All Hail the Losers! Yep, I said it and I’m stickin’ to it. Why would I profess such a thing? The answer’s simple: I’ve been considered a “loser” for as long as I can remember. Growing up,  I was what they called a “troubled child”. I got bad grades in high school, I had a twice-broken family, I could never be trained properly in religion; and although I fell in love with skateboarding at an early age and dedicated my life to it, I’ve still never won a single first place trophy. This lack of “winning” hurt my feelings (and ego) quite a bit and followed me well into adulthood. Nowadays though, I am perfectly happy with that big “L” (thumb out—pointer up) on the forehead.

I actually embrace the title of “Loser” these days. This may seem a bit strange, but let me clarify what it is that I’m actually embracing here—it’s extremely important and the crux of why I’m even writing this in the first place. See, I have a passion and a zest for skateboarding (and life) to the degree that I will continue to pursue and explore as my conscience dictates regardless of how the herd perceives or judges me. It’s actually pretty fucking liberating when you think about it; when you break it all down we’re all (spoiler alert!) “losers” in one way or another, it’s just that some of us are better at hiding and ignoring that fact. It all comes down to perspective.

Think about downhill skateboard racing for example; a majority of skateboarders that enter races never even have a chance at winning in the traditional sense, but they participate regardless—they are passionate, and to many like myself, the reward is in the doing, not the podium results. Such skaters actually make up a large percentage of all who participate in racing. What would happen if all of us “losers” didn’t show up on race-day? What if all the nerdy dudes with the shit-pushes, janky setups, poor tucks, too fat, too skinny, flailing arms, and sketchy lines simply didn’t show up and participate? Again, the answer is simple: There would be no more racing—at least not anything worth mentioning. All that grease-and-grissle badassery that makes for a good race would be completely lost. Not cool! All that would remain would be lonely shuttle vehicles, a quiet hill, and a handful of really, really talented skaters with picture-perfect tucks, white teeth, beautifully bright logoed leathers, and shining helmets congratulating themselves with formal curtseys and flaccid handshakes. Now that would really fuckin’ blow!

Call me lame (or a loser), but I want all sorts of people everywhere to show up on race day. I want hundreds of skaters bombing the hill, sketchy styles of riding in the mix, dirty and unkempt riders in attendance that try harder that everyone because they barely know what they are doing, yet they love riding their skateboards down hills more than anyone else there. I want rowdy spectators all-up-in-there cheering for their homies, tents with food, cheers, beers, and crowds of skaters laughing and having general good times.  Now that’s some quality skateboard racing right dar! And guess what? It takes all of us “Losers” to make that happen—all of us who never win, but still do it for the love, passion, and personal experience.

Basically, what I’m saying is that winning and losing are extremely subjective concepts. Skateboarding, like life itself, is dynamic and the approaches to engagement and enjoyment are endless. The best thing about skateboarding to me is that the lines are gray at best, and on many occasions just a figment of the imagination. My suggestion is to explore and tackle life and the pursuit of ripping as you see fit—think about winning differently. Tackle your fear and do something you are unsure you may ever fully master. That’s scary as hell, but it’s also Winning in the best possible way. The biggest hurdle in life is Fear. Beat it and win. You can call me a loser all you want—fire away—but I believe that being a true winner lies within, and not without. As I see it, what really matters in skateboarding is your own personal exploration, how much you are challenging yourself, and what you learn from your explorations into the Realms of Shred.  It’s also about how you affect those around you—what you put out there as a human and as an ambassador of skateboarding. Shit, most of the time I fail at all of what I just mentioned above (Looooserrrr!)—Regardless, I keep the focus. I may have never won a race or a contest, Wheelbase Magazine may never be rated as the “Best Skateboard Magazine in the World”, but the facts remain: I will forever be a passionate and dedicated ambassador of skateboarding, I will continue riding my board downhills and beyond, and Wheelbase will always be a Submarine fully submersed in the depths of Stoke!  Win or lose, my goal is to spread the tales of this tasty thing we call rollerboarding, and for as long as I can possibly get away with it. All Hail the Losers!

The post All Hail The Losers! appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

My brother Dave, me, and my other bro Steve, showcasing our shredsleds circa 1986. Photo: Aunty Jo Jo.

