Sign Up For 2007 World Championship Already At 110

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Tue May 29, 2007 11:05 pm

For anyone who's not paying attention . . .

Today marks the 50th registrant for the 2007 World Slalom Championships. It's only the end of May and we're four months from race weekend but already half a hundred want to attend!

Althought there is no limits on registration and anyone willing to pay can try to qualify, gettin in early helps both DHBs and the town of Statesville know what to expect well in advance. Then again, there's probably a few not registring because they want to wait and check out the compeition first. Either way, though, it's all good.

It really reflects well on the Downhillbillies and their efforts for so many people to already decide they want to be a part of another DHB production.

I really think this race in North Carolina in 2007 could end up being the biggest and most attended event since slalom rebounded in 2000.

If you haven't signed up yet but want to get in on the ground floor, the contest sign up is here on Silverfishlongboarding.com

http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/f ... 7-9-27&c=2

Peter Klang · Post by **Peter Klang** » Wed May 30, 2007 1:03 pm

For us stupid europeans you need to addres a site.

Anyhow, I will race.

Peace
Peter Klang

Rick Floyd · Post by **Rick Floyd** » Wed May 30, 2007 2:25 pm

The link's not working because the "h" in "http" is missing.

Stephen Lavin · Post by **Stephen Lavin** » Wed May 30, 2007 2:59 pm

Wes, you missed the "h" in "http". Thanks for the reminder on the event.

http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/f ... 7-9-27&c=2

LAVIN

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:20 am

Goddamn!

Aaron-freakin-prodigal-boy-himself Morris signed up today!

I thought he wuz day-ed?

Didn't somebody say Aaron was day-ed?

Now, will he race PRO?

I have to say I hope we see an Aaron-Adam matchup. An "A-A" meeting will be cool.

Michael Stride · Post by **Michael Stride** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:15 pm

Wes, I feel choosing Silverfish Longboarding site may seriously as 'media partner' whatever THAT means, may affect the number of people who attend the Worlds.

Firstly, hardly any British slalomers go there. Nor Europeans.

Secondly, I realy cant be bothered to try to source information from yet another website, particularly one that wanted to charge me outrageous, nonsense, sky high advertising 'package' a while back. Lame.

Yes. I HAVE signed up.

No, I have not had the courtesy of a reply from the DHBs.

Your assertion that the Worlds will be the most atteneded race since 2002 is laudable. BUT I doubt it.

Lastly. What are the qualifications then? I will certainly cancel my trip if we get some half arsed system where 'pre-qualifying' happens , or a round of 16 0r 8 is chosen due to time constraints at the last minute. Im NOT saying that WILL happen..., just I need a guarentee it WONT!!!!

Jonathan Harms · Post by **Jonathan Harms** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:35 pm

Michael, I can't speak for Marion Karr or the Downhillbillies, who are organizing the event. But based on my experience with those guys, the Worlds will indeed be run well, and because of that will indeed be very well attended. Marion is FAR too detail-obsessed to leave things to chance, or to half-ass it. And he is only one of many people who are working very hard on this event (which is still, if my calendar is correct, about five months away). But if you have concerns, I would urge you to contact Marion (you can PM him through this site) and ask him directly.

As for "I have not received the courtesy of a reply from the DHBs," come on. Did you get one from Jack or Donald when they were organizing the Worlds? Did you get one from Riderz (another non-NCDSA signup, if memory serves) when you signed up for Paris? Now that you mention it, it does seem like a good idea. But only holding one organization to that standard, without doing so for the others, seems like kind of a cheap shot to me. I think you can do better than that, and I think the DHBs deserve better than that. My two cents...

Michael Stride · Post by **Michael Stride** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:12 pm

Thanks Jonhathon for asking (and answering your own questions...!)

YEs, when I did ask specific questions regarding qualification I DID recive replies form JAck Smith. And Donald is in pretty much constant touch with me. Riderz...well I diodnt need to ask any questions...

What I want to know is what are the qualification procedures. I saw a thread where mentions of different world ranknig systems was mentioned.

I want to confirm that NO pre-qualifying to the round of 32 is in place, nor envisaged. Thats all.

