Faceskate? MySkate? Skateface? Nah, Skatebook!

Are you bored of all those social networking sites yet? If not, or you want to sign up to somewhere where you can meets peeps with similar interests to you then take a look here.
It's called Skatebook (see what they've done there?) and this is the official line:
"Skatebook is a creation of passions, fate, and hard graft. Here to link up all aspects of British skateboarding and associated cultures. If you skate, paint, film, produce music are in the industry, or into your skate clothes and footwear, skatebook links you to others who share your passions. A core social network for the British scene....Get involved!!!"
Sounds good to us, so good in fact that we signed right up with the 600 or so members already there.
If that sounds good to you, sign up today, and meet some like minded individuals, oh yeah, and don't forget to add us, we want more friends!

Coming Soon: Addict/Mitch Star Wars Tees

Here's something to get very excited about... Coming to a Route One store/website near you very soon is this classic hook-up between Addict and Star Wars.
Featuring some beautiful artwork by UK graphic artist Mitch, these really won't hang around for long, so keep checking back here to find out when they're in stock.
Entitled ‘Icons Series’ this one off set of officially licensed exclusive boxed tees depicts Mitch’s unique signature illustration style of three of the most iconic characters from the original Star Wars trilogy... Boba Fett, Sandtrooper and Scout Trooper. I'll take one of each please!
Click here to look at Mitch's remaining Tee from the Addict Artist Series 8 Collection. Very nice!

DC to Become the Chelsea of Skating

Biggest team news of the year so far? Definitely that PJ Ladd has defected from éS to join the ever impressive DC Skate team. Joining the likes of Dyrdek, Kalis, Gallant, McKay, Way and Wenning, the DC Skate roster is beginning to look like a who's who of skateboarding's elite and is surely unmatched in the industry.
DC supremo Ken Block had this to say: "I couldn't be happier to have PJ join the DC team. His skateboarding speaks for itself and he makes the DC team even more dynamic. I look forward to what DC and PJ can accomplish together."
Check out the DC Skate Team page for the updated bio's and click here for a preview of the upcoming dcskateboarding.tv site with a video of PJ in action. Also keep your eyes on this blog for the (surely) soon to be announced DC PJ's!

Coming Soon: REMZ OS

Here's the lowdown on the newest addition to our inline range:
Pioneered by Franky Morales, REMZ is bringing open shell (OS) boot concept to a new level: It features a minimalist design making it one of the lightest and slimmest skates in the industry. The OS skate has been revamped with revised strap placement and the addition of rivets in the side of the shell to help the skate stay together better. As the original inventor of the V-cut, Remz developed a brand new V-cuff for the OSone which is complimented by a specially designed V-liner from Jug providing perfect fit and comfort.
Sounds good to us, click here to watch a video review, and keep checking back to see when you can buy them!
Update - here they are!

Get The Skinny on Route One

It's that time of year again, skies are brightening, flowers are beginning to bloom, and animals everywhere are getting jiggy with it. What it also, and more importantly means is that the new season of products are slowly beginning to trickle into the office here at Route One in anticipation of the new catalogue launch in a few short weeks time.
Now, that is as ordinary as it gets round here, but for the first time ever and thanks to the power of the international-super-web, we will be bringing you some EXCLUSIVE previews right here on the Route One Active Blog.
So bookmark this page and keep checking back for the real skinny on what's up and coming!

It's a Habitat Free For All!

Fancy some more free videos from one of the industry's leading lights? Then you've come to the right place. The Official Habitat website is having a bit of a clear out, and they've decided to get rid of a lot of videos from their Field Log pages. (I lost count at 20...)
These Habitat videos are optimised for your iPod, but should work on most portable devices, or if not your PC, but won't be around forever, so our advice is to get rinsing the site a.s.a.p. before they're taken off. Make sure you don't have a download cap though, this could be a big one!
Hit the image, or click here to take a look.

Danny Renaud Update

Last week we bought you news about Danny Renaud's fall from a 9 storey building, here's the latest news about the rubber man from Stereo:

Danny Renaud is out of surgery and in intensive care with a broken tibula and fibula in both legs, a ruptured kidney, and a punctured lung. Doctors also removed 2/3 of his pancreas and his spleen.
On the bright side, they still expect a full recovery in time. He is fully conscious and speaking, and even cracking a few jokes if you can believe it. It's amazing that Danny has survived this and we are all behind him in wishing him safe healing. We are also extremely grateful for the massive amount of support Danny has been receiving from all of you. Most importantly, Danny has been read all of your posts and was in awe of all the well wishes and words, it was truly helpful in lifting his spirits to know how much support he has out there. We will due our best to keep you posted on the progress of Danny's recovery with more updates as they come in at HQ, and please keep those well wishes for Danny coming...

