Annette’s got the hits, and EPM has the park slalom coverage, as well as links to more coverage. First off, I’m surprised that the city of Aumsville agreed to host another contest. Perhaps there is a new administration in this notoriously skater-unfriendly town. Skater-unfriendly? How could that be when practically the only thing in that town is the skatepark? I think they got more than whatthey bargained for. They probably thought they were getting a playground instead of a world class skatepark that attracts traveling skaters. They have been hostile and inflexible towards competitions in the past, ultimately rejecting the Trifecta after two years. Not to mention the predatory behavior of local law enforcement towards visitors from out of town. I actually haven’t been to Aumsville in a long time, but just thinking about it makes me smile. It’s a really fun park. Aumsville locals, how is the surface holding up? i’ve heard it is getting pitted. Aumsville public servants, protect your investment! Star sealing that park annualy before it’s too late. Second point of interest: What is the social hierarchy in slalom skaters? Do the regular slalom skaters dismiss park slalom as a gimmick or fad? Do park slalom skaters think conventional slalom is for Barneys?
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Doesn’t everyone think slalom is gay?
I seem to remember hearing the same thing about all skateboarding in the 80’s.
Thanks for putting on a great weekend Pat. I had a BLAST.
Pat Chewning
I approached the city administrators and they were a breeze to work with to get the permit to hold the event. I think what helped was that the event is associated with the State Games of Oregon, and the fact that our slalom organization (CSA) has held several sucessful events at the Salem Soap Box Derby hill. I found Aumsville easy to work with (no-cost permit, no date conflicts, no problem bringing in a PA system …. smooth as silk).
Most regular slalom riders love Park Slalom. I personally wish I had the skills to do Park Slalom — it sure looks like a blast to me. It is not a gimick or a fad — skate parks are actually much more accessible for holding races than closing down streets to do more traditional slalom racing. The racing is different than regular slalom (e.g probably don’t need cone penalties), and probably needs to evolve somewhat. I was very happy to have Dan Hughes setting the course and helping me out.
— Pat