News From Osiris

The 6th annual Damn Am has come and gone, and I for one am damn glad. It was a long 4 day weekend, and there was some mighty good skateboarding happening all weekend long. Marius, Shuriken, and Dave all skated well, and Shuriken and Dave advanced to the semi-finals, but that was as far as they would make it. Everyone had a great time. Here are more photos from the weekend courtesy of Cuong.

The top 30 were chosen and Shuriken Shannon and Dave Abair made the cut moving them into the semi-finals. Shuriken and Dave have an unusual approach of skating contests. As everyone skated all morning trying to prepare themselves, Shuriken and Dave arrived minutes before their names were called to take their runs. Shuriken and Dave are both one of a kind. Skating for them both is what they love, and they aren’t going to let any contest get in their way of having the time of their lives. After Shuriken messed up his first trick, he decided to bust out indy grabs and bennihannas. Neither of them advanced to the finals, but they had fun and that is what it’s all about. In the end it was Scott DeCenzo taking first, Chazz Ortiz coming in second, and Ryan DeCenzo placing third. My new favorite little guy Axel Cruysberghs came in 8th. Alex rips. As for the best trick contest, Chris Mendes won it with a kickflip back tail bigspin out, and my new midwestern friend Dan Nepscha came in second with a kickflip body varial to lipslide. For a complete recap of words, photos and video, SkateParkofTampa is your place.

Day 2 of the qualifiers. Only the top 16 of the 96 contestents today would advance to tomorrow’s finals. Dave Abair, Jake Hill, Jeff Marshall, and some others all skated well, but it was only Dave Abair that made the top 16 placing 7th. Dave skated well both runs and easily placed in the top 16. It was a long day, and the judges, along with Elvis, had their work cut out for them. The finals start bright and early tomorrow, so check back then to see if Shuriken and Dave can have apodium finish and walk away with some well earned money. For more Damn Am info, the SkateParkofTampa is your place.

With almost 200 contestants this year, the Volcom Damn Am is getting out of control. Day 1 of street qualifiers went off earlier today, and Osiris riders, Marius Syvanen, Shuriken Shannon, John Lupfer, Colin Hale, Tanner Zelinsky, and a bunch of other flow guys skated trying to make it to the finals on Sunday. With close to 100 riders, the competition was stiff, and only the top 16 would advance to the finals. Marius, Shuriken, and Tanner did their thing, but it was only Shuriken that landed in the top 16 to advance. Marius’s Back Lip and the bank-to-wall was amazing, and Tanner’s ice plant on the wall was a crowd pleaser as well. Other standouts were Willy Ackers and little phenom Axel Cruysberghs from some other country, but let me tell you that Axel was impressive and flawless. Come back tomorrow for the results of day 2 qualifiers, or you can always check out SkateParkofTampa.com.

Well boys and girls Damn Am Day 1 is underway. The course has been set up, and practice is underway. The course is similar to last year with a few changes. Check out the photos below. I will be posting all weekend long, so check back frequently for updates and photos. Contest starts tomorrow. If you are in the area come by and check it out. If you can’t check for the updates