Skateboarding retail industry comes together in 2010 with ASR and Crossroads deal

ASR and Crossroads join forces in San Diego for 2010. (Photos by Luiz Calado)

Retailers of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding-related products worldwide have been flocking to the ASR (Action Sport Retailer) trade show for almost 30 years. It is the industry one-stop shop for the season’s new boards, trucks, wheels, shoes, apparel, eyewear, accessories, and everything in between.

Although the show has made cameos in other cities and venues throughout its history, the San Diego Convention Center has been the site of choice for the event, where manufacturers of all kinds of merchandise load their booths with products and welcome merchants to fill out sales orders.

This frontside 5-0 on the Volcom Stone made Shawn Gutierrez $1,500 richer.
(Photo by Luiz Calado).

While the show is a type of gauge of business within the industry, it is not all work and no play – on the contrary. There is always some skate competition on the program and, as early as 4PM, numerous exhibitors begin serving drinks and cocktails to select guests in their own booth. Others have bands playing, or girls in bikinis – whatever it takes to draw attention.

2010 was no different… Well, maybe a little.

Another retail show, the skateboarding-only Crossroads, joined forces with ASR and gathered an extra cluster of brands right across the street, on the parking lot of the Petco Park stadium.

Crossroads is the growth result of professional skater Jamie Thomas’ Black Box Distribution open houses, which were held in its headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. With a relaxed atmosphere and outdoors vibe, the show proved popular with many skate brands that had felt marginalized at the other larger, multi-sport trade show.

In 2009, Crossroads began to overlap the ASR show calendar dates and this year, both teamed up with goal of creating the best possible retail show for the skateboarding industry. The partnership deal is good for both 2010 shows (the next show is scheduled for August 13-15).

This year, Crossroads featured over 100 brands, free Wahoo’s for lunch, free drinks and a sizeable street course.

Nyjah Huston took the $3,000 grand prize at the Crossroads' best trick contest.
(Photo by Luiz Calado).

At any rate, there were plenty of action on both shows.

On day one of the ASR show, Volcom shelled out $10,000 for the best trick on various sections of the mini-ramp. For overall ripping Brad McClain took home $800. On the barrier David Loy won $1,500 for his frontside blunt on barrier and lipslide from barrier to lipslide on the extension. And on the Volcom Stone, Shawn Gutierrez grabbed $1,500 for his frontside 5-0 off the Stone.

Crossroads closed out with a bang as Nyjah Huston took $3,000 topping Chris Cole and Nick Molino in the best trick contest.

“My favorite trick was the nollie heel noseslide because I usually don’t land that first try,” said Nyjah Huston. “Battling with Chris was cool, man. He’s a great guy and an amazing skater so it’s great to be up there with him.”

The shark ramp and sword rail each took on a 30-minute jam session where Cole landed an array of tricks for second and $2,000.

Check out the videos of both contest below and the slideshow at the bottom with more images of the events.