The Vans Pro Tec Pool Party 2009 was a HUGE success. Embassy was in the house. I’d like to give HUGE Texas props to Dave Duncan, Don Bostick, Steve Van Doren, World Cup, Lyle’s “Burger Bowl”, Ben Butler’s Bowl, Dave Ruel’s “The Ranch”, EVERYBODY who contributed to a weekend of pool sessions, LIVE music, eating, drinking, hugs, pictures, stories, meeting new friends, catching up with old friends, and just hanging out. The California vibe embraced the Texas Spirit. To see Steve Olson & “Tex” Gibson catching up on old times was awesome. When Christian Hosoi is excited to break-out his personal camera, and take pics of the Texas boys, that’s what makes for a special weekend. Everywhere I looked there was skateboard royalty. To see a “Made Guy” like Steve Van Doren outside the venue flipping burgers and feeding EVERYBODY who attended the Pool Party for FREE was right on time!

I’d like to give props to the Embassy Team Riders (Ken Fillion, Troy Chason, Gene Hare, and Ben Johnson) for skating their ass off in the qualifier. We didn’t have the boyz in the Finals on Saturday, but they were their “Loud & Proud” representing. Next year, we’ll be there a month in advance!! It will make a big difference. To “Tex” Gibson, Craig Johnson & Todd Prince to make time from their busy schedule to make the trip. Props to JJ & Doggin for Representing!! (These guys CAN DRINK!!!), To see Christian in the finals was rad, “He’s Back”, he took home a well deserved 2nd place. Congrats to Nicky Guerrero for his 3rd place. He shredded the combi w/ smooth, fast lines. Ken Fillion’s crystal ball predicted the Master’s result, Miller 1st, Christian 2nd and Guerrero in 3rd!! The Master’s heat was INTENSE!!! Chris Miller will not denied, “HE OWNS THE COMBI” for the 5th year in a row.

What can I say about the talent pool in the ladies division! FREAKING KILLER. These girls shredded the combi like no tomorrow. Julie Kindstrand took the well deserved 1st place while Lyn-Z and Megan Brown taking 2nd & 3rd. My eyes were on 12 year old Priscilla Lee. She skated half her run switch stance, doing killer frontside airs in the square and round pools. This girl has the talent to win it all in the years to come!!!

What a finals!check it out on the FUELTV site. The Pro’s had Bucky rising to the top. He killed it. It was a sweep for the “Rockstar Energy Drink” team. Bucky 1st, Omar 2nd & Rune in 3rd. Next year watch out for Pedro Barros (4th place) from Brasil, this kid did 3 different variations of the 540 in one run!! Next year promises to be just as FUN!!!, WE WILL BE THERE! Pics will be getting posted within the next few days.

Stay tuned!!! “RIDE WITH PRIDE”

In other news! Max Peterson stands above the rest. For the second week-in-a-row, He brings home the gold! Congrats on another 1st place finish!!! The “Ace of Skate” in Victoria, Texas was a huge success, with over 75 contestants in the contest. Max skated fast, confident and all with STYLE. He never fell in both of his heats. Next stop Round Rock, this Saturday!! Good luck MAX!!

Also the “PRO-TEC POOL PARTY” is on the radar. California get ready for the TEXAS invasion. Never before has Craig Johnson, Johnny “TEX” Gibson, Ken Fillion, Troy Chason, Todd Prince, Ben Johnson, gone to Cali representing the same colors. The word is out! Industry take note, this ain’t no joke!… Last, but not least, the upcoming JUICE Magazine will have the long awaited Craig Johnson interview, by Jim Murphy. Stay tuned for updates!!

Don’t forget the “Babes on Boards”, March 21st, at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark of Houston. Brought to you by: EMBASSY SKATEBOARDS, THE SOURCE, OLD MAN ARMY, COOL GIRL DECKS, PRO DESIGNS. Female Pro riders include MiMi Knoop and Amy Caron. Come out, support and be a part of history for the first all female skating event in Houston. Also on the EMBASSY docket is the “Spring Break Galveston Bowl-Bash ‘09″ the following Saturday March 28th @ the Galveston Skatepark. This event is presented by EMBASSY SKATEBOARDS as well as UNDERGROUND SURF DEPOT. The bowl jam will be set up in 3 different age groups. Stay tuned for updates!!! “RIDE WITH PRIDE”

The time is drawing near!!! Everybody involved in making these happen is SUPER STOKED!!! TEXAS STYLE!!!

I’ve been getting a lot of cool videos that have been submitted. Keep’em coming! If you’ve got what it takes to represent. Don’t be shy. Send us your video. Saturday evening @ the Houston Skatepark, I’ll be there taking some snap shots. Should be a killer evening session!!! “Ride with Pride”