Jonathan Harms · Post by **Jonathan Harms** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 6:41 pm

Michael Stride wrote:Thanks Jonhathon for asking (and answering your own questions...!)

YEs, when I did ask specific questions regarding qualification I DID recive replies form JAck Smith. And Donald is in pretty much constant touch with me. Riderz...well I diodnt need to ask any questions...

Your post didn't say you had asked specific questions of the DHBs, so I thought you meant you were expecting a reply simply for signing up, which struck me as rather outrageous. My mistake.

Guillaume Saint-Criq · Post by **Guillaume Saint-Criq** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:30 pm

Jonathan Harms wrote:Did you get one from Riderz (another non-NCDSA signup, if memory serves) when you signed up for Paris?

yes, every racer who did register for PSWC receive a confirmation email.

And as far as I know, Riderz (association) was the organizer!
NCDSA or Silverfish do not organize event!

Marion Karr · Post by **Marion Karr** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:00 pm

Hey Michael.
For some reason I haven't gotten your emails but apologize for the delay! Feel free to send me one directly to marion.karr@downhillbillies.org and I will address all of your questions.

We hope that the Silverfish sign up has not been too confusing and appreciate everyone working with us through the process.

We look forward to having all of the Europeans here along with all of our North American brothers and sisters and will do everything in our power to make the event worthy of the World Championships.

Starting this week watch for a weekly update from JUGGY on Tuesdays. IT will be on this forum!

Thanks again.

Erik Basil · Post by **Erik Basil** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:27 pm

Michael, I was sorry to see your commentary, although I certainly respect your right to hold such opinions. A few of them may be poorly informed, however. Silverfish is proud to be media sponsor for the Worlds, and we've been promoting the event for several months, already (not to mention other DHB events over the years). We reach more skateboarders than any other website on the internet, and more than the next three, combined. We're stoked to be able to spend our time and money to get the word out on the Worlds.

Michael Stride wrote:Wes, I feel choosing Silverfish Longboarding site may seriously as 'media partner' whatever THAT means, may affect the number of people who attend the Worlds.

Firstly, hardly any British slalomers go there. Nor Europeans.

I can't speak to British slalomers as a subset, and I can only tell you what Google Worldwide gives us for statisitics, but Silverfish receives quite a bit of British and European visitors. In fact, Silverifsh is rated above all British skateboard sites, in terms of British traffic, at least according to Google. Perhaps that's some kind of Yankee plot (Google is based, nominally, in Washington State, USA), but it suggests to me that, perhaps, if British slalomers don't visit ISSA or the 'Fish --they might consider it. Many other British skaters are.

Secondly, I realy cant be bothered to try to source information from yet another website, particularly one that wanted to charge me outrageous, nonsense, sky high advertising 'package' a while back. Lame.

That's wacky and untrue, if you're referring to Silverfish. Our advertising rates are artificially LOW, with the intention being to maximize the ability of vendors and manufacturers to reach skateboarders. In fact, up until last year, we even had a "welfare program" for EU members: we charged you less than Americans and Canadians for the same ad space.

We certainly know the ads work for our supporters: the statistics show daily views on ads over 40,000 on our slowest days and high click-through rates. As you may or may not be aware, Google rates sites based on traffic and creates a "value for ad-views". Ours are prices at about 22% of the assigned value. The businesses that can be troubled to pay outrageously low fees to advertise their wares upon an eager community of consumers seem to do pretty darn well with it...according to them.

The under-valued ad fees we charge go to support the servers, storage and maintenance of the internet's largest library of free skateboard photographs, skateboard videos and forums. We sponsor events, organize events, promote events, run coverage on our page in Concrete Wave, seek and cover skateboarding events and pay for most of what we do out of our pockets to support the sport. So, if you haven't figured it out yet, I think your claims are in particularly poor form, especially considering that they're false.

If you've got concerns or complaints, why not take them to us, directly? My email has never changed, nor has Malakai's. We're easy to find... just Google us!

Michael Stride · Post by **Michael Stride** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:51 pm

Your reply shows no ACTUAL, REALWORLD information.

You just spout statistics that to me that in real terms mean nothing.

If I ask British slalomers where they get theirinformation from Silverfish isnt ever on theri list. Not once. Not ever.

