ESPN makes good on 2006 promise to the Alliance for Equal Prize Money for Men and Women!
October 28, 2008

As Peter Yoon of the LA Times wrote back in 2006: "Perhaps the biggest step forward during this year's (2006) X-Games came before the games even started". To recap for those of you that may not remember:

"On the eve of X Games 12, Alliance leadership/co-founders, CB Burnside, Mimi Knoop and Drew Mearns met with the ESPN boss (John Skipper) in a private board room at the Staples Center and struck what many consider will be an historic deal to bring women's actions sports to parity with the men's side - financially and in broadcast exposure - over the next year or two. "He was really good about not only listening to us, but he committed then and there to specific changes that will help all women action sports athletes - not just skaters - this year and on into the future," CB said after the meeting".

Just yesterday, ESPN announced equal prize money for men and women at all winter and summer X-Games events. The Alliance would like to extend a big "thank you" to John Skipper and ESPN corporate for not only following through on their promise, but more importantly, for doing the right thing for women in action sports. The Alliance is proud to have played such an important role in this historic milestone in womens action sports.

Press release from ESPN:
"ESPN is proud to announce that the X Games and Winter X Games will feature equal prize money for both men and women in 2009. ESPN has been a leader in promoting and programming women's athletics, and this recent action sports prize purse increase is the latest example. This past summer saw the X Games feature women's motocross for the first time, and the upcoming Winter X Games will feature a host of female Olympic medalists from several different countries. Starting with Winter X Games 13 in January, 2009, men and women athletes at all X Games events will compete for equal cash awards."

— John Skipper,
ESPN executive vice president, content

Oakley's "Uniquely" premiere
October 25, 2008

Alliance co-founders Mimi Knoop, and CB Burnside went up to the Oakley all-female action sports video premiere to show support for fellow Alliance board member, Lynz Adams. The premiere was great with stunning cinematography of locations and female athletes across the globe. It seemed the highlight of the video was Lynz's mega ramp part.. the crowd went wild when they saw her cross the 55 ft. gap on her skateboard.. Yeah, Lynz! Afterwards, the band Ming and Ping performed for everyone.

The new and improved Side Project!
October 6, 2008

Our good friend, Lisa Whitaker, has always worked hard at documenting and covering women's skateboarding. Whether it's a contest, or just a road trip with some of the girls, Lisa is there to film, shoot and capture everything that goes down. Thanks, Lisa for all your hard work! Check out Lisa's very new and improved Side Project site for a truly unique look at girls skateboarding.

EXPN coverage on women in Action Sports
September 28, 2008

Last week, EXPN posted up some coverage of some of the notable ladies in action sports.. Included in the mix was Alliance member and co-founder, Mimi Knoop. Check out their coverage here for more pics and info!

Karen Jones and Leticia Bufoni light up Mexico
September 5, 2008

Alliance member Karen Jones, and fellow Brazilian Leticia Bufoni just returned from a demo in Mexico City. Also traveling with the girls was Brazilian photographer Ana Paula Negroa who helped document the trip. They met up with a crew of Mexican girl skaters; the and showed everyone a good time. Check out the Chica Rider site for more pics and info!

Soul Bowl 2008 and Supergirl S3 Results
August 15, 2008

Soul Bowl - Huntington Beach, CA
1. Mimi Knoop
2. Karen Jones
3. Cara-Beth Burnside
4. Julie Kindstrand
5. Allysha Bergado
6. Lynz Adams Hawkins
7. Amelia Brodka
8. Lea Taylor
9. Megan Brown
10. Annie Sullivan
11. Gaby Ponce
12. Amee Jay Paelera

S3 Supergirl Women's Street - Huntington Beach, CA
1. Lauren Perkins
2. Rachel Reinhard
3. Evelien Bouilliart
4. Leticia Bufoni
5. Lorena Lima
6. Amy Caron
7. Sophie Poppe
8. Vanessa Torres
9. Rebecca Syrcopoulos
10. Brooke Durgin
11. Eliana Sosco

Best Trick:
Evelien Bouilliart - Frontside Bluntslide on the rail

S3 Supergirl Women's Vert Best Trick
1. Karen Jones - Pop Shuvit
2. Mimi Knoop - Frontside invert
3. Lynz Adams Hawkins- Gay Twist

X-Games 14 Results
August 15, 2008

Another X-Games has come and gone and the girls skated hard... Here's the results:

