Skateboarders were historically known as punks, delinquents and hoodlums. Now, they’re millionaire celebrities with reality shows and sneaker deals. They’re pretty much on the same tier as basketball players and rock stars. Skateboarding has come a long way since the early days of Tony Hawk and Stacy Peralta, but the thing that is going to take the sport into the next level is a formal televised competition season with a definitive champion and a big payout. Skateboarding is no longer a crime, it is now a multi-billion dollar sport and Street League is leading the charge. The infographic below analyzes the financial and social impact Street League has had on skateboarding…so far.
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The third season of the revolutionary Street League competition is coming to an end this August. The top 8 ranked skaters from the 2012 season will compete in the Street League Finals on August 26, 2012 at the Prudential Center in Newark New Jersey. Tune in to ESPN to see Ryan Sheckler, Bastien Salabanzi, Luan Oliveira, Chaz Ortiz, Chris Cole, Sean Malto, Paul Rodriguez and Nyjah Huston compete for the $200,000 prize.
As a owner and creator of a brand new skateboard company located in Oregon. Street League is a huge inspiration to me. I feel that it has really helped to bring skateboarding from the underground, from the so called punks and thugs. The mainstream where these phenomenal pro-skaters are looked at as true professional, masters of their craft. Helping to lead the new generation in a positive way! Rob D and SL are helping to bridge the gap and provide a healthy, positive outlet for todays up and comers. It’s a well known fact that skateboarders all over the world have been harassed and booted from school yards, playgrounds, staircases, loading docks, churches, store fronts, you name it we been booted. Its really nice to see SL and the positive light it is shedding on the skateboard community.
Furthermore, the growth and the evolution of skateboarding is critical to its continued longevity. I for one am even more inspired to continue to build my small company into something skaters from around the globe can enjoy for years to come! Its important for us as a sub-culture to continue to innovate and grown this sport. We can do so by working together and using our talents.
Thank You Rob and every skater that is truly passionate for the sport!
Jeremy,
Best of luck with the company, man. Glad you share our enthusiasm and support for SL. It’s about time skateboarding became a sport like the rest of them, where skate parks are as common as baseball fields and athletes are commended for their achievements, not handcuffed and scolded.
Keep on keeping on.
Life’s a garden, dig it?
Chris
Chris,
LOL LOL Joe Dirt one of my personal favorite movies of all time! I forgot to give a huge thanks to ESPN for broadcasting SL to the nation. I just hope that one day soon, we can get SL and other great skate events broadcast on network TV like NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX.
To all my fellow rippers out there that live in states, cities, small towns and countries from around the world that feel the Anti-Skateboarding Stigma. I would very much recommend watching this amazing video on skateboarding in Oregon. Believe it or not, skateboarding in Oregon is HUGE ! We have skateparks everywhere!
Big thank you to OPB and Producer: Ed Jahn for sending me this great DVD! http://www.opb.org/programs/ofg/segments/view/1591
Thanks Chris!
Can’t have no in your heart brother!