Venice 21 Skateboard Jam
Heidi Lemmon contacted me about MC’ing another “Pup cup/expression session skate jam” event at the Venice Beach Skate Park. Last one we did was 2019, I believe. After Heidi had to jump through more hoops than usual to get this date locked, the City of Los Angeles gave her an appreciation award this day, a well deserved acknowledgement Heidi!
Upon arriving to the event it was brought to my attention that the City neglected to turn on the electricity for us, which would leave microphones and amps powerless. By the grace of DJ @VRSA, who not just had his own power source, but was super enough to lend me a microphone and portable amp for my duties. Great guy and personality. I was able to walk around to the different comp. locations to announce and give a personal feel with the spectators and competitors. Big thanks to DJ VRSA for making that happen! You Tha Man⚡️
With the no-format agenda, the competition was treated as a expression session open to young, teen, elder skaters of all types. The idea was to hook up all who entered with a medal and prize(s). No one who entered went home with nothing. Due to the rise in skate park nonsense that makes no sense in our cultural community, the plan was to battle the ‘PTA’ attitude (that most parents who bring their kids to skate) with ‘PMA’ from a local stand point of knowledge and respect. Everyone counting for the right reasons.
All knowledge comes from years and decades of dedication, work and learning from experience. Just wanted to share that the event went great, no matter what curve balls were thrown. Everyone who showed up to rip and shred for a medal, prize and “Biggest Grin” of the day. The Local Venice vibe prevailed. Community and belonging was present again. All who organized and helped kicked ass Saturday! Big thanks and shouts go out to Heidi, @lonnyhiramoto , Kimi Kallman, @eddie_hadvina , @venicehoodrat , Rob Dog, @timjacksondts , all the sponsors .. also, thank you Aeric and Jesse Martinez for cleaning the park!! Everyone who came out and supported with their PMA!!!
Some of the Awarded Folks:
Sean Johnson (Pool Rebel) : Best Trick on the Shells
Sean Johnson (Pool Rebel) : Longest Grind in the bowl (10 blocks??)
Photos courtesy of : @venicehoodrat , Kimi Kallman and Heidi Lemmon, Chris Hooten
“Stay Stoked 4 Life and Grateful 4 What You Do Have!”
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