Food for thought

[AJ Kohn]

Organizing an event is a hard thing to do but a very rewarding one as well!
I am so grateful that 10 yrs later we are so much further then when we all started in this resurgence effort in Freestyle skateboarding. The fact that almost 75 of us pre registered for this event blows my mind and more and more kids are picking up on and are being exposed to Freestyle.
I remember hosting the WC in 2001 and I think we had 15 entries and 9 yrs later having an almost 400% increase just in preregistered alone is something to be stoked on!
Additionally there are more higher profile Freestylers thanks in part to the internet, sponsors getting behind us as well as starting to see us infiltrate the other various medias that 10 yrs ago we would have never had the chance to even fathom those prospects.
Although we have come so far we still have a long ways to go but I think by utilizing technology (internet) and our continued collective efforts it is possible to make change happen on a bigger scale in the future!

I got thinking about this when going for sponsors for the 2010 WC in Philly as well as what George Powell said at a recent IASC meeting. Basically the 5 biggest companies back in the early 90's decided that "street" skating was going to be their focus which in turned muscled the media (magazines) to cover almost exclusively this new style. This move is what many considered killed Vert and Freestyle Skateboarding. As time went on and smaller companies owned by skaters some of the more successful ones happened to be owned by Freestyler's(World Industries,Dwindle Distribution, Birdhouse, Flip, Sole Tech (Entnies,Emerica,Es), etc.) started gaining more control of the market Street remained their sole focus as it stands to today. The problem is that many of these former freestylers forgot their roots somewhere along the way and needless to say many of them will not be supporting the 2010 WC of Freestyle this September due to one excuse or another and since they "control" or at least have influence on the mainstream media it is difficult for Freestyle to be seen or even heard due to this attitude towards this form.

So I say lets show them, lets work together and blitzkrieg the heck out of all the blogs/websites and emails to all of the major companies/magazines/organizations (IASC/ASR/Surf Expo etc.) and various media outlets that exhibit skateboarding and let them know that we are indeed here and that we will not be ignored any more!
Note I think that this should be a coordinated effort and that a single message(s) should be sent out in this mass fashion so that there is a uniformity and a conciseness to what the message is which in itself should be professionally written by a few with input and distribution of from all!

Let me know your thoughts

[AJ Kohn]

I think the first message should be about the 2010 WC of Freestyle
How its the 10 yr anniversary of the resurgence of Professional Freestyle: The first form where all other are derivatives.
That over 75 skaters from 10 different countries will be exhibiting their unique and progressive skills
It will be held in Philadelphia, a mecca of influential and progressive skateboarding
That proceeds from this event will go to non profit Franklins Paine to help build/rebuild skate areas as well as implements educational programing throughout the city.
It is a Free event to spectate and to enter.
To get involved and for more information go to: www.phillyfreestyle.com

[Erick Mattos]

I'm going to write something up and send it to you AJ. Hopefully its epic enough to be sent out on a massive scale. I'm going to do everything I can in my power to get people there, and to get myself there. We all also have to work together and be more communicative so... I don't mind doing this, and I hope you and others who want to be involved in promoting the WC to save my phone number and call and/or text me ANYTIME I hardly sleep so anytime is fine.

Heres my number 209-450-1904! Email is ErickMattos@FreestylersUnited.Com