SOQUEL
THE FINAL SESSION
Utilizing power-packed moves and well-connected lines, Jony Roberts proves
that he is amongst Santa Cruz County's elite surf/skaters.
Almost ten years ago, in October,
1977, Skatepark Soquel opened in
Soquel, CA, a community just
outside of Santa Cruz. Constructed
by Ed DaRoza for the low cost of
$65,000, the two-acre park
featured a twenty-seven-foot wide,
twelve-foot deep half-pipe, two
snake runs (one vertical-extension,
'Reseda-type' and a typical S-turn
configuration) both of which
emptied into ten-foot bowls, a nine-
foot deep mogul field reservoir with
four feet of vertical and a
beginner's area with banked walls
featuring an extended lip in one
corner. The latter area had the only
negotiable speed line and was the
only survivor after the park was
closed and dozed in the summer
of 1979.
However, before its demise, it was
sessioned heavily by some heavy
locals, including the likes of Mike
"Smiley" Goldman, John Hutson,
Gary "Window Pane" Herbst, the
Carter Bros., Kevin Reed, Terry
Brown, Dion, Robert Garrett, Tim
Piumarta and Scott Sommers.
The park lay dormant for some
time until a skater, Brett Bye,
moved into the building which
housed the old pro shop and
overlooked the beginner's area,
which by that time was partially
overcome by foliage. This
unskateable condition didn't last
long. Soon the speed lines were
once again attainable. Rob Roskopp
moved in, stayed for awhile and
was eventually replaced by John
Insco. A few years of sessioning and
partying were enjoyed until one day
the dreaded eviction notice reared
its head,
So here's to an unforgettable
skate spot: a fitting farewell toast
in the form of an Eviction Party-
March 29, 1987,
Above: Skate like there's no tomorrow; overview
of Soquel's farewell session. Below: Nor-Cal resi-
dent Tommy Guerrero paid his respects to
st
Soquel's reservoir with lines and
healthy aerial antics.
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