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:

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.

Element is proud to announce that  ”RISE & SHINE” The Nyjah Huston video, is now available on iTunes worldwide!

In 2011 Nyjah 3-peat’d at Street League, won X-Games gold, and became The Berrics Battle Commander. Now he’s out now to prove his talents where they matter most; in the streets.

Click HERE to view “RISE & SHINE” in the iTunes store.

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

Recently, DC Shoes got together with The Berrics to release the “The Fix S” skate shoe. To launch the special edition collabo’, they brought in Evan Smith, who stars in this commercial, going where few have gone before…

Evan Smith, with an aptly named, smith stall on the vert wall.

We all knew it was coming, but we didn’t know it’d be this good… Nyjah takes top honors at the most famous skatepark in the world, The Berrics, and is crowned the official Battle Commander with this video part.

So, until “RISE & SHINE” releases on 11.11.11., click play, and prepare to have your mind blown with Nyjah’s Battle Commander video part at The Berrics…

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.

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.

Nyjah Huston and friends rolled through the Chino park recently, and left no ledge unturned. Subscribe to Nyjah’s friend, Nathan on YouTube here for more Nyjah footy, as they’re always out skating, rain or shine.

Chad Tim Tim walks you through the basics of a switch crooked grind. Active is holding a contest here, where whoever sends in the best footage of them doing a switch crooks, wins a year supply of shoes from Dekline. Don’t forget the bonus clip and contest at the end of the video too.

Evan Smith gets a surprise request from skateboard legend, Josh Kalis, while on tour with DC in Europe. Watch and see if Evan can land a “Straight 8″ on call. The “Straight 8″ is when you do the two fundamental flip tricks, kickflip and heelflip, in the four possible ways, which equals 8… Kickflip, fakie kickflip, switch kickflip, nollie kickflip, heelflip, fakie heelflip, switch heelflip, and nollie heelflip.

Music by:
Dirty Fences
“Haily Hallway Looker”
Facebook.com/dirtyfences
dirtyfences.bandcamp.com

In honor of the new Berrics park in Westchester (LA), Steve Berra proposed a “First Try Fridays” for Chad Tim Tim that’s like no other. Enjoy the ride.