JULY 18th - Mike Vallely Skatepark Tour Comes to Kids That Rip!

On July 18th, skateboarding legend, professional skater of 20 years, and creator of 'The Drive' on Fuel TV, Mike Vallely will be coming to Kids That Rip Skateboard School in Mesa, AZ.  Doors open at  4pm for VIP ticket holders and 5pm for general admission.  Watch professional skaters Mike V, Kristian Svitak, Ben Raybourn, and Cyril Jackson shred your hometown park!  There will be a DJ and Emcee, a skateboard contest for you to participate in, chances to win great prizes, tour bus access, mentoring sessions by Mike V, and an autograph session.  General Admission tickets and contest entries can be purchased at the door.  Visit KidsThatRip.Com for full details on the days event and VIP ticket sales.  Make it a summer to remember by coming to Kids That Rip on July 18th!  Also check out MikeVallely.com for more pics and vids on the skateboarding legend.

Feature sKTR: Mercedes Villegas

With so many adorable, aspiring skateboarders pushing around at Kids That Rip, it's a delightful dilemma to choose our next feature skater.  But, I couldn't pass up getting a few words from the fashionably dressed, Mercedes Villegas.  Mercedes is only four years old and participates in the mini-rippers program.  Her mom, Teresa, says, 'She loves it here. We love it... The other day she says, "Mom, I need a tushguard for my bum."'  Yet, despite some falls, Mercedes was poised on her skateboard today, ready to learn kick turns.  Here's what she had to say.










Interview with Mercedes Villegas

KTR: How old are you?
Mercedes Villegas: (Holding up fingers) Four
What's your favorite thing to skate at KTR?
MV: Skating on my skateboard
What are you working on?
MV: Turning my skateboard.
How did you get into skateboarding?
MV: I watched my friend Sam do it, and my mom told me to skateboard.
Favorite thing to eat after a day of skateboarding?
MV: Snow Cones!
What Flavor?
MV: Strawberry
Do you have any plans for the summer?
MV: My birthday is this summer... to have fun!


Return to Kids That Rip website.

"Thrashing 101", Kids That Rip Interview in The College Times

Kids That Rip Skateboard School makes the cover story in the April 15th issue of College Times Magazine.  The article entitled, "Thrashing 101", is about the full-time academic and skateboard training program offered here at Kids That Rip.  Geoff Eaton answers a few questions on the program.  To learn more about this program click Skateboard School.

Arizona's Best Summer Skateboard Camp at Kids That Rip!

Just stepping on a skateboard or needing someone to show you how to land that trick you've been working on? Kids That Rip! presents its 6th annual Summer Skateboard Camp in Phoenix, Mesa Arizona!  Our skateboard program has been recognized as one of the best by parents all around the nation.  Beginner through Advanced we've got you covered all summer long.  7 skate courses, a trampoline section, great instructors, games, prizes, and much more! Sessions run May 31st- Aug 5th.  There is no reason to put up your skate during the day this summer, because at our indoor skate park you'll stay cool all day long!

Vist KidsThatRip.Com for complete details. 
Call 480-844-9600 to register.

VANS BMX Pro Team Stops by KTR

Yesterday (Tuesday), the VANS BMX tour bus made a surprise visit to the KTR Compound.  The unusual rainfall (for Arizona) sent the team looking for somewhere dry.  We were glad to provide a place for the team to stretch their legs. A little video is below. 
Pro Riders: Ryan Guettler, Bas Keep, Josh Harrington, Ty Morrow, Scotty Cranmer, Colin Mackay, Chase Hawk, Cory Nastazio, Luke Parslow, Gary Young, Alistair Whitton.

Kids That Rip Live on Channel 12 News

Monday Night, Channel 12 came to the right place to get some local action. Watch the video to see Jett Eaton land a 540 on his first try! Click here, if video doesn't load in a few seconds.

2010 King of the Groms Championships Recap: photos_Augie Lerma

Armando Lerma_ Airwalks the Spine                            Crew_ (L-R) Lerma Bros, Eaton Bros, Alana Smith, Lil Lerma

Seven kids from KTR went out to King of the Groms Championships last weekend.  Jett Eaton, Jagger Eaton, Alana Smith, Augie Lerma, Armando Lerma, Tyson Zane, and Trey Wood.  The crew traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 3 day competition.  King of is one of the largest and most respected amateur skateboarding competitions.  Kids from all around the country compete in qualifying competitions throughout the year, hoping for a "golden ticket" to the Championships and a chance to be crowned "King of the Groms" for that year.  Yes, that's right, King, so if you are a girl, you are competing against the boys.   Click here for Full Results.

Jagger Eaton_ Blunts in the Bowl                                      Alana Smith_ Kickflips to the Finals


Every skater poured out their heart, having made it this far.  In the end, 6 year old Tyson Zane, 9 year old girl, Alana Smith, and 9 year old boy, Jagger Eaton, advanced to the King of the Grom Finals.  Tyson Zane placed 7th in Beginner Mini-Ramp, Alana placed 3rd in Beginner Bowl and 8th and in Beginner Street.  Jagger placed 7th in expert Bowl and 12th in Expert Street. King of is one of the largest and most respected ameteur skateboarding competitions.
Tyson Zane showing some style in the Bowl











At the end of this weekend, if their would have been a Queen of the Groms, Alana would have been it.  But Alana is not looking for any free rides, so all I have to say is watch out boys!
Alana Smith_boosting out of the Bowl                                Jett Eaton_living up to his name