Weekly Wrap Up x 5.10.13

May 10th, 2013

Jenkem takes on skatepark patrons in this incredibly accurate article as well as a montage featuring everyone’s favorite Swedish Arab.

New pro Stevie Perez showcases his skill set for Lakai.

Crailtap and Valsurf also present a full Justin Eldridge part that includes footage from this continent.

If the rest of Belly Of The Beast follows in the same steps as Shaun Gregoire’s part, I recommend a purchase to all. A refreshing dose of the east coast.

SHAUN GREGOIRE from ‘Belly of the Beast’ from Allen Danze on Vimeo.

Ambig releases Modern Art via Thrasher. In a similar directive and cinematographic light as Benny Maglinao’s aesthetic, this short video offering tastefully and fluidly moves. Like the sound of a warm tube amplifier, the HD footage sits well, un-apologetic because it works. Jerky fisheye shots and over saturation don’t have a home here. Clive Dixon, whom I was admittedly unfamiliar with, and glad that’s not the case anymore, shines with the video’s opening part combining power and style. A short section featuring JT Aultz, Sean Connover, and Moose all sharing the same threads and drastically different skateboard styles, fills the middle. Carolina’s favorite visitor, Matt Bennett successfully stamps another part in most innovative parts section of the skate-history books, getting in what he’s great at: fast feet, unnatural turns and backside grinds. Clint Walker’s part is available for public consumption. A mad-man.

Not overcompensating, and beautifully done, the Ambig video should be a staple in any High Def filmer/editor’s book of best practices with some video parts that will be referenced for years to come.

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Weekly Wrap Up x 5.6.13

May 6th, 2013

Myself and roughly 200 others rode about 650 miles on motorcycles for the 4th iteration of the Death Science/Showclass Revenge Run. Had a blast, but no time to post the usual weekly wrap up on Friday.

The next issue of the digital zine magazine under the Order Of The Moth will feature a full story with photos of the now dubbed, Escape From Ocracoke.

Since AVE and Dill shattered hearts late last week what’s left to write about. FuckingAwesome may be making Dill Yen overseas, but the name doesn’t quite roll of the tongue easily for a seven-ply corporation. Could SEX SKATEBOARDS come to fruition as suggested by the high and might Bosco? Only if Dylan and A.O sign on.

Speaking of dynamic duos, Figgy and Nuge prove that long-hairs can throw down: #WORLDSTAR.

NB# announces their official team: Levi Brown was a curve-ball. Was Marquis Henry’s logo-header on his personal website premature, or is there an onslaught of new riders emerging in the future? One can hope.

NB# Team Intro Video from New Balance Numeric on Vimeo.

Chocolate turns Stevie Perez pro after one video part. Crailtap loves the threeferone deal.

Travis knocks back a six pack while the sun goes down in his fif try:

Travis Maynor Fifth Try Friday from Matt H on Vimeo.

A swift kick in the balls as pulled from @hulkhoagies.
It was bound to happen, especially with amateur graffiti ‘artists’ taking a liking to the locale.

Thrashville went off this weekend according to my Instagram feed. Stoked to see everyone having such an amazing time.

Cinco de Mayo hosted Chet Childress’ art show at Blacksheep.

Weekly Wrap Up x 4.26.13

April 26th, 2013

With the release of the Deathwish video, legendary pros Erik Ellington and Jim Greco really aren’t showing their age, only experience. Greco’s part, riddled with different hair styles and dark slide variations, is his most superior to date. Moose has come a long way from his notorious backside 360′s, giving seasoned ledge dancers a run for their money. Slash’s ender…watch that front truck, a SOLID part full of incredible stunts. Lizard King has embraced the firecracker. Furby and Neen both exemplify sound style. I respect Jon Dickson, not only because he’s incredible at skateboarding, but like him, I have the ass of a female tennis player, and it makes things a bit more difficult.

And if Greco is opening the doors for #darkslidefever then Wes Kremer is riding in on the black horse:

Clint Walker’s death-defying invocation of Heath Kirchart and Evil Knievel has thisisfeelthis 10 best of the year written all over it. After a brief stint on Youtube, Thrasher caught wind and dismantled it. Still not sure whether or not this was a clever publicity stunt by Ambig or just a privileged viewer with the capacity to upload.

Diamond Days are back with Lord Zalfa as a budding inspiration for any unsponsored skateboarder over 25-years-old, as well as a wintry mix of skatepark footage and some telling photos of Keith Denely’s bar adventures.

Diamond Days #67 from Rob Harris on Vimeo.

Stereo introduces relatively unknown Nate Greenwood who gives Boston spots a beat-down.

As the world turns, The Berrics re-introduces it to the forgotten Royal Trucks team, which is incredible. Totally thought Vince was an Indy guy..Mariano proves that no one can step to tech rail tricks like him: the man is a living monster. Also Lakai’s latest, Miles Silvas shows how to shuv out of a nosegrind..watch that back foot.

