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…

That’s right, Lib Tech is giving away a free skate trip to Sweden to everyone… or at least everyone who wins this contest, which is of the skateboarding talent variety. This ought to be interesting for Mason Huggins, now that he’s no longer on Lib Tech.

Anyone who read Thrasher in the 80’s should remember references to the Capitola Classic downhill race series. They covered it when it was going, and pined for it when it wasn’t. It seemed there was always a Capitola rumor in On Board Trash. Of course, seeing as how my own front yard ramp got mentioned there once, they pretty much printed anything. Rumors be damned! Former competitor and second place women’s finisher Judi Oyama is doing her best to resurrect the Capitola Classic. She’s in talks with the city to try and bring it back. Not bad for someone who got uninvited to the race for being a chick. Judi has two recent appearances in local news concerning the Capitola Classic and getting the new generation, and especially women involved with their own scene. The poster is Jim Phillips design from the 1980 race and the picture is by Judi’s father. More Capitola links after the jump.

but Battle Ground is in Washington. Thanks Tobin for the tip.

Jürgen Horrwarth won the vert and was winning the mini-ramp-bowl portion of the European Skateboard Championships in Basle, Switzerland when it was rained out. There’s an interview with Jürgen on the Red Bull site. It’s supposed to be a direct link, but it’s wacky. Once the page loads you have to click on the “Visit Red Bull International” option and click the “interview” button. Another case of superfluous Flash Development gone awry…  The interview is really dry. Your time is better spent blowing it off and reading this excerpted  Claus  Grabke  interview from Juice Magazine. If you’re a die hard Jürgen Horrwarth fan, we’ve poached the whole thing after the link.

There once was an NSA contest in Louisville Kentucky called the Bluegrass Aggression Session, and nobody came to watch it. Somehow they let me on floor to take pictures during the practices and prelims. There were other guys from organizations like Lapper Magazine, Stuf, and even a certain GBJ. There was a monster vert ramp and a street course as well. On the left we have Eddie Reategui, and on the right we have the same obstacle, different viewpoint. Skater unknown. Full frame and enlargements after the jump.

Portland transplant Marek Litinsky is back in Czechoslovakia working for the KGB selling used skis. Don’t ask me, apparently it’s enough money to make it worthwhile. While reports have been almost non-existent, he had this to say: I also entered national championschip in bowl and ended up third. so I had money for a party. I love Czechs. Pilsner Urquell on tap for $1.50 with tip…. The picture above was featured in the print version of the the Czech skate mag called Board. I couldn’t find a link to a story or anything but you can Czech out a larger version here. Nice shirt Marek. Czech, Czech, Czeck. One-two, Czech, Czech. It’s fun to say and type. Photo credit: the Unknown Czech.

Grind for Life is an organization founded by skater and cancer survivor Mike Rogers for the purpose of helping cancer patients and their families with the financial aspects of traveling for treatment, as well as education and inspiration. If you’ve been to any of the World Cup events you might have seen Mike skating in the Masters division. This benefit and awards ceremony will be held at the Cocoa Beach skate park (I’ve been there and liked it! ) on November 18th and will feature pro demos from the likes of Benji Galloway and Tim Johnson and others.

He lives. More details from Port Orford Oregon field correspondent Shoey about the loop mishap. He’s Zac “The MAC” McKenzie from Port Orford. He’s sixteen and destroys everything. He broke his jaw in two places, got a concussion and scored some groupies from the show. He’s all healed up now and back to throwin 3 foot frontsides in the deep end. Everyone give a big hand to the kid from OREGON !!!!!!!!!!!! Photos by Abe Lambright. Check out an animated image of the fall after the jump.

Ouch. Last year I covered this event. This year I just kind of forgot about the Billy Runaway of video clip on his blog. The clip is hosted on a site called