The Learning Curve

Welcome to:

2008-01-02T15:59:00.000Z

That's It, Time To Move On

2008-01-01T14:40:00.000Z

Well, the lack of updates was probably the biggest clue that I'm done with this blog as the DVD has been out for several months and there simply has been nothing to report, but due to the positive response that "The Learning Curve" received, other projects have come to light and that is what Jahlada productions will now be concentrating on. Some of the projects are well underway and will be appearing towards the end of 2007 whilst other's are only just beginning. Suffice to say, good things are coming and I'm stoked to be involved.

I took a quick look back here today and noticed that some of the video clip links were broken for some reason (hosting sites changing their policies mainly) so I'm trying to do a bit of maintenance to make sure they are up and running again for now.

I hope that all those of you who have visited this site in the past and supported "The Learning Curve" project in any form have enjoyed what you've seen. If you haven't seen this blog before then feel free to check it out, it's still all there underneath this post. Any questions, comments or observations that you may have should be sent to me via the Jahlada myspace page. Any feedback is much appreciated and I'll try to get an answer or an excuse back to you asap.

Thanks, and see you soon.

What Is The Learning Curve?

2007-12-30T22:20:00.000Z

Jahlada's first skateboard video project, entitled "The Learning Curve", features skateboarding in and around London and is available from finer skateboard shops now. Featured skaters include Chris Peacock, Mike Sutcliffe, Chris Ault, James Edson, Paul Rimmer, Leo Rhodes, Fred Albrow, Finn Andrés, Carl Magalit and many many more.

This is the original promotional trailer.

This is the opening titles section/second promotional trailer.

Balance Boy Balancing

2007-05-23T18:50:00.000Z

Carl Magalit and Evgeny Pustarnakov teamed up and Document magazine (issue 68, June 2007) surrendered a full page to the resulting frontside boardslide.

The photo appeared in the photo slideshow in the DVD extras of "The Learning Curve" and the trick is also in Carl's section. It takes some doing to boardslide through two "natural" skatestoppers like that.

Pingkin

2007-05-07T13:29:00.000Z

Because translating and publishing a magazine in several different languages, catering to the European skateboard scene, is such a mammoth task, Kingpin is sometimes a month or two behind with some of the more important news in the skateboard world. Issue 41 (May 2007) however, mentions that the "long-awaited London based scene DVD" going by the name of "The Learning Curve" is out now. Cheers Niall.

Eat Your Greens

2007-04-25T21:26:00.000Z

Mr. Paul Rimmer has been busy yet again. This time he has been interviewed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is an organization he is passionately involved with. Alongside the interview there is a competition running which is giving away loads of goodies from his sponsors (Heathen Skateboards, Adio shoes and Howies clothing) so check out the interview here and enter the competition.

He Does

2007-04-11T12:08:00.000Z

Rimmer has had several full page adverts in magazines for his sponsor Heathen Skateboards in the past, but the footage from this current one also appears in "The Learning Curve" DVD. That bank is deadly and the rusty spikes sticking up half way down don't exactly make things easier!

So it's congratulations on the advert, congratulations on conquering that gap, but more importantly, perhaps, it's a massive congratulations on getting married to Noémie yesterday in a fairly secretive ceremony. Good work mate.

Paul Rimmer: Ollie into bank
Sequence: Styley

Distracted

2007-04-10T18:18:00.000Z

Leo Rhodes has just been featured in Sidewalk magazine's regular "Distractions" article which, each month, focuses on a skater who has another interest besides skateboarding that they are passionate about. DJ Roa$T is Leo's alter-ego so check out issue 127 of Sidewalk magazine to learn a bit about his interest in Hip-Hop music and if you're in London, tune in to Itch FM, 105.1 FM on Saturday nights, 10pm -12am. Holla! ...or something.

Leo Rhodes: Backside nollie heelflip

Photo: Styley

Keeping The Sponsor Happy

2007-04-03T15:03:00.000Z

As a direct follow up to the last post, Zac emailed me to let me know that the trick of the week clip is now also featured on the Emerica website! Wow. This intergoogle contraption sure is handy.

Zac's Not Slack

2007-03-30T15:37:00.000Z

Stoked to see that this week's "Trick Of The Week" over at Crossfire is a clip of Mike Sutcliffe going higher than anyone else on the Blobland's volcano. That's my second bit of footage that has made trick of the week now so thanks loads to Zac. Take a look below. You could of course watch it on "The Learning Curve" DVD too!

E-Commerce

2007-03-25T14:12:00.000Z

Yesterday I discovered that long time UK pro skater Sean Goff had bought several copies of "The Learning Curve" so I sought out his ebay shop and here it is.

He's really gone to town with his online business so good luck to him and I hope you support skater owned e-shops too.

Sean Goff
Stoke Plaza

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

2007-03-23T10:17:00.000Z

The Network 26 forum has been offline for the last few days whilst it had some surgery done. It was a dark time for many of the regulars, I'm sure, but it's now up and running again with a fresh new look and many new features.

One of those new features is that the Sidewalk review of "The Learning Curve" is online now so check it out here.

Review Proper

2007-03-08T14:14:00.000Z

With quotes like "excellent London scene video" and "a quality release" in the first magazine review of "The Learning Curve" in issue 126 of Sidewalk magazine (March 2007) it's a positive review and I'm stoked. Cheers to Ben for the positive reaction; grab yourself a copy at your local magazine stocking retailer now.

Part Of The Scene

2007-02-24T12:35:00.000Z

Another shop up North now stocking "The Learning Curve" DVD is Scene in Preston and you can spend your money in their online store here.

Official Secrets Act

2007-02-23T11:43:00.000Z

Since the release of "The Learning Curve" DVD, many requests have been made for directions to and locations of some of the spots featured. This has caused something of a dilemma as you can imagine. Should I divulge the information and risk the influx of skaters to spots previously privy to a select few? Probably not, but on the other hand I have been allowed similar information by others in the past so surely it is only fair to return the favour. It's a tricky one. An ancient Chinese proverb says "A Closed Mouth Gathers No Foot" but to be honest most of the spots are fairly well known by London locals, so the answer is to hook up with the locals and go on a mission. See you there.

