The single engine Cesna was in obvious trouble as it buzzed the race course. Racers watched the plane lose elevation as it tried to sputter over Vail Pass, headed for the big digger. Theplane flew around a bend in the valley and went out of view. One minute later, the highway patrol and firefighters that were on hand for the Timeship Racing Vail Pass Downhill were off to a more urgent plane crash rescue. And with that bit of drama...

Scott Lembach, manager of Muir Surf & Skate, is stoked. It’s a primo SoCal day in July, and a handful of groms from Ramona are milling around the popular skate shop on the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla, which is about 30 miles from their hometown. Lembach is talking to two of them.

What makes a good helmet? What features should customers look for? Sean Methven, Manager, Pro-tec’s Skate Line Fit, safety, and style. Make sure the helmet fits properly; this will ensure the helmet will stay in place during a fall. Make sure the helmet you’re buying meets the safety requirements for the intended application. The more comfortable you are with the look of the helmet, the more inclined you’ll be to wear it.