Wallenberg "Back to the Berg" 2009

As life sometimes does, time has been folding in on itself keeping me from the mentally therapeutic aspects of my life (such as this blog) . . . case in point Back to the Berg post I started two days after it happended, is now the better part of a year late! Nonetheless, I have finished it and as I am pretty happy with some of the action (and the amount of friends) I documented . . . here it is. Enjoy!

On Saturday May 30th 2009, Thrasher, Zero, Quiksilver and DVS threw what is most likely the last hurrah for the Historical skateboarding landmark known as "the Wallenberg four". I cannot say just how many people showed up for this event, but it was staggering . . . and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, if you weren't able to be in SF for this skateboard blowout, you got to see it on the live feeds that I understand were going during the event. If you didn't have at least that luck, here is what I was able to document for posterity (and insanity's) sake. Enjoy!


Pre Jam predictions on the landing strip.

With Chris Cole out front, the Chosen few ponder the possibilities.


Marissa Del Santo gave impressive and valiant efforts . . . I've seen people ride away as far as she did in a game of S.K.A.T.E. and count it - really cool. Girls in skateboarding . . . are here!
Jordan Hoffart . . . incredible and under rated Canadian. Frontside varial heelflip
Andrew Pott - perfect hardflip

Nick Merlino - Switch Heelflip
Chris Cole, MONSTER! Switch frontside flip.
Whoever this warrior is, he tried nollie 360s like 20 times and got close on about half.
Lizard King. I now understand why he is notable - he is amazing, creative and seemingly fearless. Backside 180 one foot in thong underwear (just kidding - shoe string belt).

Man of the day (month, year and decade) Chris Cole, me and some kid trying to explode me with his mind. By the end of the session Cole had bagged it with a backside 360 ollie (2nd try), and a switch frontside flip . . . FU$&!!
(WALLENBERG PART 2) Peeps in the house!
Darin Howard looks down into the sea of skaters
My best friend and skate destroyer Bart Fasano-Jones and fellow Marinite, James Norton
DLX crew.
The Hagar brothers . . . . inner circle nomads.
A packed crowd including Elements key . . . elements.

Toad and Salazar chat it up.
Legendary smooth operator, Rick Howard
The Maker
My Ace and yours, Steve "Shrewgy" Ruge.
Tony Vitello

Sunshine and skating . . . Aala park! (Hawaii part 3)

I finally fully understand why the Hawaiian Islands are such a tourist destination . . .
This being my first vacation to Hawaii, the rain and mild temperatures of the first few days sort of had me less than sold. However, for the last few days the sun has been out and the weather - hot! I can now agree it is a paradise!
Yesterday I skated the Aala Skate Park while Chels and Lynda hit China town for some shopping and culture. Chelsa agreed to take some pics after they returned and I have to say she has a knack for it . . .


Nollie 180 heelflip on the wave bank

This volcano was a fun!

Lynda hit the park as well (sort of)


Thomas Lee showed up after a bit and just ripped the park. My battery died or there would have been more of this guy - here he guides a clean noseblunt on the hubba

Hawaii part 2

Despite an overcast sky and drizzle throughout much of our first few days, we have been making the most of our vacation. On Friday we traveled to the North Shore and checked out some surfing. The waves were only around six to seven feet, but that's pretty much still awesome. We pulle off at one point near Waimea Bay and were excited to find a giant sea turtle grazing off red and green algae growing on the rocks. Shortly after witnessing what we assumed would be the turtle highlight, we almost stepped on Missy - a protected giant sea turtle basking in the . . . well, gloom. It's amazing to see such a large creature in person . . . especially something that truly appears to be a bridge to prehistoric times.


Missy


Aloha from the North Shore!

Hawaiian Vacation!

Yesterday Chelsa and I flew into Oahu to meet her Mom for ten days of rest, relaxation and fun after a long year of . . . well, mostly rest, relaxation and fun - but who needs an excuse!



Here is a view of Diamond Head as wel flew in . . . if you look really close, you can see Wilford Brimley shopping near Waikiki Beach (see him Bart and Iku)!



Lynda picked us up in a Burnt metallic orange Dodge Calibur (pretty cool for the cheapest choice). Here she is found responsibley switching lanes


Our Condo view is inviting. More adventure . . . after naptime.