A while back you approched me to advertise on your site. Having worked in advertising and marketing for quite a while I know that 75% of my advertsing budget is wasted, just that I can never find out which 75% it is...

The charges you quoted me told me that you have no idea of the market for boards in the UK,a severely inflated veiw of your own worth and the audacity to expect me to pay for advertising on what is a VERY US centric site.

So you "cant speak for slalomers"....well thats obvious. You dont. You cant. And you wont. And if you pay for things out of your own pocket that tells me you dont run your business very well, but expect me to subsidise your ambitions by paying for click hrough from your US client base, when I sell in Europe....yup. that sounds like a sound policy.....not.

Today you have had SIX slalom posts. Thats not a lot is it?

Michael Stride · Post by **Michael Stride** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:01 pm

My concern is that by bowing to Wes's insane predudice against NCDSA and his seeking to seem to deny its existence, due to his , er, political leanings opposing those of Adams, and that of companies he doesnt like ( Abec11) you do your self no favors, nor that of the Downhillbillies by associating yourselvessolely with this event.

Most racers who are interested in going to the worlds dont use your forum. They have no desire to, and as a consequence publicity of what is an important event,and attendance will suffer.

You may be seeking to increase your readership (it needs it) but this isnt the way to do it.

Rick Floyd · Post by **Rick Floyd** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:13 pm

Michael - I don't know you...but based on the above, I sincerely hope you don't come to the Worlds...why ruin everyone else's good time?

Michael Stride · Post by **Michael Stride** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:06 am

Rick....sod you!

You obviousely dont know what your talking about, and I dont recall you going to any worlds yourself.

As a European who has travelled to the 'Worlds' in AClifonia for the past 5 years I think Ive earned the right to have an opinion.

Where on earth have I ruined it for you? Or are you so thin skinned that youi cant cope with someone calling it how it is.

I worry for this Worlds. I truely want to see a strong European feild. I feel that as it stands the DHBs have lost the whhole picture, and no one in Paris seemed interested.....I hope that changes. Thats why Ive signed up.

So.... where were YOU at the previous races?

And I sure as hell wont be happy if few Euros travel. But as it stands how many have signed up?... you need to ask that question really. Why is that? Do they even know about it?
Why havent they signed up. And without Euros its not a 'Worlds' really is it???

Erik Basil · Post by **Erik Basil** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:07 am

Michael, you've obviously got plenty of emotional issues. You may have something substantive to back some of them up but, based on what you've posted that I know to be pure baloney, I rather doubt it. If you've got an issue with the DHB because they haven't done something you think they should for European skaters, then I encourage you to articulate what you need in some manner other than whining. I've dealt with those people, they don't like whiners but they will go out of their way to meet your needs.

I think it's inappropriate, however, for you to use this thread and forum to air your issues regarding another website. If you've got the balls to stand behind your words, then send me an email, post on the 'fish or call me up. But, don't act like a crying child and make a mess in the Worlds Thread, just to get attention for your own petty needs.

Rick Floyd · Post by **Rick Floyd** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 5:56 am

Michael Stride wrote:Rick....sod you!

You obviousely dont know what your talking about, and I dont recall you going to any worlds yourself.

As a European who has travelled to the 'Worlds' in AClifonia for the past 5 years I think Ive earned the right to have an opinion.

Where on earth have I ruined it for you? Or are you so thin skinned that youi cant cope with someone calling it how it is.

I worry for this Worlds. I truely want to see a strong European feild. I feel that as it stands the DHBs have lost the whhole picture, and no one in Paris seemed interested.....I hope that changes. Thats why Ive signed up.

So.... where were YOU at the previous races?

And I sure as hell wont be happy if few Euros travel. But as it stands how many have signed up?... you need to ask that question really. Why is that? Do they even know about it?
Why havent they signed up. And without Euros its not a 'Worlds' really is it???

What I'm "talking about", like I said, is "based on the above"...that being your rather strange way of trying to accomplish your aim...to get more Europeans to go to the worlds. I was hoping you'd get the message that it would be good to tone it down, or noy only will you be a drag on everyone who is stoked for this event, but theres a good chance it will affect your own performance if you you go to the comp with a chip on your shoulder. and I speak from experience here. I've done the "public bitching online about big event organization" before in another sport, and then carried that attituude to the competition...I didn't have fun and I didn't do well. I learned my lesson, turned it around this year, and won a National Championship.

