Anti Social mini ramp contest, March 08, 2008 - Photo:Gordon Nicholas
Saving Daylight
the Anti Social mini ramp contest
words by Shawn Lennon
photos by Lancia Lefebvre
A family of four strolls into a back alley on their way home from dinner when stopped in their tracks by the sight of what must've appeared to be an NA meeting gone awry. Before the father is able to explain, "It's okay, there's a skateboard ramp in there", the kids have already taken off running with mom shuffling behind them in her heels. If only they knew of the talent showcasing itself just beyond all that plaid, cigarette smoke, and foul language, they might have witnessed something they would have never forgotten. Bellows and the clinks of trucks on coping rattled on well into the time change saturday night as Anti Social's first contest ever took place just east of downtown. Owner Michelle Pezel, Dylan Doubt and Seb Templer set out to bring Vancouver skateboarders one of the most exciting events to date, and their success could be felt by all in attendance.
"We have never had a contest before, in 6 years", says Pezel. "We like jams and BBQs, parties and art shows, we think contests are not really our thing but this one was .... truly funny." 11 teams of 3 were given a list of tricks to perform for points, consecutive trick challenges for the semi finals, and finished off with a team session judged on interpersonal relationship and choreography. Survivor and Kid Nation inspired the format through which Pezel and associates proved a point. "Skateboarding is so all about just you, your person, but you have the most fun skateboarding with your pals," she says. "So if you make it a contest with your pals of course you are going to have fun."
Much of the contest's success was due to the astounding trick list created by Seb Templar, Dylan Doubt, William Howell and others that served to inspire some of Vancouver's most talented. Not a skater in the world wouldn't have been challenged by tricks like the "one foot drop in", and a "Kevin Harris (360 flat bottom)". Participants forced out of their regular stock of tricks to win this contest became the fuel that kept the energy level high all evening.
A reputable shop like Anti Social has no trouble drumming up support. A grand list of sponsors kicked in cash to pay for the trip for 3 to NYC won by the brothers McKinnley, and George Faulkner with thier daunting display of methodical teamwork and unrelentless consistency. Prizes were also awarded to Tory Goodall, Greg Jordan, and Jordan Hofart for their combined effort and also to Stevie D, Geoff Dermer, Adam Cassidy, Riley Bolan, Colin, and Brett Stobbart. Michelle gives her thanks to everyone who came to cheer on the event, and a special mention to: "Stevie D. for the switch roll in, Tory for making us smile, triples pivot to fakie from the winning team, Jordan for consecutive flip tricks, and Colin for the best barefoot run!! Rad. So rad."
Dylan Doubt refers to Saturday's event as "the best contest ever, " and who wouldn't agree? Everyone had a blast and with any luck the event will become annual. Summer's rolling up quick and the back room at Anti Social will likely grow a lot quieter. Surely though, come fall when the days grow short and the time changes back many skaters will have few more tricks to pull out on those rainy nights.
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