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:

On Friday, December 2nd, Element and Elemental Awareness teamed up with the WLCAC in Watts, CA for a day of art and skateboarding.

Element Advocates Mike Kershnar and Todd Francis were there to help the kids create their very own hand painted board which they were able to keep. Afterward,  Element team riders Nyjah Huston, Mark Appleyard, and Ray Barbee skated with kids at the recently built skatepark.

Elemental Awareness would like to thank the WLCAC,  Create-A-Skate, Vitamin Water, and Kind Snacks for helping make this event great… See you next year!

On Friday, December 2nd, Element and Elemental Awareness teamed up with the WLCAC in Watts, CA for a day of art and skateboarding.

Element Advocates Mike Kershnar and Todd Francis were there to help the kids create their very own hand painted board which they were able to keep. Afterward,  Element team riders Nyjah Huston, Mark Appleyard, and Ray Barbee skated with kids at the recently built skatepark.

Elemental Awareness would like to thank the WLCAC,  Create-A-Skate, Vitamin Water, and Kind Snacks for helping make this event great… See you next year!

In in the end, Zach Payton (left) faced off against last years winner and defending champion Marcel (right) in finals. After a heated and very exciting final round, it was Zach Payton who overcame and now holds the Yorba Linda game of S.K.A.T.E. crown. Congratulations Zach and a special thanks to everybody who came out last night. We had a blast and can’t wait till next year.

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.

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.

Slap Magazine spent a week up to Element YMCA Skate Camp this past Summer. During their stay they caught up with Elemental Awareness Director Todd Larson and asked a few questions regarding Elemental Awareness and how it projects outside of Skate Camp. Check out the full interview here!

Element and Elemental Awareness will be heading out to the North and Southwest to hang out, skate, give shoes and boards through the new “Changing lives through skateboarding” program from Sept. 6th-Sept. 20th.  Check the flyer for dates and times.  If you live in any of these areas, look for the Element van and throw us a peace sign, you never know what we might throw back.  See you on the road…