[Photo: Matt MacLeod]
[Poster: Tofino Parks & Rec.]

It's time once again for the yearly skateboard contest in Tofino. Every Canada Day, there is a contest held to mark opening of the skatepark. So come out and support local talent at the Tuff City Skatepark. Also don't forget to help celebrate the birthday of this great skateboarding facility and the beautiful Country we call home, with the Canada Day celebrations, going on into the eventing.

**CONTEST DETAILS**
-$10 ENTRY FEE
-HELMETS MANDATORY
-$500 CASH PRIZE
-LOTS OF PRODUCT
-BEST TRICK CONTESTS BY CONCYSE CLOTHING & INSTRUMENTAL SKATEBOARDS
-FEATURING DJ MATT THE ALIEN
-HOSTED BY JASON PICTON
-CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS FOLLOWING CONTEST

-9AM REGISTRATION
-10AM JUNIORS (UNDER 10)
-11AM NOVICE
-12PM GIRLS
-1PM INTERMEDIATE
-2PM ADVANCED

**CANADA DAY DETAILS**
-BBQ
-BEER GARDENS
-MUSIC
-FIREWORKS

*Check the Facebook events page for more information.
Search "TUFF CITY SKATEBOARD CONTEST 2009 (Tofino)"

GSD at the Vic City Plaza was a sour key filled hot dog eating, Coke shotguning good time.  Some killer skating and whole lot of fun went down.  A big shout out to all who helped out Instrumental Skateboards, Concyse Clothing, 360 boardshop. Keep bringing the Vancouver Island skate scene together.

 

The 2009 Annual VW Skate Contest was of the hook.  The park was destryoed and goodtimes were had by all.

Sean H; nosebonk

TJ; ollie

Trev; Hardflip

Shreddie; bs tail

more photos

Mike Shifrer; Front Blunt
Photo by TJ Watt

Brad O; kickflip noseslide bigspin out while eddy chills.
Photo by K. Kodric

Here is a video of local Mike Lyons skating.  Video by Vaughn Collins. Toasted for life.

 

Now that its getting so hot there a little part of you that wishes it was winter again. 



Here is a photo by Ryan Burke at Mt. Washington. 

Pat Hooney - nollie
Photo by R. Gonzalez

I am getting a little behind.  Here is are some photos of Classified during his show in April 2009.
Classified live in Victoria
Photo by K. Kodric

Congratulations to some fellow skateboarders for ruining street skating forever, as of June 12, 2009.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Don Elliot - f/s Nosegrind
Photo by K. Kodric

Guerilla Union in assoc. with Budweiser present Rock The Bells 2009 - Nas & Damian Marley, Common, Big Boi, Reflection Eternal, Tech N9ne, Slaughterhouse, K'Naan, Chali 2na. Hosted by KRS-ONE, Supernatural and Pete Rock

Its coming to Vancouver.
Concert Tickets go on sale June 6th. Make sure to get yours asap.

8:48pm
9:50pm
10:50pm Wallride fixed.


Spine refinished


New Pole Jam of Death

Cinder Ledge.


New ledge.

The Ghetto Spot is back.  We put in a bunch of work this weekend so hopefully it will be here for a while.

Here is a clip.

The VW annual comp is coming.  Here are some clips from the Gordon Head Contest last year.
Filmed & Edited by Ryan Burke

VeeDub's sixth official skate contest.
Brought to you by the downtown skateshop union;
HTO, Coastline, 360 & Sitka.
Music provided by DEGREE ONE

Saturday, June 6, 2009
Time:    9:00am - 5:00pm
VeeDub Skatepark
250 Esquimalt Rd. Victoria, BC

Gilbert Turenne - Front Feebs
Photo by Matt MacLeod

Atmosphere live at Element April 26,2009
Photos by K. Kodric

More Photos

The boys at FnF media put together this little video.  Skateboarding at the Nanaimo Skatepark.  Go check their blog for more stuff.

