PEDLOW KING OF THE PIT
I pulled up to the parking lot of Pedlow Skatepark early Saturday Morning, 7:25 to be exact. Way too early, but whatever, its contest day. Pretty soon more and more people showed up and the contest looked like it was going to be a good turnout. Frank Cremona and his crew were setting up boxes, rails, and barriers for his part of the contest while Red Bull passed out free drinks to everyone in attendance.
The first bowl division got underway with the 12 and under bowl skaters and the day was starting strong with lots of young rippers such as Jerod Deloa, Allysha Bergado, Ryan Connors, and many more. Everyone quickly got used to the big bowl that towered pretty far over many of their heads, but that didn’t stop many of them from pulling frontside airs, boneless, and lots of grinds. I’m pretty sure Jerod from Gridlock Skateboards won, but my memory is a little fuzzy and the red bull hadn’t exactly kicked in yet.
After the 12 and under division finished I handed the camera off to Squirt, and jumped in the bowl. Plenty of skaters showed up from all over and it looked to be a good contest. The entire Gridlock team was in attendance tearing up the bowl, and at first all odds were on them. Once the contest got under way it became obvious that this bowl was no easy thing to get used to with many skaters unable to tame the beast known as the Pedlow peanut bowl. It seemed as though the key to winning was simply sticking your run. After the first runs the top half of the skaters got to take a second run, and when the dust settled somehow I won, with Julie Kindstrand in second, and Steven Dente in third.
After the 13-17 group it was supposed to be the 18-29 warmups, but come on what’s a bowl contest without a little snaking. Once they cleared everyone out of the bowl the 18-29 division started and since it was a small group they decided to make it jam format. Riley Harper had smooth consistent runs with lots of frontside airs and huge backside hip airs. Riley also attempted to clear the gap between the snake run and the pool, but was unable to bridge the gap. Ollie Moore got in on the action throwing down some insane padless runs, but was unable to beat wonder-boy Riley and got second.
Once the 18-29 division ended Speed Buggy took the stage and played their set while an unbelievable snake session went down. There were some close calls, slams, and other mayhem, but in the end everyone walked away unhurt.(I think) After Cohort Brian nearly killed himself by bonelessing off the hip into the deepend the session ended and the 30 and over division began.
Heavy ripping went down, but in the end local Mike Buckley a.k.a Comus Mike took the 30 and over division followed by Tino and Squirt. Once the senior citizens… I mean 30 and over group finished the Skatanic Rednecks took the stage. Now, if you haven’t seen this band play it is a must. This may be one of the craziest bands I have ever seen complete with plastic horses all over the stage that you can even take for a ride if you so desire. Cohort Brian took up this offer and well frankly we hope he didn’t hit his head too hard trying that boneless.
Once Dave Reul and the Skatanic Rednecks finished and the sun was setting the contest came to a close with lots of great skating, a great time, killer music, and way too many Red Bulls. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the contest, and thanks to everyone who donated product and helped put this contest together. Special thanks to Dogtown Steve, Chris, George, and Frank for putting together such a great contest. See ya next year!
Official results as best as I remember:
13-17:
1. Cory Minderhout
2. Julie Kindstrand
3. Steve Dente
18-29
1. Riley Harper
2. Ollie More
30-over
1. Mike Buckley
2. Tino
3. Squirt
4. Eddie Hadvina
5.James Rodriguez