretta across the river. He was positive he could make it, I told him unless he can walk on water there was no way. Turns out he actually scaled the under-span of the 5, almost slipping and falling to his death. I ended up scooping him up at the entrance gate to Camp Pendleton. When he got in my car, he reeked of Sage and Carbon Monoxide. I tore into reverse, back up the on ramp the wrong way, pulled a U-Turn and rolled to Loretta. I mention this only as a statement of what a responsible driver I am.

The crew gathered on the hill made me feel like I had never left. Friendly faces and stoked out skaters. All the people I had missed so much. People were taking practice runs and spectators were picking their spots on the sides of the Canyon. Once again, Dave Hackett would be the lead judge with two other celebrity judges; practice 12:00, trials at 1:00 and then it’s on.

I walked down the hill a bit after getting my feel for where people were riding. One of the great things about being a photog is you get to see it all. The following is a pictorial of the contest. Hope you enjoy the shots as much as I enjoyed taking them. But before we get to the shots how about a video from Curva De Hill and Some Podium Stats!

Scott from Muir Surf and Skate is freaking insane.  One of the most well rounded skaters I know.  When I was leaving for Denver he was just starting to slide; he not only owns Blacks now but he just plain rips.


The level of female sliding is just exploding, this shot doesn't do her skills justice, but she does look very fluid.


Dude's a ripping machine.

 

My Black Friend and brother, managed to show his style and pull 2nd in the open class.




The professor, dropping knowledge and displaying slide skills.


Lue Dog.




I just like the fact that he's sticking his tongue out like he's trying to bite it off.










Brennan, way more style, skill and flow than he could ever need. He was epic smooth all day.



Micku - One of the smoothest female sliders I have ever watched, she bailed in front of me later in the day and I had to jump over her. Only one guy saw it happen, it was still awesome. Later she would destroy a bottle in a slide and get cut to shreds. Dripping blood and showing bone, she kept on skating.



Kid hadn't slid in 2 years...  Owned it.

 

I just like all the angles. 


Lance Foley, I hope I am as cool as he is when I am his age. Dude is like 98 or someshizz and he still rips it down the hill, and stokes everyone out.


Another tongue shot. I was thinking of making a gallery of skate tongues.



If you could create a slope style alien human hybrid it would be Brad Edwards. His skill is belied by how smooth and simple he makes everything he does appear. The reality is no one can re-create this mans skill. Our groms got us a heads up on his run, seems Brad had been hiding in bushes waiting for us to leave then he would practice his runs. Even though I new he was gunna pull a headstand... I was still stupefied impressed.



Rob Carter Everbody, Finally got to meet him. Dudes got skill and style to spare. Can always spot the Nor Cal kids.




ZULU POUNCE!



Kirby Cox, rocking the third eye grind.





Big Air.



Will J is looking for employment and a roomate he won't kill in the Oceanside area.



Flying...



Scott went 110% on every run, even his bails were innovative.





Don't cry Scott Chicks Dig Scars!



Hopefully Dudes Do Too!



Erik, this is the best pic I took all day. You are awesome and I couldn't believe how good your sliding has gotten, you worked that board. You ROCK!



This slide is only possible if you are built like a giraffe.
 




Bream took some time to work his wiles with a slide groupie. She is HOTT!













You try this, seriously, right now go do it.





WillJ rocking the BW mini during the after session.







I was scared.



He did this trick two years ago and landed it all the time no problem, during best trick he tried to re-create it. I guarentee you he's got it nailed now.





Reminds me of donkey kong for some reason.

















I think it's cool how much EW supports it's riders, with companies like G and EW sliding is just gunna keep blowing up.



This guy had the technique of a flatspin down. If you are tying to learn them, watch his clips.



He tried, and tried, and bailed and finally landed it, got himself best trick.

Atta' boy! Never Give UP!!!


This would be unimpressive, except he bombed the hill on one leg. The whole way. 


Yup that's how he likes them.



Kid won best T-Shirt.



Fixes everything.



Another skate santa?



Micku Casting Spells.


You earned it buddy. Next year bring your kids, someone needs to beat you.

You can view the whole Slidefest 2008 Gallery here .

Gravity Website

 
I would like to thank Gravity and all of the other sponsors that come together to make this event possible. Sliding is evolving and it is a great thing that more and more riders are becoming well rounded with slopestyle skills. Thanks Breamo.

As a special gift, all Silverfish Subscribers are eligable to recieve a FREE copy of the Slidefest 1-3 DVD, Check the Subscribers' Forum for Details!