 
A Preview: Raekwon “The Chef” - Only Built for Cuban Linx Pt.2               
      A sequel to 1995’s legendary “Only Built for Cuban Linx”, Part 2 has been being hyped up for some while now. However like Dr Dre’s Detox, it’s hard to take anything seriously that is getting hyped up on the Aftermath label with no results. Finally though the past week has seen the drop of two tracks from the album (With “New Wu” being the first single), and an August 11th summer release date. Whether you forgot about the Wu-tang tribe since their legendary 1990’s releases, or you’ve taken some comfort in their newer 21st century material, Raekwons new disk should be worthy of a listen. You can look forward to the prominent producing styles of Rza and Busta Rhymes, who Raekwon has shouted out as a major source of inspiration for the album, as well as cuts from Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and the late and great J Dilla. Fire up your grill, the Chef is serving them up fresh this summer.  

Raekwon feat. The Game - Flashback Memories

Raekwon feat. Ghostface & Method Man - New Wu

Raekwon dropped a mixtape to start to hype up his album, It's Raekwon with DJ Absolut, called "Blood on Chef's Apron."

Here's a link to it download it

The biggest touring Hip Hop festival in North America, Rock the Bells boasts some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, from old school heads to them new school cats. No 50 Cents, no Soulja Boys, just real soulful Hip Hop. Last years date in Vancouver got cut because they couldn’t find a location, so this year everything is set in stone and ready to rock Vancouver like no other music festival this year. Spread the hype, and get ready to jump!
Event Info: Vancouver, BC  Saturday August 1^st
Location: Deer Lake Park
 Tickets: TBA
 Website: http://www.guerillaunion.com/rockthebells/
 

  Here are some photos from the Mr. Lif show at Sugar on Apr. 17th

I have been really busy lately and too lazy to update.  But I'll have some stuff posted soon.  For now, check our friends  Matt MacLeod and Clayton Groenendyknew blog http://www.fnfmedia.blogspot.com/

Mat Howell goes big at Millbay from below the head to carter has.
[ o ] K. Kodric

Some footy of Kenny Randall at Vic West last summer.
Filmed and edited by Ryan Burke.

Jamie Collins blunts to fakie, on his now famous death ramp...  Far from any sort of medical attention.
[Photo: Matt MacLeod]

Instrumental Skateboards sent some troops out into the wilderness to document a nature filled adventure, lead by Jamie Collins.  SBC has a full write up on the expedition thanks to Matt MacLeod.
(click links to view)

[ o ] TJ Watt

Mr. Lif is coming to Sugar Nightclub on Friday. April 17th.
Get your tickets today.
Here is the track  Welcome to the World from his new album I Heard it Today. Released on his own label Bloodbot Tactical Enterprises.

The Dobell Bros. Reused for Booze Artshow at Phillips Brewery was off the hook.  Free beer and amazing artwork. Goodtimes were had by all thanks to our Aussie friends.








 

I found these old pics of Don. When you coming back sucka?

Raoul Duke w/ Genevieve Rainey, Lillie and DJ Toby Emerson

A few of the team riders from Instrumental Skateboards, and some friends skating in Victoria. Compliments of Picton Productions.

Benson Wishart hails from the town of Port Alberni but don't let that fool you. Check out his spotlight.

The new website is here.  A few more changes and it will be done.  Some of the older content is not configured properly but oh well. Color scheme will be changed later. Le Hollar.

The 12 hr skate a thon at Lang park last weekend raised just under $1000 for the Sixside skate project. From April 1st to April 30th, Surface Boardshop will donate 10% of its skateboard department (decks, trucks, bearings, wheels etc...) sales to a local skateboard park project. So go buy something and support this project.

TJ Watt; f/s salad.
[ o ] Keighley Kodric

Photo Gallery


Liquid Swords live in Victoria


Triumph live in Victoria


The GZA played at Sugar on March 23,2009.  Shit was raw.

Colby Spence; f/s blunt shuv out
[ o ] K. Kodric

Colby went back to this barrier to get some vengeance.  He landed an array of dopeness. 

Photo Gallery


Talib Kweli Back Again live at Element

Talib Kweli played at Element on March 22,2009.  It was BANGING.

Mike Farley has once again out done himself.  Rockin' one hell of a beautiful and bloated southern hoof.  Get well soon  pal, you still have time to heal up and skate this summer!
Love Picton.

