It’s a rare thing these days, in the age of the internet and all, when you can honestly say an amateur skater paid his dues to earn what he’s got, but for Nick Garcia, there’s nothing truer than that. Skating his ass off, and getting noticed the old fashioned way… “The harder you work the luckier you get” and with that said, we are proud to introduce Element’s newest pro, Nick Garcia.

Here’s a look back at Nick’s skating through the years, including video highlights, articles exposure, magazine covers, and his most recent footage and first pro ad… Congratulations Nick, you deserve it.

The Nick Garcia collection consists of the Welcome and Blue Collar boards, a cruiser shaped by Nick, and limited edition shirt. Everything is available in the Element store and at your local shop, so stock up now.

Over the past year, we had 45 MAKE IT COUNT events in 30 different countries, with one goal; to get the most dedicated skateboarders from around the world for a life changing experience.

On August 11th, 23 finalists flew in for an all expenses paid trip to California for one week, and to compete in the global finals at Element YMCA Camp.

During that week, we went to San Diego and skated the Transworld park, hung out at Element headquarters, and had a day all to ourselves at The Berrics. In addition to skating, we hiked to the natural waterslides at Stony Creek, launched in Lake Sequoia, and saw a slew of wild animals in the Sequoia National Forest.

In the end, it was Jon Cos who took first place and a year’s sponsorship from Element, while Dustin Blauvelt came in second, and Nate Greenwood finished in third.  Some left with trophies and prizes, but everyone went home with something much greater; friendships were forged, and our Element family grew bigger.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in making this series an experience of a lifetime.

For more info, to see the finals video, and to see the #elementmakeitcount instagram feed, go HERE:

Julian Davidson and Nick Garcia came up with this special set of Travel Well cruiser boards, called “Day Trippin’”. Designing them was one thing, but what came next was the fun part; hitting the streets. Nick and Julian headed off to Skate Camp, and took the long road to get there. From bombing hills and crushing rocks to flatground and mini ramps, these boards are truly all terrain vehicles.

Music by:
Boom Chick
“Ghost of Bo Didley”
boomchickboomchick.com

GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DAY TRIPPIN’ SERIES:

Nyjah Huston goes behind-the-scenes with an exclusive interview, discussing some of the worst slams and best tricks of his video part, “RISE & SHINE”.

Filmed by: Kirk Dianda, Marc Falkenstien, and Nathan Groff
Edited by: Kirk Dianda

“RISE & SHINE” is now available worldwide on iTunes.

http://bit.ly/Nyjah-iTunes

The Element “Make it Count” 2012 International contest series is scheduled to kick off on Jan. 7th, 2012 in Orlando, Fl at Midtown Skate Park.  Entry fee for the contest is one canned food item that will be donated to local food banks.  The overall winner of the contest will win a trip to California for the Finals and get a private session at The Berrics with the Element team for the summer of 2012.  Element special guests Nyjah Huston, Levi Brown, Evan Smith, Donny Barley and Matt Fink will be on hand to help judge the contest.  See you in Orlando for Stop #1!

For more information on the contest check out our events page or click HERE.

Skateboardermag caught up with Thomas in New York and snapped a few photos from his mural at Max Fish and show at the Half Gallery. Click HERE to see the full article.

In part three (of four), Nyjah gets down and out in San Diego with a backside smith gone wrong.

Nyjah Huston goes behind-the-scenes with an exclusive interview, discussing some of the worst slams and best tricks of his video part, “RISE & SHINE”.

Filmed by: Cole Mathews, Kirk Dianda, and Nathan Groff
Edited by: Kirk Dianda

“RISE & SHINE” is now available worldwide on iTunes.
http://bit.ly/Nyjah-iTunes

Element Youth team rider Asher Bradshaw has been drawing some attention in the LA area at only 8 years old.  He caught the eye of film maker Kathy Herndl who has been filming a documentary about Asher for the past couple of years.  Now in the post production phase of her project, she needs your help to finish the film.  They have almost raised their goal but still need help.  To find out more about this project or how you can help, click here.

Now you can start learning how to skate from Element’s pros for free! Know Skateboarding Street Fundamentals Free gives you an exclusive first pass to becoming a great skater. You can use this app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, and you don’t even need any data connection.

Get the full version of “Know Skateboarding” featuring Element pros Chad Tim Tim, Darrell Stanton, Levi Brown, and Mark Appleyard. Between these four pros and the twenty-two tricks they teach you, this is the most powerful tool you could ever keep in your pocket.

Click HERE to download the FREE version

Click HERE to download the FULL version

Bon Dia!  I just back from Sao Paulo Brazil, it was an incredible voyage.  I was flown down there by OE Magazine to participate in the Keep Abreast Foundation’s I ♥ Boobies exhibition.  I hooked up with Roger Mancha from Element Brazil and we had a great time skating and painting all over the place.  I was very inspired by the vibrant Brazilian culture and delicious foods.  Check out this video and flix from the trip.  I feel so blessed to get to explore the world with my skateboard and spray paint and I hope to continue to do and see more.  Obrigado.  One Love.

Elemental Awareness hit the road to visit their friends on the Apache, Flathead, and Navajo reservations, where they were able to skate with the kids, and connect on a larger level…

Through the CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SKATEBOARDING program, they were able to give away more than 100 pairs of shoes, 50 skateboards and tons of other product. Needless to say, the kids were hyped and received some much needed gear.

