X Games Art

A guy in South Africa of all places was commissioned to illustrate different events for the 2011 X Games. I don’t know why I’m surprised. If guys in India can do our programming, guys in South Africa can certainly illustrate the X Games. Check out Jordan Metcalf’s portfolio.

- Thanks to MC for the tip.

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Sketchupdate

I subscribe to email news updates from the free 3D modeling app Google SketchUp. Included in the highlights this time were links to the past X Games park in both model form and reality as provided by California Rampworks.

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Ex – X Games park

It may not be portable, reusable,or around anymore, but it looks fun. 50-50.com has a gallery of the park and a few action shots too.

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X Games bowl

It may not be environmentally friendly, but it sure looks fun. Thanks to Brian Baade’s nameless friend Brian Forwood for the photo.

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Disposable vs Portable

ESPN has let out a few photos of the skate structure for X Games 17. They chose the now more commonplace method of pouring a concrete over a wooden substructure. This kind of facility is temporary and seemingly very wasteful, although the concrete and wood can be “recycled” into new concrete and new ramps. However, I’m pretty skeptical that they are going to store all that wood somewhere until the next time they use it. Landfill seems more likely. On the other hand, the Dew Tour is going a different route via a familiar name in precast concrete. Don’t confuse this with ordinary prefab, these massive pieces are cut with the aid of lasers and designed to be interchangeable and self aligning. The plan is to eventually build up a large library of interchangeable parts. If you’re confused about the strange look of these, then join the club. We’re supposed to get more information shortly, so stay tuned. SPeaking of the Dew Tour, I heard a rumor that PDX local Dave Tobin was being flown back to judge!

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In the best interest of the sport

It’s conceivable that these trucks might work well enough for a beginner. The technology dates back to the 50′s here, and believe it or not, I think there are some dirtboard, excuse me, mountainboarding trucks out there right now that are based on the same design. Still, call me cynical, but have to believe the decision to used these wacky trucks was based purely on profit motive. Maybe at the time these were a dollar cheaper than a traditional truck. May not sound like much, but multiply by thousands and then some in projected sales… On the one hand, the X-Games provide a way for an immediate group of skateboarder to make a living off of skateboarding, and a larger group through association. On the other hand, they peddle crap like this, or at least they used to. I don’t think they make this anymore.

- Thanks to Matthijs van Wijk for the tip.

There’s more…

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XGames 3D the movie

Opening today at selected theaters and running for a week is XGames 3D the movie. Freestyle motocross, vert BMX, skateboarding, snowboarding and Rally Car driving are featured and there is plenty of gnarly action. There are featured personalities and highlights from last year’s events as well as memorable moments from previous events. Jake Brown and Danny Way’s mega ramp slams are crazy to see on the big screen.

I have not seen any of the recent crop of 3D movies. XGames 3D The Movie is a large scale application of the 3D effect but after a while I forgot about it. I probably would have enjoyed it just as much as a normal big screen experience, although you do get a good sense of the scale of the MegaRamp.

It was great to see some of the Danny Way milestones, as well as Matt Hoffman’s BMX backflip and the first moto double backflip in competition, presented at that scale. I was quite moved by the Megaramp finale – with Danny Way continuing to compete after a bad slam – even though I had watched the thing whole thing on YouTube a year ago.

I’ll rate it better than Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince but not as good as District 9 or the latest Star Trek even with the 3D and I will partially agree with Slash that it was f***ing Amazing!

Kilwag’s review after the jump.

The Editor weighs in.

There’s more…

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Three-dimensional movie of the Extreme Games

Starting August 21, 2009 and running for a week Walt Disney Pictures (ESPN Films) presents X Games 3D the Movie supposedly for 1 week only. Check out the preview and order tickets through their website. $13.50 Adults 10.50 Kids and Seniors. Slash thought it was f***ing amazing. I wonder what those asterisks represent, funding? farting? farming?I hope it’s not presented in FEELAROUND.

Want a free pass for two for tonight at the Regal Bridgeport 18? I have a few available show is at 7, they have some rules about searches and no cell phones to prevent piracy. Send me a note if you want one. UPDATE: They’re all gone folks.

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Animated shot of the week with the Greek

Here’s the entire clip that is the source of the frame grab that was used as the Shot of the Week at the beginning of the month. some people grouse about using a video grab, and normally I would agree, but I really liked this shot. Apparently so did Bryce, because it ran simultaneously over at Skate Daily. Thanks again to the Baade.

There’s more…

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Action Sports Environmental Coalition

Did you know there was an organization called the Action Sports Environmental Coalition (ASEC)? Me either, until Brian Baade (…that name sounds familiar) told me they were on hand at the X-Games, watching over such green initiatives as fact that all the concession utensils, cups and plates are compostable. What the purpose of ASEC? It’s damn near impossible to find it on their website, since it’s set up more like a social networking site than something informative. OK, I did find it. It’s on the front page past all the videos and user photos:

ASEC works to inspire the action sports industry and its participants to value and take action toward social and environmental responsibility.

That’s an excellent idea. Their first task ought to be convincing the X-Games (and Maloof brothers) not to build disposable semi-recyclable concrete over wood skateparks. Spend the money and carbon credits on a permanent skate structure that gets donated to the community. I know there will be logistical hurdles in providing the spectacle for spectators, but figure it out instead of just paying lip service towards supporting skateboarding and a green environment. Put that in your Birkenstocks and smoke it. It’s hard to tell what they’ve got going on over at the ASEC because you actually have to sign up as a member of the web site to see most of what they have to offer. Still, It’s a good basis for an organization. Check out the Action Sports Environmental Coalition.

[Image Source: China Daily]

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