Rehab Sequence //
Flimed and Edited by Ryan Burke //
Skater: Brett Lawson //


Street Gap Session //
Flimed and Edited by Ryan Burke //
Skaters: Brett Lawson, Dan Kelly, Colby Spence //

Spring is here.  Bitches.
Here are some clips from last year.

Jordan Pletz; Front Rock
[ o ] Matt MacLeod

 

THE CHRONICLES OF SKATEBOARDING IN NANAIMO
Dan Kelly put together some old Nanaimo indoor footage, which he's had sleeping dormant on his computer...  Keep the old days rolling Dan!
(click link above)

Mike Farley; Bean Plant
[ o ] K. Kodric

The new CONCYSE website is up and running. Go to www.CONCYSE.ca to take a look.

Colby Spence attempts a f/s bluntslide at Ogden Point.
[ o ] K. Kodric

Winter night session at Fernwood.

Johnny; b/s nosegrind
Brett; crooks
Colby; f/s nosegrind
[ o ] K. Kodric

Photo Gallery


Shad- Rocking It live in Victoria

Now I know why Shad is the biggest thing outta Canada since Pamela's Double D's

Photo Gallery


Kool Keith- Blue Flowers live in Victoria

Kool Keith put on a real good show at Sugar Nightclub on Tuesday Feb.19th 2009

Jon Sturge; f/s tailslide
[ o ] Dan Kelly

Here is some footy of Justin Allain skating the church ramp.
Filmed and edited by Cyrus Jackson.

For many years, the DNA Skateboard Store in Nanaimo, has been a Vancouver Island staple of what a core skate shop should be.  Long ago, DNA made a skate video in a response to what the Mayor at the time, had to say about the building of a new skatepark in the north end of Nanaimo (Pioneer Skatepark).  Recently Dan Kelly dug it out of hiding, and made it available to watch on the web.  So pay your respects, and enjoy what the Mayor called a "Waste Of Money".

...stay tuned & stay gold
-Picton

Brando loud & proud in-front of Higher Ground on Douglas Street.
[Photo: Jason Picton]

Brandon Wells, is one of those people you don't come across very often.  He's the classic story of starting out in a small town, and then making his dreams come true in the big city.  This 28 year old was born and raised in Port Alberni, and grew up skating with an all-star crew of talented skaters.  Starting out working and managing at several local skate shops.  His dreams began to grow bigger when him, and long time friend, Jamie Collins, started talking about opening their own store.  This then spawned and morphed into a board company idea, which is now known as, Instrumental Skateboards.  These sexy boards can now be seen all over the island being ridden by young and old, and are heavily respected for what they represent.  Instrumental has their own team of skaters, and are 100% about keeping true to what a skateboard company coming out of a small town should be.  Being full of love, respect, wisdom and honesty...  Things that make you feel good about supporting a company.  Brando, now living in Victoria, has teamed up with Aden Ellis & Colby Spence of Concyse Clothing & Incite Screen Printing.  Working together, they have recently opened their new collaborative store on Douglas Street in Victoria, called Higher Ground.  Going full force now, bringing in all sorts of clothing product, and skateboard gear to keep true to their roots.  Higher Ground is getting more and more attention every day, locally and internationally, showing that because these guys care so much, they deserve every ounce of what they get out.  Plus with a guy like Brando on your side, a man who has absolutely no time or energy for hate, how could you go wrong?  Read it for yourself, this is the Brandon Wells Quick Ten Interview...

QUICK TEN!!!
BRANDON WELLS

1. HOW MANY YEARS SKATING?
16 years.  Skateboarding I love you.

2. ALL TIME FAVORITE SKATEBOARDER?
Ah man, I can't do just one...  Kareem, Keenan, Gino, Kalis, Cardiel.

3. TOP 5 FAVORITE RECORDS YOU OWN?
1. Honey Drippers - Impeach The President.
2. Any James Brown record.
3. Lyn Collins - Think About It.
4. Original pressing of Biggie - Party and Bullshit.
5. Wendy Rene - After Laughter.


Brandon Wells flipping into a night-time bank.
[Photo: K. Kodric]

4. HOW MANY SHOES DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR COLLECTION?
Um, 68 pairs.  The P.A. crew got hooked up when I moved.

