Osiris Shoes x D3 2001

The month of August has ended with a high note and I was beyond joyous to come across a pair of re-issued Osiris D3 2001 skate shoes. Has it really been a quarter century since these originally released? Part of my teenhood finally fulfilled to have these in my collection.

Designed by former pro skateboarder Dave Mayhew, the D3 2001 is an updated version of his third pro model shoe with Osiris. Since its release, it has left behind a legacy while being the subject of controversy. However, it is a precursor to today's footwear and fashion industry.

These are, in the words of Rob Dyrdek, " As tech as tech gets." It's a grand concoction of mesh, rubber, foam, synthetic leather, and God-knows-what in the air units.

It is used condition with obvious signs of wear, but to finally have these in my possession after so many years is beyond stoked. Maybe, if I'm just feeling crazy enough, I will skate with them for the hell of it. It's "Skate and Destroy" for a reason. Additionally, the Philadelphia Flyers colour blocking is sweet! Support your local skate shop and local economy, you'll definitely come across some gems.

Element Skateboards x Jeremy Wray

As you probably know, I love finding vintage skate gear online and this one was another must-have. Newly acquired is an Element Skateboard Jeremy Wray deck from 2003. Unfortunately, it is a Twigs shape which were designed for the shorter and younger/beginner skaters and measures 7.1" x 28". Additionally, the previous owner went HAM with the sticker job and left behind some residue. Nevertheless, I'm beyond stoked to have this in the collection.

Jeremy Wray's always been one of my favourite skaters growing up and has always released solid video parts. Furthermore, I would like to express my condolences to him and his family for the tragic loss of his brother and fellow pro skater who sadly passed away in 2019. RIP Jonas Wray.

In case you're wondering, the deck was mounted to a pair of Grind King Trucks with 50.5mm Ricta Eric Koston wheels and Shorty's Quickies Bearings.

Jackalope Fest '25

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of meeting Stereo Sound Agent Brye Wettstein at Jackalope Fest. Despite the heat wave all weekend, she managed to take 6th place in Women’s Vert Open Qualifiers.

Another highlight of Jackalope Fest were the vendors and I managed to grab the last 90s shape from Canadian-owned Comacan Skateboards. Support local independent businesses and I hope to see you at Jackalope Fest 2026!

Flip Skateboards x Ali Boulala

I'm always stoked to come across anything vintage/classic online and when this Flip Ali Boulala deck [formerly complete] from 2005 popped up, it was another must-have. Originally mounted to Krux Trucks and Alcatraz Skateshop wheels, the graphic is in great condition considering its age. I'd like to believe, like all 2000s decks, a sheet of Shorty's Black Magic grip was applied on top.

Flip Skateboards' 2002 release "Sorry" catapulted my fandom of European skaters, especially Ali Boulala. From his clothing, trick selection, style, and personality - he was definitely the most charismatic with unforgettable dialogue. Unfortunately, his career and health rapidly declined after a fatal motor vehicle accident of fellow teammate Shane Cross in 2007. Strong and sober since then, Ali Boulala has left a great imprint on skateboarding and my teenhood.

Birdhouse Skateboards x Willy Santos "Frogs"

This past weekend, amongst the frigid cold temperatures of downtown Toronto, I picked up this amazing vintage Birdhouse Skateboards Willy Santos "Frogs" deck. Originally released in 1996, this particular deck was re-issued in 1999 and measures 8"x31.13". I plan on mounting trucks and wheels to this beauty as opposed to hanging it on the wall.

Willy Santos has always been one of my favourite pros since I started skating back in '01, and the fact he is also Filipino definitely adds more flavour. I am beyond stoked adding this item to my collection.

Sakyan at Wasakin!

enjoi Skateboards x Ben Raemers "Boy Genius"

Ben Raemers was one of the new faces of enjoi in the early 2010s, turning pro in 2014 with heavy sponsors including Independent Trucks and Converse. Sadly in 2019, he took his own life at the age of 29. I was very ecstatic to see one of his pro boards listed online and will definitely be keeping this one for a long time.

Within his am/professional career, he left behind a legacy as one of UK's best international skaters gracing the cover of Thrasher Magazine on three occassions and The Ben Raemers Foundation which is aimed to end stigma and raise awareness to mental health issues.

For anyone struggling with mental health issues, I encourage you to please seek help. You are not alone in that battle.

Vans Canada Presents The Bunt Jam 2024

This weekend, Vans Canada's The Bunt Jam was held in Toronto's Dunbat Park. Many big named pros came down for the two-day event which included a basketball tournament, giveaways, and amazing skateboarding.

Due to my lack of awareness, I was unable to watch the pros skating the obstacles in the event. But in the meantime I was able to grab some free hot dogs, energy drinks, and meet new, familiar, and famous faces.

Durham Region pro skater TJ Rogers always smiling for the crowd. On and off the board, he's a true living legend.

Elissa Steamer [sitting] is a real icon in skateboarding who not only killed the contest circuit, but filmed some legendary video parts. Sadly, I was unable to meet her personally, but a big thanks to TJ Rogers for passing my sticker for her autograph.

Other pro skaters I did get to meet were Morgan Smith, Alexis Lacroix, Breana Geering, Samarria Brevard, Kevin "Spanky" Long and Rick McCrank. Each one of them were very gracious to sign this sticker.