I’m a crusty old man, for sure, but I’m cool with it—the adventures I’ve experienced are worth every arthritic joint and flabby encumbrance acquired along the way. It’s super strange though to think back on how long I’ve been addicted to the same damn activity of skateboarding. Sometimes when I’m kicking back after a road trip, and I’m feeling all introspective and shizzle, I ponder on how the hell I still find something fresh in this whole plank riding thing. The answer I’m left with is always: Exploration and Adventure. Since the very first time I stepped on a skateboard it was for the sake of Exploration & Adventure—from that first day on deck I just wanted to explore my boring-ass suburban neighborhood. Already, at the age of 11, I truly felt that many around me were stuck, tired, and living miserably in a endless spin-cycle of lameness. I felt like I needed to find something better than that and a 9” wide, bright-yellow conical-wheeled, paint-splashed Valtera, single-kick skateboard was the first vehicle I found which provided the Exploration & Adventure I was in search of. When I received that first skateboard for Christmas back in 1984, along with a Walkman cassette player and an Al Green gospel-tape, my life changed forever. It was on!

28 years later and I’m still riding and exploring life via skateboarding—and happy to be doing so—only now, the boards and terrain I’m riding these days are even more divers and the destinations even more remote and far-off. I leave for Florida tomorrow night, and then on to Puerto Rico after that—the wild adventures continue—who knows what’s next?

During all of these past 28 years of riding skateboards I’ve had people tell me that I was “doing it wrong.” That I couldn’t do “this” or do “that”, and that I needed to “be more like everyone of  else.” I’ve always said “to hell” with such people and their Hater-Aid bullshit!

Wheelbase Magazine was founded on a life-long love affair with skateboarding as well as a low-tolerance for bullshit & naysaying. As this magazine continues to spread it’s wings, flourish, and grow into new and exciting manifestations, these aforementioned founding-ideals will never be forgotten, sidetracked, or undermined—not on my watch!

As usual, I cannot predict what the future holds, but what I can do is make the promise to all of you readers & skaters out there—long, short, wide, wiggly, poppin’, slappin’, slidin’, mobbin’ and the like—that as long as I’m at the helm here at Wheelbase Magazine we will continue to be a vehicle for Exploration, Adventure, and the telling of the true & diverse Tales of Skateboarding—uncut, direct from skateboarder to skateboarder.  This is our passion. This is what we do. Shredlove.

Big things are brewing—stay shreddy.

The post What’s Next? 11.0 appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

A sun-burnt and weather-beaten Barrett Junction. Let’s ride! Photo: Bandy.

Skating down Barrett Junction is a Wild West type of downhill experience—harkening way back to the days of the true outlaw, a rougher and much ruggeder time when simply to survive was the struggle of the day!

Vegas Mike, ripping like only Vegas Mike can. Photo: Bandy.

A  raptors view from atop a nearby perch. Photo: Bandy.

Concentration & negotiation is the name of the game. Photo: Bandy.

Drawing the right line is critical—homie-dude knows what’s up. Photo: Bandy.

Barrett Junction’s crusty, patchy, and sun-burnt surface whips and winds a skater down through the boarder-land and desert-hills of southwestern California near the Mexican boarder. If you have the balls and wherewithal to ride down Barrett Junction on a skateboard, much of your reward is found in a marked numbness and lower-back pain caused by the constant jolting vibrations between your board, knees, and feet as you are dipped and bucked by the endless sea of asphalt fissures, grooves, and surface gaps.

When your riding you sometimes forget the vastness and beauty of the scenes around you, but they’re there. Photo: Bandy.

One of the best yet, Scott Lembach. Photo: Bandy.

Scott Lembach and I tucking into the home stretch. Stoked! Photo: Niko Kroha.

If that’s not enough fun for ya then maybe you’ll enjoy the non-stop jostling and abrupt shiftings that occur when riding down this road, as you are forced to constantly readjust placement just to stay on deck. Don’t look down!—make your foot adjustments with caution and care—keep your eyes peeled on the worn and weathered road ahead of you. If you look too long at your feet, or move too much or too quickly, you will get bucked the hell off of your four-wheeled steed faster than you can say “Sioux City Sarsaparilla.”

To put it lightly, Andrew Schumaker’s is “intense”, but it serves him well when it’s time to shred-faces. Photo Bandy.

Max Capps dippin’ and leaning with purpose. Photo: Bandy.

Scott trying to catch up with Levi Green—not gonna happen on this run, dude! Photo: Bandy.

I guess what I’m getting at is, riding and racing Barrett Junction ain’t for downhill dandies or sissy shredders. The handful of gnarly skateboarders that do come out here and ride Barrett—let alone race the sumabitch—are indeed a specials breed of ripper who’s passions for bombing hills are matched by very few.

Like the sign says. . . Photo: Bandy.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Barrett Junction Cafe. Photo: Bandy.

Anyway, thanks for taking a gander at these here images and for taking a moment to read my humble reflections—it’s appreciated.

A huge thanks and hat-tip to all the skaters that shred Barrett, to all the skaters who are bold enough to race it, to Joe Marshall for pulling everybody together, and to all those who have made me feel like part of this downhill family. You people fucking rock!

