Skaters soared off the smoldering concrete, catching air and the tiniest of breezes this afternoon at the Long Beach Convention Center.
They threw 180s, some grabs and a few grinds on the four separate arenas, heat be damned.
They were here for the weekend competition, but mostly, they were here to “see some homies” and “have some fun,” according to Texas-based skateboarder Kyle Stone.
The Dew Tour kicked off in style today, in a city long-known for its skate subculture. Long Beach’s place in the skateboard scene is well-established, but it’s taken many years for a competition of this stature to show up on the city’s home turf. Big names taking part in the competition include Sean Malto, Ryan Sheckler, Ryan Decenzo, Trevor Colden, Theotis Beasley, Micky Papa, Nyjah Huston and Louie Lopez.
“We usually film and skate in LA, but everyone lives out here,” said Stone. “I’m glad they did it here, rather than somewhere like Costa Mesa or something.”
A few fanning stations were set up, letting out the occasional water mist, to cool the many athletes down as they waited for their turn to practice.
Tomorrow brings day one of the competition, from 1:00PM to 2:35PM and 3:25PM to 5:30PM, and with it, more 90-plus-degree temps. Awards are slated for the evening, around 5:45PM.
E-40, Action Bronson and Kelechi are scheduled to bring the house down at the Terrace Theatre right after. Doors open at 7:00PM.
For more information, VIP tickets and a full schedule of the weekend’s events, click here.
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