![]() ![]() In addition, vert was, and still is being featured at various events spread throughout a dozen other countries over the past 15 years. ![]() However, in later years the “ASA” alongside the “Mobile Skate Series” proved that both sides of the spectrum were still regarded in the same light. Some will argue it was being dropped from the “X-Games”, or even the falling out of the “National Inline Skate Series” (NISS). So if you watched a video before you went out to skate you were equally stoked to see one as you were the other. They were featured together in the majority of videos that came out. During that period there was literally no divide whatsoever between Street and Vert. All eyes were on us!Īt 32, I can recall when flicks like “Quest II The Unholy”, “Fast Shoes”, “Plastic Balance” and Videogroove (up until “Mediocracy”) had really taken off. From the moment riders reached the platform, every vehicle that passed, neighbor nearby, and even a helicopter (from a distance) had taken notice of the show. At some points I was almost certain someone driving by would wreck their car trying to get a glimpse of the action. I caught the attempt and it will be in the bonus which should drop sometime this week (provided I’m not off fucking around in the desert with something I’m not suppose to be, I do this from time to time because, yeah, it’s the Mojave).Īs the contest carried on the crowd grew larger. In person this was flat out nuts! There’s no other way to put it nor was there much time for me to get a better angle than I did. Local steeze demon Tony Rivituso competed and during a short break between the contest and Best Trick there was a notion to gap from the vert ramp out of the backyard, over the wall, past the side walk, and then to the street. Looking back at footage while I get this bonus edit ready I still find myself getting lost in it all. I couldn’t imagine going back to my youth and seeing something like this for the first time, especially with such a high level of stunts going down. The array of styles and athleticism were inspiring to say the least. The energies shifting around this event weren’t just through the roof, they were soaring over it! This was easily one of those experiences that not just for Nick, but for everyone who came out, will continue to be a highlight of many stories to come. Juiced from tricks his competitors were throwing down you could tell that for him this contest was a lot of fun. Nick Calderon had flown in from Columbia, grinning ear to ear the entire time. Even more so how rare it is seen on this scale inside of the United States. This should be a glimpse into how important Vert still is. So committed in fact, that they flew in from as far as Bulgaria, South America, and Switzerland to compete. What really caught my attention was how many people were committed to this before it ever really took off. Combine all of this with amazing bbq, cold brews, a pool, blade fam and a gnarly vert ramp and you’ve got the makings of a truly great event! In attendance were Katie Ketchum, Jon Julio, Miguel Ramos, Walt Austin, Cletus Kuhn (fresh off the 2016 CORT) and even Aaron Wheelz from Nitro Circus had stopped by to check it out. The Atmosphere was definitely friendly and consisted of support from the Rollerblading community far & wide. It had just rained several days before registration and a cool front had swept in a subtle breeze from the valley. We’d been seeing temperatures reach as high as 116 degrees here in the Mojave recently so the timing couldn’t have been any better. Held at the home of Marco De Santi the turnout was fairly solid. Needless to say, I’m grateful that I did. So with my HVR in hand I started feeling out angles immediately. Most everyone took pictures with their phones or cameras. Not sure if that actually worked out or not tho as I was too busy. To my surprise, no one (other than Gadgik & their drone) were filming. I knew right then I had to pack my gear and see what was going down firsthand. The night before registration I was thrown a line on the contest. As I’m new to the scene here, I hadn’t managed to connect with locals yet. Having made stops in California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida before heading back west and getting situated in Nevada. I’d been traveling for the past 6 months now. It was happenstance I caught wind of this event to begin with. Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the UHL Competition in Las Vegas. ![]()
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