| The Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, BC, Canada is a massive 10 day long celebration of “gravity fed sports” and the art / culture / music that goes along with them, showcasing the best of the best from around the world. Spectrum joined forces with Color Magazine, the Whistler Skate Association, RDS, Circa, Push.ca and Sitka to put together the most legit skate event I’ve seen in maybe a decade! The whole event was by skaters, for skaters. Even spectators were more of an afterthought, with everything being laid out to maximize the experience for the riders. It was dirty & gritty, in a parkade…just like “real” skating! The course was totally interactive, most elements could be moved and manipulated by the skaters, including the Volvo station wagon. The car and the wallride contest made it feel like the 80’s all over again. The level of skating, however, was strictly ’09. I can’t believe what went down on the Volvo. Congrats to Paul Machnau, John Hanlon and Brad Sheppard for placing first through third. Thanks to everyone for their help, whose car are we using next year?
Check these links for photos, video and more editorial. WHISTLERSKATE.ORG ; COLORMAGAZINE.CA ; PUSH.CA |