Thomas Morgan keeping it Canadian in an Alien Workshop ad for his pro model back in the 90's..

I was pleased to see Thomas Morgan ripping again this past Spring at CBMK. For those who don’t know he was one of only a handful of Canadian’s that managed to make it into the pro skateboarding ranks in the 80’s and 90’s. He started out as a vert skater riding for Alien Workshop and later adapted to become one of their most technical and stylish street skaters.

Good to see that Thomas is killing it still (along with other OG’s like Bokma and Hoffman)!

I was talking to Mark Appleyard about his new site during the Flip Premiere. It’s finally live, Werd Life. The new site is a collaboration between Mark, Geoff Rowley and artist Todd Bratrud. With these strong skateboard personalities the site should be epic and live up to the definition.

Best squeeze the best out of these last few weekends of summer. Looks to be a sweet and sunny weekend. A perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon. Or not?

Things are heating up in the skate scene too. Some of Toronto’s and Southern Ontario’s best are heading West to Hamilton this afternoon. Hamilton is holding the 17th annual Hamilton Sk8 Jam. One of the longest running amateur skateboard competitions in Canada. This year there is a twist. The original home of the contest, Beasley Bowl, will host today’s competition. The final day, Sunday, will be held at the new Turner Skatepark. A skateshop/crew challenge is being thrown in to see who can dominate both days.

Hamilton Sk8 Jam
August 15, 2009
Beasley Park (Mary & Wilson) – Hamilton

1pm start both days

The Useless Wooden Toys skateboard artclock benefit show for Skate4Cancer at Adrift in 2007.

The online Adrift Archive continues, and the show Saturday is fast approaching. Nike SB and Adrift are presenting a photo showcase celebrating Adrift Skateshop’s first four years of skateboarding, art shows, and live music. Looking forward to seeing images from Ryan Allan, Canice Leung, Andrew Norton, and David Waldman. Toronto photographers past and present and only a few who are contributing images.

The Adrift Archive
November 29th
7-11pm
116 Spadina Avenue

The moment of truth has finally arrived. Ten teams from across the country participated in SHOOT TO THRILL, a skateboard film challenge presented by Color Magazine. The Pro division of the competition was shot analog. Shooting a short film in just 72 hours would have been hard enough for each team of 5 participants (3 skaters, a director and photographer). To try that near toxic mix using only 10 rolls of 16mm film would be a nightmare! Much like regular film you the masterpieces or disasters are only truly discovered after the film is developed.

The stress is over, the editing done and the winner of the $8,000 SHOOT TO THRILL prize has been chosen. Check out the amazing skateboarding and art for Free tonight at the Bloor Cinema. All 10 short films will be screen and the winners of both the photography and movie will be revealed. It will be great to see what Canada’s pro skateboarders have put together. Looking forward to seeing Team Vancouver’s film shot by Fred Montagne (”French Fred“) as well as Toronto’s team featuring Corey Sheppard.

RED BULL SHOOT TO THRILL
Presented by Color Magazine

TORONTO, NOVEMBER 21st
Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor St W
9pm
all ages – FREE

Looking forward to the Adrift Archive show as their tribute site reveals some highlights circa 2004 to 2008. Adrift is celebrating it’s past life in Kensington Market with an art show in November’s. The old shop was host to great parties, great music, and great skateboarders. Contributing photographers from Ryan Allan, Canice Leung, and David Waldman so the show is sure to impress. Hopefully Adrift can continue to raise the bar and represent Toronto’s skateboard/art scene for many more years.

Friday night a party to celebrate the release of the latest issue of COLOR Magazine hits 751. The doors open around 9pm and music will be provided by DJ JUBE and THEY LIVE.

COLOR Mag 6.4 – Release Party
Friday September 26th
751 Queen St. West
Doors Open at 9pm
Music by DJ Jube and They Live

The “Island of the Ams” skateboard competition was quite impressive at Wakestock Friday.  Things are sure to heat up for the finals Saturday as $5,000 is on the line.  A lot of Toronto locals have a shot at the top spot which is nice to see.  Lee Yankou, Chris Gibbons, and Brandon Del Bianco.  Of course Bajcar simply rips his own way contest or no contest.  He was killing it during the competition and alongside the Zoo York team during the demo.  Both Zoo York and Globe riders are in town and will also be doing a demos between Am contest heats this weekend.

Matt Bajcar blasting over the flat bank at Wakestock 2008

I saw this massive skateboard pic of Dave Nolan near Yonge and Dundas.  While the shop posting this massive ad doesn’t even sell skateboards at least it’s by a Toronto photographer (Harry Gils) and is shot here in Toronto.