Blond Bombshell

2007-02-21T12:15:00.000Z

Time was a factor that decided whether Boots would have a full section in "The Learning Curve" or not as I only met the guy with a few months left on the deadline. He still managed to lay down some hefty hammers in the second friends section on the DVD though and recognition of his abilities is slowly but surely arriving in the UK skate media. The latest mention is here on the Crossfire site, so take a peek at the photo of his first go landing on the biggest set of stairs I've seen in London and watch out for his name in 2007.

DVD Droppings

2007-02-18T19:04:00.000Z

Another skater owned shop now stocking "The Learning Curve" is Sheffield's Story Store. The Story Store has not been open for very long but with some great ideas such as The Story FilmMaker's Guild and a really strong shop team, it looks like they'll be around for a long time yet, supporting skateboarding in every way they can. Two of their team riders, Lucien Clarke and Danny Brady, appear in one of the friend's sections on "The Learning Curve" too. Click here to order the DVD from them. Cheers guys.

The First Verdict

2007-02-16T12:42:00.000Z

The first published review of "The Learning Curve" went up today over at the Crossfire website. Click for the review and make sure to visit Crossfire regularly as it's chock-a-block with new clips and news every day. Cheers to Zac for sorting this out.

Boozecast

2007-02-12T15:26:00.000Z

Messageboards are indicating that people are digging the alcohol fuelled Mr. Mike Sutcliffe's section on the DVD, so here is a podcast featuring the South African wine connoisseur.

Mike Sutcliffe

Clique The Link

2007-02-11T01:05:00.000Z

Slam City Skates in London have received their re-stock of "The Learning Curve" DVD after selling out in double quick time first time around. Click to order yours.

Flood Gates

2007-02-03T22:13:00.000Z

I thought that sales were good in the London store mentioned in the previous post but now I hear that Flavour in Newquay outdid them and sold out of all 8 of their copies the same day that they arrived! What's going on?

Hot Cakes

2007-02-03T14:13:00.000Z

Less than a day on the shelves and one particular London shop has already sold out of their supply of "The Learning Curve". Good stuff. Time to order more fellas.

The Quickness

2007-02-02T13:08:00.000Z

The first skate shop to get the DVD onto their online mailorder site as far as I'm aware is Native skate store in Newcastle Upon Tyne (0191 261 22 29). Thanks for that guys. Link added over on the right.

Finally

2007-02-01T23:12:00.000Z

"The Learning Curve"
on sale now!

After a bit of a wait whilst the duplicators took their time, the DVDs have arrived and are on sale in a skate shop near you. The DVD costs £5 and I hope that when you buy a copy (or two) that you will support your local SOS (skater owned shop).

If your local shop sells out or is a rubbish shop that doesn't order any then get on the internet and search out a skater owned shop that does mail order sales. Enjoy!

Ssshhhh!

2007-01-27T16:40:00.000Z

Somebody I haven't previously mentioned here but without whom "The Learning Curve" wouldn't have been quite the same is Paul Gonella who did an excellent job of authoring the DVD. As well as knowing his way around DVD programming he is also a keen photographer and you can check out his work on the newly redesigned website "Quiet Corners" by clicking here. Thanks Paul, good stuff.

The Podcasts

2007-01-24T15:12:00.000Z

For those of you who have not managed to see the podcasts before, here they all are. Click one of the screen grabs and hopefully you'll be warped to the corresponding video clip.

Chris Ault

Paul Rimmer

Mark Channer and Ben Jobe

James Edson

Finn Andrés

Newquay Screening

2007-01-24T00:47:00.000Z

Thanks again to Gerard Watts for organizing the screening of "The Learning Curve" last Friday night in Newquay. From what I hear there was a good turnout and a positive reaction so it's a shame that I couldn't make it down there myself, but my private jet was being washed. Maybe next time eh? Here are some snaps of the night supplied by Gerard.

Stumbling

2007-01-19T16:29:00.000Z

I was randomly stumbling around the internet this afternoon and I found this on Jonozero's blog page. More positive feedback and more smiles on my face. Cheers man! A link to his blog page is now over on the right and you should definitely check out his short edits showing many worldly travels.

Soon And I Can't Wait

2007-01-17T11:54:00.000Z

Hopefully after watching "The Learning Curve" you will have noticed many unknown London spots and been motivated to search them and other new ones out for yourself. One spot that is as yet unfinished though is no doubt going to become a real hotbed of progression for the London scene. You may have heard about it before but to take a peek at the progress of London's indoor skate plaza click here.

Just imagine the ridiculous moves that are going to appear in the UK skate press in the coming years. The mind boggles. Photos by Gorm.

Diamond Geezer

2007-01-13T18:45:00.000Z

With the DVD about to go on sale, any promotion is well appreciated; so to see that it received three mentions in the news pages of this month's Sidewalk magazine is fantastic! A massive thanks to Ben @ Sidewalk for pimping my baby and I see by the boost on this site's hit counter that the promotion has indeed been noted by many of Sidewalk's readership.

I've tweaked the site a little bit today too so now there are a lot more posts on this main page for you to read without having to search the archives (but you should still do that!).

Kernow Ya Know

2007-01-12T19:19:00.000Z

After my much needed holiday after filming and editing, I am now back from Japan and back to pimping the imminent release of the DVD.

The latest news is that there will be a screening of "The Learning Curve" in Newquay on Friday the 19th of January. It's going to be held at the Sugar Lounge which is a cool venue above Plum Tree on Bank Street, Newquay. Under 18s are allowed so hopefully many yoot will turn up for this.

It's showing from 9:30pm and also Supa Soul Disco is playing. DJ True and DJ Scuff Royal included. Thanks to Gerard Watts for organizing this and you can check his moves in one of the friends sections.