Women's Street
1. Elissa Steamer
2. Marisa Del Santos
3. Amy Caron
4. Rachel Reinhard
5. Leticia Bufoni
6. Vanessa Torres
8. Evelien Bouilliart
9. Lorena Lima
10. Sophie Poppe

Women's Vert
1. Karen Jones
2. Lyn-z Adams Hawkins
3. Mimi Knoop
4. Cara-Beth Burnside
5. Gaby Ponce
6. Julie Kindstrand
7. Allysha Berado
8. Annie Sullivan

Upcoming Events...
July 15, 2008

There are a few big events coming up in the world of girl's skateboarding... On July 25th-27th there's the Soul Bowl hosted at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA. That very same weekend (and venue) there's the second annual S3 Supergirl Jam featuring a junior pro surf contest, a snowboard rail jam, an inline rail jam, a street contest, and a vert best trick contest.. Whew! That's a lot for one weekend..

Next up is the infamous X-Games 14 to be held again in Los Angeles, CA the week of July 29th thru Aug. 3rd.. Look for the ladies' skate events there (Street on Friday, and Vert on Saturday).

Also, congrats to Lacey Baker and all the ladies who competed in the Maloof Money Cup street contest this past weekend. The girls were charging and proved to everyone that the level of girl's skateboarding is still on the rise.

Summer Road Trip
July 4, 2008

Some of the Alliance Pros recently got together for a little road trip.. First stop was in Palm Springs where they taught a private skate clinic for the kids of the Auga Caliente Indian tribe at the Palm Springs skatepark...Vans donated product for the kids and they all left with smiles on their faces. The event was hosted by Skateboarder Magazine and was a great success.

The second leg of the trip was spent up at Woodward West skateboard camp in Tehachapi, CA for their annual "girl's week". Pros Mimi Knoop, Vanessa Torres, Amy Caron, Cara-Beth Burnside, Alex White and Olivia a.k.a "Jah-livia" visited the camp and hung out with the campers there. They skated a bunch, ate too much, arm wrestled with the campers, had parking lot parties, and even played musical instruments. A good time was had by all!

The Alliance on Shred or Die
June 12, 2008

The Alliance recently created a profile page on Tony Hawk's Shredordie.com .. Shred or Die, the new action sports video sharing site aims to be the world's # 1 destination for action sports video with a focus on skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, and FMX. Check out our freshly added footage here and be sure to check back soon for new content.

Mimi Knoop wins Protec Pool Party 2008
May 22, 2008

Reported from the Nikita site: "The 90 – 100 degree weather added a feeling of discomfort to the already intimidating concrete Combi monster. Slick transitions and rowdy vert gives even the legends a wobble in their knees when approaching this pool. Mimi skated strong, sporting a cast on her broken wrist she had injured at this very pool two months ago. Over the past few months Mimi has been getting used to skating with a cast, apparently she's used to it.

Cara-Beth Burnside, the three-time winner of the Pool Party, was out with injury this time around but according to Mimi, "a few of the other girls were skating really well so I knew it was still going to be a fight even without Cara-Beth". Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, Amelia Brodka, Julie Kindstrand and the youngster of the bunch, Allysha Bergado, kept Mimi on her toes throughout the heated competition.

Though the weather and competition were hot, Mimi held strong and came out on top. She had this to say about the end of the event, "In the end I basically just went for it! I was stoked to win!"

For more pics and news from the event, check out sk8session.com

Push Don't Pollute: Earth Day with Annie Sullivan
April 29, 2008

On April 22nd, millions of people across the world celebrated Earth Day. Alliance operative, Annie Sullivan, was among the environmentally conscious. An undergrad at CU Boulder, Annie set-up her own tent on campus and represented Sector 9's "Push Don't Pollute" campaign. For more on the story and on Annie, check out Colin Bane's blog on the Fuel site here.

Spring Board 2008
April 17, 2008

A few weeks back some of the lady shredders got together and had a week of it.. Amy Caron, Annie Sullivan, CB, Jen O, Kim Petersen, Mimi Knoop, and the infamous Olivia all met up for a self-proclaimed spring break. Activities included skateboarding, wakeboarding, horseback riding, surfing, casino night, and of course, some straight up chilling (thanks to Olivia). A good time was had by all!

Cool Girl Decks on MSNBC
April 9, 2008

Be sure to tune into "Your Business" airing on Sunday, May 4th on MSNBC for an exclusive interview with Cool Girl Decks owner, Frank Davern. Founded in 2004, Cool Girl Decks is one of the only skateboard brands marketed solely to girl skaters. Cool Girl recently partnered with another growing company, Skelanimals, which is a clothing/and accessory brand sold in more than 3,000 retail outlets. Together their aim is to create a collection of girls skateboards to be sold online and in stores worldwide. Also featured on the show will be Cool Girl team riders Holly Lyons, and up and comer Alize Montes. For more info on where to find Cool Girl Decks, click here.