Amazing.

Working 9 till 5

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Pro-Skater? Well wonder no more with this great video from those lovely guys at Plan B. Not content with creating some sick decks and putting together one of the best teams out there, they're now putting out public information films!
Featuring Brian Wenning, this video follows the man and his hectic schedule for a day, so if you think skating as a profession is all about larking around and hanging out down the skatepark, you'd be very wrong. Err, actually you'd be dead right, as that's all Mr Wenning seems to like doing and who can blame him, that's all I'd be doing in his shoes!
Click here to check it out!

*Please be aware that this film does contain some language that may not be suitable for all viewers.

The Ripped First Birthday Bash

We Just got this in from Snoz at The Ripped Skatepark in Dewsbury:

"Come and join us for our 1st Anniversary: Saturday 26th Jan.

Its our first birthday, don't seem like 2 mins since we opened!

We would like to thank all the regulars for helping us to stay open when times were looking pretty grim, they say the first year is the hardest, and believe it has been very hard.

We would also like to thank Avit Extreme, Death Skateboards, Route One, Division 24, Relentless and any other companies that have helped out with donating items for prizes, and generally supporting what we are doing."

The night will consist of TEAM TRIALS + ALL-NIGHTER starting at 6 pm.

£10 members (includes all-nighter).

£12 non members (includes all-nighter).

The trials will be for age groups: Under 13's, 14-16's, 16+ with 2 winners from each age group getting a Ripped, hoody, t-shirt and brand new deck.

As its our birthday, there will be alcohol on the premises, you are welcome to bring your own beer but MUST be 18+ and have ID to drink. We will not tolerate under age drinking or drug abuse in our park.

Hope to see you all there!"

If you've never been to The Ripped, then get down to this, it's one of the best indoor parks in Britain, with all manner of mad lines, perfect transitions, a weird paint job and pool coping throughout. Basically if Snoz built it, you know its good.
Check out our favourite ginger, Route One rider, Avid Johnson schralping the main room below.

Who Needs Clubbing?

Here's one for all you insomniacs out there, Rampworx, Liverpool's finest skatepark has recently announced two nights of non-stop action in February and March.
First up, on the 15th of February, they are hosting a skateboard all-nighter. Running from 10pm till 8am and costing a tenner, it's gonna be a 4-wheels only night, so there'll be no pesky bladers or bikers cutting you up. Sounds good to us.
If you fancy lighting the place up and skating with a bit of style at the event, just have a look here, you won't be disappointed...

Also just announced, so you won't feel left out, is the BMX all-nighter set for the 14th of March. The same details/costs apply. All we need now is for the inline event to be announced. My money's on the 11th of April...
Can you think of a better (legal) way to spend your Friday nights? We can't, unless it contains some ******, a few ******'s and a handful of *****'s!!!

Bastien Who?

Well, you might be forgiven for wondering, as Bastien Salabanzi has been off the radar for a while, indulging in some of his 'other' passions. What, other than skateboarding?
Anyway, he's just popped up as a new member of the Spanish board company Jart, obviously needing some help after leaving Flip and we hope this should set the French-Congolese skater back on the right track of skating awesomeness.
Back in the day, Bastien was one of the skaters to watch, demolishing anyone that came between him and glory and getting some signed up with the likes of Flip, Vans and Etnies. In fact, click here to see the last bit of Bastien branded stuff we've got left. Hopefully expect more to come in the future.

Save London's Southbank

Part of London's South Bank Center known as the under-croft, has been used by the skateboard community since the early seventies. It was originally an architectural dead-spot which has become the home of British skateboarding. The size of the under-croft has rapidly reduced in recent years and was supposed to be returned to original size. This now seems unlikely and the future of the whole space is completely unsure at present. One part of the South Bank Centre has already been turned into shops looking out over the river and rumour has it the rest is sure to follow.
Please help us prevent this happening, sign the petition at: petitions.pm.gov.uk/saveSB/

AND LET ALL YOUR FRIENDS KNOW, THIS CAN'T BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN!

