The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is poised to transform into an action sports arena this summer as local skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and his professional peers come to town in celebration of the annual Jackalope Festival. A long-time friend of Hawk and California native Richard Howell will join, getting a chance to reconnect with Hawk while also presenting Ghost Ship, a skateboard, surfing, and fishing apparel company based in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The two pioneers began their careers together in the early 1980s when locals successfully petitioned the city not only to build public ramps but change the city’s identity from one of relaxation and remembrance into that of extreme sports energy and analysis.
Virginia Beach is proud to host the Jackalope Festival, a three-day high-flying action sports event featuring world-renowned skateboarder Tony Hawk and other professional riders. This free event is set to draw hundreds of spectators to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to witness the impressive tricks being performed next to the ocean. Virginia Beach has a long history with skateboarding, beginning in the early 1980s when locals petitioned the city to build public ramps due to their love for the sport. Since then, the city has become renowned as one of the best places in the world to experience skateboarding.
In 1985 and 1986, the National Skateboard Association’s championship was held at Mount Trashmore, a popular local skateboarding spot. This event is sure to be an exciting and memorable experience for Virginia Beach locals and visitors alike.
The two have remained close over the years, with Howell successfully pursuing a career in art and creating artwork for the Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game and a “Keep California Beautiful” advertising campaign featuring Hawk. Now at 55, Howell is the proud owner of Ghost Ship, a skateboard, surfing, and fishing apparel company located in North Carolina's Outer Banks. He will be showcasing his talents during a pop-up shop on the Boardwalk while also getting the chance to reconnect with his long-time friend, Hawk.
Local Skater Thrilled to See Skateboarding Come Full Circle in Virginia Beach
Micah Desforges, the producer of Jackalope, is proud to have signed a three-year contract with Virginia Beach. With the addition of top riders from all over the world, as well as local skate phenoms like Collin Graham, the area is perfectly suited for an adrenaline-filled skateboarding festival. Howell, a local skater, couldn't be more thrilled to see the sport come full circle in his hometown. "Skateboarding's here to stay," he declared confidently.
Excitement is building as Jackalope, a Canadian event, makes its U.S. debut. Featuring bouldering, freestyle motocross, and beach volleyball competitions at 31st Street, plus a sanctioned base jumping competition off the roof of the 21-story Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, participants will be parachuting to a target in the sand. A hardworking crew of about 60 has been constructing the skateboard vert ramp and skate park on the beach for two weeks, braving windy and rainy days before finding a pocket of dry weather to pour concrete over the plywood park for a smooth ride.
Saturday night, Tony Hawk and Friends will take the stage for a very showdown. With everything now in place, the event is sure to be an exhilarating experience. For more information and the full schedule check out jackalope.tribu.co.
The Jackalope Festival is an exceptional event that brings together some of the world’s best skateboarders, including Tony Hawk and Gary Howell. With Virginia Beach’s long history of being a go-to city for passionate skateboarders, it makes perfect sense to have this amazing festival here to remind people of why they fell in love with skateboarding in the first place - passion, artistry, and above all fun. It is sure to be an amazing experience that will make positive lasting memories across all ages.
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