The Sloth Skateboard Company

I moved to California over 6 years ago from Vancouver BC, and although I love where I live, I miss how progressive Vancouver is in terms of skateboarding law, the use of public space, and the allocation of funds for new skate parks. Years ago I was the Vice President of the Vancouver Skate Board Coalition - an organization that lobbied for new skate spots and parks, softer laws, and city-wide skate-related programming at the community level. The VSBC’s biggest feat at that time (in terms of use and planning) was the infamous Plaza - a park built to emulate famous Vancouver street spots that had been capped by the city. That park is still a hub today, even internationally.

The VSBC is still going strong due to the ongoing efforts of Michelle Pezel, current VSBC President and manager of Antisocial Skateboard Shop, and Jeff Cole, current VSBC V.P. and manager of Skull Skates. Alongside a small group of committed board members, they have tackled a plethora of projects: from building Leeside (dedicated to Lee Matasi R.I.P) to securing funding, year after year, for new spots and parks in Vancouver’s Capital Plan. When it comes to skateboarding, this community doesn’t quit.

Last night I strolled by Antisocial to partake in a meeting facilitated by Kyle from New Line Skateparks. The discussion revolved around plans to re-purposed a kiddie pool in a Vancouver park - to reuse the space and concrete from a defunct shallow city wading pool, and convert it into a mini skate park where kids in the community can learn to skate, practice flip tricks for hours, or get technical on a small ledge or manny pad.

How refreshing it was to once again see community members, city planners, and skateboarders exchange ideas for what obstacles and features to include in the design of a park - and equally cool, to witness New Line’s approach: consulting with a group bigger than there own to ensure the plans stayed in concert with the voice of the people that care most. I would encourage anyone reading this in entirety to get involved in what they care about at the community level. It certainly has enriched my life, and undoubtedly helped to keep Vancouver one of the coolest towns I know.

IT’S BEEN A MINUTE.  Summer travel and big life changes have lead to an unusual number of ideas lately. I’ve been working on a large body of work -  automatic drawings because I find them to be easy and selfless - almost external of myself - as an arm, or leg, or tongue, or hand were to be if it were unconscious of itself - it would move better - as a pen does when it’s in a hand that’s unconscious of itself.

I’ve been working on new board graphics for what seems like forever. I want them to be good. I’m saving my pennies for the next run of decks. 8.0 and 8.5. Objections? Suggestions? Email me.

I’m feeling in love with the world today.