*taken from www.kingpinmag.com

The Dogtown Runners

In the 1970's, a group of bored teen surfers from a rough neighborhood known as "Dogtown" in Venice, California, created a cultural revolution by trying their favourite surf moves on dry land, creating a brand new and distinct style. And thus, the sport of skateboarding as we know and love was born.
Now, most of us have seen Dogtown and Z-Boys (if not why not?) and marvelled at the size of the boards, the length of the hair and shortness of the shorts involved, but how many of you knew the real origins of the sport?
That's right, in those heady days before skateboards were invented, the crazy LA kids used to bust their moves without any hardware, using only what God gave them, their feet and hands.
The video below showcases some of the antics that these boys got up, prepare to be amazed!

Mike Rusczyk Retires

Announced a couple of days ago, Foundation team rider Mike Rusczyk has retired from Professional skating. Only made pro a couple of years ago after many years as an Amateur rider for Foundation, Mike has made big impact on the industry.
Recognized as one of the greatest to ever no-comply, Mike won't be leaving the skate world forever, and has taken on a a role with shoe manufacturer Sole Technology, which according to Mike, "has given me an opportunity to stay involved with skateboarding and be able to live comfortably".
Well who can argue with that? We say: good luck Mike!

Take a look here to see Mike's last ever Foundation deck stocked at Route One. (While stocks last!)

Osiris Abel Mk. II. First Look.

What do we have here then? That's right, we've just received delivery of the sequel to one of last year's best and fastest selling shoes and we've got a good feeling about this one too.
For those of you that don't know, O.G. Abel is one of LA's best street artists, most famously known for his combining of graffiti styles and airbrushing techniques to create a unique style that has taken the skate shoe world by storm.
This new model from Osiris follows the same style lines as the previous one, but this time incorporates a skull-based see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil image on one side, with an assortment of spray cans, fat markers, paint rollers and a gas mask on the other.
Very nice we're sure you'll agree, and if you do, you should be able to order these online from the 16th of January or so, and in store sometime after that, so get ready as these will fly off the shelves even faster than last time!
Update - here they are!

Skate or Shop? Your Choice...

This is the best news we've heard all year! Instead of trailing your other half around the shops this weekend, ditch her (or him) and make your way upstairs to Edinburgh's newest skatepark! That's right, for those of you who didn't already know, the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Leith is about to open it's doors to the Transgression Skatepark.
Designed by BMX rider Dave Sowerby and built by a team of very dedicated (and unpaid) locals, the park will provide refuge for skaters, bladers and bikers and also includes a breakdance area, a café and a shop. Future plans include free running, tricking, trials, a stunt school and the ability to alter the park layout whenever required.
Due to open on the 19th of January, the park sounds awesome and we'll be getting our bro's from our Edinburgh store to take us there ASAP!

Click the video below to see an early demo of some of the lines on offer...

Coming Soon to a Store Near(ish) You

Every design classic must draw its inspiration from somewhere right? And in the case of these incredible Nike SB Dunk Low's, that inspiration comes from the stunning Gibson guitar case from 1947 seen below.
An old guitar case isn't the obvious place to look for shoe ideas, but Nike are definitely on to something with these. Featuring high quality aged brown leather, with pink stitching, a fuzzy pink interior and a pink insole printed with loose change and dollar bills to represent the busker in all of us, this shoe is destined to be a classic and surely is just going to be too good to skate in.
Unfortunately, the Route One website is unable to sell Nike SB shoes, but we do have limited numbers available in our Guildford store, (click here for details). These should be available to buy from the 18th of January, but get in there quick, they won't hang around forever.

If you are a Nike addict, don't forget to look at our Nike 6.0 range online and available to order now!

Your Private Invite to The Berrics

Ever wondered what the LA pro skaters do when it rains or when they need to chill? Well wonder no more with The Berrics website.
Set in a warehouse owned by Steve Berra and Eric Koston, the site documents everything that goes on behind what is usually very tightly closed doors. That's right, no public, no distractions, no rabid-autograph-hungry-fans and best of all, no police.
More of a blog, the site gives regular updates on who's been skating or visiting, what work is being done/planned and best of all, it's fully loaded with videos of some of the best skaters on the scene at the moment, videos that will probably never be seen anywhere outside of the site, including some seriously impressive Mariano workouts.
Skaters seen so far: Steve Berra; Eric Koston; Guy Mariano; Heath Kirchart and Erik Ellington, with many, many more to come. Sit back, explore and enjoy!