I’m pretty sure Max Capps has at least ten leather suits. This is his “practice” suit. Also, he won the race. Photo: Bandy.

Last but not least! A mega-huge thanks goes to Scott Lembauch of Muir Skate, to Kelsey of NJK, and to all those that pitched-in and were in cahoots to surprise me with a fresh set of leathers at this race. I almost cried when I saw ‘em, but I didn’t because I’m super tough! Ha ha! Thanks homies! When’s the next race? January?

BTW, here’s an article from our last trip out to Barrett Junction back in 2011: Peep This!

The post Barrett Junction: A True Western Outlaw. appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

Shut up and Skate! Skate Tough or Go Home! Get Rad or Get Lost! All three of these calls to action are based on the same premise: Don’t talk about it, be about it! This “put up and shut up“ approach to skateboarding picked up in my earlier years has affected me greatly. The concept is definitely, and openly, aggressive—there’s no doubt about that—but the tough-love instilled in such ideology has made me a better skater and a better person in general. It has allowed me to err on the side of action and activity rather than complacency and mediocrity. Today, as skateboarding grows and expands to include a broader and more diverse range of riders than ever before, it seems only prudent to instill in the new generations the essence and vibe of those that have paved the way. I was taught at an early age to “Shut Up and Skate!” I listened and followed suit—I am extremely grateful for such awesome advice. Now it’s my turn to pass on the knowledge: Get Rad or Get Lost!

I was introduced to the concept of Shut Up and Skate back in the mid eighties while shredding the Corridor Ditch near Austin, TX. I remember one of the older dudes, Chris Ore, was shredding with us at this ditch we frequented after school and on weekends. One of Chris’ legs was almost a foot shorter than the other, and he always wore special, black Chuck Taylor Converse high-tops. The shoe on his short leg was equipped with a tall extended rubber sole attached to the bottom of it. We were not sure why his leg was like that. We tried not to even look at it, but sometimes we looked. Chris was one of the best skaters in our area despite his leg, and I remember him as one of the nicest dudes ever. He skated up that day and saw us bickering and talking shit to each other. He let it go on for a few minutes but soon he asked us to either join him in skating or to get the hell out and let him ride in peace. We all stopped talking after he spoke. He was special to us—he was the Shredder. We all looked up at him in silence for a quarter-moment. He turned away from us soon enough, dropped into the ditch, and began skating. We quickly got up from sitting on our boards and followed his lead. What he said that day affected me greatly. I cannot speak for the others, but that session is logged in my memory as one of the rawest and most memorable sessions I can remember.

I believe that the Skate Tough or Go Home ethos I leaned that day, and which was expressed so much in the 80’s skate culture of my youth, is more important now than it has ever been. We currently live in a skate culture that can easily get clogged to constipation with hype, marketing, Internet tough guys, social media diarrhea, and the evil vortex that is the skate forum—all of which have nothing to do with the actual act of riding skateboards. Don’t get me wrong, I love technology, the skate community in general, and talking about skateboarding (Shit, I’m running my mouth right now!), but skateboarding ultimately is about the ride, rolling with friends, and exploring motion. That being said, more times than not I just want to Get Rad on my skateboard!

Obviously, in the real world there is more to being a skateboarder than just playing skateboard. I get it. That is exactly why I started Wheelbase Magazine in the first place: to be an extension of my passion for shredding, as a vehicle to help others spread and express their similar passion, as well as to create a practical means of fulfilling some of the more basic and universal human needs of obtaining beer money, gathering fresh undies, and securing a clean hobbit hole. Ultimately, the end goal is to get skaters skating. Talking about it doesn’t always get the job done—you have to ride, and ride daily, to know what’s it’s really all about.

I believe that everything in life boils down to finding a balance, and in a skate culture increasingly inundated with mass media chatter and the white noise of the Internet, Shut Up and Skate! & Skate Tough or Go Home! don’t seem like a bad place to continue the search of that balance. For the sake of a continued impetus towards the further exploration of skateboarding, I say, with a defiant deck (with razor tail) raised to the sky: Get Rad or Get Lost! 

The post What’s Next? 10:00 appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

Gargoyle Grinder. Photo: Barney Newbson.

There are a lot of things you could say about Andrew Mercado. You could call him opinionated, antagonistic; and, depending on where you’re standing, you might even mark him for a straight-up rebel rouser. But it’s important to understand that much of what’s said about a person by others ain’t the entire truth. You really have to get to know someone for yourself in order to make a real and truthful assessment. I did just that a few years back and have been skating and traveling around with Andrew for a while now, and can honestly say for a certainty that his love for skateboarding burns brighter and with more heat than 99% of the motherfuckers out there. Andrew’s passion for shredding has, and continues, to bridge gaps in the skateboarding community. Dude’s a rad dude. He’s inspired a whole hell of a lot of skaters. Please enjoy the Andrew Mercado Wheelbase Interview.

