Local events are always bitchin’ because it’s all about the community building. Now, we don’t want to sound like some “hugs-not-drugs” d-bags, but we’re serious. You can go ahead and spend heaps of cash throwing a strategically marketed hype-fest, but it will never compare to the local crew of skateboarders getting together and throwing a rad little shred session at a local spot. As I said, it’s all about growing the skate family.
That said, Muir always hosts rad community events—their latest Heavy Metal Hardcore skate jam was no exception. The event showcased a giant launch-ramp with heavy metal music blaring from within, a bunch of skaters dressed in hesh-wigs, zebra pattern tights, and various sleeveless shirts and jackets; soft- and hard-wheel slide jams, a longest-slide comp, a best trick session, not to mention Sector Nine’s Jeff Budro as guest judge and Danny Conner as grill-master—shit was on and poppin’. Not sure who won the various events? But everyone left the session with smiles on their faces, so all’s copasetic. Our only beef with the event was that Ballsy Dragon was a no-show—we were really looking forward to seeing that dude shred. You better be there next time Ballsy! Ha ha!
Jon Trujillio busting a huge air over his bro Adan, of Unmodern Skateshop. Photo: Reggie Ballesteros.
Bottom line, we had a great time skating with a bunch of rad skaters, and even more importantly, we made some new friends in the Community Of Shred. In particular, we met this chill skater/photographer named Reggie Ballesteros. We rapped a bit with Reggie about submitting some of his shots for Wheelbase, and as you see here, most of the shots we’ve published of the Heavy Metal Hardcore event are from Reggie—dude definitely has mad skills with the camera. Anyway, we hope you enjoy the following images and that they inspire you to go out and put together a rad event in your local community.
Big thanks to the Muir crew, Sector 9, Silverfish, Gravity and all the other sponsors who made the event such a success. Rock on!