No, I've never been to a skateboard Worlds, but that doesn't mean I can't comment on same. I have PLENTY of high level experience in THREE other sports. I've seen all these issues before. The trick is, to be calm and mature about it, state your case directly (not in a public forum) to those who actually can make a difference, and come at it from the angle of "what I see happening is this, and this is why it worries me, and here are my ideas on how to solve it". Work WITH people, not against them. This particular sport is still growing and we are all learning what works best. Lets all pull on the same end of the rope. Capiche?

Just off the top of my head - you know where the Worlds signup is located - so why not post a link to it on the Octane sport website "News / Links" page? Why not call Erik up and discuss ways to get the word out in Europe, after an apology of course. It's not like Silverfish isn't accesible anywhere in the world that there is a computer.

You are obviously passionate about the sport, like most of us. Use that energy to put together a solid proposal to bring the Worlds to UK in 2008 or 2009...start now and you'll be WAy ahead of the game. Team up with DHB to make notes on this year's worlds and use that info to improve the event next time around.

It's natural for the bulk of the participants in a small growing sport's Worlds to be from whatever area the event is held in. Excepting those of us with deep pockets or sponsors, it's tough to afford the trip for some perfectly qualified riders who really should be there - that's just the way it is. Until and unless skate slalom becomes WAY more popular and mainstream, the money and organization will not be there to have it run like, for example, road bike racing...with a full slate of qualifying events, fully coached and funded national teams, TV money etc.. Remember, outside of our sport, nobody knows who we are...yet. Yeah, there is personal glory in winning when you have poured everything you have into it, but it's also a HUGE privilege for any of us to even get to do this at all...we are SO lucky in SO many ways. Heck, 10 years ago we couldn't even HAVE these arguments!

At ANY top-level competiton I've been to in my sports there are ALWAYS people missing who have the talent and deserve to be there, but cannot, for any variety of reasons. That's the breaks, and it does NOT mean the event winner is not worthy. That being said, I hope the 2007 Worlds attract racers from as many countries as possible - so spread the word over there...you obviously know how, and have the resources to do it.

In the end, it won't matter who is there or not there really...it will be a fantastic experience, we will ALL learn things from each other, the sport will grow because of it, and we will do it even better next time. So join in - help out - hang with us Americanos - let's race and have a killer event and do our best to make it what it can be with the resources at hand.

I'm a web designer - tell me what you want to say and I'll make you a page to post somehwere where every European rider can see it. Talk with DHB first and get their input and give them your ideas, knowing you'll meet somehere in the middle.

Let's skate and have a GD GOOD TIME at it!! I was at a small race in Canada Saturday. I was the only American. I had one HELL of a great time - and I was the BEST American in the comp!! You get my drift...there is PLENTY of time to get a HUGE crew over from Europe if you guys just realize we are still building this sport and pitch in to HELP, not just HARP...hope to meet you in NC in September...it's gonna be gooooooood!

Pat Chewning · Post by **Pat Chewning** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 7:50 am

Michael Stride wrote:Wes, I feel choosing Silverfish Longboarding site may seriously as 'media partner' whatever THAT means, may affect the number of people who attend the Worlds.

Firstly, hardly any British slalomers go there. Nor Europeans.

Secondly, I realy cant be bothered to try to source information from yet another website, particularly one that wanted to charge me outrageous, nonsense, sky high advertising 'package' a while back. Lame.

Yes. I HAVE signed up.

No, I have not had the courtesy of a reply from the DHBs.

Your assertion that the Worlds will be the most atteneded race since 2002 is laudable. BUT I doubt it.

Lastly. What are the qualifications then? I will certainly cancel my trip if we get some half arsed system where 'pre-qualifying' happens , or a round of 16 0r 8 is chosen due to time constraints at the last minute. Im NOT saying that WILL happen..., just I need a guarentee it WONT!!!!

Michael,

I agree with you that the signup for the Worlds is hard to find for some slalom racers. Just a couple of days ago, John Stryker posted on NCDSA slalom forum asking "where's the signup for the Worlds?"