Clownin before yet another Great Mountain Ride. Photo: Barney Newbson.

Age, origin, and years ridin’ skateberds?

27. I was raised in Lake Elsinore, California and now reside in San Diego. I’ve been riding the stunt wood since I was 9, so that’s 18 years.

When, and how, did you first get involved with longer wheelbases, and weirdboarding in general?

It’s kind of strange how it all happened for me. I think the first time I rode soft wheels was when I was around 15. A skatepark opened in the town I grew up in. One of the guys who ran the park raced both downhill and slalom. That guy ended up being Eli Smouse. He rode for Comet at the time and always had a bunch of sick setups laying around. We would get bored at the skatepark and go rally this little hill that ran next to the it—buckets of fun! I really didn’t take it seriously at the time, but it definitely sparked an interest outside of the skateboarding I was used to.

Then, when I was 17 there was a contest held at my local park called “The Triple Threat”. The concept was that you had to skate street, vert/mini ramp, and slalom—and do well over all the disciplines in order to win. Once it came time for the slalom I had a blast, and then just stuck with it. I met Richy Carrassco at that race and started skating with him regularly. Just about everything I learned about slalom I owe to that guy, he’s a beast! I don’t ride Slalom much these days, but once in a while I’ll find myself at a slalom race, get the itch, and jump on someone’s board. Really, it is slalom that prompted my jump to skateboarding’s outer limits!

Later on, in 2005, I was at a Pump Station giant-slalom race and the Rogers brothers were there B-lining the hill. It looked fun and I tried one of their boards. After that I was hooked. I also found out John lived around the corner from me and John and Dave invited me to go session the local hills. During all this time I was working in the warehouse at Madrid. That following week I went and cut myself out a downhill shape. The next weekend I jumped in the car with John and headed to the local hills, which ended up being GMR! This was the first time I skated a real hill and it sealed the deal. I haven’t stopped since!

Andrew showing the next generation how it’s done, with style. Photo: Barney Newbson.

You were one of the first dudes I met in the downhill community who fully understood, actively practiced, and proudly carried the torch of theSkate Everything mentality. When we met, you were kind of an anomaly in the longboarding industry. Nowadays though, it seems like more and more skaters and brands are opening their minds to a broader and more diverse future for skateboarding culture. What do you think took ‘em so long? Ha ha.

Maybe they were at the wrong dock and missed the boat! Honestly, I think it’s taken them so long because they just don’t know any better. It’s funny because there is an entire generation out there who has entered into skateboarding through the longboard, and they are just now discovering street and bowl skateboarding. It was bound to happen. After all, it is all skateboarding. The paths are going to cross as some point, and in doing so, this new generation of skaters is going to be well-rounded and very open-minded to all forms of riding. In the end, it’s these open-minded individuals who are going to thrive, because they are never going to get bored. When they get tired of charging down hills, they are going to go mash coping or hit the streets.

Classic Mercado. Tailblock. Photo: Barney Newbson.

So you’re a pro downhill skateboarder, the brand manager for Gullwing Trucks, a husband, as well as a stepfather—that’s a whole hell of a lot of responsibility for one skater. How the shit do ya pull it off, dude?

Sometimes, I don’t know how I pull it all off. It’s insane! I am always busy and I don’t skate nearly as much as I would like to. As brand manager for Gullwing, I wear a lot of different hats. It can often be stressful at times, but rewarding knowing I am involved in a company that has such rich history in skateboarding. It’s really cool when I meet random dudes who rode Gullwing as a kid and it brings back good memories, or when I meet kids at races who are hyped on the trucks and can relate to what we stand for. At the end of the day, the relentless hard work sets a good example for my step daughter to not let anything stand in her way and hopefully inspire her to do what she is truly passionate about when she grows up. That alone is worth the madness.

Andrew with a steep-ass heel . . . Correction: Powerslide! Photo: Barney Newbson.

You just got 2nd at the Laguna Seca Invitational downhill race. Congrats! Tell us about that experience?

Laguna Seca was SICK!!! I actually wasn’t invited but raised a shit-fit and got in at the last minute. I have always been a geek for skateboard history, so to have the opportunity to race on a legendary track was like being able to skate the original combi-pool at Upland. It really didn’t hit me until I got out on the track. Its then and there you realize you are on a race car track and about to participate in a race that paved the way for what we do today. To pull a 2nd place finish was just icing on the cake. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and hope they do it again next year, but with a master’s class so we can watch the legends skate!

Mobbin’ at Laguna Seca, 2012. Photo: Barney Newbson.

So what’s new at Gullwing these days? I know you’ve been working on a number of rad projects and building the team—what’s coming our way from the Gullwing camp in 2012?

