GoldCoast’s new collection of longboard and cruiser skateboards that are inspired by culture, travel and film will be available around the world this summer. Skateboards take people places they normally wouldn’t go, and lead to new cultures and experiences along the way.

The streets of Kimberley and Cranbrook are already teaming with longboarders enjoying the sport as transportation or for fun. Tony said anyone interested in bumping things up a notch, should just give it a go.

“I don’t hear anybody screaming about banning swimming or preventing people from going into the water,” he said. “There’s not been a single longboarder dead this year.”

Kelly’s loss was Andrew Chapman’s gain. He stayed out of the crash to take his first major win on the circuit, edging out Max Wipperman, who placed second, while Reimer recovered fastest to take the final spot on the podium. For Chapman, a 23-year-old racer from London, Ontario, it was all about opportunity.

The main event of the festival is the Whistler Sliding Centre Downhill presented by Arbor Skateboards, which runs July 13 to July 15. July 13 is a rider-only day for practicing and course inspection, although spectators are invited to watch the second day of training on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Whistler Sliding Centre on Blackcomb.

Advertise Here

For decades, contests have been a great way for skaters to meet up and show off their stuff. The camaraderie and friend­ships that are formed are at the heart of what it means to …