22 Txatio
LA Ponds
Words and Photos
by Michael Burnett
Left: Handrails
all over the world
breathed a sigh of
relief when Daniel
"the Bruiser" Haney spent this
day jumping a rock gap.
Upper Right: To visit the pond
and not ride the
rocks is like
going to Disney
World and not riding the
Matterhorn. Tim Brunes
goes Drehobl off a big one.
Lower Right: A preview of
the type of sick terrain
that could be created
by World War III.
Support your local
arms dealer
n inadvertent result of Southern California's water rationing
A rules of the late '80s, The Ponds have provided unique bank-
style terrain for Santa Monica area skaters for the last 10 years or so.
Hips, banks, rocks, and dirt included, it's one of those places that would
suck if it was made for skating, but pretty much rules because it wasn't. It's
rough in some places, slick in others, and has some cracks that'll toss you if
you're not on the ball. The park, located at 26th and Wilshire, also has a small
1993-style ledge and is close to the action-packed downtown area. The bust level
is a moderate 3 out of a possible 10, but weekdays and mornings are recommended
for hassle-free hardflips, bonelesses, or whatever else you might have in mind.