Robert “Raven” Kraft stopped in the other day to check out his spread in Ian’s mag. In exchange for a copy he left us a book by local author Lee Williams entitled The Lifeguard Murders. The book features Raven on the cover and also includes a CD of music by him. Check it out at thelifeguardmurders.com and Raven’s site, ravenrun.net

Ian takes a well deserved nap after all his hard work.

Mikey Perez, Gilbert Crocket, Greg Hunt, Andrew Allen, Anthony Van Englen, Anthony Acosta, and Dylan Reider at MIA

Greg Hunt stopped by the shop with some Vans and Workshop guys to pick up Mikey their tour guide for the day. Hopefully they weren’t too shocked by his kit! Yeah Mikey.

This is a photo of Alina and Ras, two very colorful and loyal customers over here at MIA Skateshop. Today I received the sad news that Ras has recently passed away from a heart condition. Anyone that met this dude can attest to the energy and character he had. Kind of abrasive at first he definitely had a “Fuck The World” outlook on life. It wasn’t off-putting though and I would frequently find myself entertained by his conversation and demeanor. He’d come charging in like a bat out of hell usually proud to show off his latest old school set up.  He’d boast how he tracked down some deadstock wheels, trucks, and deck. His set-ups were as unique as his personality. Alina asked my help in setting up a skate memorial for Ras so if you knew this dude hit me up at the shop. My condolences go out to Alina and Ras’ family and friends. It’s cliche’ to say but fuck it hopefully he’s shredding out there somewhere! Later man.

This past Saturday amidst all the mayhem during Art Basel, MIA had the opportunity to host the Miami launch of the new Supra Skytop II.  There was an eager crowd awaiting Chad who was accompanied by Supra founder Angel Cabada and infamous Last Nights Party photog Bronques. Check out more at http://suprafootwear.com/blog/

The Shoe

The Man

Keen Ones and Twos

Fan Club

Show me your ACL scar! Chris and Chad.

This night went by so fast. Thanks Jason for the awesome pics. Also good job OHWOW, Neckface, and friends for putting on a killer event! I got some pics to put up too stay tuned-Frankie

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Grip Art show in Ft. Lauderdale. My friend Billy is always nagging me to check out Broward events so I had to prove to him I could make it past the Dade-County line. I drove up with 80’s Joe and Joey Perrin, after grabbing some fried chicken and keg cans we found the hidden gallery spot. Apparently the rain had flooded the entrance way so we were forced to hop, skip, and jump along a make-shift path of cinder blocks and stacked tiles. The adventure began. Immediately I was impressed by the good turnout and interesting art works in all shapes and forms. I found familiar faces at once, it felt like a 90’s skate revival. Some people I hadn’t seen in years, it was like we never skipped a beat. That’s skateboarding. Also surprisingly in attendance were all the pros that were billed to be there. Imagine that they say Lance and Hosoi and they were actually there! Maybe that’s the difference between Miami and Broward? Also was rad to see Mulder holding it down and admittedly I was psyched when he introduced me to Hosoi as “A famous East Coast photographer.” Had to bite my tongue to keep from smiling too much! Special thanks to Paul “Street” Gnu and Blair Hess for putting on the event. We need to take heed down South and put on more quality events like this.