I met Levi Brown back in 2001 when we both had signed on to work as counselors at a Skate Camp up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I was a little older and this would be one of my last summers spent really “living the dream,” as it were. Levi, though younger, was obviously an old soul from the moment you talked to him. Still in his teens, he was already mellow, humble and insightful. It was easy to want to be friends with the kid, and that was before any of us even saw him step on a board. But when he did — man, amazing. Nobody could believe he hadn’t been hooked up yet. But that would all be changing soon.

Fast-forward to today, and Levi is an international skate star who has just been welcomed into the pro ranks. He’s still humble. He’s still mellow, still insightful. He takes nothing for granted and skates hard every day. I’m hard-pressed to think of a skater out there who deserves it more. Congratulations, homie. This is just the beginning. – Adam Salo

What’s been going on, Levi?
Not too much, man. Hanging out in Arizona and skating.

Have you been traveling lately?

We’re in Albuquerque right now. It’s nice. There’s good spots everywhere. It kinda reminds me of back home. But Arizona’s getting all hot right now. It’s in the 90s every day. Up here we’re higher in the mountains, so it’s cooler, but the sun is more intense. I got roasted the first day. Before this trip, we did a trip to China in the fall.

How long were you guys out there for?

We were out there for 10 or 12 days. It was sick. Everything is marble and perfect. Security guards and cops there don’t know what’s going on, so barely any spots are a bust.

Was there any weird culture shock or craze you witnessed?

 Yeah, little kids had slits in their pants so they could squat wherever and do their business. It’s pretty funny. But generally Shanghai is pretty Westernized. There are whole sections that have all British architecture because they were under colonial rule for so long. It’s a business hub, and they get a lot of traffic and visitors so they weren’t totally weirded out by us. It is crazy, though. It’s so polluted and congested. The buildings are just huge and look like some kind of Death Stars. Our tour guide was telling us there is one building in Shanghai that was designed by a Japanese architect. The center of it was originally supposed to be this circle but the architects had to change it because, in the original design, when the sun came up and through the circle, it was going to look like a Japanese flag cast over China. They tried to sneak that in. I guess the Chinese caught it and made the builders change the shape. But yeah, that trip was great, probably one of the best trips I’ve ever been on.

So, the day people will read this, you’ll have officially entered the ranks of pro skateboarding. How does it feel?

It’s a trip, dude. They told me about it in China, actually. [Element team manager] Dewitt gave a nervous speech and surprised me with it. It’s so cool. It’s really fun to see the whole thing come along. It wasn’t very long ago when it wasn’t happening like that. So it’s crazy to think the years have gone by already and people think I deserve it. Element is backing me, and I’m stoked. I’m really happy where I am with everything. Element has been taking care of me really good. I’ve gotten to travel and make a lot of friends everywhere. I’m living the life I always dreamed about.

So what was Dewitt’s speech like when he told you that you were pro?

No one knew about it on the trip before that, just him and [Element media director] Marc Falkenstien knew. So Chad and Darrell and everybody got so stoked too because it was a surprise for everyone. It was a pretty cool way to get told.

 

Tell me about the bear graphic that’s featured on your very first pro board.

My good friend Nate Morgan did that. He gave that to me last summer. We met at Skate Camp, and we try to go back every year. Last summer, he’d just graduated from art school and didn’t have any money, so I flew him to Colorado so he could drive with me from there to camp. In return for the flight he gave me that sick piece of art. I told him then that if it ever happens, if I ever turn pro, that’s gonna be one of my graphics. It’s the coolest piece of art, all wood-cut. It’s just amazing, and how awesome would it be to have one of your best friends do your graphic, you know?

Going way back now, how did your relationship with Element begin in the first place? Were they your first legit board sponsor?

Well yeah, that began at Skate Camp too. Element was starting to get involved contributing to camp and building ramps; it wasn’t renamed Element YMCA Skate Camp yet. It was still just YMCA Skate Camp, but they were getting involved, and some of my friends were getting involved with the company. My friends Mike Kershnar and Todd Larson started Elemental Awareness and were getting support from Element. And my friend Marc Falkenstien started to work for them doing web design, filming and other media stuff. Around that time I got hooked up with Rasa Libre when it was still under Deluxe. It was early stages, just some really cool flow. And then just being around all the Element guys and skating at camp, it just kinda happened.

