As a magazine publisher, a number of skate videos cross my desk each year. While each one has a unique quality, I had a sense there was something truly special about “Livin Free.” Little did I realize, when I started to investigate the story behind this video, that it would turn into a four-page story. While “Livin Free” is on its way to becoming a hit in the longboarding world, the story behind the film turns out to be just as intriguing. Turns out that reality doesn’t bite after all.

Well, with the terror of one of the most damaging economic downturns almost behind us, longboarding is taking off. Manufacturers that were running lean to make it through the crisis are finding stock flying out the door. Small shops that have been forever losing money on shop decks are putting more and more orders into manufacturers and distributors of “longskates”. Some shops are ordering 20 decks at a time and word’s getting around the retailer networks, more or less crediting longboarding with helping keep the numbers high during the slow period. Except now, it’s not just “beer run boards” of any ilk proffered by clueless popsicle stick hawkers looking to cash in, but shop owners realizing the world of options and stoke you’re out there skating in… and Summer is here! With momentum building, companies are starting to take effort to make it into new technologies and materials. While Big Corporate is preparing to roll out a “Fall Line” of soft goods and image products that will bring a new meaning to “mallboarder”, the hardcore board companies see the next wave of recognition coming for longboarding, old-school fun and new decks, wheels and trucks using innovative materials and design. The question is, however, is there really a market for all of the new gear?

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...