Browsing “Technology”

TOP 8 from THE ISLAND

1ST: Chima Ferguson ($4000)

2ND: Tommy Fynn ($2500)

3RD: Jack Fardell ($1500)

4TH: Jack Kirk ($800)

5TH: Jake Duncombe ($500)

6TH: Reece Warren ($300)

7TH: Alex Campbell ($200)

8TH: Joel McIlroy ($200)

ISLAND WRAP

Cockatoo Island is not only the largest isle in Sydney Harbour; it has one of the most colourful histories. Prior to being home to the first ever SbA Pro/Am Grand Final it was an imperial prison, an industrial school, a reformatory, a jail and was the site of one of Australia’s largest boat building docks. Cockatoo is also closely aligned with the legend of bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, who was one of two prisoners to ever escape the island. Their escape was aided by Thunder’s lover Mary Ann Bugg who swam through the harbours shark-infested waters to save them. Thunderbolt was given his name whilst on the job: during one of his robberies he knocked on a door as a clap of thunder and lightening ignited the skies. The victim asked who was at the door to which he replied: “Thunderbolt”. Of course prior to the intervention of colonialism Cockatoo was no doubt a sacred stomping ground for indigenous tribes and possibly the odd cockatoo.

During event lead up there were several trips out to the island. My first trip was with Cuzz and we were in charge of surface checks on the heritage-listed ground. After a serious run in with an egg-guarding screech-burger of a sea gull, and several heated discussions regarding the logistical problems of holding a comp on the island, we thought we would calm our nerves with a beverage. Whilst ordering the edge was taking off by a gruff but jovial chinless wonder of a Hungarian tuck-shop manager. He was the kind of odd character you would find in an old Bond film. His vibe somehow smoothed the situation and mid bev we ran back over to the site and finally sussed how the course could work.

Over the months of prep that followed it was no doubt that Logistics Manager Steve Murphy went through the most trials and tribulations. At one point he was heard ordering some fluorescent inflatable tower lights over the phone: “So how big are they mate?“… (pause)… “Oh so about as big as a fat person?” The attention to detail was phenomenal. So how do you get a skate course built on an island you ask? Every element had to come by barge: 24 of them! The course design and construction was a combination of efforts between SbA, Convic and Shane Serena’s Revolution crews. The course housed elements such as the bank to ledge to bank, the out rail (based on Perth’s swing out bar), the doorstop slappy kickers, the wheel chair ramp and the Sydney Harbour Bridge China Bank. (article continued with video over on the sba site)

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Lakai and Stance socks have teamed up to produce a new twist on a Lakai classic – the performance Manchester sock.  With slightly sticky rubber pads on the heal and toe area they reduce foot slippage and make even old shoes skate better. In shops on august 1st.

I am honored to have been asked by Amber (via Jeremyville) to join Club Mumble. Always been a fan!

I look forward to sharing many inspirations, and design nuggets with you all, a current fave that I am peripherally involved with is this ‘Alarm Dock’ by Jonas Damon. Super Cool. (I produced the app.)

I have quite a few big projects cooking that I am excited to share over the next few months, can’t wait!

Hey All,  Just launched our ALBA ME  alarm clock, added a few bells and whistles, like dimmable display, internal amplifier etc… still making them in house in our woodworking studio…full specs here and as of Tuesday the 30th we are launching a worldwide treasure hunt, 6 clocks hidden in 6 cities ! more about that here. (NOTE: Delorean and awesome camera do not come with purchase)

French Fred, you’re going to hate me for this.

I recently inherited an amazing Dacora from my late grandfather. Immediately after receiving it I shot a photo of it (below) on my smartphone with the Retro Camera app I installed on it, then mused over the fact that I might never put actual film into this heirloom. I also thought about the fact that most people who are using this app have never loaded a roll of 120 film in their life… and never will. Thoughts?

Simple idea. Crafted and sourced.  Made with passion made for your gadgets.

The Good Flock

James Arizumi

http://allthingsthatarehellagood.tumblr.com
-Blogging my face off

Launch party in SF this weekend.  Hope to see you there.

-Arizumi

http://allthingsthatarehellagood.tumblr.com/
-Blogging my face off

You probably don’t know this but as well as being the founding editor of Club Mumble I also do a hyperlocal web site that focuses on the city I love, Vancouver BC Canada. The site is called Vancouver Is Awesome and essentially we talk about all things that makes the place, well, you know. Awesome.

Generally there’s no crossover between Mumble and Vancouver Is Awesome but today I feel like I have to tell you about this interview that I did with Michael J. Fox, who is one of our finest exports, because over the years I have heard SO many people say that they started skateboarding because of the Back To The Future movies. We talked about Joey Shithead from D.O.A., his favourite things about this city and those much-talked-about Nikes that he wore in Back To The Future 2. Have a READ.

A little while back I made THIS post about Veilance from Arc’teryx on another blog that I do. Veilance is a capsule collection that contains a few interpretations of menswear classics combined with some of the state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques that Arc’teryx is famous for. A piece from this line would make an incredible gift if you’re buying for a dude who appreciates quality and is looking for something to keep him protected from the elements of winter while looking good. As the prices reflect the quality the pieces ain’t cheap but are worth every penny.

These two pieces above were gifted to me a couple weeks back and my jaw is still hanging wide open; they are by far, hands down, the best two pieces of clothing that I own right now.