From early days till now, was there a moment when you realized that this was going to be it, that skateboarding was going to be something you could do for a living?

Well, there’s always hoping. When I was younger and out skating, having fun, it’d be like, all right, I gotta go bus tables now. And you’re thinking, damn, I really wish I didn’t have to go bus tables. I just want to keep skating. I always hoped for that, to continue this perfect life, and never grow up: Peter Pan syndrome.

Do you have your pro boards already?

Yeah, I have my first one on right now. Stoked!

Now that the day has come, how does this change things: Is the pressure on or is the pressure off?

Part of me is just so hyped. This is one thing I went after and actually succeeded at. There are plenty of things I’ve tried that haven’t panned out. So I’m so amped this worked. But there’s another level, too: There are so many amazing skateboarders. What’s the difference between me and some random kid who rips? I guess you have to take it as it is. I’m happy to be me and I’m always going to challenge myself, but there’s always going to be someone who’s more talented. But yeah … my pro career hasn’t even started yet. It’s such a short time you get to do this. I want to experience it all and push my limits — not pile out or slack off.

You’re deep into filming for the Element shoes video Sole. This video will not only be your first part in a while, it’ll also be the first part in your pro career. What can people expect?

I haven’t been filming for that long. The idea started last August and originally it was just going to be a vid with Chad and I. Then Darrell got involved and Mike V. got involved because it kinda turned into the Element shoe team video. I wouldn’t mind having more time. I’d like one of those 4-year parts or something (laughs).

Who have been the biggest influences on your career in skating thus far?

Probably Marc Falkenstien. And Chad Tim Tim has been amazing. Everyone at Element. And then everyone from Arizona like Jesse Plumb and Micah Hollinger. But I kinda try to do my own thing. I’m not that involved with the industry.

Have you been getting more recognition from fans in the last year?

A bit. The funniest is when you pretty much have to play SKATE against everyone at the entire skate park. Those are the days when I’ll roll up and just want to chill. The next thing I know, I’ll be playing 15 kids in games of SKATE. But it’s sick, dude. There are so many aspects of being a professional skateboarder that you don’t think about when you’re a kid, like learning how to talk. You have to give interviews and speeches and interact with so many people. When you’re a kid you think, Oh, I just go skate all day. But it’s not even close to that.

Outside of skating, who’s had the biggest influence on your life and who you’ve become?

A collective of people. My brother, my dad, my family and all my friends in Arizona, all my friends from Skate Camp; those are some of the sickest people ever. Like Nate and you and Marc and Todd and Kersh and Manidis—so many people. Everyone has characteristics I admire and try to learn from.

With your exquisite ollies and your deep bag of tricks, is it safe to say you’re the more talented, modern version of Nate Jones?

Ha ha! Dude, I was a big fan of Nate Jones. His Real to Reel part is so good. That was one of the parts I always watched. I thought it was amazing.

If you’d never picked up a skateboard, what do you think you’d be doing with yourself today?

I’d probably be doing some kind of art. Not that I’m any good at it but I probably would have put a little more effort into it. Actually, I probably would have ended up just going and living in the woods. I would have maybe gotten more into the sciences, animals and biology. I always found that stuff fascinating. Anything to work with my hands; I have to be outdoors working with my hands. It doesn’t matter what it is so much. It could even be manual labor.

You’ve also been fairly into wilderness and survival skills, contributing to Elemental Awareness and such. What sparked your interest in that?

I got that book, “The Tracker” by Tom Brown when I was in the 8th or 9th grade. I read that and it got me all stoked. I read all his other books and I really wanted to take his classes but you had to be 18. So, when I turned 18, I was still interested in checking that out, so I went and took a bunch of those classes. Skateboarding has definitely taken over in the last few years, but it’s still fun to do. I can throw a couple of sticks together and start a fire. I can get by, but, at the same time, you go to those schools, and they’re the professionals of survival skills. I’m just kind of a novice.

As a new pro, do you feel like you have a responsibility to be a role model for kids? Do you think skaters should be seen as role models?

