Boardsliding
Into. Home
Story & Photos by Michael Burnett
expor
Sina Valley's Skatelab
Used to be, all skaters could expect from jocks was taunting,
yells of "skate or die" out of passing cars and the occasional
wedgie. Skating was skating, and people who played sports like
football and baseball might as well be out in space for all they
knew about the feel of urethane on concrete. That was, until
Scott Radinski, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, bridged
that gap. Scott, a long-time skater and punk rocker (he sings in
the band Pulley,) met up with Todd Huber, the curator of one of
the world's largest collection of vintage skateboard memorabil-
ia, and together they created the Simi Valley Skatelab.
The skatepark/museum features Todd's
entire collection of boards and other junk from
skateboarding's history as well as a largish
street course, three mini ramps and a sick
multi-level bowl. All the ramps are coated in
either steel or imported birch plywood for the
sketch free ride. Everything's indoors with late
hours - perfect for a quick session after you get
done with baseball practice. Call 805-578-0040
for more information.
22 THRASHER
Awar
Clockwise from left:
Overview of the park. Andy
McDonald flies over the hip
into the corner pocket via the
frontside air approach. Mad
Dog Tony Alva barnstorms the
bowl while one of his buds
brings up the rear. John Klein
adapts himself easily to one of
the many different transfers
available at this happening
Simi Valley spot. Not the wall
of shame, but the haul of fame,
see anything familiar?
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