Photos/words: Brooks Fritz

How’s it going turkey lips? Here’s some random photos I rounded up for your turkey day viewing pleasure. If you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving then here’s just some photos to check out. It’s not like I’m saying you need Thanksgiving to use as an excuse to look at some photos. I’m just saying Happy Turkey day I guess.

Ryan Harris, back tail, San Diego: Close, but no ride away. Ryan was fed up with trying this back tail slide. He could of pulled it if he really wanted to but I think he wanted to go to InNout instead.

Oceanside, California: The G.I Joe’s of Camp Pendleton Marine base were playing with their toys and almost burned Oceanside’s valley down a few months ago. Luckily the wind was blowing in the right direction.

Shane Porter, bomb drop: This spot is pretty fun. A bank for days with a wall ride. I don’t know if it’s worth driving 2hrs in LA traffic for but still fun. Shane opts for the the top.

Scotty Keller, Pala pipes: “Dude, bro your blowing out the spot by putting the title Pala pipes!” If you don’t know where these are your retarded. Who needs directions? Here’s Scotty doing what he does best. Lurking.

Anthony Xavarius, nose manual: I had this not so fun box at my house forever. It was made out of fiber glass. I came up on it one day at the recycle center. I’m guessing some parent must of dropped it off to be recycled. And now that I think about it, it did get recycled. Here’s the ant nizzle doing a man nizzle.

Peter Watkins, nose pick: This pool was crazy. It was at some big ass mansion and made out of 1 inch by 1 inch tiles. Is it lame that I post bails sometimes? I’m just trying to show you something new. I mean that is what photography is right. A documentation? Well if you put it in those words…. Here’s a documentation of a nose pick attempt by Peter Watkins.

Scotty Keller, roll in: Have you ever rolled into a pool before? And no it doesn’t count if your thinking about your hurting skate park bowl. I’m talking or more like typing about an actual back yard pool. I think it’s one of the biggest mind fuck things there is in skateboarding. Don’t commit and your going down. Over commit and your going down. Sketchy Keller has them down.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Bryan Herman Skateboarder. Bryan Herman is from Victorville California and started skating at age 11. He started riding bikes just like every other kid but took the good route. Bryan was expelled from school for having a riot product toss, after which he just completey dropped out and started touring and living life as a skateboarder. His sponsors are; Emerica, Baker, Pharmacy, Spitfire, Thunder, Ogio, and Altamont. Herman is very up and down, meaning he can be hyper one minute and just quiet and down the next. He skates for fun and lets everything happen naturally. He likes playing video games, listening to music, eating food, and hanging out with friends. He lives with Matt Allen in Victorville.

Bryan Herman

Bryan Herman

I last left off as we were getting into Denver Colorado to stay for a few days,  and I know that in my last blog I told you that there would actually be skateboarding in this blog, but due to a extremely hung over photographer who blew it when it came down to shooting I have no actual pictures of us skateboarding in Denver, I do however have a neat sequence to give you from the sunny shores of Lake Tahoe California.  I also have some more road photo’s, a story about a friend of ours who does not actually exist to the Federal Government, and words about the Denver Park and the kids that skate it.

-This is a good friend of mine, his name is Ian Madan he is also from the East Coast, but still kills it on the West Coast.  Sorry for the taking so long on this.

As I said before Alex and I have a mutual friend who has been completely screwed over by the Federal Government.  Before this trip I had only met Marc a handful of times.  It was great getting to know him more on our travels out west as he came with us as far as Denver I figured now would be a good time to talk about him.  Marc is a great, he is down for supporting skateboard and snowboard revolution for the long haul and made it apparent by his tagging of everything tag-able within a mile radius of where we stayed in Denver.  Marc has such an easygoing way about him concerning his situation with the government that it is mind blowing.  Now here is the confusing part, Marc was born in Bermuda while his mother was stationed there in the service, she however did not get all the paperwork filed that would get him a social security number, and other things that make a person exist to the federal government.  Twenty two years later, or currently Marc is unable to get a job, drivers license, I.D. or anything that proves that a person exists.  He has been trying for the past four years to get a social security number, and after spending upwards of a thousand dollars filing the necessary paper-work only to be told that it was “lost” he has given up hope in a sense.  There is also no doubt in my mind that when he does finally get a social security number he will be taxed for all the years he did not file a tax return.  As it is almost Thanksgiving, you should be thankful that you are not in this situation, because unlike Marc you would most likely go insane.

The Denver Skatepark is definitely one of the best skateparks I have ever had the pleasure of skating.  The park flows so nice, and has so many things to skate that it is hard to skate just one thing.  The locals all kill it and are actually very nice.  I met a fellow Steve who had just moved to Denver a few days before we got there from Miami and after talking for awhile realized how much people actually care about skateboarding.  It’s astounding to think that most of the people I know, or friends I have made along the way are all because of riding around on a silly piece of plywood.  Back to the park though, as I said, the park is sick, but if you do go there make sure you invest in some nice soft wheels because the place is slippery and you will slip out.