Bust Tricks While Learning, with Dr. Skateboard

Have you noticed your grades going downhill since you started skateboarding? Parents getting on your back? Well, worry no further as Dr. Skateboard is here to help!
With a Ph.D. in Multicultural Teacher and Childhood Education, undergraduate degrees in History and Zoology, as well as a Masters' degree in Education the Doctor obviously knows his stuff. Not content with knowing pretty much everything in the world, the Doc has been into his extreme sports for over 30 years and now combines the two to dramatic effect.
The site has tons of photos and videos, our favourite has to be the lesson on Newton's laws of physics explained while backflipping a BMX! Just check it out, if not for the gnarly action, then for the informative videos and lessons. We like to call it: eduskation.

Danny Renaud Survives Massive Fall

From the Stereo Blog:

"Danny Renaud, Agent 305, was seriously injured in an accidental 9 story fall on January 9th in Miami, Fl. Miraculously Danny survived, but the fall resulted in both legs being severely broken, and some internal injuries. Luckily, Danny suffered no head trauma or spinal injuries, and we are glad to hear he is expected to fully recover in time. If anyone can pull through something like this, it's Danny. Our positive thoughts and prayers go out to Agent 305. Please feel free to post any well wishes for Danny here..."

Get well soon Danny.

R.a.D Magazine is Resurrected From the Ashes

One for those of us with bits of grey appearing in our hair here. Do you remember R.a.D. magazine? Published between 1987 and 1993, it was an awesome mag that showcased the best of the UK skate and BMX scene as well as the more obvious US stuff.
Unfortunately it died an untimely death, but now R.a.D may be getting a reprieve thanks to a website dedicated to republishing the original mag page by page. Now that might not seem so amazing, but remember that the mag came out before the days of the Internet and desktop publishing and is destined to be a great site for skate-related reminiscing.
As a little starter, check out this cover shot from 1988, featuring Steve Caballero, skating London's South Bank. Click here to visit the site, but remember it's going up at a page at a time, so be patient!

Create your own Independent Video. For Free!

Ever fancied trying your hand at a bit of video production? Well, thanks to the friendly guys at the Independent Truck Co. you now can!
With amazing footage from their recent Summer '07 Northwest Tour, featuring Dan Drehbol, Matt Mumford and many others, this is a great opportunity to get a full length skate video for free. Alright, so you have to put a bit of effort in, but you get to pick and choose what you use, and in what sequence you arrange it.
Once that is done, you can burn it to DVD, or just upload it to a portable video player of your choice. Then print off the cover art (if needed) and there you have it, your own personalised skate DVD! Result! Click the image below for the link.

My name is Tony Hawks, and my Specialist Subject is....

Now, you might not know this, but there is an English comedian called Tony Hawks, yeah, it's funny already isn't it? Now, after receiving (and replying to) pages and pages of emails from excitable young and confused skate fans, he decided that he knew so much about doing 900's and what a Boom Boom Huck Jam was, that he thought he would have a go on last week's Celebrity Mastermind.
Be prepared for quite a surreal experience, but to be honest he does a pretty good job of it in the end and definitely makes us laugh!

Marc Johnson Wins Skater of the Year 2007

And about time too. Marc has been consistently one of the most impressive skaters on the circuit and finally he has been acknowledged by the industry. After one heck of a year which culminated in the launch of Lakai's awesome Fully Flared DVD, in which he takes a leading and highly acclaimed role. Marc also designed the beautiful Lakai MJ-3 shoe, which has been sported by almost everyone working here at Route One Towers in the last 2 years.

Awarded by Thrasher Magazine, Skater of The Year is the one everyone wants to win. Voted for by the readers rather than the suits and with a list of previous winners that simply blows the mind. From Carroll to Koston and Hawk to Daewon you can now add the name of Marc Johnson. Give the man a medal.

DC Announce the Gallant Signature Shoe

At last Ryan Gallant has been honoured by the folks at DC and has been allowed to design his very own signature shoe. Loosely based on the classic DC Manteca, RG has really pulled out the stops and produced what we think is going to be one of the best sellers of 2008.
Constructed from heavy duty DC Super Suede™ and initially available in two colours, the Gallant should be available to buy towards the end of spring, so keep your eyes peeled for updates! In the meantime, have a look at the Gallant microsite for more info and some sweet images!

Aberdeen Jam - 19th Jan - Transition Extreme

We just got word from our main man in Scotland: Zak Buys ( Route One and Razors rider ) this jam is happening on the 19th of January at Transition Extreme in Aberdeen. Zak and his fellow Route One team member Keir Lyndsay are making the trip up from Edinburgh and Glasgow respectively, so if you live in Scotland and want a nice days rolling at Scotland’s sickest park, get up there!

Click here for some footage of Keir and his buddy Alan Dick at the park to whet your appetite.