Stay Calm & Get Sideways Slide Jam Recap
Tom Kuiper
What’s up midwest boarders? I hope that everyone had a rad year, just like myself. My name is Tom Kuiper and shredding is my life, well other than about 50 hours of work per week. I still manage the energy to skate every day unless it rains. I have been skating for about three years. I have been riding for REY Trucks for about a year, and riding for GET Longboards for a little under a year. If you haven’t heard of them then you need to check both of the rad companies out.
In 2012 I only had the chance to attend two events, however this past season I have been to a handful and even hosted my own. And I’ve got to say, rain or shine, every single one was epic. Overall this past year was great, but this time of the year everyone is always looking forward to the next season, hoping it will be better. And I am here to tell you, it will be.
Longboarding is a rapidly expanding sport, with new tricks being thought of almost every day. I can’t wait to see all the new and seasoned riders this coming season. I plan on hosting at least two slide jams, a downhill race, maybe a push race thrown in the mix, even a flat ground jam and possibly a slide clinic or two. I have a few new ideas that I don’t think Michigan has seen. My favorite idea will involve two classes groms and open. Each person will have two wrist bands and
will give them to someone from the opposite class when they see someone do something that is worthy of a band. That way groms will not be judged against groms. Then at the end whoever has the most bands will win. Something else that I would like to see more of is variety in the slide jams and I am hoping to accomplish that this coming season. So if you have any ideas, don’t be afraid to hit me up and tell me what you like to see at events and what you want to see less of.
Just so I address this, yes. There will be a second annual Keep Calm & Get Sideways Slide Jam. The first one was great but I want there to be at least 2 times as many people at this next one. This past year Evan Finses took biggest heelside and David Driscoll took biggest toeside. Everyone had a great time, and I hope to see you there next year.
All of the events will be posted on facebook so add me otherwise they should all be posted on Action Board Sports website, www.absboards.com. I will also try to post the event flyers on my instagram so follow me at tjkuip0. Thank you so much for all of your support and as always, skate safe and shred hard.