ESPN skate coverage is usually right on the money (no pun), especially when it comes to the comings and goings of the skate kings, the folks that drive the industry and all of its innovations. Yesterday, they published a pretty timely piece, one that many other skate publications would rather avoid, about the state of the skate biz and the effects of the recession. Our boy Greg Lutzka, who is in many ways a leader in the industry (both the skills and the biz), goes on record…

Video games have come a long way, and even the iPhone app games rival anything you’d see in an arcade back in the day. So it was a matter of time before skating became a game sector of its own, and our local, Greg Lutzka is the main character of this new one called S.K.A.T.E. which is the skate version of H.O.R.S.E. You challenge the virtual Lutzka to a head-to-head game of S.K.A.T.E…

Afghanistan, being the center of the ‘next war’ over terrorism, is no safe haven for children. However, children are there, waging war themselves to stay alive and hopefully live to have happy, productive lives. Now a couple of Aussies have come to the capital, Kabul to offer skateboard lessons. Yes, skateboard lessons. The lessons are free to kids across the social spectrum, from minister’s children to street kids, and offers them a chance to also learn English or basic computer skills. It seems there is also a decent amount of girls learning to skate in Skateistan. How rad is that?

Austin Stephens and posse came up with an awesome skate vid—seemingly homemade but with expert tricks and moves. It features probably the dopest use of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” we’ve heard in a minute, too. And while the skills on display here prove ultra smooth…

When it comes to skateboarding, Jack Smith keeps it hardcore He’s been a passionate enthusiast since the sport began—he even gained a Guinness world record for long -distance skateboarding—and in the Internet age, he’s been an acclaimed blogger on the topic for a good while. Indeed, there’s no one better then Smith to put together the ultimate skater bible, which he did: The Skateboarder’s Journal: Lives On Board 1949 – 2009.

We posted this one back in November when we came across it, and truly dig it so much that we’re re-posting it to make sure that all y’all see it. Any day’s a good day to be blown away by some Wizard Smoke – an awesome piece of skateboarding film making by the Salazar and Don’t Sleep crews, it’s simplicity is stunning – enjoy !

Love or hate Dyrdek for his MTV-cheese ‘Fantasy Factory’ but he’s shown his integrity, and lived up to his promises with his foundation’s pledge to open free, public and safe skate spots for inner city kids. The first one was opened in Lafayette Park earlier this year. Now, there’s a new spot in Holenbeck Park…

Not much to say, other than anything you think you saw for the first time was probably already done and dusted by some one old school. I know we keep referencing him, but Gonz here shoots the gap and rocks people’s domes… from a distant era.
Via ESPN

American Sports Data found that in 2002 there were 18.5 million skateboarders in the world, however the sports witnessed it’s first boom in the 1960s. Originally a “hobby” for off-season surfers, skateboarding got to the point of popularity as “sidewalk surfing” that ABC broadcast the international skateboard championships…

No doubt Mark Gonzalez has changed the game. He along with being a well-esteemed skater, his art career has influenced more than a few young contemporaries. It seems like yesterday, but until I was reminded of the scene in Thomas Campbell’s “A Love Supreme”, I had forgotten about the “circle board.”

While P-Rod may have squeeked into second, the fire was with Chris Cole on this year’s Dew Tour, who had kinda quietly owned his competition throughout the tour. So, Greg Lutzka’s podium spot is all that more sweet. His contender status kicked into overdrive in Orlando, and Lutzka gave P-Rod and Cole a run for their money with his signature frontside threes and flips…

Crazy to imagine that it’s taken more than a decade but hey at last Dogtown has a top notch skatepark to call it’s very own ! – The Venice Beach Skate park opened this past Saturday right on the beach in Venice and is pretty spectacular. The day long opening celebrations brought out a complete cross section of the skate community, from Dogtown originals and legends (many with their kids already on wheels) to the new school and i’m guessing the whole So Cal massive checking to see if it’s all that.

We have no idea what ‘freebording’ is, other than it appears to be a name for those long, curved boards with the squishy wheels. Whatever it is, this is pretty cool. Watch.

If you’ve had your head anywhere near New York skate culture, or nightlife or basically anything having to do with Lower Manhattan lifestyle, then you probably recognize his face. For well over 10 years, A-Ron as he is known has been the face of New York cool.

Action Sports has pretty much taken over as the “rock and roll” industry, complete with the numerous support roles for thos that are helping to live the dream while making a good living themselves. God knows the rock biz isn’t what it used to be. So, along with video game business people…

There’s always a new kid, a new kid who gets some buzz by busting out on local spots and getting some of it on tape. However, once in a while there’s a kid who kills and really grabs your attention, to the point that you know he’s gonna start taking prize money. Stereo has some video…

Stacy Peralta was one of the original Z-boys team from Venice in the 1970s, the flashpoint for the entire skateboard evolution. He formed the Powell-Peralta gear company as well the Bones Brigade team, and signed a young Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero…

Adjoining Santa Monica’s famous Dogtown, it ain’t no surprise that Venice, California is equally as central to the rise of skateboarding. While street and pool skating has always been strong in the beach town, what’s puzzling, however, is that Venice skaters never had their own park…

Tony Hawk, even at 40, always manages to amaze. He has embodied the skate scene’s ambitions and continues to raise the bar for life on urethane wheels. I guess he’s gotten bored of setting ramp height records, and maybe when you’ve skated as long as he has…

The skate world is developing a major crush on Leticia Bufoni. This adorable sixteen year old Brazillian professional skater is dominating competitions and skate bowls in her new residence of Los Angeles.