Whats new? Well everyone is going to have to wait and see. I can promise nothing but epicness in the same vain Gullwing was known for in its heyday. One thing you can count on is a contuned effort to build the bridge between all of Skateboarding. If anything, that is our number one goal—spread and grow skateboarding.

Going in for the nosepicker on Santa Catalina Island. Photo: Barney Newbson.

Who are the three skaters that have inspired you the most, and why?

Jason Adams. When I saw this guy’s part in the first Black Label video I was blown away. Growing up, I always had a different style than my friends. I was into punk rock, I skated pools, and skated street like I was skating round walls. Jason’s skating was the first time I’d seen someone who skated like me: slappies, quick tranny. His different approach to street skating was so influential to my approach, and still is. Anyone who has followed me down a hill knows I do some weird shit, you can thank Jason Adams for that.

Matt Hensley. I have always been a firm believer of the idea that it’s not how many tricks you can do, but how you do them. Matt Hensley’s skating embodies that. It’s important to skate with your own natural style and to not force it. When you force style or are trying to look cool, you look like a kook or a robot.  Hensley’s skating is a perfect example of natural style. Making something as simple as blasting a curb-cut look as rad as a McTwist. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, watch some of his videos. They will make you want to jam down the street and shred everything in your path.

Andy “Fuckin” Roy. Growing up, and to this day, my favorite skate video ever is the second Antihero video, the one with the cow on the cover. Really, every skater in the video is a favorite of mine. Julian Stranger, Tony Trujillo, John Cardiel, they are all among the Greats. However, the one who stood out the most was Andy Roy—straight-up not giving a fuck—raw, fast, powerful style. I don’t think many people reading this know who Andy Roy is, so YouTube this guy and it will explain a lot!

Andrew with a slappy crooks. Photo: Barney Newbson.

I heard you just sold the Mercado Van—that shit is Legend and has been all over the place—the stories are endless. What does it feel like to have it be a past chapter in your life?

Yeah, things aren’t the greatest financially and I have to let it go. It sucks, but that’s life. That beast of a van has been to just about every state this side of Colorado and Texas, and everywhere in between. It enabled our local scene to grow and enabled people to skate far off destinations that wouldn’t have been able to otherwise (including myself). It was a service to skateboarding, and if you ask anyone who rode in it they will tell you the same. It feels good knowing my van benefited so many skaters, but a bummer that in my time of need it’s tough to sell it because it got rallied so hard. Regardless, it holds great memories and I wouldn’t change a thing. If anything, I hope to get another van one day and do it all again.

Slappies make Mercado happy—Smith grinderer! Photo: Barney Newbson.

If you could have one last hurrah in the Mercado Van who would be in it, where would you go, and what would you shred?

I honestly can’t answer this. Half the adventure on those van trips was not knowing ahead of time who was going to be on board or even what we were going to shred. The only thing for certain was the destination—everything else just fell into place. So if there were a last hurrah, it would need to be spontaneous. All we would need is a destination. Whoever was around would get in the van, and whatever crossed our path would get shredded. It’s the only way.

Ollie grabber, up and over the hip, Sector 9 Breadbowl. Photo: Barney Newbson.

What’s the best and worst thing about “longboarding”?

Best: More people skateboarding. Longer boards and soft wheels, in general, are user friendly and easier to ride. This has opened the doors to people who typically would not ride a skateboard. Because of its simplicity, it makes it possible for everyone to ride a skateboard and enjoy the fun it has to offer.

Worst: On the flip side, because a longboard is so user-friendly, it attracts people who know nothing about skateboarding. It used to be that when you saw someone skating down the street you were instantly friends because you both knew and liked the same things. You were skateboarders and had that common bond of experience. Nowadays you will see a random dude pushing down the street and you can just tell they are clueless. They bought their longboard the same way they would buy a beach cruiser or a scooter. Even worse, is when you see jocks, bros or frat boys pushing a skateboard. Those are the guys who 10 years ago laughed at us because we were skateboarders, but all of a sudden longboards are in GQ Magazine and now it’s the cool thing to do. If people are going to start skateboarding they should educate themselves on the subject of what they are about to embark upon—understand that it’s more than a toy—it’s a subculture and a way of life for millions around the world; millions who are willing to defend that.

Straight up loungin’. Photo: Barney Newbson.

You’re also really into music—you DJ at events and parties—and every time I go skating with ya I’m impressed by your broad appreciation of the jams. What initially sparked your interest in music and who’s music are you hyped on right now?

