Mid-Eastern Skateboard Series

In 1982, the media declared skateboarding dead. A handful of skaters in cities across the middle eastern portion of the U.S. refused to accept such a declaration. They organized backyard ramp contests as a way to get together, skate, and provide evidence that they were alive and well. The following excerpts from skater-produced zines describe the details that led to the creation of the Mid-Eastern Skateboard Series in 1983.

Squid Meat #3, Jan. 1983; “1982 Skate Series” by Brett Martin
What's that you ask? It was a series of contests this past summer that wasn't even planned! We had a contest at Rob's and after that a lot of contests started popping up. I would have to say that all of them were pretty fun, but the Joe Bowers gig (contest) was the funnest by far.

Remember back in June, Rob Roskopp held the first one. It was kinda small turnout compared to the last contest, but there were free beer, pop, and munchies. Next came the Tenn. contest held by Joe Bowers. Everytime I think of this contest/nightlife it makes me laugh, it was so fun. Held on one of the best ramps I have ever ridden, the highlights of this contest were Tim on the mike, a good size crowd of spectators, and a case of beer for 1st place. I often have flashbacks of the following events: (1) a full on bottle-cap fight, (2) Kevin skank looping into the lamp and almost breaking it, (3) Joe on the phone (after someone pulled a prank call on the operator) begging the operator not to send the police out, and, finally, someone (name witheld) hiding a porno book in Mrs. Bowers' stack of Women's Day mags. Wow, that was a contest!

Well, after we thrashed the house I think everyone was afraid to have another contest. But there was. The next contest was held in W.Va. by Bryan Ridgeway. The ramp was…different. Built on a hill which made kickturns a gnarly trick, the name of the game was who can stay on the ramp without falling off. No, it really wasn't that bad. Highlights of this contest were the huge crowd, a good turnout of skaters, and the chicks screaming for us while we were riding the best brick banks ever.

The next contest was held in a skatepark (somehow it survived) located in Lancaster, Ohio. It was a pretty fun contest. I think we educated the locals by sweeping the contest. After this was the Mad Ramp contest held by Britt Parrott, Ray Underhill, and Lyle Donoho. I couldn't make it to this one, but I lost out 'cause I heard it was a rad contest.

Finally, the last one ended at Rob's again. We had a great turnout of skaters. After the contest was a blast. Featuring a game of Mexican, it ended with the Squid Team and Marty getting kicked out of the house by Mr. Roskopp. I guess we were getting a little too radical. From there, I only remember everybody skanking in Marty Jimenez's garage.

Well, that kinda wraps up 1982 Skate Series. The best things about the whole series was I met a lot of friends/skaters, the skating got better, and most of all—it opened the door for a 1983 series!


Altered Skates #2, Nov. 1982; “Editorial: (w/ comments from Ray)” by Britt Parrott
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your ramps, along comes the 1983 M.E.S.S. [The first time it was named!]
Ray: Huh?
The Mid-Eastern Skateboard Series.
Ray: Bitchin'!!! What exactly is it?
It is a series of ramp contests in the area of TN, OH, KY, IN, and W.VA. It will take place in the spring/summer of 1983.
Ray: Awright! Let's hear more.
The Mad Ramp, Joe's ramp, and Cherry Lane ramp are three prime locations I know of.
Ray: Yeah.
We will have to establish a definite judging system for the series. The locals can run the contest the way they choose.
Ray: Sounds hot! What about prizes?
Prizes at each individual contest would be up to the locals. With a series of this size, we should be able to get sponsors to donate prizes (rather large ones) for overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc...
Ray: Will it cost to enter?
Maybe. It would be up to the individuals running the particular contest.
Ray: Sounds fair enough.
This area could really use a series of this intensity. It would help skaters and skating become more recognized in this overall area. Anyone seriously interested in participating in the series should contact A.S. [Altered Skates], pronto. We need to get this thing organized as early as possible.
Ray: Blooowweeooo!!!!


Rolling Papers #1, May 1982; “TN Contest Series” by Joe Bowers
Why not? I myself cannot think of any reason not to have a contest series. I know for sure that (if there even isn't a series in TN) there will be a contest at my own ramp. Eric and Lars Hall tell me that the Nashville skaters want to have a contest at their halfpipe ramp (that's 2 so far). Add a contest at Maryville's pool, plus anyone else who wants to have one at their halfpipe (or pool). Consider it, then send me some ideas to get it going. (By the way, I want my contest the 2nd weekend in July. Make note, Holmes).

Cherry Lane II photos from Skate Attack #4, Nov. '82