11-8-14

Saturday was a great example of how skateboarding transcends the categories, classifications, and barriers we create for ourselves. Amelia Brodka continues to build momentum for the female skate scene and this year’s Exposure was the largest to date. 50 women showed up to compete on their skateboards along with 46 younger ladies signed up for learn to skate clinics at the Encinitas YMCA this year.

Three young ladies dominated the Under 15 pool and the vert ramp events with Poppy Olsen, Brighton Zeuner (nice ramp you have by the way), and Spencer Breaux taking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively ineach.

Keep in mind, the terrain they’re riding is like triple overhead and they’re  not phased one bit – definitely awesome to see. Jordyn Barratt won both the vert and the pool for Amateurs aged 15 and up beating over a dozen others in the bowl event. The pros had some familiar faces including Allysha Bergado, Lizzie Armanto, Julz Lynn, Nora Vasconcellos, Gaby Ponce, Hunter Long, and Amelia.

Lizzie was able to win both the Bowl AND Vert event thanks to the fact she can basically frontside invert anything. I think the first thing I saw Saturday was a frontside invert on the extension on the vert ramp. Can’t say I know a lotta guys or girls doing that one.

But there was more to Saturday! The sun set over the calm blue waters of the Pacific, people packed their lawn chairs (and coolers), and headed north for the Vans park behind the orange curtain.

BOWL RESULTS:
Pro Division
1st Lizzie Armanto
2nd Julz Lynn
3rd Allysha Bergado

15 and over
1st Jordyn Barratt
2nd Hannah Chumley
3rd Pauline Branom

14 and under
1st Poppy Olsen
2nd Brighton Zeuner
3rd Spencer Breaux

 

VERT RESULTS

Pro Division

1^st Lizzie Armanto

2^nd Gaby Ponce

3^rd Amelia Brodka

 

15 and up

1^st Jordyn Barratt

2^nd Mecu Videla

3^rd Pauline Branom

 

14 and under

1^st Poppy Olsen

2^nd Brighton Zeuner

3^rd Spencer Breaux

 

Some 80’s pro had his birthday, his name is Steve Caballero. I guess this Stevie guy was pretty popular in his time because the entire Vans skate park was shut down for his birthday.

The pool was abused by some of the best round wall rippers out there. Cory “Sleepy Turtle” Juneau knocked dust off the rafters with some massive frontside airs. Grayson Fletcher paddled in and surfed the hell out of every corner, Charlie Blair floated with ease on the hips, and Jeff Hedges worked on his shoulder strength while he stalled stylish Smith verts and sad plants. . Host Steve VanDoren, went overboard on this event and should be nominated for President with his continued support of skateboarding and always throwing the best parties and events.

Several classic hot rod cars were displayed outside on the patio with some very cool lighting.

That man can throw a party! To top it all off a stage was set up in the middle of the park and Steve’s band The Faction played an incredibly rocking set. If that wasn’t enough, the band that played next was Agent Orange and they did not disappoint.

It was a who’s who of the skateboard world in attendance. Skateboarders don’t get old, if you are good enough and skate long enough they have a name for it… LEGEND. Steve Caballero fits that mold quite well.

Happy 50th Stevie. It was a very long day but for a or gal that likes skateboarding and rock and roll, days like this don’t get much better. Skateboarding is alive and well…

All Words & Pics by Dan Sparagna & Packy Fancher