Monsieur Andrés, Please Take The Stage

2006-12-18T21:48:00.000Z

After the incredibly positive reaction that Finn's footage received at the premiere last night, it's only fair that his podcast is now live. You know the drill.

Turnout

2006-12-18T15:08:00.000Z

A big thanks to everyone who turned up for the premiere of "The Learning Curve" last night. It was good to see so many familiar faces from skateboarding past and present. It all went well apart from one thing...the bootleggers were there and already some of my hard work has appeared on the intraweb. Karma shall prevail.

Video Premiere

2006-12-10T18:07:00.000Z

So, it's done! It's time to let some people see this thing I guess.

"The Learning Curve"
will be premiering on:
Sunday 17th December
8pm at Lounge 34 (formerly Ruby Lounge), 34 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG.
It's over the road from where Cide used to be, behind Waterloo Station.

Dirty Dawg

2006-12-07T22:46:00.000Z

All that was left to do to complete "The Learning Curve" was to edit Edson's section, but it was proving difficult due to me not allowing the newest member of his family to visit my flat. Can I be blamed though after witnessing the carnage that little Floyd had previously caused at Edson's flat?

Today though I had to relent as there was no way of editing the section without Edson's backseat driving, so I granted Floyd a one day pass on the promise that he was now house trained.

Sure enough, within five minutes, Floyd had jumped on my bed and flicked his bladder release switch to open. Stoked! Freshly washed duvet cover straight back in the washing machine. It was the first of three wet attacks this afternoon, but somehow I also managed to get the editing done with Edson's seal of approval too! Swings and roundabouts eh?

Video grab of Floyd "Satan" Edson and his dad

Peace In A Pod

2006-12-05T23:07:00.000Z

New podcast has just gone live featuring the peaceful life of Mr. James Edson. If you don't know how or haven't subscribed yet then there's no hope for you. More soon.

Last Minute Let Down

2006-12-04T21:15:00.000Z

Well, I keep dangling the "last day to get final footage" carrot in front of everyone's noses and on Saturday people showed up in numbers, but for some reason it just wasn't happening. Maybe the God of final footage days is a bit annoyed at being taken so lightly, maybe the curse of the camera has returned. Whatever the reason, we got nothing done. Not for lack of effort though. Rimmer's body shook the Earth many a time and Styley was on hand to capture the results. Click for larger version.

Rimmer
Photo: Styley

Promotion Where It Counts

2006-11-30T11:06:00.000Z

Stoked to get a mention about "The Learning Curve" on the Tuesday Skate Shop blog site. Tuesday is a small but well equipped shop just down the road from the newly re-made Cantelowes skate park in Camden so be sure to drop them a visit on your way to the park.

Keep up to date with what's happening at Tuesday by clicking the link in the newly made "Skate shop links" section on the right.

Steady Shot

2006-11-19T13:02:00.000Z

A cold day of filming yesterday with Horsey and a friend of his called Kyle who is visiting London from his sunny home in Santa Cruz. They showed Styley and I a well hidden city spot which was a real gem but within about one minute we were confronted by an angry local resident armed with a digital camera to take some pics of us. His argument was that his wife was trying to sleep and the noise of us skating was unbearable. I say she should get out of bed before 2pm on a Saturday afternoon!

I did feel a bit sorry for him though as he was clearly shitting his pants as the four of us tried to persuade him to let us have ten more minutes. He was shaking like a leaf so I suggested he pressed the steady shot button on his camera. Another resident appeared armed with a walking stick so it was clear that this spot needed to be visited another time.

Ancient Spirit

2006-11-17T20:41:00.000Z

Blogger has decided to be all new and snazzy with an updated version so I'm hoping these posts are still reaching you OK.

Planning to do a spot of filming tomorrow with some guys that are appearing in one of the two friends sections, but whatever happens it's too late to use it in "The Learning Curve" now as those friends sections are done.

Edson, the ancient spirit of evil, popped round to the editing suite today to peruse his, as yet unfinished, section's progress. It was touch and go for a while as our respective music choices clashed but happily a compromise has been reached and he's in! The only bad thing is that he left his new family member at home. Click image for a larger version of Edson and his hound.

Pod Boy

2006-11-11T14:48:00.000Z

New podcast of Chris Ault available now. Remember, you can subscribe to the podcasts by simply clicking the subscribe image in the menu on the right. More coming soon.

Snap Happy

2006-11-11T12:30:00.000Z

With the influx of photos from Ev continuing, I've decided to create a slideshow which will be included on "The Learning Curve" dvd as a bonus feature. Hopefully that way, those of you who purchase the dvd will have something extra to enjoy that might not appear on YouTube when some little oik decides to upload my work!

If you missed some of the previously uploaded images and can't be bothered to search them out on this blog then you could click here to see them all or use the "flickr photo album" link over on the right.

How Long Is A Piece Of String?

2006-11-10T15:04:00.000Z

I've told myself "this is the last week of filming" several times now, but then a week of sunshine pops up and people are keen to get more stuff done. No complaints from me though. It just means that "The Learning Curve" keeps on growing like the proverbial uncontrollable weed and the release date stays somewhere on the horizon.

This last week has been fruitful in many ways though. Ev came out skating on Monday with Mike, Leo, Rimmer and myself and just as we were about to go home he produced a folder full of amazing photos that he had kept on the down low all day. That sneaky Russian comes through again.

Meanwhile I've been getting some filming done with Leo and Mike whilst Rimmer's dog Jas has been a bit ill so that has kept him busy in other ways. His trick list is written though so we'll be cracking on with that from this weekend.

Oh and how long is a piece of string? Twice the length of one end to the middle of course! Click image for larger version.

Mike, Rimmer and Leo.
Photo: Ev

Not Guilty M'Lud

2006-11-05T22:57:00.000Z

Well, I am guilty for not updating this as often as I had been previously so apologies for that, but editing is consuming my soul and hurting my head.

But did you see that Rimmer and Leo have a double page "Guilty By Association" article in issue 122 of Sidewalk magazine? Stoked for them as it looks really good. Styley took the photos whilst I was lurking, so you can see the footage in "The Learning Curve".