Forest Skateboards- Amy Caron Pro model
April 1, 2008

Forest Skateboards recently released Amy Caron's pro model board. Operating out of Irvine, CA, Forest focuses on creativity, fun, and individuality- which reflects in both their products and their team. To find out where you can purchase Forest products, click here

Girls Attack in Milan- European Girls Skate Jam
March 27, 2008

If you happen to find yourself in Italy next month, then you should definitely check out Girls Attack in Milan! This event is the first of it's kind in Italy- organized by girl skaters for girl skaters. It all kicks off on Saturday April 26th with the "Girls Attack" art show, followed by a party and concert. The skate contest is on Sunday April 27th to be held at Trinity Skatepark. Prize money and other goodies will be awarded to the lucky winners. For more info on the event, directions and accommodations click here.

Grind For Life Skatepark series #2
March 27, 2008

Alliance friend Mike Rogers is hosting his Grind For Life Skatepark series #2 on April 5th. The event will be held in Florida at the newly constructed Stirling skatepark designed by Florida's own, Team Pain. With 10,000 square feet of flow course and bowls, this event sounds like a fun one. Not to mention- proceeds of Grind for Life always go towards a great cause...and that is, helping people with cancer!

Pala Skatepark
March 22, 2008

CB Burnside and friends went to check out the newly opened Pala skatepark recently. They were not disappointed! The park had a couple of great pools with flow courses galore along with a few street obstacles. The guys running the park were super cool and very hospitable. The official grand opening is expected sometime in April. Check back then for more Pala pics and news!

2nd annual Clairemont Clash
March 8, 2008

The 2nd annual Clairemont Clash presented by PacSun is going on tomorrow at the Clairemont skatepark in San Diego. Alliance members Mimi Knoop and Karen Jones will be skating along with some other big names like Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek and BMXer Matt Hoffman. Proceeds from the event will go to Grind for Life- an organization designed to help fight cancer through skateboarding!

Viva Brazil!
February 27, 2008

International Alliance member Karen Jones will be visiting us from Brazil next week. Look for Karen in San Diego where she will be skating at the 2nd Annual Clairemont Clash on March 8th alongside some other Alliance members... Afterwards, Karen is heading to Florida for some contests and events around the Tampa area. Viva Brazil!

Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins returns from Tavarua, Fiji
February 25, 2008

Alliance member Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins just returned from Tavarua, Fiji. She was there hanging with some of the Nixon team for the 2nd annual Nixon High Tide Hold 'Em. Days were spent surfing, fishing, playing poker and hanging with friends...sounds like a good time was had by all!

Vanessa and Lacey on the new Element website
February 22, 2008

The Alliance site isn't the only new and improved website around...Check out Element skateboard's redesigned website for new pics, clips, podcasts, and updated info on their team...and most importantly be sure to visit Vanessa and Lacey's updated team pages.

Amy Caron- CCS Girls on Boards
February 21, 2008

You can find Amy Caron up on the CCS site's "Girls on Boards" feature...click here to see it. Check back soon for more Amy news!

Back from Hawaii
February 19, 2008

Alliance members CB Burnside, Mimi Knoop, and Jodi MacDonald just returned from a skate trip to Hawaii. They skated different spots on Oahu with local friends Kalani David, Mark Partain, Cholo Steve and others. The weather was great all week, and they were able to skate a bunch (and get tan). And they weren't the only girls skating...there were a number of talented local girls ripping the parks too. Check back soon for some skate shots from the trip!

Special thanks goes out to Kalani and Dave for their hospitality. Also to Cholo Steve for letting us skate his bowls, and to Vans for making the trip possible!

Light Agency loves Alliance
February 14, 2008

This week marks the launch of a new website and a new relationship for The Alliance. Fredericksburg, Virginia based Light Agency is working to bring an updated look and new functionality to The Alliance's online home. Fresh graphics, easier registration and more accessible features and news are among a few of the new additions to the website.

Stay tuned for the launch of The Alliance Shop, new Tips & Tricks and the Latest News, keeping you more informed than ever before!

http://www.thisislight.com  

Amy Caron takes home first place at Australia's "just another female skateboarding contest"!
 