It’s a weird balance. You have to be true to yourself and not put out a fake image because that will show after a while anyway. But at the same time, kids do look up to you.

So one of your life goals has now been achieved. What’s next for you?

I’m pro now, but I haven’t really done anything yet. My next goal is just to live it up to the fullest. I want to have as much fun as I can, make a bunch of new friends, skate as many cool spots as possible and push my limits. Some people reach a goal and it’s like, “All right, I’m done with that.” But I’m just getting started.

Los Angeles (a.k.a. the city of angels) – Over the last decade, etnies has flowed more than 25,000 pairs of shoes to homeless people living in Los Angeles! The current tough economic times have led to the rise of homeless people in L.A., and today Pierre Andre and a crew from etnies hung out with the Skid Row residents. etnies teamed up with the Los Angeles Mission to break through some of the doom and gloom, and provide more than 2,000 men, women and kids with a hot meal and a brand new pair of etnies shoes.

“In these tough economic times, there is more reason than ever to help those in need and give back to the causes that touch your heart – for me this is the Los Angeles Mission,” said etnies owner Pierre Andre Senizergues. “For over 10 years my team and I have donated thousands of shoes to the homeless on Skid Row and this year will be no different. Not only because the need will be greater, but because it is this small contribution that can make a difference in someone’s life.”

“I’ve actually wanted a pair of etnies and you guys showing up down here and giving us a pair of new shoes is awesome,” said Adam Vickman, Skid Row local. This happy mom and kids are enjoying new etnies. This year more families have taken up residence on Skid Row, and over the last few months the Mission has seen a 10% increase in people coming in for meals and services.

Established in 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today etnies’ vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre Andre Senizergues, is to remain the leading action sports company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible. etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring a world class team of skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto x and BMX riders and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities.

For additional information, visit etnies.

The Maloof's taking the lead once again...

It’s a hard-knock life for most action sports athletes.
They routinely bash their bodies, but find it nearly impossible to get health insurance that will cover their most serious needs.

Major league professional athletes don’t have that problem as their medical insurance is part of their unions’ collective bargaining agreements.

The Maloof family has seen both sides of the situation.

As owners of the National Basketball Association’s Sacramento Kings and The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, they are required to make sure that their basketball players get the medical help they need when injury strikes.

As organizers of the richest skateboard event in the world — their Maloof Money Cup pays $100,000 to the winner — they also recognize that many competitive skaters lack even basic health insurance coverage.

“When I saw Jake Brown fall 60 feet at the 2007 X Games and then walk off, my first thought was, ‘I wonder if he has health insurance?,’ ” says Joe Maloof, president of the Maloof Companies. “I decided we needed to start a foundation that would look after skaters and protect any skateboarder who got hurt in competition.”

Joe Maloof, 53, and brother Gavin, 52, started the Maloof Money Cup in 2008 with advice from Brown and other top skaters, such as Ryan Sheckler. He also leaned on them for advice on how to best serve the needs of injured skaters.

“Skateboarding is progressing quickly right now, and with this progression comes increased risk of injury,” says Sheckler. “I know quite a few amateur and pro skateboarders that don’t have health insurance or much savings, and those are the guys that really need the Sheckler Foundation and Maloof Skateboarding Assistance Foundation. If a serious injury ended their career these foundations could provide them the assistance they need.”

Joe Maloof says many mainstream sports fans don’t understand the dangers faced by skateboarders.

“There’s tremendous risk in these contests,” he says. “They’re performing tricks that only the world’s top athletes have the ability to complete. We had a duty to take the lead in taking care of our own.

“These aren’t just kids. There are a few 15- or 16-year-olds, but most are ages 19 to 35, the same age range as NBA players.”

The Maloofs’ act has also inspired others in the sport.

On Good Friday (April 10), Pierre Andre Senizergues, owner and CEO of the etnies skate-sport footwear company is giving away 2,000 pairs of shoes to homeless people in Los Angeles.

“It is really important that those in a position to help give back to skateboarding and their communities,” Senizergues says.

The second Maloof Money Cup is offering $450,000 in prize money and will take place July 10-12 at the Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. NBC and MTV2 plan more than three hours of coverage.

