Last Thursday night (Nov. 10, 2022) the Skateboarding Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2022 into the Hall at the Vans Headquarters in Costa Mesa CA. This year was another great turnout and the skateboarders getting entered into the SHoF were from far and wide with lots of love going out to Florida and NorCal skaters this year.
It took me several hours of driving to finally get there at 6 pm and most had already been enjoying Happy Hour and catching up with old friends and telling war stories. I saw many friends and tons of legendary skaters mixed into the crowd. I walked around the general area and saw some great stuff:
Getting the Party started at Vans HQ!
Wall of Fame 2022
Wall of Fame 2022
Robert Vargas, is completely awesome and he’s painting one of the most iconic of the skate world, Jeff Ho!
Promptly at 7 o’clock the awards ceremony kicked off with some introductions and notes by Todd Huber (Director & curator of the Skateboarding Hall of Fame), then Chris Pastras joined by Don Brown to MC the ceremony came on and got it rollin’.
Introducing the new 2022 Class of the Skateboarding Hall of Fame:
Industry Icon Larry Gordon/G&S
Debbie Gordon, Larry’s daughter, accepting his award alongside Larry’s wife and brother Eric to illustrate what a family man he was.
1960’s Skater/icon Jim Fitzpatrick
Jim Fitzpatrick – Skateboarding promoter and pioneer of many decades
1970’s Era 1 Skater/icon Bruce Walker
Bruce Walker – Living legend of the East Coast! He gave us a spot on list of potential candidates for upcoming inductions!
1970’s Era 2 Skater/icon Steve Rocco
Rodney Mullen accepting on behalf of Steve Rocco. Where was Steve? We all wanted him there.
Women: Jana Payne-Booker & Leilani Kiyabu Glasheen:
Jana Payne-Booker right gave a heartfelt speech about being an abuse victim by her skateboarding coach to warn the upcoming ladies scene to be on the watch for abuses & Leilani Kiyabu GlasheenBob Skoldberg & Gregg Ayres 1970’s Era 1 Scott Foss, 1970’s Era 2, NorCal All-time ripper!Jay Smith, 1970’s Era 2, shortly after this decided to keep his balls warm rubbing his statue on them. Stay Punk! Dave Andrecht presenting his award.Bert Lamar, 1970’s Era 2
Mike Folmer – No Photo
Kevin Reed, left, 1970’s era 2, Peter Gifford – 1970’s era 2, Scott Foss – 1970’s era 2, Steve Caballero – NorCal was in da House!Tim Marting, 1970’s Era 2Darrell Miller, 1970’s Era 2Mark Lake, 1970’s Era 2. East Coast Ripper
Shawn Peddie
Monty Nolder – 1980’s Era 1, Left. his hearing is totally gone now and Donny Myhre spoke on his behalf.Tom Groholski, sadly a no show, but the love was felt as Bernie O’Dowd accepted on his behalf. Lester Kasai – 1980’s Era 2Steve Steadham – 1980’s Era 2. Rippinest and stylinest Bones Brigader!Salman Agah – 1990’s, had some words of acceptance. What a ripper.Pat Duffy – 1990’s. Pulled his acceptance speech up off his tele…Buddy Coan Nichols got to shout out his crew for the epic intro production schedule to get the job done!
The whole event cut off at a good time as people were getting kinda cold. It was fantastic! Vans ruled it by hosting again, Skateboarding Hall of Fame is getting loaded with the truest rippers and legends in the game and The physical Skateboarding Hall of Fame keeps building. Get your ass to Simi Valley CA and check it out.