Shanghai

Thrasher Magazine, Nov, 2004

Cross Tony Hawk, the MTV Music Video Awards, a mini-ramp, some Chinese wood and a television audience of millions, and what do you get? In this particular Birdman incident he got himself a broken board and an MTV spaceman trophy for Best Video Soundtrack. We're reasonably sure that Bell, Quiksilver and Birdhouse will reward the Hawk for the sartorial elegance of his billboard ensemble.

The United States Skateboard Association, which has been a governing body of the sport since 1974, returned to the forefront with the Guiness Book of World Records highest wall ride competition. The event was held at a reconstructed Babylon-by-the-shopping-mall on Hollywood Boulevard and Highland. Ray Flores opened his latest Board Gallery store simultaneously to the contest. USSA-WSA leader James O'Mahoney supervised the affair that produced a tie for the record of 7.6-feet between Aaron Murray and Brad Edwards. Eric Britton and Bennett Hirada went 7.1-feet, Jimmy The Greek did 6.10-feet, Mike Santarossa tapped 6.5, and Alex Beck tipped 6.3. With no roll-in to speak of this was a difficult task; although, a couple of marks in the near vicinity of eight-feet were said to have occurred during practice. Present riders included Jesse Martinez, Dave Reul, Tony Lepanto, Ivan Brito, Kenny "Da" King, Aaron Kennedy, Jason Brown, Gavin Obayashi, Richard Brito, Stacy "Sta-Lo" Lowery, Matt Lemond, Chris Cook, Frank Hirata, Eddie Reategui, Christian Hosoi, Heidi Fitgerald, Eric Dressen, Brian Patch and, yes, Pat Ngoho.

The forever-humble David Hackett has reportedly taken to referring to himself as being "insanely radical" in his own press releases. DH is also scheduled to star in the DT in DT event, which is claimed to be occurring at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium with over 8,000 persons in attendance. The last Dogtown in Dogtown festival resulted in an event-cancelled sign upon the Civic marquee.