First Blood Battle Recap

Jun 6,2022 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

FB_IMG_1653849297512

Thank You to the Fraser Valley Regional District Area B for their donation towards the First Blood Battle skateboard contest held on May 28th at HMI Skate Park in Hope BC. When Dennis Adamson walked in the door of the skate park at the beginning of April he had one thing in mind, finding a way to help create something awesome for the entire community to enjoy together. When he offered a $5000 donation towards an event, we knew we needed to make something special.

Dennis Adamson donation photo

Now that the Covid restrictions have finally been lifted as to how we can run events indoors it was time to set up the first Real contest at HMI, with Full length qualifier Runs, Finals for each category, and Plaques for the winners. The date was set for May 28th, and the title was made “The First Blood Battle”…

IMG_20220528_124656_792

People came from all over the Lower Mainland to enjoy the day together, there were over 60 competitors spread out through 6 different categories, and approximately 120 people in the park. With Hippie Mike organizing and running the event it was guaranteed to be successful, and busy. A very special Judges Panel was created right away consisting of Skateboard Event MC and Music Superstar Renee Renee, Richmond Skate Ranch local and Owner of 5.0 Skateboards Britain Higginbotham, DC Nationals 2004 Female Champion Carrie Williams, and the very first Canadian Professional Skateboarder and owner of Ultimate Skateboard Distribution Kevin Harris.

IMG_20220529_143758_182

The contest lasted almost 9 hours in total, filled with good times and tons of smiles. Starting off with the Mini category (kids 10 years & under) the vibe was set for the day. The crowd cheered on these little guys and girls as they showcased anything and everything they knew how to do. The Beginners were just as awesome really showing true love for this new activity that most of them have only been doing since HMI Skate Park has existed, they put some great lines together and had the crowd going wild.

20220528_144420

All the girls skated together encouraging each other to do their best and mainly sticking to the halfpipes, while the Intermediates utilized the entire park and gave everyone a taste of what was coming in Advanced. Everyone in these 2 categories did amazing and really showed why HMI is such an important place for community development.

20220528_175211

When Advanced finally started we knew the real Battle was about to go down. Some of the most talented skaters from all over the lower mainland and fraser valley came out to prove who’s on top. Aging from 8 years old up to 39, there was some serious skill in the room. After the Runs the judges narrowed it down to the Top 6 and those 6 skated for 18 minutes straight in a 6 man Finals Jam all at once until we finally had to call time. Dakota Flamand ruled the entire park climbing all the walls to the ceiling and took 1st place, Street master Dave Jonnson used his tech skills to place 2nd, and 12 year old park local Kaelen Faux showed every line he knew to squeeze his way into 3rd place. All scores in the Advanced finals were within a half a point from each other according to the judges.

20220528_200609

As people started disbursing we finished the night with a “Best Tricks for Cash” event and let these guys get the last of their energy out. It was an amazing show and we can’t wait for Round 2 next year.
Ryan Clark from Ripper Sk8 Mag has it all on video and we will release the recap as soon as it’s finished. Until then enjoy these photos

Screenshot_20220529-141203_Instagram

FB_IMG_1653848905235

FB_IMG_1653848730386

FB_IMG_1653848941393

FB_IMG_1653849313533

Thanks to all the sponsors:
HMI Skate Park
FVRD Area B
Ripper Sk8 Mag
Powell Peralta
Maple Road Skateboards
Protest Skateboards
Pylon Skateboards
5.0 Skateboards
Totally Rad Skateboards
Tuxedo Skateboards
Abnormal Skateboards
Chance Skateboards
Bentwood Skateboards
Sean Sue Tattoo
Stance Socks
Blue Triton
Flames Pizzas
Cutts and Bows
Mind Control
Well Kept Sustainables
Super Scary Corp.
Santa Cruz
Fury Trucks
Bones Wheels
Mike’s Rizers and Railz
Fast Track Tire
PTT Hope BC
Wild Rabbit Flowers
ASD Excavation
Shay Fusionz Salon

HMI Skate Park tries to run at least 1 fun event every month, follow them on Instagram @hmiskatepark to stay in the loop.
And be ready for the Backyard Bash coming late September

First Blood Battle Poster with sponsors

Future of Hope – The HMI Story

May 16,2022 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Future of Hope – A Must See Documentary by Tim Barker covering the creation of HMI Skate Park in the small town of Hope BC.
Produced in Partnership by Art of Living Media and Hippie Mike Industries