Interest

2006-10-27T13:28:00.000Z

Did a spot of filming with Rimmer last night out in his neck of the woods which is quite a journey from my neck of the woods, but it's still in the woods i.e. London. First, a group of alcohol needy kids took an interest in us as we were old enough to buy their booze for them with a little incentive thrown in for us of course. Then, after Rimmer dealt with the line, we popped into Tesco and were approached by a man who asked if we were the ones skating down the road a minute ago. Expecting a barrage of abuse as usual, we were pleasantly surprised that he was genuinely stoked on Rimmer's abilities and wanted to know more about what we were filming for. So, Chris, hope you managed to visit this site and thanks for taking an interest.

Who's Who

2006-10-25T12:31:00.000Z

Getting deep into the edit now and just finished the first of two friend's sections which features, among others, Jak Pietryga, Lucien Clarke, Rory Milanes, Mark Channer, Danny Brady and Boots.

Not much chance of any more filming as the weather has turned bitterly cold, so "The Learning Curve" is in more of a finishing straight than a curve now. Still going to keep updating this blog though so check back.

Tickets Please

2006-10-17T23:21:00.000Z

A City of London night time filming mission went down yesterday with Paul Rimmer in attendance to try and get some last minute footage for "The Learning Curve" which is already in the process of being edited. After a nasty hip bashing and a visit from some unusually friendly police, all we ended up getting was one of these each! Nice.

Glass Is Half Full

2006-10-14T23:07:00.000Z

I arranged to meet Carl to film some final bits today and it started off really well. A nice skatepark line that he had been planning for a little while didn't take too long at all and so we moved on to the next spot with high hopes, but that's where the problems started. A tricky line started to become a bit of a pain and then an elderly couple decided that skateboarding was not going to happen today and that they positively had to sit directly in our way to look at the huge building we were skating next to. It took about five minutes of jedi mind tricks to convince them that everyone could carry on about their business if they moved out of our way but by then a security guard had appeared and his brain didn't work very well so we left.

We then took several bus rides to other spots out in West London only to find that there were cars parked in exactly the wrong places for us to get anything else done. Infuriating indeed, but there is always tomorrow and we shall triumph! As always, click image for larger version.

Carl Magalit
Photo: Ev

Paul's Pod

2006-10-10T14:38:00.000Z

As promised, I've put up a new podcast which is the first of a series of very short introduction clips for each of the main featured skaters in "The Learning Curve". If you want to subscribe to the podcasts, simply click the subscribe image in the menu on the right or scroll down and read the "Mad Tech" post. More coming soon.

Nights Drawing In

2006-10-09T22:40:00.000Z

I don't like the winter one bit. It takes ages for people to warm up to skate; it gets dark early; it's too damn cold etc etc, but it does give me a good excuse for hibernation which is nothing but great.

The weekend was a bit of a failure filming-wise and more than a bit chilly, but I did hook up with Finn, Carl, Ev and a few more people on Sunday. Ev produced a few more gems which you can see below so it wasn't all bad. Click images for larger versions.

Fred Albrow and Finn Andrés
Photo: Ev

Mike Sutcliffe
Photo: Ev

Todd Fowler
Photo: Ev

Tick Tick Tick

2006-10-06T23:03:00.000Z

Time is running out for "The Learning Curve" now so there's probably only going to be a handful of filming sessions left before I call it a day and enter the unknown world of editing. This past week's storms don't bode well for the coming weekend, whatever the BBC weather website claims, but I'm planning to meet Finn and Ev to get some last minute manouvres and hopefully convince Ev to part with more great photos like the one below. Click image for larger version.

Finn Andrés: Hurricane Grind
Photo: Ev

In Print

2006-10-05T13:52:00.000Z

The first "proper" mention of The Learning Curve is now in the Folk-Lore pages of magazine's October issue. Cheers Ben for sorting that out.

The possibility of Sidewalk's massive readership checking this page out has given me the kick up the arse I need to start working on another podcast, so look out for it soon. Meanwhile, here's another mugshot of Mr. Edson. Now that's what I call a good t-shirt! Click image for larger version.

James Edson
Photo: Ev

Smoking Boots

2006-10-01T00:33:00.000Z

The rails are getting larger and the tricks are getting better but a quick bout of rain will stop even Boots in his tracks. The intermittent showers were frustrating today as it would have taken him maybe two more attempts at the most to tame another rail but it wasn't to be. The surface at the spot wasn't the type that would dry any time soon either, so we drove to another spot at the other end of London which was dealt with properly. Click image for larger view.

Boots And Some Weird Guy
Photo: Styley

Fixated

2006-09-28T15:11:00.000Z

Those of you who are regular readers of Sidewalk magazine may remember Mike Sutcliffe's "Distractions" article which told of his interest in fixed gear bicycles, also known as "fixies" to those in the know. Well, when you're trying to film a line with Mike and someone rides past on a fixie you're best advised to turn the camera off and wait for him to finish chatting to the cyclist who caught his eye. Here's a snap of one such occasion captured by the Russian master. Click image for larger version.

Mike Sutcliffe
Photo: Ev

Mad Tech

2006-09-23T19:52:00.000Z

It took a lot of confusing time and some furious head scratching moments whilst staring at mumbo jumbo computer code, but I finally managed to get a podcast up and running. Check it out if you have iTunes or use some other technical way of viewing it that I have yet to learn about.

The easy way to subscribe is to simply click the podcast icon in the "Video clips" menu on the right.

The more complicated way is to click the advanced tab above your iTunes window then select "Subscribe to podcast"; then in the window that opens, copy and paste this link http://feeds.feedburner.com/Jahlada and Bob's your auntie, it should all work and you can stick it on your video iPod.

Return Of The Mack

2006-09-16T23:13:00.000Z

Evgeny is back in town so it was good to catch up with him at South Bank today. Hopefully he won't have lost that magic touch for producing fantastic photos while he was back in the motherland.

