Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America opened in San Diego on April 28th at the Museum of Man. The show runs through September 9, 2012. It’s on tour for two years, maybe coming to a town near you. If not, there are open slots available. Hassle a museum or gallery in your neighborhood to bring it home. The Smithsonian Channel will air a program called Skateboard Nation starting on May 5th: Explore the underground movement that’s helping Native American youth throughout the U.S. soar above life’s challenges, one half-pipe at a time. Skateboarding is increasingly popular on Indian reservations, cultivating athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and mentors. From the streets of Albuquerque to New York City, from Washington, D.C. to Pine Ridge, SD, the sport is fueling a new form of self-expression and pride. – Hey Betsy!

Florida VERT Attack series is aimed at passing on the the vertical urge to a new generation, as well as just perpetuating those backyard days. M.E.S.S. anyone? (P.S. Britt! COme on Man, chime in!) No Comply has some photos form Florida Vert Attack #8. Vert Attack #9 was in March. These guys need to get a web site set up. Anyway, here’s a few photos of series organizer Tod Morrow, taken by Nick Nicks. Come on, real name? Wait, it might just be his real name. Top shot is SkatePark of Tampa and the indoor ones are at Vans Olando (R.I.P. as of 1-22-12).

This week’s photo is from Gage Thompson and features an unknown skater at the Wedge skatepark in Scottsdale, AZ. It reminds me a little of one of those where is Waldo poster (or Chin) or 80’s video games with the isometric backgrounds. Zaxxon anyone? The focal point of the skateboarding action is on the stairs, obviously. I looked at this photo several times before I noticed there was a purpose-built skatepark back in the corner. The art looks more fun than the park.

I’ve never heard Zarosh talk, so at first I thought the voiceover was actually him, but it isn’t. This video is the best. All instructional videos should be like this, even though it isn’t very instructional. Still, I gleaned a few things after watching it. Looks like Zarosh is usining the exact same exposure unit (AKA grow light) that Cold War has. Skateboards by Platypus, and voiceover by Birdo. Screen printing is amazing. – Thanks to Joey for the tip.

The BMX/Skateboard culture clash seems largely forced these days. Bikes. Get over it. Fairdale Bikes makes a functional and reasonably priced (in the bike world) pannier-style rack for a carrying a skateboard. I’d really like to see a combo of this with a regular over the wheel rack. If you have any doubt that the creator has his heart in the right place, check out the tongue in cheek video of the development process. Note to Fairdale: I fully expect to see Skate and Annoy added to the list of “Featured on” websites. I’ll even send you the logo. [Source: Moco Loco MR] – Thanks again to Boy for tip.

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.

This weird looking plastic skateboard comes from Italy, and it’s model or brand name is Ringo. I (obviously) like collecting weird little plastic skateboards, and this one is certainly worthy at an opening bid of US $6.47, but it’s the $40 in shipping that is making me pass. From the bottom it almost looks like a Makaha. Dai un’occhiata a questo articolo. – Thanks to Matthijs for the tip.

This week’s Shot of the Week is Dane Brady in downtown Portland, taken by Tom Bender. Nice. Very nice.

From Friday’s disco we segue int the soothing sounds of Off! It’s Monday and I want to make sure everyone starts the work week “off” on the right foot. Skateboarding footage included, so its rad and relevant. [Source: Boardistan]