Jerry Hsu’s culture and heritage is questioned by raving Youtuber’s in Crailtap’s We Shred It, You Said It, We Read It.

NC Native and black-armed skateboarder turned poet/author, Scott Bourne releases his book Room With No Windows. Check the site here. I will be buying and reading.

Jackson Casey presents a promo for AZ based Pyramid Country, which is sure to deliver well timed psychedelia among burnt-out rippers.

Dan Murphy turns 19 again.

Sturgill turns 16 again.

Connor returns to North Carolina and Bojangles.

Winston Salem’s Colin Snoke is welcomed to the Exodus Skateshop team with this awesome clip:

Refreshing to see some creative filing/editing from that area.

‘NO TRESPASSING’ signs have been posted at Yellow Ledge.

Order Of The Moth was called “Some Illuminati Shit” by a curious skatepark patron, and heroine is the drug dujour at Marsh Creek, which yesterday looked more like the gathering of the juggalos. Good news is the skatepark might be a few kooks lighter in the coming months.

Enjoy the weekend.

Weekly Wrap Up x 4.19.13

April 19th, 2013

A shit week for Boston, total bummer about all the mess going on in the area.

Damn Am Atlanta wraps up and Bob shows me cellphone footage of Yoshi doing backtail blizzard-flip on transition. Still think you’ve got a shot at getting free swoosh?

In other news, Lacey Baker shows us what Dylan would look like if he gained a few lbs. (but in all seriousness, nose manual nollie-inward heel was truly fucked up, she rips.)

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In the land of are-you-fucking-kidding-me, Jake Brown does a an ollie 720 over the mega gap.

The Institution For Mallgrabs America, aka Zumiez calls Vertical Urge and asks them to host their contest.

Phone calls flood Endless Grind as the footwear obsessed contemplate whether or not their fellow clothing-matchers will be in line for the Concord release tomorrow morning. Getting shot for skateboarding shoes has never been such a stylish adventure.

Vine has begun to unveil itself outside it’s early adopters which leaves room for cheating lines, moving selfies and mediocre jokes.
However, Riff Raff solidifies himself as my favorite celebrity/human being ever.

The Weather gets his Fif Try in:

TheWeather Fifth Try Friday from Matt H on Vimeo.

A speedy recovery to Matt Gillen on his recent leg surgery.

Weekly Wrap Up x 4.12.13

April 12th, 2013

With Damn Am Atlanta on the horizon and the weather getting incredible here in NC, I’m on my way to Ohio. It only makes sense.

The legendary, and in my opinion, best outdoor park in the area, the Chapel Hill Skatepark, will be handed back to the city at the end of the month from the hands of Vertical Urge/Project 58.
Get there while you can before politico full-pad laws are enforced and the gem is lost.

Yellow ledge seems to be striving, as well the TJ’s ledges that seem to be getting tons of attention lately. A far cry from the solo Bob Reynolds sessions that were the only action those things were accustomed to for the past year and change.

Connor is in NY filming and skating with the Quartersnacks crew. Some screengrabs from QS:

Speaking of Quartersnacks, a great BA interview here.

Transworld’s Perpetual Motion released in stores and Tom Remillard skates to the same Red Fang song as Pedro Barros. Now, I’m not trashing anyone, but that’s like..well, that’s like skating to the same song that someone that skates the same stuff better than you skated to in a skate video. Josh Mathews dances those quick feet to The Greatful Dead’s Touch of Grey. Silas doesn’t get a well deserved last part, but Julian Davidson shines. Walker Ryan’s switch game is on point. Berard has one awesome trick.

The raw footage of Ben Rayborn’s death-defying drop ins at Burnside…twice surfaced.

Suciu and Delatore are pro for Habitat. (about damn time)

Joey Pepper’s part re-edited for the Berrics here.

Elusive Yaje footage:

Hopefully this weather won’t lead to a staggering number of male-selfies.

Weekly Wrap Up x 4.5.13

April 5th, 2013

This week I’ve had time to do nothing, nor really pay attention to whats been happening locally and internationally in skateboarding because of harsh deadlines at work and roughly 5 hours of sleep a night.

I do know that Jenkem released this amazing video as probably the only funny part of April Fool’s Day.\

I also know that I deleted Pheed, (thank God)

and that Durand did this as his fif try.

Durand Beasley Fifth Try Friday from Matt H on Vimeo.

It’s a weak one this week, but hey, i gotta pay the mortgage.

Weekly Wrap Up x 3.29.13

March 29th, 2013

Tampa Pro wrapped up this weekend with literally the worst top 3 ever. The park couldn’t even contain true rippers like Berard and Grant.

Speaking of Kyle, Elephant released this ad.

Silas throws this craze down. Some serious video game nonsense. Can’t wait for the TWS video to see it in live action.

East Coast ripper and style king Kevin Coakley adds to Think’s already amazing lineup.

THINK SKATEBOARDS Welcomes – Kevin Coakley from Think Skateboards on Vimeo.