I also met up with Styley who had been shooting pics of Dan Cates earlier in the day on the roof of a church! The congregation inside were not too chuffed so when the vicar protested, Cates told him that he was simply trying to get closer to God. Almost as bad as one of Styley's jokes that.

The rest of the day involved Styley, Cates, Boots and myself driving around trying to find a café and then, once the hunger had been dealt with, watching Boots produce the goods at a little driveway spot that is a favourite of late. Photographic evidence of a truly ridiculous trick will be winging it's way to a magazine near you soon. In the meantime, here's a picture of Boots and his cheerleading squad. Click image for larger version.

Boots And His Fan Club
Photo: Styley

In His Presence

2006-09-16T22:54:00.000Z

A return trip to Cantelowes left us reeling as none other than The Mighty Interweb Overlord Himself turned up and set about capturing souls deep into His ecto-containment system. Danny Brady did his best to appease The Evil One and it looked for a while as though he would survive but the cyber voodoo simply melted his trucks and they fell apart to our horror. Take a trip through the myskateordie portal of doom (link added) if you dare. I was terrified to do so but managed to film never before seen footage of Him so say your prayers and behold the voodoo camera in action!

Promotion

2006-09-13T10:18:00.000Z

"The Learning Curve" has received a mention on the website so check it out either by clicking the logo above or by using the newly added link on the right (although it should already be one of the websites you visit each day). Thanks Percy.

Camden Smoothie

2006-09-12T21:00:00.000Z

Edson, Mike, Leo, Billy, and myself all managed to get kicked out of every street spot we went to today although Edson's plea for "one more try" paid off and even got a couple of security guards clapping as he made his trick in front of them. After that, we headed to the newly finished small section of Cantelowes skatepark. There is currently only a small section open and usable, but peering into the adjacent building site revealed evidence that this place is going to be amazing! Here's a wee clip of Mike enjoying his second helping of new London concrete this week. Click it.

Helping Hands

2006-09-09T19:33:00.000Z

I received a couple of tapes of footage from Morph and Guy today who are both really good filmers and so I'm stoked to be able to add their names to the fairly short list of contributing filmers for "The Learning Curve". Some good days of sunny weather are forecasted for the coming week too so capturing footage will have to take a back seat for a few more days.

Under Pressure

2006-09-08T22:26:00.000Z

Self-imposed pressure, but pressure nonetheless. The unenviable task of capturing all the footage for "The Learning Curve" needs to be done. Here's proof that I have at least started though. That's Chris Peacock tailsliding the Shell Centre which is one of the first things I ever filmed (that's why the exposure's bad, haha).

Oh Chute

2006-09-03T18:11:00.000Z

Summer decided to return today so I took a trip to the newly opened Mudchute skatepark to meet Mike. That place is amazing! I've heard good stuff about it and had a quick look through the fence before it was officially opened, but boy, now that I've skated it, I understand the hype. It's so much fun! Despite the usual kids with mountain bikes stuck in first gear there was loads of shredding going on as many familiar faces turned up throughout the afternoon and made the most of the sunny weather. My advice? Take a trip there soon. Click image for larger version.

Mike Sutcliffe
Photo: Ev

Breakages

2006-09-02T00:05:00.000Z

I don't often film in supermarket car parks these days but that was where Leo added some manual roll trickery to his repertoire this afternoon, and Rimmer made a re-appearance after going missing for four weeks too! Turns out he had sustained a couple of broken toes at work by leaving his foot in the way of a large and heavy piece of rolling machinery. It wasn't broken toes that stopped him skating this evening though, a broken board did that instead.

Waffle

2006-09-01T10:33:00.000Z

Had enough of my rambling? Well get yourself over to the new Flickr page where you can look at all the pretty pictures on their own. Link on the right.

Smack Deserved

2006-08-31T16:28:00.000Z

Chris Ault is now officially on the team as mentioned in the new issue of Sidewalk and no doubt on the Heroin website itself very soon (link added, check it). Chris has actually been receiving the goods for a little while now but Fos (Heroin head honcho) had kept it fairly quiet until the time was right. It's well deserved though as Chris has been destroying London recently and racking up quite a part for "The Learning Curve".

Another photographer has joined the Jahlada ranks now too. Richard Pitcock is a young up and coming soul catcher, so check his link in the contributors list. Click images for larger versions.

Chris Ault: Suski Grind
Photo: Richard Pitcock

Chris Ault: Backside Grab Gap Clearance
Photo: Richard Pitcock

Hiatus Over

2006-08-30T20:31:00.000Z

Had quite a break from filming recently. First a nice trip to Wales for family birthday celebrations and then back to London to watch the rain fall for several days. Returned to camera duties today though and met up with a rather brown Finn who has himself just returned from a holiday, but in rather warmer climes than North Wales! Got some more footage for him to add to what is becoming a wallride heavy part, but as he says "It's legit to have a penchant for wallrides." Damn straight!

All Terrain Dave

2006-08-23T13:24:00.000Z

Crossfire are running a Triple Shot article with Styley at the moment so you can nip over there and check out more about the man, the myth, the man of steel. You can of course check out lots of Styley's photos here too and use the link on the right to go to his own page.

Warp To Crossfire

Stoked

2006-08-18T20:02:00.000Z

After a really disappointing time with crap weather and nothing getting done, the day was saved by discovering that my footage of Josh Roullion made "Trick Of The Week" on the Crossfire website. Make sure you visit the Crossfire site using the link on the right. Cheers Zac and Alan. Stoked! Click image for video clip.

Doh!

2006-08-18T17:34:00.000Z

Pissed! Took the trip to the old South Bank ledge's new home and the heaven's opened to greet us. I was all ready to get some lines filmed and Leo was itching to skate too. All I got was this clip. Back there VERY soon. Click image for video clip.

So That's Where They Went

2006-08-14T21:47:00.000Z

I have heard several people asking where the old ledges from South Bank had gone since the new ones had been installed a couple of weeks ago, and now it seems they have found new homes at undisclosed locations around London. Looking forward to visiting these very soon. Click image for larger version.

