One of these friends, Stefan Günther, is a celebrity pro skater in Germany. When his sponsor called him over for a contest, I had the chance to hang out all weekend with the Etnies Europe Skate team. We had a blast, riding some famous LA spots and getting a behind-the-scenes look into Sole Technology Institute, where new skate shoes are developed.
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8-Stair Kickflip
Günni at the STI Skatelab
Sole Technologies HQ, a surreal place where new shoe designs for Etnies and éS are tested. They use the latest technology, like this medical motion capture stage.
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Zumiez Couch
Etnies' Goofy VS Regular Cup
This annual cup is one of the biggest events for a skater, aside from the X-Games (which is really just a show for the mainstream). Best trick contest on Zumiez Couch...
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Etnies Park Centerview
Etnies Skatepark
Contest location was the Etnies Skatepark, one of the largest and highest rated skateparks in the US. Standing in-between the Street Course and the Flow Course.
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In the Bowl
Etnies Skatepark
Standing at the bottom of the 8-feet Combi Bowl. Get ready for some fast lines!
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Street Course
Etnies Skatepark
A concrete picnic table is the centerpiece of this street course, placed between perfectly smooth jump ramps. Ahh... seamless concrete heaven!
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Guest Loft
Pierre-Andrés Guesthouse
We stayed in this luxury loft, provided by Pierre André Senizergues. He's the founder of Sole Technologies, the mothership that launched Etnies, éS, Emerica, 32 ...
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Stairs of Fame
Pierre-Andrés Guesthouse
If the name didn't ring a bell - Pierre André used to be the ultimate champion in Freestyle, back in the old days. And now he shaped the world of skateboarding and fashion.
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Ditched River
Skip's Ditch
While we were down in Lake Forrest, we couldn't pass on a visit to this legendary skate spot. Had to scout for Skip's Ditch on Google Maps, it's kind of a secret spot.
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Under the Bridge
Skip's Ditch
Wheel tracks on the inner wall of the bridge, which is a an invitation for wall rides all by itself. Whoever thought out this transitioning bank on the wall was a genius.
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On the Slope
Skip's Ditch
Quite possibly this ditch was also the location for the chase scene in Terminator. Or maybe not, who knows. It's still a pretty giant bank, for a hell of a fun ride.
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Tha Gang
Long Beach
The guy in the green shirt is me, and then from left to right: Gregor, Günni, Denis, Tino. Somewhere in the background is the Queen Mary.