5. THE BEST ADVICE SOMEONE GAVE YOU?
"Brando, you got to come skate" - Jamie Collins on a weekly phone call for about a year straight, back in the day.  It was the only time in my life I was barely skating, and keeping up with the crew.  Those phone calls, and the sessions that followed, turned me back into a skate-rat.  Then fast-forward to August 27, 2007...  Instrumental Skateboards comes to life.

6. WHAT IS HIGHER GROUND?
Higher Ground is a new retail shop that myself, and the owners of Concyse Clothing (Colby Spence & Aden Ellis) opened last month.  The Higher Ground Family consists of Instrumental Skateboards, Concyse Clothing, Incite Screen Printing, Art For Life Tattoos, Dobell Sign & Design, and Confusion Media.


Doing his part for his fellow skater, Brando has a way with words.
[Photo: K. Kodric]

7. FIVE YEAR PLAN?
Expand Instrumental and Concyse Canada wide, and rep island skateboarding to the fullest.  Build a foundation for the Higher Ground Family, 'cause it ain't no fun if the homies can't have none!

8. THREE THINGS SOME PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
1. I've been wearing the same jeans for 2 months...  Unwashed.
2. I wash my kicks with Garbage-Face's toothbrush, to keep 'em box fresh.
3. I don't really like sleep that much.  Why sleep when you can stay on the grind, HUSTLEMANIA!!!

9. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE ON FACEBOOK?
1100, Instrumental and Higher Ground got the internet goin' nuts.

10. NICKNAMES?
Brando.


The Instrumental cats in Vic-town, circa 2008.
(left to right) Eric Timmins, Aaron Sheare, Brandan Soros, Brandon Wells, Kris Hemmingsen, Jamie Collins, Sean Hanebury.
[Photo: Jason Picton]

SPECIAL THANKS?
Hemmi-Land & Ramsey, Odes, Shred-Dog, Steve & Brian Chase, Goorts, Cuz, Heavy-D, Juelz, Two-Pops, Francypants, Lil' Sean, all the P.A. fam holdin' it down, Instrumental team, The D-Bay Flop House, Nanaimo fam, Vic City, The Skate Palace, Garbage-Face, Don, Higher Ground Family, Colbs, Aden, Brett, Stu, Poppa, Andrew, Art For Life, Keighley, Jay Pic, Farles, KY, Molls, King, G-Baby, L.A., Lawson, Dank, Jay-Z, Barnes, Mom, Pops, Sharon, my sisters, Lace It Up, Storm, Community One, DNA, sorry if I forgot anybody, and thank you to everyone who gave me their love and support in helping me to make these dreams a reality... You're all my family, peace, love, and hustle...  HOLLA!

...stay tuned & stay gold
-Picton

Brett Lawson;  Ollie
[ o ] K. Kodric

Mike Farley; 5-0 around the corner.
[ o ] K.Kodric

Location: Southern Vancouver Island

Riders: Jaimie Collins, Aaron Sheare, Brad Ormiston, Brett Lawson Colby Spence, Mat Howell, Pat Hooney, Curtis Gruninger, Trevor Ribeyre, Sean Hanebury, Brandan Soros, Scott, Drew C., Dan L., Jay Zemanek, Ethan Milais, Andrew Martin, Don Elliot, and Mike Farley.

Description: Video footy from my still camera during 2008 skate sessions for the DNA, Concyse and Instrumental skate video. Most of the tricks weren't meant to be filmed, by me, and are filmed very poorly but whatever. The video will be way better.

With massive party glasses, Johnny L.A. gives his approval, with a thumbs-up, to a traditional Port Alberni back-yard garbage brawl.
[Photo: Jason Picton]

John Patterson, a familiar face in the Victoria skateboarding scene for many years, has been there and done that.  Originally born in Canada, then moving south to such places as Hawaii and Los Angeles.  He has lived in various places all over North America for short periods.  Only to wind up back in Canada where he says, "he loves it."  Learning how to skate in L.A. around 15 or 16, he grew even more addicted, when moving back to Canada at 19, meant living up the road from Ben & Ted Degros.  Now at 28 living and working in Victoria, he's been getting out and shooting photos for CONFUSIONmedia, and filming the odd trick for the new DNA, Concyse, and Instrumental video.  Between being a cook, a construction worker, a fully legit party animal,  and an all time chilling champion.  He's showing that he's got skills when it counts, and out of all the different people who have skated with him, I think everyone will agree with me on that one.