In Line For Lines
Photo: Gorm

Proper Tweaker

2006-08-12T23:01:00.000Z

Grey skies and intermittent rain in London prompted a car journey to drier climes today, but a severely tweaked ankle for Chris Ault, upon trying his second handrail trick of the day, left me filming Styley just mucking about. Ended up being loads of fun though so here's a little clip for you. The clip's also added as a link in the new, aptly titled, "Video clips" section on the right of this page. Today's clip is called "Styley's Steez" and I'm going to try to post up little clips there regularly so keep checking back y'all. Click image for video clip.

What A Spot

2006-08-07T11:42:00.000Z

Styley, Mike and myself met up early on Saturday and after a quick warm up at a local time capsule, we set up camp at an East London spot which, according to a local resident, is soon to be demolished to make way for new flats. We did a bit of construction work ourselves and fashioned a make shift ramp to aid the run up to the obstacle and it turned out quite well once Styley had stuffed it with leaves. The rest of the afternoon was spent fetching water and food from the local shops between short bursts of energy as the sun was really beating down and it was only possible to skate for a few minutes at a time.

Rimmer turned up after a few hours and pulled several of what is jokingly becoming his trademark trick even though he was pretty tired after working an eighteen hour shift the previous day!

We then headed into the city to meet Chris Ault and Finn and after a couple of places skated and photos shot it was time to unveil to them the latest spot to appear in our great city. A perfect wooden bench surrounded by beautiful marble ledges and basically completely unskated, although we did see some friends there the previous night. It's surely only a matter of time until it's completely swamped by London's locals. Chris reeled off trick after trick for Styley's camera and then filmed a pretty cool line for "The Learning Curve". Definitely going back there soon. Click image for larger version.

Peeping footage at the new spot
Photo: Styley

Covert Mission

2006-08-07T11:03:00.000Z

Mike emerged on Friday for a quick skate at a rather tricky transition spot. Tricky to skate, but mainly tricky because the armed police who were patrolling about twenty metres away had to be avoided or else we were more than likely in serious trouble. Fortunately the masses of tourists present provided a handy distraction and we got what we needed done. Enough clues for you? Click image for larger version.

Mike Sutcliffe
Photo: Ev

And He Earns Up To 26K?

2006-08-02T20:34:00.000Z

Community support officers usually know their place, but we met one real piece of work today who tried to move us on but simply went about it the wrong way. A bit of respect given usually gets a bit of respect in return but he can't have been taught that when he was being enrolled in "pretend police" school. His lack of authority and powers of arrest really frustrated him after I argued with him so he resorted to blocking us with his mountain bike after we had decided to leave anyway. Hopefully he won't meet with an accident and fall of his bike sometime soon. Finn and Chris got quite a bit filmed today for "The Learning Curve" and the image below was not one of those things. Click image for larger version.

Finn Andrés: Pop shove-it wallride
Photo: Ev

Monetary Donations Welcome

2006-07-30T22:36:00.000Z

Another day in the city and another day with Finn, Fred and Chris. Yesterday was not Finn's day, nothing landed so nothing filmed. Today, however, he got the line he wanted second try and then went and did it twice more! I only need one mate, calm down. Time is running out now though and I'm getting deep into thinking mode about a) how to edit the video i.e. which sections in which order and with which music and b) how to edit the video i.e. I've got no money and my computer is too weak. Click image for larger version.

Not really sure why Finn is ripping Fred's shirt here.
Photo: Ev

Mini Malt

2006-07-29T21:39:00.000Z

Today I met up with Finn and Chris Ault at South Bank, complete with it's shiny new blocks, and Chris was on fire. Full of beans; excitable, and logging footage at a rate of knots made for a really good day. Having just turned eighteen this week, he was looking forward to the coming evening's legal alcohol consumption, but being turned away when trying to buy cigarettes shows that he still doesn't look like the man he thinks he is.

Rain Doesn't Stop Play

2006-07-27T22:03:00.000Z

Emerging from the tube station, I was greeted by black clouds and the rumbling of distant thunder which I believe was karma, my punishment if you like, as I should have met Rimmer earlier in the week to film at this spot but I spent the afternoon sitting at South Bank instead.

All was well for a short time but then the heavens opened and down came the proverbial cats and dogs. We waited it out as the day was so warm that we thought if the rain stopped fairly quickly then it might dry up quickly too, but it soon became obvious that it simply was not going to happen. The rain did indeed stop, but the spot was absolutely soaked, with puddles everywhere, but as Rimmer was skating an old set-up, he thought "why not give it a go anyway?". Several slippery attempts made me doubt that he would make it. I was proved wrong though and he landed his trick despite the puddles and lack of grip. Nice one mate.

An Enjoiable Day

2006-07-25T14:16:00.000Z

As I mentioned in the "Mr. Blobby's Ends" post a little while ago, Styley had called me with a view to maybe returning to Bloblands with someone interesting. Well it happened on Friday. It was Louie Barletta's last day in London so he, his roomie Christine, Mike Sutcliffe, Josh Roullion, Zac and Alan from Crossfire, Styley and myself all went on a little trip back there. Another blazing hot day and another great filming day ensued. We hit Bloblands first, then Crystal Palace where we witnessed Mr. Barletta land undoubtedly one of the most incredible tricks to be done there. Simply ridiculous! Zac, Alan, Josh and Mike then departed but Louie had another trick up his sleeve for the Holborn bench in bank spot. A few tries and it's in the bag (of suck).

That should have been the end of the day as we dropped Louie and Christine back to their pad, but Rimmer was hungry for an evening hook-up, so we went along to Docklands and got two more tricks with him that he's been eyeing up for a while now. He's going good at the moment, let's hope this productive period continues. Click image for larger version. Styley's photos from the day will be appearing in Sidewalk magazine soon.