Nike releases a Nike caliber commercial for the Koston 2 which leaves me with mixed feelings. Overall weird ones. Major athletes are spouting out skate tricks, when 10 years ago jocks were humiliating skateboarders in high-school: look how far we’ve come.

At least Justin got a cameo.

In local news,

Connor came in with a Fif Try from our friends at The Beerics. I still think Connor should trade some blunts for some Budweisers.

Dustin Hall released some raw footage that is truly tight.

Dustin Hall from JamesThrossel on Vimeo.

Too many adults still riding name brand grip tape, and the weather is still getting better.

Durand deletes both Snapchat accounts based on high-phone bills. Taking bets as to when he’s back.

“J-laying” has taken a backseat to “Tugwelling”, the selfie with the liquor or beer chug, preferably in a car.

#Formerlythin is not catching on as expected.

Weekly Wrap Up x 3.22.13

March 22nd, 2013

No all-new Mark Suciu part, but in light of the Skateboard Mag’s YBAM, his Sabotage 3 part was remixed with some un-used footage

MJ drops 2 minutes of unseen, which makes you wonder what was going on in that editing room. (still think it’s a cruel joke that Castillo gets one line in PS and one trick in Dog)

Someone ollied the tracks in Harlem at 145th which will be featured in Alan Ying’s beautifully composed 43 Magazine

I went to Montreal in 2011 with my family for Thanksgiving and bought the Dime Store video at the local skateshop and Nadeem and I watched it a ton. The crew and SLAP puts this out online for free. (best intro ever)

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Evan Smith FINALLY turns pro with this stellar part. Are hits of neon grip the future of 2015? Someone needs to remix this to Wu-Tang.

Front blunt anyone?

Rob puts out 15 more minutes of DECE and the Yaje nostalgia gets stronger:

DECE ADDENDUM from Rob Harris on Vimeo.

Tampa Pro kicks off this weekend. Let’s hope Sturgill doesn’t die again. Berard took #tsmfanfavorite last year, so lets do it again.

In local news, Marsh Creek is still terrible, but hey, at least it gets dark at 8 now.
And Durand was so into Snapchat that he started another account.

Weekly Wrap Up

March 15th, 2013

Hopefully I’ll have the discipline of doing this every week. In the meantime, here’s your weekly re-cap.

Congrats to Kyle Berard on 2 years of sobriety today and his recent board sponsor Mike V’s Elephant Skateboards.

Mark Suciu cannot be stopped. Quarternacks seems to be thinking the same thing.
This dude is really setting the bar high for tons of up-and-commers, especially those afraid of a camera.
No more awkward Habitat shoes commercials.

Endless Grind has officially gotten rid of all of their sale shoes except for some high-demand Nikes and Adidas’. No word on how that will affect scathing hood-rat kleptomaniacs’ decisions on entering the store to begin with.

Some asshole is driving around in a white truck ‘kicking people out’ of the Courthouse in Durham: ignore him. In the same line of news, the wooden benches in Chapel Hill are skate-stopped. Good luck.

I’m going to start getting the ball rolling on the #formerlythin hashtag. Hopefully some people will follow suit.

Spectacular when you can backtail a handrail in 2 tries with beers at stake.

Corey Huber Fifth Try Friday from Matt H on Vimeo.

Scooters haven’t really made their way to the south in full force, but i hope that changes with this amazing contraption, just so I can see what the fuss is all about.

Forest Edwards casually switch flips into the history books:

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Future real-life dad Josh Brown has been releasing old footage from his glory days on this Vimeo channel. Videos feature a more brown Marco, a visored Kent Willard, as well as a young Connor and Justin. Still waiting on a #formerlythin Verderber. (I needed to start somewhere, does this count?)

Vice and CN decided to take on the ATL Twins in a video series: here’s part 1.

With a few months left on his dead-finger rehab, Murphy is taking time to focus on his clothing company Proof.

Also, numerous Snapchats have revealed a top secret/perfect concrete creation by the hands of Artisan skateparks somewhere in rural NC.

The Past x The Present x The Future

February 28th, 2013

thisisfeelthis has been my main presence on the web for 6 years now. The site has supported my video projects and given me a place to host my opinions about skateboarding, personal photos, as well as a place where I’ve had the opportunity to support my friends in their endeavors.

Recently I haven’t given the necessary attention to this site as I have been focusing on my art guild The Order Of The Moth and laying out our online zine that will release its first issue on April 1st with the help of many, as well as on my band Bedowyn while we record our first EP that is also going to be available in April.

When interesting things in skateboarding pop up, I usually dump them on the thisisfeelthis facebook page.

Instagram has really killed the photo dumps I use to provide here (although I just made the move to a private account.)

The future will hold a few new things for the site:

I will do my best to have a weekly update about things that I stumble across which I find interesting, or local/national skate news (much as Quartersnacks does with their Monday updates)

I’ve picked up the camera again and I’m working with James Tupper and numerous others to assist in filming for Film & Destroy while I work on a personal project that I will provide more information about in the future.

Don’t give up on me, I’ll be back.

-Alex