Matt Costa Releases His Second Album

Matt Costa didn’t launch his music career by conventional means. In fact, the 24-year-old literally fell into the business. In 2003, the Huntington Beach native shattered his leg in a skateboarding accident. With 18 months of rehabilitation looming ahead, Costa picked up a guitar to pass the time.

Five years, one crude demo, an independent album and a couple of friends-with-benefits later, Costa has released his second album (Unfamiliar Faces on Jan. 22), well on his way as a rising star in the singer/songwriter world.

Full story.

Surf Legend Corky Carroll Writes About His Skateboarding Son

Corky probably doesn't even remember this...back in the mid 1980's when I was working as a consultant for Surfer Publications he let me camp out in his guest house.

Ok, on to the real story. Corky's son Tanner is hoping to become a professional skateboarder, so being the good dad, Corky set out to learn more about the pro skate scene. See what he found out.

Q&A With Rodney Mullen

The Mutt To Speak AT UCLA

One might call him the Thomas Edison of skateboarding. Having invented dozens of standardized tricks such as the ollie and kickflip, Rodney Mullen is one of the most decorated professional skateboarders in history.

Today, Mullen will visit UCLA to speak about his transition from outcast college student to soul skater. But first he sat down with the Daily Bruin’s Devon McReynolds.

Daily Bruin: What made you want to start skating?

Rodney Mullen: I grew up in Florida, and I never really felt like I fit in. It’s probably a common bond that a lot of skaters have and I certainly felt that. I really liked the individuality of it, where you don’t have to dress up all the same. You’re really on your own. You didn’t have a coach, no one’s going to tell you what to do and it never ends in terms of the possibility of what you can do. It presented problems from the folks because in the 1970s the culture saw (skateboarding) as a thing for bad apples. My father was really against it and thought it would lead nowhere. It was kind of a hard thing to overcome. The interview continues here.

Gonz Interview On The Thrasher Site

For all you Gonz worshipers, the Thrasher website has an interview with Mark Gonzales.

Beverly Hills Arrest Makes Jason Lee Uncomfortable

Actor Jason Lee feels uneasy every time he has to attend an event in Beverly Hills - because he was once arrested there for illegally skateboarding.

The My Name Is Earl star was a budding skateboard superstar when police caught him playing in a parking lot at night. He says, "Two sheriffs' cars came up on us, and we hear, 'Hands against the wall!' "They were really vicious. They put us in a holding cell for five hours. I can't go back to Beverly Hills, man."

TSJ says...Get over it Jason. Now that you're a "superstar" if you got pulled over in Beverly Hills, the cops would probably just ask you to autograph something for their kids.

Vancouver’s Skull Skates Immortalizes Local Ambassadors Barry Walsh and Marc Tisson

Respect is a big word for guys like Barry Walsh and Marc Tison. Respect for their chosen sport and lifestyle. Respect for the city they come from. Respect for people who keep it real. As members of the famed Embassy MTL (also known as EMBC MTL) skateboarding crew, Walsh and Tison are also the newest faces for Peter “P.D.” Ducommun’s Skull Skates in Montreal. This week, Skull Skates launches its limited edition Barry Walsh and Marc Tison boards, and for the Montreal duo, it’s as close as they’d like to get to a valediction of their 20-plus years on four wheels.
Vancouver-based Skull Skates has always had an independent streak, shunning the sport’s fluctuating trends over the years. Like Walsh and Tison, the company remained apart from the bigger names, and bigger money, the sport had to offer. “It’s a perfect philosophical fit,” Walsh says. “He’s bringing his brand into Montreal with respect.” More...

Bob Burnquist On Ipath

Torrance, CA – IPATH is pleased to announce that Bob Burnquist is the latest addition to the team. Bob’s unique approach to skateboarding makes him a solid fit for the expanding IPATH crew.

From innovating every time he steps on a skateboard, to his own legendary backyard park and mega-ramp, to organic farming, Bob follows his own unique path in every aspect of his life.

Read the complete article at TWS Business.