Damn Am 2005

Costa Mesa.

This year we had a big group make the trip to Volcom. Our team riders that made the trip included -

Jason Barr, Ian Sherman, Pat Dykstra, Ryan Yost, and Cody Davis. We also had Kim, Chuck, and

Ashley Davis all make the trip to support their crew of 3rd Lair riders.

Thursday: We arrived in Costa Mesa and were greeted by Seattle shredder the one and only Dirty Dan. It was cool to see Dan, and he was stoked to have a floor to crash on. 

We then went straight to the Volcom warehouse where the contest was to be over the weekend. There were 100’s of young, hungry amateur skateboarders ripping up the portable contest course. They had limited time to get their lines down, and the session was raw, and heated.

That night we went to eat at The Outback Steak house. See, Dirty Dan works at one in Seattle and got us a great down under discount. Then after Outback, I got into a Foosball battle with Tampa foosball legend Ryan Clements. We smoked all the locals, even made this one guy cry. They got upset and called the world’s #2 ranked player to get Ryan and I off the table. Anyway, next on tap was sleep.

Friday: Up at 8:00 and off to the contest day 1 qualifier. Big ups to whoever set up the web cam live feed.

People from all corners of the earth tuned in on their computers to watch the contest. We need that here for Damn Am 06.

New for us this year was our 3rd Lair tent made the trip, along with some gigantic photos of the park. It was rad to have a home base at the contest. The skateboarding was fantastic. There were about 90 skateboarders who competed in the 1st day of qualifiers.

Our crew finished well, Pat Dykstra, 37th, Cody Davis, 25th, and Jason Barr made the cut and qualified in 5th. After the qualifiers we went to the Costa Mesa outdoor park for a strange session. Cool park, but the full pad rule is strictly enforced.

Then we went to Newport Beach and grubbed with the Barr family, I forgot to mention earlier that Jason’s Mom, Dad, and Gal pal made the trip out to surf and support their skateboarding loved one. Anyway we ate seafood and drank fluids. Then back to the Bar zone for some pool and fluids, all this followed by some sleep. 

Saturday: Up at 8:00 and back to the contest. I must say I was amazed we got there so early each day. I’ll blame it on the booth, The Tampa crew gave us a great opportunity to promote Damn am 06 at 3rd Lair, Top Shop, and our up coming pro contest in Sept. 06. We had to take full advantage.

That day the vibe was equal to the previous, and about 95 skateboarders competed. Our crew that day, Ryan Yost, 61st, Ian Sherman, 60th, Dirty Dan 41st. Other Mpls crew: Jamiel Nowparvar 58th, and CJ. Tambornino, 65th.

After the qualifier we left to Forrest Lake Etnies Skatepark. Great time, everyone skated hard. Next, food, no fluids, just sleeps.

Sunday: Up at, you guessed it 8:00, but 1st things 1st, Bloody Mary bar, and Minnesota Viking Football.

Anyway we left at ½ time; the Vikings were down by 42.

We hung out the rest of the day at the finals. Great time Tyler Hendley won the contest, and Terrell Robinson won best trick.

After the contest we went out to keep it real, pool, foosball, and flipping coins. Muller won the SkatePark of Tampa from Schaffer that night. On a coin toss! Nice call Muller.

Monday: Time to go home. 1st we were invited to check out the vibe at the Listen skateboard Co.

Owner of Listen Shimrit showed us around and was so welcoming. She even bought us all breakfast. A great way to finish a great trip.

Steve-