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August 21, 2008
Back to the Banks 2008
With unconstrained crowds and nightlife like energy, Back to the Banks was not something to miss. Following the recent abundance of mainstream contests (Dew Tour, Maloof, X-games), the banks truly brought us back to the roots of skateboarding. Back to a time before Shawn White, ESPN and MTV even acknowledged skateboarding. While there were representatives of companies throwing around there stickers and selling products, it was a true street contest. An event run by skateboarders, for skateboarders, in one of the most historic spots in skateboard history. Even with Banks History aside, the raw chaos and true gritty street environment make it one of the most organic skate events run today.
The Banks were Jam packed by 2:00, with people from NY and all around the states coming to the event. Camera crews were battling to get good angles and with every new obstacle there was a rush of kids to get a good view. Kids were even hanging from poles and climbing obstacles to get that one special camera shot. Various pros were in sight, casually among the crowd, watching the mayhem; Steve Berra, Josh Kalis, Tim O’Connor and Heath Kirchart just to name a few. Others decided to join in the event with everyone else. Long time pro, Chad Fernandez was seen shredding almost every obstacle, against locals and other ams and pros alike. Alex Olson was seen skateboarding around, taking runs on the spine. Figgy from the Emerica camp was seen getting tricks, taking 1st on the Bank Ledge with back tailslide, and a backside hurricane. A big surprise was Dylan James, a Westchester local who came in 1st on the spine. He beat out household names such as Chad Fernandez, Jimmy McDonald and Justin Figueroa. Dylan entered the section with a broad arsenal of tricks, from clean Frontside 360 airs to bluntslide to lipslide combinations. The fact that anyone could participate on any of the obstacles made the contest special, giving a chance for unknowns to make there mark. The Jam session style contest definitely seemed to take off contest jitters and made it feel more like a competitive skate session with friends and strangers.
At then end of the day, amidst hundreds of people gathered around the handrail, it was time to go home and get much needed rest. Although never fully landing it, I could still hear the crowd as I left, erupting in “ohhs” for Timmy Knuth’s kick flip front nose grinds. With Manny Mania back to back to the event, it was one hell of a weekend for skateboarding in NYC.
Authored by ianmichna | Permalink | Links to this Post | Comments (0)