Learn the amazing story of HMI Skate Park, why and how it was built in the small town of Hope, and what it means to the surrounding community. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the movie touches on Hippie Mike’s multiple surgery recoveries, the death of a close friend, and the amazing passion of skateboarding that is shared between so many people of all ages.
This is The Future of Hope

Starring Hippie Mike, Andy Anderson, Kaelen Faux, Carrie Williams, Ryan Clark, AJ Zabell, Jonny Schroeder, Brian Baines, Sean Sue, Charlie Spear-Beauchamp, Mak Pauuwe, Christian Paauwe, Jodi McBride, Linda Kaji, Kevin Harris, and more…

The Future of Hope premiered at the Hope Cinema on April 22nd and was a huge success, people came from all over to watch the film and learn the real story of how HMI Skate Park came to be. Huge thanks to Tim Barker for all the long hours putting this movie together, we are forever grateful

20220422_175139

20220422_181605

20220422_172826

20220422_175114

HMI SKATE PARK SKATELITE FUNDRAISER

Apr 27,2022 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

HMI SkateLite Fundraiser Poster24x36

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WxjlmUss9E
HMI Skate Park is an indoor skateboard park in Hope BC, owned and operated by myself, Hippie Mike. The lease on the building was signed at the beginning of October 2020. Through amazing community support, donations, and fundraising, we were able to get the doors open by middle of December 2020. In the first 18 months we have served over 1000 different people just in the skate park, proving how necessary a place like this is. We specialize in Public Drop-Ins, Lessons for All Ages and Skill Levels, Inclusive and Fun Competitions and Demos, and have approximately a 75%/25% male/female Ratio.
To rush the opening of the Park we used Masonite (1/4″ hardboard) as the top surface sheeting on all the ramps and decking as it was way more affordable and quick to install but unfortunately the wear and tear is showing fast on the masonite and it is time to make the big changeover to SkateLite. This will help protect the ramps for years to come and lower the dust levels being stirred up daily throughout the park.

We are looking to raise $50,000 to finalize the park properly by resheeting the entire place in SkateLite, adding metal edge protection to any corners and joins between ramps, and making a few necessary adjustments and repairs. The skate park is split into 3 sections and we will plan to change it up one section at a time, in the order of how we originally built it.
Section 1 will happen when we reach the first $20,000
Section 2 will happen after we reach another $15,000
and Section 3 will happen when we reach the final $15,000

Our goal is to complete the entire renovation by the end of this year. If you would like to donate please visit our GoFund Me Page
HMI SkateLite Fundraiser GoFund Me
Or come into the Park at 840 5th Ave, Hope BC

We all appreciate your Support

SkatePark Styles Episode 6 – Merritt Skate Park with Jay Mykyte

Aug 7,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

We met up at Merritt Skate Park for a quick session with Protest rider Jay Mykyte (the King of Style) to kick off his week long annual skate tour through the okanagan.
Featuring: Jay Mykyte, Carrie Williams, Big Rip Kaelen Faux, AJ Zabell and Hippie Mike

Grip Tape Art 4 – The Landscape

Jul 17,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Since lots of people like my Grip Tape Art videos I thought I’d make one that’s a bit more technical, and definitely more artsy. No pencils or sketches, just straight from my inner vision to the knife on the tape, This one was for my wife Carrie who loves to draw scenic mountain landscapes, hope she likes it

Music by Ryan “Tweak” Clark
Song: The Beauty of Ascension
Artist: Pur Pale
Composer: Ryan “Tweak” Clark
Album: From Shadows To Silhouettes (Volume 2 – Instrumentals)
Year of Release: 2017

Protest Skateboards Reissue Decks – Fight the System Series Part 1

Jul 17,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Bob and Malcolm decks

Protest Skateboards have remade a limited number of Bob Marley and Malcolm X decks from our 2015 Protest “Fight the System” Series. With what is happening in the world today we thought these graphics had real meaning that needed to be shared once again. They’re selling fast so jump on it if you want one, Click the link below to purchase
http://protest-movement.org/product-category/skateboard-decks/

Part 2 of the series will are being remade as we speak and will be available in September