However, I don't think the problem is that the signup is at Silverfish..... rather the problem is that there is NO ENTRY AT ALL on the NCDSA calendar. I plan to fix that by entering a simple contest calendar entry at NCDSA with the dates, the title, and a URL (hyperlink) to the signup at Silverfish. That way, people who regularly go to NCDSA for their contest info can find a path to the World Championship signup.

I have on hand (just recently) the ISSA sanction application documentation from Marion (which I need to publish). In that document, he states that the qualification process is 2-runs and that the PRO's and AM's will have head-to-head elimination brackets of the top 32 racers based on the qualifying runs. That sounds ambitious to me, but I think if anyone can pull it off it is the DHB crew -- they run an efficient contest. That equivalent information is also available at the Silverfish signup page.

Would you like me to send you a copy of the World Championship ISSA sanction application? It does outline what the expectations are for the contest.

-- Pat

UPDATE: NOW ADDED TO NCDSA CONTEST CALENDAR WITH LINK TO SILVERFISH...

UPDATE: NCDSA webmaster has removed Contest Calendar entry for the Worlds..... oh well, I tried.

Michael Stride · Post by **Michael Stride** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:12 am

I have heard only good things about the DHBs. And I dont doubt they can pull it off. Though I am disturbed to see a disgusting thread on the DHB website against CC. Totally dumb, and hardly goingto encourage sponsors to participate, not just CC. A thread along the lines of 'who woukld you like to hit' is totally unproffessional.

What concerns me is that a petty squabble between Wes and NCDSA means that simple things like a calender entry dont happen at startup and having a thing called an 'media partner' which again kind of puts people off.

True, it doesnt matter where signup is..thats just a case of where the organisers choose. riderz in Paris for example was easy and also on the day, smooth. I dont doubt DHB will be the same.

What Im saying is that for promotion to Euros to be better then THIS site needs to be used to its full extent, NCDSA too. I'm afraid that Silverfish is US centric, this rubbish about being the most popular site etc doesnt wash in the UK or Europe, Im just concerned that the DHBs may have been 'wowed' by that long list of stats, which actually dont amount to a community of slalom racers being interested in racing, but maybe a longboard community which is akin to promoting a surf contest on a site for dolphin lovers....

Marion Karr · Post by **Marion Karr** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:02 pm

Thanks Pat.

Michael, to confirm what Pat has posted: Yes, it will be a daily qualifying event. Come one, come all. If through your best qualifying each day find yourself in the top 32 in your selected status you will get to compete that day in the elimination rounds.

We look forward to all of you joining us in September and we will be working hard to make it a event worthy of being called the World Championships.

Ok Fellas...lets put this behind us and MOVE ON.

Watch later this evening for a JUGGY UPDATE>

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:03 pm

Glad to see in the past 6 days another 16 sign up for the 2007 Worlds!

Looking like the Swedes will be a force and France's VinZZzz also wants to stake a claim to the World title.

Anyone wanting more information about dates, the costs and wanting to also be a part of the biggest World Championships yet can find it all here:

http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/f ... 7-9-27&c=2

Cat Young · Post by **Cat Young** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:24 pm

I have to say in Marion's defense.....

He has answered every question I have ever asked.

Granted, most were stupid, but he did answer them EVERY time!

Thanks Marion!

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:38 pm

Cat Young wrote:I have to say in Marion's defense.....

He has answered every question I have ever asked.

Granted, most were stupid, but he did answer them EVERY time!

Thanks Marion!

Don't feel bad. He asks lots of stupid questons, too!

(He knows I Keed. I'm a Keeder.)

Christopher Bara · Post by **Christopher Bara** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:23 am

WT...i am intrigued that you have followed the sign up so closely on both SS.com and SF.com....

I've never seen you so active in something like this

almost as if you had a vested interest in it being in a place other than NCDSA

hmmmmm

Eddy Martinez · Post by **Eddy Martinez** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:13 am

HHHHHHMMMMMMMM IS RIGHT. SOMETHING IS TOTALLY UNBALANCED HERE, TOO TRANSPARENT.