Louie and Mike teaching the kids how to skate
Photo: Styley

90% Mental

2006-07-24T10:32:00.000Z

Leo, Rimmer and I spent the day in Docklands yesterday and it was Leo's turn to battle with his own mind which simply refused to let him land his trick. It really was a case of being mentally prepared as he basically had the trick down but when it starts to go astray the rage follows and instead of the mind being focused, the board ends up focused instead. We took a couple of breaks, set up a new board and tried a couple of different spots but nothing was happening so on the third return to the original spot it took just a few tries to land and suddenly the dark cloud that filled Leo's mind lifted and everything was peachy. Click image for larger version.

Ben Jobe: An example of mental control (?)
Photo: Ev

Patience Pays

2006-07-19T21:43:00.000Z

Yesterday's torment maybe topped up our ability to sit and wait for the moment to come and that ability was put into action straight away this evening as parked cars and lurking kids tested Rimmer to the extreme. The moment arrived though and his work was done. Not much else to say except "hammer time". It's an abd ("already been done" for those of you not familiar with geek speak) which shouldn't matter but seems to to some people out there, but when it's abd by one of the most stylish skaters on the planet, it's all good in my book.

The Waiting Game

2006-07-18T21:38:00.000Z

I met up with Rimmer today with a view to getting a quick line filmed. It was a beautiful day and the park was fairly busy so it wasn't that surprising that there were some people occupying the benches that we had our eyes on, so we sat nearby and waited. It was a quite a while until the people left so we had a couple of quick attempts but the need for a bit of wax soon became obvious. I nipped to the shops, bought some wax and returned to find the benches occupied once again. Fair enough, it's a public park and benches are for sitting on after all. We sat nearby and waited. And waited. And waited some more. The three women sitting on the bench not only stayed there for three hours but they left some litter behind including a banana skin which had been smeared on the top of the bench somehow. Basically, long story short, we got nothing done and spent the entire day sitting in the park getting sunburnt and playing with Rimmer's dog Jas who is half alsation and half greyhound. Click image for larger version.

Rimmer and Jas the wonder dog
Photo: Ev

Too Many Kooks...

2006-07-16T21:53:00.000Z

Bit of an odd one today. Left South Bank with a huge group of people which should have been a good thing but it actually caused a bit of a problem as it's so hard to go somewhere where everyone is happy. Also, the chances of getting kicked out of a spot obviously increase too, so eventually, after an hour or so of nothing at all happening, some people left for other spots and we split into smaller groups. Sure enough, this led to a bit of motivation which in turn led to Jak Pietryga putting down yet another hammer for Morph's collection. Chris Ault was out again too which was good as he's been away on team duties quite a bit recently, but this could all change in the near future. Click image for larger version.

Chris Ault
Photo: Ev

Lost In Translation

2006-07-16T21:27:00.000Z

It's thirsty work skating, filming and shooting photos in the city during this amazing heatwave we're having, so a quick shop run is common. Yesterday it was Fred's turn to ask what everyone wanted from Tesco, so the orders were made, but for some reason Evgeny's request for orange juice put a confused look on Fred's face. I didn't think any more of it until he returned with a bag of oranges for Ev! Fred blamed Ev's accent for the confusion, but whatever it was, we were in hysterics for ages. It was a memorable moment to remember Ev by as he is off back to the motherland for a few months now, so have a good trip mate. Hope to see you soon. Click image for larger version.

Fred returning from a more successful shopping trip
Photo: Ev

Say Cheese

2006-07-12T22:05:00.000Z

Here are a few photos for you to peruse. I've added a link to Styley's photography website so check out loads more of his pictures there. Hopefully Evgeny will sort something out soon too so there will be a link to his work when it's done. Click images for larger versions.

Chris Peacock: Backside Tailslide
Photo: Ev

Chris Peacock: Ollie
Photo: Styley

Downtime
Photo: Ev

Fred and Finn
Photo: Ev

Mr. Blobby's Ends

2006-07-12T21:46:00.000Z

Lucien Clarke and Rory Milanes convinced me to take the long journey out to a paddling pool steeped in skateboarding history today, better known as bloblands. The place is amazing too. I've seen photos of it ever since I started skating (getting on for 20 years now!!!!) but just never bothered trying to go there. If Styley's phone call today was anything to go by though, I might be going back soon with someone quite interesting. Watch this space.

Australia Day

2006-07-11T21:37:00.000Z

Well not the real Australia Day, that's in January, but the footage I got today was from Aussies Keegan and Will. We had quite a crew out today too, but the VX1000 let me down yet again and simply refused to perform later on in the day. I dunno what is wrong this time but it's infuriating to say the least. Picked up another load of amazing photos from Evgeny so there should be a nice picture with every post for a while now. Click image for larger version.

James Edson
Photo: Ev

Tunnel Vision

2006-07-08T18:47:00.000Z

There this tunnel right, and it's long. I mean really long. It takes a good few minutes to push the length of it and if someone is at the other end you can hardly see them. It's fun to have someone do an ollie at the other end, see them land, and then wait another second or so for the sound to reach you. Simple proof that light travels much faster than sound. It's in Central London too! Amazing what you can find when you have a look around. Click image for larger version.

Phraeza: A rare moment of speed
Photo: Styley

And Many More

2006-07-08T18:39:00.000Z

Alongside the main sections of "The Learning Curve", there are many skaters included who I have only met briefly but who have managed to get some good stuff done. One such guy is Alex Barton. He showed Styley and I around his local spots and in one sunny afternoon produced at least five good tricks. Stoked. Click image for larger version.

Alex Barton: Lipslide
Photo: Styley

They Shoot Horses When They Fall

2006-07-07T23:00:00.000Z

Here is a picture to whince at. It should have been published with the "What A Scorcher" post a while back but technical mishaps etc etc. As I said, Horsey took some real punishment that day. Click image for larger version.

Horsey: Taking a tumble
Photo: Styley

Hassle The Celebrity.