January 11, 2008, Riverslide Skate Park in conjunction with the YMCA and Mitchdowd, hosted the inaugural "just another female skateboarding contest". The event was a huge success with girls traveling from all parts of Australia and New Zealand to compete for first place and $1000 cash prize. Spectators crammed the sideline to support the girls and witness first hand the incredible skill and talent these ladies possess. This event is presently the only skateboarding competition in Australia that exists entirely for females."

For more info on the event, click here.

http://www.myspace.com/femaleskatecontest

CCS- Girls on Boards
 
CCS is starting a new editorial on their website called "girls on boards"..Look for a new girl skater to be featured every other Wednesday. Starting off, they posted a profile on pro skater Mimi Knoop..and then followed up with their 2nd profile on European ripper, Evelien Bouilliart.

Check it out:
Mimi:
http://ccs.com/connect/feature/gob121907.asp
Evelien:
http://ccs.com/connect/feature/gob010208.asp

Happening: September 28, 2007

Core Action Sports’ Winter Fashion Flurry is a “who\'s who” in women’s action sports. Attendees include athletes, industry executives, media, and the public.

Event Highlights:
• Swag bags to first 200 attendees
• Professional women’s skateboarding exhibition - skaters include Action Sports Alliance President, CB Burnside and Vice President, Mimi Knoop
• Runway fashion show featuring ’07-’08 action sports fall/winter apparel
• Introducing Core Team & Core Girls – Core Action Sports’ pro and up-and-coming athlete teams
• Concert by Dressy Bessy
• Giveaways
• Silent auction benefiting Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC)
• Event Proceeds benefiting Adaptive Action Sports and Action Sports Alliance!

Date/Time: October 12, 2007

• Doors open: 7:00pm
• Skate exhibition: 7:30pm
• Fashion show: 8:00pm
• Concert to follow
• Doors close: 12:00am

Location: Mile High Station, Denver, CO

Purchase tickets: Coreactionsports.com

$20.00 General Admission
$50.00 VIP

Let the Good Times Roll this August as the first all girls UK skate tour takes to the streets! Rogue Skateboards, Nikita Clothing, and Vans have come together to sponsor as 7 riders and 1 filmer invade 5 towns.

The action begins on Saturday, August 18 at Burton on Trent. You will not want to miss it! To find out more, email info@rogueskateboards.co.uk. You can also click here or on the picture to see the full-size flier.

X Games 13 Women's Skateboard Finals

Women's Vert Finals:

1 Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins
2 Mimi Knoop
3 Cara-Beth Burnside
4 Karen Jones
5 Holly Lyons
6 Apryl Woodcock
7 Jodi McDonald

Women's Street Finals

1. Marisa Dal Santo
2. Elissa Steamer
3. Amy Caron
4. Lacey Baker
5. Evelien Bouilliart
6. Vanessa Torres
7. Lauren Perkins
8. Leticia Bufoni

To find out more, check out expn.com

Girls Day at X Games 13

From EXPN.com:

Action Sports Alliance Supports Girls' Day

X Games 13 Dedicates a Full Day to Women in Action Sports
The Action Sports Alliance has joined forces with ESPN's X Games to help promote Girls' Day at X. Mimi Knoop, X Games medalist and co-founder of the Action Sports Alliance, a non-profit association of professional women skateboarders and action sports athletes, together with Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise team up with their efforts in making Girls' Day a success.

"We are thrilled to have The Alliance actively participating in this year's Girls' Day at X on Friday, August 3rd at The Home Depot Center," said Alessandri regarding the partnership. "We're even more excited that our close cooperation with the Alliance will help showcase the talents of other professional women athletes and Alliance members, including multi-X Games winner skateboarder Cara-Beth Burnside." Burnside is also The Alliance's first president and will defend her vert skating gold this year.

"The participation of women in action sports is exploding, and the X Games are not only fueling that growth but supporting The Alliance's mission by working closely with us on a variety of fronts, from competition formats to the athlete selection process," said Knoop, who echoed Alessandri's enthusiasm adding, "The Alliance is committed to creating real opportunities for women and girls in competitive action sports like skateboarding. We know that the X Games shares our commitment." read more...

Art For Life

What if I told you that you could own a skateboard deck that was painted by CB Burnside, Chris Miller or dozens of other world-class skateboarders AND help save lives at the same time? Pretty unbelievable, right? Well, believe it. In order to raise money to help people with cancer, Grind for Life (with the immense help of a number of amazing companies...thanks Creative Deployment!) called upon many of the world's top skateboarders to donate hand painted/carved/collaged/etc... decks to be auctioned on Ebay (100% of the profits will go to cancer patients in need of support). Alliance members CB Burnside (pictured), Mimi Knoop (the board on the left) and Holly Lyons (click here) created boards along with other notables such as Chris Miller, Jason Lee and many more.

