Nike 6.0 Blog

Nick Harlos... Welcome To Cover Country

Gronamo — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:13:18 GMT

6.0 flow rider, Nick Harlos, grabbed the attention of the entire wakeskate community when a shot of his mind blowing railslide, hit the cover of Alliance Wakeboard Magazine's 2009 Photo Annual.

We recently caught up with with Nick to get the scoop on this cover shot biz and find out what was going through his mind.

“The handrail is on the shore of Georgian Bay, just outside of Collingwood Ontario. I’ve known about it for years and used to hit it on my snowboard, but had never thought about hitting it on a wakeskate. It wasn’t until sometime later, while driving by in the summer, that the thought crossed my mind.” says Nick, “The only problem with it, is the water level... you have to be there at just the right time, and even at it’s best, the water is still low. I have to admit, building the start-pool was exciting but when I saw the water filling up it started sinking in, that this was actually going to happen. I don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous, but after the first hit and a couple scratches I mellowed out. Riding away clean was an unreal feeling, everything came together and worked out well! I immediately looked at Alija and he was smiling, so that was a good sign.”

“The words “WOW” came out of my mouth when Nick first sent me a cell phone pic (of the rail). When I saw it in person and noticed the jagged rocks which were surrounding it, I had a chill come over me. I knew the setup was so gnarly, I had to compose it as a cover,” says the man behind the lens, Alija Bos. “It was an awesome feeling to see him land it clean, look down at my camera, and know I had the shot. Ryan Doyle (Alliance’s editor) asked if I had enough room at the top for the words “Wakeboard Magazine.” I laughed, and said “yea man,” which was only wishful thinking at the time. Little did I know that it was because he wanted to make it a cover, not to mention the Photo Annual cover. This shot ranks up as the gnarliest and scariest thing I have ever shot. The risk factor, skill and the setup that went into it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.”

Pastura Crowned Wakeskater of the Year

Gronamo — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:03:11 GMT

He wouldn’t say anything but Andrew Pastura is good, real good... like fresh sushi, served on a bikini model, good. So it was no surprise to anyone when he was crowned the 2009 co-Wakeskater of the Year, by Alliancewake.com.

Yes we said “co-” Wakeskater” of the Year, because Andrew’s sharing the title with an equally incredible Reed Hansen, however thats pretty much where the similarities between these two wakeskating doms stops.

Reed is a razor sharp competitor who has become a three-time world champion a.k.a. the King of Wakeskate, and stood out in almost every Toe Jam event he’s ever been in.

Andrew on the other hand spends most of his time getting fierce outside of competition. Don’t get us wrong, he’s tallied a few W’s in competition, but he really thrives in free-riding. This year, Andrew has been turning heads with two of the best video parts in wakeskating; Nike 6.0’s Aquafrolicss and Scene One Production’s Fun Boots.

Any way you cut it, big ups goes out to both of these guys for doing what they do, and absolutely killing it.

Dusty Lands Surfer's Journal Cover

Gronamo — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:05:53 GMT

Of the many accomplishments D-Payne has on his long resume, his recent cover for The Surfer’s Journal may be one of the raddest yet. Known for his groundbreaking skills and his ability to boost high above the lip, Dusty can be found slaying a wave near you.

He’s won comps with his aerial acrobatics and snagged huge prize purses of cold hard cash, but today Dusty joins an elite few with his incredible cover shot on the Bible of surfing.

“Dusty and I are super stoked that TSJ went with this image,” said 6.0 Surf Mentor, Jason Kenworthy. “They are generally a little air shy, but I guess they couldn’t ignore this absolutely massive lien air.”

Big ups D-Payne thats a keeper!

Something To Groove To

Gronamo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:52:52 GMT

Each week we give you a taster of what the 6.0 crew has been putting to it’s ear. An eclectic mix of sounds, bands and genres from here to there. Another week, another snippet of our newest musical discoveries. So without further ado... the music.

Taking the reigns and claiming nationwide recognition as one of the UK’s most influential dubstep artists, West London native, Caspa, is poised to introduce the world to his dubstep genius as it’s unofficial genre-ambassador. Since founding his own label, Storming Productions, in 2004 and making his production debut in 2006, Caspa has released a steady stream of celebrated singles and high profile remixes. From his young days of tape packs and garage raves to his most recent single “The Takeover,” Caspa has come a long way and now looks to be in the driver’s seat on a one-way trip to the top.

Other noteworthy groups featured on this week’s Nike6 music player include Soulico, Finn Riggins, Evergreen Terrace and Etienne Jaumett. So go ahead and peep this week’s featured tracks, give these groups a spin and cruise back to Nike6.com on the regular for the freshest batch of bad ass new music.