What initially sparked my interest in music was skateboarding! For many of us, skateboarding is the gateway to everything. Through skateboarding I got into punk. In my opinion the two go hand in hand. I really got into the different areas of punk (Oi!, 77, Street Punk, Crust, Hardcore, etc.), and really got into the bands that came out of England. Bands like Blitz, The Business, Dead Kennedys, Doom, Crass, Angelic Upstarts, Subhumans, Discharge, The Jam, Cock Sparrer . . . the list goes on. Through punk I got into the traditional skinhead scene. It was there that I learned about Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady, 2 Tone, Mowtown and Northern Soul. It’s from those styles of music I dove head-first into record collecting, thus sparking my love affair with vinyl. All of that led into my interest in DJ’ing and eventually spinning at Bars and parties around San Diego. If you are going to be at the Mt. Tabor Old School Race, I’ll be DJ’ing the after party. Come check it out!

As of lately I’ve really been into Northern Soul. Northern Soul is essentially Soul music popularized in England around the late 60′s/Early 70′s. The scene itself is really interesting because it was one of the first underground subculture movements and the precursor to the modern night club. It was already well established and been around for years before the media or press got involved. Similar to the Downhill skateboarding scene. What really makes it a unique genre of music is that it’s all based around B-sides and Soul singles that didn’t really make it here in the states. Some of the best Northern Soul tracks were done by artists who only recorded a single 45, and were unpopular upon their initial release. For example, Frankie Wilsons “Do I love you”. It’s a banging track and only two copies are known to exist. Last time one sold it went for over $20,000! Next time you are at a yard sale or secondhand store and you see a box of 45’s take a look, you never know what you might find.

Picture perfecto backyard pool shralper. Photo: Barney Newbson.

Thanks Brotha. It’s always a pleasure rapping with ya. Let’s close this interview out with some propers, shout-outs, and any parting words ya might have for the Wheelbase readers.

A big thanks goes out to Marcus and Wheelbase for doing this interview; my sponsors for making all of this happen for me: Madrid, Gullwing, Biltwell Helmets, and Sector 9; all the homies I skate with on a regular basis who keep pushing me to go bigger and faster; and last but not least, my wife, stepdaughter, and the rest of the family for supporting me and my passion. I couldn’t do it without you!

To the readers, keep shredding your faces off! The streets are ours—let’s keep it that way!!!

The post The Andrew Mercado Interview: A Builder Of Bridges appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

Midnight garage bombin’ on my custom LBL Penguin (click on image above to view larger). Photo: David Marano.

One of the raddest and most distinct features of this growing section of longboard skateboarding is that of the custom skateboard builder. I’m talking about  builders such as Larry Peterson of Longboard Larry and Scott Moore of Subsonic Skateboards, and that’s just naming two of the many. Custom builders, like these, bring us back to the roots and essence of what it’s all about: skateboards for skateboarders, by skateboarders. Through creating each skateboard one at a time, and allowing the individual rider to have input into the building process, they provide every board with the attention it deserves and thus allowing the process to remain focused where it should be: on quality, detail, refinement, performance, and distinction. I’m not sayin’ that the large brands don’t make great skateboards—they definitely do—but if you’ve ever had a board shaped specifically for you and your style, then you know there is a certain pride and confidence built into that unique skateboard which is somewhat inexplicable, yet wholly undeniable.

My custom, hand built LBL “Penguin” deck, made and signed by Larry Peterson himself. Stoked! Photo: Marcus Bandy.

There are those out there that might say: “Bro, who cares about some rando dude building boards in his basement!”  But my response to such a comment would be, firstly, blow me!, and secondly, in a community which is everyday becoming more and more commodified, and driven by a mass-market mentality, products made for and by the dudes that actually skate them are increasingly and forever significant. Again, I’m not saying that we need to go with some all-out, hippy-dippy-, hug-my-tree-stump-mentality. In fact, some of the raddest brands of today are the custom builders of yesterday. All’s I’m sayin’ is that I believe in the power of skateboarders making their own shit. Individuality is critical and being a creator is empowering. No matter who gets involved in our scene moving forward, and no matter what or how strong the draw may become to turn our attention and resources elsewhere; we should forever save a space at our table for those lone wolfs, those earth rim roamers, those wacky dudes that build the boards we love to ride. Custom skateboard builders were here when it was simply about Passion and they will be here when Passion is all that’s left. Skateboarding—fuck yeah!

[If you are a custom skateboard builder and are not listed above, please don’t get your panties bunched in a scrunchy; simply leave your info in the comment section below so we can all peep your boards and get stoked on 'em.  Thank yee kindly!]

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The post What’s Next? 9.er appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

Dillon doing it right: Fast and Full Mast!. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

“When Dillon Stephens isn’t mowing down on questionable roach-coach street-meat or punishing his digestive system with homemade, deep-fried concoctions; he’s out there on the hills leaving his mark—grinding a set of wheels to dust on the most high-speed, technical roads that he can get his feet on.

