TAKING BACK THE CITY
By: Peter Panhandler
Damn, do we know how to throw a killer contest or what? The last Summer of Death contest took place all over Salt Lake City at real skate spots. That is pretty much unheard of, since we didn't have a single permit or any authorization whatsoever. Three best trick sessions were held three locations - the first being at the Sugar House Park ledges. From there the mob moved over to the Bonneville Elementary four-block, where kids were literally throwing caution to the wind and chucking themselves. The third and final spot was the bump-to-barrier underneath the viaduct on 6th West and 6th South (Andy Pitts and Mike Murdock's spot). There was a free BBQ and awards ceremony at Fairmont Park followed up by an aftermath party at The Jackelope where fun was had by all.
The best part about this contest was it had a really good turnout with close to thirty competitors. There were kids there from all over the Valley and it's nice to see some new fresh faces in the scene. It was totally amazing to be sessioning a spot with thirty other people that you probably would never even talk to. Another serious highlight was there were absolutely no altercations with Johnny Law or the concerned citizens of Salt Lake City. An undercover police car even rolled by the bump-to-barrier without even stopping to ask one question. Either he had some real crime to take of or they don't pay him enough salary to write up a hundred tickets. Maybe he was on his way to pick up some doughnuts and coffee.
Thanks goes to all the sponsors and people who came to support. Extra special thanks to the judges who all actually ride skateboards and are pretty damn good at it. Any one of these three guys could of won this contest. Instead they were blessed with a day of beer drinking with the hot SLUG Magazine girls. Skateboarding is a crime but we are not all criminals. Remember cities are built for the people ands skateboarders are the coolest people around period. Organize your crew and take back what's ours rightfully. The government hates that shit so you know it has be good. Check out www.summerofdeath.com for more pics and keep your eye's peeled for the SOD video sometime in the near future.
Dead On Arrival:
29 registered bodies killed it at SOD's three secret locations.
1.Mike Zanelli 2.Kenneth C 3.Ryan Coleman 4.Brandon Aguayo 5.Cameron Stark 6.Matt Coles 7.Jermaine Kelly 8.Chase Strickwerda 9.Andrew Johnson 10.Cordell Black 11.Zan Barnett 12.Josh Pohlman 13.Bryce Steward 14.Jon Hoganson 15.Thomas Waterbro 16.Austin chantry 17.Joe Kvasnicka 18.Nash Saxton 19.Jake Brimley 20.Brad Johnson 21.Alex Coy 22.Alex Andrews 23.Levi Faust 24.Bo Davis 25.Nick Sveoka 26.Dagen Molten 27.Jeramiah Jones 28.Sam Harper 29.Brian Brown 30.Oliver Buchanan
The results:
- Sugarhouse ledges: Ogden Slim ’Äì Frontside 5/0 to Backside 180 Out
- Bonneville Elementary Four Block: The Lone Ranger - Switch Kickflip
- Bump-TO-BARRIER: Bill Dansforth look-a-like won (Kickflip Fastplant) but his prize went to Brandon Aguayo because he didn't show up to the awards ceremony at Fairmont Park.
- Best SLam: Cordell Black
- Overall Winner: The Lone Ranger ’Äì took home the grill from mouthpiece!
Watch some Videos
Cab Heelflip Noseslide at Sugarhouse
Kickflip backside Tailslide at Sugarhouse
Nate Switch Hardflips the Big 4
Oliver Switch Kickflips the Big 4
Shovit 5-0 to 180 Out at Sugarhouse
If you or your company would like to find out more information about getting involved call the SLUG HQ at 801.487.9221