Byron and Liam marinating in Oakland. Photo: Blake Smith.
Having been in the downhill scene for some years now I’ve seen many faces come and go. It’s been interesting watching the scene grow and the numerous skaters who have influenced the progression of our sport. One thing has remained a constant, and that’s the pairing up of skaters and friends that push each other and the boundaries of their skateboarding. Many of us in downhill have that one go-to friend who’s style of skating you understand as well as your own—the kind of skater who is always pushing you to skate faster, slide longer, and make it look better. Often, this skater-to-skater relationship takes both riders to a new level of shred. Dynamic Duo is homage to those close friendships created through a shared love of shredding and the bonds that help produce some awe-inspiring skating.
Getting greasy through the woods; P Town, CA. Photo: Blake Smith.
The East Bay has a long history of dynamic duos and legendary skate crews. When it comes to skating in the Bay Area, our standards are high. Having so many legends who have pushed the level of skateboarding before us, we recognize talent when we see it. It’s never been more evident that in Liam Morgan and Byron “Lil B” Essert. These two dudes are definitely the latest influential Berkeley skaters. On their own, both offer a different style of skating—from Liam’s all-out stand-up control, to Byron’s eye-candy slides. I’ve watched both of these cats grow up from grimy little groms to respected skaters in the community. That said, they do share many similar traits, so it’s no surprise seeing them where they are now.
Leaving thane at golden hour, Oakland. Photo: Blake Smith.
Byron and Liam were both born with the natural talent and gifted ability to ride skateboards. Their style and personalities are infectious and just being around them there is never a dull moment. There’s something awe-inspiring about watching Liam and Byron skate together. They have a way of vibing off each other that pushes each run to the next level. We’ll all be sitting at the top of a hill talking about how we’re going to take a chill run—maybe practice some slides and whatnot—but without fail, every time they drop in planning to take it easy, by the mid run they’re both charging stand-ups—each one upping the other every slide. I guess that’s their definition of a chill run? It’s crazy watching these two go down a run together as it always out does the one previous. Countless times I’ve opted out of skating just to watch these two shred together. I’m impressed watching them skate down Berkeley runs especially—some of the steepest roads around—full of cracks and potholes. But these two manage to push the level every time. Countless hundred-foot-plus slides have been thrown down between those two; for them it’s just another day of skating.
Switch. Photo: Blake Smith.
Last run. Oakland, CA. Photo: Blake Smith.
In their early days they were both so eager to learn and progress their skating. Charging every run they could, both were hungry to take their skating to the next level. Nothing has changed much since, besides a few more hairs on their face; but the same love for skating is still there. As Liam and Byron grew they started to build their trust as skaters and close friends. I remember leaving one summer and coming back in the fall to Byron and Liam destroying hills together on a whole other level. Beyond motivating each other, it’s clear they hold great influence in inspiring the local scene. Unfortunately, now everyone says “Greasy” every other word. . . only kidding Liam. Ha ha!
Sunset over San Francisco Bay Area. Photo: Blake Smith.
To wrap up, Liam And Byron have a friendship that extends beyond skating, which is what makes them such a dynamic duo. If it’s not hollering at girls on the street or dreaming of motorcycles, they’re just two good friends who skate together and enjoy the doing. I couldn’t be more stoked to have been able to watch them grow as skaters and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for these two young guns!
-Blake Smith
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