www.6TwentyOne.com

What a great year it’s been to look back and say, phew, we made it through the toughest economic climate the US has seen in over 70 years, is very gratifying. Over the year in business we listened very closely to our customers and have decided that the best use-of-space for our facility is to build an indoor park. For those of you that don’t know, we’ve been teaching skateboard lessons in our shop on Sunday nights over the past 7 months. We’d literally push the clothing into the dressing rooms and have the lessons on the flat ground in the shop. Then we built the half pipe out back hoping this would allow our students to progress. That’s been a blast… but we need more space and a layout that would allow kids to learn and advance and seasoned skaters to have fun in the winter and broiling summer months. So after speaking with our skate school instructors and the local riders, we’ve settled on a design and are already halfway through the build. We are expecting completion on Dec. 19th. Stop by and check it out. While you’re there, you’ll notice that to make room for the ramps, we got rid of most of our clothing and are focused on bringing you killer hard goods. We still sell clothing, but only clothing you won’t find in the malls… we’re core skating. And we’re happy now.

We figured out along the way that we don’t need to be a mall clothing shop. we’re a core skate shop. with real skaters, good prices and now a place to session after you’ve picked out the perfect products. We’re excited to watch this take off…. stop by for more details. or hit the site and fill out interest request form and we’ll send you details.

Happy Holidays – jason and dave.

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www.6TwentyOne.com

The event was nothing less than spectacular. In fact, it’s hard to imagine how it could have been any better. The morning started at an earlier-than-normal 6am. Before most of the city of Livermore was even out of bed, we were already scrambling to pick up breakfast and take care of the last-minute details for the event attendees. I was calling the Team Managers, Jordan Tabayoyon of Santa Cruz and John Alden of Deluxe to make sure they successfully pulled the pros and ams out of bed (guys, I know that was really early, and I gotta thank you big time for making it happen). 

I also helped John Gotgart, our professional filmer herd the amateur filmers together to develop a play book for the days filming session. Much to my surprise, everything was running on time and smoothly. And, to our great surprise and fortune (and thanks to the good efforts of Ron Allen), the legendary pro Karl Watson was also riding along and brought with him, Dave Chami, Transworld’s famous staff photographer, who was shooting photos for an article Transworld is writing about Karl. I liken that fortune to winning the lottery. Big thanks to you, Karl. Your positive attitude and spirit really made a lasting impact upon the kids on this tour.

8am we loaded up the bus and head out on the road. We had 51 people on the bus, including 25 amateur skate kids from all over the bay area riding along. Our first stop was to Santa Cruz where we were hooking up with the Santa Cruz team. It was an 1.5 hour drive that felt like it lasted only 10 seconds. The vibes were really positive and the kids were nothing less than stoked to be hanging out with some many world class riders.

We arrived at the Santa Cruz park at 9:30am to perfect weather and a fairly empty skatepark. It took all of 2.5 seconds for the kids to unload from the bus, grab their boards and head out to the park. The once quiet park was now filled with 50 skateboarders of all skill levels and our DJ cranking tunes that everyone could enjoy. Energy levels were extremely high and the vibes were so positive. It was really awesome watching everyone shred it up. Sid Melvin, Ryan Peabody McWhirter, Frank Gerwer, Jake Donnelly, Nilton Neves and many of our talented amateurs. I knew we were onto something big. Subway sandwiches came on time and dropped off a bunch of sandwiches. It was now about 11am and time to get back on the bus so we could head to the next park in San Fran.

The drive from Santa Cruz to SF lasted about 2 hours. It was fun watching and listening as the entire bus filled with laughter and talk as we watched more skate videos and talked about all the tricks that were landed. As we arrived to SF’s Potrero park, the weather was perfect and the kids could barely wait to get of the bus to skate the park. Having been there now, I’d say we wouldn’t go to potrero on a tour again because it’s a pretty ‘rough’ local skater park, but Taylor Bingaman and David Gravette met us there and were shredding like big daddy kingpins as we unloaded the bus. So many big tricks were landed and it was fun hanging out and getting to know all the participants. We decided that we wanted to get up to Sacramento early, so we wrapped things up in SF after about 1.5 hours. We boarded the bus and headed up to Sacramento’s Granite (aka Power Inn) park. It was a two hour drive, but watching videos and talking about our experiences thus far, made the drive seem quick and painless.