Phoenix Am 2009 Best Trick

Oh yeah, TJ Sparks won.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation makes dreams a reality...I tip my hat to them

Jonathon Azevedo had the most perfect day.

After years of pining for a skateboard ramp in his backyard, the 12-year-old heart patient’s dream came true. And thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Jonathon got to break in the professionally designed ramp with professional shredders Shuriken Shannon, Jimmy Carlin, Annie Sullivan and Mimi Knoop.

Skateboarding isn’t only Jonathon’s passion, but his lifestyle. And he risked his life so he could keep skating.

“It’s a means of self-expression,” Jonathon said of his favorite hobby. “It’s a way to get out my energy … and have the worries flow out of me.”

Jonathon, a sixth-grader, was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, which means the valve for the body’s most important artery wasn’t the correct shape to function properly.

The family knew surgery would be needed to correct the condition, but a staph infection that settled in his heart two years ago accelerated the decision and led to a dilemma over the type of surgery.

One option involved a mechanical valve, a choice that would have required medication to thin the blood – and keep Jonathon from skating again. A second option involved a far riskier procedure that would have to be repeated in a decade or so.

Jonathon refused to give up skateboarding. He went with the second choice.

Last week, a limousine took Jonathon and his family to SeaWorld while volunteers worked on the ramp. When the family returned to their Clairemont home, Jonathon was greeted by a smiling crowd, a disc jockey and his ramp, which he spent hours sharing with friends and professionals.

“He said it was the greatest day of his life, and I believe it,” said his father, John.

Jonathon received other goodies Saturday, including new boards and wheels and plenty of stickers.

“I’m extremely, excessively lucky,” he said.

Jonathon’s parents are grateful to Make-A-Wish.

“We’ve had some highs and lows, and we’re at the happy gold pot at the end,” said his mother, Barbara.

Its always great to see that even in the toughest of times we all fight for what is important to us, and nothing can take that passion away from a person.

See kids, even parrots skateboard when they can fly...so why would you buy a razor scooter???

The 30-year-old green Guatemalan parrot, a popular attraction for a decade in the San Gabriel Valley community of Baldwin Park, was taken from his front porch cage Wednesday morning.

Owner Fred Mireles says his mother heard some commotion and spotted a man running away with Gordo. The 47-year-old childless man says he’s devastated, adding Gordo is like a kid to him.

Baldwin Park police Sgt. Darryl Kosaka says it could be difficult to recover the parrot, noting animals are often stolen to become pets in other households or to be sold.

Mireles says the birdnapper is “up against a can of worms” because Gordo isn’t used to strangers and will start biting.

Ouch…

Industry consultant Jeff Harbaugh weighs in on what filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy is and what it means for a company such as Active Ride Shop. Read his in-depth analysis HERE.

As of today, Active Ride Shop’s official Web site only lists 22 open stores under its retail locations section. Here’s the official press release:

“Mira Loma, CA, March 23rd, 2009 – Active Ride Shop today announced that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Riverside. The company is focusing on executing a comprehensive corporate restructuring plan without interruption to business operations.

Active Ride Shop recently announced that it was taking action to address the company’s financial challenges. Alongside the strategic counsel provided by Marc Winthrop, of Wintrhop Couchot, one of Southern California’s leading bankruptcy law firms and Stephen Bell, of Phoenix Group Advisory Services, LLC, a professional financial and operational advisory firm, the company has determined that it would be in teh best interest of its stakeholders to file for reorganization protection under Chapter 11.

Operating under the protection of Chapter 11 will provide the company’s vendors with assurances that they will be paid for merchandise the company receives post-filing so the ocmpany can be sufficiently stocked for the spring selling season. The restructuring plan will position Active Ride Shop with a stronger business foundation, an imporved multi-channel distribution source for it svendors, and a more meaningful offering for its customers.

The company recognizes that, to achieve these objectives, there is a critical need to create a more efiicent operation with a reduced cost structure. As previously announced, the company has closed 8 under-performing retail locations. This week, the company took action to realign its corporate support structure alongside the smaller store base, which will include 21 retail stores as well its e-commerce storefront. The store closings and corporate workforce reductions will result in combined workforce compensation and related costs in excess of 30%. Further, as part of its restructuring efforts, the company will continue to evaluate the productivity of all assets, analyze additional cost-cutting initiatives and research strategic alternatives to maximize the value of the business.