Denver is a great city with a ton of stuff to do on a daily/nightly basis.  Thank you to our hosts and friends that we met in Denver, including the guys from 303 Skateshop, and Emage Skateshop.  You guys rock.  If you’re ever in Denver make sure to hit up some of the bars, at one outing I was even fortunate enough to meet the man who played the President in the movie Independence Day.

Anyways, check back soon for more blogging madness on our travels from Denver to San Diego, why Utah is the worst state ever, and hopefully some actual skateboarding photo’s from myself or Alex.

Happy Thanksgiving, be safe, and keep rolling.

Tags: 303 Skateshop, Denver, Emage Skateshop, Government, Rants, skateboarding

Greg Lutzka Skateboarder. Greg Lutzka was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin, started skating in 1997 and turned pro in 2001. He likes to skate everything but is usually out on the streets shredding. His sponsors are; Almost, Oakley, Independent, Drop Backpacks, Globe, FKD, Ricta, Sun Diego Boardshops, Vestal, Monster, and Mob. Greg grew up playing hockey and after nine years just up and decided to skateboard. Greg currently resides in Huntington Beach California where he moved to get his skateboarding career underway. Every year Lutzka goes home for christmas to enjoy the snow. He is one of the biggest names in skating right now and continues to blow up the scene.

Greg Lutzka

Paul Rodriguez Skateboarder. Paul Rodriguez lives in Los Angeles California, he started skating in 1996 and turned pro in 2002. Paul will skate anything he can find, but his favorites are street and park. His sponsors are; Plan B, Nike SB, Silver, Hubba Wheels, FKD Bearings and Grip, Active, Nixon, Mountain Dew, Diamond, and Incase. Paul’s dad is a famous comedian, Paul Rodriguez… Rodriguez’s dad bought him his first skateboard at age 12 and says it’s one of the best investments he’s ever made. Paul went pro at age 16, is a christian, and has a pet chihuahua named Uma. He feels that he’s already acheived his dream goal and loves every minute of it.

Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod)

On Monday, November 17th myself and Alex Davis left for the west Coast. The following update of our travels is a little late, and I apologize for that but even the best laid plans go bad from time to time. We left about 3pm on Monday and dealt with snow most of the way to Chicago, as I had not slept in over 24 hours I blew it and didn’t have charged batteries in my camera until the next day. The drive to Chicago was nuts, there was a seven or so car pileup right in front of us that we somehow avoided while driving through Cleavland, there was a man standing in the middle of the highway in Indiana that we missed by about two feet, at seventy miles an hour.

We arrived in Chicago about midnight however and managed to get some shut eye.

The following day we went and hit up Uprise Skateshop, and talked to them for awhile. While Alex and myself were gung-ho about skating, it was extremely cold out and we quickly got over that idea. After saying goodbye to our generous hosts we hit the road for Omaha.

-Alex realizing that it’s too cold to skate in Omaha

We got a nice little hotel and made plans to roll out early the next morning so we could hit some skateshops and the sick concrete park in Omaha. However the bone-chilling cold that had ruined our Chicago stay was also present in Omaha. We left after about ten minutes of the coldest skateboarding I have ever done and made way to the B C Boardsports skateshop which was located in the mall. After we hit the shop up we decided to do some tagging.

-Some gas station in Colorado… or was it Nebraska… either way, midwest is boring.

-It is so flat you can see forever

After our nice little sticker session we decided to hit the road and set up camp in Denver for the next few days. The drive through the midwest is boring at best, and aside from a few gas stops flew past. Although we did meet a dinosaur…. Check back soon for Part Two, which may actually have skateboarding!!!

-Dinosaur meeting

By Brooks Fritz

Maybe I’m just washed up but I cant do it anymore. I cant skate every day or more like I don’t want to. I get over it if I’m skating everyday. Plus my body is hagged enough as it is already. If I take some days off though then skate then I’m loving it. I never really thought I would be like this but I am. It happened, I’m washed. Be careful. It might just happen to you before you know it.

So instead of putting my life savings into a big ass brodozer truck or partying all my money away at the bars with random idiots I took up fishing. It wasn’t a plan or anything like that. It just kind of happened. It got me thinking though, fishing is rad because It’s something I know I can do for the duration. What duration am I talking about? I’m talking about the duration of life. Yeah I know everyone says it. I’ll never quit skating. And believe me I’m not planning on it. Like everyone, I hope to be doing front side grinds when I’m 60 but who knows how that’s going to pan out. One thing I do know is this fishing thing is fun as hell and I’ll be able to do it till the day I die. (realistically) if that is the arthritis in my wrists & hands doesn’t get too bad. Here’s a little insight to my fishing world…

This place saved my life.