After St. Valentines Day SKATE MASSACRE!

. . . . Actually it hasn't happened yet. But my friends Joey and Shrewgy from Ace trucks are throwing a skate day jam at the Berkeley skate park and had me do a flyer for the event. The skate jam got rained out on both attempts, but it will happen in the near future and it will be fun as hell! Here's the gig . . .

My Dad inducted into the Michigan Soccer Hall of Fame . . .

My father just celebrated his 66th Birthday. Coincidentally, he was insured a place in Michigan soccer history when he was added to the Michigan United Soccer League Hall of Fame - Congratulations POP!





Welcome to the Harold "kirk" Kirkwood Celebrity Roast . . . enjoy!

When I was about 7 years old, the coach of my soccer team quit . . . knowing nothing about soccer, my dad took over as the coach.
Thirty years later, his accomplishments in Michigan's soccer community can not easily be listed. Here are some highlights:

Over his long stint as a Michigan soccer ambassador, my dad helped create various leagues to cover an ever expanding athelete demographic (when he turned 40, he created an over 40 league - 50th Birthday - an over 50 league . . . you get the picture).
My father took courses and tests (in other states if he had to) to obtain referee and coaching licenses in order to contribute while he was injured and couldn't play OR if there were too many games on a given weekend to be aptly officiated.
He got involved with the NASL the MISL and was always some part of any big soccer project going down . . . even if it meant devising his own position and pitching it to whatever board of directors was in charge. After a point he was generally part of the board because it was obvious that the integrity and knowledge that he brought to the table was an asset.
"Kirk" has coached every level of team, organized tournaments, set up high level scrimmages, designed logos (including the current MUSL shield) and helped many players attain their ambitions to play for top college teams and beyond - He even created and hosted "The Soccer Circuit", a Television show on cable.




Harold Kirkwood currently holds the position of Vice President for the Michigan United Soccer League which is the second largest soccer league in the U.S.

My father has always "flown under the radar" as my girlfriend likes to say, but his due credit finally caught up with his furious pace to make soccer in Michigan something more . . . always something more - congratulations Dad!

Ho Chunk Sioux tribal elder, Steve Kirkwood's 95th BIRTHDAY!

Upon my return from Hong Kong, I was informed that a monumental happening would soon be taking place. My great uncle Steve Kirkwood, the eldest member of the Ho Chunk Sioux tribe of which I am part, was celebrating his 95th Birthday.
Unknown relatives from all over the country were coming to this Historic Birthday/family gathering . . . I did not want to be left out. I booked my ticket to Detroit and drove with my family to the lush and expansive state of Wisconsin. It's funny how as you get older, time with your family goes from being taken for granted to something truly cherished (even with all of the well learned and not altogether positive dynamics). The drive was really fun - we are all coffee lovers, so the cup'o'joe stops were consistent . . . the van buzzed with caffeination and good conversation.
The Birthday gathering was a surprise party, which was a total success due in part to Steve's best friend Shorty keeping the secret so well. Uncle Steve was at a total loss for words and for about the first ten minutes and just stared around the room speechless noticing all of the familiar faces, which was quite moving.
My sister and brother in-law and their new baby boy Kaj, flew out from CA as well. We met a couple dozen relatives that I had never known before - it was wonderful and heart warming.
Here are some shots of the festivities:




The mastermind behind the big surprise/reunion, Steve's son Kent


Shorty escorts Steve into the banquet room.


SURPRISE!


. . . and the meet and greet begins . . .




Jeff and Mary with their kids (my cousins) Jonathan, Matt and Katie . . . and mother, Jean



. . . more friends and family!


Larry and Deborah






Billy and Patty




My dad, "Kirk" and "Chief's" son, Bill





My sister Laura and her husband Tej introduce baby Kaj to Steve







My mom, Pam and "Chief's" daughter, Maureen


Shannon and Ahren








Steve's Birthday "party"

This is a bonus picture from Wisconsin . . . It's my mom holding my new nephew Kaj (pronounced Kai). It was so beautiful I just had to add it.




It took a while to post this entry due to my trouble remembering all of the names of the great relatives that I met for the first time . . . "friends may come and go, but life begins and ends with family" - unknown

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE KIRKWOOD!