John Wallace, chief executive officer and founder of Active Ride Shop, said “The swift and dramatic downturn in the local economy had a major impact on our business in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2008. In combination with the robust growth and expansion we experienced during the previous 24 months, this perfect storm of economic retraction left us with no other option.” He continued, “The preemptive cost cutting initiatives that we took throughout 2008 were not enough to protect our investments without filing for Chapter 11 reorganization protection.”

“We appreciate the support we have received from our vendors and suppliers during this downturn. With this support, we have every reason to believe that we will emerge from Chapter 11 witha stronger business and a more impactful market presence. Most importantly, Active Ride Shop will be restored to solid financial footing as a direct result of this support.”

“The recent work force reductions and downsizing activities have not been easy fo rthe employees of Active Ride Shop which makes us even more appreciative of their dedication and loyalty. We are especially addened at the loss of employment for many long term employees. The impact of these decisions is far reaching, and we deeply regret the effect this has on our employees and their families.

“We move forward with this reorganization with the firm knowledge that the steps we are taking will bring lasting changes to our busines and satisfaction and value to our customers,” concluded Wallace.

About Active:

Established in 1989, Active Ride Shop maintains its position among the top retailers and mail order businesses in teh action sports industry. Awarded Surf Industry (SIMA) Men’s Retailer of the Year (2008), #1 Specialty Reatiler by the Future Trade, #36 on DNR’s “top 50 most influential menswear retailers.” Active has locations throughout Southern California and delivers catalogs to action sports enthusiasts nationwide. Active Ride Shop sponsors the most elite skateboarders and snowboarders in the world, and is proud of its offering of the finest brands an hottest trends in the industry. For more information about Active Ride Shop, visit www.activerideshop.com.

Let me know if you like it or if you catch any errors…remember I’m NEW!

Keep it real!

The LOP Kids...Rep the fellow charitables!!

One of my goals for Project Trident is to roll it into something valuable for the community. One of the things I would like to do is to acknowledge and promote other social entrepreneuers. The first organization I would like to start with is The Land of Plenty Skateboarding Foundation. 

MISSION

The Land Of Plenty is a non-profit community development organization based in Los Angeles, California with a mission to encourage creative physical education and artistic expression through the culture and activity of skateboarding.  By encouraging kids to create, learn, and share, the LOP builds confidence, opportunity, and stronger bonds for our youth and communities.

HISTORY

The Land Of Plenty was conceived in 2002 in Los Angeles, California, and has since extended across the country and worldwide. The LOP is comprised of and supported by a close-knit community of cultural instigators- professional and amateur skaters and artists- alongside passionate and vocal youth, parents, teachers, and community leaders.

Using these relationships and the cultural and communal aspects of skateboarding, the LOP focuses on programs to encourage and enhance creative physical education, inspire and cultivate artistic expression, and empower individuals and communities to communicate and grow.

I think the greatest part about skateboarding foundations is that no two are alike. The Land of Plenty takes a unique approach about skateboard art and graphics (hence my piggy-backing Day 5 of art week).  One of their mainstream events and fundraisers are art shows by local students painting skateboard decks and then auctioning them off as well as traveling to depressed locations and conducting board exchanges . You should all check out their site here because they regularly have boards for sale on-line and we all could help a great cause. Plus, who doesnt want a wall full of skateboard decks…I have one and its rad AND the ladies love it!

Black and White...and Artistic

The moral of repping some of the other foundations out there is that we never can have too many.  In the world of charitables, there are so many requirements and regulations that can get you into serious trouble, the cost is prohibitive to those in it for all of the wrong reasons. And the ones who are smart enough to get past those road blocks, will be transparent to their donors and sponsors that will eventually lead to their demise.  I recently conducted an interview for AccessAthletes.com with a founder of another non-profit foundation who said that we all have something to give, whether its our money or just our time. But there will always be someone out there who needs us and we should recognize that. I hope you all check the LOP site and support local organizations like it. We all have something to give and what’s better than lending a helping hand.

S.K.A.T.E. it up...and make the Active Team