The largemouth Bass: Freshwater fish, prefers lakes, ponds, swamps, and river/stream backwaters with considerable hiding places, including thick vegetation or rocky structures. Also known as Black Bass, Green Trout, Bigmouth Bass, and Lineside Bass. The largemouth bass is in fact, not a bass. It is instead a member of the sunfish family.

The Crappie: Either of two deep-bodied freshwater North American fish species (family Centrarchidae) that are popular as food and prized by sport fishermen. Native to the eastern U.S. but introduced elsewhere, crappies may reach a length of about 12 in. (30 cm) and a weight of about 4 lb (2 kg). The white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) generally inhabits warm, silty lakes and rivers. Silvery with irregular dark markings, it is usually lighter in colour than the similar black crappie, or calico bass (P. nigromaculatus), which typically lives in clear lakes and streams.

The Catfish: This fish gets its name from its long, whiskerlike barbels (feelers), which hang down from around the mouth. Most catfish are freshwater fish, though there is also a saltwater variety sometimes referred to as hogfish. The majority of the catfish in today’s market are farmed. The channel catfish, weighing from 1 to 10 pounds, is considered the best eating. The bullhead is smaller and usually weighs no more than a pound. Catfish have a tough, inedible skin that must be removed before cooking. The flesh is firm, low in fat and mild in flavor. Catfish can be fried, poached, steamed, baked or grilled. They are also well suited to soups and stews

The Bluegill: Popular game fish (Lepomis macrochirus) and one of the best-known sunfishes throughout its original range, the freshwater habitats of the central and southern U.S. It has been introduced throughout the western U.S. and in other parts of the world. Bluegills are usually bluish or greenish and have a characteristic dark flap at the rear of the gill cover. Among the smallest of the food and game fishes, they normally are only 6 – 9 in. (15 – 23 cm) long and weigh less than 0.5 lbs (0.25 kg). Bluegills are known as highly spirited fighters on the end of a fishing line.

The Float tube: I love these things. Seriously, the best purchase you can make if you like this old man shit. Pretty cheap and opens up your possibilities like you wouldn’t believe. If you haven’t fished in one of these your missing out. Or more like blowing it. Hell you don’t even have to fish to have a good time in a tube. Look at Luke below for proof.

I find him passed out all the time.

But he makes up for it when he’s awake.

.The toxic cancer water fogged up the lens

float tube = fun

Even the World Famous Photographer Brendan Klein wanted in. Geared up from the feet up ready to take on a toxic 20Ib bluegill.

Straight killing it B!

Surf fishing is a go too!

If there is a body of water it probably has bass in it.

Stay Away!

So Vox Shoes just had a contest called I’d rather be fishing and I got runner up with this photo. The winner was a guy doing a stalefish. I thought the contest was I’d rather be fishing. Not I’d rather be stalefishing…..

So that’s it. try fishing out. Not saying it’s for everyone but next time you dont feel like skating but want something to do give fishing a try.

Have a good weekend. -brooks

Adam Dyet Skateboarder. Adam Dyet is from Salt Lake City Utah, currently living in Huntington Beach California and likes to throw hammers. He always wakes up late and then its off to skate all day, or Adam can be found riding his bike or scooter around. One of Dyet’s favorite things to do is fish! His sponsors are; Darkstar, Bones, Indy, Lost, Nixon, BC Surf and Sport, Green Room, and Dekline. Adam loves to skate, but when he goes home, he doesn’t like to sit around and watch more skating, he’s got another life that’s more relaxed. He spends a lot of time just chilling. Dyet is one of the nicest most chill guys out there and loves skateboarding for what it is.

Adam Dyet

Dennis Busenitz Skateboarder. Dennis Busenitz was born in Newton Kansas and currently lives in San Fransisco California. He is one of the fastest skateboarders out there, charging everything with speed. Dennis can skate anything very well, and again, at a high rate of speed with style. Every video he’s been in, he’s had a crazy down hill line that most people wouldn’t even think of hitting. His sponsors are; Real, Volcom, Spitfire, Thunder, Adidas, and Utility Board Shop. Busenitz is for sure an excellent concrete park skater, as well as pools. Dennis skates hard everyday and never gives up till he is succesful. Watch out for him in upcoming videos!

Dennis Busenitz

Bob Burnquist Skateboarder. Bob Burnquist grew up in Rio De Janiero Brazil, he started skating in 1986 and turned pro in 1992. Bob started competing in 1989 and is married to Jen O’Brien and has a daughter named Lotus O’Brien Silva Burnquist. They now live in Vista California. Bob is a licensed pilot, a licensed skydiver, and he loves to film and farm. His sponsors are; IPath, Flip, Ace Trucks, Ricta, Diamond, Hurley, and Oakley. Bob has really heavy asthma and is still skating to his fullest potential. Burnquist is one of the best switch stance skaters I’ve ever seen. He can shred a vert ramp switch just as good as everyone else can regular.

Bob Burnquist