SEATTLE SLEW
HOT AND DRY IN THE NORTHWEST
The Northwest region of the United States con-
tains a strong and thriving skate population.
Although the often damp weather may not be
the most cooperative factor for the skaters in the
area, they make the best of the situation.
I had the chance one dry weekend to witness
the skate action first hand. It was the third annual
"Wake Up and Smell the Pavement" free-street-
style contest put on by Fallout Records and
Skateboards. Droves of skaters from Portland,
Reno, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and
other Northwest regions gathered at a school-
yard in Seattle, Washington, to compete,
spectate and join in on the weekend parties.
Natas Kaupas, Aaron Murray and Tommy
Guerrero were on hand for a pro demonstration
following the competition. Somehow, they were
swindled into sitting for three hours to judge the
contest. Fashion-victim skaters were blazing dur
ing the practice sessions, launching big airs and
assorted slides across the course. Contest
pressure seemed to be the virus of the day. Few
skaters were able to stay on board and complete
a clean run in their qualifying heats.
To the side of the course, two large circles of
skaters were apparent. In the center of the three-
person-deep rings, assorted "streetplant victims"
were displaying their posing talents. Is this
skateboarding? I thought not and continued to
watch the "bail and flail" antics of the compe-
tition. Throughout the day, fast-paced skate
anthems blared from a killer sound system,
keeping the spectators comfortable and the
skating flowing.
After many long hours of practice, competi-
tion, slamming and spectating, the final results
were announced. It soon became evident that
a majority of the competitors were bummed with
the judging. Do these skaters realize that falls
count against them in a contest? Probably not.
The pro demo turned out to be an act from hell.
Many stubborn, clueless skaters remained on the
course and became constant rolling obstacles for
Natas, Aaron and Tommy's skating abilities.
To sum it up, most of the skaters who were pre-
sent should wake up and smell the pavement.
Above: Sponsored freestyle winner, Cam Martin,
releases a godzilla flip with poised concentra-
tion. Right: The Northwest has produced some
hot skate talent. Adam Muzikant shows why he is
among the breed with a back-breaking method.
By Mark Isleton
Photos by Bryce Kanights
Above: Mike Johnson took the
competition by suprise with his
avant garde, no-ho performance.
Right: Steve Roetter sequentially
thrusts frontside on a wooden
fabrication during his final run.
76
77