Dillon can be low-key most times and you won’t see him (soberly) calling attention to himself in a crowd. His presence on a skateboard is similar. Dillon doesn’t flail wildly or blow turns; he’s in control and skates with a fluid and precise style. That being said, Dillon’s hunger for speed is equal to his passion for food, and when the time comes for either he will definitely be in front of you.”                           (Kyle Martin)

Dillon jammin’ down the 405 freeway on his way to the hills. Photo: Aaron Hollebeke.

Yo, what up homie! Stoked to be doin’ this here interview with ya. What’s the word from Canada?

Sup Marcus, cold rainy and it snowed my first night back, but we are still getting lots of runs in. Definitely envying everyone enjoying the California sun.

“I got this one!” Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Nice, so let’s begin with an obvious question. You and I both know that Aunt Jemima maple suryp is way better than any of the Canadian shit, so why is it that so many Canadians hate on the Jemima? Is it because you are all racsists against my sista, Miss Aunty J?

Ha, you can’t compare Aunt Jemima syrup to maple. It may be the best artificial crap on the market, but pure maple is the bomb.

Sunny-sider toeslider. Photo: Aaron Hollebeke.

I also hear you Canadians have public heath care up there. I watch the news regularly—keeping up with current affaires and whatnot—so I know that public healthcare equals full-blown Communism. When did you first become a Russian spy?

Ever since I can remember.

Steady shadow dippin’. Photo: Bandy.

Now that we got the serious stuff out of the way, let’s talk about some of the less important things: You like playing with your skateboard in the middle of the street. Tell us about that particular mental disorder?

Well I have been riding a street skate since I was fifteen and then got a longboard when I was nineteen, King Brian and Benny Bails then showed me the ropes, and since then it’s been kind of crazy. It’s safe to say that now I am an addict.

Kickin’ it out on a lesser know SoCal run. Photo: Aaron Hollebeke.

Dillon railing a corner in attempts to ditch the two Hell’s Angels behind him. Photo: Bandy.

You rode your motorcycle from Canada land all the way to the USA—California being your final stop. You and I rode around a bit together, and you and Louis from Skate House Media rode all over the Malibu mountains as well. Obviously you love to ride. That trek from Canada down here seems like a serious adventure. What was the worst, and best, part of doing a long ride like that? And would you do it again?

Ya, Louis and I rallyed those hills hard. The worst part of the long ride from Canada is by far getting way too cold. No matter how many layers you put on, you will lose the battle to stay warm. The best part is obvious: if you have a motorcycle, just leaning through corners and covering lots of land. Yes I would, and I am doing it again, preferably with some partners next time.

“I wonder what’s for lunch. . . Rosco’s Chicken and Waffels!?” Photo: Aaron Hollebeke.

When we were shooting for this interview I took you to that janky alleyway bank spot. You ended up killing it, but that spot definitely sucked. Do you hate me for taking you there and hyping you up on trying that shit?

No hate, I was a little sceptical at first but your stoke convinced me to try, even though the rest of the alley was almost unrideable.

This spot is fucked—Dillon Stephens for the win. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Janky, steep, more jank & cheese-grater rollout. Dillon is gnar! Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Let’s talk about some race action. What’s your plan for 2012? Where can we expect to see ya this season?

My race season starts in Australia and its non-stop from there—hitting up all the IGSA World Cup races and everything in between. Stoked to be going on my first Euro tour, it is going to be out of control.

Dillon, goin’ full-blurr fast. Photo: Aaron Hollebeke.

If you had to do a nude downhill relay race with two other skaters, who would they be, and why? Just to make it clear, your answer to this question will identify you as either “really gay” or “not really that gay”. Either is cool with us—we do not discriminate.

Obviously a couple of my teammates from Switchback, because that’s how we roll, bitches!

Dillon shredding a crazy-secret road overlooking the Pacific. Thanks N. Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Your teammate, Kyle Martin, said that your eating habits are a bit, well, beastly. What do you have to say about that?

I just love eating and trying new food, there isn’t any food I wont try, and there isn’t much food I dislike. Phillip Lemiere and I played “if you eat it, I will eat it” in South America. He won, not because I wouldn’t try something, but because I got food poisoning, probably from the game.

Under the cliff and through the woods, Dillon Shreds! Photo: Marcus Bandy.

Totally bro, shout out to Landyachtz, and all the dope island folk down at Switchback Longboards. Shout out all the way to the 494. Keep Shredding.

The post The Dillon Stephens Interview: Skate & Masticate appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

Byron Esser has style. Cloak & Dagger Rd. Photo: Zadie Sexus.

