May Day Skate Jam

Yesterday in Portland, Cal Skates sponsored a skate jam as part of the 6th Avenue Street Fair that seemed to be taking place in front of Cal’s and that’s about it. I’m always complaining about a lack of artsy fartsy ramps in the states, but we had some here for sure. The big quarter pipe was covered in tiles on the top third, tiles that continued to break and fly off through the course of the session. It looked like it was giving everyone a bit of trouble, but at the same time they seemed to enjoy the added challenge. Another cool feature were two launch ramps that had been done up rather nicely to make it look like they were split from a cross section of a giant Northwestern tree. Kudos to whoever it was who realized that concept. Well done.

Cal Skates street fair Skate Jam

I had my wife and two kids in tow, and it’s finally dawned on me that I can’t make that work from a photography point of view. I’ve been in denial, yes. I have a hard enough time concentrating on the pictures without the added distraction of worrying about the whereabouts and entertainment levels of a 2 and half year old, much less a 7 month-er and a wife! In any case, in the 45 minutes or so that I was there I did manage to snap a few passable shots. Not to worry, Rich was there for the duration. Update: EPM has the goods.

As always, help with the names is appreciated.

Paul Bunyon launch ramp.

Chris Nukala. This isn’t a front side grind, unless it’s switch.

Xavier’s sweeper went to disaster.

Tyler AKA Junior!!!

I think this kid’s name is Andy. It is. Andy Adams.

Check out the awesome 80’s style launch over the top of the quarter pipe. This is one he actually landed too. Check out Rich in the corner!

Hey! Is this kid supposed to be here? He’s OK, he’s got a wristband. I hear he got in because his dad is an industry big whig who must have pulled some strings.

This is one of those atmosphere shots.

The picture below is jacked, but I still like looking at it. The saturation happened naturally and I think the only thing in focus is one wheel and a part of the board. Technically, it’s bunk, but It’s got a little somethin-somethin going for it. Although it may look like a horrible hangup, this is one of X’s sweeper to disaster attempts. I don’t think he rode out of this one.