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Words by Kevin Marks Photos by Gabe Morford
ATLAS ...DE PRIMERA!
PRIMERO MI...
PANAMA
O
Panama Dan
O
O
O
Mike Maldonado
D
uring the middle of January, Brad Staba, Brian
Anderson, Mike Maldonado, Gabe Morford and I
embarked on a mission to Panama, Central America.
Distributor Factoria 507 was helping to open one of the first
skateparks ever to stand in Panama. They wanted to put on a
spectacular demo, so Tum Yeto was contacted and the crew
was assembled. Not exactly sure what to expect, and realizing
that seeing into the future is difficult, we figured we were in
for some insanity. And, yes, insanity met us in Panama.
Prepare to hear the tales of our adventures.
Friday night marked our arrival to Tocumen International
Airport in Panama City. Customs clearance went smoothly and
we made our way outside to meet our guide and host, Mirlo, of
Factoria 507 fame. Once outside we immediately met our major
foe of the trip. The intense pounding heat presented itself in all
its mighty power. Holy Mackerel, we knew it was going to be
hot, but we weren't prepared for what we found. It was almost 9
pm, but that didn't prevent us from starting to sweat immediate-
ly while waiting for Mirlo. After the initial shock wore off, we
60 THRASHER
TMICA VERDIL
Pantera
Rosa
Edgar Chang
Tiny
PANAMA
found Mirlo and his compadres. An impromptu televi-
sion interview was completed and we were off to the
Las Vegas, our hotel.
On the way from the airport to the hotel it quickly
became apparent to us that driving in Panama is
chaotic as all hell. We were split up into two cars
and anarchy unfolded on the open road for the 30
minute ride. The horn is the most important com-
ponent of the Panamanian auto. Drivers made left
turns smack dab in front of us and our driver's only
defense was swerving and laying on the horn.
Highlights included almost getting squashed by a
dumptruck and getting a tour of neighborhoods
where we could easily get our heads blown off.
Spacious rooms awaited us at the Las Vegas and
we quickly made our way to the hotel restaurant for
our first meal in Central America. After dinner we
braved the roads again and went to "El Antro," the