So here it is, the first ever longboard session. Meet outside Cheapskates at 6, skate through town, meet new frends, ride new boards and end up at The Dux for a cold pint.

We’ve been here for a few weeks now and I’m finally starting to feel settled. New Zealand is a truly amazing place and we are so glad to have uprooted from everything we know to move here. We have got a lovely house, a great car and finally a working internet connection. I’m still looking for a job and have applied to a couple of nice looking schools. We have spent loads of time looking around the city and it is just fantastic. Within 10 minutes drive of the city are amazing things. Lyttleton Harbour to the South, the Waimakariri River to the north, New Brighton beach to the east and the Southern Alps to the west.

Skating wise, the city is just a dream. Flat wide roads on a grid system that run for miles boardered by the smoothest,  winding, hairpinned roads. There are loads of longboarders here and skaters in general are everywhere. I’ve hooked up with a couple of people and pointed them towards the facebook page in order to get some kind of regular sessions happening.

It will happen.

No words needed. Just watch.

Now for those of you who know me and actually read this here blog, you might be aware that I am uprooting from Blighty and moving with my family half way around the globe to New Zealand. Next Week.

It’s been a pretty amazing couple of years. Meting Julia on the 3rd day of SkateNewZealand, getting engaged, having Noah and getting married. I really couldn’t be happier.

Moving to NZ will be an amazing adventure, all three of us are so bloody excited to get there.

This pic really doesn’t need many words. Jak BSD on the mountain of vert at The Unit.

A busy week for updates. Not from me though. I got Comet’s newsletter through my inbox today and along with news of a new cut-down voodoo there were also a couple of amazing videos too. This one caught my eye only for the fact that I’m writing this from Ontario.

Dreams from Comet Skateboards on Vimeo.

Now I know you probably think I go on about The Skateboarder’s Journal too much, but Jack has done an amazing job with it. Every week I get sent little nuggets of skateboarding joy. This week it’s D*Face hitting up a pool with Salba….. too good. Thank you Jack!

You can read the original article here. You can, and should, go and sign up on The Skateboarder’s Journal as well. Share stories, videos and pics with skaters all over the world. Take part in discussions, read reviews about products and companies and view the newsshare stories. All on The Skateboarder’s Journal.

Just got this from Jack Smith

Hello Everyone,

I am stoked to announce that the soft-cover version of “The Skateboarder’s Journal - Lives on Board”is now available to order. The book looks great thanks to the efforts of designer Adrian Pina and editor Jonathan Harms, both of whom devoted an incredible amount of time and energy to this project (both are stll making tweaks here and there).

The book is available from a few different sources, which are listed below;

Direct from me - If you would like a signed copy use this method.

“The Skateboarder’s Journal - Lives on Board 1949-2009″
Soft cover with perfect bind. Finish size: 8.5″” x 11″”
Approximately 333 pages
Price: $24.95
Shipping: (United States) USPS Media Mail $5.00 or UPS Ground $10.00
International: USPS $15.00
Payment Options:
Paypal: ID is jack@theskateboardersjournal.com
Check or Money Order:
Morro Skateboard Group
415 Acacia
Morro Bay, California 93442

Also available at Lulu.com - probably the quickest way to get the book, since they are the printer and will ship directly to you.

From Amazon.com - If you usually order your books from Amazon you can order the book by using this link.

For those of you who have pre-ordered the book it will begin shipping in a few days.

I would like to thank all the skaters who contributed to the book. I would also thank all of you who have pre-ordered the book for being so patient.

All the best,
Jack Smith

Seeing as I’m gracing both the cover and a chapter about distance skaters, I’m obviously getting a copy or two. I suggest you all do the same.

Came across these at Top of the World in Ottawa. My new favourite helmet. Really good padding, good sizes and the ‘Oh So Important’ peak to keep the rain/sun out.

Sandbox Brain Buckets come in loads of rad colours, my favourites being the green and purple. They also have 2 levels of protection; the Classic that comes with thin and soft EVA liner for that ultra comfortable, low profile fit and the Certified comes with a CE Snow Sports certified EPS liner. All the Sandbox helmets come with 3 sets of fit pads, removable ear covers and removable goggle clip.