Hippie Mike Road to Recovery – The Bowl Series

May 23,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

After going through multiple surgeries on my left leg and knee in a short period of time, I needed something to inspire me to get better at skateboarding again, and Bowl Series was the key. Check out my recovery story and learn why this amazing series of skateboard contests held each summer at Canada’s oldest skate parks was the one push I needed to get my gears going again. Thanks to all my friends and family at these events for just being there and making them what they are
Produced in 2018

Hippie Mike Road to Recovery – The Bowl Series

May 23,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

After going through multiple surgeries on my left leg and knee in a short period of time, I needed something to inspire me to get better at skateboarding again, and Bowl Series was the key. Check out my recovery story and learn why this amazing series of skateboard contests held each summer at Canada’s oldest skate parks was the one push I needed to get my gears going again. Thanks to all my friends and family at these events for just being there and making them what they are
Produced in 2019

Protest Skateboard Original Team Video – Never Give Up!

Apr 30,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

In tribute to my Dad who passed away on this day 8 years ago (April 29th, 2012) I have released the Original Protest Skateboards Video – Never Give Up – on YouTube. My Dad always taught me to believe in myself in everything you do and that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to, as long as I was committed to never giving up. I’ve lived with this mentality for as long as I can remember and can definitely think of some awesome success stories that came from it. That’s probably why I’m over 40 years old and still skateboarding.

Filmed for between 2003 and 2005, The Original Protest Skateboards Full Length Video – “Never Give Up!” contains Street Footage, Park Footage, and YES, riding on 2×4’s. This video stars some of the original Protest Skateboards Team Riders such as Cisco Gooding, Jon Irvine, Jeff Cole, Carrie Williams, and myself Hippie Mike, as well as a full part from Brad Danyluk and the original Hippie Mike 2×4 Part. Previously unavailable online, check out the roots of Protest Skateboards, and why we will Never Give Up… Edited by Hippie Mike – 2006

Here is the full length video released on YouTube for the first time
Filmed by: Justin James & Hippie Mike
Starring: Cisco Gooding, Jon Irvine, Jeff Cole, Brad Danyluk, Carrie Williams, Hippie Mike, and more…

Surrey/Delta demoed at The Spring Kickoff

Mar 11,2013 / By Protest Skateboards / No Comment

It was one of the first big contests of the 2013 season, and Dan Pageau couldn’t have chosen a better date. The Spring Kickoff Contest at Pitt Meadows lived up to it’s name by being on a beautiful Spring Day, and the day the clocks move ahead. Tons of kids showed up, lots of Locals for Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, and lots of the One Love Skate Shop Crew. Lanny Deboer and Andre Tsougrianis both hung out and skated a bit, Lanny won the highest air contest out of the bowl, and then MC’d a bunch of the contest. But we had a full sized crew show up from Surrey and Delta, including Jordan Strong, Brendan Nielsen, Ryan Barron, Jacob Drescher, Mathew McCauley, and JR Barron, along with Hippie Mike, Carrie Williams and Jaden Easton-Ellett with the Protest Skateboards Tent.

It was a solid competition, everyone was throwing down. In the beginner category there were lots of little rippers all doing different tricks left right and centre. JR Barron shredded it in the qualifier run and then smashed his face on his first trick in the finals chipping a tooth. But he just bounced up and fought through the pain to finish an unstoppable run, winning the Beginner competition. That’s how we train these kids in Surrey.

Jacob Drescher showed everyone how Delta does it as Chis Sommerville from Street Dreamz Board Shop sat and watched him beat out all the Intermediates with ease.

Ryan Lepore kept Delta’s reputation of amazing ledge and rail skating in full effect as he terrorized the entire course in both runs. The way it worked was you got to skate until you fell off your board twice. It took over 3 minutes for Ryan to slip up twice in the finals, beating out some tough skaters like Jordan Repin, Jesse Holland, Dominic Devries and Ryan Prasad.

Tsawwassen Represent!

They decided to have a Master’s/Senior’s division for people 30 years and over, so Hippie Mike got in there with Carrie Williams, Jonathan Reichert, Tim R and Dan Pageau. After complaining all day about his injured back and how hard it was to move, Hippie Mike went to town when it was his turn, utilizing the entire park and lasted a long time before falling twice. Of course his second fall was a crash hard enough to rock a nation.

Hippie Mike takin’ it home for Surrey!

It was a great event and I think everyone had a blast. We sold some gear, hung out with lots of dudes we haven’t seen in a while, and skated.

Here are some photos from throughout the day, mostly of the younger kids since they ripped it so hard.