A trip to Dunbat would not be complete without a visit to Blue Tile Lounge. These less than 50mm Spitfire Lil Smokies and Lil Beatdowns wheels will look awesome on a retro complete I'm assembling.
Always support independently owned skate shops and I hope to see you at The Bunt Jam 2025.

Thank You Skateboards x Daewon Song "Dae La Song"

Switch Skate and Snow in Ajax is currently having a great sale on boards and I scooped this one up to help fill out my SOTY wall. Daewon Song has been killing it since 1992 and was awarded Thrasher's Skater of the Year back in 2006. In 2018, he co-founded Thank You Skateboards with Torey Pudwill and are still running strong after 5 years. Support you local skate shop and your favourite skaters.

Girl Skateboards x Tyler Pacheco "Birdman"

Whenever there's a great sale on decks, I'm all over it. Switch Skate & Snow had this Girl Skateboards Tyler Pacheco deck at an amazing price. I encourage everyone out there to support independently owned skate shops.

Toronto Maple Leafs v. Nashville Predators [9/12/2023]

One of the highlights this year was an early birthday gift from my brothers; a Toronto Maple Leafs game! This is a bit of a delayed post, but worth sharing here. They were host to the Nashville Predators.

Just right after one of the 2 goals just scored by Auston Matthews.

Three goals and one shutout later, the Maple Leafs earned their 14th W of the season. If you ever have the chance to watch live hockey in any league, I encourage you to do so. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Santa Cruz Skateboards x Steve Alba "Baby Stomper"

If I like the brand, the deck, the shap, and the price - I'll most likely buy it. Not only does the deck look amazing, but as long as I've been skating, Salba has been seen in almost every magazine I've read and video I've seen.

The Stomping Baby deck measures 10.09"x31.97" and built Cruise Missile II concave.

Powell Peralta x Tony Hawk

Over the years, I've collected and sadly sold vintage and retro Powell Peralta skateboards. This one, I feel, will be a keeper. Timing was key when I came across this ad online for a vintage Powell-Peralta Tony Hawk skateboard complete from 1983. The condition may not be in the most pristine, but you can see the previous owner enjoyed every minute on this.

Attached are a set of red Tracker Trucks and I have to say; these trucks are terrible! Perhaps it's the old age, possibly from sitting around for years, or the factory was loose on quality control. The axles were slipping when I was replacing the old rusted bearings and the baseplate is made of plastic. But nevertheless, they were Tony Hawk's original truck sponsor and kudos to the owner for keeping the complete under his umbrella of endorsements. I'll assume the rails are Rib Bones.

The wheels are a now coned Powell-Peralta 57mm G Bones. As I said earlier, the bearings were replaced with Independent Trucks Genuine Parts because there may be a day I will take it out for a spin. I may just replace the bolts as well over how rusted they are.

The overall dimensions of the deck are 10.4"x30.3" with a 15" wheelbase.

DC Shoes Co. x Manteca 4

Been on a DC Shoes habit this past year since Switch Skate and Snow has placed them on the clearance racks. Had to give the Manteca 4 reissues a try. They fit true to size and feature Super Suede. Although they have the aesthetic of the original Manteca from the early 2000s, they are slimmer and lighter.

The outsole is not as strong as the original model, expect better boardfeel, but weaker construction and harder impact on surfaces.

The skater I associate this shoe with is Ryan Gallant who wore it in most of his video parts and even designed his pro model based on the original Manteca shoe.

Birdhouse Skateboards x Willy Santos "Slasher"

I was so surprised to have seen this vintage Birdhouse Willy Santos skateboard deck being sold online. It was originally released back in 2007 with the Black 6 technology shortly before Birdhouse's fifth video; The Beginning. Willy Santos has been one of my favourite pro skaters and I'm always on the hunt for more of his items.

DC Shoe Co. The Clocker 2 x Bronze 56K

Timing is everything when it comes to a great deal. Switch Skate and Snow is currently having a major shoe sale and grabbed a pair of DC Shoes Clocker 2 x Bronze 56K. The box design itself is really impressive for a shoe collab and reminds of when pro model shoes had their own graphics for the company.

Originally released in 1997, DC Shoes teamed up with hardware/apparel company, Bronze 56K, to reintroduce The Clocker 2. Three colourways were brought into the lineup. Luckily, this colour [the best in my opinion] was still available in my size.

The upper is a combination of suede with a rubber toe, a heavily padded and ventilated tongue, oval laces with 3M reflection and lace ornament, and a cupsole outsole with the classic pill pattern traction. These are very stiff right out of the box and will need some time to break in.

DC Shoes: The Nocturnal Kalynx

Since everything old is new again, I was stoked to come across a pair of the DC Nocturnal x Kalynx at Switch. The backstory to this model was when Josh Kalis desgined his first pro model for DC Shoes back in 1998. He was sent him a sample with the upper he designed and a Lynx [a very popular team model] outsole. When the sample was posted on social media, the feedback was positive enough to release a limited run exclusively at Nocturnal in Pennsylvania and select indy skateboard shops.

The upper consists of mesh, suede, rubber and 3M reflective materials and a lace loop system. It also bares the Nocturnal shop logo on the side panel and the DC logo on the back.

The outsole is a translucent runner cupsole with DC's classic pill pattern. It really combines the best of both worlds for on both the technical and nostalgic side.

Zero Skateboards x Jamie Thomas "Living Dead"

Always been down for Zero Skateboards and the feeling's more satisfying when you can grab a new Jamie Thomas deck at secondhand prices.

Zero or die!