Eddy Texas Outlaws/Pavel Flow on The Go Bro

Cat Young · Post by **Cat Young** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:25 am

Eddy.... Seems like the old Mexican hat dance on this subject, huh??

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/cr ... -C1028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Eddy Martinez · Post by **Eddy Martinez** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:20 pm

Or a long winded boring, Sneaky WES-tern.

Your Amigo Eddy Texas Outlaws/Pavel Flow on The Go Bro.

DHB Juggy · Post by **DHB Juggy** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 9:03 pm

*******IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE************

For all of you that have already signed up for the Worlds please go back and review the list on Silverfishlongboarding.com and make sure your name is there. Some people have clicked on "I will attend" but have not filled out the form and there name is NOT showing on the list.

If you find that this is the case, please sign up again. If it will NOT allow you to do so, clear your cookies from your computer and then attempt sign up once more.

If you are still unsuccessful please send a PM to Juggy or an email to juggy.dhb@downhillbillies.org and we will make sure you are included.

Note to CFAV and UTAH Trish: Juggy will update the information this weekend for your guys.

Thank you all for working with us on this process and we look forward to seeing you here in September.

Here is the link:
http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/f ... 7-9-27&c=2

trish erickson · Post by **trish erickson** » Sun Jun 10, 2007 5:11 pm

Hey Juggy,

Thank You. I guess I am not as computer savey as I though! I ate the cookies. Guess that didn't work though. Good stuff.

Thanks and see ya at the Worlds.

Utah Trish

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:52 pm

It took a little while, but the World's registration today reached 100.
I guess the DHBs did a real sell job in Ohio.

And just for the record, nothing will get canceled if a sponsor pulls out.

Robert Sydia · Post by **Robert Sydia** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:35 pm

Let's let Marion, Juggy and the DHB's field the questions in regards to the World's and the registration process.

Erik - do us all a favor, keep out of this and shut-up!!!!

Insulting and talking down to world cup level racers and potential participants in this important event does nothing but create anger and frustration. This is not the time, nor the place for you to flex your SF muscles - it is irrelevant!

You may think that you King at Silverfish, but in the world of competitive racing and slalom - you really don't have a lot to offer.

Let's concentrate on what is important - getting the World's best racers to Statesville and ensuring that all competitiors know that they are registered.

The DHB's have done an exceptional job in the past and I know they will pull out all the stops for this one!!!!!

Michael - we have not met, but I truly look forward to racing you and your British/European team mates in NC.

Rob

Erik Basil · Post by **Erik Basil** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:49 pm

Rob, crawl back under your kook rock and let the rest of us do what we can to spread the news and facilitate the biggest and best Slalom Worlds that have ever been put on. Your personal issues are irrelevant, distracting from the event and disrespectful of the event organizers.

The DHB have it down, they're working hard and there are over 100 skaters registered to race at the event! It's going to be great!

Jonathan Harms · Post by **Jonathan Harms** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:23 pm

Boy, I must have missed some fireworks. Guess that's what I get for doing work on work time instead of reading teh Intarwebz. Easy, fellas...

Robert Sydia · Post by **Robert Sydia** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:50 pm

Erik:

I know the DHB's have done an excellent job and will continue to do an excellent job!!!

What they don't need is a person like you - a sideline poser - insulting and talking down to some of the best racers from the other side of the pond and across North America. They are what make slalom racing what it is - you are NOT!!

There is no point wasting any more time and energy trying to deal with you - there are much better things to do!!

But please do everyone who races a skateboard a favor - go back to SF - don't taint other web-sites with your crap - you are not helping, nor spreading the news!!!!

Leave it to the DHB's

Nuff Said

Kevin Dunne · Post by **Kevin Dunne** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:54 am

Robert- E Basil does tons to help promote races, clinics, and slalom skateboarding in general. He has been a major source of advertising, sponsoring and helping put together every race and clinic that we have held this year. He has helped us get sponsors to contribute product for prizes and cash for prize money. He appeared before the city of Encinitas to help us get Saxony Rd. for the 2006 La Costa (Encinitas) Open, and again before city of Carlsbad to lobby for the 2007 La Costa Open. Silverfish is almost always the first to post results from races all around the world, and to post articles describing those races to all of those who could not attend. I don't think you will find another individual who has contributed as much as Erik has to our slalom community.
Kevin Dunne
La Costa Boys Racing

Joe Iacovelli · Post by **Joe Iacovelli** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:35 am

Nice contribution Kevin. I think there are a bunch of us outside SoCal that have never met EB. I think not knowing his experience his posts come off as pontification, and we write him off as another keyboard racer with a god complex.

