Fitz's Focused Wing

Brian, Fitz, and I did a little day trip to Cannon Beach and Bay City. We were going to hit Lincoln City after Bay City, but Fitz broke both bones in his forearm, shattering one in multiple pieces. Some of the bone protruded through the skin, but we didn't even see any blood until after he was in the emergency room in Tillamook. He was scheduled for surgery today to have some metal plates installed in his right arm, which will now match his left arm. Pretty much just a freak accident. Bummer too, Fitz was skating really well that day. Heal up quick Fitzy!

Jason Beaudry Merde Ad in October Concussion

Merde co-creator and all around good guy, Jason Beaudry was kind enough to agree to shoot an ad for the next issue of Concussion Magazine. Kind of hard to tell from the picture, but Jason is gapping about 10' from this weird handicap ramp thing that runs parallel to the sidewalk. It's at the Standard TV and Appliance on Hall in Beaverton. Congrats Beaud!

Chris Crites (bagpainter) Graphic

I've been waiting upwards of a year to come out with this graphic. We are finally going to get it done for October. Chris Crites will have a gallery show on first Thursday in October at The Life. We'll also be doing a board release party at that time, giving away a few boards with Chris' graphic. Thanks again to Chris and The Life.

Chris Nukala Senior Project

The following excerpts are taken from the Open Meadow Advocate. Photo: Mike Goetz/The Skateboard Archives.

This young man is trying to bring his community skateboarding. Chris Nukala is a senior at Open Meadow CRUE, a project based alternative school, and Nukala must complete a senior project prior to graduation. “I just wanted to do a senior project I could feel good about while helping low income skaters in North Portland and promote skateboarding as a positive and possibly a life saving activity” says Nukala. After talking with Nukala I understood his mission. He stated “My project started as myself wanting to raise money for five complete skateboards to give to low income kids in north Portland. Only days into finding contributors I had plenty of product so I figured if I can do more for my community, why wouldn’t I? So I changed my mission statement to help every local skater in St. Johns whether or not it’s as big as a complete board or as small as grip tape or hardware. “There are skate parks all over the world now. They are definitely not hard to find, so I found myself wondering why you would do this at Pier Park instead of a more crowded skate park like Glenhaven Park or the Department of Skateboarding. I would imagine you could possibly get through to more kids there?” Chris exaggerating heavily, responded, “Isn’t Glenhaven crowded enough? I have lived in North Portland my whole life so I know the dangerous activities that kids could get involved with such as gangs, drug abuse and theft. I have also seen how skateboarding has veered my once troubled friends back on the right track and kept them out of trouble. Drugs and gangs flooding the streets of North Portland along with failed, troubled or drug addicted parents deprives our community’s youth of a fair chance, and I feel skateboarding could give these kids a positive way to stay active and out of trouble.” Would you like to shoot a shout out? “I would like to thank Merde Skateboards, Bacon Skate, Justin and Mike at Jivaro, Randy and Grover at Cold War Skateboards and of course, Howard at Cal Skates in Portland. All you guys are great!” Giving Back to the Community -A summary of Chris Nukala’s senior project. A conversation between Chris and his English teacher Lauren

Hats off to Nukes for doing something positive for his fellow skater.

Chris Nukala Merde Ad

First ever ad with Merde rider Chris Nukala. Hey, nice job man...real nice job. Coming out in the March issue of Concussion and Lowcard magazines.

Jesse Reno Series

Jesse Reno is a local Portland artist who was gracious enough to complete a two piece series. Hoping to get these boards out in the next few months. Thanks again, Jesse.

Alex McVey Graphic

New boards probably be out sometime this summer. Artwork by Alex Mcvey.

PJ Fidler Series

Currently in the process of getting a two graphic series going. Using artwork from PJ Fidler. Should be done sometime in February. Will only be available on the 8, 8.25, and 8.5. Click on board pics for close up of artwork.

Merde

Merde (mmm-air-d) means shit. It means shit in France. Here it means, "what the hell is murdy?" Anyway, Jason Beaudry and I conceptualized it over some beers one night. And like many business plans conceived with alcohol, this one is based on in-depth market research, customer questionnaires, pie charts, power point presentations, and business luncheons. So knowing that, you know this micro company is "on point". Sizes are pretty much going to range from 8 to 8.5. Most are probably going to hover around the 8.25-8.5. Only because I'm old and fat, and most of my friends are the same. At least old anyway. The wheelbases exist and each board does have a length. They are made here in the States, so you can rest assured you aren't supporting some communist asshole. You would be supporting this asshole. Thanks.