QUICK TEN!!!
JOHN PATTERSON

1. HOW MANY YEARS SKATING?
     Ummm... 12 years?

2. ALL TIME FAVORITE SKATEBOARDER?
     Daewon.

3. WHATS HOT?
     Ha ha... Denim & leather... Shit... Ahhh, Supertramp, Angelina Jolie?

4. FIVE NICKNAMES?
     LA, Johnny LA, LA John, LA Gear, Marge.


Johnny L.A. inward heel manual with smoke in hand.
[ o ] K. Kodric

5. FAVORITE PLACE TO LIVE?
     Victoria, thats why I'm here!

6. DRINK OF CHOICE?
     Lucky Lager and Crown Royal.

7. FAVORITE TRICK?
     All time favorite,  nollie backside flips.

8. NEW FAVORITE TRACK?
     What Up, What's Haapnin'? - T.I.

9. SPONSORS?
     None, just bro hookup through the Higher Ground family.

10. BEST EATS IN VICTORIA?
      My kitchen when I cook.

SPECIAL THANKS?
     Colby, Brando, Picton, Keighley, Alex, Cato, Donnie, Andrew, Mike Farley, Dan Kelly for keeping me motivated & all the weird comments he makes when we go skating, Stacy, Mitchell, my family, Lucky Lager, and Canadian Classics.

...stay tuned & stay gold
-Picton

The snow is almost gone here in Victoria but its still wet, wet, wet.  Here's a video from a summer session at Vic West. 
Summer '08 Park Session from CONFUSIONmedia.com
Riders: Brett Lawson, Brad Ormiston
Location: Vic West Skatepark
Filmed & Edited by: Ryan Burke

Brad Ormiston: Dog-walk noseslide.
[Photo: Jay Zemanek]

Brad Ormiston, a born and raised Victoria local, who rides for Concyse Clothing, and One Six Skate Shop.  At age 22, he's a smart and strapping young man, growing up with the likes of Matt & Mike Gordon, Cort Watt, and Alex Eddy.  An avid hockey player and diehard Canuck fan, known for placing in countless contests.  Including 1st place at the "2008 Lord Of The Lines" in Nanaimo.  He is definitely sure to turn some heads be it wherever, and whatever he wants to skate.  Colby Spence of Concyse Clothing, referred  to him as, "a master of technical wizardry."  He followed by adding, "if you go skating with him, you're guaranteed to see things you've never seen before!"

QUICK TEN!!!
BRAD ORMISTON

1. HOW MANY YEARS SKATING?
     10 I think...  Approximately.

2. ALL TIME FAVORITE SKATEBOARDER?
     Rick McCrank.

3. FAVORITE SKATE SPOT?
     The 3 block in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

4. DRINK OF CHOICE?
     Lucky & "Jager bombs".

5. FAVORITE VIDEO PART?
     Toss up between Greg Lutzka in "Round Three", and Rick McCrank in "Menikmati".

6. CURRENT SET UP?
     One Six board, wheels, berings, and Krux trucks.  (a.k.a. Marty McFly pro model).

7. FAVORITE TRICK?
     Backside tailslide.

8. WORLDS GREATEST SONG?
     Anything  by Alex Eddy, he has the best voice known to man...     Look out Timberlake!

9. FAVORITE MOVIE?
     Zeitgeist.

10. FAVORITE HOCKEY TEAM?
       Canucks for damn sure, there's no other team.

SPECIAL THANKS?
     Everyone who helped me through skateboarding, anyone who skates or I've skated with, Mats Sundin for being a Canuck, and One Six & Concyse, thank you very much!

...stay tuned & stay gold
-Picton

Colby; The Ollie Machine. from CONFUSIONmedia.com
Filmed and edited by Ryan Burke