The Alli Show: Frends Crew

Gronamo — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:51:46 GMT

This Saturday at 11 pm ET on MTV2, The Alli Show will feature none other than the Frends crew, which is comprised of Kevin Pearce, Scotty Lago, Mason Aguirre, Keir Dillon, Danny Davis, Luke Mitrani and Jack Mitrani. Made up of seven best friends who are some of the most progressive riders in the world, the Frends Crew is always at the top at competitions, but nevertheless make friendship and fun its top priority. Entering an Olympic year, the Frends Crew is trying to balance a schedule that includes training for Vancouver, battling injuries and obligations and learning how to create a legitimate business out of what was originally just a funny website. But even with all the pressure, the Frends know that friendship is the most important thing.

For more info check allisports.com, where full episodes of The Alli Show will be available next week.

Watch Nat's Win

Gronamo — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:55:15 GMT

As you know by now, Nat Young has added another scalp to his list of kills. Last weekend Nat took home the title at the Oakley Jr. Pro at Steamers Lane, which marks the third time in a row he's won at the event, having won the same title in '07 and taking the Cold Water Classic title in '08. Without a doubt the goofy-footer knows how to represent in front of his home crowd in Santa Cruz.

Now check the video to see all the highlights from the week.

Monyca Graces A Downtown LA Billboard

Gronamo — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:21:21 GMT

Let’s face it—fighting LA traffic ain’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but as you push in the clutch and start daydreaming about an empty right, you suddenly catch sight of…wait, is it? Yes, it is!

Larger than life and at the peak of action, Hawaiian ripper Monyca Byrne-Wickey is currently gracing a billboard in downtown Los Angeles, right above the Staples Center and directly adjacent to a similar image of tennis superstar Serena Williams. In just another instance of Monyca turning heads lately, the bigwhigs at Gatorade sought her out a few months ago for their latest billboard campaign, and you’re looking at the result. Exciting, right?

Ironically, Gatorade doesn’t sponsor surfers, but they’re obviously backing Monyca, and we can’t blame them! Head over to Surfer Magazine to read Monyca’s thoughts on the matter and what else has been going on with her lately.

Windells: Winter-Spring Camps

Gronamo — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:04:08 GMT

Windells is the place to experience mind-blowing powder days and endless fun runs. The enormous canyons of Mt. Hood provide natural half-pipes, wind lips, tree rides and cornice drops all ove the maountain. Winter is notorious for big snowfalls followed by more snow and the local coaching squad will take you on expeditions that will leave you breathless. Winter camps have the same summer feel, but with more mountain, more powder, more shredable hours and less campers. Boo yah! The industry's best kept secret.

Dec. 26th thru Jan. 2nd
Feb. 13th thru Feb. 19th
Mar. 20th thru Mar. 26th
Mar. 27th thru Apr. 2nd
Apr. 3rd thru Apr. 9th

Check Windells for additional info.

Steel Lafferty on Stoke TV!

Gronamo — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:13:01 GMT

Attention all wakeboarders: Fort Lauderdale’s favorite son, Steel Lafferty, will be featured tomorrow (that’s Wednesday, November 11) on Stoke TV. Part of Stokemeter.com, an interactive action-sports community where “Joes and regular pros” can communicate, the online show will allow you to watch Steel live as he answers questions typed in by, well, anyone—including you. What’s the most terrified you’ve ever been? How the hell do you do a wake-to-wake 1080? My girlfriend dumped me and I need to know how to publicly humiliate her!? Get your questions ready and don’t hold back!

Nat's 3-Peat in Santa Cruz

Gronamo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:58:07 GMT

The pride of the west side, Nat Young, has once again walked away with a title from the competition at his home break of Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. With his win in the Oakley Pro Junior on Sunday, Nat bagged a 3-peat in front of a massive crowd that had gathered to root on the local boy. Nat won the same event in 2007, and then in 2008, did the unthinkable by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Cold Water Classic.

While he was unable to defend his Cold Water Classic title, his win in massive surf at the Pro Junior means he's also won the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championship and the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title.

“I’m so psyched,” Nat said. “I wanted to win; I wanted to do well in this contest. I had a shocker in the WQS and it got me fired up and made me want to win.”

With the result, Nat has officially qualified for the prestigious ASP World Junior Championships to be held in North Narrabeen, Australia. With the form Nat's currently in, be on the lookout for the electrifying goofy-footer to represent in Oz.

Sammy Starts with a Bang

Gronamo — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:24:51 GMT

I was really stoked to start skiing again once I arrived in Switzerland for the Freestyle.Ch. I took a break from the southern hemisphere this summer. I needed to let my body rest and get strong. I had not skied in over a month it felt like forever! Once I saw the jump, like all city competitions, it looked pretty sketchy. This one had a really big compression where the unusually steep landing met the flat. I was really confident in the trick I wanted to do. Before the contest I told myself to just "have fun," which I did. I did a double cork 1080 - it felt smooth, just the way I wanted to do it. I ended up winning the semifinal, and going into the final I tried to remain calm. Boom, after what seemed like a quick flash, I won the Freestyle.ch. It was really cool to start my season off with a big win. I was training really hard this past summer in Whistler, Canada and Mt. Hood, Oregon. It felt good to feel my hard work paying off.

