Land of Milk and Concrete
Just cast of Australia lies a
country of humble wealth.
This nation, buried deep in
the south Pacific, boasts some
truly amazing scenery, killer
waves and skate terrain that
parallels the moon. There's a
ramp, park or bowl in every
neighborhood, and chances
are, it's free.
Whangarei: This place
(previous spread) is for
anybody the mad, the meek,
the local fella down the street.
A blend of many curves and
cracks, its age old construc-
tion puts one's versatility to
the test. Open banked walls
with round lips turn grey with
envy as you wind through
one of the tightest, gnarllest
snake runs ever poured. It
makes you wonder if it was
built by convicts for convicts
Then there's a mellow keyhole
and clover-like dish
Auckland: Originally a
storage facility for a dairy
these pipes have been
conveniently laid to rest for
those keen enough to climb in
them and deaf enough to
withstand them. Nick Van
Hoven was exposed to trace
elements of vitamin B when
he squeezed his way through
the funnel and into darkness.
By 10:30, it was bedtime for
Nick. His mum reckons it's
cool to get your vitamins, but
skating up late is just out of
the question.
I
COON
SKA
MFUCK
Lynfield: Designed by
Greg Jarman and Lee
Ralph, this place (below)
is a virtual concrete
wonderland. Kiwi edge
man Spittle experiences
the difference made by
people who skate.
The surf meets the turf at
Lynfield. There's a deep,
verty bowl (opposite
page, top) and the
island's most famous
point break nearby, at
the rivermouth.
Brown's Bay: Surf.
sand, cement, steel.
Brown's Bay (bottom) is
a unique fusion of forms.
eders
44 THRASHER MAGAZE