The decks will go up for auction on Ebay.com this Sunday (Feb. 4th). Please bid and bid well; every deck will help bring healing and joy to people with cancer!

Grind for Life is a Non–Profit organization that aids families affected by cancer through skateboard contest series, demos, appearances and other fund raising efforts. Check them out at grindforlife.org

Garage Gear launches site and introduces itself to the public.

Garage Gear, a new apparel brand with an especially sweet women's line, has just officially launched. Garage Gear is dedicated to providing apparel that Inspires and Celebrates the way we all Live and PLAY in Life. Check them out at www.garagegearusa.com and WEAR IT OUT!

All Girl Skate Jam Best Trick contest and Demo

Check out the AGSJ Best Trick/Demo sponsored by Vans on Jan. 14th. The event will be held at the Surf Expo in Orlando, Fla. from 12:30-2:30p.m. Register online at www.allgirlskatejam.com

Head to the "North Pole" for the "All Girl Skate Jam" at Fairplex in Pomona

Pomona CA,   December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 2007.  After a rowdy and rocking summer on the Vans Warped Tour the All Girl Skate Jam prepares to switch seasons and gear up for winter at the North Pole Winter Sports Expo. Get into the action; on Friday and Sunday with skate lessons available and on Saturday Dec. 2nd the freshest Southern California amateur skater girls will be competing for top prizes including two free lift tickets to Mt. Baldy and Snow Valley. The 5 ft. mini-ramp will be 24 ft. wide with an 8 ft. extension built none other than Jeff King.  There will also be pros ripping it up. Spectators can enjoy the huge snowboard sale and swap, live music, rock climbing, and of course, meeting Santa Claus.

Girls are continuing to carve their way farther into the board sports world. Kicking off 2007, the All Girl Skate Jam will be setting out east to the Surf Expo Tradeshow, January 14th in Orlando, Florida.  This event will include a pro demo and best trick contest with killer prizes and swag. Empowering girls all across the country to grab a boardand get out there! Pre-register early for skate clinics and contests online at www.allgirlskatejam.com

Props to the event sponsors Vans, Khiro, Powell, AGSJ wheels, Tracker, Cytomax, Madrid Skateboards, Autobahn Wheels, AGSJ Skateboards, CIO Magazine, Concrete Wave Magazine, Second Wind Zine, Skinnie Magazine, Hurley, AGSJ-Nutcase Helmets.  Event footage will be aired on Fox Fuel TV and editorial coverage online at www.fueltv.com

All Girl Skate Jam is the first and largest skateboarding competition that is for all girls, all ages, and all abilities. Partnered with the Vans Warped Tour, the All Girl Skate Jam visits 50 cities every year. In addition to the tour, All Girl Skate Jam provides a summer camp where girls can skate and surf with top female pros. While changing the world of skateboarding for females, the All Girl Skate Jam also donates proceeds from every event to mental health non-profits. More info. visit www.allgirlskatejam.com

For media credentials, low resolution photos or interviews contact Simone Campbell at 760-942-5916 or simone@allgirlskatejam.com or info@allgirlskatejam.com

The Alliance in the News

Want to learn more about the Alliance? Friends of ours, Girls Learn to Ride and Lat34, recently ran articles on us. Check them out at www.girlslearntoride.com and www.lat34.com. Also check out our Press page for a more complete list of articles on the Alliance.

The 1st-annual Kronik Energy Desert Dog Bowl Bash

Congratulations to April Woodcock for her first place finish at last week's Desert Dog Bowl Bash in Peoria, Arizona! The contest took place on October 28th and 29th and was the 7th and last event in the 2006 World Cup Bowl Series. The event sought to replicate backyard pool skateboarding in a public setting and went off well with good attendance and a sweet cash prize. Check out the event website for more information.

Results of the Ladies Bowl:
1st: April Woodcock $3,000
2nd: Mimi Knoop $1,900
3rd: Nicole Zuck $675
4th: Cara-Beth Burnside $400
5th: Holly Lyons $275
6th: Cressey Rice $100

FUEL TV presents the Arby's Action Sports Awards

Alright action sports fans, FUEL TV is giving you an opportunity to get out and let your voice be heard on which of your favorite action sports athletes has "gone bigger, laid it all out and pulled it off this past year." Go to FUEL.TV and cast your vote for the girls and guys who you think were the best in skateboarding, snowboarding, FMX, surfing, BMX, wakeboarding, skiing, and motocross. Then tune into FOX (check your local listing) on December 10 for the Arby's Actions Sports Awards to find out who wins!