Granite was HOT. about 95 degrees, full sun blazing, but otherwise great skating conditions. The kids had a blast and the pros were also showing their big game. I noticed the pros helping the kids, mentoring them, improving their techniques. It was turning into the type of opportunity for the local amateurs that I hoped it would.

We all wanted to move on to EPIC Indoor Skatepark as soon as we could, so we loaded up the bus at 7pm and took the 30 minute drive to Roseville. When we arrived, many of the kids couldn’t believe their eyes and quickly ran onto the skate floor. Thankfully, Becca Wilson of 6twentyone was there to save the day and get the kids off the floor to make sure they had taken care of all the necessary safety precautions. Becca, nice work, homie.

Pizzas were right on time and everyone was hungry, but it was really funny watching the kids pass up the pizza to head onto the floor to skate. We had open session from 7:30 until 9pm, then a private session from 9-approx 10:30pm. (Dirk, big thanks to you for being so cool with us and letting us stay longer than expected). So many kids and pros landing big tricks… it was a skaters dream. A really great mix of vert and street. It’s probably the nicest indoor skatepark on the planet. (yeah, even better than Rob Dyrdek’s fantasy factory or even the Berrics!). Team Pain definitely built a master piece there. Another really great surprise was Eric Dressen showing up and shredding with us… what an awesome guy and one of my favorite skaters growing up. It was also really cool seeing Bob Mitchell of Surf and Skate.

John G, our film producer is quickly working away at the editing of the film, expected to be completed by May 2nd. I’m hearing great things from John about how incredibly dope the film is. I can’t wait to watch it. And more importanly, showcase the talents of our local talent. In fact, I had dinner with Ron Allen on Monday night and he told me his team was already flowing 2 of the kids and had another 5 on a short list of amateurs to watch. I’m hoping many of these kids make something out of their talents.

There are so many people to thank. I’ll take a stab at it now, but will probaby remember people that I have left out and will add them over time:

NHS Inc.. it starts with Jeff Kendall. Jeff, I couldn’t have pulled this off without you. Jordan T, the team manager from Santa Cruz, you pulled all the Creature and SC guys together and really made the event super positive. You are a rockstar. Sid Melvin… you are one of the funnest dudes I’ve ever met and you can get down on a skateboard like nobody’s business. Nilton Neves, you are an inspiration, a great role model and a gnarly skater that everyone looked up to and aspired to be like.

Creature… man, Gravette and Bingaman are super dope! It was so damn awesome watching you guys tear up park after park. You two are super pimps.

Karl Watson… the complete package. Awesome skater, humble, helpful, honorable, exactly what our kids want to be like.

Dave Chami… the best photographer I have ever met. You were awesome and it was such a privalege to have you there.

Deluxe… Dave Keagy, Pete Piazza and John Alden; you guys made this happen. I’m endebted to you forever. Ryan Peabody McWhirter, Frank Gerwer, and Jake Donnelly. Not only were you guys some of the fiercest skaters I’ve ever met, you were some of the coolest guys on the planet. Hanging out with you was one of the highlights of my day. You all rip.

Ron Allen, you are the man. You started the festivities off with a really positive vibe and watching you get your groove on was insane. You made it happen, bro. Thanks.

John Gotgart… our film guru. You captured all the details and mentored our aspiring filmers. We will be friends for life. Thanks for documenting such and incredible day.

Damon from RedBull… thanks for keeping us fueled with the redbulls all day long. I think I may have overdosed. It was great having them, though.

Jonathan Sales… our paramedic. Dude, you are awesome. It was great having you there. Thanks for taken care o bizness.

And SOOOOO many thanks go out to the countless personal friends and local businesses that sponsored seats for so many talented youth. Without you, this event would NOT have been possible. I am convinced that this has changed many of our kids lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Video is expected to drop on May 2nd. Can’t wait to watch it, hopefully with most of you, who played an instrumental part in the success of this tour.

Peace and thanks, Jason

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