Chris McHugh gets inverted on the 720. >>

With Derek Dellatorre having to default out because of an injury during his first run, Chris Padilla and Jon Garcia were the only 2 skaters left with a chance at the title. Jon went first, and put together one of the dopest and most creative competition runs ever seen at the Am level. He threw out 540's, cab 540's, a flatspin 270, mistrials, and tons of soul variations and switch ups. His run definitely left him as the front runner. Chris Padilla had one run to overtake Jon. He used the entire in his line, skating with an awesome mix of big tricks and stylish grinds. He worked the course with fakie airs, big transfers, all kinds of grinds, and a HUGE 540 in the transition. Although his line was completely on point, and his tricks were big, he couldn¹t match Jon's silky smooth style and amount of tricks. Jon emerged victorious.

<< Chris Padilla lofts a big air during warmups.

The best trick competition was also just as tight with the judges undecided after the 2nd round. Jason Mutrux was clearly in the lead with his 630 corkscrew from the mini ramp onto a 4 foot wide bank ramp. However, Orrie Merren had already landed a huge misty flip transfer, and Leslie White was right behind them both, if he could stick the 450 transfer he was trying. On his third try, he finally landed the 450 and rode away clean. It was close, but the judges decided to give it to Jason because of the difficulty of the trick, and also because the landing was so small. He walked away with the best trick title, and the new pair of Salomon skates!

The competition was a complete success, and I joined the whole Diversity Crew afterwards at the RV Park for some bar-b-q and relaxing. Later on, after we had digested our food and talked continuously for hours about the competition, I decided it was time to go open the park back up. What better way to end the weekend then with a midnight skate session at SFX. You would think everyone would have had enough skating already, but what can we say? We will forever continue to celebrate our love to roll!

D-Tour Am skater and SFX locall Franky Morales pops an air on the quarter. >>