Female Skateboarding is the second category on the list and the nominees are... CB Burnside, Amy Caron, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, Mimi Knoop, Jen O'Brien, Elissa Steamer, and Vanessa Torres. These girls have all proved their skill this year--who do you think has been the best? Your vote counts!

Mimi Knoop and Drew Mearns Speak at ODU

On Tuesday, October 3rd, Alliance founders Mimi Knoop and Drew Mearns spoke before a student audience at Virginia's Old Dominion University. ODU Professor and sports management expert, Lynn Ridinger, hosted the event and Mearns and Knoop shared the history, vision and accomplishments of the Alliance and told the story of X Games 12 for the first time (live) since the games. "We wanted to share the story of the Alliance before you today because it was here, in Lynn's classroom two years ago, that the seed which grew into the Alliance was planted." Said Mearns. Two years ago, Mearns spoke at ODU about incorporating Socratic virtues such as courage and justice into sports management. Mimi's Knoop's mother was in attendance and introduced herself to Mearns after the talk. The two discussed the state of women's skating and Mearns was subsequently introduced to Mimi and CB Burnside. Mearns, Knoop and Burnside founded the Alliance and the rest is history...

If you are an University or organization and are interested in having an Alliance member speak to you, please contact us at speakers@actionsportsalliance.com.

The Missoula Skatepark GRAND Opening

Without a doubt, on September 25th, Missoula, Montana was the place to be. Not only did Missoula's $750,000 state-of-the-art conrete park officially open, but Tony Hawk and his "Secret Skatepark Tour", as well as Bam Margera, CB Burnside, Kim Petersen, Mimi Knoop and many other world-class skaters showed up to help celebrate. Oh yeah, and did we mention that nearly 1/4 of the city's entire population turned out as well? Missoula skate park estimates that 12-15,000 people were in attendance to watch what turned out to be a truly grand opening. Accoring to the Missoulian: "Justin Figueroa, a 16-year-old skater with Hawk's tour said: “I have never seen a crowd this big at any of our events. In fact, I've never seen this many people in one place - period.” By Figueroa's assessment, Missoula's park is one of the best he's ever experienced."

For more information, check out the Missoula Skatepark Website and The Missoulan. To view additional photographs, please visit athenaphotography.com.

People Who Like to Make Stuff

Tomorrow, Saturday the 16th, The Love Movement will be featuring their first show, "People Who Like to Make Stuff" at LA's number one voted gallery, Project: Gallery, where they will be showing 30 pieces of hand made stuff--including the art of Alliance Pro Member Karen Jones--alongside 9 other great artists from So Cal, Brazil, and DC. The event is being presented by Toms Shoes, a company that gives back a pair of shoes to children in Argentina for every pair purchased, and there will be 40 hand painted shoes by the artists. As always there will be an open bar with a 10 dollar donation, great art from the stuff makers below, and a special performance from musician The Gray Kid.

Specifics:
-8pm - 1 am
-Special Performance By: The Gray Kid
-On The Turntables: DJs Vinyl Richie and Pistol Pete
-"People Who Like To Make Stuff": TLM, Mike Losness, 33, Emily Hoy, Hovin Wang, Alex Knost, Karen Jones, G. Land, Wendy West, & introducing 6 year old Reece V.
-Project: Gallery
5016 Venice Blvd (1 block west of La Brea)
LA, CA 90019
-Open Bar with 10 Dollar Donation
-The Love Movement's art sales will be going to raise money for a well for
the village we support in Benin, Africa.

Chicks Flip Out : Good things come to girls who skateboard

On October 7th, 2006, be prepared for the long anticipated Chicks Flip Out: Good Things Come to Girls Who Skateboard. The event will be put into action at the Orkus Skateboard Park in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Be there and you will make a difference.

Chicks Flip Out is a unique skateboard lifestyle event promoting and celebrating females that skateboard as well as females who participate in similar subcultures such as break-dancing and deejaying. Anyone can learn to skateboard and they can sign up for the clinics with Rugged Riders certified coaches. Chicks Flip Out skateboard demo and b-girl battle will be a good show for spectators while the Chicks Flip Out contest is where the girls will turn really serious competing for the only cash prize in girls skateboarding in Canada. Chicks Flip Out Best Man-ual contest will balance out the hormones with some of Montreal’s best male skateboarders. The day is wrapped up with the premiere of Canada’s first female skateboard movie. The movie, Skirtboarders Video, is an inspirational look and beautiful depiction of Montreal’s female skateboard crew.

