Author Archives: Han

Nestor Judkins and the folks at Salad Days just released a new documentary focusing on Rochester local, Ben Rubin and the former Skateistan instructors who helped set up the nonprofit, ROC Rolling Resettlement, in Rochester, New York, shining light on all the incredible things they’re doing for refugees in their community. 

The doc takes us on a trip back in time to 2022, giving us a peak at the humble beginnings of ROC Rolling Settlement and all the incredible work they’ve done—and continue to do—for the folks in their community. As Ben mentioned, they’re really just picking up where they left off in Afghanistan and bringing that stoke and positivity to Rochester (and hopefully beyond). 

It’s a great reminder that skateboarders have the power to do so much more than simply skate. And it’s always a beautiful thing to see organizations like these doing their part, because they’re often few and far between.  

Related: Wish You Were Here with Nestor Judkins – Salad Days Of Skateboarding

On a recent post on the Salad Days of Skateboarding IG, they mention: 

„We’ve been partnering with @rocrollingresettlement since they formed in Jan, 2022 by helping supply skate equipment for their programs. This film was shot during our visit in Spring 2022 as they were just starting and it’s an amazing Time Capsule to see how much they’ve built upon since then!“

Major shoutout to all parties involved. Your hearts are filled with gold and your efforts certainly do not go unnoticed. The positivity and confidence skateboarding can provide to literally anyone in the world—despite what they’re going through—is pretty awesome when you really think about it. And seeing these folks experience that first hand is a wonderful thing. 

If you haven’t already, watch the documentary to learn more and be sure to follow @rocrollingresettlement and @saladdaysofskateboarding on Instagram to stay up to speed on all the great things they’re doing. 

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content.

As far as skateboarding is concerned, it can be hard to stand out and do almost anything different these days (but it certainly isn’t impossible). For instance, indie skate films are alive and well, and there’s always been something special about those groups of motivated skaters who still just go out there and get after it.

And filmmaker Greg Navarro knows this first hand, as he shot his entire new skate video within the 6 mile radius of NYC’s iconic Central Park. Enter: The Central Park Flatground Club—a single location skate video filmed entirely inside New York City’s most visited park. Peep the teaser below!

The video is a follow up to a similar project Greg released titled, The Upper West Side Curb Club and if the teaser tells us anything, it’s that it’s going to be a rad one.

It’s an ambitious project, to say the least, which is obviously what makes it so rad. Because if you’ve ever been to Central Park, you know just how hectic this place can be… and that’s without trying to stack clips for a video.

Related: „MOJO“ A Ceremony Skate Shop Video

On a recent Instagram post, Greg wrote:

„I am beyond proud and emotional to announce my latest film. Set entirely within the six mile stretch of Manhattan’s largest park. ‚The Central Park Flatground Club,‘ a follow up installment from my previous skate film ‚The Upper West Side Curb Club.‘ Starring all my talented friends and many more. Over 2 years filming inside Central Park. Thank you all for this experience. Updates on this project soon. Hopefully 2024. Additional filming from @bingliu89.“

If you’re a fan of guys like Mark Suciu and Walker Ryan, Jack Curtain, Jack Fardell and a nice variety of ripping NYC skaters, you’ll love everything about this video. 

Filmed & Edited by Greg Navarro (gregpnavarro). Additional filming by Bing Liu (bingliu89). And as Greg mentioned… hopefully dropping this year! Keep your eyes peeled. 

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content.

Braden Hoban and Rayssa Leal claimed the top spots at SLS San Diego this past Saturday, April 20th at the Viejas Arena, and both delivered standout performances from start to finish. 

These two are no strangers to getting the crowd fired up with their styles and brag-worthy bags of tricks, and there’s really no denying they were both on top of their game all day long, making both wins well-deserved. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Street League Skateboarding (@sls)

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

Between Braden’s speed and consistency (and his solid style certainly doesn’t hurt), every trick was stomped and handled fearlessly. From the streets to the arena, this dude is always putting on a show and we’ve always been big fans of him over here. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Street League Skateboarding (@sls)

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

And Rayssa had the crowd in the Viejas Arena stoked from practice to the finals—as always—and continues to prove to us all that as incredible as she is… the best is yet to come. Her dedication and consistency do not go unnoticed. And it’s been incredible to see her progress over the past few years. She’s on fire!

In fairness, and as always, every skater in the contest was ripping and continue to push skateboarding in their own unique ways. So many styles, so many approaches, so many different tricks—all of it impressive. 

Related: Rayssa Leal Is Raising The Bar With Every Session: Undeniable Talent Right Here

For Braden specifically, the cherry on top of it all was getting this win in his hometown (on his dad’s birthday weekend no less). It was a family affair and we love to see it. His first-ever SLS win will certainly be one to remember. 

Congrats to both of these rippers and all the skaters who handled biz this past weekend. Onto the next. 

Oh… and in case you missed Brandon Turner’s switch hard (with backpack on) over the bump-to-bar, well, here you go. Like the caption mentions, this is about as SD as it gets! And was definitely one of the biggest highlights for me personally. Boom!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Street League Skateboarding (@sls)

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content.

Featuring TeamToe Alum and recent addition to the FIREXSIDE Man Am division @albertwoodchip, who’s been been uncovering the crust in his hometown of Bellingham, Wa alongside @joshbknapp the past few years. 

Film: Fred Zahina / Craig Louthan 

Edit: Cam Barrett / Adam Crew

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content.

The Dead Air dudes are back with the fourth season of their lauded pod. They’ve brought on Rob Sissi to chat all things footwear and classic 90s skateboarding nostalgia. Tune in. 

We’ve got something special brewing with these two for our next episode of Podus Operandi. Check a past episode below. 

Related: Podus Operandi: We watched 2003’s Free Your Mind

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content.