Many of you probably don’t realize all that goes into planning out an event, as you just show up and see all these tents and stages set up.  For those that actually put on the event, it is a ton of work and often you are hedging your risk that people will actually come out and participate.  As a sponsor, there is a lot of planning involved to ensure you have all the items to set up your booth, the right mix of decks and graphics to sell, ensuring your employees show up at the right times, promoting the event ahead of time, putting up banners, logistics to get everyone to the event, minimizing our pollution by carpooling, minimizing our trash, etc.  Knowing the weather had a 100% chance of rain, we were a little worried but nonetheless, we knew we had to brave it and be there to support not only the event which benefits the YMCA and GRIND FOR LIFE but for that one kid who might get educated on our bamboo decks.  In years past, it was always exciting to literally see every 1 out of 3 kids walking around with a BambooSK8 deck – many of which were purchased to get autographs from their favorite pro skaters – guys like Tony Hawk, PLG, Bucky Lasek, Andy Macdonald, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero and many more.  Well, this year the rain came down hard and the winds blew like crazy, but we stood strong and still persevered.  This said a lot about our company and the others who didn’t wimp out.  Honestly, there are plenty of people in the world whose conditions are far worse than a little rain and wind, so who are we to complain at all.

A highlight for us was when Tony Hawk sent someone from the YMCA over to our booth and said “Tony Hawk wants your Capped Langur deck…what does he have to do to get it?”  We were like, “Duh – just give him one.”  As a result, he autographed a deck made out to us, which was very kind of him.  Tony is a legend and has done a lot of goodwill towards building skateparks and helping kids getting healthier through the exercise of skateboarding.  It would have been nice to see him skate today, but the weather didn’t permit it.  Other legends included Duane Peters, Steve Caballero, Tony Magnusson and Christian Hosoi.

Another highlight is always seeing the future young pros – skaters like Austin Poynter and Allysha Bergado.  Both of these kids skated for me on Termite Skateboards years ago when they were very young and I’m always excited to see their growth as people and as skaters.

All in all, we had a great day – we sold some skateboards, raised some money for charity, met some new fans, educated others on bamboo, hung out with our friends, networked with other brands, had some free Bull Taco and some free Jack in the Box.  Later that night, we all partied at the Hard Rock in San Diego with everyone – PLG, Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek, Mike Rogers, etc.

Thanks to Chris Conway, Mike Rogers, YMCA and many more.  We’ll see you next year!!!