The event will be covered by numerous local television shows interested in promoting original events that challenge the norm. You can expect to see coverage of Chicks Flip Out on Tribal/RDS, Tete Premiere/Vrak TV, Xskatera/ Canal Vox, and Vox Pop/33mag.com.

To inquire about supporting the event or media partnership please contact Rugged Riders : Phone: 514-692-2445 - Email: info@ruggedriders.com For more information, please check out www.ruggedriders.com

Happening: August 29, 2006

FUEL TV Keep A Breast Kings & Queens features the skateboarding community

On August 10, the Keep A Breast Foundation announced FUEL TV Keep A Breast Kings & Queens, a special exhibition happening this October in San Francisco. According to the press release: "This exhibition fuses skateboarding’s past and present, uniting the most influential men and women in the industry to raise awareness for breast cancer.

The one-of-a-kind art show features breast casts of Pink, Elissa Steamer, Rosa Gonzalez, Amy Gunther and more, decorated by leading athletes and artists such as Mark Gonzales, Robert Williams, Ed Templeton and Wes Humpston. Curated and documented by skate photographer Désirée Astorga, the casts will be showcased alongside Astorga’s photographs depicting the casting process from strips of plaster to artistic creation...“Keep A Breast is excited to bring to you this one-time event completely comprised of people dedicated to skateboarding and making a difference through their creative talent,” says Shaney Jo Darden, executive director of The Keep A Breast Foundation.

A sneak preview of the event will premiere at the September ASR trade event in San Diego. Keep A Breast Kings & Queens officially opens on October 7th at the Receiver Gallery in the Mission District, San Francisco. The exhibition will be open to the public through October 29th. All casts will be auctioned online at www.keep-a-breast.org and proceeds benefit Keep A Breast’s youth education programs." Click here to see the event flyer.

Happening: August 20, 2006

X Games 12 Recap: The Alliance makes history ("Thanks, ESPN!")

X Games 12 will go down in history as a groundbreaking year. From Danny Way's back flip on a big-air ramp to Travis Pastrana's double back flip on a motorcycle, 2006 was truly an X Games to remember. But beyond tricks and flips, something greater happened at this year's Games. As Peter Yoon of the LA Times wrote: "Perhaps the biggest step forward during this year's games came before the games even started. On the eve of X Games 12, a group of female skateboarders [The Alliance] struck a victory for gender equality when they secured a meeting with ESPN executive vice president John Skipper and negotiated increased prize money and television exposure for their events."

Last year, Alliance members came to brink of not showing up for X Games 11: "We felt like our voices were not being heard, and not competing was the only way we could really make people take notice," said Jen O'Brien (see article). When at the last minute ESPN promised the Alliance to address our concerns and improve things for the X Games 12, CB and the girls showed their stuff on vert and street courses. But change didn't come easy ...

It took almost a year of tough work and even the support of the Women's Sports Foundation, but on the eve of this year's vert competition Alliance leadership, CB Burnside, Mimi Knoop and Drew Mearns met with the ESPN boss in a private board room at the Staples Center and struck what many consider will be an historic deal to bring women's actions sports to parity with the men's side - financially and in broadcast exposure - over the next year or two. "He was really good about not only listening to us, but he committed then and there to specific changes that will help all women action sports athletes - not just skaters - this year and on into the future," CB said after the meeting.

The women all competed in Alliance T shirts stamped on the back with the word "Unity" and with one voice proved that there is power in standing up for what's right. As X-Games bronze medallist, Brazilian Karen Jones stated: "This is something very extraordinary that is happening...and it's just beginning."

For more information on what happened at X Games 12, please check out our Press page and view recent articles.

Happening: August 20, 2006

Soul Bowl

Congratulations to CB Burnside for securing another vert victory at this year's Soul Bowl! Just days before the X Games, many of the world's best skaters showed up at the Bowl in L.A. to compete and have a good time. The competition was full of excitement as Sandro Dias battled it out with the other Brazilians in the men's competition, T Mag wowed the masters, and CB and Mimi Knoop once again duked it out for the women's spot. This year also boasted the highest ever Soul Bowl prize money for the women's competition!