2006-07-04T18:55:00.000Z

Took a much needed day off from filming yesterday and went to Wimbledon with the missus. Saw Martina Navratilova walk right past me and thought that would be my brush with celebrity done for the day but as soon as she had won her doubles match and signed a few autographs there was a flurry of camera flashes just to my left. Who was there sitting near me all through the match? It was the Hoff! Mr. Baywatch. The Cheese Man. And he received far more attention than the tennis players too.

The Quick Brown Jak Jumps Over The Lazy Fox

2006-07-04T15:07:00.000Z

Went to Walthamstow with Styley to get a sequence and footage of Jak Pietryga on Saturday evening; we ended up at an interesting and very hidden spot that the locals knew of. Jak has a proper shirt tan (super brown arms and neck but white under the collar of his traffic warden's uniform) and he was trying a rather lengthy backside kickflip whilst a young fox that was watching kept trying to sneak up to the take off point. Every time it would creep closer and closer only to dart off again as Jak hurtled towards where he was launching from. The trick was made but Styley was left cursing his equipment for the second time that day. Bad workman etc....

Great Britain?

2006-07-04T14:58:00.000Z

There were four of us skating and filming in Homerton on Saturday and still one scumbag rudeboy told me to give him my camera! He was of course ignored but he hinted he'd be back in a few minutes so Leo stood guard with Rimmer's dog Jas (who looks gnarly but is very soft) just in case. A couple of policemen happened to walk by and after we told them what had happened they stood guard whilst Rimmer got his trick done. This was while England were knocked out of the World Cup. I would say that this country has gone to the dogs but that would be disrespectful to Jas. Click image for larger version.

Damn
Photo: Styley

That Taint Right

2006-06-28T22:33:00.000Z

A Hammersmith rail almost claimed Rimmer's extremeties this evening but he "escaped" with a taint smash. Whilst he was recovering, and we were wondering if he would, a security guard told us that we couldn't take photos or do any filming because there were kids in the background and therefore we must be taking pictures of the kids! Lunatic. No attempt to kick us out with any other reason than we were paedophiles! He was then verbally humiliated by Styley who involved members of the public in his torrent of abuse until the guard retreated to call the real police. The taint was damaged enough that we had to leave anyway. We then found some ridiculously steep banks nearer to home so with footage from this new spot and my early afternoon meeting with Edson and Keegan, it turned out to be quite a fruitful day.

The Vortex

2006-06-28T11:56:00.000Z

Made the mistake of going to South Bank with no real plans of where to go after meeting people there. The vortex took hold and I ended up being there for about four hours with nothing on the horizon. Rimmer saved the day by calling and arranging to meet at what is becoming an all too familiar Battersea spot, but when a line is filmed as quickly as it ended up being, I have no complaints. Here's a picture of something that did not take place today. Click image for larger version.

Fred Albrow: 5-0
Photo: Ev

Rain Stops Play

2006-06-26T18:23:00.000Z

What's going on? Where did all this rain come from? Yeah, yeah, warm air turns the water from rivers, lakes, and oceans into water vapour that rises into the air. That water vapour forms clouds, which contain small drops of water or ice crystals (depending on how high the cloud is and how cold it is). As clouds rise higher and higher, the air gets colder and colder. When the water vapour in the cloud becomes too heavy, it falls back to the ground as rain or snow. I know that! But when it rains I can't skate and therefore can't film and in turn have nothing to write....oh....

Star Man

2006-06-24T21:10:00.000Z

The Crossfire South Bank jam was a proper media frenzy, so I kept my beast harnessed until Filipino balance-boy Carl Magalit got busy in the city. Sporting his new tattoo, he got the troops whooping as another line was captured for The Learning Curve. Meanwhile, Fred was doing a little spot of learning of his own. Another trick learnt; another trick filmed. Sainsbury's was offering free cheese and onion pasty pieces, nice and hot, so Finn ate six and I had about four or five. I have a special relationship with this particular item of food but I thought, "what the hell, they're free". Sure enough, I got home and my guts are in turmoil. Click image for larger version.

Carl Magalit
Photo: Ev

Are You The Pigeon Or The Statue?

2006-06-23T18:10:00.000Z

Just a chilled one today with Sutcliffe. We cruised around the Holborn area, testing ideas and planting seedlings for the future but took it easy in preparation for the possibly hectic weekend which will see the Crossfire South Bank jam on Saturday and Emerica's "Wild In The Streets" on Sunday. Click image for larger version.

Mike Sutcliffe
Photo: Ev

Crack Head Central

2006-06-22T20:51:00.000Z

Camden doesn't fill me with joy,,,ever, but there was a glimmer in my eye and even a small smile broke out today as Keegan Walker threaded himself behind a tree via a high ledge. He took some serious punishment after that as we tried to get a line on some flat bars outside a block of flats. A huge scary looking guy came out of his flat and said "Carry on Lads, I don't care what you do". Stoked! "Just watch out for those flowers, if you damage them I'll rip your testicles off". He was referring to a small flower bed just in front of his house which didn't look too good anyway but he seemed to like them, so we carried on skating. The guy drove off somewhere but he returned just as Keegan slammed and basically dug out the entire flower bed as he slid into it. Amazingly no testicles were removed from the young Aussie but we did stop after that.

Styley and Ev were not present today so here's another picture of Finn. Click image for larger version.

Finn Andrés: No Comply Wallie
Photo: Ev

All Around The World....Well, London

2006-06-22T11:14:00.000Z

Two docklands spots, Camden, Chalk Farm, Kentish Town, Battersea, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush were all visited yesterday and I filmed one small line with Rimmer. Sounds like an unproductive day but I filmed one small line and every day that something is captured can only be a good day. Don't know where this optimism comes from and for it I apologize. It won't happen again.

Aulternative transport.

2006-06-21T11:31:00.000Z

Been chatting on msn with Chris Ault lately and we should be getting some more of his part done soon. It's looking good at the moment and if his recent media coverage is anything to go by he's just getting better and better. I become the sloth when filming him as he simply goes too damn fast. Might have to employ one of those motorized boards for filming lines; you never know, it might become a regular mode of transport. Click image for larger version.

Chris Ault
Photo: Ev