Rip City Skates is sponsoring a showing of the documentary Highway Gospel in Portland on December 13th at the Living Room Theater.

A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man dies but once. B.C. renegades race down mountain highways on customized longboards, while a middle-aged skateboarder fights to keep his Ottawa skate park and creaky knees operational. Whether it’s bombing down hills at over 100km per hour, just inches from the ground, or spending 25 years and their life savings to keep competing in the sport they love, these guys are truly devoted — and a little road rash or even open-heart surgery are simply tests for the faithful. What starts out as a gonzo skate movie turns into a surprisingly heartfelt documentary that bears witness to the power of community, dedication and the DIY spirit. With intimate and candid moments that may lead you to think this is a mocumentary, Highway Gospel is a humorous and at times heartbreaking multi-character documentary that strikes an intricate balance between rowdy and insightful while serving as a reminder that heartfelt stories can also be hilarious.

Flyer and trailer after the jump.

Two new books out.

Not for sale, or maybe for sale. These are one-offs. You can have your own custom made. Amusing that’s it’s old man Mascis that the artist chose to portray, becasue otherwise the skateboard would make no sense. I saw Dinosaur Jr at Tritos Uptown in Champaign, Illinois circa 1988 or so. Loudest show ever. Unfortunately, one of the most boring too. That might have been in my straight edge phase. It’s just a phase, not a set of rules kids. David Bowie is rad.

[Source: Paste Magazine] – Thanks to Eric for the tip.

North Korea has it’s first skatepark, and boy does it look… fun? Apparently, red and blue tracksuits are mandatory. Enjoy the weird, depressing, and joyless “Wellness Center” video after the jump.

[Source: Good] – Thanks to Mac for the tip.

I mean, I think that’s Mark Gonzales, but you can’t really see him. Something to do with Adidas.

– Thanks to Egbert for the tip.

Best Friends skateboard. You know, like the little girl’s necklaces. By Carlton Dewoody, for sale on Grey Area. The price tag is absurd, but my hats off to Carlton for having the hutzpah to get it done and listed for that amount.

A Steve Caballero inspired surfboard graphic, made for the man himself. Details are sketchy, Facebook only links. Shaped by Lucas and Sons, as seen on Old School Skateboarding.