After Zurich, I flew home from Europe to Oregon. I was home for just enough time to get rid of my jet lag. Then it was time to fly back across to Berlin, Germany. I was super stoked to go to Berlin! I have heard a lot about Berlin growing up. I felt really fortunate to be able to check the city out. I flew in a day early so I could meet up with one of my friends I grew up with, who was in Europe studying abroad. It was a lot of fun, and I tried not to think about the contest too much, my confidence was high from the week before. We checked out the Berlin Wall, toured some museums - it was cool. Then it was time to get to work. The jump in Berlin was almost identical to the jump the previous week in Zurich. All the riders felt really comfortable right away. Everyone was throwing down like crazy. Double cork 12 followed by double cork 12, all day! In the end I ended up getting 2nd, which was cool. I stomped a double cork 12 off a relatively small jump so I gained confidence from the contest and Henrik Harlaut won. He's a good friend of mine, so I was pumped for him. Now I am back at home resting up and getting strong. I was lucky enough yesterday to hike up Mt. Hood a ways and ski my favorite run at Meadows resort, 1 Bowl. I skied 1 Bowl twice top to bottom - no rocks! Such a good feeling to link up turns again!

I hope everyone has a great winter and lots of POW days!

Sammy C

The Alli Show Follows Garrett

Gronamo — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:36:06 GMT

Dominating competition after competition, as well as producing killer video parts and photos all the while, Garrett Reynolds has influenced both the sport and the style of BMX. The Alli Show joins Reynolds in his hometown in New Jersey in the midst of a summer where he has taken the lead in the Dew Tour standings and won two NORA Cups. He is home to ride and shoot with friends, including Kevin Kiraly, and The Alli Show follows him to his favorite spots around his hometown, seeing where he got started. The pair then go to one of his favorite spots to ride, Philadelphia, getting a glimpse of what street riding and filming are like, all while learning what inspires Garrett to ride.

Catch the full episode on MTV2 this Saturday, November 7 at 11pm.

6.0 Snow shoot Les Angles, France

Gronamo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:19:47 GMT

Drawn by rumours of a booter known as ‘El Burro', the French 6.0 Snow team head to Les Angles to tackle the beast and see what the rest of the place had to offer. The "El Burro" Session was created by Julian Mata from French Kiss Productions and local pro snowboarder Mathieu Justafrey shaped a huge kicker and monster corner. Invited riders included Gérome Mathieu, Victor De le Rue, Victor Daviet, Benoit Thomas-Javid, Mathieu Justafreand Ugo Maréchal joined by 6.0 French team manger Franky Moissonnier. Check out the vidéo report below:

http://www.fluofun.fr/news/16469-frenchkiss-aux-angles-portfolio-vi.html
Full story in Onboard issue 108

Photos by Youri Barneoud

6.0 Music Delivery

Gronamo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:59 GMT

Another week, another booming blast of tracks from the 6.0 vaults. This time we’ve bused in a legit line-up of music from all over the ol’ U.S. of A. Freshen’ up you’re soundtrack and peep what we’ve been listening to... it’s the juice.

Actresses beware and possibly flattered as FELT may be setting their sites on you! Together, the debonaire duo of Slug (Atmosphere) and Murs (Living Legends) are FELT. Having originally teamed up in 2002 along with hip-hop dom, The Grouch, FELT dropped their first album titled FELT: A Tribute to Christina Ricci. Reconnecting in 2005, the two tag-teamed a 2nd time, along with Ant of Atmosphere fame on production, to create FELT 2: A Tribute to Lisa Bonet. It’s 2009 and the boys are back in town once again... this time with the crisp addition of Aesop Rock’s production skills, FELT is set to drop it’s 3rd album on 11.17.09, appropriately titled FELT 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez. If you haven’t caught them yet, or you share in their undying love for forgotten B-List actresses, give these guys a spin.

Also featured this week is; Portland’s jangly root rockers The Shaky Hands, the reinvented southern hip-hop of Izza Kizza, in yo grill Queens-bred rapper Despot, and the face melting Wisconsin metal foursome Lazarus AD.

Nike 6.0 End of Season Shoot – Sweden, Spring 2009

Gronamo — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:03:53 GMT

Some of the Nike 6.0 snow Team finished up their 2009 winter season with a spring photo and filming session near Umea, deep in the heart of Sweden.

Five of our top national riders from the UK, France, Austria and Germany enjoyed a week-long series of private sessions on a selection of jumps, jibs and hips, custom built by Swedish shaper Andreas Gothnell.

Long evenings, sled tow-in's, sculpted features and on-slope barbeques made for a chilled out end of season session - though that didn't stop all the riders pulling out a banger or two for the lens.

Christofer Thelin (Skull Films) captured all the action on film, whilst Peter Lundström shot a collection of images for the Nike 6.0 2009 / 2010 ad campaign.

Check out all the action from Ben Kilner (UK), Ethan Morgan (DE), Gerome Mathieu (FR) Marc Swoboda (AUS) and Victor DeLaRue (FR) in the video section.

Marc Swoboda

Ben Kilner

Ethan Morgan

Gerome Mathieu