My recent extended stay on the West Coast has been an awesome experience, filled with random adventures and opportunities. One such adventure was an impromptu trip to Portland, Oregon, sparked by an invitation from CCS brand manager Matt Price. He was hosting a skate jam contest at a replica of the iconic LA Car Wash spot, and after some persuasive drinks, I was in.
Portland had always seemed like a place straight out of Portlandia, but I was excited to explore and hang out with people I rarely get to see. The contest was a perfect excuse, and the chance to see the legendary John Cardiel, the main judge for the event, was a big draw. If anyone had a problem with the results, who would argue with Cardiel? The night before, we were at a bar with Milton Martinez, introducing Cardiel to the unique taste of Fernet – a mix of Jaeger and toothpaste, as some describe it.
My prior knowledge of Oregon was limited to The Goonies and the fact that it houses the last Blockbuster on Earth. After a single weekend, I’m practically an expert, right? Here are my key takeaways: First, the beauty and access to nature so close to the city are incredible. Second, many people have a distinct hardcore or screamo vibe. Finally, there’s a surprising number of strip clubs, making it a potential haven for those looking to embrace their inner degenerate. People are friendly, in a polite, but also reserved way. The quality of life appears high, offering a good value for your money.
The “Car Wash” contest was held at a scaled-down replica of the iconic LA spot. It was more of a tribute than a true recreation. No, they didn’t rebuild it brick-for-brick, no one died, just good times provided by CCS.
Myles Willard, a very talented but underrated skater, was also at the event. He recently had a part with us at Jenkem, and we consider him part of the family. An underdog from Baltimore, we are always rooting for him and his crew.
Matt Price’s dedication to putting in extra effort really shines. While most people aim for the bare minimum, he always goes above and beyond. For the trophies, he created unique designs using toy cars painted gold, attached to candle sticks. It’s a refreshing change from the usual large checks plastered with brand logos, demonstrating a creative approach to event presentation.
I had an interaction with a skater, whose name I unfortunately forget, who asked me to write something on his board. Since doing more public-facing content, like the Nine Club, Calling World Industries, and Interviewing Werner Herzog, I’ve noticed an increase in recognition. It’s a nice feeling, but it’s important to be aware of the potential ego boost and remain humble.
On the way home, I had a great dinner with Elissa Steamer, Brian Anderson, Matt Milligan, and his family. They all grew up together in the skate world, so I did my best to listen and respect their deep-rooted friendship. It was interesting to hear about Matt Milligan’s daughter, and the discussions about the tooth fairy, a topic I hadn’t considered for years. Why do we get money for our baby teeth, anyway?
Burnside Skatepark is a powerful and historic skate spot. It feels almost like one of the seven wonders of the skate world. For someone coming from New York City with its lack of transition skating, it was a humbling experience, and I gained an even greater respect for those who can conquer it. It reminded me of Castle Greyskull from He-Man, a true monolith of skateboarding.
The Courts, on the other hand, felt more like home. This spot is on college property, and they’ve made a deal to be open to skateboarding. It’s low and accessible, perfect for someone like me who still struggles with kickflips. It’s the Tompkins of Portland, an inviting and chill spot.
I also reconnected with Brent Atchley, known for his smooth, water-like skating in the Element videos. I reached out to him hoping to discuss his experiences in the professional skate world. Despite the tight schedule, I ended up missing my flight to hang out with him and conduct a future “where are they now” style interview, because sometimes you just have to take the hit.
Finally, I had the opportunity to catch Tommy Guerrero play live at the Thunderbird bar. When I was younger, my brother introduced me to his album Soul Food Taqueria, a staple of my listening habits back then. It was a fantastic experience, and all I have is a picture to show for it.
My time in Portland was a whirlwind of unique experiences, from a skate contest to reconnecting with old friends, and exploring iconic skate spots. It reinforced the passion, community, and creativity that drive the skateboarding world.
