It's been mentioned before; the very first board sport shots I ever did were skateboarding. I was thirteen and a regular at New Lynn Bowl. My dad loaned me his Instamatic camera for the day. I horrified him by chewing through a full roll of film shooting Tony Hallam and Mark Robinson. I grew up on Skateboarder and Thrasher Magazines, heavily influenced by photographers like Mofo, G.E.Freidman and Grant Brittain. Google them.
The legend...Dave Crab on the ramp he built 20 years ago for the Kerikeri community
The weekend's chauffeur..and O40's 2020 Champ! Cale Tolley...higher than a drone.
Cale with his son Jackson and Mozza
How good! Morri and Dave donated their reissued signature decks for the open champ Niwa.
14 year old Naki native Niwa Shewry
Niwa's favourite shot from the weekend
Wanaka's Zedyn Fellows; both Niwa and Z opted NOT to go in their age division to contest the Open...that's rad!
Z... just gnarly good
I didn't set out to apply their influences to surf photography, but I'd hope it shows through. As an example; DNL's [did not land] are a cardinal sin in skateboarding...I applied to surf. You're not s'possed to shot portraits with wide angle lens, G.E.Freidman specialised in this. I copied, because a ultra telephoto action shot flattens and compresses the view. To juxapose that compression on a magazine page with a wide portrait works, it shows/gives connection with the subject.
Ramon Thackwell, the Prez of Skateboarding NZ
Uncle Moz
Dave Crab
Squeak, a welcome return from injury
Nick Clegg, also back on the road from a heavy spinal injury
I don't skate anymore, I was never any good anyway. But I still love it and appreciate it. I love skating's culture of inclusiveness and support. There are no kooks in skateboarding. Vert is the Pipeline or Teahupoo of skating. It's gnarly, it's consequential when something goes wrong.
Taupo's Remus Henare U16 2020 Champ
Remus
The Vert scene in NZ is small and a tight knit group, but it's on the rise again. If you've never been to a Bowl or Ramp jam, go. You'll be thoroughly stoked out and impressed.
Wellington's Chris Wood
Last weekend, legend of the lifestyle Dave Crab, once again hosted the Kerikeri Vert Jam. Once again the numbers have grown, as has the talent. Put it this way; 13 year old Zedyn Fellows landed back to back 540's.... and still didn't win the Open, 14 year old Niwa Shrewy took top honours with a variation of huge airs and rail work.
If you are in Wellington this weekend, Chris Wood is hosting The Welly Ramp Riot at Ian Galloway Park [Nov 28]. The Mounties are planing a Vert Jam for next year and of course the Mangawhai Bowl Jam is confirmed for again for 6th Febuary 2021.
New Beach Gallery Addition
Super stoked to add last week's pano to the prints now available on PhotoCPL.co.nz You can view [and buy] West From Taitomo HERE