Style is critical! And I’m not talking about some fashionista bullshit, nor am I speaking of any other showy display of Vanity. What I’m interested in is the particular way an individual does a thing that reflects Flow, Finesse, and Liquidity—and more specifically, how that fits into the act of skateboarding. Let’s just say that I believe style and skateboarding are best in bed, with each other.

There are many different types and varying degrees of style, some people have it naturally and some must work for it, but ultimately, any skater can achieve a solid level of style if he or she is willing to work on building it. When you see rad style you immediately recognize it—it is as if it’s something universally understood. In skateboarding—be it downhill, pool, street, freestyle, or whatever else tickles your kadoodles—how you do something is just as important as what you do. Once again, I’m not saying that there is one single way that epitomizes stylishness—such a claim would be utter D-baggery— but the fact remains: to become stylish you have to consider it’s importance and pay attention to it in your own skating. I don’t want to come off as if I am the all-knowing authority on style—I’m definitely not—but I think we can all agree that a solid starting point for defining style in skateboarding might look something like this:

             Style: (noun) Flowing, natural movements; agility, vigor, and passion.

When I see a skater shredding with speed and confidence, arms out, all the while displaying agility and a natural fluidity of movement; I get hyped! On the other hand, when I see a skater looking awkward, wobbling erratically, and with a squatted, stinkybug-death-gripper clamped to his rail; I don’t get as hyped. Again, this is in no way meant as disrespect to those learning, nor to dissuade any skaters that may be starting out or dealing with learning curves—no matter how big the breeches may get, every one of us started somewhere—that is just a fact. All I’m saying is that, as you grow in skill and confidence, your skating can benefit by paying particular attention to the way you do things.

Some say ‘style is everything’, but to be honest, I am not of that particular school of thought. I believe style is very important, but when it’s all said and done, if you are having fun riding your skateboard, you get my head nod. That said, many of us do profit from looking at how we do things—be it skating of otherwise. The other day I was all stoked because I finally learned toeside speed checks—and I’m still stoked even days later—but now I’m fired up and excited to do them even faster, smoother, and with more flow.

Get stylee, enjoy the doing, and thanks for reading. Shredlove!

The post What’s Next 8.Go appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.

The day of the 2012 Golden Gate Part Race began and ran its course much like any other Saturday spent in San Francisco with the Sunset Sliders; we woke up late, had some laughs over breakfast, and proceeded to shred until darkness ensued.

That’s just how we roll.

The following is a photographic and videographic refection of an epic day spent with friends and filled to the brim with some serious downhill Gnarlitude.

Some of you may notice a lack of text in this article—If that bums you out, I do apologize.

As an experiment, I carried with me not only my skateboard, but also two DSLRs and my iPhone. I ended up capturing what I believe to be some truly inspirational shots, and ultimately, I just feel this story is best told visually—I hope you agree. Please enjoy.

The ride of choice for any skater ready to shred the downhill playground of SF. Photo

A packed Sunset Sliders Bus on it’s way to the Golden Gate Park Race. Photo: Bandy.

At the Golden Gate Park Race, making our way to the starting line. Photo: Bandy.

It’s hard to take photos while your filming, and skating. Multi-task mid-race shot. Photo: Bandy.

Another picture captured while skating in the Golden Gate Park Race. Photo: Bandy.

The after-race awards ceremony, beach party, and BBQ. Ocean Beach, SF. Photo: Bandy.

The Sunset Sliders Forefathers: Doug, Austin, and Dave. Photo: Bandy.

A whole lot of skateboards. Photo: Bandy.

BBQ time at Ocean Beach. Photo: Bandy.

Level raiser—the Sunset Sliders bus. On to the next session. Photo: Bandy.

Alicia and Carmen kickin’ it together in San Francisco. Photo: Bandy.

A view of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is always worth a thousand words. Photo: Bandy.

Twisted perspective, corner gripper, Lester Stormfire. Photo: Bandy.

Adam Winston, stylin’ it. Photo: Bandy.

Another impromptu session ensues. Photo: Bandy.

Byron Essert. Hella fast! Photo: Bandy.

Jesse Breiman, tasty toeside shredder. Photo: Bandy.

Dakine, Big Dave, and Mr. Grease chilling after a solid Sunset session. Photo: Bandy.

The ladies shred, the boys watch. Photo: Bandy.

Post-session group shot, San Francisco, Ca. Photo: Bandy.

A special thanks to the Sunset Sliders, Riviera Skateboards, California Bonzing Co., and to all the skaters that showed love and inspired us with their good vides and burly shredding. Tootles!

. . . and a super bear-hugger goes out to Big Dave and his beautiful dancing’ queen, Liz, for letting me lurk-to-the-fullest on their floor. Thank you & shredlove maximized!

The post The 2012 Golden Gate Park Race & All-Day Shredfest. appeared first on Wheelbase Online Skate Magazine.