Kato, Geoff, and Connor showed up early to Chris’ place to start the drive from LA to Arizona. It was a talkative road trip, catching up with everybody, and the some usual “rollerblade industry” chatter that is bound to set in at some point. Kato has so much enthusiasm and heart for the sport, and it comes across in everything he does. He is originally from France, and started his own skate company (Remedyz, or Remz for short) based on his unique design of “freedom of feet”. He spent some years in Thailand developing the skate, and then moved to San Diego, CA to focus on Remz, making all his skates by hand, and has only grown since. I learn a lot listening to Kato.
Kato
Geoff and Kato with Tour Skills 101- making everything fit somehow
windfarms
desert sky
nowhere to go but up
connor o brien
pushing 90 to make it in time for Thursday night Skate
Kato’s infamous 1 chip workhorse, still in operation after several continents and years of abuse
The destination was Revolution Skate Shop. I lost track of time, but I think it was something like 6 to 8 hours on the road? That’s a rough guestimate at least. Over the weekend we spent a lot of time at the shop, and at the Arizona skate parks. A few sessions, mixed with a few demo’s, photo shoots for their next ad, and hanging out with kids at the shop. James and Gretchen are the owners, and run one of, if not THE biggest 100% rollerblading store front in the country. Those 2 continue to work so hard, and as a result have helped to cultivate the Phoenix skate scene into what it is. There are more rollerbladers at an Arizona “Thursday night skate” than in some major cities. The shop is the backbone. They are constantly opening doors to people in their home as well, and “generous hosts” would be an understatement.
James cooking some Alaskan Fried Bread for Breakfast
Working on the ad photo for next issue
Franky Morales and Gretchen in the shop
Franky Morales at a backyard bank spot
These 2 wanted a re-match from the last time I whipped them in Hold’em
James, cooking up another breakfast, still smiling
Remz
more remz
Franky
Nick
Geoff
Chris
The ultimate crowd pleaser: Free Pizza
Franky showing his Kendama clips on YouTube
Revolution Skate Shop, West Wing
James doing some blading
Connor winning some style points
The invincible mobile
Kato cruising
Spira’s smile lasted for the next .2 seconds
Franky fully addicted to Kendama
Spira at the Banks
Late night sesh
Tunnel vision
