#askate

The A-Skate foundation is a 501c3 non profit that allows children with autism to be part of our social world through skateboarding. This past April, the foundation partnered with local businesses and organizations around Asbury Park to host the Mini-Masters Tournament. The event was organized by Evan Beach and Derek Rinaldi. It was their first time raising funds that will be used to provide further events and activities free of charge for families of children with autism. Rinaldi has said they are  looking to host 2 major events indoors yearly.

Chris Nieratko looking for Animal Chin I Photo: @digimil

Their last event was held at Convention Hall in Asbury served nearly 100 families. A Skate foundation would like to extend a special thanks to The Smith Group of Asbury Park for their generous donation and use of their restaurant, Porta, for the after party.

Having given up on winning at golf, the boys started a thumb war. Angel wants next. I Photo: @digimil

The Dunno crew (Paul Santiago, Walter Santana, Angel Delgado, & myself) headed down for the event from Brooklyn. We we unsure of our skills but knew it was going to be a fun day. Angel had never played before the tournament and managed to stay on par…for about two holes. After that, the KCDC intern put up the most points of anyone, destroying the 5 stroke limit on a consecutive 16 hole streak. I guess we should have told him golf is all about going for the lowest score. Paul decided to be the chillest dude on the course, insisting on playing one handed the entire time while Walter stayed the course and walked away with the best score on our team. After a couple beers post game, we headed out to skate a little bit before making the return trek. I’d like to thank everyone who put the event together, it was a blast and we’re already looking forward to next year.

Gnarmads pre-game social I Photo: @digimil

1 Stroke penatly I Photo: @digimil

Paul Santiago and Angel Delgado walk into a bar… I Photo: @digimil

Matt Kruszelnicki is a sweetheart I Photo: @digimil

Walter Santana lines up his putt I Photo: @digimil

I dipped my ball in the water quite a few times I Photo: @digimil

The squat is a pro form I Photo: @digimil

The after party at Porta I Photo: @digimil

Sign ups I Photo: @digimil

Tallying up the scores I Photo: @digimil

Someone went home with this badboy I Photo: @digimil

Swing and a miss I Photo: @digimil

Players received these awesome koozies I Photo: @digimil

Bogdan wants you on his team I Photo: @digimil

Having given up on winning at golf, the boys started a thumb war I Photo: @digimil

Overseeing the prize distribution I Photo: @digimil

Vans stepped up big I Photo: @digimil

Sweet views I Photo: @digimi

Confirming the score I Photo: @digimil

1st stroke I Photo: @digimil

Photos by: Chris Spiegel 

Words by: Matt Kruszelnicki.

Asbury Ice Bowl 2017 lived up to its name with below freezing temperatures and slick surface conditions. The contest was in jam format, 2 teams with competitors ranging from 8-47 years old. The bowl was caged in during the event, allowing spectators to get close to the action- heats kicked off at 1pm and winners were decided after a couple hours of shredding. Prizes and packages were given out accordingly, but everyone had a great time and was a winner for showing up to compete in 19 degree weather. 

Blake getting a back disaster I Photo: Chris Spiegel

Sonny Pechillo I Photo: Chris Spiegel

Forth Union Skate and Culture organization is an event space and skatepark inside a historic carousel building, a greenly oxidized structure thats over 100 years old. Highly adorned and detailed, it looks like a secret level from the THPS videogame. Apart from quarter pipes and street obstacles, the centerpiece is a perfect 3 1/2 foot wooden bowl of three pockets and a hip. Originally it was located at Mountain Creek in upstate NY, moved and installed here courtesy of Red Bull. 

Dave Bohack I Photo: Chris Spiegel

The skatepark is part of the whole boardwalk redevelopment project, owned by Madison Marquette. The boardwalk was originally developed in the 1870’s as a beachside community and resort, with some remaining Victorian Era architecture. After over 100 years of history, ups and downs led to strong redevelopment efforts in the early 2000’s and even more so after Hurricane Sandy. In the 1990’s there was actually a large park in this same spot for a few years: Casino Skatepark. 

Tom Boyle archive photo

Lou Cuccaro I Photo: Ryan Gee

Barker Barett archive photo

As the frontmen and skate advisors for Forth Union, Derek Rinaldi and Lou Cuccaro are heavily immersed in the scene organizing projects and events. They also spearhead the New Jersey BoardsforBros and ASkate divisions, putting together fundraisers and lesson clinics. Join us for the ASkate autism awareness Mini Golf Tournament on April 15th! 

Thank you Skateboarding.

Derek Rinaldi I Photo: Chris Spiegel

  Lou Cuccaro I Photo: Chris Spiegel