Click here to see some photos from the tour. And for more information on Elemental Awareness and their programs, visit their site and Facebook page.

In anticipation of “RISE & SHINE” the Nyjah Huston video, we are releasing a new clip, once a week until the video drops, so check back for more footage and information.

http://bit.ly/nyjahvideo

Filmed by:
Nathan Groff

For this week’s clip, Nyjah doubles down. First a nollie heelflip on the nine, and then closes out with a three flip on the eleven.

In anticipation of “RISE & SHINE” the Nyjah Huston video, we are releasing a new clip, once a week until the video drops, so check back for more footage and information.

http://bit.ly/nyjahvideo

Filmed by:
Nathan Groff

Nyjah Huston takes the road less traveled with a hardflip over the rail.

In anticipation of “RISE & SHINE” the Nyjah Huston video, we are releasing a new clip, once a week until the video drops, so check back for more footage and information.

http://bit.ly/nyjahvideo

Filmed by:
Matt Mullen

On September 24th 2011, Element and Beachworks joined forces to present the ELEMENT EQUINOX FESTIVAL. Set in Element’s own Orange County backyard, the festival included an amateur contest, team demo, team signing and a bevy of booths to keep attendees psyched. Two amateur contests were held: thirteen and under and fourteen plus. A total of $1,000 was awarded to the winners, $700 of which made its way into the back pocket of 14+ winner Edgar Barrera.

In addition, a free trip to Element / Ymca Skate Camp was awarded to the winner of the thirteen and under contest, Vinny Villani.

As impressive as the 14+ contest and demo were, the young kids contest really brought the stoke. Seeing the young’uns with decks as big them go for glory brought smiles to the faces of even the most jaded among us.

While not watching the skate action, attendees tie-dyed t-shirts, got henna tattoos, played skateboard wheel plinko to win free Element gear and checked out an array of animals on display from Inside the Outdoors.

For more photos from the event, visit our Flickr page.

The Mohave backpack, loaded with an unending amount of compartments and stash pockets, can practically carry the weight of the world.

In honor of its diversity, we got Mike Kershnar (Element Advocate) to pack up, and hit the streets. Through the eyes of filmmaker, Sean Desmond, we get an insider’s look into Kershnar’s daily grind, skating and painting in San Francisco…

Watch the video above, and swing by your local shop or click here to purchase an Element “Mohave” backpack.

The Mohave backpack, loaded with an unending amount of compartments and stash pockets, can practically carry the weight of the world.

In honor of its diversity, we got Mike Kershnar (Element Advocate) to pack up, and hit the streets. Through the eyes of filmmaker, Sean Desmond, we get an insider’s look into Kershnar’s daily grind, skating and painting in San Francisco…

Watch the video above, and swing by your local shop or click here to purchase an Element “Mohave” backpack.

Technology meets skateboarding in the form of a new iPhone app called “Know Skateboarding” which features Element pros Chad Tim Tim, Darrell Stanton, Levi Brown, and Mark Appleyard. Between these four pros and the twenty-two tricks they teach you, this is the most powerful tool you could ever keep in your pocket.

Know Skateboarding is a must-have tutorial app for the novice skater, and is available now in the iTunes store.

Click here to purchase the app in the iTunes store, and head over to The Berrics for an in-depth review of the app.

Nyjah Huston and Element formed a relationship when Nyjah was only 7-years old. Then,  a twig on the Element tree, Nyjah grew into his own… In 2011 Nyjah 3-peat’d at Street League, and won X-Games gold, but he’s out now to prove his talents where their matter most; in the streets.

Element presents “RISE & SHINE” – The Nyjah Huston video, available on iTunes worldwide on 11.11.11.

Nyjah Huston and Element formed a relationship when Nyjah was only 7-years old. Then,  a twig on the Element tree, Nyjah grew into his own… In 2011 Nyjah 3-peat’d at Street League, and won X-Games gold, but he’s out now to prove his talents where their matter most; in the streets.

Element presents “RISE & SHINE” – The Nyjah Huston video, available on iTunes worldwide on 11.11.11.

As part of the Element Crossing Canada tour, the team stopped in at the capital of Ontario for a demo and signing at Ashbridges skatepark. Check out footage from the event brought to us by Push.ca!

Element Am Evan Smith is such a fun skater to watch. So when we found out The Skateboard Mag had an entire page of 2 year old Evan Smith sequences from Japan and Barcelona, we had to jump on it and share it with you. Check it out: Evan Smith Sequences

Not Satisfied? Watch Evan rip alongside fellow team riders Nyjah Huston, Levi Brown, Nick Garcia, Darrell Stanton and more at the recent Team Demo in Costa Rica! Video Below:

Nyjah Huston is gonna be posted up at the Element Times Square store in New York City August 25th! The first five in line get a free Nyjah Board and the first ten get free tickets to Street League finals! The signing starts at 2pm.

Element Times Square:
1515 Broadway New York City

Click HERE for more info.

Alli Sports “Picture This” series give you a look into the lives of today’s top action sports athletes. In the newest release they met up with Chad Tim Tim in his Long Beach neighborhood to get an exclusive tour of his pad. Shop Element at Alli.