Downtown Ventura skateboard jam and light show kicks off X Games
Downtown Ventura looked like a mini version of the X Games on Thursday night with skateboarders trying out various tricks on different-sized ramps as music blasted.
The BlackHole Skate Shop Skate Jam at California and Main streets launched the X Games with a drone show and a Ventura City Hall light show.
Dozens of drones lit up the sky over City Hall, forming welcome messages and the colorful X Games logo. The crowd looked on as if viewing a quiet fireworks show. City Hall was also lit up in different colors with a light show that showcased images of skateboarders and the X Games logo.
The X Games California began Friday and continue through Sunday at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with top skateboarders, BMXers and motocross riders competing for medals.
Albert Acevedo, 46, of Oxnard was one of hundreds of people watching the young and old skateboarders. He came with his long skateboard but decided against skating the amateur course.
“I started skating at 40. I don’t do the fancy tricks,” Acevedo said. “I skate to commute, and I love it.”
Acevedo said the event can help different generations understand skate culture.
One of the nearby clothing stores, Industry Horror located at 518 E. Main St., sold shirts signed by X Games motocross gold medalist Colby Raha.
Industry Horror has a nonprofit that helps adults living with autism achieve empowerment through on-the-job training. The nonprofit hires autistic adults to work at its warehouse and store. Employees printed out Raha’s shirts, said store manager Palaur Mota.
“He donated them so we could sell them in our store to make money that goes back to our nonprofit,” Mota said.
He remembers seeing the X Games on television but said witnessing the excitement live was a completely different feeling.
Six ramps were installed near Main and California streets for skateboarders and a few people on scooters to show their skills. Some slid on rails and boxes while others performed tricks on half-pipes.
Mark Anderson, a co-owner of BlackHole Skate Shop at 427 N. Ventura Ave., worked with the city to put the event together.
“As a kid, I dreamed of stuff like this,” he said. “Skating with pros and getting rid of that barrier that was always created when you have pro-only events.”
He said everyone shares a love for the sport and it builds up the local scene. Anderson estimated about 1,000 people watched or participated in the event.
Among the skateboarders was Ventura resident Jeffrey Rodgers, 25. He skated on the ramps for hours.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity for the community to come together,” Rodgers said.
VJ Brown, 22, of Oxnard, said he enjoyed skating the obstacles of the course but felt riders needed a larger runway area.
“It’s a little crusty. It's a little janky, but that’s what the city needs,” said Brown, a Ventura resident. “It’s a good layout.”
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Downtown Ventura skateboard jam kicks off X Games
