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

SkatePark Styles Episode 5 – Squamish Skate Park

Jul 31,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Squamish Skate Park with a Fresh paint job in the Bowl
Featuring: Adam Hopkins, Andy Anderson, Mike LeBlanc, Oli Ward, Big Rip Kaelen Faux, Byron Essert, Madix McReynolds, Presley Huska, Ryder Riekert and Jacob LeBlanc

Music Credits:
Pur Pale vs. BIOHACKER
Song: Retrograde (Pur Pale Remix)
Original Composition: Tufty Hacka (Biohacker)
Remix Composition: Ryan “Tweak” Clark (Pur Pale)
Mixing & Mastering: Ryan “Tweak” Clark
Released: 2020

Escape the Norm

Jul 27,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Kaelen pushing the trail - Hwy3

When the “Normal” isn’t satisfying you, what do you do? I always live by a saying from Bob Marley – “If you’re not living good, travel wide”. Traveling wide doesn’t necessarily mean relocating where you live, it can simply relate to traveling far from your own comfort zone and trying new things. Diving into the forest away from the social world and just being one with nature for a change. We all have dreams and aspirations, and a lot of people just keep those thoughts as dreams, but what if you want to make them come to life?
What if you said today that it’s time to make a change?
What are you really afraid of?
Time by yourself is when you get things done, use that time wisely to plan out your future. Then actually act on your plans.
And if your plan is loose and you don’t really know how it’s going to work, try it anyway and let it figure itself out. Usually a plan has to be adjusted in the middle anyway so maybe being a little loose is a good thing. This leaves it open for other opportunities to come together and create something amazing as one.
Hang out in new crowds, work in different industries, try new activities.
If the Norm is to sit back and take what life you’re given, then escaping that norm would give you the Freedom to find your true self.
Only then can you know which life is better

SkatePark Styles Episode 4 – White Rock with Andy Anderson

Jul 13,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

A quick reunion at the old Local White Rock Skate Park, Andy Anderson shows you how to properly rip the Bowl he grew up skating, and then airs the fence gap out of the park in tribute to the OG legend Major Dave Bowers. Don’t it Feel All Right?

Song: Don’t it Feel All Right
Artist: Hagen Mitchell (with Craig Williams and George Faulkner)
Album: Craig Williams – In Good Company
Released: 2017

You Can Get It if You Really Want

Jun 22,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Mike's Wood pile

Don’t ever let anyone tell you what You are capable of, only You can determine what you Can and Can’t do in life. And one thing to also remember is that if your body was used to doing something before it got injured, then it will still be used to doing it afterwards, you just might have to adjust how you do it or do it at a different level.
I have heated my homes with nothing but Firewood for 15 years and it takes a lot of effort, all year long. As soon as winter ends it’s time to go out and start collecting new wood, bucking it down to size, and splitting it so it can dry over summer. The goal is always to have lots of extra wood, and to have it all split and piled by the end of June, but that hardly ever happens. Last year I was about 1/3 done by the end of June and then broke my ankle July 3rd. That didn’t stop me either. After resting for a few weeks I was out there standing on 1 foot chainsawing and splitting in order to get it all ready in time for winter. It’s not just what you want that creates motivation, but also what you don’t want, and I never want to pay to heat my house. Especially when you get used to wood fire heat, furnaces and electric heaters cannot produce that same type of heat and the heat they do produce doesn’t last as long. I built the house we live in so that the woodstove heats the entire house from the centre of the main floor and it works great. This year with school being closed during this Covid-19 issue I had a special helper available, my 10 year old son Kaelen. Kaelen is a very determined and self motivated person, he knew the goal and pushed hard to help me accomplish it. We’ve been out collecting firewood 2 days a week since the beginning of May and tomorrow will be our last day. The pile you are looking at behind me is only about 1/3 of the wood we got so far this year, and it’s more than enough for next winter, therefore we actually have enough wood for 3 years, that’s amazing.
I’ve been told by lots of people over my lifetime to quit doing a lot of things because of injuries I’ve been through, but what those people don’t get is that Not doing the physical things my body is used to is what actually hurts the most. Sitting in a chair not being physical is what hurts the most. I like to skateboard, snowboard, swim, play basketball and baseball, and go on walks and bike rides with my kids. No one is going to stop me from doing that stuff, and it’s what will keep me the healthiest even if it hurts. Get out there and do what makes You feel good inside, if it hurts a bit that’s life, you’ll get over it. But if you really want it, you Can get it.

Never Give Up

Kids Make the World Go Round

Jun 15,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Caileigh and Kaelen Skitchin

If you have Kids you will quickly relate to this, and even if you don’t have kids of your own but hang out with other people’s children you will also know what I’m talking about.
Kids can drive you crazy at times, they are needy and stubborn, but it’s not their fault. It is our job to feed them, bath them, clothe them, and love them, and in return they show you a love that no one else can. When a young child looks into your eyes or holds you by the hand and expresses themself they are giving you the full Truth of how they feel, they don’t know anything else. When they are really young everything they do is a new experience and is either fun, scary, or super cool. Then as they grow older a confidence builds inside them that allows them to become more independent and start to take care of themselves, and find their own true passions. It’s hard to remember that we were all once little babies, infants, toddlers, children, teenagers, young adults, etc… We all went through the same things to grow up, and each of us have different stories to tell.
The one thing that motivates me to always be a caring father is when I see my kids enjoying themselves with a smile that cannot be faked. The excitement that comes to life is so real at times that just being there with them pumps you up and makes you happy. I’m very lucky to have a child that loves to skateboard, and not just wanting to be good at it, but actually just enjoys skateboarding for what it is – a time to challenge your mind and body to learn and remember new things, a way to feel free from everything as you roll and flow across the concrete, and a connection to so many people you can call your friends for life. When we go out together it’s a special time between us, one that both of us will remember differently, but the same.
I try to do as much as possible with both my kids, and so does their Mom. Every minute of every day only happens once, we must make the most of it. One day you will look down at your kids and realize they are taller than you, they own their own cars and homes, and have kids of their own. Today is a day like any other day, hug your children and let them know that you love them, it’s important for both of you

Protest Skateboards Full Video – What the “F” were We Thinking

May 1,2020 / By Hippie Mike / No Comment

Released in 2010, and filmed for over 3 years before that, “Evolution Revolution – What the “F” were We Thinking?” was a very unique skateboard video put out by Hippie Mike and Protest Skateboards. Inspired by hearing people complain that too many spots around Vancouver have been shut down and there’s nothing to skate anymore, the Protest Team decided they were going to make their own spots, and skate other spots that were not necessarily “Made for Skateboarding”. Rocks, Grass, Dirt, Logs, Fridges, Cars, and any obstacles that just needed some plywood to become skateable, watching this video should change your perspective on what can be skated, and if it can be skated these guys are ready to go…

Filmed and Edited by: Justin James and Hippie Mike
Starring: Jon Irvine, Cisco Gooding, Nathan Lintunen, Jeff Cole, and Hippie Mike

Tag Archives: Kaelen Faux