The contest results were: 1st Place: CB Burnside 2nd Place: Mimi Knoop 3rd Place: Jen O'Brien 4th Place: Karen Jones 5th Place: Holly Lyons 6th Place: Annie Sullivan 7th Place: Nicole Zuck 8th Place: Mandy Esch Tied for 9th: Ciara D'Agostino and Cressy Rice

Happening: July 22, 2006

Downhill Diva Days

Can't get enough speed? Looking for a fun, supportive group of women to rip with? Alliance Pro, Isabelle Caudle, has the event for you. Check out Downhill Diva Days on the last Saturday of each month from 4pm to sunset in San Diego, CA. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned racer, Diva Days has a place for you. Don't miss it!

Registration is a one time only fee of $10 which also gets you access to riding with some of the most talented women in skateboarding and local industry promotional goodie bag. Information on the location is provided upon registration. Helmets, gloves or wrist guards and kneepads are required and elbow pads are recommended.

For more information on the Downhill Diva Days series, contact Isabelle Caudle at: i_b_fried@yahoo.com Also check out Isabelle's Gravity Board webpage to see a video of some Downhill Diva action. You can also download the Flyer here.

Happening: July 12, 2006

C.I.O. "Best Skateboarding Females of 2005" Awards

"The 18th issue of CIO magazine is out and is time to celebrate this issue with a big 10 years anniversary cake and the "Best Skateboarding Females of 2005" awards."

There will be an awards show at 7627 Melrose - Los Angeles , CA where a red carpet will welcome all the nominees to receive awards based on the C.I.O. website's viewer votes. This special event will include other attractions such as great djs, an art show,
and skateboarding videos and bands to entertain the crowd. Issue #18 of C.I.O magazine and gift bags will also be distributed among the guests.

Click Here to Check It Out and cast your vote!

Happening: June 30, 2006

Lady Shred League

Want to learn more about the Alliance? Check out Mary Fenton's recent article, Lady Shred League, at EXPN.com. Fenton documents the history, purpose and activities of the Alliance.

Happening: June 27, 2006

Best Female Action Sports Athlete

Alliance President, CB Burnside, has been nominated for Best Female Action Sport Athlete for this year’s ESPY Awards!  CB is the only woman to win gold at both Summer and Winter X Games, she has six combined X Games medals in skating and snowboarding, including three golds, and in 2005, she became the oldest athlete to win X Games gold.

The awards are presented by ESPN and hosted by Lance Armstrong! Check it out online and cast your vote for CB! Just navigate through the awards categories in the yellow box on the right, her category, "Best Female Action Sports Athlete," is the 15th on the list.

Voting ends July 9th, so make sure you vote soon! Congrats CB!

Happening: June 23, 2006

Look Who They've Got Their Hanes on Now

Alize Montes, the Alliance's youngest Pro member, was recently recruited to be a model for Hanes Kids' Fleece. After the seven hour photo shoot Alize signed a board for Hanes to put in their memorabilia Hall of Fame. A Pro skater and a model at age six; way to go Alize!

Click here to see the Hanes ad.

Happening: June 20, 2006

Congratulations Annie

Congratulations to Annie Sullivan for surviving high school! Annie will be heading off to the University of Boulder, CO in the fall. Nothing like skating a mile high.

Happening: June 14, 2006

Action Sports Alliance Membership Program!

Action Sports Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of its new membership program! There are three different membership levels, each with a variety of
benefits. In addition to the benefits, all members receive access to our Members' Lounge where you can download wallpaper and other images, enter giveaway
contests, submit photographs and artwork, and more.

The money that the Alliance receives from the membership program will go directly into promoting and enhancing women's skateboarding through camps, special
events, and increased prize money at contests. Check out the membership page and join us!

Happening: June 5, 2006

Better Late Than Never

Congratulations to Cressey Rice for her first place finish at last month's Wicked Wahine D-Cup East Coast in Nags Head, NC! The contest was the weekend of May 6th/7th—the women were judged over the two days and awards were given based on cumulative scores. The first day was at the new Grindline Park and the second day was at Wanchese, a skater-dream-made-reality in Mark Corbett's back yard (thanks to Mark and his family!).  Thanks to Kronik Energy who was cool enough to pay for the women to stay at a beach house in the Outerbanks for an entire week!

The contest results were: 1st Place: Cressey Rice, 2nd Place: Mandy Esch, 3rd Place: Brooke Kelley, 4th Place: Heidi Kreis, 5th Place: Sue Kraus, 6th Place: Amelia Brodka, Hardest Slam: Amelia Brodka, Most Improved: Marlee Miller.