This game intro out does the one from the original SKATE game. The all star cast on SKATE 2 looks awesome. Noticeably missing is the Gonz.

[via]

GiantBomb covered the Electronic Arts event earlier this month that showed off some of the features of Skate 2. In the process, they spoke with Darren Navarette and Pat Duffy about their thoughts on the game. If you liked SKATE then you will really like SKATE 2. Check the video below.

Check the latest EPICLY LATER’D over on VBS. The Carroll brothers talk about growing up with certain hardships and how skateboarding literally saved their lives. I’m sure you can get similar stories from a lot of skaters who worked their way up the ranks. Mike and Greg have a inspirational story.

Jeff Rowley and the Flip team have moved to Santa Cruz and have joined forces with NHS, Inc. You can check out the press release here. I wonder what’s going on over at Blitz Distribution? First, Birdhouse and now Flip.

Black Label is releasing “20 Years of the Elephant” Series 2 Decks. These decks feature the quintessential Black Label elephant interpreted by artists Todd Bartrud, Jeremy Fish, Natas, Chris Johansen, Maxx 242, FOS and Sheppard Fairy. These decks are a must have for any collector and/or Black Label fan.

I’ve been around skateboarding long enough to see some goofy shit pop up in skateboard manufacturing. Like aluminum decks or a Port-a-board or plethora of other shit that anyone who skates, wouldn’t give a second glance. Well, now there is a real reason to be searching for a viable replacement for wood. According to The Science Channel,  skateboards have replaced furniture as the leading contributor to maple deforestation. The Canadian maple tree takes 40 to 60 years to mature before it can be cut down to make skate decks. That sucks that skateboarding is a big part of the problem. However there’s a newer source that can and should replace the Maple tree, it’s bamboo. Bamboo has been used in skateboard manufacturing for quite a while, usually in addition to the standard maple veneers. Now Oceanside, CA based OEM BambooSk8 has 100% Bamboo Decks that are virtually unbreakable. I have yet to try one out, and I’m sure there are many drawbacks to a Bamboo deck, like price. But check out the benefits, according to Bambooska8.

It grows fast.

• Bamboo is not a tree—it’s a grass, and it grows like one. Many species of bamboo can grow two feet or more a day.
• When it’s harvested, it need not be replanted, because it will grow a new shoot from its extensive root system, often 4 to 5 new shoots.
• It renews itself readily, unlike hardwood trees, which, once cut, are gone forever. Canadian Maple trees take around 40-60 years to mature before they can be cut down.  Bamboo is an endless renewable resource.
• Skateboarding is the #31 contributor to deforestation in North America and #1 contributor to maple in particular.

It enhances the environment.

• Farmed bamboo stabilizes the earth with its roots, preventing erosion.
• It takes in greenhouse gasses and produces oxygen. In fact 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees.
• It can also provide habitat for birds and animals (though our bamboo is not preferred by pandas, and is therefore panda-safe).
• In nature, bamboo filters heavy metals from groundwater and removes four times more carbon dioxide from the air than an equivalent-size stand of trees.

If you’ve ridden a bamboo deck, I would love to get your feedback.

J Strickland was one of the guys that helped Andrew Reynolds start Baker. He was also they guy who started Bootleg. The guys at 48 Blocks had a chance to do a tell all interview with him.  He had some harsh comments about Andrew. Check it out here.

This is a must see. Lance Conklin does a video interview with Duane Peters. Thrasher is kind enough to share it with everyone. You can check it out here.

Emerica introduces its ninth edition of their ongoing Design-A-Tee contest. The contest allows for anyone to submit their own t-shirt design to Emerica,  for the chance to be included in future catalogs. Three winners will be chosen and will get some pretty awesome prizes.

Everyone else has their own TF, why not Sheckler. Well, looks like he does now. Etnies and Ryan’s website has released some footage of said TF. Apparently it’s a multi-level warehouse that has all the goodies.

Elwood Clothing is offering a 20% discount on their online store and 5% of the sales to the Johnny Romano Fund. Additionally, they’ve released a Johnny Romano t-shirt and will be donating 100% of the profits for that shirt.

Seattle based Manik Skateboards keeps putting out some awesome products. Their new deck series entitled “Day of The Dead” is out now. Keep a look out for more Manik products dropping soon.

Rob Dyrdek has a new MTV show called Fantasy Factory dropping in early 2009. Transworld got a hold of some pics of the shows “sets”. It’s described as a

The show revolves around the Fantasy warehouse in L.A. which is basically a Skate Plaza/basketball facility/toymaking/havoc-wreaking mash-up

[via Transworld]

The Halloween Hellraiser will be at the New Design High School in LES, NYC this Saturday, November 1. $3000 in cash is on hand for Best Trick, while $100 will be awarded for best-costume.

Halloween Hellraiser Skateboard Showdown
New Design High School
Ludlow & Grand (on the roof)
New York City, NY
Saturday, November 1st
12 noon - 6:00 PM

[via hypebeast]

This gets better every year.

Santa Cruz skateboards celebrated their 35th year in business this past September. Now they’re releasing their “nostalgic” CRUZER line which consists of the 13 completes that will satisfy all of your cruising, downhill and slalom needs. They also have what they’re calling their Micro line which is reissues of some of their classic boards from the 80’s like the Rob Roskopp “Face” , Jason Jesse “Sungod”, Keith Meeks “Slasher” and the Corey O’brien “Reaper”.  I’m looking forward to getting the 5-Ply for my daily ride to the store or bar. Check em out here.

Over on Sneaker Freaker, they have a great interview with Steve Van Doren. It’s a great read for any sneaker loving skateboard fan. Check it out here: www.sneakerfreaker.com

Consolidated has collaborated with Rome SDS to produce a “Don’t Do It” snow board boot called the Libertine Drunk. I guess they’re trying to get the word out to support your core companies. Consolidated has been at this for a while, and now they have some support from the snowboard industry.

Ethan Fowler and the guys from RVCA are on their Mild Ride for the 1st Episode of 5.

Stevie Willams ( DKG ) and DJ Don Cannon have opened up their own Skate Boutique (Sk8tique), in their new home of Atlanta. Sk8tique will be having their Grand Opening this Friday. If you’re in the ATL then check it out.

You can get more info here.