EB needs to travel. Lets send him all that Steve Olson monsy Kenny collected. He can come to the Farm. Fatboy's Kook Rock band is playing

Joe

Erik Basil · Post by **Erik Basil** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:53 am

Thanks, Kevin. That was a cool thing to find.

I know what you mean, Joe. That coin's got two sides.

-E

Cat Young · Post by **Cat Young** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:22 am

Wow--- JBH---- I'm with you,

I don't know what went on & why Rob is so angry with Erik???

I will say that I agree with Kevin---- I met Erik at my first ever slalom/GS clinic in January at the Pump Station. Before the event, I was sitting in Northern California & was on Silverfish everyday PMing Erik with 20 questions a day about the upcoming GS event. He answered ALL of my silly questions & am sure he thought I was a royal pain in the ass. (now that he's met me, he KNOWS I'm a royal pain in the ass!)

Erik has always been gracious and helpful to me and every other slalom rookie, wanna-be slalomer, and long-time slalomer. Heck, he's been helpful to every skateboarder in general.

He helped me wrench my board, explained the difference between a bushing & bearing, (yes, it wasn't that long ago that I was totally oblivious-- now I'm only partially oblivious!) and even gave me a loaner board so I could make the GS course that day back in January when I was a brand new slalomer.

I thought to myself that day, if everyone were as nice as Erik, I was going to love being a part of this sport. Come to find out, every person I have met in slalom HAS been that nice AND helpful, and some of the nicest people I have EVER met.

I was able to win 1st in my division that day & was given a Bell full-face helmet by Erik.

Since then, Erik Basil has been one of my best buds in the skateboarding family. I really felt like part of a family that day.

Every Pump Station event I have attended, Erik has been there to set up the event, taken 100's & 100's of pictures ALL day long, tear down after the event, AND show slide shows of the event on his laptop at dinner after the event.

He is one cool dude & contributes buckets of stoke to skateboarding.

I'm glad I can call him my friend.

I have not met you yet, Rob, but I'm sure I will be calling you my friend also before too long.

Koombaya everyone, koombaya!

PS.... below is NOT a childhood video of Rob & Erik!

Wesley Tucker · Post by **Wesley Tucker** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:33 pm

I checked the sign up today for the first time in a week or more and whadda' ya' know? Attila signed up!

Wow. They are coming out of the woodwork for this race!

I don't know that AA has ever traveled east to race. Let's hope he not only brings his quiver but remembers the throw in his camera. The guy takes incredible action shot. if Fadell, Abraham and Aszoldi are all at the Worlds, it is going to be the most spectacularly photographed event in modern skate racing history!

Erik Basil · Post by **Erik Basil** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 6:54 pm

Whoa, hey! Some nice things said here...I gotta read this more often. Maybe the same thread, over and over and over and...

Anyway, to the actual topic at hand: we have some more updates and a photo of the "hybrid/special" hill available, HERE.

Lenny Poage · Post by **Lenny Poage** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:34 pm

Any word yet one what days will have what races? I'm hoping to make it for the whole shabang, but I may only be able to make it for Saturday and Sunday. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Marty Schaub · Post by **Marty Schaub** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 9:01 pm

Lenny,

I will answer your question, but I will preface this by saying I am not an official source. I believe in my discussions with HammerHead it's Thursday - Unofficial, special super GS, Friday - Official GS, Saturday - Official Hybrid & Sunday - Official tight.

Of course every day is an official drinking day in Skatesville where the moon shines bright!!!!

Join the ISSA 25 cone series. One cyber race every second month!

Regular sessions allow newbies to join our community and discover slalom racing.

Sign Up For 2007 World Championship Already At 110

Sign Up For 2007 World Championship Already At 110

Michael has some points that need to be addressed

Worlds

Let's Keep Focused on What is Important

I Think